WMM Playlist from April 17, 2024

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Shaun Crowley & The Music of Manor Fest 6

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

Pale Tongue – “Fever Dreams (feat. Grim Repeater)”
from: Pale Tongue EP / Manor Records / October 5, 2018
[For this recording Carlos Calderon on guitar, keyboards and vocals, with drummer Nick Fredrickson of The Appleseed Cast and bassist James Thomblinson of Arc Flash, and Psychic Heat, formed the Lawrence based 3-piece band Pale Tongue. The trio has molded their ripping ‘dungeon rock’ sound into a fierce torrent of fuzz and fury, bending and merging gritty acidic psych-punk with hypnogogic dreamscapes, crafting a realm of experience dripping in cosmic horror and heady awe. Engineered by Mitch Hewlett. Mix and Mastered by Joel Coon. In 2023 the 3-piece became a 5-piece band with Tanner Spreer and Evan Herd of Psychic Heat joining the band.]

[Pale Tongue plays Manor Fest 6, Friday, May 24 at The Easy Inn, 322 6th Street, KCK with Eggs on Mars and THIMASTR.]

10:05

Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI. I’m Mark Manning. Today we spin music from 25 artists and bands playing Manor Fest 6 including: Blackstarkids, Squirrel Flower, Shy Boys, Ebony Tusks, Calvin Arsenia, Paris Williams, Daniel Gum, Frogpond, Honeybee, True Lions, The Creepy Jingles, Liney Blu, Nick Shoulders, Grady Philip Drugg, Kadesh Flow, Pale Tongue, Julia Haile, Wills Van Doorn, Kat King, Pure XTC, Khrystal., Malek Azrael, Jass, The Swallowtails, and ALBER.

Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 6, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 6 nights, in 6 different neighborhoods of Kanas City. The official dates are May 23, 24, & 25 and May 30, 31, & June 1. Manor Fest is a local music fundraiser festival curated and ran by Manor Records. All profits from this fundraiser go to the “Manor Records Fund” to help with their non-profit’s mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms through Manor Records. More information at; http://www.manorrecords.com

Shaun Crowley is a classically trained guitarist, and has studied at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Shaun is the co-founder of Manor Records, a music label that grew out of Manor Fest, the first festival sized “house show” Shaun and friends produced in their basement featuring 12 bands. We first met Shaun as part of the band Rev Gusto, originally formed in high school with friends at Saint James Academy.

Shaun Crowley thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

As reported by Julie Denesha for KCUR.com published April 5, 2024:

Crowley started the nonprofit in 2017, with concerts first in a rented house in Shawnee, then moving to a cafe in Strawberry Hill and later a basement space in the West Bottoms. On Troost, he’s doubled the retail space where he will sell used records. This time, Crowley thinks he has the right business model.

Crowley plans to man the record store Wednesday through Saturday, and on Monday and Tuesday when the store is closed, he’ll teach guitar and bass to students of all ages and skill levels. He already has another musician lined up to teach piano and ukulele.

The storefront will also serve as a concert venue for the artists Manor Records supports. The store will bring back free events from its last space — Songbird Sessions every Thursday, a songwriter open mic and a masterclass educational series.

Crowley started playing in the KC when he was 17 in band Rev Gusto and Momma’s Boy. He said he’s eager to share the lessons he’s learned with young musicians just starting out.

The new space will also serve as home base for preparations for the foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Manor Fest is a multi-day music festival held in Kansas City that goes back to the group’s early days in a Shawnee basement. The foundation’s mission is to provide resources and support to local musicians, and Manor Fest is now a cornerstone of their fundraising efforts.

This year, the event will showcase more than 60 local bands across 20 venues in 6 neighborhoods over two weekends at the end of May. All proceeds will benefit the nonprofit organization, Manor Records Fund. rms through our “Manor Records Fund”. More information at; http://www.manorrecrds.com

Manor Record Board
Shaun Crowley – President
Skylar Rochelle – Vice President
Kayla Jarrett – Secretary
Connor Randell – Board Member

Manor Fest is a local music fundraiser festival curated and ran by Manor Records.All profits from this fundraiser event to help us with our non-profit mission of releasing local artists’ music on physical platforms through our “Manor Records Fund”.

Manor Records all started in a basement of “The Shawnee Manor,” a DIY venue located in Shawnee, KS. From Glass Animals to Shy Boys, the underground venue hosted numerous local acts, and some national touring acts. Founder Shaun Crowley created the first Manor Fest with 10 bands in one night, then grew to a two night event featuring 20 local bands. After years passed and a community was built, it was time for the boys to move out of the deteriorating house.

In October of 2017, Shaun and company officially launched Manor Records. A DIY record label based on the foundation of their infamous Shawnee Manor. Manor Records is a label that takes no profits from their artists, is hands-on, and self-run, with intentions of good music from good people. They began by hosting showcases featuring local and regional bands in addition to putting out cassette releases.

Alongside the festival, Manor Records has been actively providing booking, tour management, cassette releases, blog premieres/reviews, marketing and promotion services for indie acts all over the Mid-west area.

Manor Fest 6 features 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 6 nights in different areas of Kanas City. The official dates are May 23rd, 24th, & 25th and May 30th, 31st, & June 1st.

Manor Fest 6 includes: BLACKSTARKIDS, Squirrel Flower, Shy Boys, Ebony Tusks, Calvin Arsenia, Dylan Earl, Paris Williams, Daniel Gum, Kat King, Scabb, Flooding, Frogpond, Fritz Hutchison, Honey Bee, True Lions, Supermoto, The Creepy Jingles, Tidal.wav, Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark, Nick Shoulders, Fullbloods, MC Rue + Mikey, Grady Drugg, Kadesh Flow, Pale Tongue, Liney Blu, Khrystal., Jass, Eggs On Mars, CS Luxem, Brian Bulger, Blanky, The Highwater, Charlotte Bumgarner, THIMASTR, Julia Haile, Teri Quinn, The CAVVES, Wills Van Dorn, Midwestern, Pure XYC, Stephonne, Big Fat Cow, Mason Blaize, Burning Bush, Luke Krutzke, 2W33DY, Collidescope, Shay Lyric, Malek Azrael, Field Daze, They’re Theirs, The Swallowtails, Jolson & The Fear of Snakes, Natalie Prauser, Dalia Kapten, ALBER, and more

Manor Fest 6
WEEKEND ONE – May 23, 24, & 25
Night One – Thursday, May 23 – NORTH KANSAS CITY

Venue One: Velo Garage and Tap House, 1403 Swift St NKC
CS LUXEM 5:00 – 5:30
TIDAL.WAV 5:45 – 6:15
LINEY BLU 6:30 – 7:00

Venue Two: The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, NKC
MC RUE + MIKEY 7:00 – 7:45
BRIAN BULGER 8:00 – 8:45
THE CREEPY JINGLES 9:00 – 9:45

10:10

Liney Blu – “Stick Around”
from: Pennsylvania St. – EP / Blumusicrecords / May 19, 2023
[Kansas City singer songwriter Liney Blu writes from a unique place of personal experience and identity. They vividly show us how vulnerability is strength and require us to see love, frustration, disappointment and humor through lenses we may not have considered. Every song finds Liney passionately and sometimes bravely exploring a broader, more inclusive understanding of the human experience while letting us into some sacred personal spaces to do so. And while many listeners are just finding Liney Blu, she set out on her path as a songwriter and artist as a teenager. // At age 17 as Caroline Blubaugh she released a first EP titled “Green” which featured the single “San Francisco” that quickly saw 185K Spotify streams. In 2023 as Liney Blu, came a 2nd EP, “Pennsylvania St.” with bandmates bassist Renee Huey and drummer Jones Goldman. “Pennsylvania St.” is an introspective, sometimes raw, indie pop rock/folk synthesis built on innovative arrangements relentlessly pushed along by Liney’s deep, resonant vocal, subtly insistent delivery and very personal passion. // New music building on the release of “Pennsylvania St.” is in the works. Liney Blu can be heard in venues around the Kansas City/Lawrence area with an expanded show schedule planned for 2024. More infoo at: http://www.lineyblu.com]

[Liney Blu plays Manor Fest 6, Thursday, May 23 at 6:30 pm at Velo Garage and Tap House, 1403 Swift St., NKC, with CS Luxem, and Tidal.wav]

The Creepy Jingles – “When Things Go Wrong”
from: “When Things Go Wrong” – Single / High Dive Records / February 23, 2024
[This is the first of several new singles to be released by The Creepy Jongles this year. The Creepy Jingles are a Kansas City based, rock and roll band that both honors and defies convention. Led by singer / song-writer Jocelyn Olivia Nixon, a transgender wordsmith who charms with razor wit and dazzles with her lyrical acrobatics. The Creepy Jingles released their album, TAKE ME AT MY WORDPLAY on March 25, 2022 through High Dive Records. Paired up with lyrics centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree. Everything and the kitchen sink or swim. No stoner left unturned. The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019. The release was in the top ten of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. ] The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019.] [ Jocelyn Olivia Nixon will be our guest on May 1, 2024]

[The Creepy Jingles play Manor Fest 6 Thursday, May 23 at 9:00pm at The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, NKC with MC Rue + Mikey, and Brian Bulger.]

10:16 – Interview with Shaun Crowley

Today we spin music from 25 artists and bands playing Manor Fest 6 including: Blackstarkids, Squirrel Flower, Shy Boys, Ebony Tusks, Calvin Arsenia, Paris Williams, Daniel Gum, Frogpond, Honeybee, True Lions, The Creepy Jingles, Liney Blu, Nick Shoulders, Grady Philip Drugg, Kadesh Flow, Pale Tongue, Julia Haile, Wills Van Doorn, Kat King, Pure XTC, Khrystal., Malek Azrael, Jass, The Swallowtails, and ALBER.

Shaun Crowley of Manor Records talks with us about Manor Fest 6, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 6 nights, in 6 different neighborhoods of Kanas City.

North Kansas City, Strawberry Hill, West Bottoms, East KC, Westside, Crossroads

The official dates are May 23, 24, & 25 and May 30, 31, & June 1. Manor Fest is a local music fundraiser festival curated and ran by Manor Records. All profits from this fundraiser go to the “Manor Records Fund” to help with their non-profit’s mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms through Manor Records. More information at; http://www.manorrecords.com

Manor Fest 6
Night Two – Friday, May 24 – Strawberry Hill

Venue One: Flagship Books, 600 Ohio Ave., KCK, Strawberry Hill
DALIMA KAPTEN 5:00 – 5:30
GRADY DRUGG 5:45 – 6:15
THE SWALLOWTAILS 6:30 – 7:00

Venue Two: Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th St. KCK
KIRSTIE LYNN + GALEN CLARK 7:00 – 7:45
TRUE LIONS 8:00 – 8:45
DYLAN EARL 9:00 – 9:45

Venue Three: The Easy Inn, 322 6th Street, KCK
ТHI MASTR 10:00 – 10:30
EGGS ON MARS 10:45 – 11:15
PALE TONGUE 11:30 – 12:00

10:19

Grady Philip Drugg – “Cry Like a Baby”
from: Real Life / Grady Philip Drugg / September 1, 2020
[Grady Philip Drugg wrote all of the songs, and is on vocals, and most instruments; Henry Hank on backing vocals & banjo on Cry Like a Baby.“Casual” Calvin Todd on backing vocals and guitar on Cry Like a Baby, pedal steel on Sahara Lounge; Owen Misterovich on backing vocals on What’s Missin; Ian Dobyns on drums on Mercy Be; Joseph Misterovich on mixing, mastering, backing vocals on What’s Missin’. // Grady Philip Drugg is a singer/songwriter from Canyon Lake, Texas. In February 2014, he relocated to Springfield, Missouri and toured the country in several DIY bands. In April 2016, he made his way back to Texas after recording his debut self-titled full length album.]

[Grady Philip Drugg plays Manor Fest 6 on Friday, May 24, at 5:45 PM at Flagship Books, 600 Ohio Ave., KCK in Strawberry Hill with The Swallowtails and Dalima Kapten]

The Swallowtails – “Good Days”
from: LUCKY PENNY EP / The Swallowtails / February 20, 2024
[The independent acoustic band, experimenting in the rock/pop genres while performing on what are traditionally folk/classical instruments, enter a new era having produced the entirety of this project themselves, with the songwriting matter touching on life’s big changes, challenges, and the realizations that time will heal. // “Since becoming a duo, it was time for us to reinvent our sound again. The songwriting on this EP is split between Rachel and myself, and this is Rachel’s debut release as a writer and singer. We spent all of January 2024 finishing the arrangements, recording and mixing the mini-record. It was a much needed release of energy for both of us, and we are definitely looking forward to adding these songs into our live sets and performing new material.”– Miki P, songwriter, singer and musician in The Swallowtails. // Est. in 2018, The Swallowtails are a Kansas City based musical duo comprised of musicians Miki P on guitar/vocals and Rachel Lovelace on bassoon/vocals. Their vision is to write honest, heartfelt songs that feel like you’re coming home to an old friend. As recording and performance artists, they have been showcased throughout Kansas City, performing at the Folly Theatre, Boulevardia Music Festival, The Kansas City Public Library as part of the 2023 Art in the Loop: Celebrate project, and most recently at Green Guitar Folk House opening for The Wildwoods. Their songwriting was awarded Best Song by a KC Band in 2023 by the Pitch Magazine for their tune “Take it Slow.” // Live video’s will be released on The Swallowtails YouTube page in support of the EP, the live session was filmed at West Bottoms Whiskey Co. // Swallowtails will be featuring the new EP at the Folk Alliance International Conference February 21st-25th. Both Miki & Rachel have earned scholarships to attend the conference. // Swallowtails embark on their 4th year entering NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest featuring a song off the EP, called “I’m on Fire” posted to NPR’s official contest site. // The Swallowtails have recently been approved as part of KCAIC Touring Artists Roster, through the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. // On May 22, 2023 The Swallowtails released their 7-track EP THE WORLD STILL SPINS from Rachel Lovelace on bassoon, Adee Dancy on cello & vocals, and Miki P on guitar & lead vocals. Miki P is a self-taught musician/multi-instrumentalist & songwriter driving the Swallowtails into a creative collaboration like any other. Miki P was born in Kansas City, KS. Miki P started playing guitar in middle school. She taught herself to play the drums, while listening to Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon and Ringo Starr. Miki P performed “She Loves You” at her 7th grade talent show. In 9th grade she joined a teen-band called American Slim as drummer & vocalist, and she wrote songs for their full-length album Irreplaceable released in 2017, followed by a single “Queen of Hearts” released April 11, 2018. Miki P has played Middle of the Map Fest, Crossroads Music Fest, Kauffman Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium, and The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art before officially ending in 2018. As a teen she played drums for various groups including American Slim. At 21, Miki P began work on her debut solo-record, DOME OF SWALLOWS, that was released August 2, 2018. She then formed Miki P and the Swallowtails who released their first EP, Swallowtail in 2019, In 2021 Miki P released the 6-song EP, DON’T LOSE HOPE, created in covid isolation, in Miki P’s home space. Sitting & working from Miki’s computer, she composed and recorded 80% of the EP, working through the music like a journal entry, creating each song from her internal hurricane of emotions. All songs written, recorded, played, & mixed by Miki P. Recorded & Mixed with Emma Klien & Jake Hilger. Mastered by Joel Nanos. Miki P released her single “Your Love” on June 24, 2022. Miki P’s released the single “Peter Parker!” on March 18, 2022. // More info at: http://www.mikipmusic.com]

[The Swallowtails play Manor Fest 6 on Friday, May 24, at 6:30 PM at Flagship Books, 600 Ohio Ave., KCK in Strawberry Hill with Grady Philip Drugg, and Dalima Kapten.]

True Lions – “GONER”
from: Cold Gravy Bowl / Manor Records / March 1, 2024
[Alison “Al” Hawkins is a queer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, music teacher, and leader of True Lions, a band consisting of Al and whoever is playing music with them, which often includes Fritz Hutchison—a drummer, singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer, bandmate, bandleader, friend, sibling, Gemini, and Kansas Citian who just wants to do a good job and keep it fun for everybody. Last year, True Lions and Fritz Hutchison released a homemade split cassette tape via Manor Records. When their drummer Eli Kosko moved to the desert, Al, Fritz and bassist Carly Atwood started performing acoustically. When Carly was sometimes unavailable, Al and Fritz explored amplified fiddle, synth, and drums, through old-time tunes. Their noise art creation COLD GRAVY BOWL is scheduled for cassette release Friday, March 1 via Manor Records. // COLD GRAVY BOWL is the demon music baby of Kansas City duo Al Hawkins and Fritz Hutchison, blending amplified fiddle distortion, heavy drums, and bass synth through Ozark old-time. The album artwork was drawn by local queer artist Spade Nine. // True Lions released the True Lions- Fritz Hutchison Split Cassette through Manor Records on April 26, 2023. True Lions released their debut full length album, “The Fempire Strikes Back,” on Manor Records on April 9, 2021 with Alisön Hawkins on keytar & vocals; Adee Rocket Dancy on cello & vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, Elizabeth Kosko on drums & percussion; Iona DeWalt on synthesizers; Miki P on guitar & vocals, and Teri Quinn on bass & vocals. Recorded at Deep Space Co-op. Tracking & engineering by Ross Brown at Escape Pod Audio. Mixing and mastering by Joel Nanos at Element Recording. In 2019 True Lions released their EP debut, “Cute at Best,” on February 5, 2019. They followed up with a second EP called. You’re Not Invited, released on November 9, 2019. For these recordings True Lions was: Alison Hawkins on guitar, synth, and vocals; Elizabeth Kosko on percussion, vocals; Mikala Petillo on bass, vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, vocals; Leslie Butsch on saxophone, Ezgi Karakus on cello; and Teri Quinn on vocals. All songs written by True Lions and produced by Claire Adams and Alison Hawkins. Tracking & Engineering by Claire Adams. Mixing and Mastering by Ian Dobyns and Chase Horseman. More info at: http://www.manorrecords.com.]

[True Lions play Manor Fest 6 on Friday, May 24, at 8:00 PM at Hillsiders, 403 N. 5th St. KCK with Kirstie Lynn & Galen Glark, and Dylan Earl]

10:28 – Underwriting

10:29 – More Interview with Shaun Crowley

Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 6, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 6 nights, in 6 different neighborhoods of Kanas City.

North Kansas City, Strawberry Hill, West Bottoms, East KC, Westside, Crossroads

The official dates are May 23, 24, & 25 and May 30, 31, & June 1. Manor Fest is a local music fundraiser festival curated and ran by Manor Records. All profits from this fundraiser go to the “Manor Records Fund” to help with their non-profit’s mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms through Manor Records. More information at; http://www.manorrecords.com

Manor Fest 6
Night Three – Saturday, May 25 – West Bottoms

Venue One: Blip Roasters, 1301 Woodswether Rd., KCMO, West Bottoms
NATALIE PRAUSER 1:00 – 1:30
JOLSON & THE FEAR OF SNAKES 1:45 – 2:15
TBA 2:30 – 3:00

Venue Two: Fetch 1101 Mulberry Street, KCMO
ALBER 3:00 – 3:30
TERI QUINN 3:45 – 4:15
WILLS VAN DOORN 4:30 – 5:00

10:34

ALBER – “Caldo”
from: Lento / Locale Records / April 12, 2024
[Alberto Racanati is a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. His musical journey started at age 11 when he learned to play his first notes on the trumpet. At age 14 Alberto enrolled in the Bari Conservatory to pursue his performance degree in the academy, while living a parallel musical existence in the rich musical underground in Southern Italy, playing drums and trumpet in a plethora of bands across all genres. His musical studies then took him to the National Music Academy in Gdansk, Poland, where he lived from 2011 to 2014, discovering the multicultural nature of the arts. In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In 2016 Alberto continued on to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. 2018 saw the start of Alberto’s journey with electronic music, writing material for trumpet and electronics. This is where the project Alber starts, especially using social media as an interactive, open sketchbook for his sonic excursions. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was then released in 2021. At the same time, Alberto ramped up his touring of the Midwest region and collaboration with a variety of other artists. Most recently in 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. Additionally he became one of the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residents, a program that features some of the most brilliant up and coming artists in the Kansas City region. Still in 2023, Alberto toured the East Coast of the US and his native Italy, in a much welcome reconnection with his musical roots. Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento and finalizing his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.]

[ALBER presents his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, Bari Italy, on May 23, 2024 at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming, KCMO.]

[ALBER plays Manor Fest 6 on Fri, May 24, 3:00 PM at Fetch 1101 Mulberry St, KCMO w/ Teri Quinn, and Wills Van Doorn.]

Wills Van Doorn & Kat King – “Blue”
from: “Flying Bird” / “Blue” – Single / Rust Records / August 18, 2023
[Wills Van Doorn is getting set to release his debut full-length solo record, ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY on October 20, 2023. “Flying Bird” is the second single from the lbum and it was released with “Blue’ an extra track not on the album that features Kat King on vocals. Wills Van Doorn released the single “The Lawn-mower Collector” on July 28, 2023, also from ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY. Wills Van Doorn released the single, “Shake The Frost” on March 10, 2023, and the single, “Lately” on Oct. 22, 2022, and the EP RUN WITH YOU on December 11, 2020. Wills Van Doorn released the singles: “1000 Times” on March 26, 2020, “On My Mind” on July 12, 2019, and “Out of Season” on April 5, 2019. Will Van Doorn has played guitar with Supermoto, Brent Windler’s live band, and The Creepy Jingles. http://www.willsvandoorn.bandcamp.com ]

[ALBER plays Manor Fest 6 on Friday, May 24, at 3:00 PM at Fetch 1101 Mulberry Street, KCMO with Teri Quinn, and Wills Van Doorn.]

[Kat King plays Manor Fest 6, Sat., May 31, at 8:00 at recordBar w/ Blackstarkids and Paris Williams]

10:41 – More Interview with Shaun Crowley

Shaun Crowley of Manor Records talks about Manor Fest 6, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 6 nights, in 6 different neighborhoods of Kanas City.

North Kansas City, Strawberry Hill, West Bottoms, East KC, Westside, Crossroads

The official dates are May 23, 24, & 25 and May 30, 31, & June 1. Manor Fest is a local music fundraiser festival curated and ran by Manor Records. All profits from this fundraiser go to the “Manor Records Fund” to help with their non-profit’s mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms through Manor Records. More information at; http://www.manorrecords.com

Manor Fest 6
Night Three – Saturday, May 25 – West Bottoms

Venue Three: Hickory Union Moto, 10 S. James St, KCK
FIELD DAZE 5:00 – 5:30
THE CAVVES 5:45 – 6:15
DANIEL GUM 6:30 – 7:00

Venue Four: The Emerald, 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO
KHRYSTAL. 7:00 – 7:45
BLANKY 8:00 – 8:45
SHY BOYS 9:00 – 9:45

Venue Five: The Ship, 1221 Union Ave. KCMO
KADESH FLOW 10:00 – 10:30
SCABB 10:45 – 11:15
SUPERMOTO 11:30 – 12:00

10:51

Daniel Gum – “Don’t I Know”
from: Sophia – Don’t I Know – Single / Manor Records / January 24, 2024
[Daniel Gum is a singer-songwriter based out of Kansas City, KS who has been active since 2017. Daniel Gum released the single “Julia” on December 9, 2022. Daniel Gum released the single “Wolverine (ft. Rachel Cion)” on September 19, 2921. Daniel Gu, released the electronic pop EP, I’M NOT DEAD in 2017 and an acoustic EP, MOON in 2018. In addition to working on his own solo project, Daniel has been working with other local groups—playing bass and engineering for his band Pillow (a post-punk/shoegaze group) and playing drums behind singer-songwriter Chloe Jacobson, also doing some recording for her. Channeling the likes of Elliott Smith & Andy Shauf, he co-produced his new record THIRTEEN with Mike Crawford, playing almost everything you hear on the album and mixing it himself. Signing to Manor Records in the spring of 2020, he officially released THIRTEEN on cassette & CD on October 30, 2020. All songs written, performed, and.mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Daniel Gum is a 24 year old singer-songwriter . Since the age of 12, he has spent the majority of his time writing and recording songs by himself in his room. The Moon EP was released December 7, 2019. It was engineered by Mike Crawford and Daniel Gum and mixed by Daniel Gum with piano and accordion by Cole Crawford. Daniel Gun released his EPI’M NOT DEAD on October 25, 2017, and his 10-song album Reorient on July 31, 2015, with all songs written, recorded and mixed by Daniel Gum who also performed all vocals guitars, drums, piano, bass. harmonica, and programming. The first single from Daniel Gum’s album, Thirteen “Ruin Your Life” was released on September 4, The second single, “In The Worst Ways” was released September 28, 2020. ] [On our July 22, 2020, WMM show we played Daniel Gum’s track, “Tired Saint” from French Exit Records – Black Lives Matter Compilation, released July 6, 2020. French Exit Records was launched two years ago as an independent music label in KCMO, founded by Brad Girard. French Exit Records has released albums for No Magic and Raymond,. BLM Compilation is 22 acts from the area, with all proceeds donated to One Struggle KC’s Liberation Fund, a Black-led coalition of KC activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally & globally. Daniel Gum joined us on WMM on November 11, 2020.]

[Daniel Gum plays Manor Fest 6 Saturday, May 25, at 6:30pm at Hickory Union Moto, 10 S. James St, KCK with Field Daze, and The Cavves.]

Khrystal. – “Magic”
from: “Magic” – Single / Manor Records / August 8, 2020
[Khrystal. released the surprise 8-track album Life Be Life’ing on September 22, 2021. release. On December 31, 2020 Khrystal. Released the single “Never” which followed Khrystal.’s. single “Magic” released on August 8, 2020 on limited edition cassette singles with her most recent single “You Again” as a B-Side by Manor Records. On September 1, 2017 Khrystal. released The Glow Up EP, Produced & Written by Khrystal Coppage and Duncan Burnett. This was follow up to Khrystal’s Debut EP, Quarter Century Living. Executive Produced By Duncan Burnett. Written By Khrystal Coppage & Duncan Burnett. Kansas City based Khrystal Coppage served as Editor-in-Chief of Khorage Magazine. She served as Production Manager at UMKC University News from 2015 to 2016. She graduated from UMKC in 2016 where she studied Family Studies. She graduated from Kansas City Kansas Community College in 2013. She is a graduate of Sumner Academy of Arts & Science, in KCK. ]

[Khrystal. plays Manor Fest 6 Saturday, May 25, at 7:00pm at The Emerald, 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO in Kansas City on Thursday, May 25, at 7:00 PM at Big Mood, 2020 Baltimore, KCMO – East Crossroads with Blanky and Shy Boys.]

Shy Boys – “Something Sweet”
from: Bell House / Polyvinyl Record Co. / Expected August 3, 2018
[Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. The group formed shortly after the trio became roommates in 2012. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records. The album received generally positive reviews and the single “Bully Fight” was featured on Spin.com. In June 2014 the band recorded and released two more singles and one of them, “Life Is Peachy,” was featured on Stereogum. On April 4th, 2018, it was announced that the band had signed to Polyvinyl Record Co.]

[Shy Boys play Manor Fest 6 Saturday, May 25, at 9:00pm at The Emerald, 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO in Kansas City on Thursday, May 25, at 7:00 PM at Big Mood, 2020 Baltimore, KCMO – East Crossroads with Blanky and Khrystal.]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kadesh Flow – “Overcome (Nanami)”
from: “Overcome (Nanami)” – Single / Ryan Jamaal Davis / January 1, 2024
[Instrumental/Verses/Hook/Trombone/Mixed/Mastered by Kadesh Flow≥ On Friday, January 19, 2024 Kadesh Flow releases another new single “Stand on Business”. On November 17, 2023 Kadesh Flow released “Stakes” produced by Dominique Sanders (who received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year for his work on Janelle Monae’s “AGE OF PLEASURE album.) // On January 6, 2023 Kadesh Flow released “Switch Up” with Instrumental Production by Dominique Sanders, Written & Performed by: Kadesh Flow, Mixed by: Kadesh Flow, Mastered by: Kadesh Flow. // In 2022 Kadesh Flow released 6 singles starting with “Move Different (feat. Gr3s0n)” on January 21, 2022, with lyrics by Kadesh Flow & Gr3ys0n. Music by Kadesh Flow. Mixing: Kadesh Flow. Mastering: Kadesh Flow and was released on January 21, 2022. :Move Different” was part of WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2022. On October 21, 2022 Kadesh Flow released the single ”Chill (feat. Mir Blackwell).” On October 10, 2022 Kadesh Flow released “Dream For Me.” On September 30, 2022 Marcus Lewis Big Band released the single, “You’re Very Special (feat. Kemet Coleman, Kadesh Flow & Kevin Church Johnson).” On July 1, 2022 Kadesh Flow released the single “Away From You.”About that single Kadesh told us “I’ve been a little quiet from a release standpoint because I’ve been scoring a feature length film.” “This song is… inspired by Eren Yeager and his tragic, brutal journey in Attack on Titan but is also deeply personal to me. There’s a lot of current world problem glazing that I’m doing on it as well.” “Also, June 30, 2022, marks five years since I left my financial tech career to pursue my performing and recording artist career full time. I’m releasing this on July 1, partially in celebration of that milestone.” This was one of over nearly 30 new singles Kadesh Flow released in 24 months: In 2021 Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Soft Side,” on Jan. 21, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Assumptions feat. Shubzilla,” on Jan. 29, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Frosty,” on February 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Cry For Me 2,” February 12, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Not on My Watch,” on February 19, 2021, Inspired by Lord Beerus (Dragonball Super). Kadesh Flow released, “Held Me Longer,” on Marc written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released, “Your Dream Isn’t Always Yours,” on March 12, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “Forgot About Me,” on March 14, 2021. Kadesh Flow released, “Take Backs (feat. Ryan Heinlein),” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow & The Enclave released, “But Hope” on March 26, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single, “I Don’t Care” on April 9, 2021, written, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by D. Professor. Kadesh Flow released the single, “That Way” on April 16, 2021, written, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow, and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Saunders. Kadesh Flow released the new single, “So Far” on April 23, 2021, written, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow and produced by Dominique “Bassman” Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “On Target” on April 30, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed and mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single ”Lighten Up”on May 7, 2021, written, produced, performed, mixed & mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single “Elegant” on May 21, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the 13-track album ROOM SERVICE 2, on July 19, 2021. Kadesh Flow released the single “Coming For Your Neck” on August 20, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Kadesh Flow released the single “Easy” on August 27, 2021. Written, Produced, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. This is his 18th single the year. Kadesh Flow released the single “Fiend” on Sept. 4, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered by Kadesh Flow. Produced by Dominique Sanders. This is his 19th single the year. le, “Gardens Out The Gutter” on Dec. 3, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered: Kadesh Flow. Instrumental: Dominique Sanders. Kadesh Flow released the single, “CHOICE (The Cost)” on December 17, 2021. Written, Performed, Mixed & Mastered: Kadesh Flow. Instrumental: Dominique Sanders. Kadesh Flow is Ryan Davis is a rapper with an MBA. He is an emcee, producer, & trombonist. At age 11, he began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. His music has been featured on network television in multiple countries and territories across Southeast Asia. Kadesh performs as a solo hip hop artist. He also plays with The Phantastics, Marcus Lewis Big Band, and Deshica Rage (with Jessica Paige). More info at: http://www.kadeshflow.com]

[Kadesh Flow plays Manor Fest 6 Saturday, May 25, at 10:00pm at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave. KCMO with SCABB, and Supermoto.]

11:02 – Station ID

11:02 – More Interview with Shaun Crowley

Shaun Crowley of Manor Records talks about Manor Fest 6, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 6 nights, in 6 different neighborhoods of Kanas City.

North Kansas City, Strawberry Hill, West Bottoms, East KC, Westside, Crossroads

Manor Fest 6
WEEKEND TWO – May 30, 31, & June 1
Night One – Thursday, May 30 – East KC

Venue One: HOWDY, 6523 Stadium Drive, KCMO
2W33DY 5:00 – 5:30
MIDWESTERN 5:45 – 6:15
ТВА 6:30 – 7:00

Venue Two: FAREWELL, 6523 Stadium Drive, KCMO
CHARLOTTE BUMGARNER 7:00 – 7:45
EBONY TUSKS 8:00 – 8:45
SQUIRREL FLOWER 9:00 – 9:45

11:06

Ebony Tusks – “HDF”
from: “HDF” – Single / High Dive Records / February 7, 2020
[This single came out nine months before Ebony Tusks released their full-length album, Heal Thyself on November 6, 2020 on High Dive Records. “HDF” is not included on the 12-track album. As with the single and on the album, all songs written and performed by Ebony Tusks unless otherwise noted. // All Songs engineered and mixed by George Henry Valyer IV at Rundown Studios in Topeka, Kansas and MalaMUTE Studios in East Lawrence, Kansas. Assistance provided by Nico Williams and Claire Kuner. // Conny Franko’s vocals on “You Runner” engineered by Keith Rodger and Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios in Omaha, Nebraska. // IK’s vocals on “Gang Signs” engineered by Derek Montgomery. // Stik Figa’s vocals on “Hell Above Or Here Below” engineered by Sean Patrick at Twelves Studios in Forth Worth, Texas. // Cello on “Heir Apparent” written and performed by Brail Watson. Rhodes and Moog on “Heir Apparent” written and performed by Daniel Bowersox. // All Songs mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering in Portland, Oregon. // Album cover art by Justin Bergin. Album cover photography by Rachel Lock. Album layout by Martinez Hillard. // Album insert photography by Ailecia Ruscin and LeRoy Pristach. // Ebony Tusks is Daniel Smith on DJ & Production, Geese Giesecke on vocals & Production, and Marty Hillard on vocals & Production. Martinez Hillard told Vivid Seats: “ I began EBONY TUSKS in 2009 after a difficult period that summer. I was living in the student ghetto near the University of Kansas in Lawrence. It was an eerily calm Friday night and I didn’t have any plans after work so I crashed. I woke up shortly after 9:00 pm because my door was being kicked in. I was beaten and robbed at gunpoint. Thankfully, two of my neighbors were close friends and called the police immediately. I had nightmares for years afterward that included many symbols I’ve come to associate with various religious practices. I also began writing raps for the first time in over a decade. I was working with a couple producers and we had our first show at a house venue called Pizza Power in October 2010. Both Daniel and Geese came into the fold within a couple years of that show.” Daniel Smith lives in Lawrence, Kansas. He was born in Berkeley California. He moved to Lawrence when he was a child. Hs father is a Professor at The University of Kansas. Daniel works the United Way of Douglass County. He helps to provide after school job-training programs for under-served youth. Nathan “Geese” Giesecke grew up in Olathe but now lives and works in Kansas City, MO. He was friends with Calvin Arsenia in High School. Geese works as a producer as GEESACE. He makes beats and you can find his music at http://soundcloud.com/geesace Nathan is also a lighting designer who jumped on stage to do back up vocals for Marty and ended up being in the band. Martinez Hillard is the main vocalist and lyricist for EBONY TUSKS. He raps under the moniker Bodye, (pronounced “body”). He also produces beats. Martinez lives in the Old Town neighborhood in downtown Topeka with wife and 5 year old daughter. Martinez was part of the super group Cowboy Indian Bear. Martinez was recently elected to serve as a board member for Friends of the Library for Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. As Marty told Johnson County Library, in a piece published April 27, 2018: “ It was a project I started with other producers back in 2010. I asked Daniel to DJ for me sometime in 2011-2012 and Geese joined not too far behind him. Daniel and I had become fast friends when I lived in Lawrence and he was the nicest, most easygoing DJ of the handful I knew. He made our shows a lot less stressful. Geese was and is a lighting technician for a number of our friends’ projects and that was how I made acquaintance with him, seeing him work for a band and asking if he’d do lights for an EBONY TUSKS concert. He eventually asked if he could be hypeman for us and he brought an new intensity.” EBONY TUSKS have been a band for over 11 years making hip hop in the Lawrence scene that includes Approach, Stik Figa, Heartfelt Anarchy, and Archetype are just a small fraction. With that said, the three of us are always having conversations about how other genres influence us personally. Post-rock, post-hardcore, industrial, indie rock, and electronic all factor in. Our tastes evolve naturally and we follow accordingly. Since the three members of EBONY TUSKS live in three separate cities: Kansas City, Lawrence and Topeka early on, they created a Dropbox folder to share demos with one another. And as they told Vivid Seat: “It also gave us a bit of language to use in building sounds independent of one another.” More info at: http://www.highdiverecords.com Members of Ebony Tusks joined us LIVE on WMM on February 19, and October 7, 2020.]

[Ebony Tusks play Manor Fest 6, Thursday, May 30, at 8:00pm, at FAREWELL, 6523 Stadium Drive, KCMO with Charlotte Bumgarner, and Squirrel Flower.]

Squirrel Flower – “Full Time Job”
from: Tomorrow’s Fire / Polyvinyl Record Co. / October 13, 2023
[Squirrel Flower is the stage name of American musician Ella O’Connor Williams. // Williams grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts. When Williams was a child, she gave herself the nickname Squirrel Flower. In 2014, she moved to Iowa to attend Grinnell College. // After getting involved in the DIY scene in Boston as a teenager, Williams moved to Iowa. There, she wrote her first EP as Squirrel Flower and began setting up small tours for herself. This first EP, titled Early Winter Songs From Middle America, was self-released in 2015. // In 2016, Williams released her second EP titled Contact Sports on a St. Louis-based DIY tape label called It Takes Time. // Williams’ debut album, I Was Born Swimming, was released in 2020 via Polyvinyl Records. The album was produced by Gabe Wax. This anticipated label debut earned overwhelming praise from the likes of Gorilla vs. Bear, NPR Music, and Paste, and she was named Rolling Stone Artist You Need To Know, Stereogum’s Artist to Watch, The FADER’s Gen F, and The Guardian’s One to Watch. In May 2020, Squirrel Flower released the single “Take It Or Leave It”, backed with her cover of Caroline Polachek’s “So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings.”]

[Squirrel Flower plays Manor Fest 6, Thursday, May 30, at 9:00pm, at FAREWELL, 6523 Stadium Drive, KCMO with Charlotte Bumgarner, and Ebony Tusks.]

11:11 – More Interview with Shaun Crowley

Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 6, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 6 nights, in 6 different neighborhoods of Kanas City.

North Kansas City, Strawberry Hill, West Bottoms, East KC, Westside, Crossroads

Manor Fest 6
WEEKEND TWO – May 30, 31, & June 1
Night Two – Friday, May 31 – WESTSIDE

Venue One: Fox & Pearl, 815 W 17th St, KCMO
LUKE KRUTZKE 5:00 – 5:30
PURE XTC 5:45 – 6:15
MINT FATIGUES 6:30 – 7:00

Venue Two: Greenwood Social Club, 1759 Belleview Ave, 2nd Floor, KCMO
JULIA HAILE 7:00 – 7:45
FRITZ HUTCHISON 8:00 – 8:45
CALVIN ARSENIA 9:00 – 9:45

Venue Three: Turnsol Books, 1664 Broadway KCMO (Formerly known as Deep Space)
STEPHONNE 10:00 – 10:30
THEY’RE THEIRS 10:45 – 11:15
FULLBLOODS 11:30 – 12:00

11:16

Pure xtc – “Fall Apart”
from: “Fall Apart” – Single / Taylor Hughes / March 1, 2024
[Pure XTC released the Shed My Skin EP on November 18, 2022. Pure XTC released the single “Get Lost“ on September 9, 2022, and “Shadow” released June 1, 2022. Pure xtc released the EP Nobody’s Home on November 12, 2021. Pure xtc is the musical project of Kansas City based Taylor Hughes. Taylor is also the drummer for the band EXNATIONS. The idea of pure xtc was formed during an extremely isolating time for multi-instrumentalist, Hughes. Living truly on her own for the first time, she moved to the NYC metro in 2019. Time was spent crying on subways, climbing new rooftops, meeting new people, avoiding new people, feeling extremely fulfilled to feeling like a hollow empty shell. [Pure XTC aka Taylor Hughes was our guest on WMM July 14, 2021, and November 10, 2021, and November 16, 2022]

[Pure XTC plays Manor Fest 6 on Friday, May 31, at 5:45pm at Fox & Pearl, 815 W 17th St. KCMO with Luke Krutzke, and Mint Fatigues.]

Julia Haile – “Set Out”
from: “Set Out” – Single / Julia Haile / September 20, 2022
[One of 4 new singles released by Julia Haile in the last year and a half. Julia released “Ave 4” and “Up Late” on June 16, 2023. Julia released “Heavy Rotation” & “Set Out” on Sept. 30, 2022. Julia Haile is a singer & songwriter based in KCMO. Her natural talent & musical education fueled a career of exciting performances and beautiful music. From leading Neo-Soul band Hi-Lux and international collaborations to solo works, Julia’s goal is create meaningful musical experiences for all. Julia’s work with Hi-Lux included Tim Braun on guitar, Nick Howell on keys, Dan Loftus on bass, (and prior to that Pete Leibert on bass) and Kian Bryne on drums. Hi-Lux was a Modern-Soul band that blends and bends the boundaries between soul, rock n roll, reggae, and funk. This group created music that pays tribute to their myriad of influences (Amy Winehouse, The Meters, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings). Hi-Lux released the singles, “Revolution” and “Get What You Give” on February 28, 2020, through The Record Machine. Hi-Lux released the single. “Don’t Blame Lee” (featuring Lee Scratch Perry) on April 20, 2018. Hi-Lux released the 7” vinyl single, “”Dance With My Baby” b/w “Don’t Blame Me” on January 5, 2018 through Sunflower Soul Records. Hi-Lux released their 6-track, self-titled EP, Hi-Lux on January 2, 2018. All 6 songs had previously been released as singles. More info at: http://www.juliaHaile.com]

[Julia Haile plays Manor Fest 6, on Friday, May 31, at 7:00pm at Greenwood Social Club, 1759 Belleview Ave, 2nd Floor, KCMO with Fritz Hutchison, and Calvin Arsenia.]

Calvin Arsenia – “Probation”
from: Paradise / Calvin Arsenia / June 23, 2023
[Paradise is Calvin Arsenia’s new 14 track album. It is only available through http://www.calvinarsenia.com // A new turning point as a songwriter. His most biographical album yet, with songs about Black Lives Matter, Racism, The Police, being on probation, gay love. The album contains collaborations with Cheery, Kadesh Flow and Jametatone. Calvin Arsenia one of our most frequent guests, who first appeared on WMM on July 25, 2012. KC Magazine has hailed Calvin as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-7-inch harpist with a 3 and ½ octave range, natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey began when he moved to Olathe, Kansas, teaching himself the guitar, piano, banjo. He learned his signature instrument, the harp, at the age of 20. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to KC reborn as a humanistic songwriter / performer where at 24 he released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. On February 14, 2017 Calvin released his critically acclaimed full length debut, Catastrophe, with a live show at recordBar in November 2016 that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers. After signing to Center Cut Records, Calvin released the albums: Cantaloupe in 2018, with a sold out gigantic spectical at The Gem Theatre on Saturday, September 15, 2018. He then released, L.A. Sessions in 2019, and the EP HONEY DEW, and the EP Goddess with Quixotic, the Holiday album, ALL IS CALM. In 2020 Calvin collaborated with Mike Dillon on the Soundtrack to “Summer in Hindsight,” a feature-length film created by The West 18th Street Fashion Show that starred Calvin as an actor. Calvin is also the co-creator of the podcast “We Were Christian Kids” created with childhood friend Justin Randall who is a stand up comedian working in New York City and now Los Angeles. Calvin is also the published author of EVERY GOOD BOY DOES FINE, a collection of Poetry & Prose published on October 5, 2021, by Andrews McMeel Universal. Calvin was voted KC’s Best Musician in The Pitch 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. He has been featured in Billboard, NPR.org. Charlotte Street Foundation announced that the recipients of the 2022 Generative Performing Artist Awards are The Black Creatures and Calvin Arsenia Scott.] [Calvin Arsenia played a PARADISE Album Release Party, Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, at 7:00 PM at The Emerald, 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO, WEST BOTTOMS. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com][Calvin Arsenia was our guest on WMM on Jan. 18, 2023, June 21, 2023, and our 1000th Show on June 28, 2923.]

[Calvin Arsenia plays plays Manor Fest 6, on Friday, May 31, at 9:00pm at Greenwood Social Club, 1759 Belleview Ave, 2nd Floor, KCMO with Fritz Hutchison, and Julia Haile.]

Calvin Arsenia Discography

Calvin Arsenia – Moments [EP] / Independent / April 9, 2014
Calvin Arsenia was 24 when he released this EP after returning home to Kansas City after living and performing in Edinburgh, Scotland. Calvin works as a songwriter, composer, lyricist, producer, and engineer.

Calvin Arsenia – Prose [EP] / Independent / February 3, 2015
Recorded over the course of three live sessions at Edinburgh’s Napier University. Produced by Graham Coe. Engineered by David O’Leary. Music and Lyrics: Calvin Arsenia, with Fiona Reid & Liselot Van Oosterom on Vocals, Graham Coe on Cello, Mark Smith on Percussion, Lyle Watt on Guitar Calvin Arsenia on Vocals & Guitar & Piano.

Calvin Arsenia – Caviar [EP] / Calvin Arsenia / December 5, 2017
Produced for attendees at Calvin’s “Secret Show,” Tuesday, December 5, at Wickstock West, 1324 West 12th Street, in The West Bottoms, and for supporters of his Outlyre Tour. Words and Music by Calvin Arsenia. Produced by Jametatone, Simon Huntley and Calvin Arsenia. Recorded at The Infoaming Vertex.

Calvin Arsenia – Catastrophe {EP] / Calvin Arsenia / February 17, 2016
Limited edition EP, produced for Folk Alliance International, contains demo recordings of original gems that are the blueprints for Calvin’s soon to be released full length debut, coming in 2017. Since Calvin Arsenia came home to KC after living in Edinburgh, Scotland, he has released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. He has played all over town, including showcases at Folk Alliance International, Kansas City Fringe Fest, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, and collaborations with bands like My Brothers and Sisters.

Calvin Arsenia – Catastrophe [Album] / Calvin Arsenia / February 14, 2017
Calvin Arsenia premiered these songs in a live show at recordBar in November 2016 in a stage show that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers, special lighting, back up singers, guest artists. Since Calvin Arsenia came home to KC after living in Edinburgh, Scotland, he has released his EP, Moments, in 2014, and his EP Prose in 2015, and his Folk Alliance exclusive EP Catastrophe in 2016. Standing at 6 foot 6 inches, Arsenia’s powerful vocals span a 3.5 octave range, while playing piano, banjo, guitar and harp Calvin teaches music to elementary students. Calvin is also a graduate of Artist INC. Since 2014 we have been celebrating the music of Calvin Arsenia. He has played Folk Alliance International, Kansas City Fringe Fest, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, The Kauffman Center For The Performing Arts, The Middle of the Map Fest., The Folly Theatre. Calvin recently returned home from a three month US/European Outlyre Tour where he has played San Francisco, Portland, Vancouver, NYC, Boston, Edinburgh, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Switzerland, Lyon and Paris in over 40 shows, with musician and friend Simon Huntley who plays with Quixotic.]

Calvin Arsenia – Live at Greenwood Social Hall / Unreleased / June 11, 2017
Solo live performance at Greenwood Social Hall, 1760 Bellevue, KCMO.

Calvin Arsenia – Caviar [EP] / Calvin Arsenia / December 5, 2017
Produced for attendees at Calvin’s “Secret Show,” Tuesday, December 5, at Wickstock West, 1324 West 12th Street, in the West Bottoms, and for supporters of his Outlyre Tour. Words and Music by Calvin Arsenia. Produced by Jametatone, Simon Huntley and Calvin Arsenia. Recorded at The Infoaming Vertex.

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

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

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

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

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

Calvin Arsenia – Summer in Hindsight / Calvin Arsenia & Mike Dillon / Oct. 16, 2020
Soundtrack by Calvin Arsenia and Mike Dillon for The West 18th Street Fashion Show’s 20th year as a feature-length film. COVID-19 changed everything in 2020. “We are moving it from the street to the screen,” says Peregrine Honig to inkansascitymagazine. “Mike Dillon and Calvin Arsenia will be scoring and performing in the film.” The film premiered October 16, 2020 at The Boulevard Drive-In. Honig wrote,. “We did this during a pandemic and a cultural revolution. I am not sure where else or how else this could happen at this moment in history.” Calvin Arsenia had recently been emotionally and greatly moved by the area and national Black Lives Matter Movement. His own research into his own family revealed that Calvin’s great, great, great grandmother Alice Gilliam Scott, was a former slave who lived to observe her 100th birthday as noted by a regional newspaper Calvin had written. In the summer of 2020 Calvin wrote “Revelation” an unreleased track inspired by Black Lives Matter. Calvin premiered the song on WMM on August 12, 2020. He later shared his other new songs, “Scars and Stripes” and “The Flying Monkees are Coming!” on our October 14, 2020 edition of WMM. Both of those songs ended up on Summer in Hindsight.

Calvin Arsenia – Paradise / Calvin Arsenia / June 23, 2023
Calvin Arsenia played a PARADISE Album Release Party, Friday, June 23, and Saturday, June 24, at 7:00 PM at The Emerald, 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO, WEST BOTTOMS. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com

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

11:26 – Underwriting

11:27 – More Interview with Shaun Crowley

Shaun Crowley of Manor Records talks about Manor Fest 6, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 6 nights, in 6 different neighborhoods of Kanas City.

North Kansas City, Strawberry Hill, West Bottoms, East KC, Westside, Crossroads

Shaun Crowley thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Manor Fest 6
WEEKEND TWO – May 30, 31, & June 1
Night Three – Saturday, June 1 – CROSSROADS

Venue One: Third Place Lounge, 1744 Broadway Blvd KCMO
MALEK AZRAEL 1:00 – 1:30
MASON BLAIZE 1:45 – 2:15
NICK SHOULDERS 2:30 – 3:00

Venue Two: MADE MOBB, 221 Southwest Blvd, KCMO
SHAY LYRIQ 3:00 – 3:30
BIG FAT COW 3:45 – 4:15
FROGPOND 4:30 – 5:00

11:32

Malek Azrael – “in ur mind”
from: “ion ur mind” – Single / Malek Azrael / March 1, 2024
[On October 15, 2021 Makek Azrael released his 10-track album debut. Male Azrael lives in KCMO. He has worked for Boys Grow, and is currently working with touring. Malek Azrael has been involved with Making Movies non-profit organization Art As Mentorship. He sometimes plays with Making Movies and played the Ameri-Kana Fest. Malek Azrael played KKFI’s 18th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, on Aug. 27, at The Black Box, in West Bottoms.

[Malek Azrael plays Manor Feet 6, Saturday, June 1, at 1:00pm at Third Place Lounge, 1744 Broadway Blvd KCMO with Mason Blaize and Nick Shoulders]

[Malek & The Vibez play Boulevardia Festival at Crown Center, on Friday, June 16.]

Nick Shoulders – “Won’t Fence Us In”
from: All Bad / Gar Hole Records. / July 28 2023
[All Bad, the latest album from Nick Shoulders, ultimately encapsulates everything that makes Shoulders’ inimitable form of country music so vital: a heady balance of dazzling musicianship and punk defiance, coupled with gritty eccentricity and a generational connection to the roots of the genre. With a singing style inherited from his family’s vocal lineage, Nick’s songs achieve the rare feat of imparting difficult truths while inciting a certain joyful abandon, balancing a sound forged by years of hard travel with a heartfelt reverence for the origins of country music. In the spirit of Hazel Dickens and Jimmy Driftwood, the incisive yet wildly jubilant All Bad vocally objects to the reckless destruction of the natural landscape and development run rampant, while still offering plenty of joy and dance-ready rhythms. Spanning a variety of early country styles, the album’s infectious harmonies shine alongside everything from jangling cajun waltzes to surf-rock infused bluesy ballads–all tied together by a voice seemingly out of place in this century, yet ever ready to speak up about its problems. // Released via Gar Hole Records (a label founded and co-owned by Shoulders), All Bad marks the first LP made with his longtime band, the Okay Crawdad, since 2019’s premier full-length Okay, Crawdad and their subsequent pandemic-imposed hiatus. After writing most of the album from the front seat of a tour van, the Fayetteville, AR-based musician and bandmates Grant D’Aubin (harmonies/bass), Cheech Moosekian (drums) and Jack Studer (lead guitar) recorded the album in a home studio on the banks of the Mississippi River with New Orleans collaborators Ross Farbe and Sam Doores.]

[Nick Shoulders plays Manor Feet 6, Saturday, June 1, at 2:30pm at Third Place Lounge, 1744 Broadway Blvd KCMO with Mason Blaize and Malek Azrael]

Frogpond – “It’s Not Over”
from: TimeThief / Black-Site Records / November 19, 2021
[Newly reformed KC indie rock band, Frogpond, will release TimeThief, its first album in over twenty years on November 19, 2021, on the KC record label cooperative Black Site. Frogpond is: singer/guitarist and founder Heidi Phillips, long-time bassist, Justine Volpe, with Kristin Conkright on rhythm guitar, and Michelle Bacon on drums. More info at: http://black-site.org/frogpond // Frogpond digitally reissued their Au 1996 vinyl and cassette release Count To Ten on March 12, 2021, 25 years after its original release on August 9, 1996 on Columbia Records. Frogpond was formed in Warrensburg, Missouri. The band existed from 1994-2000, primarily performing in Kansas City and Lawrence, Kansas. COUNT TO TEN was the band’s 12-track national debut full length released on Tristar Music – Columbia on CD and vinyl in 1996 with songs written by Heidi Phillips, with Heidi Phillips on vocals & guitar, Justine Volpe on bass, Megan Hamilton on drums, Kristie Stemel on guitar and backing vocals. Art Alexakis (of the band Everclear) served as producer and contributed backing vocals. // In 1999 Frogpond released the 13-track second album, SAFE RIDE HOME on C2 Records – Columbia, on CD and vinyl with songs written by Heidi Phillips, and with Heidi Phillips on vocals & guitar, Justine Volpe on bass & backing vocals, and Billy Johnson on drums. The album was recorded by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios in Chicago who also served as producer and contributed electric piano and piano. // In 1994 Frogpond self released their 8-song cassette release 2%. 2% was produced, engineered, and mixed at Red House Recording, Lawrence, Kansas, October 1994. Heidi Phillips joined us LIVE onWMM on November 10, 2021.]

[Frogpond plays Manor Feet 6, Saturday, June 1, at 4:30pm at MADE MOBB, 221 Southwest Blvd, KCMO with Shay Lyric, and Big Fat Cow.]

11:41- Interview with Shaun Crowley

Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 6, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 6 nights, in 6 different neighborhoods of Kanas City.

North Kansas City, Strawberry Hill, West Bottoms, East KC, Westside, Crossroads

The official dates are May 23, 24, & 25 and May 30, 31, & June 1. Manor Fest is a local music fundraiser festival curated and ran by Manor Records. All profits go to the “Manor Records Fund” to help release music from local artists on physical platforms through Manor Records. More information at; http://www.manorrecrds.com

Shaun Crowley thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Manor Fest 6
WEEKEND TWO – May 30, 31, & June 1
Night Three – Saturday, June 1 – CROSSROADS

Venue Three: Arizona Trading CO. 1722 Oak Street KCMO
THE HIGHWATER 5:00 – 5:30
JASS 5:45 – 6:15
HONEYBEE 6:30 – 7:00

Venue Four: recordBar, 1520 Grand, Blvd, KCMO
PARIS WILLIAMS 7:00 – 7:45
KAT KING 8:00 – 8:45
BLACKSTARKIDS 9:00 – 9:45

Venue Five: Big Mood Natural Wine, 2020 Baltimore, KCMO
BURNING BUSH 10:00 – 10:30
COLLIDESCOPE 10:45 – 11:15
FLOODING 11:30 – 12:00

11:46

Jass – “grow”
from: At the Close of a Decade / JASS / November 26, 2022
[Jass is Jasmine “Jass” Couch. Jass and The Boys released the single “Love U Like I Love U” on December 2, 2022. Jass released the EP, OFF KEY: TOO HIGH on September 23, 2022. Jass released the single “Higher Ground” on August 16, 2022. It was #1 on WMM’s 50 Favorite Singles of 2022. Jass released her single, “Him” on February 23, 2022. Jass released At the Close of a Decade on November 26, 2022. It was part of WMM’s 121 Best Recordings of 2021. She wrote, “After years of writing and recording in voice memos .. I decided to grab my iPad and began recording something that I am very proud of. I named it, At the Close of A Decade, and released it in November 2019. With my iPhone/iPad, some apple headphones, I created this project. The amazing people around me told me it was worth it, even when I didn’t believe it myself. I convinced myself I would be the only one that liked my songs. If you decide to listen you’ll hear sound clips of shows and movies that made a difference in the way I saw the world, the way I saw myself, and the way I overcame my experiences. I remember asking my grandma and my son if I should release what I’ve been writing and they both said very simply to do it, so I’ve done it. I want to thank all of my wonderful friends who have been my soundboards during this process, all of the people that have asked me when it’s coming, the people that have kept me accountable, and believed that this time it was for real. My story is so very triumphant and beautiful because I have overcome experiences and shunned the fear I had to do what I love. It’s crazy how you can talk your way out of some amazing things and also how you can talk yourself into making some amazing things happen. If you partake, I hope you enjoy.” // Jass has opened for Thundercat sat GRINDERS, headlined a show at The Bottleneck in Lawrence with my boys! (Colby Bales and Brande Moser), and she opened up for The New Respects at The Uptown, and sang the Negro National Anthem at BLAQUE to School Night at the KC Monarchs game.More info at: http://www.jassrcouch.com]

[Jass plays Manor Fest 6, at 7:00 PM at Arizona Trading CO. 1722 Oak Street KCMO with The Highwater, and Honeybee.]

Honeybee – “House Party”
from: Saturn Return – EP / Honeybee / March 29, 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 plays Manor Fest 6 at 6:30 PM at Arizona Trading CO. 1722 Oak Street KCMO with The Highwater, and Jass.]

Paris Williams – “LONDON, TOKYO (feat. Sam Wells)” (radio edit)
from: REBEL HEART / Bitter Sweet Sound / January 31, 2023
[Paris Williams is a 24-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet,” Williams never shuts away from his DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility. Premiering in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi. // Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music. This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018. Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school. Paris Williams previously released the single, “Hopscotch” on June 21, 2022. He released,“Chunky”on April 20, 2022. He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis]

[Paris Williams plays Manor Fest 6 in Kansas City on Saturday, June 1, at 7:00 PM at recordBar, 1520 Grand, Blvd., KCMO, with Kat King, and Blackstarkids.]

11:53- Interview with Shaun Crowley

Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 6, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 6 nights, in 6 different neighborhoods of Kanas City.

The official dates are May 23, 24, & 25 and May 30, 31, & June 1. Manor Fest is a local music fundraiser festival curated and ran by Manor Records. All profits go to the “Manor Records Fund” to help release music from local artists on physical platforms through Manor Records. More information at; http://www.manorrecrds.com

Shaun Crowley thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Manor Fest 6
WEEKEND TWO – May 30th, 31st, & June 1st
Night Three – Saturday, June 1 – CROSSROADS

Venue Three: Arizona Trading CO. 1722 Oak Street KCMO
THE HIGHWATER 5:00 – 5:30
JASS 5:45 – 6:15
HONEYBEE 6:30 – 7:00

Venue Four: recordBar, 1520 Grand, Blvd, KCMO
PARIS WILLIAMS 7:00 – 7:45
KAT KING 8:00 – 8:45
BLACKSTARKIDS 9:00 – 9:45

Venue Five: Big Mood Natural Wine, 2020 Baltimore, KCMO
BURNING BUSH 10:00 – 10:30
COLLIDESCOPE 10:45 – 11:15
FLOODING 11:30 – 12:00

11:55

BLACKSTARKIDS – “Sounds Like Fun!”
from: SURF / Bedroom Records / February 28, 2020
[Blackstarkids are phenomenon who came out of Kansas City in 2020 became the soundtrack for the summer. Blackstarkids are a pop/R&B/hip-hop trio based in Kansas City, Missouri. Members include: TheBabeGabe, Deiondre, and TyFaizon (of the Drop Dead XX collective). The members have known each other since high school in Raytown, Missouri. Members met at Raytown South High School and formed the band in 2019. The group released its first album, Let’s Play Sports, on August 1, 2019. Blackstarkids then released their second album SURF through their own label Bedroom Records on February 28, 2020. Blackstarkids caught the attention of The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy and were then signed to The 1975’s management company and UK-based label Dirty Hit Records. They were featured in Clash Magazine. Blackstarkids then released, Surf Basement Demos on Dirty Hit Records on March 5, 2020. On October 29, 2020, Blackstarkids released Whatever, Man on Dirty Hit Records, their third album release of 2020. Gabe, of Blackstarkids recently described the KC Music community to an interviewer, “The music scene here is really nice. There are a lot of bands who are super talented and do all types of genres. The jazz music here is really great as well. Kansas City is honestly a hidden gem when it comes to music. I feel like you can meet an artist anywhere and anyplace in this city.” Deiondre added, “The music scene here is getting cool now, there’s a lot of jazz musicians that go to school for music here too but you can find people from different scenes all over if around the city.” Ty wrote, “The Kansas City scene is great, the community here is so supportive and genuine. This is a really prideful city here and I think they’re finally getting the musicians they deserve.”]

[Blackstarkids plays Manor Fest 6 in Kansas City on Saturday, June 1, at 7:00 PM at recordBar, 1520 Grand, Blvd., KCMO, with Kat King, and Paris Williams.]

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

Next week, on Wednesday, April 24 At 10:30 Chris and Phil Kinsley of Arson Class and Sid Sowder of Too Much Rock join us to share the radio broadcast premiere of the newest installment in the Too Much Rock Singles Series.

At 11:00 Jeremiah James Gonzales and band mates from RxGhost share music from their new EP Scaffolding, released April 11, 2024. Vocals/Guitar RxGhost is: Josh Thomas on vocals & guitar, Justin Brooks on drums, James Capps on guitar, Chris Smead on bass. Scaffolding was produced by RxGhost, recorded and mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering

At 11:30 Scott Hrabko share music form his my new project, “Other Cats,
Other Bags. Volume II,” released on April 19, 2024. It’s multi-volume project culled from recording sessions Scott did at home with a few longtime Rabbits and some new friends from the KC music community. More info at: https://scotthrabko.com

THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.

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

Show #1042

WMM presents Kianna & Jared White + Jocelyn Nixin + Jenna Rae + Max James

Posted on September 29, 2020 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Kianna White, Jared White & Jocelyn Olivia Nixin
+ Max James & The Sound of Kansas City +
Jenna Rae & Unfit Wives

Mark plays New & MidCoastal Releases from: The Freedom Affair, Shy Boys, Heart Machine, Kianna White, Berwanger, Flutienastiness, Unfit Wives, Lee Walter Redding, The Creepy Jingles, Yes You Are, Calvin Arsenia, Quite Frankly, Tilly and The Wall, Anjimile, and The Shins.

Kianna White

At 10:30 Kianna White, Jared White and Jocelyn Olivia Nixin join us to share details about their upcoming concert, Friday, October 2, at 7:00 PM with Nathan Corsi Band and DJ Stevie Cruz, at Lemonade Park, a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created in partnership between recordBar, Voltaire, and Moxie Catering, 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), behind Voltaire. We’ll talk with Jocelyn Olivia Nixin about her band The Creepy Jingles and we’ll talk with Kianna & Jared White about their band Yes You Are and Kianna’s new solo single, “Homecoming Queen,” released last Friday, with a new video that she filmed, edited and conceived and created on iPhone 7, iMovie on MacBook Air with a little help from Snapchat, an oscillating fan and a flashlight.

Unfit Wives: Kahlen Mitchell on upright bass & vocals, Monica Greenwood on mandolin & vocals, Shannon O’Shea on fiddle & vocals, and Jenna Rae on guitar & vocals

At 11:00 Jenna Rae joins us to share details about Unfit Wives who play a Parking Lot Show with Ryan Manuel, and Tyler Gregory, Saturday, October 10, at 7:00 PM, at Theatre Lawrence, 4660 Bauer Farm Drive, Lawrence Kansas, presented by I Heart Local Music and Theatre Lawrence for a socially distanced drive-in concert at the Theatre Lawrence parking lot where Unfit Wives will bring their hard-driving bluegrass originals with hot licks, lyrics, and feisty four-part harmonies. Unfit Wives are: Jenna Rae on guitar & vocals, Shannon O’Shea on fiddle & vocals, Monica Greenwood on mandolin & vocals, and Kahlen Mitchell on upright bass & vocals. More info at http://www.unfitwives.com and http://www.thelostcowgirl.com

At 11:30 Max James talks about The Sound of Kansas City, Sunday, October 18, Noon to 10:00 PM, A Socially Distant Concert, on the SE Lawn of the National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Drive, KCMO, featuring: Calvin Arsenia, Back Alley Brass Band, Larsen, The Way Way Back, What A Wreck, Flutienastiness, Attic Light, and Emma Jo. DJs Ashton Martin, Maxx Grüv, Nick Davis, Danny Maloney, Dawna K, DJ Alex Reed, and DJ Stoww will be spinning tracks between each band set. Sound of KC is a socially-distanced festival, where your ticket gives you and three friends a 10’x10′ space to relax and listen to some of Kansas City’s finest performers. More information at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sound-of-kansas-city-tickets-119337159657?aff=ebdssbeac&fbclid=IwAR3vrv-ad1cu77plLb1aTNhPGHkXlWaqgSSLlGZwpR1WwaDOVYEyd1sWCo8

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

Show #857

WMM Playlist from Sept. 9, 2020

Posted on September 14, 2020 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Bill Sundahl & the 16th Annual Crossroads Music Fest
+ Writer & Poet Steph Castor

1. “It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / Dec. 20, 1979
[WMM theme]

2. Sally Haze – “Pavilion”
from: Pavilion – Single / The Record Machine / August 14, 2020
[Follow up to the band’s “All That Matters” – Single, released May 15, 2020. You might think this Chicago act was a solo artist, but it’s actually the project of trans-continental couple, Jess and Will Wright; the name is a sly literary reference. Jess, born and raised in Chicago, and Will, born in Leeds, England began writing and recording as Sally Haze in their home studio in 2019. Their goal is to create music that blurs the lines between Dream Pop, Shoegaze, and Neo-Psychedelia while maintaining pop sensibilities with a heavy focus on rhythm and melody. Their DIY attitude leads them to make music they enjoy listening to as much as it was fun to play. Their new EP, Wet Dream not only picks up where the couple left off, but shows growth too. The five tracks on Wet Dream are dream-pop songs that make you want to dance. They are bombastic, yet still find a way to be ethereal. Most of the songs on the EP were written drums and bass first, with guitars and vocal melodies fleshed out afterwards. Their debut EP, Dining Room, was praised by critics. It was included in the Uproxx ‘Best of Bandcamp November 2019′ list, and the duo was named Chicago Artist of the Month by the Deli. Wet Dream will be released in the summer of 2020.]

3. The Freedom Affair – “Give A Little Love”
from: Freedom is Love / Sunflower Soul Records / September 25, 2020
[“Freedom Is Love” is the debut album from Kansas City’s newest soul juggernaut, The Freedom Affair. The album explores themes of love, heartache, empowerment, and togetherness through a varying landscape of hard-hitting funk, luscious soul, and everything in between. The Freedom Affair is a unique collective featuring 3 powerhouse female vocalists in front of a dynamic 6-piece band. On “Freedom Is Love”, each of the ladies get their time to shine individually, but the magic is on full display when all 3 come together in unison and harmony, symbolically embodying the messages that they sing about. The album was recorded and produced by Chris Hazelton, utilizing the best of vintage and new recording technologies to create an authentic experience, befitting of a soul record that would have been relevant 50 years ago as much as it will be 50 years from now. The Freedom Affair is: Misha Roberts on vocals; Paula Saunders on vocals; Seyko Groves on vocals; Cole Bales on guitar, sitar (Track 3); Branden Moser on guitar; Chris Hazelton on bass guitar, organ (Tracks 1, 2, 9, & 10), Tambourine (Track 1), Glockenspiel (Track 3), & Chimes (Track 4); Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax (Tracks 1 & 5), & tambourine (Tracks 5, 6, & 8). Additional Musicians: Pat Conway on Congas (Tracks 1, 3, & 6), Alyssa Bell on viola (Tracks 3, 4, & 7), Elizabeth Codd on violin (Tracks 3 & 4), Matt Bennett on violin (Tracks 3 & 7), John Wickersham on timpani (Track 4), Pamela Baskin-Watson on piano (Track 10), Nick Howell on tambourine (Track 10), The Freedom Family Choir (Track 10): Misha Roberts, Erica Hazelton, Seyko Groves, Paula Saunders, Jordyn Saunders, Cole Bales, and Chris Hazelton. All Horn & String Arrangements by Chris Hazelton except: “Heartaches Don’t Come Easy” and “Give A Little Love” by Pete Carroll & Brett Jackson, “Don’t Shoot” by Chris Hazelton & Allyssa Bell. Produced, Recorded, & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Assistant Produced by Dave Brick. Rhythm Section on Track 10 recorded by Chad Meise. Mastered by JJ Golden. Cover Artwork by Matthew “Mo” Manley. Front cover photograph of civil rights protesters in Kansas City, MO (April 9th, 1968). The Freedom Affair and their track “Rise Up” were selected to be part of Colemine Records 3xLP box set, “Soul Slabs Vol. 2” a Record Store Day Exclusive, released April 13, 2019. Colemine writes: “The Freedom Affair is a freight train of KC soul! Dirty, funky drums, gritty horns, and the combined vocals of Misha Roberts, Seyko Groves, and Paula Saunders to put this band over the top. Politically charged soul music for the dancefloor!”]

4. Krystle Warren – “Sunbeams”
from: A Time to Keep Love Songs EP / Parlour Door Music / August 12, 2011
[Originally from KC, Krystle learned to play the guitar by listening to Rubber Soul & Revolver from The Beatles. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, and moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French and British television programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. Krystle created, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace” a recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections.]

5. Aaron Alexander – “Worth It”
from: The Kushlov Effect Volume 1 / Aaron Alexander / August 23, 2020
[Follow up to Alexander’s previous release Memento Mori. Kansas City, Kansas based rapper and artist who graduated from Sumner High School and attended University of Missouri – Kansas City. Aaron Alexander recently collaborated with Google to showcase his music and Kansas City support. The collaboration with the tech giant comes eight years after Alexander, decided to pursue music professionally, cementing his mark as a national artist. Aaron told Kansascity.com: “It all kind of started off with poetry,” Alexander said of his beginnings. “I did poetry in like fifth grade. I kind of took a liking to it. Then I ended up getting a free laptop, so I started recording on Garageband, and it eventually turned into making projects and making music.” “I typically do have a theme with my music that I try to stick by, but this was, is, kind of a mood board of the last two years of my life,” Alexander said. “It’s a lot of frustration and heartbreak. It’s kind of like a roller coaster.” “Jazz is something that kind of inspires the way I do melodies,” Alexander said. “I just appreciate how loose and free-flowing it is, and I try to kind of do the same with my melodies. I mean, I grew up with it, so I think it’s pretty ingrained.” Other things Alexander uses as inspiration include anime, James Baldwin and Marvin Gaye. “I’ve been watching Marvin Gaye documentaries and listening to his music and kind of trying to cause a feeling the way he made a feeling throughout his music and his career, so I’m just trying to do the same for somebody else,” Alexander said. Brandon Williams, one of Alexander’s producers, attended Kansas City magnet school Sumner Academy of Arts and Sciences with him, which was the start of the pair working together. He said working with Alexander has helped him grow as a producer. “I like the dynamics that he brings to a song. It’s not from a monotone stance, and he tries to take different approaches with his music.” The Kuleshov effect is a film editing (montage) effect demonstrated by Soviet filmmaker Lev Kuleshov in the 1910s and 1920s. It is a mental phenomenon by which viewers derive more meaning from the interaction of two sequential shots than from a single shot in isolation. he effect has also been studied by psychologists and is well-known among modern film-makers. Alfred Hitchcock refers to the effect in his conversations with François Truffaut, using actor James Stewart as the example.]

6. Brent Windler – “Spanish Jasmine”
from: New Morning Howl / Big, Run, Fly, Kick, Show / September 4, 2020
[New single from upcoming full length release, Written by Brent Windler. Guitars & Vocals by Brent Windler, Synths & Programming by Nate Harold. Recorded at Courtesy Tone, Kansas City, MO. Engineered and Mixed by Ryan Benton and Mastered by Greg Beery at Merx Mastering Follow up to “Around The Bend” – Single released May 29, 2020. Brent Windler is a singer/songwriter based in Kansas City, Missouri. His songs display Powerpop leanings but still stay rooted in the Midwestern US creating a unique blend of melodic pop and Americana. Brent is also known for his work with The Casket Lottery, and Sons of Great Dane.]

7. Kelly Lee Owens – “Melt!”
from: Inner Song / Smalltown Supersound / August 28, 2020
[Second album from convention-blurring techno producer/musician Kelly Lee Owens. Inner Song follows the 2017 release of her much lauded self-titled debut, as well as remixes of St. Vincent and by Björk, last year’s “Let It Go / Omen” 12”, and her recent collaboration with Jon Hopkins on the one-off “Luminous Spaces.”]

10:28 – Underwriting

8. Howard Iceberg & The Titanics – “Bottle of Rye” [Featuring: Betse Ellis]
from: Kansas City Songs Vol. 3 / Howard Iceberg & The Titanics / June 10, 2020
[More songs certified to have been written, performed, and recorded in Kansas City.-Howard Iceberg. All words and music by Howard Iceberg. Recorded and mixed by Brendan Moreland at Temple Sounds Studio; except “Natalie,” recorded and mixed by Pat Tomek at Largely Studios. Players: Howard Iceberg on lead vocals (except as noted), guitar; Chad Brothers on lead vocal (By Your Side), harmony vocal, guitar; Betse Ellis on lead vocal (Bottle of Rye), fiddle, harmony vox ; Clarke Wyatt on banjo, guitar, keyboards; Andrew Mojo Morris on lead vocal (Promises To Keep), harmony vocals, guitar, mandolin, banjo; Julie Bates-Motel on fiddle, harmony vocals; Chris DeVictor on bass; Phil Wade on dobro; Brendan Moreland on electric guitar; Brett Hodges on lead vocal and guitar (Natalie); Roger Eilts on guitar and harmony vocal (Natalie); Leo Eilts – bass and harmony vocal (Natalie); Erin Corriveau on harmony vocals. Follow up to Howard’s 2017/2018 release Netherland’s his Jazz infused album recorded with Rich Hill, Bryan Hicks , Doug Auwarter and others. Legendary Kansas City Singer Songwriter – Howard Eisberg records and performs under the name Howard iceberg. Heis one of the most prolific and poetic songwriters of the Kansas City music scene. He has written hundreds, possibly thousands of songs. Howard has done all of this while also leading a distinguished career as an immigration attorney, and he has donated much of his time and music to valuable projects that serve our community. Howard Iceberg began performing in coffeehouses in the late 1980s with fellow area independent songwriters Scott Hrabko and Iris DeMent. Over the past three decades he has released countless CDs, and recorded multiple collections of songs. In 2011, Howard Iceberg & The Titanics released a seven CD, box set, of 106 new songs, all instant classics. In 2014 he released a collection called Spring 2014, on his birthday May 9, 2015 he released, Smooth Sailing which included 13 new songs. In September 2016 Howard released a 2 CD set of 26 new tracks called, “Kansas City Songs.”]

photo made at The Lawrence Community Photo Studio owned by Jay Keim (Handmade Photography)

10:33 – Interview with Steph Castor

Writer & Poet Steph Castor joins us live in our 90.1 FM Studios to share poems from her second full-length book of poetry, KEEP HER IN YOUR MOUTH just released and published by Thirty West Publishing House (Philadelphia, PA). Steph’s roots are in music, but she has an impressive history of poetry performance across the United States, including opening for Andrea Gibson on a sold out show at Czar Bar in January 2014, appearances in support of the Midwest Music Foundation and Midcoast Takeover events, founding the LFK Poetry Slam at The Granada Theatre in Lawrence, enjoying a beer with beat poet John Sinclair and the editor-in-chief of High Times Magazine at Mama’s Crow Bar in Portland, Maine while on tour with Vigil and Thieves. Steph Castor is also the writer of Bedroom Music (Stubborn Mule Press, 2019). Her past work can be found in Curve Magazine, Guitar Girl Magazine, Guitar World, Tattoo.com, and many more.

Steph Castor, Thanks for being with us on WMM.

Steph Castor is a writer and poet of two collections: Keep Her in Your Mouth (Thirty West Publishing, 2020) and Bedroom Music (Stubborn Mule Press, 2019)

Steph Castor lives in Kansas City, Missouri, and is originally from Santa Maria, California.

Steph Castor just recently became a contributing writer at The Pitch Kansas City.

Steph Castor has been nominated for “Best Poet/Spoken Word Artist” in The Pitch Kansas City The Best of Kansas City 2020, with Jen Harris.

Steph Castor on the Sept. 9, 2020 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley on KKFI.

10:38 – Live Poem

For our WMM promo material we used a photo of Steph Castor photo made The Lawrence Community Photo Studio owned by Jay Keim (Handmade Photography)

Steph Castor is a Content Marketing Manager at Salt Rank November 18, 2019 to Present

Steph Castor is a Staff writer at Guitar Girl Magazine from March 21, 2018 to present where Steph interviews and writes about rad women on the music front. Steph Castor is also a contributing writer at Tattoo from May 2015 to present.

Steph Castor is a former Shop Manager at Goodfellas Tattoo Gallery from May 2019 to November 2019. Steph Castor is a former Bartender at Jackpot Music Hall, Lawrence, KS. from April 20, 2018 to August 2018.

Steph Castor Studied creative writing at The University of Kansas – (Also English language) from 2009 to 2012. Steph Castor Studied Poetry at Columbia College Chicago from 2008 to 2009. Steph Castor went to Lawrence High School.

Steph Castor on the Sept. 9, 2020 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley on KKFI.

10:42 – Live Poem

Steph Castor is an open-minded musician, novice photographer, half-way decent chef, passionate foodie, avid adventurer, and other (usually) intriguing characters.

Castor spends most of her days in the local community darkroom, tearing up the Roanoke tennis courts with the hottest new queer Kansas City skate crew, or engaging in stimulating and satisfying brainstorm sessions with likeminded creative folks—often just for the rush.

Steph Castor, Thanks for being with us on WMM.

Steph Castor joins us live in our 90.1 FM Studios to share poems from her second full-length book of poetry, KEEP HER IN YOUR MOUTH just released and published by Thirty West Publishing House (Philadelphia, PA)

Steph Castor has been nominated for “Best Poet/Spoken Word Artist” in The Pitch Kansas City The Best of Kansas City 2020.

10:19

9. Lomelda – “Hannah Sun”
from: Hannah / Double Double Whammy / September 4, 2020
[Written by Hannah Read. Produced by Tommy Read & Hannah Read. Recorded in March 2019, July 2019 & February 2020 at Lazybones Studio in Silsbee, TX. And Mixed & mastered by Tommy Read. Performed by Hannah Read, Tommy Read, Andrew Hulett, Charlie Martin, Andrew Stevens, Zachary Daniel, Adan Carlo and Cody Green. Album artwork by T. Colantuono. Published by Double Double WhammyFollow up to 2019’s M for Empathy, released March 1, 2019. Lomelda is the stage name of musician Hannah Read. According to Read, Lomelda is a made up word that means “echo of the stars.” Hannah Read was raised in Silsbee, Texas. She began her music career playing in bands with her brother as well as her high school friends. Read’s first full-length album, Forever, was released in 2015. In 2017, Read released her second full-length album, Thx, with the independent record label Double Double Whammy. The album was co-produced with the assistance of Read’s brother, Tommy. It was primarily written over a few months while Read was sleeping in her car.]

10. Sulu Moon – “Busted”
from: Too Late / Sulu Moon / August 31, 2020
[Trevor Turla on trombone & lead vocals, Michael Panelas on guitar, Jeramy Johnston on bass, Cade Pool on drums, Mikala Petillo on background vocals. Alex Garnett on vocal engineering. on guitar, engineered, mixed, and masteed by Michael Panelas. Josh Williams of 1000 Phases on artwork. Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Trevor Turla is now lives in Kansas City. Trevor defines himself as a musician. He started playing his first instrument, the bagpipes, at the age of 8 and hasn’t stopped the pursuit of music since. He received his Bachelor’s in Jazz Studies for trombone from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Trevor now creates music full time by playing, recording, and holding clinics around the United States. Trevor plays and sings in numerous bands, including Jake Wells, Grand Marquis, Miki P, Fritz Hutchison, and LA Jones. He is the founder, lead singer and trombonist for the band Sulu Moon. More info at http://www.trevorturla.com // Earlier this year Trevor donated an earlier version of this track to the COVID-19 inspired compilation, Kansas City Syzygy, that contained music created in the middle of the map in the middle of a pandemic. Over 25 Kansas City-based musicians came together to create “Kansas City Syzygy,” a compilation of music created during the shutdown of the world in the Spring of 2020. Proceeds will be donated to KC Tenants, a local nonprofit organized to ensure that everyone in KC has a safe, accessible, and truly affordable home.]

11. Adrianne Lenker – “anything”
from: songs / 4AD / October 23, 2020
[11-song follow up to her solo release abysskiss, released October 5, 2018 on Saddlecreek Records, and two Big Thief albums: U.F.O.F. May 3, 2019 on 4AD, and Two Hands October 11, 2019 on 4AD. Adrianne Lenker has been writing songs since she was 10 years old. Her “back story” has been well documented in various interviews and profiles for Big Thief over the last 3 years. Despite, or more likely because of, the constant touring and studio work, the last few years have been some of the most prolific for Lenker as a writer. Songs pop out at soundcheck. They pop out on late night drives between cities. They pop out in green rooms, hotel stairwells, gardens, and kitchens around the world. In the hands of Lenker, songwriting is not an old dead craft. It is alive. It is vital. With little regard for standard album cycle practice or the idea of resting at all, Lenker set out to make a document. Songs can be slippery and following 2+ years on the road with Big Thief, Lenker felt a growing need to document this particular time in her life in an intimate, immediate way. The result is her new album, abysskiss, out October 5th via Saddle Creek. “I want to archive the songs in their original forms every few years,” explains Lenker. “My first solo record I made was Hours Were the Birds. I had just turned 21 and moved to New York City where I was sleeping in a warehouse, working in a restaurant and photographing pigeons. Now five years later, another skin is being shed.” Following a two week road trip through the southwestern United States, Lenker headed into the studio with longtime friend Luke Temple. Temple put on his loosely fitting, bright orange, 100% wool producer hat and for one week they made music. The songs chosen for this collection were the songs that felt the most alive in the room. These are not castaways or B-sides. Some of these songs have been alive for years while some were written just days before the session. Some will appear in different future forms, some will not. The thread that connects these songs is not something that can easily be put down in words. Intuition connects these songs. They are a record of a time. With this collection, Lenker further illuminates to the listening public what those close to her already know; here we have a songwriter of the highest order, following her voice and the greater Voices that pass through her with an unflinching openness and clarity of translation.]

11:00 – Station ID

11:00 – Interview with Bill Sundahl

Joining us for our entire second hour as our special co-host is Bill Sundahl, the founder of Crossroads Music Festival who has been coming on this radio program for 16 years now sharing information about the music and collaborations associated with CMF. Bill is KKFI’s Development Director.

Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us again on WMM.

KKFI Crossroads Music Fest, presented by Community Lending of America, will be a bit different this year.

Please join in the fun on Saturday, September 12, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Simultaneously, we will Live Broadcast on 90.1FM, Stream Audio at kkfi.org/listen and Live Stream Video at CMFKC.COM, KKFI Facebook Page, CMFKC Facebook Page along with other sponsors and venues.

2020 CMF Schedule:
4:00 PM – Soul Servers — Live from KONN 100.1 One KC Radio
4:45 PM – Ezgi Karakus — Live from 1900 Building
5:30 PM – Reptil — Live from Massive Sound Studio
6:15 PM – Laura Noble — Live from Record Bar
7:00 PM – Julia Othmer — Live from Sherman Oaks
7:45 PM – We The People — Live from Tribe Studios
8:30 PM – The Royal Chief — Live from Emerald Dreams Lab
9:15 PM – Calvin Arsenia — Live from Record Bar
10:00 PM – Thank You! See You Next Year!

Thanks to our 2020 CMF Sponsors for making this happen!
Community Lending of America, Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC, Kissick Construction, 1900 Building, Boveri Realty Group, Accurate Superior Scale, Propaganda3, Midwest Music Foundation, The Bridge 90.9FM, Silly Goose Records, Emerald Dreams Labs and KC Heartland.

What? A Virtual Event? Why did we doing this? …We applied for a Missouri Arts Council(MAC) grant back in the fall of 2019 for the 2020 festival. Their budget in early 2020 was slashed. The NTDF Grant we applied for was cancelled. We planned to not produce the festival without that needed support.

But Then…About a month ago we found out that the MAC Grant came through after all! So we decide that rather than turn down the money we would spend that money in the arts community in the KC Region. So with sponsors and the MAC grant, KKFI has been able to inject almost $10,000 into the decimated entertainment industry in our region.
How can this benefit KKFI? We decided to make it free to everyone in the area with a radio or internet connection and ask for gifts from those who love live music and KKFI.

With our Goal of $20,000 in donations to KKFI (our goal in our budget this year). So far we’ve raised $4,750 in gifts to be matched. We have a goal of $10,000 in matching donations and then we’ll work to get that matched between Sept. 9 and 16.

2020 CMF will be a Live Stream and Live Broadcast on KKFI 90.1FM and kkfi.org/listen.

MixMaster2020: Virtual Panels & Workshops in partnership with KKFI 90.1 FM’s CMF.

Now in its 7th year, MXM 2020 is offering a 3-week series of online panel discussions, starting this week, on Wednesdays, from 4 to 5:30 PM, focused on empowering artists, connecting creators with the wider industry, and sharing best practices to advancing your music. In context of the COVID-19 pandemic, topics cover how artists are coping, what opportunities are available, and how to remain positive, creative and connected.

September 2, offers COVID Check-in: Staying Well & Staying Creative with panelist Calvin Arsenia, Nick Carswell, and Krystle Warren moderated by Mark Manning.

September 9, Connecting w/ Audiences in COVID times: Livestreams, Patreon and more.

September 16, offers, Keeping the Lights On: Venues, events & the wider industry. The series is hosted by Silly Goose Records, CMFKC and KKFI 90.1 FM. Info at: http://www.kkfi.org

2020 CMF Schedule: 4:00 PM – Soul Servers — Live from KONN 100.1 One KC Radio

11:06

12. Soul Servers feat Pugslee Atomz – “Move”
from: Crown Crafted Uno / One KC Radio / October 7, 2016
[16-track compilation produced for One Kansas City Radio that includes: Making Movies, Maria The Mexican, Eddie Moore, Miles Bonny, Conductor Williams and more. One of Kansas City, Missouri’s most popular underground Hip-Hop groups, Soul Servers is a breath of fresh air to a Hip-Hop genre in dire need of originality. Formed in 2001, the group strives to make sense of life’s daily grind using playful themes and thought-provoking lyrics. Composed of Smoov Confusion, Deuce Fontane, Lou Rip and DJ Yady, The Soul Servers also seek to add more positivity to an industry where negative is the norm. Full Service, the group’s debut album is an eclectic mix of 70’s funk, Classic R&B, Old School Hip-Hop and Rock ‘n’ Roll. Tracks like “Sick & Tired” and “HipHop on My Mind” shed light on the struggles of life and the woes of Hip-Hop, . while songs like “Think Twice” explore life’s confrontational side. Club tracks like “What’s Wrong?” also demonstrate Soul Servers ‘ commercial appeal. Since “Full Service” Soul Servers have stayed busy with live performances, collaborations, and smaller mixtape projects.]

[Soul Servers plays KKFI’s 16th annual (Virtual) Crossroads Music Fest, 4:00 PM Live from KONN 100.1 One KC Radio, Saturday, September 12, LIVESTREAM and LIVE BROADCAST, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with Calvin Arsenia, The Royal Chief, Eddie Moore’s We The People, Julia Othmer, Laura Noble, Reptil, and Soul Servers.]

11:10 – Interview with Bill Sundahl

Joining us for our entire second hour as our special co-host is Bill Sundahl, the founder of Crossroads Music Festival who has been coming on this radio program for 16 years now sharing information about the music and collaborations associated with CMF. Bill is KKFI’s Development Director.

Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us again on WMM.

KKFI Crossroads Music Fest, presented by Community Lending of America, will be a bit different this year.

2020 CMF will be a Live Stream and Live Broadcast on KKFI 90.1FM and kkfi.org/listen.

2020 CMF Schedule: 4:45 PM – Ezgi Karakus — Live from 1900 Building

11:15

13. Ezgi Karakus – “Dok Zulfunu Meydana Gel (Arr. for Solo Cello)”
from: Dok Zulfunu Meydana Gel (Arr. for Solo Cello)-Single / Ezgi Karakus / April 3, 2019
[Turkish cellist, Ezgi Karakus began her cello education at the age of eleven with Prof. Caglayan Unal SUMER, and attended Dokuz Eylul University State Conservatory in her native Izmir, Turkey. While attending the conservatory she thrice won the concerto competition and before arriving in the U.S., joined several festivals including the Bremen Youth Symphony Orchestra in Bremen, Germany. Ezgi completed her Master of Arts at Marshall University under Dr. Solen Dikener’s mentorship, where she was awarded first price in the Belle and Lynum Jackson Balshaw Music Competition, and the Marshall University Concerto Competition. She gave the world premiere of the Suite for Violoncello and Live Electronics by Mark Zanter and performed for the Society of Composers, Inc. 2013 National Conference at the Ohio State University School of Music. She also performed with several orchestras including Dokuz Eylul Symphony, Ohio Valley Symphony, West Virginia Symphony, Medical Arts Symphony (acted principal), Spire Chamber Ensemble, Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, Topeka Symphony, The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, Saint Joseph Symphony, Tulsa Symphony, and Kansas City Symphony. Ezgi completed her Doctor of Musical Arts in Cello Performance at the University of Missouri – Kansas City Conservatory of Music & Dance under Prof. Carter Enyeart, Mark Gibbs, and Micheal Mermagen. Additionally, she was chosen to perform for Yo-Yo Ma’s Master Class at the Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts on March 22, 2018. At this performance, Ezgi gave the world premiere of Dok Zulfunu Meydana Gel, a Turkish folk song which she arranged with composer Anil Altinsoy. Ezgi is currently co-director of Soundwave Academy, a Professor of Cello at Missouri Western State University, Emporia State University, a teaching artist at the Harmony Project Kansas City.]

[Ezgi Karakus & John Livingston plays KKFI’s 16th annual (Virtual) Crossroads Music Fest, 4:45 PM Live from 1900 Building, Saturday, September 12, LIVESTREAM and LIVE BROADCAST, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with Calvin Arsenia, The Royal Chief, Eddie Moore’s We The People, Julia Othmer, Laura Noble, Reptil, and Soul Servers.]

11:20 – Interview with Bill Sundahl

Joining us for our entire second hour as our special co-host is Bill Sundahl, the founder of Crossroads Music Festival who has been coming on this radio program for 16 years now sharing information about the music and collaborations associated with CMF. Bill is KKFI’s Development Director.

Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us again on WMM.

KKFI Crossroads Music Fest, presented by Community Lending of America, will be a bit different this year.

MixMaster2020: Virtual Panels & Workshops in partnership with KKFI 90.1 FM’s CMF.

September 2, offers COVID Check-in: Staying Well & Staying Creative with panelist Calvin Arsenia, Nick Carswell, and Krystle Warren moderated by Mark Manning.

September 9, Connecting w/ Audiences in COVID times: Livestreams, Patreon and more.

September 16, offers, Keeping the Lights On: Venues, events & the wider industry. The series is hosted by Silly Goose Records, CMFKC and KKFI 90.1 FM. Info at: http://www.kkfi.org

2020 CMF Schedule: 5:30 PM – Reptil — Live from Massive Sound Studio

11:24

14. Reptil – “Tus Alas”
from: Alma Mia / Reptil / August 20, 2010
[A Kansas City, Kansas based bi-lingual quartet, that plays Mexican roots music that emerges from the band’s desire to express and share emotional overwhelming Rock and Roll. The band’s primary genre is Spanish Rock. The shows include a variation of their new songs, including their hit single “Besame”. The set lists are aimed to satisfy audiences who seek out new music and anyone who is nostalgic to pay tribute to Rock En Español. Members include: ALEJANDRO OLIVARES on guitar & vocals, RUBEN OLIVARES on bass guitar & vocals, LUIS C REYES on guitar, ANDRES RAMIREZ on drums and percussion.]

[Reptil plays KKFI’s 16th annual (Virtual) Crossroads Music Fest, 5:30 PM Live from Massive Sound Studio, Saturday, September 12, LIVESTREAM and LIVE BROADCAST, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with Calvin Arsenia, The Royal Chief, Eddie Moore’s We The People, Julia Othmer, Laura Noble, Ezgi Karakus,, and Soul Servers.]

11:28 – Underwriting

11:30 – Interview with Bill Sundahl

Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us again on WMM.

KKFI Crossroads Music Fest, presented by Community Lending of America, will be a bit different this year.

2020 CMF Schedule: 6:15 PM – Laura Noble — Live from Record Bar

11:33

15. Laura Noble – “Love Ahora”
from: Love Ahora – Single / Noble Nation Records / July 10, 2020
[Kansas City based Dominican Republic singer Laura Noble has had the opportunity to perform cover and original songs in major cities including Queens & Manhattan, NY, Minneapolis, MN, Denver, CO, Fort Myers, FL, Denver, CO, Atlanta, GA, Baltimore, MD and others. She’s been performing with live bands for 10+ years at festivals, high budget weddings, and corporate events. She has done the National Anthem and God Bless America at major sporting games and events like the KC Royals, Sporting KC and MMA fight tournaments.]

[Laura Noble plays KKFI’s 16th annual (Virtual) Crossroads Music Fest, 6:15 PM Live from recordBar, Saturday, September 12, LIVESTREAM and LIVE BROADCAST, 4 PM to 10 PM, w/ Calvin Arsenia, The Royal Chief, Eddie Moore’s We The People, Julia Othmer, Reptil, Ezgi Karakus, Soul Servers.]

10:37 – Interview with Bill Sundahl

Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us again on WMM.

KKFI Crossroads Music Fest, presented by Community Lending of America, will be a bit different this year.

Thanks to our 2020 CMF Sponsors for making this happen! Community Lending of America, Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC, Kissick Construction, 1900 Building, Boveri Realty Group, Accurate Superior Scale, Propaganda3, Midwest Music Foundation, The Bridge 90.9FM, Silly Goose Records, Emerald Dreams Labs and KC Heartland.

2020 CMF Schedule:
7:00 PM – Julia Othmer — Live from Sherman Oaks
7:45 PM – We The People — Live from Tribe Studios

11:41

16. Julia Othmer – “Frickin Awesome”
from: Sound / Frickin Awesome Records / April 12, 2019
[Julia Othmer’s second album took three years to complete and was produced with James Lundie, who married Julia in January of 2016, during the completion of the record. Julia Othmer, is a graduate of Park Hill High School and studied at Columbia University in New York City. She moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to record her first full-length album, “Oasis Motel.” In the top 10 of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019]

[Julia Othmer plays KKFI’s 16th annual (Virtual) Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 12, 7:00 PM Live from Sherman Oaks, California LIVESTREAM and LIVE BROADCAST, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring Calvin Arsenia, The Royal Chief, Eddie Moore’s We The People, Laura Noble, Reptil, Ezgi Karakus & John Livingston, and Soul Servers.]

8. We The People – “Misunderstood”
from: Misunderstood – Single / Outer Circle Music / June 26, 2020
[First single from the up-coming debut record of Eddie Moore’s group We The People. We The People is a power trio and sometimes 4-piece stemming from the roots of Black American Music, Hip-hip, Psych-Rock, and Classical. Crafted with raw passion, and unflinching groove this “Urban Gumbo” shares the pain, joy, fear, and dreams that inspire, and celebrate our unity. Eddie Moore on Rhodes & synthesizers, Jason Emmond on bass, Zach Morrow on drums & samples, and Jamie Anderson on guitar & vocoder.]

[We The People play KKFI’s 16th annual (Virtual) Crossroads Music Fest, 7:45 PM Live from Tribe Studios, Saturday, September 12, LIVESTREAM and LIVE BROADCAST, 4 PM to 10 PM, w/ Calvin Arsenia, The Royal Chief, Laura Noble, Julia Othmer, Reptil, Ezgi Karakus, Soul Servers.]

11:48 – Interview with Bill Sundahl

Bill Sundahl thanks for being with us again on WMM.

KKFI’s CMF, presented by Community Lending of America, will be a bit differentr.

Thanks to our 2020 CMF Sponsors for making this happen! Community Lending of America, Missouri Arts Council, ArtsKC, Kissick Construction, 1900 Building, Boveri Realty Group, Accurate Superior Scale, Propaganda3, Midwest Music Foundation, The Bridge 90.9FM, Silly Goose Records, Emerald Dreams Labs and KC Heartland.

For Bill Sundahl & CMF & KKFI & WMM, I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!

2020 CMF will be a Live Stream and Live Broadcast on KKFI 90.1FM and kkfi.org/listen.

2020 CMF Schedule:
8:30 PM – The Royal Chief — Live from Emerald Dreams Lab
9:15 PM – Calvin Arsenia — Live from Record Bar

11:55

18. Calvin Arsenia – “Headlights”
from: Cantaloupe / Center Cut Records / September 15, 2018 (KC Release)
[Born in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey really began when he moved to the KC suburb of Olathe, teaching himself the guitar, and eventually the harp. He learned his signature instrument at the age of 20 after he couldn’t find a harpist as determined as him to meld folk, rock, classical, rap and R&B into the irresistible fusion which has become his calling card in KC and beyond. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to Kansas City reborn as a humanistic songwriter / performer whose impassioned and conceptual stage shows (regularly sold-out in Kansas City, currently catching fire on the West Coast with a diverse following across Europe), are collaborative, costumed-culture-bridging spectacles which In KC Magazine has hailed as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-6-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe, September 15, 2018 on Center Cut Records, has been acclaimed for melding diverse textures into an alluring signature sound for the adventurous artist. On June 28, 2019 Calvin released Honeydew, an EP including a remix of three songs from Cantaloupe. On December 13, 2019 Clvin released his full length Christmas album “all is calm.” Congratulations to Calvin and his fantastic team of co-conspirators and creators: Khitam Jabr, John P. Beatty, Ignacio Galarza III, Ashlee Fairchild Jones, production assistants, and crew. The Toxic music video earned its sixth set of laurels as an official selection of the L.A. Music Video Awards, where they were nominated for Best Music Video, Best Cover Song and Best Male Vocalist. Calvin Arsenia will be participating in The West 18th Street Fashion Show’s 20th year as a feature-length film. “We are moving it from the street to the screen,” says Peregrin Honig to inkansascitymagazine. “Mike Dillon and Calvin Arsenia will be scoring and performing in the film.” The evening of October 16th at The Boulevard Drive-In will be the debut of the director’s cut of “Summer in Hindsight,” which Peregrine is currently working on with Justin Gardner,” Honig says. “We did this during a pandemic and a cultural revolution. I am not sure where else or how else this could happen at this moment in history.”

[Calvin Arsenia play KKFI’s 16th annual (Virtual) Crossroads Music Fest, 9:15 PM Live from recordBar, Saturday, September 12, LIVESTREAM and LIVE BROADCAST, 4 PM to 10 PM, w/ The Royal Chief, Laura Noble, We The People, Julia Othmer, Reptil, Ezgi Karakus, Soul Servers.]

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

Next week on Wednesday, September 16 we’ll play more New & MidCoastal Releases. PLUS, Chris Hazelton joins us to share details about The Freedom Affair‘s debut album FREEDOM IS LOVE on Sunflower Soul Records. AND, art writer Blair Schulman joins us to talk about artist and Andy Warhol Superstar Brigid Berlin.

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

Steph Castor photo was made at The Lawrence Community Photo Studio owned by Jay Keim (Handmade Photography)

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

Black Lives Matter

Show #854

WMM with Bill Sundahl & Crossroads Music Fest + Poet Steph Castor

Posted on September 8, 2020 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Bill Sundahl & the 16th Annual Crossroads Music Fest
+ Writer & Poet Steph Castor

Mark plays New & MidCoastal Releases from: The Freedom Affair, Aaron Alexander, Brent Windler, Sulu Moon, Calvin Arsenia, We The People, Howard Iceberg & The Titanics featuring Betse Ellis, Julia Othmer, Krystle Warren & The Faculty, Sally Haze, Laura Noble, Reptil, Ezgi Karakus, Soul Servers, Lomelda, Kelly Lee Owens, and Adrianne Lenker.

photo made at The Lawrence Community Photo Studio owned by Jay Keim (Handmade Photography)

At 10:30 Writer & Poet Steph Castor shares poems from her second full-length book of poetry, KEEP HER IN YOUR MOUTH just released and published by Thirty West Publishing House (Philadelphia, PA). Steph’s roots are in music, but she has an impressive history of poetry performance across the United States, including opening for Andrea Gibson on a sold out show at Czar Bar in January 2014, appearances in support of the Midwest Music Foundation and Midcoast Takeover events, founding the LFK Poetry Slam at The Granada Theatre in Lawrence, enjoying a beer with beat poet John Sinclair and the editor-in-chief of High Times Magazine at Mama’s Crow Bar in Portland, Maine while on tour with Vigil and Thieves. Steph Castor is also the writer of Bedroom Music (Stubborn Mule Press, 2019). Her past work can be found in Curve Magazine, Guitar Girl Magazine, Guitar World, Tattoo.com, and many more.

At 11:00 KKFI’s Development Director Bill Sundahl joins us to share the details about the KKFI’s 16th annual (Virtual) Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, September 12th, LIVESTREAM and LIVE BROADCAST, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, sponsored by Community Lending of America and featuring Calvin Arsenia, The Royal Chief, Eddie Moore’s We The people, Julia Othmer, Laura Noble, Reptil, Ezgi Karakus & John Livingston, and Soul Servers. Performances will be broadcast from recordBar, 1900 building, Massive Sound Studios, Tribe Studio, Sherman Oaks, One KC Radio – KONN 100.1, and Emerald Dreams Lab. The 2020 CMF will be a Live Stream and Live Broadcast on KKFI 90.1FM and kkfi.org/listen. To donate in support of KKFI and CMF visit: http://www.kkfi.org/donate. More info at: http://www.cmfkc.org.

Steph Castor photo made at The Lawrence Community Photo Studio owned by Jay Keim (Handmade Photography)

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

Black Lives Matter

Show #854

WMM Playlist from Sept. 2, 2020

Posted on September 8, 2020 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Ivory Blue + Nick Carswell & Mix Master 2020
+ David Shaughnessey & KC Irish Fest Where You Are

1. “It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / Dec. 20, 1979
[WMM’s theme]

2. Shiner – “In The End”
from: Schadenfreude / Two Black Eyes / May 8, 2020
[Shiner is Allen Epley on voice, guitar, Rhodes; Josh Newton on guitar, Jason Gerken on drums, Cymbals; Paul Malinowski on bass. produced by Shiner. Recorded and mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound, Shawnee, Kansas. Additional recording by Allen Epley. Additional mixing by Josh Newton. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering, Portland, OR. Art by Mike McKenney (@the_real_theory). Layout by Josh Newton Shiner is an American post-hardcore band from Kansas City, Missouri that was active from 1992 to 2003. Since 2012 Shiner has been playing several shows a year. The band’s new record “Schadenfreude.” The group formed in 1992, and quickly found wide exposure, releasing a vinyl EP in 1993 and touring with acts such as Sunny Day Real Estate, Chore, Jawbox, Season to Risk, The Jesus Lizard, and Girls Against Boys. The group released their first LP, Splay (recorded at Steve Albini’s Chicago studio) in 1996, and a second album, Lula Divinia the next year. Sub Pop took notice, and released a 7” single of the group’s songs “Sleep it Off” and “Half Empty”. Following this the band toured with Hum in 1998. A third full-length, Starless, was released on a label run by members of Descendents, Owned and Operated, in 2000. A fourth LP, The Egg, would follow before the group broke up in 2002. This was recorded and produced at Matt Talbott’s recording studio, Great Western Record Recorders in Tolono IL. Josh Newton is the guitar/synth player/mastermind for Sie Lieben Maschinen with Jason Gerken on drums. Allen Epley is in The Life and Times.]

[SHINER plays a 15 Year Anniversary – Kickstarter Kick-Off Party with Heels and DJ Stevie Cruz on Friday September 4, 2020, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Lemonade Park, a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created in partnership between recordBar, Voltaire, and Moxie Catering, 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), behind Voltaire. recordBar is launching a Kickstarter campaign through their Lights On program, which is designed specially to help businesses find funding to weather the pandemic. This campaign will celebrate recordBar’s 15th year by offering rewards of limited edition merchandise, items from recordBar’s vast collection of memorabilia, future tickets and much more. To launch the campaign, an all-time favorite band, Shiner will perform. Tickets can be purchased through the Lemonade Park or recordBar website. This show will also be available via live-stream from the Kickstarter page. Tickets are limited to 75 and are available for $75 a piece, with assigned seating. Donations for the Day of Show Auction include prizes from: KC Royals, Midwest Music Foundation, Jack Daniels, Tito’s, Drunken Fiddles, The Record Machine, Ragazza, The Midland Theater, Josey Records, The Pairing, Boulevard Brewery, Manor Records, Jaykco Guitar Straps, Weights & Measures Recording Studio, Massive Sound Recording Studio, Records With Merritt, Messenger Coffee, Ibis Bakery. More info at: http://www.shiner.net / http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/recordbar/15-year-anniversary-recordbar-will-return%5D

[SHINER plays Night 2 of recordBar 15 Year Anniversary Party with The Whiffs and DJ Thundercutz on Sunday September 6, 2020, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Lemonade Park, a limited capacity socially distanced outdoor venue created in partnership between recordBar, Voltaire, and Moxie Catering, 1628 Wyoming (NW corner of Wyoming & 17th St.), behind Voltaire.]

3. Daniel Gum – “Ruin Your Life”
from: Ruin Your Life – Single / Manor Records / September 4, 2020
[First single from Daniel Gum’s new album, Thirteen to be released later this fall on Manor Records. Daniel Gum is a 23 year old singer-songwriter from Kansas City. Since the age of 12, he has spent the majority of his time writing and recording songs by himself in his room. His most recent project, Moon, on the other hand was recorded by someone else in another room while Daniel was by himself in yet another room. The Moon EP was released December 7, 2019. It was engineered by Mike Crawford and Daniel Gum and mixed by Daniel Gum with piano and accordion by Cole Crawford. Daniel Gun released his EP i’m not dead October 25, 2017, and his 10-song album Reorient on July 31, 2015, with all songs written, recorded and mixed by Daniel Gum who also performed all vocals guitars, drums, piano, bass. harmonica, and programming.] [On our July 22, 2020, WMM show we played Daniel Gum’s track, “Tired Saint” from French Exit Records – Black Lives Matter Compilation, released July 6, 2020. French Exit Records was launched two years ago as an independent music label in KCMO, founded by Brad Girard. French Exit Records has released albums for No Magic and Raymond,. The BLM Comp is on French Exit Record’s Bandcamp page: https://frenchexitrecords.bandcamp.com/album/black-lives-matter-compilation. BLM Compilation is 22 acts from the area, with all proceeds donated to One Struggle KC’s Liberation Fund, a Black-led coalition of KC activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally & globally.]

4. Sam Prekop – “Summer Places”
from: Comma / Thrill Jockey Records / September 11, 2020
[From his Bandcamp page: Sam Prekop’s boundless imagination is guided by his strong sense of melody. For more than 25 years, as a solo artist or as part of The Sea and Cake, Prekop creates a singular sound inventive and warm. His distinctive vocals, guitar playing and work on modular analog synthesizers are inventive, delicate, and always bear his signature sense of melody. Comma finds Sam Prekop for the first time working extensively with beat programming, focusing his enveloping synthesizer pieces around a newfound rhythmic pulse. // Prekop’s creative process is a combination of preparation and improvisation. Writing sessions for Comma began with an open-ended exploration of sounds and textures from which the first fragments of songs would reveal themselves. The introduction of drum machines and additional synthesizer units to his modular setup shifted things in surprising new directions as he worked to bend them into more traditional pop song structures. Drum tracks and emergent rhythms provided the frameworks and narrative sketches to be fleshed out with lustrous widescreen synth pads and ribboning melodies. In approaching his writing with a completely open mind and letting himself be guided by the music, Prekop maintains a delicate balance between composition and chance, control and spontaneity. Comma embraces the analogue synthesizer’s often unpredictable nature, imbuing the record with a decidedly organic feel even while working within the relative rigidity of beat architectures. // Prekop’s wide-eyed sense of discovery guides his exploration of beat-driven music, pushing him to use rhythm as a narrative tool and to embrace electronic music’s romantic and emotional qualities. “Park Line” and “Circle Line” evoke the relentless forward motion of public transit and commuter routine, one propelled by juddering machine-drums, the other illuminated in glistening neon. “Summer Places” and title track “Comma” are utterly transportive in their intoxicating tropical futurism, aqueous electronic loops cascading over melodic percussion. “September Remember” is notable precisely for its lack of drum track, opening up the field of sound and obliterating all but the faintest after-echoes of skittering percussion in its astral melancholy. “Approaching” achieves an incredible depth of sound and feeling using minimal constituent parts, interlocking synth-lines revealing surprising new sonorities with every repetition. With Comma, Prekop compiles an incredible breadth of ideas into a surprisingly coherent sound-world. // Comma is Prekop’s modern minimal pop album that taps into the experimental heritage of the synthesizer. The album places Sam Prekop’s work squarely in the tradition of electronic music pioneers like Brian Eno and Yellow Magic Orchestra who brought together the unrestrained ambition of the avant-garde with the immediacy and accessibility of pop music. ]

5. Miki P and The Swallowtails – “Imperfect”
from: Right Where We Are / Miki P / August 21, 2020
[Rachel Lovelace on bassoon, Adee Dancy on cello & vocals, and Miki P on guitar & lead Vocals. Each member is an integral part of the Kansas City music scene, writing, arranging, performing, and collaborating original music for their own groups and several other projects in the metro. “Introspective pop music with lyric-driven folk influences, mixed with collaborative energy & an odd pairing of instruments, Miki P locked in with the Swallowtails create a moment with music written and arranged from the heart.” Miki P (Mikala Petillo) started playing guitar in middle school. She taught herself to play the drums, while listening to Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon and Ringo Starr. As a teen she played drums for various groups including American Slim. She wrote songs for their full-length album Irreplaceable released in 2017, followed by a single “Queen of Hearts” released April 11, 2018. She also plays ukulele & piano, teaching herself how to play both the instruments, using them frequently in all projects she is involved in. She was a featured vocalist with The Band That Fell to Earth Bowie Tribute. She’s played Boulevardia, Middle of the Map Fest, Royal’s Kaufman Stadium, recordBar, Uptown Theater, Arrowhead Stadium, Nelson Atkins Museum, the Crossroads Music Festival and the SXSW Music Fest More info at: http://www.mikipmusic.com .]

6. Paper Tongues – “Just Do It”
from: Just Do It – Single / Soundview Projects / August 5, 2020
[Paper Tongues are a musical hailing from Charlotte North Carolina. Aswan North grew up in Jacksonville, North Carolina and Danny Santell is originally from the Bronx, New York City, NY. The two combine forces to deliver an eclectic Rock & Hip Hop Sounds. Danny Santell now resides in Kansas City. Paper Tongues was once signed to AM Octone Records and was managed by Randy Jackson (American Idol/Journey). They left the label and got their masters back and are now truly independent recording artists!.]

7. Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear – “Started With a Family”
from: Started With a Family / Starts With Music, LLC / September 6. 2019
[Produced with Grammy-winner Nathan Chapman at iconic Blackbird Studios in Nashville. Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear have garnered international acclaim, and new fans from all over the world. They signed with Glassnote Records and recorded their debut full length album in Nashville with acclaimed producer Jim Abiss. They performed their debut single “Silent Movies” on The Late Show with David Letterman, they’ve toured across the United States, and Europe, more than once. They were featured on CBS Sunday Morning, NBC’s The Today Show, and “Later With Jools Holland and played Bonnaroo, Pilgramage, and the Newport Folk Festival, and the Ryman Theatre, in Nashville. Ruth Ward has continually performed throughout her life, mostly in coffee shops and open mics, for over 30 years, even recording a solo record. In the midst of this she got married and became a mom, and was busy raising a family. Madisen Ward was born in Oklahoma, and grew up in the outskirts of Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 2007. Madisen’s journey to become a musician, was “melodically passed down” through the songs of his mother, where Madisen grew up watching his mom perform at local coffee shops. Eventually he began to learn to play the guitar, and poured his talent for writing into the music to create original songs. They began playing Madisen’s original songs along with the occassional cover of a classic track, reinterpreted in their own incredibly beautiful performace of two voices and two guitars in harmony and orchestration. Their debut album, The Skeleton Crew, was released May 9, 2015 and was our most played record that year and was #1 on WMM’s The 115 Best Recordings of 2015. Their follow up EP Radio Winners was released July 27, 2018 and recieved critical acclaim.] [Madisen Ward and The Mama Bear played Crossroads Music Fest, Sat., Sept 7,, Crossroads KC, with Shy Boys, Split Lip Rayfield, The Freedom Affair.]

[Madisen Ward plays Irish Fest Where You Are – Benefit Concert, Sat, Sept. 5, 7 to 9:00 PM at Crown Center Pavilion, with social distanced-limited seating also broadcast live at: 2020.kcirishfest.com with Calvin Arsenia, Carswell & Hope, Ashley Davis, Eddie Delahunt. Maria the Mexican, Enrique Chi of Making Moves, Ian Byrne of The Elders, Madisen Ward, Victor and Penny, and Katy Guillen]

10:30 – Underwriting

8. Sean Muldoon & Ashley Davis – “Perfectly Beautiful”
from: LightSongs / Dead Rabbit Records / January 14, 2020
[Think Joni Mitchell meets contemporary Celtic and you’ll get something like the creative force of Ashley Davis, an American singer-songwriter whose musical imagination invites the world into her eclectic sphere. Good Morning America, describes the Ashley Davis Band as “new music springing from ancient roots.” A culmination of the many influences that have inspired her over the years, Davis’s songwriting has captivated audiences on either side of the Atlantic. She has excelled in Celtic folk, Americana, and even electronic, proving she can turn any musical style into a spellbinding story. In the words of Academy Award winning composer Philip Glass, Ashley Davis has “as much musicality as anyone could wish for.” A native of Kansas and graduate of the University of Limerick’s World Music Centre, Ashley Davis writes music that lives between continents and speaks to two national traditions. Between her background in American roots and love of Celtic folk, Davis possesses a unique talent for conjoining ancient history with modern, intercultural interpretation. As a performer moving between Nashville, New York, the west of Ireland, and even the Isle of Man, where she served as Artist in Residence in 2006, Ashley has always applied her distinct Great Plains perspective to a range of genres and cultures, forging songs out of the moment when different minds and backgrounds meet. Given all the time she has spent traversing the Atlantic, it is unsurprising that Davis’s music exhibits an inherently ethereal and aqueous quality. Her songs seem to exist air bound above the ocean, merely waiting for the current to direct them toward shore..]

[Ashley Davis plays Irish Fest Where You Are – Benefit Concert, Sat, Sept. 5, 7 to 9:00 PM at Crown Center Pavilion, with social distanced-limited seating also broadcast live at: 2020.kcirishfest.com with Calvin Arsenia, Carswell & Hope, Ashley Davis, Eddie Delahunt. Maria the Mexican, Enrique Chi of Making Moves, Ian Byrne of The Elders, Madisen Ward, Victor and Penny, and Katy Guillen]

10:34 – Interview with David Shaughnessy

What happens when you are in the middle of a pandemic and your annual celebrated and incredibly popular annual KC Irish Fest is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend. The result is: KC Irish Fest Where You Are – Benefit Concert, Saturday, September 5, 7 to 9:00 PM at Crown Center Pavilion, with social distanced-limited seating, and also broadcast live at: 2020.kcirishfest.com with Calvin Arsenia, Carswell & Hope, Ashley Davis, Eddie Delahunt. Maria the Mexican, Enrique Chi of Making Moves, Ian Byrne of The Elders, Madisen Ward, Victor and Penny, and Katy Guillen.

David Shaughnessy works at Uptown Artist Group, an artist booking and management agency specializing in contemporary Celtic, World and Mainstream music. Their roster consists of Byrne and Kelly, Mundy, Ashley Davis, Runa, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Dylan Walshe, Shane Hennessy, and Oscar Blue. David is also the founder of Shaughnessy & Associates Photography and he serves as Entertainment Director at Kansas City Irish Fest.

David Shaughnessy, Thanks for being with us on WMM.

Check out http://www.kcirishfest.com for a full listing of Fest Where You Are

Saturday, September 5, at 7:00 PM, a two-hour broadcast of the benefit concert, featuring all the live performances from Crown Center and other surprises, Fest Where You Are will benefit the KC Irish Fest Grant Fund. The broadcast will be available at KCIrishFest.com!

Classic Irish hits & covers from house band Carswell & Hope with guest performances.

PERFORMING LIVE AT CROWN CENTER: Calvin Arsenia, Carswell & Hope, Ashley Davis, Eddie Delahunt. Maria the Mexican, Enrique Chi of Making Moves, Ian Byrne of The Elders, Madisen Ward, Victor and Penny, and Katy Guillen

VIRTUAL PERFORMANCES & INTERVIEWS: Aoife Scott, Byrne and Kelly, Corner Boy, Gaelic Storm, Oscar Blue, Shane Hennessy, We Banjo 3.

FEST WHERE YOU ARE BENEFIT CONCERT

Audiences can enjoy the benefit concert live, in-person at Crown Center, with physically distanced tables that seat up to six guests of your choice (and include a beverage package featuring Guinness, Boulevard Products, Miller Lite, wine and water.) Each table also receives a swag bag with gifts from all our Fest Where You Are partners including koozies, bandanas, glassware, and a KC Irish Fest branded mask! All tables are outside under the Crown Center Pavilion tent and spaced a minimum of 8-feet apart. Limited tables available. Tickets must be purchased by table and cannot be purchased individually. Must be 21+ to attend, and agree to these terms and conditions. All proceeds from this concert will be donated to the Kansas City Irish Fest Grant Fund and other non-profit organizations. info@kcirishfest.com
Purchase tickets for the in-person event at Crown Center here: https://bit.ly/3gT2dtu

FEST WHERE YOU ARE CONCERT LIVE FROM CROWN CENTER
WATCH VIRTUALLY VIA LIVESTREAM on KCIrishFest.com
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH, 7-9PM

OTHER WAYS TO WATCH

KANSAS CITY IRISH CENTER
Kansas City Irish Center will have a limited number of tickets available for purchase, for a seat on their patio to watch a livestream broadcast of the concert outdoors on a large LED screen. Tickets are $25 and food and beverages will be available for purchase.Enjoy a pre-show with Ian & Kian Byrne.

KELLY’S WESTPORT INN
Kelly’s Westport Inn will be featuring the concert on their TV sets and will have reserved tables available for purchase. Tickets are $15 per person and you must reserve your table by August 20th. Tickets must be purchased by table and cannot be purchased individually. To reserve your table, email info@kellyswestportinn.com

Reservations begin at 7pm but you can stay as long as you like
Table sizes range from 2-20 people, but are limited
All tables are located in the back two rooms of Kelly’s
Ticket includes two drink tickets for Boulevard Wheat, Pale Ale or a Jameson cocktail

BROWNE’S IRISH MARKET
Browne’s Irish Marketplace will be streaming “KC Irish Fest Where you Are” on an LED screen in their large outdoor venue South of Brownes. It is perfect for your small group to be distanced from other small groups. Tickets are $20 and include one drink token. Enjoy a pre-show from the Jump 2-3’s beginning at 6 p.m. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase.

CONROY’S PUBLIC HOUSE
Conroy’s will be streaming the concert live at their 47th street location. Reservations are required, please call (913) 296-7901 to make your reservation

THE DUBLINER
The Dubliner in the Power & Light District will be streaming the Fest Where You Are Concert at their restaurant. Food & Drink specials available. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Call (816) 268-4700 to make your reservation

Check out 2020.kcirishfest.com for a full listing of Fest Where You Are activities including Whiskey Tastings, Virtual Workshops, Kids Activities and more.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5.

10:00 am – MR. STINKY FEET VIRTUAL CONCERT & STORYTELLING
11:00 am – COOK IRISH BREAKFAST WITH KYLE FROM BOULEVARD
3:00 pm – SCONES WITH SHAUN BRADY
6:00 pm – JAMESON WHISKEY TASTING
4:00 pm- STONE LION PUPPETS LEPRECHAUN PUPPET WORKSHOP
8:00 pm – LIVE CONCERT AT CROWN CENTER

David Shaughnessy, Thanks for being with us on WMM.

Irish Fest Where You Are – Benefit Concert, Sat, Sept. 5, 7 to 9:00 PM at Crown Center Pavilion, with social distanced-limited seating also broadcast live at: 2020.kcirishfest.com with Calvin Arsenia, Carswell & Hope, Ashley Davis, Eddie Delahunt. Maria the Mexican, Enrique Chi of Making Moves, Ian Byrne of The Elders, Madisen Ward, Victor and Penny, and Katy Guillen

David Shaughnessy, Thanks for being with us on WMM.

Check out 2020.kcirishfest.com for a full listing of Fest Where You Are

10:52

9. Calvin Arsenia – “Kansas City Baby”
from: Catastrophe / Calvin Arsenia / February 14, 2017
[Calvin Arsenia premiered these songs in a live show at recordBar in November 2016 in a stage show that involved a company of 50 people, dancers, stilt walkers, special lighting, back up singers, guest artistsBorn in Orlando, Florida, Calvin’s creative journey really began when he moved to the KC suburb of Olathe, teaching himself the guitar, and eventually the harp. He learned his signature instrument at the age of 20 after he couldn’t find a harpist as determined as him to meld folk, rock, classical, rap and R&B into the irresistible fusion which has become his calling card in KC and beyond. His passion for stretching the boundaries of musical expression saw him transform a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland’s Fringe Festival early in his career into a life-changing music mission, with an Edinburgh church offering him a role as musical liaison between the church and the city that would change his life. Two years and 300 shows later, Calvin returned to Kansas City reborn as a humanistic songwriter / performer whose impassioned and conceptual stage shows (regularly sold-out in Kansas City, currently catching fire on the West Coast with a diverse following across Europe), are collaborative, costumed-culture-bridging spectacles which In KC Magazine has hailed as ‘equal parts opera, symphony, musical theatre, rock show, all built around its creator: a charismatic 6-foot-6-inch harpist with a natural stage command and knack for gilding gold and painting lilies.’ Calvin’s 2018 national debut, Cantaloupe, September 15, 2018 on Center Cut Records, has been acclaimed for melding diverse textures into an alluring signature sound for the adventurous artist. On June 28, 2019 Calvin released Honeydew, an EP including a remix of three songs from Cantaloupe. On December 13, 2019 Calvin released his full length Christmas album “all is calm.” Congratulations to Calvin and his fantastic team of co-conspirators and creators: Khitam Jabr, John P. Beatty, Ignacio Galarza III, Ashlee Fairchild Jones, production assistants, and crew. The Toxic music video earned its sixth set of laurels as an official selection of the L.A. Music Video Awards, where they were nominated for Best Music Video, Best Cover Song and Best Male Vocalist. Calvin Arsenia will be participating in The West 18th Street Fashion Show’s 20th year as a feature-length film. “We are moving it from the street to the screen,” says Peregrine Honig to inkansascitymagazine.com “Mike Dillon and Calvin Arsenia will be scoring and performing in the film.” The evening of October 16th at The Boulevard Drive-In will be the debut of the director’s cut of “Summer in Hindsight,” which Peregrine is currently working on with Justin Gardner,” Honig says. “We did this during a pandemic and a cultural revolution. I am not sure where else or how else this could happen at this moment in history.”

[Calvin Arsenia will be a panelist for MixMaster2020: Virtual Panels & Workshops in partnership with KKFI 90.1 FM’s Crossroads Music Fest, TODAY, Wednesdays, September 2, from 4 to 5:30 PM, focused on COVID Check-in: Staying Well & Staying Creative with panelist s Krystle Warren, Erin McGrane and Nick Carswell, and moderated by Mark Manning.]

[Calvin Arsenia plays Irish Fest Where You Are – Benefit Concert, Sat, Sept. 5, 7 to 9:00 PM at Crown Center Pavilion, with social distanced-limited seating also broadcast live at: 2020.kcirishfest.com with Calvin Arsenia, Carswell & Hope, Ashley Davis, Eddie Delahunt. Maria the Mexican, Enrique Chi of Making Moves, Ian Byrne of The Elders, Madisen Ward, Victor and Penny, and Katy Guillen]

10. Black Pumas – “Fast Car”
from: Black Pumas (Deluxe) / ATO / August 28, 2020
[From Rolling Stone: Black Pumas have released a new double album deluxe edition of the band’s debut album, out August 28th via ATO Records. This deluxe edition features live-in-studio version of their song “Confines” where Black Pumas are tapering back the quick soul skip of the original into a groove that still moves at a steady pace, but now boasts additional space for a cadre of background singers and a string quartet. This new arrangement suits Black Pumas, as both Eric Burton’s raw vocals and Adrian Quesada’s spitfire guitar still sound right at home amid the swelling strings. This version of “Confines” is one of three live-in-studio cuts on the deluxe edition, along with renditions of “Colors” and “Oct 33.” The record also features three previously unreleased originals, “I’m Ready,” “Red Rover” and “Black Cat,” plus a live version of “Know You Better,” recorded at the Austin club, C-Boys Heart and Soul. The deluxe edition, Black Pumas also feature four cover songs: their take on Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” plus renditions of the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby,” Death’s “Politicians in My Eyes” and Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City.” // Black Pumas are a funk and soul duo based in Austin, Texas, consisting of singer Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada. Their work also has strong Latin music influences. The duo received their first Grammy nomination ever for Best New Artist at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. The duo formed in 2017 and released their debut album, Black Pumas, on June 21, 2019 which was part of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Black Pumas performed at South by Southwest in 2019 and won a best new band trophy at the 2019 Austin Music Awards. On November 20, 2019, they were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Quesada was a member of Latin funk band Grupo Fantasma when it won the Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album for the 2010 album El Existential, and when it was previously nominated for the same award in 2008 for Sonidos Gold.]

11:00 – Station ID

11. Ivory Blue – “Elite Dreamland”
from: “Elite Dreamland” – Single / Devin Robert Kesler / February 17, 2020
[KC based singer songwriter and rock & roller, Ivory Blue is currently in the studio putting together a new full length 10-song album called “Compound Love” for release in 2020. Ivory Blue’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015 and had wide radio airplay on this show and multiple radio and television stations in Kansas City and across the country. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. Ivøry Blue has played Crossroads Music festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, Kauffman Stadium, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library. Born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, and given up for adoption at the age of four, it was difficult to find trust in people after living with eight different foster families. Running away at 15, Ivory moved from Indiana to Oklahoma and eventually ended up in Seattle. In 2011 Ivory moved to Kansas City, and has became a part of new family.]

Ivory Blue

11:04 – Interview with Ivory Blue

KC based singer songwriter and rock & roller, Ivory Blue caught our attention with the debut EP, Ready Get Set, released in June 2015 and had wide radio airplay on this show and multiple radio and television stations in Kansas City and across the country. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. Ivory Blue joins us on the phone to share the new single “Half a Life” to be released September 20, 2020. Earlier this year Ivory released the single “Elite Dreamland” on February 17. Ivory Blue has been in the studio working on a new 10-song album called, “Compound Love.” Ivory has played Crossroads Music Fest, Middle of the Map Fest, The Westport Roots Festival, Kauffman Stadium, and the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at KC Public Library. More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com

Ivory Blue thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Creating music in pandemic times.

Ivory Blue has been in the studio working on a new 10-song album, “Compound Love.”

Ivory Blue was among 1800 bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local and regional challenges and advanced to the nationals in Los Angeles, where the top five bands played The Viper Room before judges that included: Scott Borchetta President & CEO of Big Machine Label Records; fashion designer John Varvatos; songwriter & producer Desmond Child; engineer Chris Lord-Alge; Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols; and Gavin Rossdale of Bush. Ivory won the entire competition and the opportunity to record “Ready Get Set” for Big Machine Records / John Varvatos Records.

Ivory Blue’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015, recorded and mastered by Larry Gann of Awestruck studios. Micah Burdick on guitar, Craig Kew on bass, and Lester Estelle, drummer for Kelly Clarkson, on drums for Ivory ‘s EP.

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

Ivory Blue has played Crossroads Music festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library, and The Kauffman Stadium, July 1, Royals home game.

Klaartje Van Lue is Ivory’s manager and she was the one who helped Ivory find their way to KC. Ivory has said that Klaartje saved their life.

Born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, and given up for adoption at the age of four, it was difficult to find trust in people after living with eight different foster families. Running away at 15, Ivory moved from Indiana to Oklahoma and eventually ended up in Seattle. In 2011 Ivory moved to Kansas City, and was welcomed into a new family. On June 23, 2015, Ivory released the debut EP, “Ready Get Set.” Ivory is now currently in the process of writing and recording a debut full-length album.

Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender.”

Ivory is one of our most frequent guests and sang “Elite Dreamland” live on our November 6, 2019 edition.

“Half A Life” was composed, arranged, and produced solely by Ivory Blue, with every instrument, every sound effect, thinkle or loop, with the exception of drums by Lennon Bone recorded at Element Studios, (Joel Nanos), and bass by Craig Kew recorded in Ivory’s home studio.

Ivory Blue thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

Ivory Blue’s new song “Half A Life” will be released September 20. Ivory’s full length 10-song album called “Compound Love” will be released later in 2020. More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com

11:20

12. Ivory Blue – “Half A Life”
from: “Half A Life” – Single / Devin Robert Kesler / September 20, 2020
[“Half A Life” was composed, arranged, and produced solely by Ivory Blue, with every instrument, every sound effect, thinkle or loop, with the exception of drums by Lennon Bone recorded at Element Studios, (Joel Nanos), and bass by Craig Kew recorded in Ivory’s home studio. KC based singer songwriter and rock & roller, Ivory Blue is currently in the studio putting together a new full length 10-song album called “Compound Love” for release in 2020. KC based singer songwriter and rock & roller, Ivory Blue is currently in the studio putting together a new full length 10-song album called “Compound Love” for release in 2020. Ivory Blue’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015 and had wide radio airplay on this show and multiple radio and television stations in Kansas City and across the country. In 2017 Ivory was among 1800 bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. Ivory Blue has played Crossroads Music festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, Kauffman Stadium, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library. Born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, and given up for adoption at the age of four, it was difficult to find trust in people after living with eight different foster families. Running away at 15, Ivory moved from Indiana to Oklahoma and eventually ended up in Seattle. In 2011 Ivory moved to Kansas City, and has became a part of new family]

13. Lava Dreams – “See It Through”
from: “Good Energy + Focus / Lava Dreams / June 13, 2020
[Written by Lava Dreams and produced by Duncan Burnett. Solo artist Lava Dreams aka Julia Hamilton writes songs influenced by pop, soul, RnB, jazz, trap, house, funk, reggae, rock, and world music. Hailing from Kansas City, MO, her guitar-based music is both dreamy & electric. Lava Dreams began writing lyrics and melodies as a young child. Growing up, she learned to play her first guitar chords from her father – who played around the house and in local bars. After playing guitar and singing in several Kansas City bands as a teenager, she set out to become a solo artist in 2018. Julia Hamilton is also a film maker who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Film from Avila Unversity. You can listen to Lava Dreams on Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, Deezer, Google Play, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, Bandcamp, or at LavaDreamsMusic.com ]

[Lava Dreams plays Saturday Storytellers, Saturday, September 5, at 5:00 PM with Jessica Paige, at Ollie’s Local, 3044 Gillham Rd., in KCMO hosted by Don Simon on the first Saturday of each month.]

14. Shy Boys – “View From The Sky”
from: Talk Loud / Polyvinyl Record Co. / Expected September 25, 2020
[From the upcoming third album from Kansas City’s Shy Boys. The follow up to single, “Trash” released August 3, 2020. and after Dim The Light / Brick By Brick, released February 15, 2019. Shy Boys released their 2nd album and Polyvinyl debut, Bell House on August 3, 2018. Shy Boys line-up consists of brothers Collin Rausch and Kyle Rausch, Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. Kyle Rausch and Konnor Ervin were already band mates in the indie-pop band The ACBs and Collin had been playing for years in the Kansas City area in various bands including The Abracadabras, and The I’ms with brother Kyle. The three shared a love for 1960s era pop rock and soon started writing their own music. In 2014 they released the self-titled Shy Boys on High Dive Records. The album received generally positive reviews and the single “Bully Fight” (originally released by The I’ms) was featured on Spin.com. In June 2014, the band recorded and released two more singles and one of them, “Life Is Peachy,” was featured on Stereogum. On April 4th, 2018, it was announced that the band had signed to Polyvinyl Record Company.]

11:29 – Underwriting

15. Carswell & Hope – “The Other Side”
from: Exit Plan EP / Silly Goose Records / May 22, 2018
[Music by Carswell & Hope. Lyrics by Nick Carswell. Produced & mixed by Jason Slote & Nick Carswell. Mastered by Michael Fossenkemper @ TurtleTone Studio NYC. Lawrence KS based 5-piece band formed June 25, 2012. The band is: Nick Carswell, Jason Slote, Austin Quick, Chris Handley, and Jordan Tucker. Songwriter Nick Carswell is originally from Ireland and has found a new home on the plains of Kansas.]

[Carswell & Hope will be the house band for KC Irish Fest Where You Are – Benefit Concert, Sat, Sept. 5, 7 to 9:00 PM at Crown Center Pavilion, with social distanced-limited seating also broadcast live at: 2020.kcirishfest.com with Calvin Arsenia, Carswell & Hope, Ashley Davis, Eddie Delahunt. Maria the Mexican, Enrique Chi of Making Moves, Ian Byrne of The Elders, Madisen Ward, Victor and Penny, and Katy Guillen]

[Nick Carswell is presenting MixMaster2020: Virtual Panels & Workshops in partnership with KKFI 90.1 FM’s Crossroads Music Fest, TODAY, Wednesdays, September 2, from 4 to 5:30 PM, focused on COVID Check-in: Staying Well & Staying Creative with panelist s Krystle Warren, Erin McGrane and Nick Carswell, and moderated by Mark Manning.]

Nick Carswell

10:34 – Interview with Nick Carswell

Songwriter Nick Carswell is originally from Limerick, Ireland, Nick Carswell has been living in Lawrence, KS since 2011. He formed Carswell & Hope in late 2012. The band released their debut album in 2014, coinciding with a two week Irish tour. Nick has also played bass in the electro-pop band Pink Royal and is the force behind Silly Goose Records and the annual MixMaster music conference, now part of the Crossroads Music Festival. Nick Carswell joins us to shares details on MixMaster2020: Virtual Panels & Workshops in partnership with KKFI 90.1 FM’s Crossroads Music Fest. Now in its 7th year, MXM 2020 is offering a 3-week series of online panel discussions, starting this week, on Wednesdays, from 4 to 5:30 PM, focused on empowering artists, connecting creators with the wider industry, and sharing best practices to advancing your music. In context of the COVID-19 pandemic, topics cover how artists are coping, what opportunities are available, and how to remain positive, creative and connected. The virtual series begins this afternoon, September 2, at 4;00 to 5:30 PM offering COVID Check-in: Staying Well & Staying Creative with panelist Krystle Warren, Calvin Arsenia, Erin McGrane, Nick Carswell, and moderated by Mark Manning. More info at: http://www.kkfi.org

Nick Carswell thanks for being with us on WMM.

Limerick, Ireland, Nick Carswell has been living in Lawrence, KS since 2011.

Last time Nick was on the show was over a year ago when he shared music and information about Changing Shades – Stories of Migration, Confusion & Belonging told in Image & Song from Nick Carswell in a solo performance of 10 songs, accompanied by lighting, projection and stage design, creating a unique visual canvas to the music.: Friday, May 10, at The Irish Center of KC, 19 West Linwood Blvd. AND Saturday, May 11, at Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. The project was supported by an ArtsKC Inspiration Grant.

Carswell & Hope will be the house band for KC Irish Fest Where You Are – Benefit Concert, Saturday, September 5, 7 to 9:00 PM at Crown Center Pavilion, with social distanced-limited seating also broadcast live at: 2020.kcirishfest.com with Classic Irish hits & covers from house band Carswell & Hope with guest performances from: Calvin Arsenia, Carswell & Hope, Ashley Davis, Eddie Delahunt. Maria the Mexican, Enrique Chi of Making Moves, Ian Byrne of The Elders, Madisen Ward, Victor and Penny, and Katy Guillen.With virtual performances and presentations from: Aoife Scott, Byrne and Kelly, Corner Boy, Gaelic Storm, Oscar Blue, Shane Hennessy, We Banjo 3.

MixMaster2020: Virtual Panels & Workshops in partnership with KKFI 90.1 FM’s Crossroads Music Fest.

September 2, offers COVID Check-in: Staying Well & Staying Creative with panelist Calvin Arsenia, Nick Carswell, and Krystle Warren moderated by Mark Manning.

September 9, offers Connecting with Audiences in COVID times: Livestreams, Patreon and more.

September 16, offers, Keeping the Lights On: Venues, events & the wider industry. The series is hosted by Silly Goose Records, CMFKC and KKFI 90.1 FM. More info at: http://www.kkfi.org

Nick Carswell thanks for being with us on WMM.

11:49

16. Krystle Warren – “Born In The Fall”
from: A Time to Keep Love Songs EP / Parlour Door Music / August 12, 2011
[Originally from KC, Krystle learned to play the guitar by listening to Rubber Soul & Revolver from The Beatles. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, and moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French and British television programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. Krystle created, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace” a recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections.]

[Krystle Warren will be a panelist for MixMaster2020: Virtual Panels & Workshops in partnership with KKFI 90.1 FM’s Crossroads Music Fest, TODAY, Wednesdays, September 2, from 4 to 5:30 PM, focused on COVID Check-in: Staying Well & Staying Creative with panelist s Krystle Warren, Erin McGrane and Nick Carswell, and moderated by Mark Manning.]

17. Angel Olsen – “Whole New Mess”
from: Whole New Mess / Jagjaguwar / August 28, 2020
[5th studio album from Angel Olsen. Recorded by Olsen and engineer Michael Harris in a converted church, the album features tracks from her 2019 album, All Mirrors, arranged in a more intimate style. Whole New Mess was recorded over ten days in October 2018 with engineer Michael Harris. The pair worked in isolation in the town of Anacortes, Washington, recording in a converted Catholic church.[2] Olsen would use the church’s corridors to create a natural echo effect on her vocals. The album was recorded prior to Olsen’s 2019 studio album, All Mirrors, which features many of the same compositions in a different form: “When we made [Whole New Mess], I was still processing a lot of the songs, so for me, it’s harder to listen to this record than it is for me to listen to All Mirrors. When I recorded All Mirrors, other people had their hands in the pot, which separated me from the songs. I could get into them in a distant way. On Whole New Mess I’m feeling every feeling that they evoke.” The album was written following the collapse of a romantic relationship, with Olsen noting: “I was really depressed. I had no idea whether the songs were good. They were just about my life. I could have recorded them at home and kept them as demos, but I knew Michael [Harris] was someone I could be depressed in front of, who would help me to explore it in different ways. It was such an emotional process.” Angel Olsen was born January 22, 1987. She is an American singer-songwriter and musician from St. Louis, Missouri who currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina. At age three, Olsen was adopted by a foster family that had cared for her since shortly after her birth. The difference in years between her and her parents left an impression. “Because there are so many decades of difference between us, I became more interested in what their childhood was like,” she says of her parents, both of whom still live in St. Louis. “I fantasized about what it was like to be young in the ’30s and ’50s, more so than other kids my age.” Olsen explained that “my mother just has this capacity for children.” Despite early adolescent aspirations to be a “pop star”, her interests later shifted in high school. Olsen became more introverted, regularly attending punk rock and noise music shows at the Lemp Neighborhood Arts Center and the Creepy Crawl as well as Christian rock shows throughout the city. She began learning the piano and guitar and writing her own music. Two years after graduating from Tower Grove Christian High School, Olsen moved to Chicago.After releasing her first EP, Strange Cacti, and a debut album, Half Way Home, on Bathetic Records, Olsen signed with Jagjaguwar, ahead of her first full-band record, Burn Your Fire for No Witness, which was released on February 17, 2014. Olsen’s third full-length album, My Woman, was released on September 2, 2016. In addition to her work with Bonnie “Prince” Billy and The Cairo Gang, Olsen has collaborated with a number of other notable figures of American indie rock, including Tim Kinsella of Cap’n Jazz, LeRoy Bach of Wilco and Cass McCombs. Her collaboration with Kinsella and Bach, as well as with Chicago poet Marvin Tate, resulted in the album Tim Kinsella Sings the Songs of Marvin Tate by Leroy Bach Featuring Angel Olsen which the group released on Indianapolis label Joyful Noise Recordings on December 3, 2013.]

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

11:58 – ArtsKC – Arts Calendar

Next week on Wednesday, September 9, Bill Sundahl joins us to share details the Crossroads Music Fest presented virtually and over the radio on Saturday, September 9, with Calvin Arsenia, Laura Noble, We the People (feat. Eddie Moore), Julia Othmer, Ezgi Karakus & John Livingston, Soul Servers, and The Royal Chief. More info at: http://www.CMF.com

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

Nick Carswell photo by John Knepper

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

Black Lives Matter

Show #853

WMM presents Teri Quinn + Kadesh Flow + Dan Jones & The Squids

Posted on March 9, 2020 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, March 4, 2019

New & MidCoastal Releases + Teri Quinn
+ Dan Jones & The Squids + Kadesh Flow

Mark plays New & MidCostal Releases from: Krystle Warren & The Faculty, Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy, Miki P & The Swallowtails, Dan Jones and The Squids, Joseph Warren & The Wanderlust Revival, Teri Quinn, Kadesh Flow with NublvckCity, The Buhs featuring Lee Langston & Les Izmore, Best Coast, and Dirty Projectors.

Teri Quinn Photographed by Kelly Powell of Elements Studio Photography. Styling by Taylor Rivera

At 10:30 Teri Quinn plays LIVE in our 90.1 FM studios with Landon Hambright on guitar. Teri will share her new single “Sweet Savannah,” released February 26, 2020. Teri Quinn is a KC based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Teri moved to Kansas City in 2009 to study clarinet performance and Music Composition at the UMKC’s Conservatory of Music where she graduated in 2013. Teri released her debut EP, Moons and Meltdowns in 2017. Along with being a touring solo artists Teri has also played with Claire and the Crowded Stage, Abandoned Bells and True Lions.

At 11:00 we welcome KC based musicians Dan Jones and Matt Ronan of the band, Dan Jones & The Squids who released their newest album “We Live In A World That Is Out Of This World” on December 21, 2019. Dan Jones & The Squids includes Dan Jones on acoustic & electric guitars, keyboard, lead vocals; Matt Ronan on drums, percussion & vocals; Alex Alexander on electric guitar & vocals; and Steve Tulipana on bass & vocals. Dan Jones and the Squids play The Brick, 1727 McGee St, KCMO, on Saturday, March 14, at 10:00 PM, with Red Kate, and The Grave Escape. Dan Jones & The Squids play recordBar, 1520 Grand, on Saturday, May 9, at 7:00 PM, with Cher UK, Nuthatch-47, and Larry Seaman. More info at http://www.danjonesmusic.com.

Kadesh Flow

At 11:30 Kadesh Flow joins us to share music from his new EP, Motivated that was released January 31, 2020. Kadesh Flow is 30 year old Ryan Jamaal Davis, a rapper, trombonist, and producer. At age 11 he began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. His music has been featured on network television in multiple countries and territories across Southeast Asia. Locally, Kadesh can be found playing solo hip hop sets, playing with his Deshtet, playing trombone with The Phantastics, Playing with Jessica Paige, playing with Tiki Brawlers, or jamming with Marcus Lewis Big Band for “Brass and Boujee”. More info at http://www.kadeshflow.com

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

Show #828

Teri Quinn Photographed by Kelly Powell of Elements Studio Photography. Styling by Taylor Rivera

WMM presents Stephanie Carey + Amy Marcus + Jeff Harshbarger

Posted on March 1, 2020 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, March 4, 2019

New & MidCoastal Releases + Amy Marcus
+ Jeff Harshbarger & Purna Loka Ensemble +
Stephanie Carey of The Pitch KC

Mark plays New & MidCostal Releases from: Una Walkenhorst, BlackStarKids, Jake Wells, Ivory Blue, Brotha Newz, Crystal Rose, Knife Crime, GHOSTY, Rosé Perez, Amy Marcus, DeMaur, Purna Loka Ensemble, The Black Creatures, Claire Adams, and Elevator Division.

Stephanie Carey, Owner & Publisher of The Pitch Kansas City

At 10:30 Stephanie Carey, Owner & Publisher of The Pitch Kansas City talks with us about the alternative news publication’s monthly printed editions, digital content, and three decade history. Stephanie Carey’s career in journalism includes her work as a reporter for newspapers and radio, as well as serving as a sales manager for media software and consulting firm Second Street. Founded in 1980 in the basement of a Westport record shop, The Pitch is Kansas City’s source for progressive, independent, street-level coverage of news, arts, music, and culture. You can find issues at over 1,000 locations across the metro, and online at: http://www.thepitchkc.com

Amy Marcus

At 11:00 Mark welcomes KC based singer-songwriter, Amy Marcus who in January released her new single, “Sweater” and will premiere another new single on the show. Amy Marcus was born and raised in Kansas City. She has been writing songs since she was a child. In 2016 she released her debut 5-song EP “Brave” and followed that up with the single, “I Want More For My Daughters” in 2017. Amy Marcus studied photography at the Kansas City Art Institute. She is a mother of three and works as a professional photographer and chef. Amy is currently working on a new EP set for release this year.

Purna Loka Ensemble

At 11:30 Jeff Harshbarger shares music from Purna Loka Ensemble‘s debut “Metaraga” released though Origin Records on January 17, 2020. Along with Purna Loka, Jeff Harshbarger has recorded and performed with: Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Bobby Watson, Forever Tango, Milt Abel, Tango Lorca, Krystle Warren, Brad Cox, Ghosty, and The People’s Liberation Big Band. Jeff is a co-founder of Tzigane Music, an artist-run record label, and is the curator of Jeff Harshbarger Presents: An Alternative Jazz Series, promoting new improvised music in KC. Jeff has received The Kennedy Center’s Betty Carter Fellowship, the Steans Institute Fellowship, and the 2015 Charlotte Street Generative Performing Artist Award. Jeff hosts “Jazz Afternoon” on Wednesdays at 1:00 PM on 90.1 FM KKFI. More info at http://www.jeffharshbarger.com

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

Show #827

WMM Playlist from Feb. 19, 2020

Posted on February 20, 2020 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, February 19, 2019

Spinning Records With Marion Merritt
+ EBONY TUSKS

Today, we welcome back to the show, Marion Merritt as our special “Guest Producer.” For nearly 16 years Marion has been sharing her sonic discoveries and information from her musically encyclopedic brain. With her partner Ann Stewart, Marion is the creator of Records With Merritt, a small, independent, minority owned business, at 1614 Westport Rd. in Kansas City, Missouri.

Marion Merritt

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

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

2. Dimitri From Paris – “Prologue”
from: Sacrebleu / Atlantic / 2001

3. Antibalas – “Fist of Flowers”
from: Fu Chronicles / Daptone Records / February 7, 2020
[7th album from Brooklyn-based afrobeat band that is modeled after Fela Kuti’s Africa 70 band and Eddie Palmieri’s Harlem River Drive Orchestra. Antibalas is Spanish for “bulletproof”. Although their music generally follows the musical architecture and language of afrobeat, it incorporates elements of jazz, funk, dub, improvised music, and traditional drumming from Cuba and West Africa. Members include: Martín Perna, Amayo, Marcos García, Jordan McLean, Marcus Farrar, Reinalde Dejesus, Will Rast, Justin Kimmel, Timothy J Allen, Kevin Raczka, Raymond James Mason, Raja Kassi, Morgan Price, Eric Biondo, Jackie Coleman. More info at http://www.antibalas.com]

4. Sharon Van Etten – “Beaten Down”
from: Beaten Down – Single / Jagjaguwar / February 5, 2020
[New single from Sharon Van Etten who was born February 26, 1981, in Belleville, New Jersey and lived in Nutley, NJ before moving to Clinton as a pre-teen. Later, she moved to Tennessee to attend Middle Tennessee State University and studied recording, but dropped out of college after a year. Van Etten ended up working at the Red Rose, a coffee and record shop and music venue in Murfreesboro, for about five years. In 2004, she moved back to New Jersey, where she worked at Perryville Wine and Spirits. Van Etten moved to New York City in 2005. Van Etten self-released handmade CDs until 2009, when her debut studio recording was released. Before her studio debut, she worked at Astor Wines and as a publicist at Ba Da Bing Records. Van Etten’s debut, Because I Was in Love, was released on May 26, 2009, on Language of Stone, and was put out by by Drag City. This is a follow-up to her 5th album “Remind Me Tomorrow.” on Jagjaguar Records.]

5. Isobel Campbell – “Vultures”
from: There is No Other / Cooking Vinyl / February 7, 2020
[Isobel Campbell was born April 27, 1976. She is a Scottish singer-songwriter, cellist and composer. Campbell rose to prominence at age nineteen as a member of the Scottish indie pop band Belle & Sebastian, but left the group to pursue a solo career, first as The Gentle Waves, and later under her own name. She later collaborated with singer Mark Lanegan on three albums. Campbell’s music has been described as either indie pop, chamber pop or singer-songwriter. Regardless of genre, Campbell makes gentle and sombre music, often using classical instruments and her bright, slightly nasal voice with bittersweet and ironic songwriting. This is her 5th solo full-length album.]

6. Holy Fuck – “Deleters (feat. Angus Andrew)”
from: Deleter / Ef Records / January 17, 2020
[Holy Fuck is an electronica band from Toronto. They were a part of Dependent Music, a music label & artist collective that began in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia in 2004 until its closing. They were then a part of the Young Turks label. In 2016 they signed with Innovative Leisure. The band uses live instrumentation & miscellaneous instruments and non-instruments, including a 35 mm film synchronizer, toy keyboards & toy phaser guns, to achieve electronic-sounding effects without the use of laptops or programmed backing tracks. According to Pitchfork Media, “The band formed with the intent of creating the equivalent of modern electronic music without actually using the techniques, looping, splicing, programming and the like, of that music.]

7. Caribou – “Never Come Back”
from: Suddenly / Merge / February 28, 2020
[Daniel Victor Snaith was born in 1978. He is a Canadian composer, musician, and recording artist who has performed under the stage names Caribou, Manitoba and Daphni. Snaith originally recorded under the stage name Manitoba, but after being threatened with a lawsuit by Richard “Handsome Dick” Manitoba (real name Richard Blum), formerly of punk band The Dictators, Snaith changed his performance name to Caribou. Snaith’s previous full-length albums were then re-released under the new moniker, and The Milk of Human Kindness was released in 2005 by Domino. In June that year the album topped the !earshot Campus and Community Radio Top 200 chart. “Suddenly” is his 5th full-length album as Caribou]

10:33 – Underwriting

8. Khruangbin & Leon Bridges – “Texas Sun”
from: Texas Sun EP / Dead Oceans / February 7, 2020
[4th EP and 5th single from Khruangbin a trio from Houston, Texas, with Laura Lee on bass, Mark Speer on guitar, and Donald Ray “DJ” Johnson Jr. on drums. The band has also released 3 albums. The band is known for blending global music influences, classic soul, dub and psychedelia. Their debut studio album, The Universe Smiles Upon You (2015), draws from the history of Thai music in the 1960s, while their 2nd album, Con Todo El Mundo (2018), has influences from Spain and the Middle East. Todd Michael “Leon” Bridges was born July 13, 1989. He is an American soul singer, songwriter and record producer from Fort Worth, Texas. He is best known for his song “Coming Home”, which received regular airplay and was also a Top 10 Most Viral Track on Spotify. Bridges’ debut album, also titled Coming Home, was released on June 23, 2015, on Columbia Records and subsequently nominated for Best R&B Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. Texas Sun is her 2nd EP. He has also released 2 full length records.]

9. Monophonics – “It’s Only Us”
from: It’s Only Us / Colemine Records / March 13, 2020
[Psychedelic Soul from San Francisco, CA from; Austin Bohlman on drums, Kelly Finnigan on vocals & keyboards, Ian McDonald on electric guitar & electric sitar & backing vocals, Myles O’Mahony on electric bass & backing vocals, Ryan Scott on trumpet and backing vocals. “One of the best live soul bands I have ever seen!” – Al Bell (Record producer, songwriter, executive, and co-owner of legendary Stax Records)]

10. Brazzos & O.K. Jazz – “Cha Cha Cha Del Zombo”
from: Soul Jazz Records Presents Congo Revolution: Revolutionary and Evolutionary Sounds From the Two Congos 1955-62 / Soul Jazz Records / October 25, 2019
[This new release looks at the explosion of music that came out of the Congo in the years leading up to independence in 1960. Congolese rumba, a wild combination of African, Jazz and Latin influences, created future stars of its now legendary creators – Franco, Grand Kalle, Tabu Ley, Dr. Nico, Papa Wemba – and all feature here in their ground-breaking early groups such as O.K.Jazz, Brazzos, Rock-A-Mambo, African Jazz and The Beguen Band. The Congo is in fact two countries – The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC, formerly Zaire) and the Republic of the Congo. Soul Jazz Records is a London based label run by Stuart Baker, which specialises in re-releasing music from around the world on compilations with high quality remastered sound. They also release a large amount of material on vinyl, including new recordings, oftentimes as 12″ singles. The printed record label name on these vinyl releases often varies greatly. For example Soul And Jazz Musical Industries, ENT., Soul Jazz Records Co., Soul Jazz Record Corp., or sometimes the record label which originally released the recording is displayed.]

11. Mukhtar Ramadan Idii – “Check Up Your Head”
from: Mogadisco: Dancing Mogadishu (Somalia 1972 – 1991) / Analog Africa / Dec. 13, 2019
[Analog Africa is a label based in Frankfurt, Germany, owned by Samy Ben Redjeb, releasing compilations with African and South American music mainly of the 70s and 80s. After being blown away by a few tunes, Samy Ben Redjeb travelled to the infamous capital city of Somalia in November of 2016, making Analog Africa the first music label to set foot in Mogadishu. Mogadisco was not Analog Africa’s easiest project. Tracking down the musicians to interview them and gather anecdotes of golden-era Mogadishu has been an undertaking that took three years. Tales of Dur-Dur Band’s kidnapping, movie soundtracks recorded in the basements of hotels, musicians getting electrocuted on stage, others jumping from one band to another under dramatic circumstances, and soul singers competing against each other, are all stories included in the massive booklet. CD, comes with a full color 36-pages booklet containing 50 pictures & full digital album as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.]

11:00 – Station ID

12. of Montreal & Locate S,1 – “Gypsy That Remains”
from: UR FUN / Polyvinyl / January 17, 2020
[16th studio album from of Montreal is an American indie pop band from Athens, Georgia. It was founded by frontman Kevin Barnes in 1996, named after a failed romance between Barnes and a woman “of Montreal.” The band is identified as part of the Elephant 6 collective. Throughout its existence, of Montreal’s musical style has evolved considerably and drawn inspiration from 1960s psychedelic pop acts.]

13. Field Music – “Money Is a Memory”
from: Making a New World / Memphis Industries / January 10, 2020
[Field Music are an English rock band from Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, that formed in 2004, particularly active in the Wearside region. The band’s core consists of brothers David Brewis & Peter Brewis, with Andrew Moore occasionally featured as keyboardist. Their line-up has at times featured members of both Maxïmo Park and The Futureheads. Field Music have been called one of the few bands to outlast the indie guitar band explosion of the mid-2000s. Describing the band as “a truly artful proposition in the pseudo-filled landscape of contemporary Brit art-rock,” music blog The Fantastic Hope puts this down in part to their “un-self-conscious anti-fashion stance,” arguing that Field Music’s “wayward pop from the fringes of academia is one of the most worthwhile ways in which rock//indie/guitar music/white pop/whatever might evolve”. Critics have compared their music to acts as diverse as Steely Dan, XTC, Prefab Sprout, Peter Gabriel, Scritti Politti, Talking Heads and Todd Rundgren. They have also been nominated for the Mercury Prize. The songs on Making a New World were inspired by research David and Peter Brewis conducted about stories, events, and technological advances that occurred during and after World War I as part their project for the Imperial War Museum. The songs from Making a New World will cover a wide variety of topics, including gender reassignment and air traffic control. One of the songs was inspired by Harold Gillies, a New Zealand-born surgeon who pioneered facial cosmetic surgery and skin grafts for injured servicemen and who later conducted one of the first gender realignment operations. The song “Only in a Man’s World” is about the development of sanitary napkins and the fact that advertising for the products, created by men, often treat the concept of menstruation like something shameful that should be kept secret. The song was inspired by a Wisconsin-based company called Kimberly-Clark that developed a material for dressing war wounds and was later adapted for the first modern sanitary product, which was called Kotex. David Brewis said he felt some embarrassment writing a song about the topic, particularly when he first shared it with his wife, but he believed “confronting my own embarrassment is a pretty fundamental part of what the song is about”. He further said of the song: “I found myself researching the development of sanitary pads – not a statement I’ve ever imagined myself making – and was surprised at how little the advertising material has changed in a hundred years. It’s still, Hey Ladies! Let’s not mention it too loudly but here is the perfect product to keep you feeling normal WHILE THE DISGUSTING, DIRTY THING HAPPENS. And you realise that it’s a kind of madness that a monthly occurrence for billions of women – something absolutely necessary for the survival of humanity – is seen as shameful or dirty – and is taxed MORE than razor blades?! ”The song “Money Is a Memory” concerns the final payment by Germany in 2010 of the economically ruinous reparations it owed under the Treaty of Versailles, and is written from the perspective of a functionary in the Treasury. In social media postings leading up to the release, David Brewis mentioned the famous image of a man carrying a wheelbarrow full of marks made worthless by the hyper-inflationary policies of the Weimar Republic as an inspiration for the track. Brewis: “The whole album is really about consequences, and how the consequences of that war are still with us. “Money Is A Memory” is probably the most explicit example of that — decisions that were made a hundred years ago still casting a shadow. The initial premise is a bit comical — the admin assistant going through their bureaucratic duties — but buried away inside those papers you can imagine the echoes of millions of lives being turned upside down.]

14. Les Amazones d’Afrique – “Love (feat. Mamani Keita)”
from: Amazones Power / Real World Records / January 24, 2020
[2nd album from Les Amazones d’Afrique, a contemporary world music supergroup formed in Mali in 2015 featuring Kandia Kouyaté, Angélique Kidjo, Mamani Keita, Rokia Koné, Mariam Doumbia (of Amadou & Mariam), Nneka, Mariam Koné, Massan Coulibaly, Madina N’Diaye, Madiaré Dramé, Mouneissa Tandina and Pamela Badjogo. The name of the refers to the Dahomey Amazons, which was a female elephant hunting group and a military regiment from the 17th century thru 19th century in what is now Benin. Les Amazones d’Afrique performed their first concert at Fiesta des Suds in Marseilles in October 2015. The 1st track they released was “I Play The Kora,” a track that goes well beyond the often-reductive term of “world music”. Its message is to encourage women coming together to sing about why they should “rise up and fight injustice because we’re all equal,” and profits from the sale of the track are be donated to The Panzi Foundation, led by Doctor Mukwege in Bukavu (DRC), which has provided healing support to more than 80,000 women, nearly 50,000 of whom are victims of sexualized violence and female genital mutilation. The kora, a harp-like instrument native to West Africa, works as a metaphor: playing the kora was denied to women for years; only men were allowed the prestige. Following their first UK performance at WOMAD Charlton Park in July 2016, Les Amazones d’Afrique were signed to Real World Records for the release of their 1st album, Republique Amazone (2017). Real World Records is a British record label specializing in world music. It was founded in 1989 by English musician Peter Gabriel and original members of WOMAD. In 1999, the label had sold over 3 million records worldwide & released 90 albums. In 2015, it had reached the mark of over 200 albums.]

15. Hailu Mergia & The Walias – “Tche Belew”
from: Tche Belew / Awesome Tapes From Africa / October 10, 2014
[Awesome Tapes From Africa is a record label & web site operated by Brian Shimkovitz based in Los Angeles, CA. Founded in 2006 in Brooklyn, New York, the site was created as a way for Shimkovitz to share music he had come across while on a Fulbright scholarship in Ghana. He was interested in the variety of genres and artists he found, distributed largely on cassette tapes at markets, but that he had not come across outside West Africa. In 2011, Shimkovitz transitioned the site from just a blog with posted recordings of collected tapes posted without the artists’ permission to a commercial record label. The goal of the company is to seed and expand an audience for the artists presented as well as provide opportunities to sell albums and tour. Artists are paid every six months and receive 50% of the profits from an album. Tapes presented on Awesome Tapes come from a variety of sources: gathered in Ghanaian street markets, purchased in stores in the US, or sent by others over the internet.[5] In addition to the website, Shimkovitz DJ’s concerts, clubs and at festivals as Awesome Tapes From Africa, as well as hosts a show on Dublab.Most Awesome Tapes From Africa releases are official rereleases of out-of-print cassettes from African musicians and bands. SK Kakraba’s Songs of Paapieye is the first album to consist of a new release. Although music is distributed in Africa via MP3 on mobile phones, Shimkovitz says the widest variety of music in West Africa is still available on cassette tape. In the journal Public Culture, Awesome Tapes From Africa, along with record labels Sublime Frequencies and Parallel World, is discussed as being emblematic of “World Music 2.0” for combining the “open source ethics of online networks with long-standing countercultural networks of circulation” within cassette culture and music distribution in developing nations. Walias Band were an Ethiopian jazz and funk band active from the early 1970s until the early 1990s. Formed by members of the Venus Band, Walias backed up many prominent singers with a hard polyrhythmic funk sound influenced by western artists like King Curtis, Junior Walker and Maceo Parker. In 1977 they recorded one of the few albums of Ethiopian instrumental music in collaboration with vibraphonist Mulatu Astatke, whose role as a bandleader and composer was also a major influence on Ethiopian popular music. Walias formed in the early 1970s in Addis Ababa where they were the house band for the upscale Hilton Hotel. A civilian curfew made it dangerous for clientele visiting the hotel lounge to leave after 11:00 PM, and Walias would end up playing two or three sets until 6:00 AM the next day. In 1981 Walias became the first modern Ethiopian band to travel to the United States, playing on a tour with singer Mahmoud Ahmed primarily to audiences of Ethiopian refugees. Rather than returning to Ethiopia under its dictatorship, four members of Walias—Girma Bèyènè, Mogès Habté, Mèlakè Gèbrè and Hailu Mergia—stayed in the U.S. and formed a new group called Zula Band. Mergia took work in Washington DC driving a taxi cab, often practicing in his cab while waiting for fares at the airport, and released solo cassette tapes of traditional Ethiopian music played on analog synthesizer, electric piano and accordion. Meanwhile the members of Walias who returned to Ethiopia—Yohannes Tèkola and Tèmarè Harègou—continued to play together under the Derg dictatorship for another decade. In the late 1990s Walias Band found a wider audience in the West when the French label Buda Records reissued much of the group’s music on the Ethiopiques series of compact discs. Their instrumental track, “Musicawi Silt,” became a popular dance number and has been covered by a number of artists. Not much else of Walias’ music was known until African music cassette collector Brian Shimkovitz found a Walias Band tape while traveling in Ethiopia. After hearing it, Shimkovitz found keyboardist Hailu Mergia’s phone number on the Internet, called him up, and arranged an official re-release of Walias Band’s music.]

16. The Heliocentrics – “Burning Wooden Ship”
from: Infinity of Now / Madlib Medicine Show / February 14, 2020
[The Heliocentrics are a London-based musical collective, combining funk, jazz, psych and library influences based around drummer and producer Malcolm Catto, Bassist Jake Ferguson, Guitarist Adrian Owusu and multi-instrumentalist Jack Yglesias. They released their debut album, Out There in 2007 on Now-Again Records, followed by collaborations with Ethiopian musician Mulatu Astatke on the album Inspiration Information (2009) which was awarded that years Gilles Peterson Worldwide Winner Album of the Year award, Lloyd Miller & The Heliocentrics (OST)(2010), and Orlando Julius. The Heliocentrics appeared on the track “Skullfuckery” on the UK release of the DJ Shadow album The Outsider, which was released in 2006. In 2013, they released their second full album, 13 Degrees of Reality also on Stones Throw. The album with Astatke was included in a list of ‘Five Essential Jazz Albums’ chosen by pianist Jamie Cullum in 2013. In 2017, they released A World of Masks with vocals by Barbora Patkova, as well as The Sunshine Makers OST, the score they wrote for the 2015 British documentary The Sunshine Makers, directed by Cosmo Feilding-Mellen. Both records were released on Soundway Records.]

Marion Merritt thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

With her partner Ann Stewart, Marion is the creator of Records With Merritt, a small, independent, minority owned business, at 1614 Westport Rd. in KCMO. More info at: http://www.recordswithmerritt.com

The Talking Trees with special guest Tyler Gosnell play Records with Merritt, 1614 Westport Rd, KCMO, Friday, February 21, at 8:00 PM

11:30 – Underwriting

17. Ebony Tusks – “HDF”
from: HDF – Single / High Dive Records / January 17, 2020
[Ebony Tusks is Daniel Smith on DJ & Production, Geese Giesecke on vocals & Production, and Marty Hillard on vocals & Production. A rattling subwoofer is a sonic aberration, a byproduct of high volume that often results in a speaker system’s long-term damage. It takes the listening experience from exclusively aural to physical, evoking a range of reactions from listeners. This experience is bonded inextricably with rap music for both its fans and dissenters, a familiar beacon for some and an unwelcome nuisance for others. Marty was a cashier at Burger King while in high school, spending every Saturday morning working the drive-thru window. One of his best friends pulled up to the menu and filled the speaker with sounds from his 1972 Volkswagen Beetle’s cassette adapter. Marty’s headset was filled with hot, white noise. He knew it was a rap song but it was mutated to scorched earth. It also happened to come through the main speaker right inside the drive-thru window. His manager was not at all pleased, rushing quickly to turn it off. Marty and his friend laughed it off at the time. EBONY TUSKS is a compilation of moments like these. Daniel, Geese, & Marty are 3 people from the Midwest who take pleasure in the mutations of sound available in the least expected places.]

EBONY TUSKS

11:35 – Interview with EBONY TUSKS

EBONY TUSKS are Daniel Smith – DJ & production, Nathan “Geese” Giesecke – vocals & production, and Martinez Hillard – vocals & production. EBONY TUSKS join us live in our 90.1 FM studios to share details about their new single HDF which we just heard, and news about their upcoming album, Heal Thyself, to be released on High Dive Records and Intelligent Sound. EBONY TUSKS are playing in series of “All Ages” shows to celebrate the release of “HDF.”

EBONY TUSKS’s play ArtsConnect Topeka, 909 N. Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS., Thursday, March 5, at 7:00 PM with special guests VOLSTICE and Tione Jackson.

Ebony Tusks play White Schoolhouse, 1510 N 3rd St, Lawrence, KS., Fri, March 6, at 7:00 PM with special guests V.I.S.I.T.O.R. and RAW SPACE.

Ebony Tusks play Mills Record Company, 4045 Broadway Blvd, KCMO Saturday, March 7, at 7:00 PM, with special guests: Domineko.

Ebony Tusks play recordBar 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Sun, March 8, at 6:00 PM with Elevator Division, Jaenki, Various Blonde, Bodye. All Proceeds go to Eschleman Family.

Daniel Smith, Nathan “Geese” Giesecke, Martinez Hillard thanks for being with us on WMM.

Their upcoming album, Heal Thyself will be released soon on High Dive Records on vinyl and Intelligent Sound on cassette.

From Live From The Underground / Vivid Seats recently wrote in a piece published February 7, 2020, saying: “EBONY TUSKS is dynamic underground hip-hop trio focused on the conscious, lyric-heavy side of the genre, EBONY TUSKS appeared with dozens of leading underground acts throughout the 2010s. Now, they’re ready to take the next step.”

Martinez Hillard told Vivid Seats: “I began EBONY TUSKS in 2009 after a difficult period that summer. I was living in the student ghetto near the University of Kansas in Lawrence. It was an eerily calm Friday night and I didn’t have any plans after work so I crashed. I woke up shortly after 9:00 pm because my door was being kicked in. I was beaten and robbed at gunpoint. Thankfully, two of my neighbors were close friends and called the police immediately. I had nightmares for years afterward that included many symbols I’ve come to associate with various religious practices. I also began writing raps for the first time in over a decade. I was working with a couple producers and we had our first show at a house venue called Pizza Power in October 2010. Both Daniel and Geese came into the fold within a couple years of that show.”

Martinez Hillard, Daniel Miller, and Nathan “Geese” Giesecke of EBONY TUSKS on the February 19, 2020 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley on KKFI 90.1 FM.

Daniel Smith lives in Lawrence, Kansas. He was born in Berkeley California. He moved to Lawrence when he was a child. Hs father is a Professor at The University of Kansas. Daniel is a DJ and producer. He makes beats. Daniel works for the United Way of Douglass County. Daniel helps to provide after school job-training programs for under-served youth.

Nathan “Geese” Giesecke grew up in Olathe but now lives and works in Kansas City, MO. He was friends with Calvin Arsenia in High School. Geese works as a producer as GEESACE. He makes beats and you can find his music at http://soundcloud.com/geesace Nathan is also a lighting designer who jumped on stage to do back up vocals for Marty and ended up being in the band.

Martinez Hillard is the main vocalist and lyricist for EBONY TUSKS. He raps under the moniker Bodye, (pronounced “body”). He also produces beats. Martinez lives in the Old Town neighborhood in downtown Topeka with wife and 5 year old daughter. Martinez was part of the super group Cowboy Indian Bear. Martinez was recently elected to serve as a board member for Friends of the Library for Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

At Marty told Johnson County Library, in a piece published April 27, 2016: “ It was a project I started with other producers back in 2010. I asked Daniel to DJ for me sometime in 2011-2012 and Geese joined not too far behind him. Daniel and I had become fast friends when I lived in Lawrence and he was the nicest, most easygoing DJ of the handful I knew. He made our shows a lot less stressful. Geese was and is a lighting technician for a number of our friends’ projects and that was how I made acquaintance with him, seeing him work for a band and asking if he’d do lights for an EBONY TUSKS concert. He eventually asked if he could be hypeman for us and he brought an intensity that we didn’t have prior.”

EBONY TUSKS have been a band for over 11 years making hip hop in the Lawrence scene that includes Approach, Stik Figa, Heartfelt Anarchy, and Archetype.

Since the three members of EBONY TUSKS live in three separate cities: Kansas City, Lawrence and Topeka early on, they created a Dropbox folder to share demos with one another. And as they told Vivid Seat: “It also gave us a bit of language to use in building sounds independent of one another.”

EBONY TUSKS Shows:

EBONY TUSKS play ArtsConnect Topeka, 909 N Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS., Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 7:00 PM with special guests VOLSTICE and Tione Jackson

The latest EBONY TUSKS single, HDF. It is now available on both 7” and cassette courtesy of High Dive Records and Intelligent Sound. Here is an official music video courtesy of Ulasien Media: https://bit.ly/2E221Gm

All ages, show at 7:00 pm sharp, free entry.

Live art will be provided by Beth King and Robert Tapley Bustamante. We are accepting donations and there will be a raffle drawing for their work at the conclusion of the event. 100% of live art proceeds will go to Beacon Youth Group. Beacon is a welcoming environment for queer youth ages 12-20 to engage in socialization, education, exploration, and activism.
______________________________________________________________________

Ebony Tusks play White Schoolhouse, 1510 N 3rd St, Lawrence, KS., Friday, March 6, at 7:00 PM with special guests V.I.S.I.T.O.R. and RAW SPACE

Please join us in celebration of the latest EBONY TUSKS single, HDF. It is now available on both 7” and cassette courtesy of High Dive Records and Intelligent Sound. Here is an official music video courtesy of Ulasien Media: https://bit.ly/2E221Gm

All ages, show at 7:00 pm sharp. There is a suggested $10 donation. It supports White Schoolhouse, its wonderful volunteers, and their ability to continue hosting safe, accessible, and amazing shows. If you are unable to, please come anyway. We want you in attendance.

Live art will be provided by Matthew Asbury. We are accepting donations and there will be a raffle drawing for Matt’s work at the conclusion of the event. 100% of live art proceeds will go to Girls Rock Lawrence. Girls Rock is an intersectional feminist movement associated with the international Girls Rock Camp Alliance. They create a safe space for adolescent girls and trans youth to participate in music education and mutual empowerment through music. SMASH THE PATRIARCHY!
______________________________________________________________________

Ebony Tusks play Mills Record Company, 4045 Broadway Blvd, KCMO Saturday, March 7, at 7:00 PM, with special guests: Domineko

Live art will be provided by Nick Lewis. We are accepting donations and there will be a raffle drawing for their work at the conclusion of the event. 100% of live art proceeds will go to BANDWAGGN KC. BANDWAGGN’s mission is to empower girls and trans youth to build community thru authentic relationships and lead a movement toward collective liberation. Music is their chosen tool for teaching, learning & building into our future.
______________________________________________________________________

Ebony Tusks play recordBar 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Sunday, March 8, at 6:00 PM with Elevator Division, Jaenki, Various Blonde, Bodye (Marty from Ebony Tusks) All Proceeds go to Eschleman Family.

11:56:33

18. Ebony Tusks – “Chuck Ds”
from: Heal Thyself / High Dive Records / to be released later this Spring
[Ebony Tusks is Daniel Smith on DJ & Production, Geese Giesecke on vocals & Production, and Marty Hillard on vocals & Production. A rattling subwoofer is a sonic aberration, a byproduct of high volume that often results in a speaker system’s long-term damage. It takes the listening experience from exclusively aural to physical, evoking a range of reactions from listeners. This experience is bonded inextricably with rap music for both its fans and dissenters, a familiar beacon for some and an unwelcome nuisance for others. Marty was a cashier at Burger King while in high school, spending every Saturday morning working the drive-thru window. One of his best friends pulled up to the menu and filled the speaker with sounds from his 1972 Volkswagen Beetle’s cassette adapter. Marty’s headset was filled with hot, white noise. He knew it was a rap song but it was mutated to scorched earth. It also happened to come through the main speaker right inside the drive-thru window. His manager was not at all pleased, rushing quickly to turn it off. Marty and his friend laughed it off at the time. EBONY TUSKS is a compilation of moments like these. Daniel, Geese, and Marty are three people from the Midwest who take pleasure in the mutations of sound available in the least expected places.]

Daniel Smith, Nathan “Geese” Giesecke, Martinez Hillard thanks for being with us on WMM.

EBONY TUSKS photo by Ailecia Ruscin of OH! Snap! Photography

Next week, February 26 – Nico Gray joins us as Guest Producer. Plus, Doby Watson joins us to play live in our 90.1 FM Studios.

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

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

Show #825

WMM presents Marion Merritt + EBONY TUSKS

Posted on February 17, 2020 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, February 19, 2019

Spinning Records With Marion Merritt
+ EBONY TUSKS

Marion Merritt

Mark welcomes Marion Merritt, of Records With Merritt, who joins us as “Guest Producer” to share sonic discoveries and information from her musically-encyclopedic-brain. Records With Merritt is located at 1614 Westport Road, KCMO. More info at: http://www.recordswithmerritt.com.

Marion will play tracks from: Antibalas, Sharon Van Etten, Isobel Campbell, Holy Fuck, Caribou, Khruangbin & Leon Bridges, Monophonics, Brazzos & O.K., Mukhtar Ramadan Idii, of Montreal, Field Music, Les Amazones d’Afrique, Hailu Mergia & The Walias, Sestetto Basso-Valdambrini, and The Heliocentrics.

EBONY TUSKS

At 11:30 Mark talks with members of the Lawrence, KS. based hip hop trio, EBONY TUSKS who join us live in our 90.1 FM studios to share details about their new single HDF and their upcoming album, Heal Thyself on High Dive Records. Ebony Tusks are playing a series of “All Ages” shows to celebrate the release of their new single “HDF.” EBONY TUSKS’s play ArtsConnect Topeka, 909 N Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS., Thursday, March 5, at 7:00 PM with special guests VOLSTICE and Tione Jackson. EBONY TUSKS play White Schoolhouse, 1510 N 3rd St, Lawrence, KS., Friday, March 6, at 7:00 PM with special guests V.I.S.I.T.O.R. and RAW SPACE. EBONY TUSKS play Mills Record Company, 4045 Broadway Blvd, KCMO Saturday, March 7, at 7:00 PM, with special guests: Domineko. And EBONY TUSKS play recordBar 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO, on Sun, March 8, at 6:00 PM with Elevator Division, Jaenki, Various Blonde, Bodye. All Proceeds go to Eschleman Family.

EBONY TUSKS photo by OH! Snap! Photography

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

Show #825

WMM Playlist from: Feb. 5, 2020

Posted on February 7, 2020 by Mark Manning

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

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Belle and The Vertigo Waves + Marty Thomas
+ Sondra Freeman of Midwest Music Foundation +
New & MidCoastal Releases

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

2. Jametatone – “Is That What You Like? (feat. Calvin Arsenia)”
from: A Bird In The Hand / Jametatone / December 8, 2019
[Jametatone, is the solo project of J. Ashley Miller who has recorded with his band as Metatone. Jametatone collaborates with an esemble of musicians under the moniker Blastocyst. The recording of A Bird In The Hand was Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Jametatone at The Infoaming Vertex Studio. Assistant Engineering by Simon Huntley. Dedicated to Love. bLASTOCYST is: Jon Kizilarmut on drums & percussion; Jeff Harshbarger on bass; Eddie Moore on Rhodes, Wurlitzer & Piano; Fritz Hutchison on guitar, percussion, & piano; Billy Winston on saxophone; Simon Huntley on drums & percussion; Allison Hawkins on piano; and Jametatone on vocals & guitar. J. Ashley Miller is the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performing Artist Award Fellow. He is a composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. His genre-bending trans-modern work has been performed everywhere from YJ’s to the Kauffman Performing Arts Center, to the MoMa PS1 in NYC. Ashley utilizes a diverse range of technologies, techniques, and collaborators to access obscure facets of the human emotional landscape. You can view more of Ashley’s work at http://www.jametatone.com]

[Jametatone plays recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO, Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 7:00 PM w/ ARQuesta Del SolSoul and Collidescope.]

3. True Lions – “Life is Gold”
from: You’re Not Invited / True Lions / November 9, 2019
[Second EP released in 2019 from True Lions with: Alison Hawkins on guitar, synth, and vocals; Elizabeth Kosko on percussion, vocals; Mikala Petillo on bass, vocals; Claire Adams on guitar, vocals; Leslie Butsch on saxophone, Ezgi Karakus on cello; and Teri Quinn on vocals. All songs written by True Lions and produced by Claire Adams and Alison Hawkins. Tracking Engineering by Claire Adams. Mixing and Mastering by Ian Dobyns and Chase Horseman. Album Artwork by Genevieve Sloan. Special thanks to Calvin Arsenia and Fritz Hutchison. The band released their debut EP”Cute At Best” Feb. 5, 2019 with Alison Hawkins on guitar, piano, synth, vocals; Mikala Petillo on percussion, bass, guitar, vocals; and with Ross Brown serving as producer & engineer; and Nika Winn providing artwork. This EP began as an unrelated, musical dispute between lovers, but triumphantly became the spunky collaboration of two midwestern “woms” whose passion for playing music nearly exceeds their desire to create it.]

[True Lions play Wise Blood KC, at 300 Westport Rd, KCMO, on Friday, February 7 at 6:00 PM, with Charlotte B, and Ramona & The Phantoms.]

[True Lions play Stockyard Sounds with SoulTru, Monday, February 10, at 6:30 PM at Stockyards Brewing Co., 1600 Genessee St, KCMO.]

[True Lions play The Disaster Room at Minibar, 3810 Broadway Blvd, KCMO, on Tuesday, February 11, at 9:00 PM with Frankie Valet (STL), Chloe Jacobson, and Tellum.]

4. Vincent Herring, Bobby Watson & Gary Bartz – “These Foolish Things”
from: Bird at 100 / Smoke Session Records / November 29, 2019
[August 29, 2020 will mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Charlie Parker. Alto saxophonists and three of modern jazz’s most acclaimed voices: Vincent Herring, Bobby Watson, and Gary Bartz backed by a rhythm section that includes: pianist David Kikoski, bassist Yasushi Nakamura, and drummer Carl Allen shared the stage at Smoke Jazz Club in New York in August 2019, for shows celebrating what would have been the honoree’s 99th birthday. On Bird at 100, Herring, Watson, and Bartz revisit standards Bird transformed to blazing bebop numbers and also sharing new compositions written with Charlie Parker’s legacy in mind. Watson’s ballad-turn on “These Foolish Things” offers a master class in phrasing and articulation, and Kikoski is given plenty of room to stretch out a big, warm blanket of a solo. Bobby Watson was born in Lawrence, Kansas, August 23, 1953. he is an American post-bop jazz alto saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator. Watson now has 27 recordings as a leader. He appears on nearly 100 other recordings as either co-leader or in a supporting role. Watson has recorded more than 100 original compositions. Watson grew up in Bonner Springs and Kansas City, Kansas]

[Bobby Watson plays Searching for Charlie Parker w/ Logan Richardson & Bobby Watson on Thursday, February 6, at 9:00 PM, at The Ship, 1217 Union Avenue during Black History Month, At 9:00 PM: Music is Your Own Experience – Featuring Polish Jazz Artists., At 10:00 PM: Sanctified Rhythm – Featuring Bobby Watson. At 11:00 PM: No Boundaries to Art – Featuring Logan Richardson’s blues PEOPLE. At 12:00 AM: Just Play the Music – Featuring Five Saxophonists.]

10:20 – Underwriting

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

[The Creepy Jingles play miniBar, 3810 Broadway, Wed, Feb 5, at 9:00 PM with Momma’s Boy, Stary, and Shady Bug.]

[The Creepy Jingles play Replay Lounge, 946 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 10:00 PM with Serene Fiend, and JC & The Nuns.]

6. Belle & The Vertigo Waves – “Fear or Faith”
from: Fear or Faith – Single / Drop Out Records / June 7, 2019
[New single from Belle & The Vertigo Waves, the sonic brainchild of Belle Loux. She resides in Kansas City, MO, and is slowly attempting world domination. Members include Belle Loux on lead vocals, John Loux on guitar. The band’s debut full length album”Aligned” was released on October 6, 2017.]

[Belle & The Vertigo Waves play “Night of the Loving Dead” Saturday, February 15, at 8:00 PM at Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, 3402 Main St., KCMO with Wick & The Tricks, Annie Cherry, Freddye Dalma Starr, and Whorxata.]

Belle Loux and John Loux on the February 5, 2020, edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley on KKFI 90.1 FM.

10:30 – Interview with Belle & The Vertigo Waves

Belle & The Vertigo Waves joined us last summer to share their single “Fear Or Faith.” Belle & The Vertigo Waves are back on the show to share details about their show “Night of the Loving Dead” Saturday, February 15, at 8:00 PM at Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, 3402 Main St., KCMO with Wick & The Tricks, Annie Cherry, Freddye Dalma Starr, and Whorxata. More information at: http://www.thevertigowaves.com

Belle Loux and John Loux, thanks for being on WMM.

Belle Loux is lead singer for Belle & The Vertigo Waves. John Loux is lead guitarist

Belle Loux is 22 years old. She has been writing music and fronting this band since she was 18 years old.

Early influences were: The Cure, The Smiths, Psychedelic Furs, Amy Mann

Belle & The Vertigo Waves have played Middle of The Map Fest, Plaza Art Fair, Boulevardia and most venues across the KC metro.

The band’s debut full length album “Aligned” was released on October 6, 2017. About the album, Belle told Michelle Bacon at The Bridge that, “Many of the tunes had been written around five years prior, when I was just 15 or 16.” Belle had only played them as a solo artist with occasional accompaniment from her dad, guitarist John Loux, and keyboardist Charlie Hibberd. In 2017, she hired the two musicians and a couple other friends to track “Aligned,” dubbing the project Belle and the Vertigo Waves, in the hopes that she’d eventually assemble a live band. “Recording was a surreal and emotional experience. Playing the songs with a band was like seeing them come to life,” she said. “I knew there was no way I could be a solo artist anymore, because I fell in love with the full band sound so much.”

The music of Belle & The Vertigo Waves have been described as having an “1980s pop-laden sound.” which drew local attention in 2018. After “Aligned” that band has gone through an evolution of sound and players. Belle Loux and John Loux have continued as founding members.

At various times, the group has included two of the “Aligned” musicians, including bassist Jeremiah Scott, plus the more recent additions of Elliott Holt on drums and Zach Nielsen on guitar.

Belle has said that in the past 4 years the band has grown to have more of a darker, glam rock sound, grittier and grungier. Their sound is influenced by three generations of musicians in the band, Belle’s growth as a songwriter and singer, and through the band’s work with engineer and producer Paul Malinowski. Belle & The Vertigo Waves are currently recording new music at Massive Sound Studios. Belle & The Vertigo Waves hope to release a new EP, and a new video later this year.

Belle Loux, & John Loux, thanks for being on WMM.

Belle & The Vertigo Waves play “Night of the Loving Dead” Saturday, February 15, at 8:00 PM at Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, 3402 Main St., KCMO with Wick & The Tricks, Annie Cherry, Freddye Dalma Starr, and Whorxata.

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

10:46

7. Belle & The Vertigo Waves – “What You Wanted”
from: What You Wanted – Single / Drop Out Records / August 19, 2017
[Debut album from Belle & The Vertigo Waves is the sonic brainchild of Belle Loux. She resides in KCMO, and is slowly attempting world domination.”Aligned” is available on iTunes and all streaming services.]

8. Misha Roberts – “Exposed”
from: Exposed – EP / Misha Roberts / January 2020 (Unreleased)
[Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Misha Roberts has worked extensively in Kansas City as a vocalist for over 10 years. Misha is currently in the studio working on her solo album. She recently released this song as a you Tube Video. Misha plays with the band The Freedom Affair.]

[The Freedom Affair play The Ship, 1217 Union Avenue, KCMO (West Bottoms) TONIGHT Wednesday, February 5, at 9:00 PM]

9. Betse Ellis – “Another Night Gone”
from: Don’t You Want To Go / Free Dirt / April 21, 2009
[Originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, Betse Ellis is one of the founding members of one of Kansas City’s treasured bands The Wilders, an acoustic honky-tonk band, that toured nationally and internationally for 15 years, and released 10 albums. In 2011 the band ended. One if the side projects of The Wilders was a band called The Whittlers, made of up of Phil Wade and Tom Livesay who recorded 4 full-length albums from 2000 to 2004 while they worked together at the Kansas City Art Institute. The Whitlers were the first to record this song written by Betse Ellis, and released on their final album, “Nobody’s Happy” from 2004, with Tom on vocals, Ike Sheldon on piano, Phil Wade on guitar. The track was recorded as a surprise for Betse.]

[Betse Ellis plays Sunday Service at Stockyards Brewing Co. on Sunday, February 9, at 2:00 PM at Stockyards Brewing Co. 1600 Gennessee St. KCMO with 3 Trails West and Bill Dye.]

11:00 – Station ID

Marty Thomas

10. Marty Thomas – “We Belong”
from: Slow Dancing With A Boy / Broadway Records / December 6, 2019
[Originally from Trenton, Missouri where he graduted from Trenton High School in 1997.As a child he famously won Ed McMahon’s Junior Star Search over then-unknown Britney Spears. As an adult, Marty Thomas created a name for himself on Broadway in Xanadu, Wicked and The Secret Garden, on television’s Grace & Frankie, and has been a staple of the New York City nightlife for well over a decade. With his sophomore album “Slow Dancing With a Boy”, Marty takes his rightful place among the vocal icons that have long inspired him. Produced by Jamey Ray, this album explores the music of a young closeted mans coming of age memories, and dares to question the possibility of having lived those memories honestly and openly. Fusing pop and musical theatre music with a song stack that runs the gamut of Vanessa Williams to Les Miserables, this album features collaborations with The X Factor’s Rachel Potter, Voctave’s Jamey Ray and viral sensation Mykal Kilgore. “We Belong” is a song written by Eric Lowen and Dan Navarro. It was made popular by American rock singer Pat Benatar after being released as the lead single from her sixth studio album, Tropico (1984). It matched the success of “Love Is a Battlefield” on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the United States, peaking at #5. It reached #3 on Billboard’s Top Rock Tracks chart and #34 on the Adult Contemporary.]

[Marty Thomas will bring his “Slow Dancing with a boy” tour, to Kansas City, Friday, February 7, at 8:00 PM at Music Theatre Kansas City 16301 Midland Drive (inside B&B Theatres), Shawnee, Kansas. Presented by Music Theatre Kansas City. More information at http://www.martythomas.com]

Marty Thomas

11:05 – Interview with Marty Thomas

Originally from Trenton, Missouri, where he graduated from Trenton High School in 1997. While in middle school, in 1992, Marty Thomas beat out a then-unknown Britney Spears to win Ed McMahon’s “Junior Star Search” competition. At that time Marty Thomas was already a veteran of Broadway, as a cast member of “The Secret Garden” in 1991. As an adult, Marty Thomas created a name for himself on Broadway in the musicals “Xanadu,” and “Wicked,” and Off Broadway in “Pageant – The Musical.” He has appeared on television’s Grace & Frankie, and in several films. Marty Thomas has been nominated for a Grammy Award, and has appeared on MTV, VH1, 20/20. and The Tony Awards. Marty Thomas released his second solo album, “Slow Dancing With A Boy,” on Broadway Records, on December 6, 2019. The new album “explores the music of a young closeted man’s coming-of-age memories, and dares to question the possibility of having lived those memories honestly and openly.”

Marty Thomas will bring his “Slow Dancing with a Boy” tour, to Kansas City, Friday, February 7, at 8:00 PM at Music Theatre Kansas City 16301 Midland Drive (inside B&B Theatres), Shawnee, Kansas. Presented by Music Theatre Kansas City. More information at http://www.martythomas.com

Marty Thomas, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Trenton, Missouri is a town of about 6,000 people about an hour and a half north of Kansas City. It is near the halfway point between Kansas City and Des Moines, Iowa in Interstate 35 North.

Slow Dancing With A Boy explores the music of a young closeted man’s coming of age memories. What was your “Coming Out” process like? And how did your childhood experiences of being on Broadway and on television affect your ‘coming out”?

Of the 12 album tracks on the new album, you recommended that we play “We Belong.”

Album Tracks:

1. Slow Dance
2. As (written by Stevie Wonder)
3. Dancing On My Own All By Myself
4. Dreamlover (featuring Jamey Ray and Rachel Potter)
5. Crazy For You (written by John Bettis and Jon Lind for Madonna)
6. Remember Me This Way
7. Show Me Heaven (written by Maria McKee, Eric Rackin, Jay Rifkin)
8. Seventh Grade [Save the Best For Last / Everything I Do] (featuring Mykal Kilgore)
9. I Want You to Need Me (written by Diane Warren for Celine Dion)
10. Someone to Fall Back On
11. We Belong (written by Eric Lowen and Dan Navarro for Pat Benatar)
12. Somewhere (composed by Leonard Bernstein / lyrics by Stephen Sondheim)

“We Belong” is a song written by Eric Lowen and Dan Navarro. It was made popular by American rock singer Pat Benatar after being released as the lead single from her sixth studio album, Tropico (1984). It matched the success of “Love Is a Battlefield” on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in the United States, peaking at #5. It reached #3 on Billboard’s Top Rock Tracks chart and #34 on the Adult Contemporary.

This album was born of the epiphany that the artists coming of age years were not his own. He traded them to his church, his family and the deeply troubling belief that he wasn’t worthy of honest love. Convinced if he told enough lies and believed them that he could fit in and have a happy life by pleasing everyone around him but himself. Obviously, the truth is always king and will always find the light eventually.

‘Slow Dancing With A Boy’, is a collection of music from Thomas’ middle school, high school and college years rearranged, reclaimed and placed firmly in the light. It’s a second chance to live truthfully and make music honestly.

Slow Dancing With A Boy was officially released on Broadway Records on December 6, 2019 and is available on all digital and streaming platforms.

Marty takes his rightful place among the vocal icons that have long inspired him.
Produced by Jamey Ray.

This album features collaborations with The X Factor’s Rachel Potter, Voctave’s Jamey Ray and viral sensation Mykal Kilgore.

The album reached #19 on the iTunes pop charts and has received rave critical reviews. Physical copies will be available for sale the night of the concert.

Xanadu – for this musical your work as a skater was put to great use. Can you talk about this musical? Ventriloquism and 30 minute lips in 18 minutes

11:19

Marty Thomas, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Marty Thomas brings his “Slow Dancing with a Boy” tour, to Kansas City, this Friday, February 7, at 8:00 PM at Music Theatre Kansas City, 16301 Midland Drive (inside B&B Theatres), Shawnee, Kansas. Presented by Music Theatre Kansas City. More information at http://www.martythomas.com

11:19- Underwriting

11. Suzannah Johannes – “Hanging On”
from: Suzannah Johannes EP / Range Life Records / September 2, 2008
[Recorded by Steve Squire, with additional recording by Mike Nolte. Mixed by Mike Nolte at More Famouser. Mastered by Roger Seibel at SAE. Artwork by Pre Sense Form. Released by Range Life Records. For this track: Josh Adams on drums & percussion , Dave Wetzel on guitar, Steve Swyers on guitar, Mike Nolte on bass, and Suzannah Johannes on vocals. Suzannah Johannes is a singer and songwriter living in Lawrence, KS. She has performed with David Wetzel (Ghosty), Steve Swyers (Say My Name), Jeff Stoltz (Drakkar Sauna), and Dustin Kinsey (New Amsterdams).]

[Suzannah Johannes plays the Myers Hotel Bar, 220 South Main, Tonganoxie, KS. on Friday, February 7, at 8:00 PM with the band Sidehug.]

12. Kadesh Flow – “Accolades”
from: Motivated / Ryan Davis / January 31, 2020
[Executive Produced by Kadesh Flow. Mixed by Kadesh Flow. Mastered by Bill Beats. Kadesh calls this EP a “collection of tracks that I made to motivate myself. Hopefully they get you fired up as well.” Kadesh Flow is Ryan Davis is a rapper with an MBA. He is an emcee, producer, & trombonist. At age 11, he began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. His music has been featured on network television in multiple countries and territories across Southeast Asia. Kadesh performs as a solo hip hop artist. He also plays with KC funk juggernaut The Phantastics, and Marcus Lewis Big Band.]

[Kadesh Flow plays Kansas Cith Bier Company, 310 West 79th St., KCMO, on Fri., Feb. 7, at 7:00 PM]

13. The MGDs – “Let Me In”
from: Let Me In – Single / The MGDs / Feb. 5, 2020 (Unreleased)
[Damon Parker sent me this new song from the MGDs which will be on their upcoming album “Midtown” to be released later this spring. Midtown will be the follow-up to the band’s 3rd studio release, their November 4, 2017 release, Somos Como Somos. Matt Davis on drums, percussion & vocals, Greg Bush on bass, Damon Parker on keyboards & vocals, Scott “Snoof” Middleton on guitar, Rudy Vasquez on saxophones, and Eric Martens on trumpet. This Kansas City based 6-piece band that mixes piano and brass with a dynamic rhythm section that adds a unique flavor to the iconic Kansas City music culture, blending of funk and blues with soulful stylings. In what started as a 3-piece between longtime friends in 2008, the MGDs have evolved into a potent powerhouse, high-energy ensemble with regular monthly appearances at the Phoenix, and appearances at the Sunset Music Fest, the City Market Crawfish Fest, the 6th annual Phoenix Fest, Crossroads Music Fest, Middle of The Map Fest, Boulevardia, The Plaza Art Fair, Kauffman Stadium before two Kansas City Royals games. In 2016 the band released their 2nd studio LP, “Wake Up”.] [The MGDs played an EP Release show, Saturday, November 4, at 9:00 pm, at The Black Dolphin.]

[The MGDs play MidCoast Takeover Fundraiser #1, Friday, February 7, at 7:00 PM at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO with Verbose, and Jesus Loves The Atom Bomb.]

11:30 – Interview with Sondra Freeman

Sondra Freeman is Director of Promotions and Artist Relations for Midwest Music Foundation, a nonprofit created to support music and musicians in Kansas City and the surrounding areas, founded in 2008 by a collective of musicians and music lovers. The Midwest Music Foundation (MMF) unites and empowers the greater Kansas City music community by providing programs and resources to area musicians through outreach, support, education, and health care opportunities. Sondra is instrumental in MMF’s annual events: Apocalypse Meow, MidCoast Takeover and the MidCoast Takeover fundraiser shows, as well as many other collaborative musical events and fundraisers.

Sondra Freeman joins us to share details about Midwest Music Foundation’s Annual MidCoast Takeover. The event began in 2010 as a group of musicians and music lovers gathering for a Kansas City-focused showcase at the nation’s largest music festival in Austin, Texas. Midwest Music Foundation presents the 11th annual MidCoast Takeover, a 4-day, 2-stage KC-focused showcase, March 18 through 21, at Shangri La, hosting over 40 bands at the nation’s largest music festival in Austin, Texas.

Sondra Freeman joins us to share info about MidCoast Takeover Fundraiser #1, Friday, February 7, at 7:00 PM at recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO with Verbose, Jesus Loves The Atom Bomb, and The MGDs.

Sondra Freeman thanks for being with us again on WMM.

MidCoast Takeover Fundraiser #1, Friday, February 7, at recordBar, 1

7:00 pm – Doors open
8:00 pm – Verbose
9:00 pm – Jesus Loves the Atom Bomb
10:00 pm – The MGDs

The Midwest Music Foundation is proud to present the 11th annual MidCoast Takeover. The event began in 2010 as a group of musicians and music lovers gathering for a Kansas City-focused showcase at the nation’s largest music festival in Austin, Texas. The showcase has grown into a four-day, two-stage event at Shangri La. Taking musicians to Austin reflects attention back on the vibrant music scenes in KC and throughout the Midwest.

These fundraiser shows help us raise funds to pay for the production costs of hosting this showcase. MidCoast Takeover is funded through these fundraiser shows and sponsors, separate from our other programs and services.

Huge thanks to our sponsors: Boulevard Brewing Company, Seen Merch, Nebraska Exposed, Eastern Afternoon, recordBar, The Brick, Shangri La, City Rent A Truck,
XO Blackwater, Rad’s FX LLC, and CM2 Audio.

Abby’s Fund for Musicians’ Health Care was named for Abigail Henderson (1977-2013).

Death notice from St. Louis Post Dispatch: Abigail Hope Henderson the Kansas City vocalist who started a nonprofit organization to help musicians pay health-care costs, died on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 of cancer at her home. She was 35. For more than a decade, Abigail was the lead singler of several area bands: Trouble Junction, The Gaslights, Atlantic Fadeout, and Tiny Horse. In 2008 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had health insurance, but the cost of the treatments prompted her and her husband Christopher Meck, to start the Midwest Music Foundation which raised funds to help area musicians pau health care costs. “Medical bills can throw you into poverty in a week – in one day,” she said. “There’s nothing like standing in your kitchen opeing a j]hospital bill for $63,000.00 in one day and $47,000.00 the next. After a while you don’t want to open them anymore. Who can pay that?”

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

Midwest Music Foundation Staff

Rhonda Lyne, Executive Director rhonda@midwestmusicfound.org
Sondra Freeman, Director of Promotions and Artist Relations
Michelle Bacon, Editor
Canyon McClung, Production Specialist
Brenton Cook, Promotions Specialist
Christopher Tate, Technical Officer, Website Specialist

Midwest Music Foundation Board

Scott Easterday, President, Website, Musician
Chris Meck, Vice President, Musician and CM2 Audio
Garrett Nordstrom, Treasurer, Musician and Birdsway Productions
Ellen Sherman, Secretary, Chair of Marketing
Eric Barton, General Counsel
Dr. K. Allen Greiner, MD, MPH, Chair of Health + Wellness, University of KS Med Center
Erin Corriveau, MD, MPH, Public Health Officer, University of Kansas Medical Center
Bryant Miller, JD, Chair of Development
Vi Tran, Musician and The Buffalo Room
Camry Ivory, Musician
Amber Hulet, Volunteer Coordinator, Social Media

Other Midwest Music Foundation Events:

MidCoast Takeover #2 is March 7

JayRock 15, on Friday, February 28, at 6:00 PM at Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway Rd, KCMO. Hosted by JayDoc Free Clinic, featuring Yes You Are, Third Degree of Kansas City, and Everett the Grey!

The headliner of JayRock 15 is Yes You Are. They are a local pop band whose first single debuted on Pepsi’s Superbowl 51 commercial as well as being featured in Bad Moms amongst other FX and MTV shows. Vocalist Kiarra Alarid has been a guest at Coachella amongst other musical festivals and have appeared on Sesame Street and Sesame Street.

JayRock 15 will be opened by Everett the Grey, a band including a fellow second year medical student Alex Hill. The second opener of the night will be Third Degree of Kansas City, a group who describes their sound as classic and eclectic rock ‘n’ roll. Third Degree is made up of some of KUMC’s finest faculty members: Pete DiPasco, Dianne Durham, Beth Levant, Ken McCarson, and Peter Smith.

10:44

Sondra Freeman thanks for being with us again on WMM.

MidCoast Takeover Fundraiser #1, Friday, February 7, at 7:00 PM at recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO with Verbose, Jesus Loves The Atom Bomb, and The MGDs.

More info at: http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org

11:45

14. Verbose – “The Victim”
from: Idle Hour at Barto’s / Verbose / November 8, 2019
[Verbose is a four piece alternative blues rock band from Joplin, Missouri. The band is made up of Logan Glasgow on vocals & drums, Cody Morris on guitar, Tim Cote on bass & vocals, and Zach Martin on Guitar.]

[Verbose plays MidCoast Takeover Fundraiser #1, Friday, February 7, at 7:00 PM at recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO with Jesus Loves The Atom Bomb, and The MGDs. ]

15. Trixie Mattel – “Malibu”
from: Barbara / PEG Records / February 7, 2020
[Trixie Mattel is the stage name of Brian Michael Firkus, an American singer, actor, drag queen and recognized “Skinny Legend.” Trixie is the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” season 3 (originally competing on season 7). He is also a Billboard Heatseekers #1 charting recording artist (One Stone, 2018), a wildly successful theater touring act, and one half of a comic duo on Viceland (“The Trixie and Katya Show”) and on YouTube (“UNHhhh”). In 2019, Trixie worked the festival circuit as the subject of a bio documentary, “Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts.” Trixie Mattel is managed by Producer Entertainment Group and online at twww.rixiemattel.com or @trixiemattel.]

[Trixie Mattel plays The Truman, 601 East Truman Rd, KCMO, Tuesday, Feb. 11, At 8:00 PM.]

16. Soultru – “Must Be”
from: “Must Be” – Single / The Record Machine / August 24, 2019
[Drums and Piano by Kierstyn Graham, Vocals by Terrance Banks. Singer, songwriter, poet and emcee Terrance A Banks aka Soultru is a native of Davenport, Iowa and is currently based out of the Quad Cities area of NW Illinois/NE Iowa. Combining his poetic and lyrical talents with a soulful voice, Soultru has forged his own unique sound. Soultru credits a wide range of influences, including Gavin Degraw, John Legend, Yelawolf and Son Little.]

[Soultru plays play Stockyard Sounds with True Lions, Monday, February 10, at 6:30 PM at Stockyards Brewing Co., 1600 Genessee St, KCMO.]

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

Next week, on February 12 – The Pedaljets join us live in our 90.1 FM Studios to share music from their new album, “Twist The Lens.”

Also next week, special co-hosts Betse Ellis and Marion Merritt join us for our Winter Fund Drive Show encouraging YOU, our beautiful listeners to call us and show your support for the most original radio station you’ve ever listened to, 90.1 FM KKFI where over 85 locally produced radio shows air each week.

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

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

Show #823

Wednesday MidDay Medley

Wednesdays, 10 – Noon, on 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio

Tag Archives: recordBar

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