WMM PLAYLIST from June 4, 2025

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

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

WMM Serves Music of Boulevardia + Chris Haghirian + KC Music Industry Commission

  1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
    from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
  1. Tech N9ne – “This I Know (feat. Kevin Church Johnson) (radio edit)”
    from: 5816 Forest / Strange Music / June 27, 2025
    [New single from upcoming 27th studio album. Aaron Dontez Yates was born November 8, 1971. He is better known by his stage name Tech N9ne (pronounced “tech nine”), is an American rapper and singer. In 1999, he and business partner Travis O’Guin founded the record label Strange Music. He has sold over two million albums and his music has been featured in film, television, and interactive media. In 2009, he won the Left Field Woodie award at the mtvU Woodie Awards. // His stage name originated from the TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun, a name given to him by rapper Black Walt due to his fast-rhyming chopper style. Yates later applied a deeper meaning to the name, stating that it stands for the complete technique of rhyme, with “tech” meaning technique and “nine” representing the number of completion. // Yates was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He began rapping at a very early age, and would rap the letters of his name in order to remember how to spell it. His father Carlton Cook was estranged from the family and his mother suffered from epilepsy and lupus when he was a child, which emotionally affected him and inspired him to “search for God”. He would explore abandoned buildings with his best friend, hoping to catch a ghost on film. He attended Southwest High School in Kansas City. // Early in his career, Yates was a member of a group formed in 1991 called Black Mafia. He saw glimpses of success in the group 57th Street Rogue Dog Villians with their single “Let’s Get Fucked Up”. As a member of the group Nnutthowze, Aaron Yates signed with Perspective Records in 1993. However, the group disbanded soon after being released from the label. Yates signed with Qwest Records briefly before moving to JCOR Records. // In 1997, Yates joined the group the Regime, which was formed by rapper Yukmouth. The following year, he was featured on the soundtrack for the film Gang Related. Yates appeared on the song “The Anthem” by Sway & King Tech in 1999, which also featured artists RZA, Eminem, Xzibit, Pharoahe Monch, Jayo Felony, Chino XL, KRS-One, and Kool G. Rap. Later that year, he and business partner Travis O’Guin founded the record label Strange Music. // In 2001, Yates released the studio album Anghellic on JCOR Records.[9] After disputes arose about the promotion of the album, Yates and his label severed ties with the JCOR with a deal that allowed them to retain the rights to the album. The next year, he released Absolute Power, under a 50–50 joint venture between Strange Music and M.S.C. Music & Entertainment (which was founded by former Priority Records head Mark Cerami). The album debuted number 79 on the Billboard 200. The album’s sales are said to have tripled following a campaign, going by the name of “F.T.I.” was started by the rapper and his label. The campaign, which asked music listeners to legally download the album free through the artist’s own website was in response to the anti-downloading campaign by the RIAA. // In 2006, Yates released the album Everready (The Religion). The following year, he released Misery Loves Kompany. Yates announced that the album was the first in a series of “Tech N9ne Collabos” albums that feature a wide range of guest appearances. // The following year, Yates released the album Killer. That September, he exceeded one million album sales over his entire catalog. Yates remarked of the accomplishment that, “It just reminded me of all the work we’d done in the past, up until now […] I don’t think it’s sunken in yet. I’ve been celebrating for the last two days because that’s a hell of an accomplishment. I’ve been planning success all my life. I’m not even a bit surprised, I’m happy about it. That just means I was right.” Yates released his second Collabos album, Sickology 101, in April 2009. // Yates later performed at the Rock The Bells 2009 Festival and the tenth annual Gathering of the Juggalos. That October, he released K.O.D., an acronym for King of Darkness. The album featured a dark overtone, as Yates was dealing with the illness of his mother. An EP of new songs over unused beats from the K.O.D. album was released in 2010 as The Lost Scripts of K.O.D.. Later that year, Yates released his third Collabos album, The Gates Mixed Plate. In October, he released his second EP Seepage. On December 23, he released his first mixtape Bad Season.which was later released in retail CD form with a modified track list and without DJ Scream. On June 7, 2011, Yates released All 6’s and 7’s. The album features several hip-hop artists as well as rock artists including B.o.B, E-40, Snoop Dogg, Hopsin, T-Pain, Jay Rock, Mint Condition, Busta Rhymes, Twista, Lil Wayne, Yelawolf and Deftones and many others. // In 2011, Yates told 411mania.com that after All 6’s And 7’s he planned on releasing his fourth album in the Collabos series titled Welcome to Strangeland, featuring guest appearances from everyone on Strange Music, followed by the long-awaited K.A.B.O.S.H. and 816 Boyz albums. Then, in July 2011, Yates said in a blog post that Rick Ross has agreed to do a song with him for the K.A.B.O.S.H. album and that he is also hoping to have a collaboration with Jay-Z on that album. In the same blog post, he said that the K.A.B.O.S.H. album will be a rock album. In another blog post several weeks later, he confirmed that he will begin work on the album after completing Welcome to Strangeland. Following his tour, he announced that he was about to begin work on Welcome to Strangeland and Klusterfuk, confirming producers for both projects. ¡Mayday! is to entirely produce Klusterfuk. He said he will then begin work on the K.A.B.O.S.H. album. // Tech N9ne is featured on Lil Wayne’s ninth studio album Tha Carter IV on the song “Interlude”. The track features a verse from Tech and Andre 3000. During a radio interview with Funkmaster Flex in August 2010, Wayne stated that he and Tech N9ne formed a “brotherhood” when Yates visited him in jail. In a later interview, Tech N9ne claimed that he thinks the song will “awaken a lot of other people that wouldn’t usually look [his] way” and “teach all the new fans how to become technicians”. // In an interview with “Underground TV” posted on Tech N9ne’s blog, Tech N9ne spoke about his 2012 plans, confirming the release of Klusterfuk, the K.A.B.O.S.H. album, and an untitled solo album to be released in 2012. He was featured on the song “Edge of Destruction” (which also features Twista) that appears on Machine Gun Kelly’s first studio album “Lace Up”. // On September 18, Tech N9ne released an EP titled “E.B.A.H.” (Evil Brain Angel Heart). On October 30, Tech N9ne released an EP titled Boiling Point. He announced his thirteenth studio album would be titled Something Else and would be released on June 25, 2013. The first song released from the album would be “B.I.T.C.H.”, an acronym for Breaking In To Colored Houses, which features rapper/singer T-Pain. The album would end up being released on July 30, 2013, to universal critical acclaim. The album, which is broken up into three portions — Earth, Water & Fire, features guest appearances from B.o.B, Big K.R.I.T., Cee Lo Green, the Doors, Game, Kendrick Lamar, Serj Tankian, T-Pain, Trae tha Truth, Snow Tha Product, and Wiz Khalifa, among others including several artists from Tech N9ne’s Strange Music imprint. The album was supported by two singles, “So Dope (They Wanna)” and “Fragile”. // Tech N9ne announced a new “Independent Grind” tour in January 2014, which included Freddie Gibbs, Krizz Kaliko, and Jarren Benton. The tour dates were announced on January 30, 2014, and the tour ran from April 9 until June 28, wrapping up in Kansas City. Also in 2014, Yates released Strangeulation, the fifth album in his Collabos series and fourteenth album overall. // In April 2015, Yates confirmed that Eminem will be featured on a song titled “Speedom (Worldwide Choppers 2)”. The song was released on April 20, 2015, as a single supporting his then-upcoming album, Special Effects, which was released on May 4 of the same year. The rapper says Eminem collaborated on the track, free of charge, in exchange for Yates to guest on a track of his for an unknown project. Yates says he was “flabbergasted” that Eminem respected his music so much. // On May 4, 2015, Tech N9ne released Special Effects to critical and commercial acclaim. The album features guest appearances from Corey Taylor, B.o.B, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, T.I., Kottonmouth Kings, Hopsin, Captain Chronic, E-40, Yo Gotti, Audio Push and Eminem along with fellow Strange Music artists Krizz Kaliko, Big Scoob and Ces Cru. // In addition, a Special Effects tour began in early April 2015. Tech is joined on tour by Murs, Chris Webby, Krizz Kaliko, Zuse, and King 810. // On November 20, 2015, Tech N9ne released Strangeulation Vol. II, the sixth album in his Collabos series and 16th album overall. The album features the entire roster of Strange Music at the time along with JL, Ryan Bradley, and Tyler Lyon. In spring 2016, Tech N9ne went on tour with fellow Strange members for another Independent Powerhouse Tour. // In December 2016, Tech N9ne released his 17th album, The Storm, the followup to his 1999 debut album The Calm Before The Storm. // In January 2017, Tech N9ne announced his seventh Collabos album titled Dominion, released April 7, and stated plans to release a second album in his Collabos series the same year. In March, Tech began the Strictly Strange ’17 tour with fellow Strange Music artists. The same month, Tech announced on radio station GoMN plans to release his next solo album, Planet, in 2018. On June 20, 2017, Tech earned his first platinum record in 18 years for “Caribou Lou”. Tech N9ne released the eighth Collabos album, Strange Reign, on October 13, 2017, marking it the second album release that year. // On March 2, 2018, Tech N9ne released Planet, making this his 20th studio album. On April 19, 2019, Tech N9ne released N9na, making this his 21st studio album. Nearly a year later, on April 10, 2020, his 22nd album, Enterfear was released. On July 29, 2020, he was featured on “CMFT Must Be Stopped”, a single by Slipknot vocalist Corey Taylor. On October 23, 2020, Tech N9ne released a new project titled Fear Exodus. // On October 8, 2021, Tech N9ne released an album titled “Asin9ne”. The album features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Mumu Fresh, Snow Tha Product, Russ, E-40, X-Raided, as well as wrestler turned actor Dwayne Johnson. // Tech N9ne features on fellow Kansas City area musician Samantha Fish’s 2021 album Faster, rapping on the song “Loud”. // On May 3, 2022, at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Tech N9ne announced his then-upcoming album Bliss, performing a song off the album titled “They Know Meh” featuring fellow Kansas City-based rapper, The Popper. // Bliss was released on July 28, 2023, after being delayed from a July 14 release. The album contains guest appearances from Conway the Machine, Joyner Lucas, X-Raided, Kim Dracula, RMR, Qveen Herby and Durand Bernarr. // On May 7, 2024, Yates was unveiled as featured artist on the Falling in Reverse track “Ronald” from their 2024 album Popular Monster. He stars in the official music video portraying a God like entity, who contrasts against the demonic final boss portrayed by Alex Terrible lead singer of the Russian heavy metal group Slaughter to Prevail. Yates will also be supporting the group on their Popular MonsTOUR II: World Domination tour, in Europe and North America. // Yates is known for his dynamic rhyme schemes[citation needed] and speed rap abilities known as the Chopper style. Soren Baker of VH1 states that Yates’ techniques “showcase his wide-ranging, mind-blowing flows”. Baker characterizes Yates’ earlier work as “apocalyptic music, which discussed abortion and infidelity as much as his rapping prowess”. Allmusic reviewer Jason Birchmeier calls his style “bizarre hardcore rap”. Yates stated that he purposely creates flow patterns in order to sound like a percussion while he raps.[50] After hearing an instrumental he would come up with different kinds of patterns and then “fill in” the actual lyrics. // Yates says that he is influenced by old school hip hop, and specifically cites N.W.A, Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions, Eric B. & Rakim, Schoolly D, and Just-Ice. He is also interested in other genres of music, and lists The Doors, Jim Morrison, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, AC/DC, Metallica, Floetry, Outkast, CeeLo Green, and Gnarls Barkley as influences. He has remarked generally that “I love beautiful music, beautiful music no matter what type”. // Although Tech N9ne mostly collaborates with rappers from his record label Strange Music such as Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun, Big Scoob, Brotha Lynch Hung, and Stevie Stone as well as underground rappers from his hometown Kansas City, he has also worked with known rappers such as E-40, Ice Cube, Three 6 Mafia, Lil Wayne, Twista, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Machine Gun Kelly, Yelawolf, Scarface, Yo Gotti, T-Pain, Wiz Khalifa, Paul Wall, B.o.B, André 3000, T.I., and 2 Chainz. // Tech N9ne has also worked with rock and metal musicians such as Serj Tankian of System of a Down, Corey Taylor of Slipknot, Chino Moreno and Stephen Carpenter of Deftones, Jonathan Davis of Korn, Five Finger Death Punch, and Falling in Reverse. //Yates’ songs have appeared in the films Born 2 Race, Gang Related, Alpha Dog, Our Heroes: The 25 Best Black Sports Movies (Ever), and The Life of Lucky Cucumber. Yates was originally set to score the entire film Alpha Dog, but the studio decided to replace some of his music with more commercially known songs. In 2009, his song “Let’s Go” was used in an online promotional short film for AXE body spray. Yates also appears as an actor in the films Vengeance and Night of the Living Dead: Origins 3D. Yates starred in the musical Alleluia: The Devil’s Carnival, which had a limited theater release July 2015. On November 25, 2015, Tech released “Shine”, a song for the Jaco Pastorius documentary, Jaco. //Several of Yates’ songs are featured in the video games Madden NFL 2006, The Crew, EA Sports MMA, 25 To Life, WWE 2K18, EA Sports UFC 3, and Midnight Club: Los Angeles, in the latter of which Yates is an unlockable character. In 2009, Yates and label mate Krizz Kaliko appeared in a promotional video for the Fight Night Round 4 video game. // Yates’ music has appeared on the television shows Dark Angel, I’m From Rolling Stone, My Super Sweet 16, The Hills, Spike Guys’ Choice Awards, and Warren The Ape. In 2008, his song “Earthquake” was featured on an episode of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew in which the crew had to visually convey the title of the song in their performance. On the Aug. 15, 2009 Strikeforce event, Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg, MMA fighter Gilbert Melendez entered the arena to Tech N9ne’s 2006 song “The Beast” for his bout with Mitsuhiro Ishida. His song “Riot Maker” was used as the official theme song for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s 2010 Hardcore Justice pay-per-view. Yates also appeared on the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards in the BET Cypher with B.o.B, Machine Gun Kelly, Kendrick Lamar, and Big K.R.I.T. In 2012, Tech N9ne appeared on the MTV game show Hip Hop Squares for three episodes. In 2013, Tech N9ne’s song “Demons” appeared in the pilot episode of Ironside. On June 24, 2014, Tech N9ne appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform “Fragile”, “He’s A Mental Giant”, and “Stamina”. In late 2014, Yates appeared on Wild n Out as captain of the Black Team. // In May 2015, “Give It All” from the album Special Effects was used during Inside the NBA’s “Tip-Off” for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. // In May 2018, it was announced that Yates had teamed with Boulevard Brewing Company, a brewery based in his hometown of Kansas City, to create a new beer. The beer was released on June 18 in the Kansas City, Wichita, Denver, and Oklahoma City markets. The beer is named Bou Lou as reference to his song “Caribou Lou”, which is also a cocktail with overproof rum (The song specifically mentions Bacardi 151, which has been discontinued), Malibu, and pineapple juice . The beer is a wheat beer with pineapple and coconut flavors. On July 9, Bou Lou went on sale in the St. Louis market. // Yates was married in 1995, but separated in 2005. Yates filed for a divorce in 2015 and it was finalized in November 2017, 12 years after they were initially separated. On October 23, 2024, he married his longtime girlfriend Kristen, with whom he has two daughters, as seen from their social media accounts. Yates is an avid supporter of Kansas City culture and the metro area’s pro sports teams, including the KC Chiefs, KC Royals, and Sporting Kansas City. Before the Chiefs played in the 2019 AFC Championship game, he released a song titled “Red Kingdom”. In 2025, Yates was announced as one of the remixers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup theme, representing Kansas City.]

Discography – Studio albums
The Calm Before the Storm (1999)
The Worst (2000)
Anghellic (2001)
Absolute Power (2002)
Everready (The Religion) (2006)
Killer (2008)
K.O.D. (2009)
All 6’s and 7’s (2011)
Something Else (2013)
Special Effects (2015)
The Storm (2016)
Planet (2018)
N9na (2019)
Enterfear (2020)
Asin9ne (2021)
Bliss (2023)
5816 Forest (2025)
Discography – Collabos series
Misery Loves Kompany (2007)
Sickology 101 (2009)
The Gates Mixed Plate (2010)
Welcome to Strangeland (2011)
Strangeulation (2014)
Strangeulation Vol. II (2015)
Dominion (2017)
Strange Reign (2017)
COSM (2024)

[Tech N9ne plays Boulevardia on Saturday, June 14, 9:30 to 11:00pm on The MAIN STAGE]

10:04 – Interview with Chris Haghirian

Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI. I’m Mark Manning. Today we are serving music from the 10th annual Boulevardia Fest including: The Greeting Committee, Honestav, The Freedom Affair, Katy Guillen and The Drive, Kat King, Lorna Kay, The Creepy Jingles, Jamogi, Little Miss Dynamite, Flora From Kansas, Shay Lyriq, Dalima Kapten, TheBabeGabe, Paris Williams, Jackie Myers, Malek Azrael, and The Soul Activators. We started the show with Tech N9ne.

At 11:30 Meighan Peifer & James D. McGee, Creative Director of KC’s Mutual Musicians Foundation share details about The Kansas City Music Industry Commission formed in 2024 with the mission to strengthen the local music ecosystem by supporting musicians, recording artists, studios, venues, managers, agents, marketers, publicists, and content creators. By collaborating with city government, private entities, and KC music industry.

But first, joining us for our first 90-minutes is our friend and special guest, Chris Haghirian host & Producer of Eight One Sixty, heard Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM, on 90.9 The Bridge. Chris studied Journalism / Advertising at The University of Kansas. Chris also studied Photography at Kansas City Art Institute. Chris worked for The KC Star for over 20 years Chris was co-founder of the Middle of The Map Fest. Chris works for Spray KC. Chris organizes multiple concert series, and music stages for Plaza Art Fair & Boulvardia.

Chris Haghirian joins us to share details about Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at Crown Center, 2396 Grand Boulevard, encompassing Crown Center & Washington Square Park with 33 national, regional & local acts, 14 DJs, 5 music stages, with nearly 50 Brewing Companies, dozens and dozens of Restaurants & Food Trucks, Multiple merchants in the Makers Market, The Silent Disco, Yard Games, Canna Village, Monster Teeter-Totter, The Swifty Experience, and more. Info at: http://www.boulevardia.com

Chris Haghirian thanks for being with us on WMM

BOULEVARDIA SCHEDULE – SATURDAY, JUNE 14

MAIN STAGE
12:00 PM 1:00 PM Big Luke and the Soul Disciples
1:30 PM 2:10 PM Jackie Myers
2:40 PM 3:20 PM Jessica Paige
3:50 PM 4:30 PM The Phantastics
5:00 PM 6:00 PM The Zeros
6:30 PM 7:30 PM The Greeting Committee
8:00 PM 9:00 PM honestav
9:30 PM 11:00 PM Tech N9ne

FOUNTAIN STAGE- ELEVATE (Fountain Stage)
12:10 PM 12:50 PM The Soul Activators
1:20 PM 2:00 PM Talya Groves
2:30 PM 3:10 PM Land Lion
3:40 PM 4:20 PM Jamogi and The Jammers
4:50 PM 5:30 PM Daisy Buckët Drag Show
6:00 PM 6:40 PM Kat King
7:10 PM 7:50 PM Back Alley Brass Band
8:20 PM 9:00 PM Hembree

PARK STAGE – ILLICIT STAGE (Park Stage)
12:30 PM 1:10 PM Little Miss Dynamite
1:40 PM 2:20 PM Timbers
2:50 PM 3:30 PM David Luther
4:00 PM 4:40 PM Chalis O’Neal
5:10 PM 5:50 PM Lucas Parker
6:20 PM 7:00 PM Lorna Kay
7:30 PM 8:10 PM Katy Guillen and the Drive
8:40 PM 9:30 PM The Freedom Affair

HOLLADAY HILL STAGE
12:50 PM 1:20 PM Dalima Kapten
2:00 PM 2:30 PM Shay Lyriq
3:10 PM 3:40 PM Flora From Kansas
4:20 PM 4:50 PM Lauren Lovelle
5:30 PM 6:00 PM Paris Williams
6:40 PM 7:10 PM The Creepy Jingles
7:50 PM 8:20 PM Malek Azrael and The Vibez
9:00 PM 9:40 PM TheBabeGabe

SILENT DISCO
1:00 PM DJ Dawna – Taylor dance party
1:00 PM Lana Luxx – Taylor dance party
3:00 PM DJ Daz One
3:00 PM DJ Diehard
3:00 PM Tiberias
5:00 PM DJ Hike
5:00 PM DJ EJ
5:00 PM DJ Nana G
7:00 PM DJ Skittlez
7:00 PM DJ ON 10
7:00 PM FK Menace
9:00 PM DJ Joe + DJ Ice Kole
9:00 PM DJ NE$$
9:00 PM Sheppa

10:09

  1. The Greeting Committee – “Can I Leave Me Too?”
    from: Dandelion / Harvest Records / September 24, 2021
    [Formed in KC in 2015 with Addie Sartino, Brandon Yangmi, Austin Fraser, a& Pierce Turcotte. This EP is a follow up to their Oct. 17, 2019 EP, I’m Afraid I’m Not Angry, and their October 26, 2018, full length vinyl release “This Is It.” The band has previously released the EP “Meeting People is Easy” in 2017, and “It’s Not All That Bad” in 2015.The Greeting Committee released their single “Ada” on August 27, 2021, through Harvest Records / UMG Recordings. “Ada” is a queer narrative inspired by lived experience of a dear friend. i knew this wasn’t my story to tell, but instead the story of someone i fiercely admire. to our garden, you are loved. you are loved. You can listen to “Ada” at: thegcband.lnk.to/ada.]

[The Greeting Committee plays Boulevardia, Sat., June 14, at 6:30 to 7:30pm on The MAIN STAGE]

  1. Honestav – “Hurts To Fall In Love (Radio Edit)”
    from: hara-kiri (Deluxe) / Rebel Music / May 16, 2025
    [honestav is Av Freeman: a determined, kindred soul who, in the face of unimaginable odds and loss, found himself a breakout hit with 2024’s “I’d Rather Overdose” and a ticket out of rural Missouri. // Growing up the youngest of four brothers and a sister, he caught the music bug early: “They all wanted to be rockstars,” Av says. “I was a little kid going and watching my sixteen-year-old brother play screamo shows in bowling alleys and pizza joints. I was hooked. I wanted it bad.” // He split his time between his parents, spending half the month with his mother and half with his dad. “My mom was the worst tweaker ever,” he explains. “She lived in the hood and got arrested multiple times selling meth.” Life with his father was relatively stable, but still not comfortable. “There was no A.C. and no food,” Av says, “but I was going to school and playing sports. Half the month, I was the quarterback, and the other half, I was running around with no socks, smoking cigarettes with the worst kids.”// From the start, Av’s music was a response to tragedy; at age fifteen, Av found his brother dead from suicide. Amid this grief, Av adopted a tough-guy rap persona. He recorded music obsessively, releasing a song a week for over a hundred weeks in a row. “Literally for two years,” he says. “Sometimes I’d drop even more. I’d record four songs in a night and post two of them.” These years of experimentation reveal themselves in Av’s blend of folk and hip-hop, which sees scratchy verses layered over sensitive acoustic guitars. // After graduating high school, Av paid his bills selling weed. “I thought that’s how I was going to live,” he says. “I’d just be a dude that sells weed. I didn’t even think about the rockstar thing.” Then he got hired as a mover. He held that job for four years. “It was a grind, and I stayed up in the studio every night,” he remembers. “I’d go to work at 6:30 AM after being up until 4 AM recording music. It was draining.” // When Av started making jokes on TikTok, he believed he had finally found his way out. The social media platform paid for views, and his videos reached millions and millions of viewers. “At first I thought, ‘I’m about to get rich.’ I quit my job and shit. But I started spending all my money on studio time. I made enough to afford an apartment, but I was living out of my truck.” // But in January of 2024, tragedy struck again. Av’s father committed suicide. On the truck ride home, Av, through tears, wrote a new song documenting his emotions. Rushing to the studio, Av cut the track and uploaded it as had become routine. Almost overnight, “I’d Rather Overdose” exploded, cracking multiple Billboard charts and amassing over 70 million streams globally. The subsequent remix featuring MOD SUN, teased through an open verse challenge on TikTok, peaked at #21 on Alternative Radio. // “When my dad died, music turned into therapy for me,” Av says. “I’m not making songs to be cool anymore—this is what I gotta do to get through the day. I’m lucky that people hear it.” Now, following a bidding war between every major label, Av is on track to purchase his first home. Building on the success of “I’d Rather Overdose,” honestav released his debut EP, “hara-kiri,” on November 9th, which peaked at #10 on Apple Music’s Alternative Charts and garnered over 110 million streams across all platforms. The EP included the lead single, “Hurts To Fall in Love,” which received significant radio airplay success. // In 2024, honestav expanded his reach by embarking on a highly successful tour alongside MOD SUN and lovelytheband. His electrifying live performances led to sold-out shows in his hometown of Springfield, Missouri, as well as major cities like NYC and LA. These achievements underscore his growing fanbase and the widespread appeal of his music. Following the momentum of his debut EP and successful tours, honestav is excited to announce future projects, including his debut solo Midwest “No License Tour” slated for 2025, which promises to bring his heartfelt performances to even more fans across the region. // honestav belts rhymes about partying and drug addiction, self-loathing and suicide, stifling emotions and trying to open up. “When my brother killed himself, I turned into a punk ass sixteen-year-old,” he says. “When my dad did it, it hit different. It took a different spin. I’m a grown ass man now. If I wasn’t making these songs, I don’t think I’d be alive.” // Still, Av is shocked that this intimacy and introspection connected with such a wide audience. “It seems like people actually started to relate more when I stopped making music for everyone else,” he says. “That’s when they really started listening.” Despite his deep roots in the country, honestav has faced pressures from industry executives and even other artists to lean into familiar tropes of country music. However, Av has a strong sense of identity and remains true to his unique sound. “I grew up in the country, but I wasn’t farming,” he clarifies. “I’m from that, but I’m not that. My homies were farming, but I was riding dirt bikes and busting out windows.” // With the success he’s found by trusting his instincts, Av is determined to keep his music close to his heart, blending his background with his alternative influences to create something truly authentic. His authentic voice and unwavering dedication continue to inspire and connect with listeners around the world.]

[Honestav plays Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at 8:00 to 9:00pm on The MAIN STAGE]

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

[The Freedom Affair play Boulevardia, Sat, June 14, 8:40 to 9:30 PM on Park Stage – ILLICIT Stage.]

  1. Katy Guillen & The Drive – “Back To Normal”
    from: Dream Girl – EP / Katy Guillen Music / March 20, 2020
    [“Flight Attendant delivers an experience,” – Rolling Stone Magazine. Flight Attendant belongs to that breed of rock bands made in Nashville, USA; where their sound is nothing less than a sonic unicorn. Blending sounds of grunge with power-pop hooks, viola and light synth textures, they have begun to create a hypnotic sound and energy all of their own. Glide Magazine says that Lead Singer Karalyne, “Commands your attention like Freddie Mercury working the crowd in an arena.” Flight Attendant band has been compared to Haim and Fleetwood Mac, or as TurnuptheVolume puts it, “Think Warpaint having a dance with Best Coast,” – This “Nashville based eclectic-indie band….is ready for take off”, Velvet Thunder]

[Katy Guillen & The Drive play Boulevardia, Sat, June 14, 7:30 – 8:10pm Park Stage – ILLICIT Stage.]

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

[Kat King play Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at 6;00 to 6:40pm on the FOUNTAIN Stage.]

10:29 – Underwriting

  1. Lorna Kay – “What Ever Happened”
    from: “What Ever Happened” – Single / Independent / October 18, 2024
    [Lauren Krum solo project with Mike Stover. Follow up single to “Havin’ A Ball” released July 12, 2024. Lauren Krum is known for her work as lead singer of The Grisly Hand who had their last show on May 11, 2024 at The Ship. The band first started playing live in 2009. When The Grisly Hand released their debut album Safe House, the entire band (at that time: Lauren Krum, Jimmy Fitzner, Johnny Nichols, Chas Snyder, Mike Tuley. Ben Summers & Kian Byrne) climbed into our studios and performed live on our Nov. 10, 2010 show. // Jimmy Fitzner, Johnny Nichols, Chas Snyder were in a band called Left Behind. Lauren had played with them at The Brick, before laving Kansas City to go to Columbia College in Chicago. N Chicago Lauren created the group The Strumpettes a soul-inspired group featuring four female singers and a four-piece band. When the Strumpettes dismantled in 2008 and her life in Chicago started to fall apart, Krum decided to move back to Kansas City. She immediately began singing with From Before. // Within a few months, Krum, Fitzner, Nichols and Snyder were performing as a new group. They had brought on Andy Davis to play mandolin. Krum had found the name “the Grisly Hand” iafter coming across it in the poem “Webster Ford” from Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology. The most Current grouping of The Grisly Hand was Jimmy Fitzner, Lauren Krum, Ben Summers, Mike Stover, Johnny Nichols and Kian Byrne. / A super group of sorts several members have also been involved in other projects. Lauren has played and recorded with Ruddy Swain (w/ David Regnier), Lorna Kay, and Lorna Kay’s Country Club, as well as being a DJ.]

[Lorna K play Boulevardia, Sat, June 14, 6:20 to 7:00pm on Park Stage – ILLICIT Stage.]

  1. The Creepy Jingles – “Love Like You”
    from: “Love Like You” – Single / High Dive Records / July 14, 2024
    [This is the third of several new singles being released by The Creepy Jingles this year. The band released “Repeat After Me” on April 19, 2024. The band released “When Things Go Wrong” on February 23, 2024. 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. // Song (lyrics/melody/chords) written by Jocelyn Olivia Nixon. Mixed and Recorded by Paul Malinowski and recorded at Massive Sound Studios in Shawnee, Kansas. Mastered by Zack Hames. Jocelyn Nixon on lead vocals & rhythm guitar, Will Van Doorn on lead guitar & backing vocals, Andrew Woody on bass & backing vocals, Nick Robertson on drums & bait. // 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.]

[The Creepy Jingles play Boulevardia, Sat, June 14, 6:40 to 7:10pm on HOLLIDAY HILL Stage.]

  1. Jamogi – “Go Big Or Go Home”
    from: “Go Big Or Go Home” – Single / Jam Tunes / August 30, 2024
    [Jamogi released the EP Jamogi & The Jammers: Live at Flew The Coop Sessions (Flew The Coop Live)” – through Jam Tunes on April 11, 2025. // Jamogi released the single “Do It To Me” on March 28, 2025. // Jamogi is also know as Byron Hyde a Kanas City based singer, songwriter, MC, producer, originally from Los Angeles, California. Jamogi released the single “Hot Block” on May 30, 2024. Jamogi released the EP, Star-Crossed Lover on March 3, 2023. Jamogi then released a “Star-Crossed Lover GALACTIC REMIX (feat. Watchman)” single on June 9, 2023.Jamogi previously released the AGE OF AQUARIUS EP on March 3, 2023, and the single “Celebration” on Dec. 9, 2022, and the single “Anymore” on May 6, 2022. // Jamogi played the ROCK IS BLACK—a celebration of Black artists in rock music, happening February 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Zhou B Art Center, 1801 E 18th Street, KCMO. Rock is Black features: Malek Azrael & The Vibez, Jamogi and The Jammers, Stephonne, and Frankie Shorez & Mercy Fire.]

[Jamogi & The Jammers play Boulevardia, Sat, June 14, 3:40 – 4:20pm FOUNTAIN – ELEVATE Stage.]

  1. Little Miss Dynamite– “Not Goodbye”
    from: Grow Up / Rural Grit Records / May 3, 2024
    [Little Miss Dynamite is a four piece string band with Beth Watts Nelson on lead vocals & banjo, Betse Ellis (of The Wilders, Betse & Clarke) on fiddle, Brandon Day (of The Matchsellers) on bass, and Caleb Gardner (of Konza Swamp) on mandolin, guitar & vocals. Engineered and Mixed by Clarke Wyatt, Gnomes and Goats Studio.More info at: http://www.bethwattsnelson.com]]

[Little Miss Dynamite plays Boulevardia, Sat, June 14, at 12:30–1:10pm – ILLICIT Stage (Park Stage.)]

  1. Flora From Kansas – “The Ghost is Me”
    from: Homesick – EP / Melodic / March 14, 2025
    [17 year old Flora Kay A.K.A. Flora From Kansas has already been writing music for 5 years, picking up the guitar in lockdown. “My dad and I often took long walks to a nearby gas station, where we had conversations about how life was going. It was then that we started discussing the idea of creating music together just for the fun of it.”, Flora describes. On a rich diet of Girl In Red, Faye Webster & Alex G, Flora began learning on Garageband before upgrading to Logic for her self-productions. ]

[Flora From Kansas plays Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at 3:10–3:40pm – HOLLIDAY Stage.]

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

[TheBabeGabe plays Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at 9:00 to 9:40 on the HOLLADAY HILL Stage.]

11:00 – Station ID

  1. Shay Lyriq – “Back By Demand (feat. The Big Chief)”
    from: “Back By Demand (feat. The Big Chief)” – Single / Shay Lyriq / December 10, 2024
    [Shay Lyriq is a soulful and genre-blending artist known for their captivating blend of R&B, hip-hop, and alternative influences. With powerful vocals, poetic lyricism, and a raw, honest approach to storytelling, Shay Lyriq creates music that resonates deeply with listeners. Their sound is an exploration of emotional depth, fusing smooth melodies with hard-hitting beats to craft a sound that is both introspective and universally relatable. // Shay Lyriq’s music spans themes of love, struggle, self-discovery, and empowerment, offering a voice that connects with people on a personal level. With each track, they push boundaries and continue to evolve, carving out a unique space in the music scene. Whether in the studio or performing live, Shay Lyriq delivers an unforgettable experience, blending vulnerability with strength in every note.]

[Shay Lyriq plays Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at 2:00 to 2:30pm on the HOLLADAY HILL Stage.]

  1. Paris Williams & The Human – “Alien Luv (feat. Saving Mils Lemon)” (radio edit)
    from: A Paris Williams Joint / Bitter Sweet Sound / November 19, 2024
    [Paris Williams is a 26-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet,” Williams never shuts away from his DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility. Premiering in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi. // Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music. This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018. Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school. Paris Williams previously released the 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 Boulevardia on Sat, June 14 at 5:30 – 6:00pm on HOLLADAY HILL Stage.]

  1. Dalima Kapten – “Feel the Beat, Bud”
    from: “Feel the Beat, Bud’ – Single / Dalima Kapten / September 27, 2024
    [Dalilma Kapten (she/her) released the single “Scrappy Rose” also on September 27, 2024.// Dalima Kapten (she/her) is currently working on her debut album. She is a second-generation Kenyan-American pursuing a Master of Arts in Music Technology at the University of Central Missouri. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, Theater Minor, and a specialization in Architectural Acoustics from the University of Kansas. // As a theater performer and artist, Dalima is deeply moved by a passion for storytelling and worked at Music Theater Heritage as the Manager of Artistic Operations. Additionally, she presented her self-published chapbook “Native Anomaly” for Columbia University’s HOME: Symposium.]

[Dalima Kapten plays Boulevardia, Sat, June 14 at 12:50 – 1:20pm on HOLLADAY HILL Stage.]

  1. Jackie Myers – “Brown Dirt Shuffle”
    from: What About The Butterfly / Jackie Myers / April 18, 2025
    [In his online stte The Plastic Sax Bill Brownlee writes: “Witnessing the transformation of Jackie Myers from a peripheral figure on Kansas City’s jazz scene to one of the region’s most compelling artists has been extraordinarily gratifying. Quietly upping her game in incremental steps, Myers’ resolute work in recent years is reaping dividends. // On any given night, Myers applies her talents in a variety of contexts in Kansas City cafés, restaurants and barrooms. The variety of sounds- pop, rock, blues and, yes, jazz- coalesce on What About the Butterfly. The new album marks the culmination of a remarkable metamorphosis. // Not only is What About the Butterfly superior to Myers’ previous recordings, the album makes most jazz-rooted efforts seem unimaginative and simplistic. Her ambitions extend well beyond conventional Kansas City jazz. // Support from elite collaborators including Bobby Watson helps the album compare favorably to the arty pop of Laura Nyro, the contemporary soul of Cory Henry and the fastidiousness of Jacob Collier. Rarely has Kansas City been the setting for a more pleasing musical glow-up. ” – Read more at http://www.plasticsax.com // Jackie Myers is a jazz pianist, composer, and singer. She is a transplant from Austin Texas, where she performed in the indie touring circuit for almost a decade. She has been playing in Kansas City since December of 2017 with shows that feature a mix of jazz standards and original compositions. Since then she has held residencies at several notable jazz venues in Kansas City, including but not limited to, Corvino Supper Club, Chaz on the Plaza, and Green Lady Lounge. She also held the position of Music Director and piano player for the nationally syndicated radio show – 12th Street Jump – taped live in Kansas City until 2020, when the show ended. // During the pandemic, Jackie was able to continue performing through live streaming from her home and she produced a series of 9 concerts called “Kansas City Drive-ins” that featured artists including Bobby Watson, The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, Eddie Moore, and Beau Bledsoe. The series was well attended and brought jazz back to its audience in a time when the venues could not host. Myers boasts a catalog of 7 albums and is currently working on her 8th. At her live shows, audiences are treated to Myers’ innovative and fluid keyboard work, punctuated by her bluesy vocals. At other times, Myers’ shows feature a purely instrumental dose. Performing as part of a duo, trio, quartet, or quintet, Myers is typically joined by some of the best musicians offered by a locale, typically combining a crisp rhythm section with top artists on horns or guitar. In 2018, Myers added Hammond organ to her repertoire, adding to the diversity of her performances. She currently plays the Hammond B3 for one of Kansas City’s most decorated Blues Artists – Nick Schnebelen. // As for Myers’ vocals, Louisiana musical writer Dominick Cross said about an earlier recording: “My initial reaction to the recording was that in some ways its Michelle Shocked meets Amy Winehouse. And several listens later, I’d say the same thing with more emphasis on Winehouse.” Bill Brownlee, jazz critic for The Plastic Sax and several other Kansas City publications said, “Her vocals on Ain’t No Sunshine and Stars Fall on Alabama demonstrated that Myers … brings a singular talent to the scene.” Myers debuted her first straight ahead jazz album in 2018 – The Instrumental One, which was recorded live at the prestigious Green Lady Lounge in Kansas City. Made up of eight tracks, including six original compositions, Jackie’s keyboard stylings groove what one critic called “jazz from a solid R&B point of view.” Critics compared The Instrumental One to works by Ahmad Jamal and Les McCann. Kansas City’s Roger Atkinson wrote: “I still like that soul-jazz genre . . . plus, Jackie Myers has a new fan: me.” Myers has also done some impressive work in musical production. In 2017, she produced the musical production Silent Films Out Loud: A Tribute to Buster Keaton. This event featured a nine-piece ensemble playing newly-written compositions to four Buster Keaton silent film classics, including a score by Myers to Buster Keaton’s 1922 Cops. This event, sponsored in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department, filled Austin’s premier theater – The Stateside at the Paramount. Lastly, she has recently plied her craft with local production startup – FMK Music as a producer and composer for the group. Jackie holds a certificate in music from Berklee School of Music, a BA in music from Grinnell College, and a Master of Arts in Music with a jazz concentration from UMKC. ]

[Jackie Myers plays Boulevardia, Saturday, June 14, at 1:20 to 2:10pm on The MAIN STAGE]

  1. Malek Azrael – “22 (Radio Edit)”
    from: Feels Like EP / Malek Azrael / March 1, 2025\
    [On February 28, 2025, Malek Azrael released the single “Room 4U”. // On March 1, 2024 Malek Azrael released his single, “in ur mind.” On October 15, 2021 Malek Azrael released his 10-track album “Waves” which first featured members of his live band “The Vibez”. Since then, they have grown their fanbase in KC and surrounding areas through live concerts land appearances at Boulevardia Festival, Ameri’Kana, and the 18th and Vine Gumbo Fest, and shows at RecordBar, The Truman, Grinders, and Knuckleheads and collaborated with larger acts such as Making Movies, The Greeting Committee, and D Smoke debut. Male Azrael lives in KCMO. He has worked for Boys Grow, and Art As Mentorship (Making Movies non-profit organization). 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 & The Vibez played Boulevardia Festival at Crown Center, on June 16, 2024.]

[Malek Azrael plays Boulevardia on Sat, June 14 at 7:50 – 8:20pm on HOLLADAY HILL Stage.]

  1. The Soul Activators – “Sunset”
    from: “Sunset” – Single / The Soul Activators / 2025
    [The Soul Activators released their single “I’m Gone Mr. Wrong” on April 7, 2025. The Soul Activators are a 7-piece band from Kansas City that blends funk guitars, soulful vocals, and Latin-based percussion into a unique new sound. We are a multi-racial, multi-gendered, intergenerational band that reflects our nation. We sing a message of hope and freedom to activate our country into a people-powered movement.]

[The Soul Activators play Boulevardia, Sat, June 14 at 12:10 to 12:50pm FOUNTAIN ELEVATE Stage.]

11:30 – Underwriting

11:32 – Interview with Meighan Peifer and James D. McGee Sr.

Meighan Peifer was born on the East Coast and raised in St. Louis. Her dad was in the Air Force and then worked for Boeing. Her family traveled a lot a kids. Meighan’s mom was Canadian and she is a Canadian citizen. Meighan has been to 49 states and 3 continents. Meighan attended public and private school in St. Peters and O’Fallon, Missouri. She went to Drake University for undergrad in Special Education and Elementary Ed. Meighan obtained a Master’s in Education from the University of Kansas. Meighan moved to Kansas City in 1984 from Des Moines, Iowa. She has taught for 33 years for public schools in Wyandotte and Johnson County. And has operated the Federal Child Care center in KC MO for 26 years. Meighan has an Entertainment and Event Scheduling company as well. Meighan has been volunteering at KKFI for 4 years. Meighan is the host of slAp trAcks airing Tuesdays, 10:00 to Noon on KKFI 90.1 FM playing new flow of Hip Hop and R & B music from all over the local streets and the world. // Meighan is also the host of Rhythm and Seoul Radio airing on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month on Hallyu Wednesdays on KKFI 90.1 FM playing the best in K-Pop. At KKFI Meighan also serves on KKFI’s finance committee, as Active Member Chair, and on KKFI’s Board of Directors.

James D. McGee Sr., is a veteran of the entertainment industry. Skilled in Management, Performing Arts, Marketing Strategy, Radio Programming, and Radio Broadcasting. He received his Bachelor of Arts (BA) focused in Psychology, Religious Studies from University of Central Missouri. McGee, moved to Kansas City from East Palo Alto in 1989. His uncle is legendary drummer James Gadson. McGee has spent decades embedding himself in Kansas City’s cultural landscape. James founded KOJH 100.5 LPFM, a radio station broadcasting from 18th & Vine to the world. McGee also co-founded “18th & Vine Lives,” which is a social concierge service to support and promote businesses and organizations in the Jazz District. McGee’s career spans crucial roles in Kansas City’s jazz community. During his time as a senior manager at the American Jazz Museum, he helped the institution navigate through pandemic challenges while expanding its reach. McGee produced the annual Charlie Parker “In the Yard” celebration showing his ability to honor jazz traditions while creating contemporary cultural connections. James D. McGee Sr, was just recently named the new Creative Director of Kansas City’s Mutual Musicians Foundation Internatinal. As creative director, McGee will seek to strengthen MMF’s role as a living museum while expanding youth and senior programs. His immediate projects include screening a director’s cut of “Last of the Blue Devils: The Kansas City Jazz Story” and organizing the 2025 International Jazz Day celebration.

Meighan Peifer and James D. McGee Thanks for being with us on WMM.

Meighan Peifer and James D. McGee join us to discuss The Kansas City Music Industry Commission formed in 2024 as a joint venture between Black Vine Worldwide Media Group, LLC and Black & White Enterprises, LLC. This initiative aims to create a central hub for the representation, support, and management of various stakeholders within the Kansas City music industry. The commission’s mission is to strengthen the local music ecosystem by supporting musicians, recording artists, studios, venues, managers, agents, marketers, publicists, and content creators. By collaborating with city government, private entities, and surrounding the Kansas City music industry

The Kansas City Music Commission is a 2024 joint venture between Black Vine
Worldwide Media Group, LLC (“Black Vine”) and Black & White Enterprises, LLC (“Black & White”). This initiative aims to create a central hub for the representation, support, and management of various stakeholders within the Kansas City music industry.

The Commission’s mission is to strengthen the local music ecosystem by supporting
musicians, recording artists, studios, venues, managers, agents, marketers, publicists, and
content creators. By collaborating with city government, private entities, and surrounding
municipalities, the Kansas City Music Commission will ensure the elevation of all sectors of
the Kansas City music industry.

A core focus of the Kansas City Music Commission will be developing programming and
concepts to showcase Kansas City’s musical talent during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This
high-profile global event presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate Kansas City’s
vibrant music culture to an international audience.

The Commission will develop events designed to inform and engage the community

About the Mutual Musicians Foundation –

The Mutual Musicians Foundation stands as one of KC’s most enduring musical institutions. Founded in 1917 as Local 627 of the American Federation of Musicians, it served as both a union hall and sanctuary for Black musicians. In two years the Mutual Musicians Foundation will celebrate its 110th anniversary. McGee’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era focused on cultural preservation, global innovation and community engagement.

Its building at 1823 Highland Avenue, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981, continues to host weekend jam sessions where established artists mentor the next gen.

The MMF is the only establishment in Missouri legally allowed to serve patrons until 6 a.m. on weekends, a privilege earned through its historic role in Kansas City jazz. This tradition began when musicians, after finishing their regular club gigs, would gather at the foundation to jam until dawn. Legends like Count Basie, Charlie Parker, and Jay McShann made these sessions part of the city’s musical fabric.

Kansas City hip-hop artist Tech N9ne is again making his mark on the global stage as he unveils the official Sonic ID for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games in Kansas City.

The collaboration between popular artists like Tech and FIFA will be the first time in the tournaments history to feature a city host-specific Sonic ID. The concept behind the short audio clip was designed to highlight the unique cultural sounds of each of the 16 host cities spanning from Canada, Mexico and the United States.

“The project brings together some of the most talented and influential producers from across the host cities, each contributing their unique sound to create a sonic tapestry that reflects the spirit of their hometowns,” KC2026, which is responsible for FIFA World Cup 26 planning in KC, said in a release announcing today’s Kansas City Sonic ID launch. Tech N9ne, whose real name is Aaron Yates, is a Kansas City native and co-founder of the independent record label Strange Music and the the sole artist to contribute a track with lyrics for the KC Sonic ID release.

The track, entitled “Kansas City Theme x FIFA World Cup 26,” is yet another example of Tech N9ne using his musical prowess and iconic hip-hop sound to create a buzz around the city. Kansas City is quite familiar with Tech’s hit song ‘Red Kingdom’ which quickly became the KC Chief’s team anthem, often played at Arrowhead Stadium. That high energy anthem has been performed live during games and Super Bowl rallies since 2019.

“I was so honored to be the one who KC2026 called on to do the Kansas City remix,” Tech N9ne was quoted saying in the release. “The message I’d like for people to take away from this Sonic ID is that togetherness is power, and with that, we can work our way to victory.”

Meighan Peifer and James D. McGee Thanks for being with us on WMM.

The Kansas City Music Commission aims to create a central hub for the representation, support, and management of various stakeholders within the Kansas City music industry.

11:48

  1. Tech N9ne – “Kansas City Theme (FIFA World Cup 26™️)”
    from: The Official FIFA World Cup 26™️ Host City Themes / FIFA / March 16, 2025
    [The collaboration between popular artists like Tech and FIFA will be the first time in the tournaments history to feature a city host-specific Sonic ID. The concept was designed to highlight the cultural sounds of each of the 16 host cities spanning from Canada, Mexico and the US. KC Native Tech N9ne is the sole artist to contribute a track with lyrics for the KC Sonic ID release. // “Kansas City Theme x FIFA World Cup 26,” is yet another example of Tech N9ne using his iconic hip-hop sound to create a buzz. Kansas City is familiar with Tech’s song ‘Red Kingdom’ which became the KC Chief’s team anthem, often played at Arrowhead Stadium. That high energy anthem has been performed live during games and Super Bowl rallies since 2019.]

[Tech N9ne plays Boulevardia on Saturday, June 14, 9:30 to 11:00pm on The MAIN STAGE]

  1. Land Lion – “Townie Song”
    from: “Townie Song” – Single / Land Lion / July 25, 2024
    [Land Lion make happy songs about sad things. This KC-based indie rock collective led by Ben Wendt and backed by a revolving all-star supporting cast of musicians draws inspiration from Bright Eyes, Arcade Fire, and Bruce Springsteen. Land Lion are: Ben Wendt on Vocals, Acoustic Guitar; Matt Jack on Drums; Iggy Chamon on Bass; Carlos Chamon on Keys; Grant Paker on Electric Guitar; Parker Mason on Electric Guitar; Michael Cervantes on Trumpet; Kirsten Krier on Trombone; Caitlyn Jacobs on Saxaphone; Schuyler Minor on Vocals & Percussion. // Land Lion is a dynamic project blending indie rock, folk, and Americana, known for its heartfelt lyrics and vibrant instrumentation. Fronted by Ben Wendt, a skilled singer-songwriter & guitarist, the band’s sound captures a raw, emotional energy while drawing inspiration from both contemporary and classic influences. With Wendt’s rich vocals at the helm, Land Lion crafts songs that evoke both introspection and celebration, inviting listeners into a world of personal storytelling and wide-reaching soundscapes. Their music effortlessly weaves intricate melodies and powerful rhythms, with Wendt’s acoustic and electric guitar work providing the backbone to each track, accompanied by an amazing horn section. The band has garnered attention for their live performances and powerful compositions, building a loyal fan base along the way. Land Lion continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of their sound while staying true to the authentic, emotional core that defines their music.]

[Land Lion plays Boulevardia on Saturday, June 14, at 2:30 – 3:10 on the FOUNTAIN Stage Elevate]

[Land Lion play MidCoast LIVE Friday, June 6, at 12:00 Noon, on 90.1 FM KKFI.]

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

Next week, on Wednesday, June 11 we welcome back to the show The Man of 1001 Faces Michael McQuary who will be performing his one-man show on Sunday, June 15, at 2:00pm at Englewood Arts Center, 10901 East Winner Road, Independence, Missouri, AND we’ll bring you a very special interview with Michael’s friend from New York City – stage, screen and recording artist – Joey Arias who will share stories about his work and friendships with The Groundlings, Klaus Nomi, David Bowie, Laraine Newman of Saturday Night Live, Andy Warhol, The Mudd Club, Ann Magnuson, Paul Reubens, Lady Bunny, Elvira, Cirque du Solei, Burt Bacharach, and More!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show #1098

WMM Playlist from May 28, 2025

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, May 28, 2025

WMM presents: Cheyenne Jackson + HuDost + She Speaks in Tongues

  1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
    from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
    [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
  1. Be / Non – “A Mountain of Yeses”
    from: A Mountain of Yeses / Unipegadong / May 12, 2009
    [It’s been over 16 years since this project began. A Mountain of Yeses was released in May of 2009 and was always meant to have a visual accompaniment associated with it. Still a work in progress… On May 30th, 2025, Be/Non will finally have visuals to accompany the story of AMOY for a live setting. Performed in its entirety, for the first time since 2009, featuring the original AMOY members, plus one. This is a once in a lifetime performance. // A Mountain of Yeses was made by: Brodie Rush on vocals, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards; Ben Ruth on bass guitar; Ryan Shank on drums & percussion, and Jeremiah James on guitar, Moog & Vocals. // Brodie Rush is a musician, songwriter, band leader, graphic artist, actor, father and survivor. He is a Director of Animation & Motion Graphics and has created music videos for several bands and poster designs for theatre and music events. He is also the creative genius behind Be/Non, a Kansas City band that has been making music for over 20 years. // Be/Non founder Brodie Rush is a musician, songwriter, band leader, graphic artist, actor, father and survivor. He is a Director of Animation & Motion Graphics and has created music videos for several bands and poster designs for theatre and music events. He is also the creative genius behind Be/Non, a Kansas City band that has been making music for over 20 years. Brodie Rush has been working to get his life back after surviving an Aortic Dissection in October 2019, and after being in a coma, and after months of therapy, recovery, and healing through two dangerous years of Covid-19.// On April 8, 2020 Be/non released, A Valley of No: The Alternative A Mountain of Yeses through Haymaker Records. Brodie wrote: “This album is a journey into the sculpting process of creating “A Mountain of Yeses”. In contrast to the original release, this compilation contains alternate mixes, isolated tracks and demo versions. Be/Non presents a bizarro-like version of the AMOY album, showing an alternate universe what could have been if the creation of the album went on a divergent path. Behold the paradoxical serendipity of Be/Non’s unique take on constructing a space-themed story/album. // Warehouse on Broadway is Kansas City’s newest 650 capacity music venue featuring Super Awesome Events & Killer F*ing Food, 7 days a week. Located in the Westport neighborhood one of Kansas City’s premiere bar districts. Our venue is your venue, as we all gather to celebrate extraordinary experiences with the finest local, regional, and national artists the universe has to offer. Our restaurant is open weeknights, 5p-1a. Entrance to the venue is located on the north side of the building, and is ADA accessible.]

[BE/NON will be Performing ‘A Mountain of Yeses’ in full on Friday, May 30, at 7:00pm, at Warehouse On Broadway, 3951 Broadway, KCMO with Gemini Parks & Still Ill.]

  1. Sisterbot – “Feel The Color”
    from: Truth House / Sisterbot / July 10, 2021
    [Sisterbot is a performing artist dedicated to breaking genre boundaries, creating cosmic musical and theatrical experiences. The 9-piece Sisterbot Band is a “punk pop chamber orchestra” complete with electric guitar, drums, piano, strings and horn. “Truth House (2021) is a concept album written over the span of three years, encapsulating a chapter of my life that I spent in a house alone, dealing with the aftermath of trauma and rebirth.”- Sisterbot (Adee Dancy). Written by Sisterbot. Produced by Jametatone and Sisterbot. Engineered, Mixed, Mastered by Jametatone, except “Approval” which was Produced, Engineered, & Mixed by Andrew Bonci Jr. at Magnolia Tree Studios, with AJ Bonci on guitar, Just Angel and Sisterbot on vocals. Cover Art by Mazzy Mann. Adee Rocket Dancy released the single “Hello Moon (feat. The Swallowtails)” on April 26, 2021. (This is on the Sisterbot album.) Produced by Jametatone & Adee Rocket Dancy. Adee Rocket Dancy on piano & vocals & cello; Rachel Lovelace on bassoon; Mikala Petillo on guitar & background vocals, Mixing & Mastering by Jametatone. Adee Rocket Dancy writes, “This is a song about my life-long love for the moon. Adee chose April 26, 2021 to honor “The Pink Moon.” Info: Sisterbot.bandcamp.com]

[Sisterbot plays The Benefit for Amplify Lawrence Saturday, May 31, at 8:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. with She Speaks in Tongues, Cheery, Lauren Lovelle, True Lions.]

  1. Malek Azrael – “SELF!SH (feat. SISTERBOT)”
    from: Feels Like EP / Malek Azrael / March 1, 2025\
    [On February 28, 2025, Malek Azrael released the single “Room 4U”. // On March 1, 2024 Malek Azrael released his single, “in ur mind.” On October 15, 2021 Malek Azrael released his 10-track album “Waves” which first featured members of his live band “The Vibez”. Since then, they have grown their fanbase in KC and surrounding areas through live concerts land appearances at Boulevardia Festival, Ameri’Kana, and the 18th and Vine Gumbo Fest, and shows at RecordBar, The Truman, Grinders, and Knuckleheads and collaborated with larger acts such as Making Movies, The Greeting Committee, and D Smoke debut. Male Azrael lives in KCMO. He has worked for Boys Grow, and Art As Mentorship (Making Movies non-profit organization). 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 & The Vibez played Boulevardia Festival at Crown Center, on June 16, 2024.]

[Malek Azrael play Night Seven of Manor Fest 7 on Friday, May 30 at 7:00 at Ruby Jean’s Juicery 3000 Troost Ave, KCMO with Shay Lyriq, and Supermoto (All ages)]

  1. Saving Miles Lemon – “The Line” – Single
    from: “The Line” – Single / Saving Miles Lemon / March 28, 2025
    [Performed by: Saving Miles Lemon. Written by: Miguel Silva-Leon. Produced by: Saving Miles Lemon. One of three new singles released in the last few months from Saving Miles Lemon. Saving Miles Lemon released “Hidden Inventory” on May 2, 2025. Saving Miles Lemon released “The Line” on March 28, 2025. // Saving Miles Lemon released “In The Night” on January 16. 2025// Saving Miles Lemom released the 13-track full-length album LOVELY/ on October 6, 2023. Saving Miles Lemon is the psychedelic-pop project of Miguel Silva-Leon. Formed in 2019 with the goal of releasing an album by the end of the year, the project has transformed into a full-blown musical odyssey for Miguel (who likes to go by Mig) to explore new sounds. It’s hard to define what genre Saving Miles Lemon fits into as they like to let the music go where it wants to go. From smooth dance pop, to blown-out stoner rock, Mig likes to keep things interesting and never stay with one sound for too long.​ // Having grown up learning to play the piano at the age of 7, Miguel found themselves picking up new instruments frequently from the clarinet, saxophone, and oboe to guitar/bass and drums. Just as with their instruments, Mig began practicing their production skills in high school with small bedroom projects and hardcore bands. In a way, nothing has changed, as all of Saving Miles Lemon’s music is recorded and produced entirely by Mig in their bedroom studio to this day. // Their live members include Jacob Frisbee (bass), James Wiltfang (keys), and Zeke Bockleman (drums). // As a live act, the band began performing in 2021 and quickly took over the DIY scene in Kansas City before moving on to the bar/venue scene with sold-out shows at The Rino (KCMO) and The Bottleneck (LFK). They’ve opened for national and international touring bands such as Cub Sport at The Encore at Uptown Theatre (KCMO). // Saving Miles Lemon has released two full-length LPs and a handful of singles.]
  1. Stereolab – “Melodie Is A Wound (Edit)”
    from: Instant Holograms On Metal Film, / Duophonic UHF / Warp Records / May 23, 2025
    [Stereolab are an Anglo-French avant-pop band formed in London in 1990. Led by the songwriting team of Tim Gane and Lætitia Sadier, the group’s sound features influences from krautrock and 1960s French pop music, often incorporating a repetitive motorik beat with the use of vintage electronic keyboards and female vocals sung in English and French. Their lyrics have political and philosophical themes influenced by the Surrealist and Situationist art movements. While performing, they play in a more feedback-driven and guitar-oriented style. Since the mid-1990s, the band have drawn from funk, jazz and Brazilian music. // Stereolab were formed by Gane (guitar and keyboards) and Sadier (vocals, keyboards and guitar) after the break-up of McCarthy. The two were romantically involved for fourteen years and are the group’s only consistent members. Other longtime members included 1992 addition Mary Hansen (backing vocals, keyboards and guitar), who died in 2002, and 1993 addition Andy Ramsay (drums). The High Llamas’ leader Sean O’Hagan (guitar and keyboards) was a member from 1993 to 1994 and continued appearing on later records for occasional guest appearances. // Throughout their career, Stereolab have achieved moderate commercial success. The band were released from their recording contract with Elektra Records, and their self-owned label Duophonic signed a distribution deal with Too Pure and later Warp Records. After a ten-year hiatus, the band reunited for live performances in 2019. // Stereolab announces their first new record in 15 years. It includes 13 new studio recordings as well as guest contributions from Cooper Crain, Rob Frye, Ben LaMar Gay, Ric Elsworth, Holger Zapf, Marie Merlet and Molly Read. Alongside the announcement, the group shares a first glimpse into their forthcoming project with first single “Aerial Troubles.” // Instant Holograms On Metal Film will be available on double vinyl LP in standard and colour variants, as well as compact disc and digital formats. The album will arrive two days ahead of the launch of their world tour in Brussels on May 25th. They will then take their discography across Europe with dates in Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris, among others. They’ll be kicking off the North American leg of the tour this coming October with shows across the United States before heading back to perform a string of shows across the UK.]
  1. True Lions – “8th of January”
    from: MidCoast LIVE! / True Lions / January 6, 2025
    [Recorded LIVE on 90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City community radio, hosted by Mark Manning! Performed on May 17, 2024. Special thanks to Chad Brothers for the audio files, and huge thanks to Betse Ellis for teaching us tracks 1, 2, and 3! “Hamilton Ironworks” by John Hartford. “Hog of the Forsaken” by Michael Hurley. // Fritz Hutchison~ drums, synth, vocals. Alison Hawkins~ fiddle/ // Alison Hawkins is a queer artist, writer, multi-instrumentalist, and music teacher in KCK. They dropped out of music school (after studying classical piano) and dedicated their life to intersectional activism through community organizing and self-expression. In 2018 they founded the alt-pop band True Lions, releasing two EPs in 2019, and a keytar-inspired full-length album THE FEMPIRE STRIKES BACK in 2021, released by Manor Records. In 2022 they became enchanted by the fiddle and obsessed with Ozark old time music while hiking through North American national parks. In 2023, Al teamed up with their partner Fritz Hutchison to create THE GREATEST PLANET IN THE WORLD released February 21, 2023 playing song taught to them by Betse Ellis, and also released TRUE LIONS FRITZ HUTCHISON SPLIT CASSETTE though Manor Records on April 26, 2023. // Fritz Hutchison is a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter based in Kansas City. Fritz landed in the KC Music Community in 2008 playing drums with: She’s a Keeper. He played for several years with Grand Marquis, was part of the band Freight Train Rabbit Killer. As a guitarist he has played with True Lions, J Ashley Miller, Lauren Krum, Miki P, Calvin Arsenia, and many others. His second solo album, MOVIE NIGHT was released on April, 15, 2022 through Manor Records. He released his debut album Wide Wild Acres in March 2020 on Center Cut Records, receiving positive reviews in the US, Australia, the UK and the Netherlands. Fritz has also released the sweet and sad country single “All the Way From Here (Happy Holidays)” in January 2021 and “Zack Attack!” in March 2022. // True Lions released COLD GRAVY BOWL on March 1, 2024 ands played an Album Release show March 2, 2024 at The Emerald, 1717 W. 9th Street, KCMO [West Bottoms]. Called “a theatrical punk drag rock and roll folk event” The night also featured: The Matchsellers, Scary Cherry, Ezra Prince, and Nora Demented.]

[True Lions plays The Benefit for Amplify Lawrence Sat, May 31, at 8:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. W/ She Speaks in Tongues, Sisterbot, Cheery, and Lauren Lovelle.]

  1. She Said – “Time”
    from: What! / May 10, 2025
    [Jennie Ferguson on vocals & guitar, Scott Mize on guitar, Doug Hitchcock on drums, and Matt Kesler, on bass. Matt Kesler and Scott Mize used to be in a band called Sylvan Grove. Lyrics by Jennie Ferguson, music by Jennie Ferguson and She Said. Produced by She Said. Recorded and Engineered by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound in Shawnee, Kansas. Mixing by Paul Malinowski and She Said. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Jennie Ferguson and Scott Mize used to play in a band called Shotgun Solution. This was after the time of Jennie’s all-girl psych/pop band PMS. Doug Hitchcock has played with Matt Kesler in the Midtown Jazz Quartet. Doug has played with Freedie Johston, and the band Near Death Experience. Matt Kesler also plays in the famous bands The Pedajets and The Doo Dads.]

[She Said play a special “What!” Album Release Show Friday, June 6, at 6:00pm at Replay Lounge, 80 East 10 Sreeet, Lawrence, Kansas, with The Mad Kings.]

10:29 – Underwriting

10:31 – Interview with Kate McCandless

Kate McCandless performs as SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES. Kate writes: “My work is about reclaiming agency. It is about giving voice and liberation to what was repressed and silenced.” Described by Sasha Geffen as “Best Feminist Rock n’ Roll Exorcism”. Armed with body, voice, and a fierce, shamanic energy, SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES often lures with nostalgia – simultaneously embracing and questioning its comfort and authority with a dark, feminist bent. McCandless creates & performs her work solo, and in collaboration with other musicians. The effect is jarring, haunting, and a cathartic call to healing. A transplant from Chicago since 2020, McCandless now calls KC her creative home base. SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES plays The Benefit for Amplify Lawrence Saturday, May 31, at 8:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. with Sisterbot, Lauren Lovelle, True Lions, and Cheery. // And – TQ Headquarters House Show, May 10, 6:30pm, KCMO with: Drew Black, Fenwa Teryen, Emily Davis. // And – SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES submits: SUPPOSED FORMER INFATUATION JUNKIE//Alanis Morissette, May 13, at The Black Box, 1060 Union Ave, KCMO with Katie Gilchrist and Project1994 performing JAGGED LITTLE PILL. Info at: http://www.shespeaksintongues.com

Kate McCandless thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES is artist, vocalist, performer Kate McCandless. Armed with body, voice, and a fierce, shamanic energy, SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES often lures with nostalgia – simultaneously embracing and questioning its comfort and authority with a dark, feminist bent. McCandless creates and performs her work solo, and in collaboration with other musicians. The effect is jarring, haunting, and a cathartic call to healing. A transplant from Chicago since 2020, McCandless now calls KC her creative home base.

About SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES submits series: SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES submits: is a live, album listening experience with a femme/feminist edge; twists,turns and script flipping. Featuring artist, vocalist, performer Kate McCandless and an assembly of top notch Kansas City musicians and collaborators, this is not your typical tribute. Collaborators have included Cody Wyoming, Katie Gilchrist, Matt Richey just to name a few. Recent performances as part of the series include: EASTER//Patti Smith (2023-2024) TO BRING YOU MY LOVE//PJ Harvey (2023-2024) and currently, SUPPOSED FORMER INFATUATION JUNKIE//Alanis Morissette

About SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES’ Bjork-inspired album/performance DOMESTIKA

“Kate McCandless samples music as hungrily as Girl Talk, but she doesn’t use a computer. With her band Speaks in Tongues, the singer repurposes well-worn rock and blues classics into new narratives…unravels threads from the music she loves to knot together her own bizarro-world reimaginings, a process she describes…as ‘a necessary feminist act…a reclaim of agency.'” – Sasha Geffen, The Chicago Reader

1 day, 1 take per song. Just me, my voice, and my looping pedal, live and in the moment, recorded in Chicago and released in 2020 at the start of the pandemic.

This album is my bloody valentine to Bjork, Motherhood, Feminism, and all the wisdom they have given me. My hope is that this music/performance serves as a stinging yet redemptive balm for my listeners, especially during these trying times. In addition to performing excerpts from DOMESTIKA live in local music venues, my intention with this work is to create a more intentional performance, to debut in Kansas City and to tour.

This project began as an exploration of what I believed were feminist themes in Bjork’s music and a desire to highlight them, especially given her latest releases Vulnicura & Utopia, and subsequent interviews. “Domestika” was the original title intended for what became Bjork’s iconic Vespertine, during which she fell in love with Matthew Barney … the partner who would later cheat on her and file for divorce. There was something I wanted to reclaim in that. This desire was highlighted by my more recent struggles with Motherhood, mental health, and the wounding of being homebound.

What I didn’t expect was how this project would become a cathartic space in which to process the unfolding reckoning with injustice in our times … #MeToo, Black Lives Matter, the Trump presidency, the collective isolation/struggle during a pandemic…In the process I formed a chain of channeled messages … as if from my Mother ancestors, or Mother Earth herself. Messages of unheard stories, pain, healing, justice, and hope.

For, SHE SPEAKES IN TONGUES – DOMESTIKA, released May 8, 2020 – Kate McCandless writes DOMESTIKA began as an exploration of what I believed were feminist themes in Bjork’s music and a desire to highlight them. This was especially given her latest releases Vulnicura & Utopia, and subsequent interviews. “Domestika” was the original title intended for what became Bjork’s iconic Vespertine, until she met Matthew Barney … the partner who would later cheat on her and file for divorce. There was something I wanted to reclaim in that. This desire was highlighted by my more recent struggles with Motherhood, mental health, and the wounding of being homebound. // In the process I formed a chain of channeled messages … as if from my Mother ancestors, or Mother Earth herself. Messages of unheard stories, pain, healing, justice, and hope. // This album is my bloody valentine to Motherhood and all the wisdom She gave me. My hope is that this music serves as a kind of balm for my listeners, especially during these trying times. // Vocals, looping pedal, arrangement/mashup, select lyrics: Kate McCandless.Electronic music (Light Bearer): Nigel Harsch. Engineering: Steve Marek. Mixing and Mastering: Steve Marek. Music & Lyric Inspiration: Bjork.

10:38

  1. She Speaks in Tongues – “All That She Said Was True”
    DOMESTIKA / She Speaks in Tongues / May 8, 2020.
    [This 8-track album project began as an exploration of what I believed were feminist themes in Bjork’s music and a desire to highlight them, especially given her latest releases Vulnicura & Utopia, and subsequent interviews. “Domestika” was the original title intended for what became Bjork’s iconic Vespertine, until she met Matthew Barney … the partner who would later cheat on her and file for divorce. There was something I wanted to reclaim in that. // This desire was highlighted by my more recent struggles with Motherhood, mental health, and the wounding of being homebound. In the process I formed a chain of channeled messages … as if from my Mother ancestors, or Mother Earth herself. Messages of unheard stories, pain, healing, justice, and hope. // This album is my bloody valentine to Motherhood and all the wisdom She gave me. My hope is that this music serves as a kind of balm for my listeners, especially during these trying times. // Kate McCandless on vocals, looping pedal, arrangement/mashup, select lyrics; Nigel Harsch on Electronic music (Volva, Make it Right, Light Bearer). Engineering: Steve Marek. Mixing and Mastering: Steve Marek. Music & Lyric Inspiration: Bjork. Album Art: Kristina Carr, Tom Gonzalez // I want to express my deepest love and appreciation to Adrian and Simon. Special thanks to Steve M, Nigel H, Donnie M, Rachael G, Tom G, Kristina C, Carly S, Kirstin F, Liz JS and of course to Bjork for her incredible artistry and inspiration.]

10:11 – More Interview with Kate McCandless

Kate McCandless who performs as SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES.

Kate McCandless Thanks for being with us on WMM

SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES plays The Benefit for Amplify Lawrence Saturday, May 31, at 8:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. with Sisterbot, Lauren Lovelle, True Lions, and Cheery.

SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES plays TQ Headquarters House Show, May 10, 6:30pm, KCMO with: Drew Black, Fenwa Teryen, Emily Davis.

SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES submits: SUPPOSED FORMER INFATUATION JUNKIE//Alanis Morissette, May 13, at The Black Box, 1060 Union Ave, KCMO with Katie Gilchrist and Project1994 performing JAGGED LITTLE PILL. Info at: http://www.shespeaksintongues.com

This first time Kate was on the WMM show was on April 5, 2023 when Kate and Cody Wyoming came on the show to share details about SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES submits: Patti Smith’s EASTER on EASTER, Sunday, April 9, 2023, at 7:00 PM, at recordBar 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO. SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES is thrilled to partner with Kansas City forces: THE CODY WYOMING DEAL, Julia Othmer, and Teri Quinn to create a cathartic, sacred homage to Patti Smith and her work…with a surprising, shamanic edge where nothing is sacred… Sacred is all.

SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES started in Chicago and has transitioned to Kansas City.

Many of us first became aware of She Speaks in Tongues in 2022 when she played the Outer Reaches Festival.

About SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES//// HEALING ARTS

Kate McCandless (SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES) is as an artist, writer, energy healer, and tarot reader in the Kansas City area, after studying and practicing in Chicago IL. Her Shamanic approach takes the work beyond the basic hand positions or interpreter role, and flows seamlessly with her artistic practice and expression. Kate was attuned and initiated into the Reiki practice at levels 1-Master through Sara Gaines of Red Bird Reiki’s 1 Year Shamanic Reiki Apprenticeship (Chicago/Galena IL.) There she studied and explored Shamanism in the open tradition/practice of the Andean Peruvian shamans/Q’ero. Kate’s path to Tarot came naturally and intuitively and she is mostly self taught, though counted among her teachers is Lindsay Mack. Kate has completed Mack’s renowned and in depth course, Tarot for the Wild Soul and continues to study and practice on her own. Kate believes tarot and energy work is for every person and can be used as an excellent tool for self reflection, healing, and self care for any one who is curious, interested, and/or called. She serves as a compassionate facilitator and holder of space. She believes the journey is yours and she is here to support that without dogma nor judgement. Kate believes that tarot and energy work is intended to be inclusive, compassionate, healing, unpretentious and easeful, while rooted in the here and now. By reflecting on “what’s here now” we can curiously and kindly bring our awareness to reach for a more whole and healing present, and therefore, future. Other practitioners/artists she considers teachers and inspirations are Chani Nicholas, Sarah Faith Gottesdiener, Tatianna Morales, Renee Sills (Embodied Astrology,) Michelle Tea, Julia Cameron, and Rachael Gonzalez (FAMILIAR) just to name a few.

Kate McCandless was last on our show on October 18, 2023 when she and Cody Wyoming who joined us to share details about SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES submits: PJ Harvey’s To Bring You My Love W/ THE CODY WYOMING DEAL, Friday, October 20, 8:00 PM at The Brick, 1727 McGee, KCMO.

ABOUT THE SHOW and SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES SUBMITS series

Born out of the impulse to reclaim joy after the heaviness of these many years… Artist/Vocalist and Chicago transplant SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES ( Kate McCandless) pairs up with local legend Cody Wyoming and his “deal”…a crew of some of KC’s finest…to create a quality, live performance of albums that have been creative touch points of inspiration, nostalgia, and sweet sweet nerdery.

SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES is Kate McCandless on vocals, performance, percussion.

CODY WYOMING DEAL is Cody Wyoming on guitar, organ, synth, & backing vocal; Matt Richey on drums; Justin Muschinske on bass, baritone, organ, guitar, & synth; J. Howell on guitar, prepared guitar, & sound design; Katie Gilchrist on backing vocals,

10:20

  1. She Speaks in Tongues – “Make It Right”
    DOMESTIKA / She Speaks in Tongues / May 8, 2020.
    [This 8-track album project began as an exploration of what I believed were feminist themes in Bjork’s music and a desire to highlight them, especially given her latest releases Vulnicura & Utopia, and subsequent interviews. “Domestika” was the original title intended for what became Bjork’s iconic Vespertine, until she met Matthew Barney … the partner who would later cheat on her and file for divorce. There was something I wanted to reclaim in that. // This desire was highlighted by my more recent struggles with Motherhood, mental health, and the wounding of being homebound. In the process I formed a chain of channeled messages … as if from my Mother ancestors, or Mother Earth herself. Messages of unheard stories, pain, healing, justice, and hope. // This album is my bloody valentine to Motherhood and all the wisdom She gave me. My hope is that this music serves as a kind of balm for my listeners, especially during these trying times. // Kate McCandless on vocals, looping pedal, arrangement/mashup, select lyrics; Nigel Harsch on Electronic music (Volva, Make it Right, Light Bearer). Engineering: Steve Marek. Mixing and Mastering: Steve Marek. Music & Lyric Inspiration: Bjork. Album Art: Kristina Carr, Tom Gonzalez // I want to express my deepest love and appreciation to Adrian and Simon. Special thanks to Steve M, Nigel H, Donnie M, Rachael G, Tom G, Kristina C, Carly S, Kirstin F, Liz JS and of course to Bjork for her incredible artistry and inspiration.]

10:27 – More Interview with Kate McCandless

SHAMANIC ENERGY WORK + TAROT //// SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES

“KATE IS INCREDIBLE! I don’t have the words to fully relay what happened but Kate created the most healing safe cocoon of reiki energy magic I have ever experienced. I was able to feel and release challenging emotions and I feel we accomplished deep healing work for myself and ancestors… my experience was so epic. Thank you Kate for doing this kind of work in the world.” – Amy W., Energy Healing Client, Kansas City, MO

Kate McCandless Thanks for being with us on WMM

SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES plays The Benefit for Amplify Lawrence Saturday, May 31, at 8:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. with Sisterbot, Lauren Lovelle, True Lions, and Cheery.

SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES plays TQ Headquarters House Show, May 10, 6:30pm, KCMO with: Drew Black, Fenwa Teryen, Emily Davis.

SHE SPEAKS IN TONGUES submits: SUPPOSED FORMER INFATUATION JUNKIE // Alanis Morissette, May 13, at The Black Box, 1060 Union, KCMO with Katie Gilchrist and Project1994 performing JAGGED LITTLE PILL. Info at: http://www.shespeaksintongues.com

11:00 – Station ID

  1. HuDost – “Broken Down in America”
    from: The Monkey in the Crown / Open Sesame Music / June 6, 2025
    [HuDost’s new album, features a collection of songs that have already begun to captivate listeners, including the fiery Fire of Eden, the introspective Sol Searcher (Light Upon the Water), and the call for change in Acting Out the Outrage. These songs set the tone for the full album, which explores themes of societal breakdown, personal transformation, and collective healing. Tracks like Broken Down in America, Take It Back, and Nothing Left grapple with disillusionment, while Shine On (Knick of Time) and Mercy offer hope and reconciliation. Each song is a testament to HuDost’s unique sound—raw, authentic, and deeply connected to the human experience. // HuDost were delighted to be joined by a slew of amazing musicians on this album including drummer Chris Powell as well as SistaStrings, who both play with Brandi Carlile. They are also joined by the Jars of Clay guys; Charlie Lowell on keys, Matthew Odmark doing various magical things and two new songs written with Dan Haseltine. Singer Rachael Davis joins on a few songs with her beautiful distinctive harmonies and Kai Welch (Abigail Washburn/Kacey Musgraves/The Fray) plays on accordion & horns. Long time HuDost alumni Anit Ghosh adds his gypsy world touch on a couple of tracks. Matt Nelson contributes astonishing string arrangements. Last but not least, HuDost’s ‘5th Member’ Dan Walters, the only other person besides Moksha and JW that has played on every single record over the past 20 years, on bass! // THE MONKEY IN THE CROWN is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a journey into the complexities of identity, transformation, and choice. From the hopeful Shine On (Knick of Time) to the paradoxical Child of Children, the album invites listeners to explore the tension between illusion and truth, the sacred and the profane, the personal and the collective. It’s a call to action, to change, and to embrace our shared humanity, no matter the form it takes. // This album also marks a significant milestone for HuDost—celebrating 20 years as a band, a couple, and a family. For two decades, the partnership of Moksha Sommer and Jemal Wade Hines has produced music that is deeply rooted in their experiences as activists, parents, and musicians. Their journey has been one of artistic evolution and social engagement, building a devoted global fanbase through their powerful lyrics and genre-blurring sound. HuDost’s live performances continue to inspire, proving that music can not only entertain but also catalyze change.]

[HuDost play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, 2nd Floor, KCMO on Thursday May 29 at 7:00pm with Calvin Arsenia. Info at: http://www.hudost.com]

11:04 – Interview with Moksha Sommer & Jemal Wade Hines of the band HuDost

Many years before receiving praise from NPR, ranking on the Billboard charts, or winning prestigious awards, something magical happened; a teenaged Moksha Sommer was reading the lush words of the Persian poet Rumi in her Montreal apartment and wildly decided to join friends for a spur of the moment trip to North Carolina for a Rumi Festival put on by Turkish Sufis. It was there that, from across a room of dancers, Jemal Wade Hines was playing frame drum and heard Sommer’s voice cutting through the crowd and jolting his heart awake. That moment was the beginning of HuDost. Today we are featuring music from their new album THE MONKEY AND THE CROWN, that marks the band’s 20th Anniversary. HuDost play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 BelleviewAve, 2nd Floor, KCMO on Thurs, May 29 at 7:00pm. Info at: http://www.hudost.com

Moksha Sommer & Jemal Wade Hines Thanks for being with us on WMM

We just heard Broken Down in America – Rock, anthemic vocals, call-to-action. As parents of two children that we love dearly, there is a painful daily awareness of gun violence and school shootings. Written from that perspective; asks questions about politics.

Broken Down in America (lyrics)

Hey my son, it’s Monday morning
Use your teacher like a human shield
No one ever sees the time bomb
Counting down the wounds that never healed, never healed
Broken down in America, broken down in America this time

Daughter, you should use protection
Don’t get hurt by games the rich men play
When they shelter in position
I want you to run the other way, the other way
Broken down in America, broken down in America again

The only arms I bear are here and open
Waiting for their turn

Every day I pray for living
To last longer than the stench of fear
Keep my babies safe from gunmen
I want children not just souvenirs, souvenirs
Crying out in America, crying out in America again

The only arms I bear are here and open
Waiting for your love

Can you pull the bullets out
Before the words come form your mouth
Fight them on your own side
Before deepening the divide
When the shots are fired from the inside
And we bear the wounds of false pride
There’s nowhere left to go nowhere to hide

Is it love that will decide? Is it love that will decide?
Is it love that will decide what stops the war? What stops the war?
Is it love that stops the war? Is it love that stops the war?
Broken down in America again

HuDost’s new album, THE MONKEY IN THE CROWN, marks the band’s 20th anniversary and invites listeners to confront the paradox of human nature—are we the fools hiding behind pretense, or humble beings with dignity in unexpected forms? This bold release challenges us all to reflect on our choices in a world full of complexity and contradiction. Blending elements of electric folk rock, world music influences, and acoustic soul, the album weaves a sonic tapestry that resonates with both urgency and introspection. The tracks are an exploration of the human spirit, filled with raw emotion and an invitation to rise above, embrace truth, and reclaim agency.

The album features a collection of songs that have already begun to captivate listeners, including the fiery Fire of Eden, the introspective Sol Searcher (Light Upon the Water), and the call for change in Acting Out the Outrage. These songs set the tone for the full album, which explores themes of societal breakdown, personal transformation, and collective healing. Tracks like Broken Down in America, Take It Back, and Nothing Left grapple with disillusionment, while Shine On (Knick of Time) and Mercy offer hope and reconciliation. Each song is a testament to HuDost’s unique sound—raw, authentic, and deeply connected to the human experience.

HuDost were delighted to be joined by a slew of amazing musicians on this album including drummer Chris Powell as well as SistaStrings, who both play with Brandi Carlile. They are also joined by the Jars of Clay guys; Charlie Lowell on keys, Matthew Odmark doing various magical things and two new songs written with Dan Haseltine. Singer Rachael Davis joins on a few songs with her beautiful distinctive harmonies and Kai Welch (Abigail Washburn/Kacey Musgraves/The Fray) plays on accordion & horns. Long time HuDost alumni Anit Ghosh adds his gypsy world touch on a couple of tracks. Matt Nelson contributes astonishing string arrangements. Last but not least, HuDost’s ‘5th Member’ Dan Walters, the only other person besides Moksha and JW that has played on every single record over the past 20 years, on bass!

THE MONKEY IN THE CROWN is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a journey into the complexities of identity, transformation, and choice. From the hopeful Shine On (Knick of Time) to the paradoxical Child of Children, the album invites listeners to explore the tension between illusion and truth, the sacred and the profane, the personal and the collective. It’s a call to action, to change, and to embrace our shared humanity, no matter the form it takes.

This album also marks a significant milestone for HuDost—celebrating 20 years as a band, a couple, and a family. For two decades, the partnership of Moksha Sommer and Jemal Wade Hines has produced music that is deeply rooted in their experiences as activists, parents, and musicians. Their journey has been one of artistic evolution and social engagement, building a devoted global fanbase through their powerful lyrics and genre-blurring sound. HuDost’s live performances continue to inspire, proving that music can not only entertain but also catalyze change.

For Radio Promo/Interviews: Kari Estrin

“HuDost has a folk quality yet is quite postmodern; the band offers new takes on ancient words and melodies, cross-cultural hybrid transcendental chill-out music with an edge.… This is not fluffy new-age music—it’s serious, complex fare with no aversion to addressing agony. Sommer’s vocal execution is precisely orchestrated, her voice-opening, hollow-toned vortexes piercing through the tough spots. ” – Chronogram Magazine

Many years before receiving praise from NPR, ranking on the Billboard charts, or winning prestigious awards, something magical happened; a teenaged Moksha Sommer was reading the lush words of the Persian poet Rumi in her Montreal apartment and wildly decided to join friends for a spur of the moment trip to North Carolina for a Rumi Festival put on by Turkish Sufis. It was there that, from across a room of dancers, Jemal Wade Hines was playing frame drum and heard Sommer’s voice cutting through the crowd and jolting his heart awake. That moment was the beginning of HuDost.

Since then, Sommer and Hines have married as a couple, as musicians, as activists, and as parents; in all of those they are guided by love. They are highly engaged activists, doing advocacy work as Representatives for ONE (a non-profit organization working to end extreme poverty) and joining forces with other non-profit organizations. They have discovered the alchemy and power of the combination of music and activism and how change can be effectively created through those tools.

HuDost has a new album that is being released in 2025. Their previous albums have received rave reviews and have reached #4 in the Canadian National Folk/Roots/Blues Chart, #9 in the US Folk Radio Charts, reached #24 in the BILLBOARD SALES CHARTS for Folk/Americana and won an Independent Music Award for Social Action Song. In 2020 they received two of the ‘Best of Nashville’ awards. On past albums HuDost has worked with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Malcolm Burn (Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Peter Gabriel) and GRAMMY Award-winning mixers Oz Fritz (Tom Waits, Bill Laswell, Primus) and Vance Powell (Jack White, Chris Stapleton, Pearl Jam, Willie Nelson, Buddy Guy, Beyonce, Beck, Alicia Keys, Melissa Etheridge, Kings of Leon).

HuDost functions as a duo or as a band, including guest musicians of varying sensibilities and backgrounds, and often including dance in their shows. As a duo their instrumentation includes vocals, harmonium (Indian Pump-Organ), live looping and beats, NORD Keys, guitars, Dulcinet, percussion, and a slew of sonic ambient effects. Their music is a rich, eclectic blending of pop and rock with traditional Sufi music, Bulgarian, Croatian, Macedonian and Balkan folk music, Farsi, Turkish, Arabic, and folk. Their sound crosses all borders and barriers, taking the listener on a journey they will never forget.

HuDost’s music is a powerful voice for life’s journey and discovery. In 2008, Moksha went through a painful process of brain surgery due to a tumor. The healing from this included re-learning language skills, losing and regaining proper sight, and experiencing seizures. This could have been staggering but instead served as learning that has fueled a potent desire to bring healing through sound. In 2013 their amazing son, Kaleb, was brought into the world and their sweet baby Sylvan was born in 2022. It is through music that the losses and gains, pains and triumphs, and excruciating beauty of life can be given a voice of empathy. Both critics and fans have said time and time again that the music of HuDost is this very expression.

Highlight Performances/Collaborations: Bonnaroo, FloydFest, Blissfest, The ARK, Vancouver Island MusicFest, the Salvador Dali Museum, The Levitt Pavilions, WoodSongs, Nashville’s Bluebird Café, Music City Roots, Tim Robbins’ WTF?! Fest, The Montreal Folk Festival, Hillside Festival, LEAF Festival, Stan Rogers Folk Fest, BhaktiFest, World Café Live, Alex Grey’s CoSM, The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, CaveFest (The Caverns, TN), headlining The Islands Folk Fest (Vancouver), and many more. Highlight collaborations and opening slots for other artists include Ani DiFranco, Philip Glass, Jon Anderson (YES), Snatam Kaur, Steve Kilbey (The Church), Ramy Essam, California Guitar Trio, Bell Orchestre, Neko Case, Jim Lauderdale, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Mercan Dede, and many more.

“Teeming with rich, iridescent vocals layered over powerful electric guitar licks, driving percussion and the haunting church organ-esque tones of the harmonium accented by the shimmering strings of Shahi Baaja (Electric Indian Auto-Harp), Bazouki and Dulcinet, HuDost’s one-of-a-kind sound is built on the impeccable musicianship of life-partners Jemal Wade Hines and Moksha Sommer. HuDost performs as either a duo or along with a band of fellow eclectic musicians—often engaging concertgoers through multiple mediums by weaving performance art and dance into their shows for an unforgettable experience that will leave audiences spellbound. ” – Levitt Foundation

HuDost play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 BelleviewAve, 2nd Floor, KCMO on Thurs, May 29 at 7:00pm. Info at: http://www.hudost.com

“Nothing Left” – Pop, singer/songwriter. This song explores the bittersweet duality of having nothing left, where emptiness feels about like a weight and a release. Through haunting melodies and reflective lyrics, it captures the complex emotions of loss, freedom, and the unknown space that lies in between. It is the zen reality of nothingness.

11:13

  1. HuDost – “Nothing Left”
    from: The Monkey in the Crown / Open Sesame Music / June 6, 2025
    [HuDost’s new album, features a collection of songs that have already begun to captivate listeners, including the fiery Fire of Eden, the introspective Sol Searcher (Light Upon the Water), and the call for change in Acting Out the Outrage. These songs set the tone for the full album, which explores themes of societal breakdown, personal transformation, and collective healing. Tracks like Broken Down in America, Take It Back, and Nothing Left grapple with disillusionment, while Shine On (Knick of Time) and Mercy offer hope and reconciliation. Each song is a testament to HuDost’s unique sound—raw, authentic, and deeply connected to the human experience. // HuDost were delighted to be joined by a slew of amazing musicians on this album including drummer Chris Powell as well as SistaStrings, who both play with Brandi Carlile. They are also joined by the Jars of Clay guys; Charlie Lowell on keys, Matthew Odmark doing various magical things and two new songs written with Dan Haseltine. Singer Rachael Davis joins on a few songs with her beautiful distinctive harmonies and Kai Welch (Abigail Washburn/Kacey Musgraves/The Fray) plays on accordion & horns. Long time HuDost alumni Anit Ghosh adds his gypsy world touch on a couple of tracks. Matt Nelson contributes astonishing string arrangements. Last but not least, HuDost’s ‘5th Member’ Dan Walters, the only other person besides Moksha and JW that has played on every single record over the past 20 years, on bass! // THE MONKEY IN THE CROWN is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a journey into the complexities of identity, transformation, and choice. From the hopeful Shine On (Knick of Time) to the paradoxical Child of Children, the album invites listeners to explore the tension between illusion and truth, the sacred and the profane, the personal and the collective. It’s a call to action, to change, and to embrace our shared humanity, no matter the form it takes. // This album also marks a significant milestone for HuDost—celebrating 20 years as a band, a couple, and a family. For two decades, the partnership of Moksha Sommer and Jemal Wade Hines has produced music that is deeply rooted in their experiences as activists, parents, and musicians. Their journey has been one of artistic evolution and social engagement, building a devoted global fanbase through their powerful lyrics and genre-blurring sound. HuDost’s live performances continue to inspire, proving that music can not only entertain but also catalyze change.]

[HuDost play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, 2nd Floor, KCMO on Thursday May 29 at 7:00pm with Calvin Arsenia. Info at: http://www.hudost.com]

11:16 – More Interview with Moksha Sommer & Jemal Wade Hines of the band HuDost

Moksha Sommer and Jemal Wade Hines are the heart of the band HuDost. Today we are featuring music from their new album THE MONKEY AND THE CROWN, that marks the band’s 20th Anniversary. HuDost play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 BelleviewAve, 2nd Floor, KCMO on Thurs, May 29 at 7:00pm. Info at: http://www.hudost.com

Moksha Sommer & Jemal Wade Hines Thanks for being with us on WMM

About HuDost
The music of HuDost weaves a seamless tapestry of Folk, World, and Rock that renders tears and laughter in listeners, cultivating the nameless longing that abides somewhere in all our hearts and invoking total celebration. HuDost’s core musicians are Moksha Sommer, from Montréal, and Jemal Wade Hines from Kentucky. Having toured the U.S., Canada, and Europe constantly since April 2006, HuDost has grown and expanded, travelled rocky and glorious terrain and marveled at all they can learn and explore. Moksha and Jemal Wade in this time have grown as artists, as seekers, as a couple and as a family. Since 2015 they have also been highly engaged activists, doing advocacy work as KY Congressional District Representatives for ONE (a non-profit organization working to end extreme poverty and, specifically, the sexism of poverty).

HuDost’s last album ‘of Water + Mercy’ received rave reviews and as an independent release reached #24 in the BILLBOARD SALES CHARTS for Folk/Americana also winning the 2020 Independent Music Award for Social Action Song. In the last year they also received two of the ‘Best of Nashville 2020’ awards. On past albums HuDost has worked with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Malcolm Burn (Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Peter Gabriel) and GRAMMY Award-winning mixers Oz Fritz (Tom Waits, Bill Laswell, Primus) and Vance Powell (Jack White, Chris Stapleton, Pearl Jam, Willie Nelson, Buddy Guy, Beyonce, Beck, Alicia Keys, Melissa Etheridge, Kings of Leon).

In November, 2021 HuDost released, ‘Anthems of Home’ that defines real, honest love and is a lush, breathtaking original collection of compositions that ask important questions. In this time of loss and awakening HuDost’s new album gives powerful voice to this journey in a way that will remain timeless and will prove the resilience that we all share. Special guests on the album include Jars of Clay, The Accidentals, Christie Lenée and others. Their early release from the new album, ‘Our Words Will Be Louder’, included additional music video cameos from Kevin Clash (Elmo), Kevin Hearn (from the Barenaked Ladies), Cy Curning (from The FIXX), GangstaGrass, Alana Bridgewater, Nawal, Hymn for Her, Jai Uttal, and more. HuDost worked with minister/activist William J. Barber II and all proceeds from it went to the Poor People’s Campaign. It received press coverage in over 130 major news publications and radio including CTV News, The Observer, Roots Music Canada, All Access Music, and received the ‘Best Music Video of the Week’ from Blues and Roots Radio.

HuDost functions as a duo or as a band, including guest musicians of varying sensibilities and backgrounds, and often including dance in their shows. As a duo their instrumentation includes vocals, harmonium (Indian Pump-Organ), NORD Keys, guitars, Dulcinet, percussion, and a slew of sonic ambient effects. Their music is a rich, eclectic blending of pop and rock with traditional Sufi music, Bulgarian, Croatian, Macedonian and Balkan folk music, Farsi, Turkish, Arabic, and folk. Their sound crosses all borders and barriers, taking the listener on a journey they will never forget.

Highlight performances include Bonnaroo, Resident band at FloydFest, BhaktiFest, World Café Live, Blissfest, The ARK, Alex Grey’s CoSM, the Salvador Dali Museum, Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, headlining The Islands Folk Fest (Vancouver), WMNF’s Tropical Heat Wave Festival, The Levitt Pavilions, WoodSongs at the Kentucky Theater (on PBS), Nashville’s Bluebird Café, Music City Roots, Tim Robbins’ WTF?! Fest, The Montreal Folk Festival, The Stan Rogers Folk Festival, and many more. Highlight collaborations and opening slots for other artists include Ani DiFranco, Philip Glass, Jon Anderson (YES), Snatam Kaur, Steve Kilbey (The Church), Ramy Essam, California Guitar Trio, Bell Orchestre, Neko Case, Jim Lauderdale, Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Mercan Dede, and more.

HuDost’s music is a powerful expression of life’s journey and discovery. In 2008, Moksha went through a painful process of brain surgery due to a tumor. The healing from this included re-learning language skills, losing and regaining proper sight, and experiencing seizures. This could have been staggering but instead served as learning that has fueled a potent desire to bring healing through sound. In 2013 their amazing son, Kaleb, was brought into the world. It is through music that the losses and gains, pains and triumphs, and excruciating beauty of life can be given a voice of empathy to the synonymous lives of all people. Both critics and fans have said time and time again that the music of HuDost is this very expression.

HuDost’s message comes from real experience, real emotion, and real concern for the world – from the birth of a child, to the healing of the body, to the healing of the planet, their words and music echo the human experience.

“Take It Back (3:33)” – Americana, singer/songwriter. This song gently weaves a story of healing, where letting go of past hurt makes space for rediscovering a quiet sense of self. With soft, tender melodies, it captures the quiet strength found in embracing vulnerability and moving toward with grace.

“Take It Back” (Lyrics)

Take it back, take it back

Here’s the prescription for all of the questions you never would ask
Take the eviction for all of the hurt you have held from the past
And let it go

Take it back, take it back

We’re numb to the violence, because denial is safer than rage
Bring us back silence where we can see again, hear and engage
And let us sing

Take it back, take it back

When I’ve come back, back from the limit of where we are numb
We’ve all been dumb, break back the edges, the ugly, the lies

Please remind me of mornings, when I was simply an innocent child
Listening for bird songs, and waiting for light to return to my eyes

This is where
I take it back, take it back, take it back

Moksha Sommer & Jemal Wade Hines Thanks for being with us on WMM

HuDost play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 BelleviewAve, 2nd Floor, KCMO on Thurs, May 29 at 7:00pm, with Calvin Arsenia. Info at: http://www.hudost.com

11:25

  1. HuDost – “Take It Back”
    from: The Monkey in the Crown / Open Sesame Records / June 6, 2025

[HuDost play Greenwood Social Hall, 1750 Belleview Ave, 2nd Floor, KCMO on Thursday May 29 at 7:00pm with Calvin Arsenia. Info at: http://www.hudost.com]

11:28 – Underwriting

  1. Cheyenne Jackson – “Celebrate Your Face (Zach Wallis Remix)”
    from: Celebrate Your Face (Zach Wallis Remix) – Single / Ooze House of Music / Sept. 1, 2022
    [Speaking to his fans in the Instagram post below, the Cheyenne Jackson reported: “I wrote this song several years ago for someone in my family who was suffering with depression. I wanted her to see how beautiful and important and how much she actually mattered, even though she couldn’t see it at the time. I never did anything with it, I guess I just figured it would find a home when the time was right. Well, for the season 2 finale of the Fax TYV show Call Me Kat, I pitched it to my producers and they loved it for the show…so I made a proper recording of it and channeled my inner Duran Duran / Neverending Story / TOP GUN fantasy.” // ‘Celebrate Your Face’ was released to streaming outlets by Ooze House Music from producers Jay Levine and Rob Schustack. Cheyenne wrote, sang and aided Jason Brett Levine and Jessica Charlotte Vaughn in composing the new bop. Find ‘Celebrate Your Face’ on Spotify, iTunes, Tidal, Deezer and Pandora. Or you can stream it on YouTube below. Because laziness. // On top of three albums as part of a Broadway cast and one album from the recently cancelled Netflix musical Julie and the Phantoms, Cheyenne has released five singles as a solo singer with three accompanying solo albums. His latest catalog, 2016’s Renaissance, reached #9 on the Billboard Jazz chart. // Most known for his roles in 30 Rock, Glee and American Horror Story.]

[Cheyenne Jackson plays the Folly Pride Concert, Friday, June 13, at 7:30pm at The Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St. KCMO. More information at http://www.follytheater.org]

11:34 – Interview with Cheyenne Jackson

Cheyenne Jackson, is a Grammy and Emmy-nominated actor, singer, and songwriter known for his work on Broadway in XANADU, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Aida, The Performers, Once Upon a Mattress, Finian’s Rainbow, All Shook Up, The Secret Garden, Into the Woods, and Damn Yankees. His TV credits include American Horror Story, 30 Rock, Glee, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Call Me Kat, The Morning Show, Law and Order, Ugly Betty, Matlock, Modern Family, and Rupaul’s Drag Race. For Julie and the Phantoms, he earned an Emmy nomination. Film roles include, the OSCAR-nominated UNITED 93, and HBO’s Behind the Candelabra. Jackson has sold out shows at Carnegie Hall and Disney Hall. His live performances have graced Lincoln Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Kennedy Center showcasing his unique blend of jazz, pop, and folk. Cheyenne has released three full length albums and multiple singles. Cheyenne Jackson plays the Folly Pride Concert, Friday, June 13, at 7:30pm at The Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St. KCMO. More information at http://www.follytheater.org

Cheyenne Jackson thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley!

Cheyenne Jackson is a GRAMMY and Emmy-nominated actor, singer, and songwriter known for his versatile work across Broadway, television, film, and concert stages. He received a GRAMMY nomination for his collaboration with the San Francisco Symphony as Tony in West Side Story conducted by the legendary Michael Tilson Thomas.

Three albums, Multiple singles. 25 films. Over 40 TV Shows. 25 stage shows, Multiple tours

Cheyenne’s mother Sherrie taught Jackson, his sister, and his two brothers to sing. Cheyenne grew up hearing Joni Mitchell music playing through the house.

Jackson was born in Spokane, Washington to David and Sherri Jackson, and was named by his father after the 1950s Western series Cheyenne. The 3rd of four children, he was raised in Oldtown, Idaho, a “teeny mill town” in a rural area in northern Idaho near the Washington border. His father was a Vietnam veteran. His mother taught Jackson, his sister, and his two brothers to sing and regularly played music by Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Elvis Presley at home. Throughout his childhood, Jackson lived with his family in a rural home that had an outhouse and no running water. He moved to Spokane as a teenager.

Cheyenne states is professional work on stage – did the discipline of Theatre give you the strength to balance all the work you do on TV, Film, on Stage”

After beginning his acting career in regional theatre in Seattle, Washington, Jackson moved to Manhattan and was an understudy in the Broadway productions of Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002) and Aida (2003). He next originated the role of Matthew in the workshop production of Altar Boyz (2004) for the New York Musical Theatre Festival, and was replaced by Scott Porter for the Off-Broadway run. Jackson’s first leading role on Broadway was in All Shook Up (2005), which earned him a Theatre World Award for “Outstanding Broadway Debut”

Having done a lot of work with Ryan Murphy reoccurring roles on Glee Multiple seasons on American Horror Story with Lady Gaga

Jackson appeared on the March 26, 2008, cover of The Advocate and was named “Entertainer of the Year” by Out and appeared alongside Gus Van Sant, Katy Perry, and Sam Sparro on the cover of the magazine’s commemorative 100th issue in December.

He also appeared on the cover of Out’s November 2010 issue. In July 2012, he appeared on the cover of attitude.

Jackson is an LGBT rights advocate. He is an international ambassador for amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research).

Jackson is also a national ambassador and spokesperson for the Hetrick-Martin Institute, a non-profit organization devoted to serving the needs of LGBT youth.

With Husband Jason Landau married in Encino, California, in September 2014. Jackson and Landau became the parents of twins, a girl named Willow and a boy named Ethan, in October 2016.

Cheyenne Jackson Has made several appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

On Cheyenne’s most recent Television series “Call Me Kat” staring Mayim Bialik Cheyenne played Max, Kat’s boyfriend. One of the cast members of the show was the legendary Leslie Jordan. Cheyenne and Leslie became good friends and recorded a Christmas Single “The Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth” together for the November 20, 2021 release. We tragically lost Leslie Jordan the following year.

On Broadway, Jackson’s career spans iconic roles in XANADU, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Aida, The Performers, Once Upon a Mattress, Finian’s Rainbow, and All Shook Up, where he won a Theatre World Award. His other credits include The Secret Garden, Into the Woods on Broadway (2022), and the acclaimed Encores! production of DAMN YANKEES. Jackson’s remarkable stage presence and ability to bring depth to a wide range of characters have made him a beloved figure in musical theater.

His TV credits include notable appearances in American Horror Story, 30 Rock, Glee, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Doctor Odyssey, Call Me Kat, The Morning Show, and American Woman. He also starred in Julie and the Phantoms, where his portrayal of a rock star earned him critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination. Other TV and film roles include Descendants 3, the OSCAR-nominated UNITED 93, HBO’s Behind the Candelabra, Law and Order, CSI, Ugly Betty, Saved By The Bell, Matlock, and Modern Family.

As a concert performer, Jackson has sold out major venues including Carnegie Hall and Disney Hall. His live performances have also graced prestigious stages such as Lincoln Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Kennedy Center. As a recording artist, Jackson has released albums including The Power of Two, I’m Blue, Skies, Love, Dad, and Renaissance, showcasing his unique blend of jazz, pop, and folk. His musicality as both a vocalist and songwriter continues to earn praise from critics and fans alike.

With an ever-expanding body of work, Cheyenne Jackson remains a leading talent in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with his exceptional performances, creative artistry, and open-hearted vulnerability.

Cheyenne Jackson – Born – Cheyenne David Jackson – July 12, 1975 (age 49) in Spokane, Washington, U.S.

With spouse Jason Landau ​(married 2014)​ Cheyenne has two children twins

After beginning his acting career in regional theatre in Seattle, Washington, Jackson moved to Manhattan and was an understudy in the Broadway productions of Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002) and Aida (2003). He next originated the role of Matthew in the workshop production of Altar Boyz (2004) for the New York Musical Theatre Festival, and was replaced by Scott Porter for the Off-Broadway run. Jackson’s first leading role on Broadway was in All Shook Up (2005), which earned him a Theatre World Award for “Outstanding Broadway Debut”. Since then, on the New York stage, he has starred in The Agony & the Agony (2006), Xanadu (2007; Drama League, Drama Desk nominations), Damn Yankees (2008), Finian’s Rainbow (2010; Drama Desk nomination), 8 (2011), The Heart of the Matter (2012), The Performers (2013), The Secret Garden (2016), Into the Woods (2022), and Once Upon a Mattress (2024).

He has also appeared in a number of films, including the 2006 Academy Award-nominated United 93, in which his portrayal of Mark Bingham earned him the Boston Society of Film Critics 2006 award for Best Ensemble Cast. He also had a leading role in the 2014 independent romantic comedy ensemble, Mutual Friends, and guest roles in television series such as NBC’s 30 Rock and Fox’s Glee. Beginning in 2015, Jackson starred in the FX horror anthology television series American Horror Story in its fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth seasons.

In concert, Jackson has sold out Carnegie Hall twice: The Power of Two in 2010 and Music of the Mad Men Era in 2011. He also performs in cabarets. In addition to his Broadway cast albums, he has released three albums of popular music, including a joint album called The Power of Two with Michael Feinstein in 2008. In 2012, Jackson released two singles, “Drive” and “Before You”, from his 2013 album I’m Blue, Skies. In 2016, Jackson released his third studio album, Renaissance, an album adapted and expanded from his solo concert Music of the Mad Men Era.

He also stars as Hades in Disney Channel’s Descendants 3. In 2020, he reunited with Descendants alumni Kenny Ortega and Booboo Stewart in Netflix’s Julie and the Phantoms.

Early life – Jackson was born in Spokane, Washington to David and Sherri Jackson, and was named by his father after the 1950s Western series Cheyenne. The third of four children, he was raised in Oldtown, Idaho, a “teeny mill town” in a rural area in northern Idaho near the Washington border. His father was a Vietnam veteran. His mother taught Jackson, his sister, and his two brothers to sing and regularly played music by Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Elvis Presley at home. Throughout his childhood, Jackson lived with his family in a rural home that had an outhouse and no running water. He moved to Spokane as a teenager.

In Seattle, Jackson worked as an ad executive at a magazine and did some theater work on the side, earning his Equity card. He moved to New York City after 2001 to pursue an acting career.

Career – Theatrical – In regional theaters, Jackson has appeared as Tony in West Side Story, as Joey in The Most Happy Fella, as Cain in Children of Eden, as Berger in Hair, as Billy Bigelow in Carousel, as Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees, as Rocky in The Rocky Horror Show, and as The Poet in Kismet, among many other productions.

Jackson made his Broadway debut understudying both male leads in the Tony Award-winning musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. He later served as the standby for the character of Radames in Aida, then originated the role of Matthew in the NYMF production of Altar Boyz. In 2005, he originated his first Broadway leading role in the musical All Shook Up, a tribute to Elvis Presley. His performance as Chad earned him the Theatre World Award and nominations from the Drama League and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor. In 2006, Jackson starred off-Broadway in playwright Nicky Silver’s The Agony and The Agony with Victoria Clark. In June 2007, less than a week before the scheduled opening night, Jackson assumed the lead role of Sonny on Broadway in Xanadu, replacing James Carpinello who had been injured during rehearsal. Previous workshop productions of the musical starred Jackson and Jane Krakowski. However, both Jackson and Krakowski opted out of the initial Broadway run, citing schedule conflicts. His performance as Sonny earned him nominations from the Drama League and Drama Desk for Outstanding Lead Actor. Xanadu had several Tony Award nominations including “Best New Musical” for which Jackson and the cast performed on the 62nd Tony Awards show.

In 2008, Jackson joined Jane Krakowski and Sean Hayes in the New York City Center’s Encores! production of Damn Yankees. He returned to Encores! in 2009, playing Woody Mahoney in a staged concert of Finian’s Rainbow. Jackson also starred in the development workshop of The Book of Mormon by Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez, who co-wrote the music for Avenue Q.

In October 2009, Jackson opened on Broadway reprising the role of Woody Mahoney in the revival of the 1947 musical Finian’s Rainbow at the St. James Theatre, costarring with Jim Norton and Kate Baldwin. The Wall Street Journal wrote, “The way that [Kate Baldwin] and Cheyenne Jackson sing “Old Devil Moon” is the stuff best-selling cast albums are made of.” The show closed on January 17, 2010. Along with the company of Finian’s Rainbow, Jackson recorded the Broadway revival cast album in early December 2009, with a release date of February 2, 2010.

In September 2011, Jackson joined Morgan Freeman, Ellen Barkin, Matt Bomer, Christine Lahti, and John Lithgow as part of the Broadway-premiere cast of Dustin Lance Black’s new play 8, directed by Joe Mantello. In June 2012, Jackson starred opposite Krysten Ritter in Neil LaBute’s The Heart of The Matter produced by MCC Theater at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.

In the 2012–2013 Broadway season, Jackson, Henry Winkler, Alicia Silverstone, Daniel Breaker, Jenni Barber and Ari Graynor starred in David West Read’s play The Performers which started previews on October 23, 2012, at the Longacre Theatre.[28] The play closed on November 18, 2012, after 23 previews and 7 regular performances.

In 2016, Jackson appeared in the 25th Anniversary Concert of The Secret Garden as Dr. Neville Craven at the Lincoln Center.

In 2019, Jackson made his Hollywood Bowl debut playing the roles of the Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince in the show Into the Woods opposite Sutton Foster, Sierra Boggess, Patina Miller, Skylar Astin, Chris Carmack, and Shanice Williams. He later reprised these roles while temporarily filling in for Gavin Creel in the 2022 Broadway revival at the St. James Theatre opposite Miller, Sara Bareilles, Brian D’Arcy James, Phillipa Soo, Joshua Henry, and Julia Lester.

In 2024, he portrayed Sir Harry in the New York City Center production of Once Upon A Mattress as a part of its Encores! series. In November, he starred as Georges in the Pasadena Playhouse production of La Cage aux Folles.

Film career – In films, Jackson most notably portrayed 9/11 victim and hero Mark Bingham in United 93 which won the Boston Society of Film Critics 2006 award for Best Ensemble Cast. He has also appeared in several other films including: Curiosity (2005), Hysteria (2010), Smile (2011), the critically lauded The Green (opposite Julia Ormond and Illeana Douglas), and 2012 Sundance Film Festival selection Price Check (with Parker Posey). He portrayed Greta Gerwig’s boyfriend Roger in the 2012 Fox Searchlight Pictures film Lola Versus. In 2013, he starred in the HBO biopic of Liberace, Behind the Candelabra, with Michael Douglas and Matt Damon. He also appeared in the independent films Mutual Friends (2013), Lucky Stiff (2014), and A Beautiful Now (2015). More recently, he played Hades in the Disney Channel original movie Descendants 3 (2019).

Jackson had a lead role in the film version of Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks in 2014. He played Michael Minetti, who is hired by retiree Lily Harrison (Gena Rowlands) to give her private dance lessons at her home for six weeks. The film is based on Richard Alfieri’s Broadway play of the same name and is directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman.

TV career – From 2009 – 2013, Jackson had a recurring role on the award-winning series 30 Rock playing Danny Baker. Jackson also portrayed Dustin Goolsby, the coach of “Vocal Adrenaline”, the main rival of “New Directions”, on the 2nd season of FOX’s show Glee.

He has guest starred on several television series, including Lipstick Jungle, Life on Mars, and Ugly Betty, and was featured in a prominent guest role during Season 8 of Curb Your Enthusiasm. His character “Terry” was the personal trainer to Larry David and Wanda Sykes. On March 15, 2010, Jackson made his guest-starring debut on the NBC series Law & Order in an episode entitled “Innocence”.

In 2008, Jackson played series lead Sebastian Kinglare for the Lifetime Television pilot Family Practice opposite Anne Archer and Beau Bridges. The series was not picked up for distribution.

In 2010, Jackson filmed a sitcom pilot for ABC-TV called It Takes a Village, co-starring Leah Remini, which was not picked up for the fall 2010 season.

In 2012, Jackson and Nathan Lane were cast as series leads in the USA Network comedy pilot Local Talent. The series was not picked up for distribution.

Additionally, Jackson guest starred on the pilot episode of NBC’s revamp of The Munsters, Mockingbird Lane, written by Bryan Fuller and directed by Bryan Singer. Jackson portrayed Scout Master Steve, a competing love interest for Portia de Rossi’s character Lily Munster; the show also stars Eddie Izzard and Jerry O’Connell.[39] NBC aired the pilot as a Halloween special on October 26, 2012.

Jackson also appeared in the 5th season of American Horror Story as one of the leads alongside Lady Gaga & Matt Bomer. Jackson returned to the show’s 6th season to play Network Executive Sidney Aaron James as well as the 7th season to play psychiatrist Dr. Rudy Vincent Anderson and 8th season of the show to play warlock John Henry Moore.

Jackson made several appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race. He also appeared in the tenth episode of Season 2 of Sense8 as Blake Huntington, an award-winning actor who is cast opposite Miguel Ángel Silvestre’s Lito Rodríguez in a Hollywood film. In 2019, he played the role of Hades, Mal’s father in the Disney Channel Original Movie Descendants 3.

Jackson has starred in several notable webisode series including Cubby Bernstein opposite Nathan Lane, Legally Brown with Allison Janney, and The [title of show] Show from the meta-fictional Broadway musical [Title of Show].

Since 2020, Jackson costars as Max in the Fox comedy series Call Me Kat opposite Mayim Bialik and Kyla Pratt.

In 2022, Jackson competed in season seven of The Masked Singer as “Prince” of Team Good who resembles a frog dressed as a prince. He finished in third place.

Musical career – Early in his career, Jackson worked as a back-up singer for Vanessa Williams and Heather Headley.

In March 2009, Jackson made his nightclub debut at Feinstein’s at Loews Regency with a sold-out one-man show titled Back to the Start. He later teamed up with Michael Feinstein to create a nightclub act titled “The Power of Two”. A CD of the show was released on November 3, 2009.

The Power of Two, a concert reuniting Jackson and Feinstein, was presented at Carnegie Hall on October 29, 2010. Jackson was the guest artist performing with the New York Pops in concert, Cheyenne Jackson’s Cocktail Hour: Music of the Mad Men Era, at Carnegie Hall on November 18, 2011. Joe Dziemianowicz of The New York Daily News wrote, “There, in Judy (Garland)’s spot singing Joni (Mitchell)’s song, (Cheyenne) Jackson turned the bittersweet ballad into a beautiful highlight in an evening filled with luscious moments with the New York Pops.”]

On Dec 31, 2012, Jackson reprised Music of the Mad Men Era at The Kennedy Center Concert Hall with 96 members of the National Symphony Orchestra and Nina Arianda.

In March 2012, Jackson was signed to Sony/ATV publishing as a songwriter and given a developmental artist deal through Sony/ATV’s Hickory Records and Red Distribution.

On May 10, 2012, Jackson released his single “Drive”, his first non-theatrical single and his first music video release. The video was directed by Austrian music video director Christian Hörlesberger and the track produced by Thomas “Tawgs” Salter. It was the first single released from I’m Blue, Skies, which was eventually released in June 2013. The album was co-written by Jackson with Sia, Stephen “Stevie” Aiello, and Charlotte Sometimes.

On July 10, 2012, Jackson released his second single from I’m Blue, Skies, “Before You”, also produced by Salter. In August 2012, “Before You” reached a peak of No. 31 on the Hot 100 AC chart.

In 2013, he released three singles, “She’s Pretty, She Lies”, “Look at Me”, and “I’m Blue, Skies”, followed in 2015 with the single “Don’t Wanna Know”, all accompanied by music videos. On June 3, 2016, Jackson released Renaissance, an album on the PS Classics record label, adapted and expanded from his solo concert Music of the Mad Men Era.

In the media – Jackson appeared on the March 26, 2008, cover of The Advocate. In 2008, he was named “Entertainer of the Year” by Out and appeared alongside Gus Van Sant, Katy Perry, and Sam Sparro on the cover of the magazine’s commemorative 100th issue in December. In April 2010, he appeared on the cover of Canadian fab magazine under the title “Cheyenne Jackson: I Love New York” with photographs by Mike Ruiz. He also appeared on the cover of Out’s November 2010 issue. In July 2012, he appeared on the cover of attitude.

Charity work – Jackson is an LGBT rights advocate. He is an international ambassador for amfAR (The Foundation for AIDS Research).

Jackson is also a national ambassador and spokesperson for the Hetrick-Martin Institute, a non-profit organization devoted to serving the needs of LGBT youth.

Personal life – Jackson is gay. He began dating Monte Lapka, a physicist, in 2000. The two married on September 3, 2011, in New York City. In July 2013, they announced plans to divorce. They filed for divorce in September 2013.

In October 2013, Jackson announced he was dating actor Jason Landau on his official Instagram account. They announced their engagement in February 2014 and married in Encino, California, in September 2014. Jackson and Landau became the parents of twins, a girl named Willow and a boy named Ethan, in October 2016.

Jackson has discussed his struggles with alcoholism, and in 2023 said that he had relapsed after 10 years of sobriety.

Discography – Studio albumss

The Power of Two (with Michael Feinstein) / Released: November 3, 2009 / Qualiton Imports, Harbinger Records

I’m Blue, Skies / Released: June 25, 2013/ Shiny Boy Music LLC

Renaissance / Released: June 3, 2016/ PS Classics

Original Broadway cast albums
All Shook Up (2005)
Xanadu (2007)
Finian’s Rainbow (2009)

Soundtrack appearances
Descendants 3 (2019)
Julie and the Phantoms: Music from the Netflix Original Series (2020)

Singles
2012: “Drive”
2012: “Before You”
2013: “Don’t Wanna Know”[77]
2015: “Find the Best of Me”
Music videos
2012: “Drive”
2012: “Before You”
2013: “Don’t Wanna Know”
2013: “Don’t Look at Me”
2013: “She’s Pretty, She Lies”
2013: “I’m Blue, Skies”

Filmography- 23 films
2005 Curiosity Luke Short film
2006 United 93 Mark Bingham
2010 Photo Op Zig Short film
2019 Hysteria Scott
2011 The Green Daniel
2011 Smile Doctor Steve Short film
2012 Price Check Ernie
1012 Lola Versus Roger
2013 Mutual Friends Christoph
2014 The One I Wrote for You Ben Cantor
2014 Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks Michael Minetti
2014 Dragula Mr. Newton
2014 Love Is Strange Ted
2014 Lucky Stiff MC
2015 A Beautiful Now David
2015 Day Out of Days Phil
2016 Bear with Us Hudson
2016 Opening Night Eli Faisel
2017 Hello Again Robert (The Writer)
2018 Hurricane Bianca 2: From Russia with Hate Boris
2021 Werewolves Within Devon
2024 Borderlands Jakobs Scenes cut
2025 Queens of the Dead

Television – (Over 40 TV Shows)
2008 Lipstick Jungle Bryce Episode: “Chapter 15: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Prada”
2008 Family Practice Sebastian Kinglare Television film
2009 Life on Mars Sebastian Grace Episode: “Let All the Children Boogie”
2009 Ugly Betty Timothy D’Artagnan Episode: “Sugar Daddy”
2009–2012 30 Rock Danny Baker 12 episodes
2010 Law & Order Jon Sorrentino Episode: “Innocence”
2010 It Takes a Village Scott Unsold television pilot
2010–2011 Glee Dustin Goolsby 3 episodes
2011 Curb Your Enthusiasm Terry Episode: “Car Periscope”
2012 Mockingbird Lane Steve Unsold television pilot
2013 Onion News Empire Cameron Grey Unsold television pilot
2013 Behind the Candelabra Billy Leatherwood Television film
2013 Full Circle Peter Barlow 3 episodes
2014 HR Tim Harcourt Unsold television pilot
2014 Royal Pains Sam Episode: “Oh, M.G.”
2014 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Nebula1 Episode: “Kitty”
2015–2016 American Horror Story: Hotel Will Drake 9 episodes
2016 American Horror Story: Roanoke Sidney Aaron James 7 episodes
2016 American Housewife Johnny Diamond Episode: “Disconnected”
2017–2019 RuPaul’s Drag Race Himself 3 episodes (“Draggily Ever After”, “Evil Twins”, “L.A.D.P.!”)
2017 The Real O’Neals Mr. Peters Episode: “The Real Mr. Nice Guy”
2017 Sense8 Blake Huntington Episode: “If All the World’s a Stage, Identity Is Nothing But a Costume”
2017 American Horror Story: Cult Dr. Rudy Vincent 9 episodes
2017 Modern Family Max Episode: “In Your Head”
2018 American Woman Greg Parker 7 episodes
2018 Will & Grace Michael Episode: “The Beefcake & the Cake Beef”
2018 American Horror Story: Apocalypse John Henry Moore 4 episodes
2019 Descendants 3 Hades Television film
2019 The Morning Show Himself Episode: “No One’s Gonna Harm You, Not While I’m Around”
2019 Watchmen Hooded Justice 3 episodes
2020 Descendants Remix Dance Party Hades Television special
2020 Equal Dale Jennings Docuseries
2020 Julie and the Phantoms Caleb Covington 5 episodes
2020 Saved by the Bell René 3 episodes


2021–2023 Call Me Kat Max Main role
2021 RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars Himself Special guest, Episode: “Snatch Game of Love”
2021 A Clüsterfünke Christmas Frank Television film
2021 Descendants: The Royal Wedding Hades (voice) Animated television film
2022 The Masked Singer Prince Season 7 contestant; Third place
2024 Doctor Odyssey Bryan Episode: “Oh, Daddy!”

Stage credits
1995 Kiss Me, Kate Bill Calhoun / Lucentio Spokane Civic Theatre
1996 Kismet Hajj
1997 Carousel Billy Bigelow
1998 Children of Eden Cain / Japheth Jane Addams Theatre
2002-2003 Thoroughly Modern Millie Dishwasher / Ensemble / u/s Jimmy Smith / u/s Trevor Graydon III Marquis Theatre Broadway
2003 The Rocky Horror Show Rocky 5th Avenue Theatre Regional
2003 Aida s/b Radames Palace Theatre Broadway
2004 Altar Boyz Matthew Puerto Rican Traveling Theater NY Musical Theatre Fest
2005 All Shook Up Chad Palace Theatre Broadway
2005 On the Twentieth Century “Life is Like a Train” Porter New Amsterdam Theatre
2005 The 24 Hour Plays Kevin American Airlines Theatre
2006 The Agony and The Agony Chet Vineyard Theatre Off-Broadway


2007-2008 Xanadu Sonny Malone Helen Hayes Theatre Broadway
2008 Damn Yankee Joe Hardy New York City Center Off-Broadway Encores!
2009-2010 Finian’s Rainbow Woody St. James Theatre Broadway
2011 8 Paul Katami Eugene O’Neill Theatre
2012 The Heart of the Matter Him Lucille Lortel Theatre Off-Broadway[2012
2012 The Performers Mandrew Longacre Theatre Broadway
2013 West Side Story Tony Davies Hall Concert
2014 The Most Happy Fella Joe NYC Center Off-Broadway Encores!
2016 The Secret Garden Dr. Neville Craven Lincoln Center 25th Anniversary Concert
2019 Into the Woods The Wolf Cinderella’s Prince Hollywood Bowl July 26–28
2022 Into the Woods The Wolf Cinderella’s Prince St. James Theatre Broadway
2024 Once Upon a Mattress Sir Harry NYC Center Off-Broadway Encores!
2024 La Cage aux Folles Georges Pasadena Playhouse Los Angeles

Cheyenne Jackson thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley!

Cheyenne Jackson plays the Folly Pride Concert, Friday, June 13, at 7:30pm at The Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St. KCMO. More information at http://www.follytheater.org

11:49

  1. Cheyenne Jackson – “Drive”
    from: I’m Blue, Skies / Shiny Boy Music / June 25, 2013
    [On May 10, 2012, Jackson released his single “Drive”, his first non-theatrical single and his first music video release. The video was directed by Austrian music video director Christian Hörlesberger and the track produced by Thomas “Tawgs” Salter. It was the first single released from I’m Blue, Skies, which was eventually released in June 2013. The album was co-written by Jackson with Sia, Stephen “Stevie” Aiello, and Charlotte Sometimes. // On July 10, 2012, Jackson released his second single from I’m Blue, Skies, “Before You”, also produced by Salter. In August 2012, “Before You” reached a peak of No. 31 on the Hot 100 AC chart. // In 2013, he released three singles, “She’s Pretty, She Lies”, “Look at Me”, and “I’m Blue, Skies”, followed in 2015 with the single “Don’t Wanna Know”, all accompanied by music videos.]

[Cheyenne Jackson plays the Folly Pride Concert, Friday, June 13, at 7:30pm at The Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St. KCMO. More information at http://www.follytheater.org]

  1. Valerie June – “Superpower”
    from: Owls, Omens, and Oracles / Concord Records / April 11, 2025
    [Rooted in the belief that what we focus on is what we manifest, June dreams a song path forward with Owls, Omens, and Oracles that leaves no one behind. Halfway through a decade of immense and rapid global change, June asserts a multidimensional Blackness steeped in laughter, truth, magic, delight, and interdependence. This album is a radical statement to break skepticism, surveillance, and doom scrolling – let yourself celebrate your aliveness. Connect, weep, change, open. Throughout the M. Ward-produced Owls, Omens, and Oracles, Juneʼs distinctive Tennessee twang grips the listener. Visceral twists and a fierceness of raw emotion thread textures and tones through the needle of a multi-genre American quilt, striking against notions that voices should always sound polished and pretty. Gracefulness and gentleness harmonize with dissonance, edginess, and precarity in the sharpest parts of her voice. // Juneʼs singular sound is a North Star as steady and undeniable as any true love story, telling us to “trust the path.” She is inviting us out of the small boxes that keep us apart from each other, her music creating a space where we are already together, already one. The horizon changes as we get closer to it, but our artist is sure-footed in the face of uncertainty and change. She wants everyone who listens to this music to want to be alive, to love, co-creating a future together. Valerie June returned to CBS Saturday Morning where she performed several songs off Owls, Omens, and Oracles. Accompanied by her band, she played lead single “Joy, Joy!,” the unreleased “All I Really Wanna Do,” and debuted “Endless Tree,” a song that was released on Tuesday as a single with an accompanying video. Juneʼs spirited performance gives a taste of what to expect on the upcoming Owls, Omens, and Oracles Tour, which kicks off next week and runs through late June. // Valerie June Hockett was born January 10, 1982, known as Valerie June, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Her sound encompasses a mixture of folk, blues, gospel, soul, country, Appalachian and bluegrass. She is signed to Concord Music Group worldwide. // Born in Jackson, Tennessee on January 10, 1982, June is the oldest of five children. As a child growing up in Humboldt, June was exposed to gospel music at her local church and R&B and soul music via her father, Emerson Hockett. As a teenager, her first job was with her father, owner of Hockett Construction in West Tennessee, and a part-time promoter for gospel singers and Prince, K-Ci & JoJo, and Bobby Womack. She helped by hanging posters in town. Her father died in late 2016. // June relocated to Memphis in 2000 and began recording and performing at the age of 19, initially with her then-husband Michael Joyner, in the duo Bella Sun. After her marriage ended, she began working as a solo artist, combining blues, gospel and Appalachian folk in a style that she describes as “organic moonshine roots music”, and learning guitar, banjo, and lap-steel guitar. She became associated with the Memphis-based Broken String Collective. // In 2009 she was a featured artist on MTV’s online series $5 Cover (following the lives of Memphis musicians attempting to make ends meet), and in 2010 she recorded the EP Valerie June and the Tennessee Express, a collaboration with Old Crow Medicine Show. // In 2011 she was honored by the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission at the Emissaries of Memphis Music event. She raised funds to record an album with producer Craig Street via Kickstarter.com, raising $15,000 in 60 days. Later that year she relocated from Memphis to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Shortly after, record producer Kevin Augunas introduced June to Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, which led to the recording of June’s album Pushin’ Against a Stone in July 2011, which was co-written and produced by Dan Auerbach and Kevin Augunas. // In 2012, June performed with producer John Forté on a collaboration called Water Suites (on the hip-hop-blues song “Give Me Water”), and with Meshell Ndegeocello on the song “Be My Husband”. She contributed The Wandering’s 2012 album Go on Now, You Can’t Stay Here: Mississippi Folk Music Volume III. In 2012 she performed in the UK for the first time, playing at Bestival and appearing on Later… with Jools Holland. // She has received substantial radio play in Europe on BBC Radio 6, including a feature on Cerys on 6 with Cerys Matthews. Mary Anne Hobbs of XFM has said of June: “This woman has already touched my heart, she really, really has.” // In February 2013, June was invited to support Jake Bugg on the UK leg of his tour. In March 2013, June performed two nights at South By Southwest. The first performance was on March 14 as part of the Heartbreaker Banquet. On March 16, June performed again, this time as part of The Revival Tour. Rolling Stone June’s second album, The Order of Time one of the 50 Best Albums of 2017, citing “her handsomely idiosyncratic brand of Americana, steeped deep in electric blues and old-time folk, gilded in country twang and gospel yearning….a blend of spacey hippie soul, blues and folk with June’s pinched, modern-Appalachian voice at the center”. In a 2017 interview, Bob Dylan was asked what artists he listened to and respected; June was among the artists he mentioned in reply. More info at: http://www.valeriejune.com]
  1. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
    from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

Next week, on Wednesday, June 4 – Chris Haghirian joins us to share al the details about Boulevardia 10, Saturday, June 14, with 5 stages and over 45 bands/artists, celebrating Kansas City with the biggest urban street festival at Crown Center, 2396 Grand Boulevard, KCMO. We’ll survey the music of the festival. At 11:30 we’ll talk with Meighan Piefer and James McGee about the Kansas City Music Industry Commission

In two weeks on June 11 we welcome back to thew show the man of 1001 Faces Michael McQuary AND we’ll talk with Michael’s friend – stage, screen and recording artist – Joey Arias who will share stories about his work and friendships with Klaus Nomi, Andy Warhol, Pee Herman aka Paul Reubens, Lady Bunny and More!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show #1097

WMM Playlist from May 21, 2025

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, May 21, 2025

WMM presents: David Luther + Redder Moon + Katlyn Conroy of Cheery

  1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
    from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
    [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
  1. Various Blonde – “Silent Partner” – Single
    from: “Silent Partner” – Single / Various Blonde / April 11, 2025
    [One of three new singles released in the last few months from Various Blonde. “Couldn’t Love Me” was released March 7, 2025, “RAW” was released January 10, 2025. // Various Blonde released the 10-track album, Love Is How We Will Survive on September 1, 2023. That album contained 4 singles released over two years from 2022 to 2023. Various Blonde is a Kansas City based experimental, rock, pop, and funk band originally formed in 2008 and currently served by founder Joshua Allen on guitar, synthesizers, and vocals; and Mark Lomas on drums. The band has been described by Mills Record Company as, “Having all the sex appeal of The Weeknd and all the grit of Rage Against the Machine–the combination makes for a performance that is explosive.” On September 24, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Love is How We Survive.” On August 19, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Obtuse”. On June 9, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Too Many Secrets.” On March 13, 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s through The Record Machine. On January 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s 1 through The Record Machine. On September 16, 2016 Various Blonde released the 10-track album ALL BASES COVERED through The Record Machine. On January 13, 2015 Various Blonde release the 10-track album, SUMMER HIGH. “More info at: http://www.variousblonde.com]
  1. Royel Otis – “moody (Radio Edit)”
    from: moody (Radio Edit) – Single / Capitol Records / May 9, 2025
    [Royel Otis just released their much-anticipated brand new single “moody” (out now on OURNESS / Capitol Records). A lilting cut with an infectious hook and effortless late 90’s slacker groove, “moody” is poised to soundtrack the upcoming warm summer nights here in the States as easily as the winter waves; if you’re from the pair’s home city of Sydney, Australia. // Co-written by Royel Otis (Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic) and GRAMMY winning songwriter Amy Allen, the song was produced by Blake Slatkin (Gracie Abrams, Omar Apollo, Charli XCX), and ushers in a new era for the critically acclaimed duo. Speaking to the track, Royel Otis had this to share: “It’s a song about a girl.” // To celebrate the single release, the band played two sold out shows at The Troubadour in Los Angeles, CA earlier this week. Tickets to the show sold out within minutes upon on-sale, crashing the ticketing site back in early April. Fans lucky enough to get tickets to the show were treated to a special live set from Royel Otis who also previewed music from their upcoming sophomore album. // Alongside the new single release, Royel Otis also celebrated the announcement of their brand new “meet me in the car tour” which will see the guys play select cities across North America, including music festivals such as Governor’s Ball (New York), Lollapalooza (Chicago) and Outside Lands (San Francisco, CA) and more. Visit https://www.royelotis.com/tour/ for full tour routing and ticketing information. // The band was formed in 2019 by Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic. They released three EPs, including Sofa Kings, before their debut studio album, Pratts & Pain, was released in February 2024. // Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic’s chance meeting feels almost destined. They were both working at bars and cafes in the same neighborhood (the beachside town of Bondi) before getting together one day in 2019 with their guitars and some song sketches. And without any expectations, they soon spotted it: an unspoken chemistry that resulted in effortless rock wonders, new tunes that somehow seemed as if they’d always existed. The rest of the world would soon follow suit when the pair became true breakout acts both online and in rock clubs alike with early charmers such as “Oysters in My Pocket” (Bar & Grill EP, 2022) and “Sofa King” (Going Kokomo EP, 2023). Then came their soaring debut album called PRATTS & PAIN and the legendary run that catapulted the band to indie-rock infamy, globally. The album was named for the south London pub where the pair would pen lyrics between sessions with GRAMMY nominated Dan Carey (Wet Leg, Fontaines D.C., Caroline Polachek) and bore hits like “Fried Rice” and “Foam.” Preceding the album’s release in February of 2024, was the pair’s Triple J “Like A Version” recording, taking on Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on The Dancefloor.” The performance became a zeitgeist shaping hit, eventually hitting #1 on Alternative U.S. Radio Chart, #2 on Billboard Alternative Airplay, #5 on Billboard Rock & Alternative and rounding out at the #2 position on Triple J’s Hottest 100 of 2024 charts, earlier this year. Their twilit cover of the Cranberries’ “Linger,” cut for a Sirius XM Session a few months later, led the band to their first Billboard Hot 100 hit and currently has over 220 Million global streams. With the demand for live shows at a high, the guys played more than 100 sold out shows the rest of 2024, selling over 100,000 tickets across Australia, U.K, Europe and U.S. This included multiple nights in major cities like New York (Brooklyn Steel), Chicago (Metro & The Salt Shed) and Los Angeles (The Bellwether). The pair returned home to Australia later that year as one of the most nominated artists at the 2024 ARIA Awards (Australia’s biggest and prestigious music award shows); and went on to win four awards including “Best Rock Album” and “Best Group.” Since their culmination, Royel Otis have drawn from an endless source of good hooks and spirit — riding on their musical chemistry that exudes into mixes of melody and bittersweet humor. Whether it is an original body of work or taking on their favorite song, the pair have cemented their status as one of the most effortless and endearing indie rock bands to emerge this decade.]

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

  1. Hot Club KC – “With a Little Help from My Friends”
    from: Dream Dancing / Hot Club KC / May 2, 2025
    [Winner of the 2022 Pitch Magazine’s “Best Jazz Band” of Kansas City, as voted by readers. Hot Club KC plays swinging gypsy jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France. The band was founded in 2015 by violinist Adam Galblum. // Hot Club KC has now proudly released their debut album, Dream Dancing. The band features Galblum on violin; 3 manouche guitars – Clayton DeLong, Riley Voth, and Eric Mardis; and bassists Alex Mallett and Rick Willoughby. Lead vocal duties are shared by Galblum & Voth, adding rich texture to the band’s lively tapestry. Dream Dancing features 2 original instrumental compositions by Galblum — “Renji” and “Ghosting”— plus 7 familiar jazz standards and a manouchestyle take on the Beatles’ classic “With a Little Help from My Friends.” that features: Adam Galblum on violin & vocal; Clayton DeLong on guitar; Forrest Fowler on guitar; Riley Voth on guitar & vocal; Rick Willoughby on bass.]

[Hot Club KC play an Album Release show for “Dream Dancing”on Thursday, May 29 at 7:00pm at Black Dolphin, 1813 Grand Blvd., KCMO]

  1. Adrianne Lenker – “Orange (live)”
    from: Live at Revolution Hall / 4AD / April 24, 2025
    [Adrianne Lenker Live at Revolution Hall is a 2-hour, 43 track immersive live album. Adrianne Lenker follows her astonishing Grammy – and BRIT-nominated solo album, “Bright Future”, with a 120-minute immersive album entitled “Live at Revolution Hall”. This sonic documentary combines audio from 3 days of the 2024 Bright Future tour and features live performances of fan favourites, deep cuts and unreleased gems. A collection of performances and moments captured from Lenker’s 2024 headline tour, the 43 tracks have a delicate fidelity that laces warble with clarity. Engineer Andrew Sarlo’s recordings lift the listener’s feet to float cinematically, at times onstage with Lenker, Nick Hakim (piano) and Josefin Runsteen (violin), then over the crowd, through walls, and even out the door. // Adrianne Lenker will be on tour with Big Thief later this year, headlining Salt Lake City’s Twilight Concert Series on September 22, the Hollywood Bowl September 27, and New York’s Forest Hills October 25. // Adrianne Elizabeth Lenker was born July 9, 1991. She is an American musician. She is the lead vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter of the band Big Thief. // Lenker was born in Indianapolis and was raised in a Christian cult until the age of four, but primarily grew up in Minnesota. Her parents rented homes in Coon Rapids, Nisswa, and Bloomington, Minnesota, before settling down in Plymouth, Minnesota, where she lived for 10 years, excluding a brief time spent in Santa Cruz, California. She spent a summer traveling throughout the midwest and living out of a Ford cargo van. // Lenker wrote her first song at the age of eight, and recorded her first album at age 13. Her other interests included studying martial arts, and she was the state karate champion three years in a row.[citation needed] She moved to Santa Cruz for a year and a half, living with a family friend and working at a local McDonalds. She dropped out of Santa Cruz High School halfway into her sophomore year, moved back to Plymouth, and got her GED at the age of 16. She attended the Berklee College of Music on a scholarship provided by Susan Tedeschi of the Tedeschi Trucks Band. // On February 28, 2006, when Lenker was 14, she released her first solo album, Stages of the Sun. On January 9, 2014, Lenker released her second solo album, Hours Were the Birds. // On May 1, 2014, Lenker, together with future bandmate Buck Meek, released the LP records a-sides and b-sides. In 2015, Lenker and Meek, alongside Max Oleartchik and James Krivchenia, formed the band Big Thief, whose first album was released in 2016. // Lenker released her third solo album, Abysskiss, on October 5, 2018. // On October 23, 2020, Lenker released her two most recent albums, Songs and Instrumentals. // Lenker met the future Big Thief co-founder Buck Meek at a concert when she lived in Boston, and then she encountered him again in a bodega the day she moved to New York. The pair began to play together, and married when Lenker was 24. They divorced in 2018, remaining in Big Thief as “deep friends”. In 2019, Lenker was in a relationship with the artist Indigo Sparke, and the two separated sometime in 2020. // While Lenker is comfortable with the label “queer”, she has expressed a desire not to define her sexual orientation beyond that. Her lyrics often contain discussions of gender and the gender binary. In an interview with The Brag, Lenker said of those lyrics, “I feel within myself a constant dialogue between my masculinity, my femininity and the part of me that is neither of those things. I’m just trying to talk about it because I feel like I’m something that is very ambiguous.”]
  1. 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, 2013 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, June 23, and June 24, at The Emerald, 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO, WEST BOTTOMS. More info at http://www.calvinarsenia.com]

[Calvin Arsenia plays Night Two of Manor Fest 7 on Thursday, May 22 at 7:00pm at Greenwood Social Club, 1759 Belleview Ave, 2nd Floor, KCMO with Brian Bulger, and The Swallowtails]

  1. Ken Pomeroy – “Stranger”
    from: Cruel Joke / Rounder Records / May 16, 2025
    [Ken Pomeroy was seen performing in the blockbuster film Twisters and also on the soundtrack album. Ken Pomeroy had her music featured in FX/Hulu television show Reservation Dogs. // Ken Pomeroy spoke on Indigenous Leadership & Advocacy panel at AmericanaFest 2024 . // Anchored in Pomeroy’s Native Cherokee heritage, Cruel Joke is a powerful collection that showcases her raw songwriting and engaging voice. Produced by Pomeroy’s musical partner Dakota McDaniel, Gary Paczosa (John Prine, Alison Krauss, Sierra Ferrell, Katie Pruitt) and Colton Jean, the project consists of twelve deeply personal tracks (including a collaboration with her longtime songwriting hero John Moreland) that find Pomeroy telling stories of her own self-realizations and reflections as well as observations of the world around her. // In the shuffling “Pareidolia,” images of bucolic destruction build up to a wry realization: “I guess a cruel joke is all we can afford.” The song is a tribute to Buck Meek, one of Pomeroy’s songwriting heroes. // In celebration of the release, Pomeroy recently sat down with Rolling Stone and The Line of Best Fit to discuss her album, which is already receiving critical acclaim: “Stripped down and intimate while evoking the sound of folk music and country and even occasional notes of Phoebe Bridgers. It’s highly recommended.” —NPR Music // “Some artists chase trends, but Ken Pomeroy is chasing ghosts – the half-remembered hymns of John Denver, the Oklahoma songwriters who took her in, the Cherokee stories that won’t let her go”—The Line of Best Fit // “gorgeous, bare-bones country-folk…stops you in your tracks with little more than Ken’s voice and acoustic guitar”—Brooklyn Vegan // “You’ll be hard-pressed to find another songwriter in 2025 who’ll hit you with a beautiful yet devastating song like Ken Pomeroy…sublime”—Holler // Known for her impactful live shows, Pomeroy will perform select headline dates this spring including stops at Nashville’s Row One, Brooklyn’s Baby’s All Right and Tulsa’s Mercury Lounge (two nights, both sold-out). She will also join Iron & Wine, I’m With Her and Turnpike Troubadours for several dates this year and perform at Newport Folk Festival in July. // Of the album, Pomeroy shares, “Dakota and I began recording ‘Cicadas’ back in February of 2023. That marked the beginning of our long two-year journey and so much has happened since we started. The oldest song was written when I was 13 years old. The most recent one was written and added to the record only a few months ago, just before we finished recording. For almost two years, we dedicated almost every waking moment to working on Cruel Joke.” // An Oklahoma native, Pomeroy is already receiving widespread attention and has established herself as “a new voice reviving the age-old Native Americana sound” (Teen Vogue). To date, the 22-year-old has appeared in the hit film Twisters, in which she performed a cover of Richard & Linda Thompson’s “Wall of Death;” had her song “Cicadas” featured in Hulu’s show Reservation Dogs; and toured alongside artists such as Lukas Nelson, Iron & Wine, American Aquarium, John Moreland, and Kaitlin Butts. A skilled guitarist and versatile session musician, she has also lent her musical abilities to projects by artists such as Wilderado, Kyle Nix of the Turnpike Troubadours, J.R. Carroll, and more.]
  1. Ivory Blue – “The Key”
    from: “The Key” – Single / IVORY BLUE / June 6, 2025
    [Kansas City based artist, IVORY BLUE has a tendency of breaking through barriers that keeps her from saying what needs to be said, regardless of style. Bringing us hard hitting rock inspired ear candy like “Starlit Love Child” and “Control”, the idea of genre is only a tool IVORY uses to express her ability to communicate through music. Continuously pushing forward to create new music landscapes painted with emotive lyrics and heartfelt performances, IVORY has now released a single that can accurately be stated as “reflecting the times”. // This is what IVORY has to say about this thought provoking power ballad, “I wrote this song last year. I was experiencing some online harassment and it was weighing heavily on my psyche. People were coming out of the woodwork feeling more empowered than ever to make me, and people like me, feel awful for existing. I wanted to tell myself that they had no power over my feelings or my identity as a person. I wanted to say that even though they put me in a cage, they didn’t have the key to keep me there.” // IVORY BLUE released the single “Heartbeat” on March 28, 2025. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Rhythm of the Radio” on January 31, 2025 // IVORY BLUE released the single “Exiled” on November 29, 2024. IVORY BLUE released the single “Olé!” on October 4, 2024, Breathing Underwater” on August 9, 2024, “Bad Dreams”on June 7, 2024, “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024, “Flashback” on March 15, 2024, “Howl” on Feb. 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their 2nd full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and stations around the world. // On Oct. 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the single “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from Sept. 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from Aug. 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on Feb. 24, 2023. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on Oct. 28, 2022, “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. // IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top 10 of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. // IVORY BLUE’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and give IVORY BLUE attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017 when Ivory was among 1800 artists/bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. // IVORY BLUE has played with The Band That Fell to Earth, Boulevardia, Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Fest, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at KC Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families, before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. In 2011, Ivory settled in the Kansas City, MO area. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”, and then later as Trans-Female. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com]

10:29 – Underwriting

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

[David Luther plays an Album Release Show on Thursday, May 22, at 7:00pm at recordBar, 1220 Grand Blvd., KCMO, with Lauren Lovelle and the Midnight Spliffs, and Teri Quinn]

10:34 – Interview with David Luther

David Luther is a Kansas City-based music artist known for his soulful blend of Americana and indie-folk, blues-infused rock, and heartfelt singer-songwriter. Rooted in the rich musical landscape of the Midwest, Luther’s music often explores themes of resilience, the search for connection, and the beauty of everyday life. With a warm and evocative voice, raw and powerful delivery, he crafts songs that resonate with sincerity and a deep sense of place. Having honed his craft in the Kansas City music community, David Luther recorded his first self-titled EP in 2009 with Nashville producer Neilson Hubbard. The EP featured backing vocals from Americana artist Garrison Starr. His last album included songs written with Grammy Award winner Tom Whitlock and with David George. In July 2024, David again joined Neilson Hubbard along with Juan Solórzano, and engineer Dylan Alldredge in their East Nashville studio to record. Releasing on April 25th, the album, Who You Are, features partner Kelly Dougherty on “Wrecking Bay” and Garrison Starr on “If Love Just Ain’t Enough.”

David Luther plays an Album Release Show on Thurs, May 22, at 7:00pm at recordBar, 1220 Grand Blvd., KCMO, with Lauren Lovelle and the Midnight Spliffs, and Teri Quinn

David Luther, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Who You Are was Produced by Neilson Hubbard Recorded at Skinny Elephant Recording Nashville, Tennessee, Engineered by Dylan Alldredge, and Mixed by Neilson Hubbard
Mastered by Alex McCollough True East Mastering/Nashville, Tennessee

David Luther on acoustic, vocals
Neilson Hubbard on drums, percussion, backing vocals, keys
Juan Solórzano on acoustic, bass, pedal steel, electric, keys
Kelly Dougherty on backing vocals
James Carter on backing vocals
Garrison Starr on backing vocals

“The songs are honest and real with hope that has never left me, even in the darkest puddles of the past. My hope is that these songs meet people where they are and help them push through, let go, or hold on to whatever is helping them move from one place in life to the next. To know they are not alone in their pain or in their triumph and at least make them smile about something. When asked what stands out to me in this project, it is the images, experiences, and feelings that the lyrics and melodies evoke in me and how they are met with the loving skill and inspired willingness of Neilson, Juan, and Dylan. The beautiful lack of ego that was present in true service to the songs by Kelly, Garrison, and James. It has and continues to require no less than everything I am, and I would not have it any other way” – David Luther

10:43

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

[David Luther plays an Album Release Show on Thursday, May 22, at 7:00pm at recordBar, 1220 Grand Blvd., KCMO, with Lauren Lovelle and the Midnight Spliffs, and Teri Quinn]

10:46 – More Interview with David Luther

We are talking with singer-songwriter David Luther who has just released his new album Who You Are produced by Neilson Hubbard along with Juan Solórzano, and engineer Dylan Alldredge in their East Nashville studio.

David Luther plays an Album Release Show on Thurs, May 22, at 7:00pm at recordBar, 1220 Grand Blvd., KCMO, with Lauren Lovelle and the Midnight Spliffs, and Teri Quinn

David Luther, Thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Having honed his craft in the Kansas City music community, David Luther recorded his first self-titled EP in 2009 with Nashville producer Neilson Hubbard. The EP featured backing vocals from Americana artist Garrison Starr. His last album included songs written with Grammy Award winner Tom Whitlock and with David George. In July 2024,

David Luther is a full time artist whose current influences include Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, Ryan Adams and many others.

David has been courageously honest about being a recovering alcoholic and this road has led him up the path of service to others. This journey is expressed through his songs.

He says “My experience in recovery and 15 years of serving in social work have helped me to understand there is so much more work to be done and that people deserve respect, honesty, and kindness. I hope my music will help others find their way out of sorrow. I hope it exemplifies what my true heart is and as a father of 2 boys it will give them the framework that will extend into their own dreams.”

David recorded his self-titled EP with Neilson Hubbard in Nashville that included the backing vocals of Americana artist, Garrison Starr.

David released his 7-track album, TAKE ME HOME on March 23, 2022. The album was produced by David George and engineered by Pat Tomek, and includes the song, “World’s Gonna Change” written with Academy Award & Golden Globe winning songwriter, Tom Whitlock who wrote “Take My Breath Away” for the film “Top Gun.”

David Luther worked full time in social work for 15 years, with the last five working in foster care and adoption.

David Luther, Thanks for being with us on WMM.

David Luther plays an Album Release Show on Thurs, May 22, at 7:00pm at recordBar, 1220 Grand Blvd., KCMO, with Lauren Lovelle and the Midnight Spliffs, and Teri Quinn

10:55

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

[David Luther plays an Album Release Show on Thursday, May 22, at 7:00pm at recordBar, 1220 Grand Blvd., KCMO, with Lauren Lovelle and the Midnight Spliffs, and Teri Quinn]

11:00 – Station ID

  1. Redder Moon – “Current Heartbeat
    from: If You’re Falling, Dive / Redder Moon / April 25, 2025
    [Produced by: Jeremiah James Gonzales. Engineered and Mixed by: Jeremiah James Gonzales, Brody Lowe, Ross Brown. All instruments and Songwriting: Jeremiah James Gonzales with content contributions by: Jason Scott, Brody Lowe, Eric B Lopez, Lauren Chavez. // Redder Moon is a Kansas City based band led by Jeremiah James Gonzales and Brodie Lowe using analog synths, dark dance beats, dreamy guitars, we create Mono No Aware music.. The band began as one of Gonzales’ many music projects, although more electronic than his other work with Knife Crime, Be/Non, Rhunes, Elevator Division, Umberto. Brody Lowe moved to KC from Portland, and met Jeremiah in 2019. The band released their EP, LAND OF THE BLIND on June 13, followed by an album, HELL IS OTHER PEOPLE, on November 5, 2021.]

11:03 – Interview with Jeremiah James Gonzales & Sergio Anthony Gonzales

Jeremiah James Gonzales and Sergio Anthony Gonzales share three of the latest singles from Redder Moon’s upcoming full length vinyl LP, ” If You’re Falling, Dive” to be released this summer. The record will be a limited edition brick red vinyl. These singles were produced and mixed by Jeremiah James Gonzales and mastered by Gordy Goudie of Echo & The Bunnymen, and Simple Minds. Jeremiah told us that he “linked up with Gordy Goudie through a UK management company led by Nick Quirk. Gordy Goudie liked our stuff so he agreed to master it and share it with his people. More information at: http://www.jarmcharmproductions.com

Jeremiah James Gonzales & Sergio Anthony Gonzales Thanks for being with us on WMM

Redder Moon began as one of Gonzales’ many music projects, although more electronic than his other work with Knife Crime, Be/Non, Rhunes, Elevator Division, Umberto.

Redder Moon developed for the first seven years, also involving past members Matthew Naquin (original collaborator) Nick Banister (drums) and Jon VanSickle (live drums)

More recent Redder Moon projects included Brody Lowe who moved to KC from Portland, and met Jeremiah in 2019. Jill McKeever joined as a vocalist/lyricist during 2020. A violinist in her early projects led her to a degree in Electronic Art where she explored video & music recording. McKeever’s perfume brand, For Strange Women induced a 13-year detour from music before she found her way back during the quiet of quarantine. On June 13, 2021 the band released their EP, LAND OF THE BLIND with Jill McKeever as a vocalist/lyricist.

The band followed with an album, HELL IS OTHER PEOPLE, released digitally on November 5, 2021.

On March 18, 2022 Redder Moon released HELL IS OTHER PEOPLE on vinyl.

Jeremiah James Gonzales & Jill McKeever joined us back on July 14, 2021 to talk about Redder Moon.

The band uses layered synths and production with live bass, drums, guitars, and vocals the Redder Moon tends to skirt the line between traditional electronic act and indie avant garde. With washed out guitars, thick bass grooves, and distant reverb soaked vocals, the songs beam with the almost tactile feel of a sound track to a lost movie but with enough dance-ability to pull you out of your seat.

The current line-up consists of sole original member: Jeremiah James Gonzales on guitar, vocals, bass and analog drums, and producing, arranging and composing.

When Redder Moon tours Jeremiah James Gonzales puts together a band to perform the music live. For their recent tour

11:12

  1. Redder Moon – “Drown The Fire”
    from: If You’re Falling, Dive / Redder Moon / TBA
    [Produced by: Jeremiah James Gonzales. Engineered and Mixed by: Jeremiah James Gonzales, Brody Lowe, Ross Brown. All instruments and Songwriting: Jeremiah James Gonzales with content contributions by: Jason Scott, Brody Lowe, Eric B Lopez, Lauren Chavez. // Redder Moon is a Kansas City based band led by Jeremiah James Gonzales and Brodie Lowe using analog synths, dark dance beats, dreamy guitars, we create Mono No Aware music.. The band began as one of Gonzales’ many music projects, although more electronic than his other work with Knife Crime, Be/Non, Rhunes, Elevator Division, Umberto. Brody Lowe moved to KC from Portland, and met Jeremiah in 2019. The band released their EP, LAND OF THE BLIND on June 13, followed by an album, HELL IS OTHER PEOPLE, on November 5, 2021. ]

11:15 – More Interview Jeremiah James Gonzales & Sergio Anthony Gonzales

Jeremiah James Gonzales and Sergio Anthony Gonzales share three of their latest singles from Redder Moon’s upcoming full length vinyl LP, ” If You’re Falling, Dive” to be released this summer. The record will be a limited edition brick red vinyl. These singles were produced and mixed by Jeremiah James Gonzales and mastered by Gordy Goudie of Echo & The Bunnymen, and Simple Minds. Jeremiah told us that he “linked up with Gordy Goudie through a UK management company led by Nick Quirk. Gordy Goudie liked our stuff so he agreed to master it and share it with his people. More information at: http://www.jarmcharmproductions.com

Jeremiah James Gonzales & Sergio Anthony Gonzales Thanks for being with us on WMM

Jeremiah wrote that this “was a welcome channel of creation in a time of restraint.”

Jeremiah James Gonzales is originally from in rural Idaho. After a couple years spinning his wheels at community college he discovered an outlet playing top 40 rock tunes with a non-profit organization that led him to spend months touring places like Brazil, India, Poland, as well as in the United States, from 1998 to 2001. Making many friends around the world, Jeremiah kept in touch with a drummer friend from Nigeria who had somehow landed in Kansas City. In March of 2001 Jeremiah James accepted what was supposed to be a 3-month tour of the Midwest playing bass in a hard rock band. One thing led to another and now it’s been 20 years in KC.

The Bands of Jeremiah James Gonzales (* All on guitar unless otherwise noted.)
Elevator Division (2001 – 2006 , Reunited 2020)
Lovers In Transit (Founder, 2006 – 2008)
Monta At Odds (2008 – 2010)
Be/Non (2009 – current)
Mannequin Skywalker (solo project 2009 – 2010)
Umberto (2010 – 2013 *drummer)
Redder Moon (Founder 2013 – current)
RHUNES (Founder 2014 – current)
Knife Crime (2018 – current)

Jeremiah James writes, “My passion is and always has been and will be forever, to create and share music.”

Jeremiah James Gonzales & Sergio Anthony Gonzales Thanks for being with us on WMM

11:24

  1. Redder Moon – “Endless Lullabye”
    from: If You’re Falling, Dive / Redder Moon / TBA
    [Produced by: Jeremiah James Gonzales. Engineered and Mixed by: Jeremiah James Gonzales, Brody Lowe, Ross Brown. All instruments and Songwriting: Jeremiah James Gonzales with content contributions by: Jason Scott, Brody Lowe, Eric B Lopez, Lauren Chavez. // Redder Moon is a Kansas City based band led by Jeremiah James Gonzales and Brodie Lowe using analog synths, dark dance beats, dreamy guitars, we create Mono No Aware music.. The band began as one of Gonzales’ many music projects, although more electronic than his other work with Knife Crime, Be/Non, Rhunes, Elevator Division, Umberto. Brody Lowe moved to KC from Portland, and met Jeremiah in 2019. The band released their EP, LAND OF THE BLIND on June 13, followed by an album, HELL IS OTHER PEOPLE, on November 5, 2021.]

11:28 – Underwriting

  1. Cheery – “Concept Of Love”
    from: Bliss / Spirit House Records / March 20, 2024
    [Leading up to the Bliss album release on March 20 , 2024, Cheery released three singles in 2023, from her new home in Liverpool, England, United Kingdom. “True Lover” on July 19, 2023 // “90210 Poster” on August 16, 2023 // “Bliss” on September 20, 2023. All three singles came with fabulous new music videos . Cheery is the “Dream Pop” music project of musician and singer and songwriter Katlyn Conroy, who was formerly based in Lawrence, Kansas. moved 4000 miles away to get married and relocate in Liverpool, England. When she was still based in Lawrence, Kansas, As Cheery, Katlyn released the single “Concept of Love” and b-side, “Vulture” on August 3, 2021, written and performed by Katlyn Conroy, and engineered and mixed by Eric Davis. Katlyn Conroy released SAPPHIRES funder her previous moniker and band, La Guerre through The Record Machine on January 20, 2015. It was #10 on WMM’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. Katlyn Conroy was also part of the critically acclaimed band, Cowboy Indian Bear. She was the recipient of the 2013 Pitch Music Award for Best Singer-Songwriter. With over 20 years of live performance experiences she has performed alongside Daniel Johnston, Florence and The Machine, Grizzly Bear, Sara Barielles, Why? and more. Katlyn Conroy joined us on WMM on March 4, 2015 and August 26, 2015. More info at: http://www.cheery.bandcamp.com or https://linktr.ee/HearCheery%5D

[Cheery plays The Benefit for Amplify Lawrence Saturday, May 31, at 8:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. with She Speaks in Tongues, Sisterbot, Lauren Lovelle, True Lions.]

11:33 – Interview with Katlyn Conroy and Chris Catterall

Katlyn Conroy, who was born in Lawrence, Kansas where she became known for her critically acclaimed work in the bands: Cowboy Indian Bear, La Guerre, and Hospital Ships. Two years ago Katlyn moved 4000 miles away to Liverpool, England, where she released her debut Cheery record, Bliss on Spirit House Records. Bliss was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. Cheery is the “Dream Pop” music project of Katlyn Conroy who is now back in Kansas for the remainder of 2025, before her permanent return to Liverpool. Cheery is currently recording their second record, Cyclical Sadness.

Joining Katlyn is her Cheery band-mate, Chris Catterall, a guitarist and songwriter based in Liverpool, from the band Pocket Apocalypse. Cheery recently played Replay in Lawrence with Bad Alaskan and Mosaic.

Cheery plays The Benefit for Amplify Lawrence Saturday, May 31, at 8:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. with She Speaks in Tongues, Sisterbot, Lauren Lovelle, True Lions.

Katlyn Conroy and Chris Catterall thanks for being with us on WMM.

Welcome home. Katlyn Conroy, who was born in Lawrence, Kansa. She became know as part of the bands: Cowboy Indian Bear, La Guerre, and Hospital Ships.

Two years ago Katlyn moved 4000 miles away to Liverpool, England, where she released her debut Cheery record, Bliss on Spirit House Records.

More info at: http://www.cheery.bandcamp.com

11:41

  1. Cheery – “What Works For Me (new demo)”
    from: “What Works For Me (new demo)” – Single / Spirit House Records / Unreleased
    [From the recordings of Cheery for their second record, Cyclical Sadness. Cheery is the “Dream Pop” music project of musician and singer and songwriter Katlyn Conroy, who was formerly based in Lawrence, Kansas. moved 4000 miles away to get married and relocate in Liverpool, England. When she was still based in Lawrence, Kansas, As Cheery, Katlyn released the single “Concept of Love” and b-side, “Vulture” on August 3, 2021, written and performed by Katlyn Conroy, and engineered and mixed by Eric Davis. Katlyn Conroy released SAPPHIRES funder her previous moniker and band, La Guerre through The Record Machine on January 20, 2015. It was #10 on WMM’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. Katlyn Conroy was also part of the critically acclaimed band, Cowboy Indian Bear. She was the recipient of the 2013 Pitch Music Award for Best Singer-Songwriter. With over 20 years of live performance experiences she has performed alongside Daniel Johnston, Florence and The Machine, Grizzly Bear, Sara Barielles, Why? and more. Katlyn Conroy joined us on WMM on March 4, 2015 and August 26, 2015. More info at: http://www.cheery.bandcamp.com or https://linktr.ee/HearCheery.%5D

[Cheery plays The Benefit for Amplify Lawrence Saturday, May 31, at 8:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. with She Speaks in Tongues, Sisterbot, Lauren Lovelle, True Lions.]

11:43 – More Interview with Katlyn Conroy and Chris Catterall

Katlyn Conroy, was born in Lawrence, Kansas where she became known for her critically acclaimed work in the bands: Cowboy Indian Bear, La Guerre, and Hospital Ships. Two years ago Katlyn moved 4000 miles away to Liverpool, England, where she released her debut Cheery record, Bliss on Spirit House Records. Bliss was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. Cheery is the “Dream Pop” music project of Katlyn Conroy who is now back in Kansas for the remainder of 2025, before her permanent return to Liverpool. Cheery is currently recording their second record, Cyclical Sadness.

Joining Katlyn is her Cheery band-mate, Chris Catterall, a guitarist and songwriter based in Liverpool, from the band Pocket Apocalypse.

Katlyn Conroy and Chris Catterall thanks for being with us on WMM.

Cheery plays The Benefit for Amplify Lawrence Saturday, May 31, at 8:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. with She Speaks in Tongues, Sisterbot, Lauren Lovelle, True Lions.

“Hound of Love” – Kate Bush Cover

Catherine Bush (born 30 July 1958) is an English singer, songwriter, record producer, and dancer. Bush began writing songs at age 11. She was signed to EMI Records after David Gilmour of Pink Floyd helped produce a demo tape. In 1978, at the age of 19, she topped the UK singles chart for four weeks with her debut single “Wuthering Heights”, becoming the first female artist to achieve a UK number one with a fully self-written song. Her debut studio album, The Kick Inside (1978), peaked at number three on the UK Albums Chart. Bush was the first British solo female artist to top the UK Albums Chart and the first female artist to enter it at number one.

Bush has released 25 UK top 40 singles, including the top-10 hits “The Man with the Child in His Eyes” (1978), “Babooshka” (1980), “Running Up That Hill” (1985), “Don’t Give Up” (a 1986 duet with Peter Gabriel), and “King of the Mountain” (2005). All nine of her studio albums reached the UK top 10, with all but one reaching the top five, including the number-one albums Never for Ever (1980), Hounds of Love (1985), and the greatest-hits compilation The Whole Story (1986). Since The Dreaming (1982), she has produced all of her studio albums. She took a hiatus between her seventh and eighth albums, The Red Shoes (1993) and Aerial (2005). In 2011, Bush released the albums Director’s Cut and 50 Words for Snow. She drew attention again in 2014 with her concert residency Before the Dawn, her first shows since the Tour of Life in 1979.

In 2022, “Running Up That Hill” received renewed attention after it appeared in the Netflix series Stranger Things, becoming Bush’s second UK #1 and reaching the top of several other charts. It reached #3 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and its parent album, Hounds of Love, became Bush’s first album to reach the top of a Billboard albums chart.

Katlyn Conroy and Chris Catterall Thanks for being with us on WMM

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

11:53

  1. Cheery – “Hounds of Love”
    from: “Hounds of Love” – Single / Spirit House Records / September 13, 2024
    [Cheery is the “Dream Pop” music project of musician and singer and songwriter Katlyn Conroy, who was formerly based in Lawrence, Kansas. moved 4000 miles away to get married and relocate in Liverpool, England. When she was still based in Lawrence, Kansas, As Cheery, Katlyn released the single “Concept of Love” and b-side, “Vulture” on August 3, 2021, written and performed by Katlyn Conroy, and engineered and mixed by Eric Davis. Katlyn Conroy released SAPPHIRES funder her previous moniker and band, La Guerre through The Record Machine on January 20, 2015. It was #10 on WMM’s 115 Best Recordings of 2015. Katlyn Conroy was also part of the critically acclaimed band, Cowboy Indian Bear. She was the recipient of the 2013 Pitch Music Award for Best Singer-Songwriter. With over 20 years of live performance experiences she has performed alongside Daniel Johnston, Florence and The Machine, Grizzly Bear, Sara Barielles, Why? and more. Katlyn Conroy joined us on WMM on March 4, 2015 and August 26, 2015. More info at: http://www.cheery.bandcamp.com or https://linktr.ee/HearCheery // “Hounds of Love” is a song written, produced and performed by the English singer Kate Bush. It is the title track and the third single released from her No. 1 studio album Hounds of Love (1985). The single was released in the UK on 17 February 1986. The single peaked at No. 18 and spent 5 weeks in the UK Singles Chart. // It was performed live for the first time as part of the 2014 Before the Dawn residency, in which the lyrics were slightly altered. /// Bush wrote the title track at her house early on in the recording process for Hounds of Love. Lyrically, the song uses the imagery of an individual being chased by a pack of hounds as a metaphor for an aversion to love. The words heard at the beginning of the track were sampled from the British 1957 horror film Night of the Demon and spoken by Maurice Denham. // In October 2004, Q magazine placed this song at No. 21 in its list of the 50 greatest British songs of all time. // A music video was made for the song, which Bush herself directed. It was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller film The 39 Steps (1935) and a Hitchcock lookalike also features in the video (a nod to the director’s famous cameo appearances in his movies).]

[Cheery plays The Benefit for Amplify Lawrence Saturday, May 31, at 8:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. with She Speaks in Tongues, Sisterbot, Lauren Lovelle, True Lions.]

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

Next week, on Wednesday, May 28 – Kate McCandless who performs as She Speaks in Tongues joins us to talk about The Benefit for Amplify Lawrence Saturday, May 31, at 8:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., Lawrence, KS. with Sisterbot, Lauren Lovelle, True Lions and Cheery. // at 11:00 the band HuDost joins us in our 90.1 FM Studios just before their show at Greenwood Social Hall, Thursday, May 29 at 7:00pm. // at 11:30 Mark interviews Cheyenne Jackson a GRAMMY and Emmy-nominated actor, singer, and songwriter known for his versatile work across Broadway, television, film, and concert stages. Cheyenne Jackson plays the Folly Pride Concert, Friday, June 13, t 7:00pm at The Folly Theater, 300 W 12th St. KCMO.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show #1096

WMM Playlist from May 14, 2025

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, May 14, 2025

Stephonne & Rachel Christia of KC Folk Fest + Paul Jesse + Alex Wong & Jen Kiper

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

from: Iris Silver Mist / 4AD / May 2, 2025
[Jenny Hval was born July 11, 1980, in Oslo, Norway. She is a Norwegian musician, singer, songwriter, lyricist and writer. // Iris Silver Mist is the ninth solo studio album by Jenny. Musically, Iris Silver Mist is as an experimental and art pop recording. Iris Silver Mist is named after a fragrance created by perfumer Maurice Roucel for the French brand Serge Lutens. // During the early months of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Norwegian musician Jenny Hval revisited a teenage fascination with perfume. This sensory interest gradually evolved into a new creative framework, as scent became a substitute for the intimacy and immediacy of live music. Central to this shift was the fragrance Iris Silver Mist by Maurice Roucel for the French perfume house Serge Lutens. Hval described the scent as evoking the sensation of being “close to ghosts”, and its themes of transformation and ephemeral presence would later inform the album that took its name. Hval announced their ninth album, Iris Silver Mist. Many of the tracks on Iris Silver Mist were initially introduced during Hval’s 2024 live performance series I Want To Be a Machine. // Jenny Hval has released nine albums under her own name – two under the moniker Rockettothesky. In 2015, Hval released her fifth studio album, Apocalypse, girl, to widespread critical acclaim. The following year, she released Blood Bitch (which was part of WMM’s 117 Best Recordings of 2017), a concept album influenced by vampires, menstruation and 1970s horror films. Blood Bitch has been described as “an investigation of blood,” Blood Bitch is a concept album which draws parallels between a fictional time-travelling vampire, named Orlando, and Hval’s own experiences touring her previous studio album, Apocalypse, girl. The album’s lyrical content is also influenced by 1970s horror and exploitation films and Virginia Woolf.]

  1. Curtis Harding – “There She Goes (Radio edit)”
    from: ”There She Goes” – Single / Anti / April 29, 2025
    [Curtis Harding – “making some of the best modern soul music out right now” (Uproxx) – has returned today with his first new music in four years. Following collaborations in recent years with RÜFÜS DU SOL and Jazmine Sullivan, the catchy new song “There She Goes” is accompanied by a new music video by Italian director Michele Civetta; taking place in an opulent Beverly Hills Garden with a sinister Twilight Zone-esque secret and featuring actor Omar Dorsey (Selma, Queen Sugar) who is a recurring presence in Harding’s music videos, watch it below. // Curtis Harding is an American soul singer, born in Saginaw, Michigan. Raised as a Mennonite, Harding’s family had no home until they settled in Atlanta, Georgia, when he was 14. Harding’s father, a mechanic, and his mother Dorothy, a gospel singer, took Harding and his five siblings around the United States in a van, stopping at churches. While his mother performed, Harding grew up playing music, though he originally wanted to play professional sports. In the early 2000s, Harding was part of the hip-hop group Proseed. He rapped on and co-wrote CeeLo Green’s 2002 album Cee-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfections along with several Proseed members. He toured with Green as a backing singer on the Smokin’ Grooves Tour in 2002 alongside Outkast, Cypress Hill, Lauryn Hill, and The Roots. Harding spent time working with groups in Atlanta before moving to Toronto for a year. A year later, he “came back to record with some friends in my living room.” From these sessions came his debut album, Soul Power, on the indie label Burger Records, released May 6, 2014. He spent two weeks recording the album. Randy Michael composed the music on the single “Keep on Shining”, and Jason Reynolds co-wrote “Heaven’s on the Other Side” with Harding.He formed the band Night Sun with two Black Lips members, guitarist Cole Alexander and drummer Joe Bradley. His second album, Face Your Fear, was recorded at Danger Mouse’s 30th Century Studio in New York City. “Wednesday Morning Atonement” is the opening single. Harding describes his genre as “slop ‘n’ soul”, a combination of gospel, punk, psych rock, and blues. He has said that his influences include Albert King, the Everly Brothers, and Ronnie Dyson.]
  1. Car Seat Headrest – “Gethsemane (Radio edit)”
    from: The Scholars / Matador / May 2, 2025
    [Car Seat Headrest announce The Scholars, a bold new rock opera that isn’t just a new chapter for the premiere standard bearers of young internet rockers but also a spiritual rebirth, and the band’s first studio album in five years. Set at the fictional college campus Parnassus University, the songs on “The Scholars” are populated with students and staff whose travails illuminate a loose narrative of life, death, and rebirth. // The band’s rebirth did not come easily. In May of 2020, Car Seat Headrest (frontman Will Toledo, lead guitarist Ethan Ives, drummer Andrew Katz, and bassist Seth Dalby) released their experimental, beat-heavy album “Making a Door Less Open”, right as the world shut down. This led to a long period of enforced inactivity. When they were finally able to tour in 2022 they were delighted, if surprised, that their audience was now younger than ever, thanks to the surprise viral success of their songs ‘It’s Only Sex’ and ‘Sober to Death’ and a new generation discovering their coming-of-age classics “Teens of Denial” and “Twin Fantasy”. // Having gone through their trials, Car Seat Headrest are now ready for the next chapter in their career. It will astonish both longtime supporters and new fans. While Car Seat Headrest started as Toledo’s solo project, it is now fully a band. “What we’ve been doing more of in recent years is just taking the pulses of each other. We’ve really been leaning into that sort of cocoon that started off with the pandemic years and just turned into this special space that we were creating all on our own,” says Toledo. “I was coming out of it as a solo project and it always just felt like it was in pieces. There’s the album we’re working on, and then there’s a live show that we’re doing, and then there’s everything in between. And it didn’t really feel to me like things got in sync in an inner feeling way until this record, with that internal communal energy. And it’s become that band feeling for me in a much more realized way. That’s been a big journey.” It is a journey that listeners will want to embark on again and again as they absorb and discover the rich depths and clanging resonances of “The Scholars”.]
  1. Una Walkenhorst – “Narcissus”
    from: “Narcissus” – Single / Una Walkenhorst / April 27, 2025 [Unreleased – DEMO]
    [Una posted this song/video on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reel/896357992596611. Una Walkenhorst released the EP, “Woman of the Year,” on April 16, 2020. This recording was in the Top Five of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2020. // Una is a singer/songwriter from Kansas City. Una told KCUR FM that her father was one of the people who made her love music. But having a famous father can be challenging: “I knew that if I started my music career here I would have a lot of opportunities, but not all of them would be because of my music. They would be because I am someone’s daughter,” Walkenhorst says. Loading up her 97 Honda Civic, Una then spent a year traveling across North America promoting her music and connecting with listeners one-on-one. She ended up living in New Orleans. Una Walkenhorst is the youngest daughter of Bob Walkenhorst, a founding member of The Rainmakers, which had national and international hits in the 1980s and 90s, and continue to this day touring and recording new music. In January of 2018 Una Walkenhorst returned home to KC from New Orleans. Over the past several years, Una & Bob had performed together at selected events, including Folk Alliance International. In 2018 the father and daughter duo decided to record an album together, where they split the difference, taking turns as songwriters for the album’s songs, written individually, and recorded together, with beautiful harmonies.]
  1. Madisen Ward – “Hangin’ On”
    from: “Hangin’ On” – Single / Madisen Ward / Video released September 23, 2024
    [Not released as a single. Madisen shared this with me. “Hangin’ On” is part of a video released Aug 23, 2024 created by Madisen Ward & Bryce Veazey, The video features Will Forte, Mark Normand, Kaylin Hurley, Adam Ward, Brayden Ingram, Kri Chay, Amanda Parra, Baby, Regan Hurley, Keyo Chay, and Madisen Ward as himself. The Video Post-Production was by Major Oak Creative. Music produced, engineered, mixed & mastered by Jeremy Wurst & Gene Abramov at B-24 Studios. Sun logo by Barry Blankenship. Filmed in Independence, MO. / Madisen Ward was born in Oklahoma, and grew up in the outskirts of KCMO. 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. Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear have garnered international acclaim, and new fans from all over the world. They opened for BB King at The Midland. They signed with Glassnote Records in 2014 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. Madisen Ward is now performing as his first ever solo project, still crafting his own personal brand of Americana music. The same sound which launched the careers of the Family Folk Duo Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear. / We first played your music on this radio show in early May of 2013 after our mutual friend Joel Nanos of Element Recording sent me a copy of your independent EP, “We Burned The Cane Field.”where your first recorded Madisen’s original songs.

[Madisen Ward plays the Warehouse on Broadway, 3951 Broadway Blvd., KCMO on Sun. May 18, 2025 at 7:30 opening for Lissie.]

  1. Hovvdy & runo plum – “Shooting Star”
    from: “Shooting Star” – Single / Arts & Crafts / February 27, 2025
    [Hovvdy is an American indie pop duo formed in Austin, Texas by Charlie Martin and Will Taylor. // Hovvdy released their first EP in 2014. The following year, they released a split with the band Loafer. In 2016, the band released their debut full-length album, Taster, through Double Double Whammy. Hovvdy’s second album, titled Cranberry, was released in 2018. In 2019, the duo released a split with musician Hannah Read, known as Lomelda. The two artists covered each other’s songs for the release. The two also went on a summer tour to promote the album. Hovvdy’s third album, Heavy Lifter, was released in 2019. The band’s fourth album, True Love, was released on October 1, 2021. They released their self-titled fifth studio album through Arts & Crafts on April 26, 2024. // runo plum is an indie folk-rock artist born and raised in rural Minnesota. Nestled in the quiet woods, runo finds inspiration in everything — deep reflections from the past, love, health, relationships, art, or even just the mundane things of everyday life. // The majority of runo’s songs are written at home in Minnesota and recorded at fellow artist Philip Brooks’ home studio in southern Germany. The songs capture the same authenticity as when they were written, brought to life with wind chimes, rustling trees, and the distant sound of birds singing. // Music has been a constant companion of runo’s throughout her life , but the art of songwriting began to blossom at the age of 14. Fast forward to 2020, amidst the quietude of the pandemic, runo began immersing herself in the world of music production. She spent the year transforming as an artist and writing music more than ever. That year she wrote two EPs, piano songs, etc and earlier from ‘20, which she only released to Bandcamp and Soundcloud. // At the beginning of 2021, runo began sharing videos of her songs on social media. She gathered a small but dedicated audience, eager to experience the music on streaming platforms. Responding to their requests, yin to yang made its debut on Spotify, marking the beginning of a musical journey. Since then, she has independently released a variety of songs and projects, including a 6-track EP titled jupiter and a joint EP mountain songs with Philip Brooks. // Her latest project, earlier from ‘20, brings her back to where it all began. The newly recorded version of her EP has been reborn for wider streaming accessibility and features yin to yang, a standout track from her collection.]

[Hovvdy play recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO Wednesday, May 14, at 7:00pm with Free Range.]

10:29 – Underwriting

  1. Paul Jesse – “Hesitation (Radio Edit)”
    from: “Hesitation” – Single / Fowl Mouth / May 2, 2025
    [Paul Jesse. His musical journey began behind a drum kit in high school, writing and performing in a duo with his brother under the name Night Class. In 2024, he released his debut album, Hello Paul Jesse. Now, he’s entering a new chapter with “Hesitation,” the second single from his upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com]

10:33 – Interview with Paul Jesse

We welcome back to the show, singer-songwriter Paul Jesse. His musical journey began behind a drum kit in high school, writing and performing in a duo with his brother under the name Night Class. In 2024, he released his debut album, Hello Paul Jesse. Now, he’s entering a new chapter with “Hesitation,” the second single from his upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com

Paul Jesse thanks for being with us on WMM.

Paul Jesse – “Hesitation” – Single released through Fowl Mouth on May 2, 2025,. the second single from his upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression.

Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”.

Paul Jesse is a singer, songwriter, and producer based out of Lawrence, Kansas, whose debut EP, Stuck This Way came out in 2021 and combines his smooth and passionate vocals with psychedelic R&B, hip-hop, and electronic bedroom-pop production.

Paul Jesse collaborated with Deegan Poores to make the song “Your Sunshine”,”Your Sunshine (Feat. Hannah Davis)” on April 29, 2022. Paul asked Deegan to executive produce his debut album. Hello Paul Jesse, a 16 track album released on October 4, 2024. Several songs from the album were released through 2023 and 2024 as three EPs and each EP chronicled Paul’s growth and development as a person through heartache, self-reflection, and love, with Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 capturing a different stage of Paul’s transition. The EP’s included many singles like “Numb” released on January 20, 2023. As described by Center Cut Records: “’Numb’ begins with some Pink Floyd vocals in an echo chamber, and some soundbites laid over a haunting piano for good measure. Paul’s Philly soul special voice is back again, but this time we’ve got some distorted vocals and instruments with Deegan lurking in the mix.” – Patrick Sprehe. Also “Remedy” featuring Arkko released, March 17, 29023

Deegan Poores released his debut album fn 2022, The “Vanishing” Album, combined indie rock, yacht rock, power pop, and synth pop to create a genre-bending sound with co-production from singer-songwriter-producer-filmmaker Remy Styrk from Kansas City.

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

10:42

  1. Paul Jesse – “Drugs Can’t Save Me (Radio Edit)”
    from: “Drugs Can’t Save Me” – Single / Fowl Mouth / February 28, 2025
    [“Drugs Can’t Save Me” is the first single from Pau; Jesse’s upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com]

11:45 – More Interview with Paul Jesse

We are talking with singer-songwriter Paul Jesse. His musical journey began behind a drum kit in high school, writing and performing in a duo with his brother under the name Night Class. In 2024, he released his debut album, Hello Paul Jesse. Now, he’s entering a new chapter with “Drugs Can’t Save Me” the first single from his upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com

Paul Jesse thanks for being with us on WMM.

Paul Jesse, a singer, songwriter, and producer based out of Lawrence, Kansas, whose debut EP, Stuck This Way came out in 2021 and combines his smooth and passionate vocals with psychedelic R&B, hip-hop, and electronic bedroom-pop production.

11:53

  1. Paul Jesse – “Cycles”
    from: Cycles (Album) / Fowl Mouth / unreleased track from upcoming album Cycles
    [Radio premiere of song from Paul Jesse’s new album coming soon“Drugs Can’t Save Me” and “Hesitation” are the first and second singles from Paul Jesse’s upcoming sophomore album, signaling a more vulnerable and refined sound. Paul has continued to build a name rooted in emotional honesty, DIY spirit, and genre-fluid expression. Paul Jesse was on our show in March of 2023 when he collaborated with Deegan Poores, to record the “Hello Paul Jesse, series of releases”. More info at http://www.pauljessemusic.com]
  1. Claire Adams – “Passenger Seat”
    from: Passenger Seat / Claire Adams / May 2, 2025
    [New 11-track album Recorded at Rio Verde in Guadalajara, Jalisco with Additional recording at Maniax Studios GDL and Weights + Measures KCMO. Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures. Claire Adams on bass, rhythm guitar, vocals; Abraham Villaseñor on lead guitar, rhythm guitar, vocals; Jean Pierre Chaurand on drums; Christian Jiménez on keyboards; Carmen Aguilar on violin; Allysa Bell Jackson on viola; Mike Stover on pedal steel, Juan Carlos Chaurand on percussion; Stephanie Williams on percussion. // Claire Adams lives in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico but still gets back to Kansas City often to work on musical projects and see family and friends. // Musically curious and multifaceted, Claire Adams has spent more than a decade touring, recording and songwriting to hone her melodic instincts and vision. A bassist, guitarist, singer and songwriter, Adams has lent a discerning ear and versatility to a number of projects. // Picking up guitar as a teenager, Adams was immediately drawn to songwriting. Her penchant for wordplay and melody led her to Nashville to study, write and perform, sparking an interest in traveling, touring and working in collaborative environments. // Upon returning closer to home in 2010, Adams set up shop in Kansas City, Missouri, and Claire founded the eight-piece genre-jumping collective Claire and the Crowded Stage – a project that united her pop sensibilities with non-traditional instrumentation. This project teamed her up with guitarist Katy Guillen and drummer Stephanie Williams, leading them to form the nationally touring blues-rock trio Katy Guillen & the Girls in 2012, with Adams on bass and backing vocals. In recent years Adams has been performing solo, collaborating with the KC based string quartet Rewound, pianist Alyssa Murray, Steve Gardels. // On April 2, 2024 Claiere Adams released the EP Words of Love with Claire Adams on vocals, bass; Daniel Dissmore on trumpet; Fritz Hutchison on drums; Jackie Myers on piano; Trevor Turla on trombone; Abraham Villaseñor on guitar. // Recorded, mixed and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab, KCMO. Additional recording by Odin Parada at Rec4 Studios, GDL. // Musically curious and multifaceted, Claire Adams is dedicated to collaborating, recording and songwriting to hone her melodic instincts and vision. A bassist, guitarist, singer and songwriter, Adams has lent a discerning ear and versatility to a number of projects. Claire founded the eight-piece genre-jumping collective Claire and the Crowded Stage – a project that united her pop sensibilities with non-traditional instrumentation. This project teamed her up with guitarist Katy Guillen and drummer Stephanie Williams, leading them to form the nationally touring blues-rock trio Katy Guillen & the Girls in 2012, with Adams on bass and backing vocals. In recent years Adams has been performing solo, collaborating with the KC based string quartet Rewound, and in a trio featuring pianist Alyssa Murray. // Claire Adams Alyssa Murray and Steve Gardels released the EP Easy Match on November 1, 2023. Easy Match contains 5 songs. // Claire Adams released “It’s All in Fun” – Single on June 30, 2023. Claire Adams told Michelle Bacon at The Bridge, “”I wrote the string arrangement in the summer of 2021 and we went in to record it this past spring,” Adams said. “I’ve had the happiness of working with Alyssa Bell (viola) and Carmen Dieker (violin) for several years now, mostly playing my songs as arranged by others and I wanted to give a try to arranging a song myself.” “I feel like having an understanding of everyone else’s styles and strengths gives me a sense of direction and focus on what can otherwise be a really abstract craft,” she said. On bass, she, Guillen and Williams comprised the acclaimed trio Katy Guillen & The Girls for seven years, while she has consistently been working with Murray in the years to follow. The four of them got to work with Duane Trower, who has recorded and engineered the majority of Adams‘ solo songs. // Claire Adams released “If It Isn’t Right (Alyssa Murray Remix)” on April 15, 2022 Claire Adams wrote to us saying, “Alyssa Murray made a super cool remix of one of the songs off the last album and I wanted to share it with you. The song is ‘If It Isn’t Right’ and also features the Rewound string trio and an arrangement by Peter Lawless. Alyssa really made it her own and gave it a whole new spin, she’s amazing!” Here are the full credits: Vocals: Claire Adams, Alyssa Murray, Fritz Hutchison. Synths and Beats: Alyssa Murray. Cello: Ezgi Karakus. Viola: Alyssa Bell. Violin: Carmen Dieker. String Arrangement: Peter Lawless. Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures Soundlab. Cover Art by Cassie Allen. ‘If It Isn’t Right’ written by Claire Adams. This song was originally on Claire’s acclaimed album YOU KNOW I KNOW YOU originally released April 24, 2020. // Claire Adams released her album YOU KNOW I KNOW YOU April 24, 2020. Lost in the COVID 19 of 2020. The album was properly given a “release show” and put out on CD in 2021. 10 songs all written by Claire Adams. Recorded at The Blue House in Kansas City, MO. Additional tracking at MARZ Studios in Nederland, TX. Mixed & mastered at Weights + Measures Soundlab in KCMO. Written by Claire Adams, with Claire Adams on guitars, bass, and vocals; Alyssa Murray on keyboards & vocals; and Fritz Hutchison on drums & vocals. // Claire Adams released: Words of Love EP on Feb. 5, 2021 – Recorded and Produced by Claire Adams at Casa 34 in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Mixed and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights + Measures in Kansas City, MO. Cover Photo by Hugo Parasol. ‘So This Is Love’ written by Mack David, Al Hoffman, and Jerry Livingston. ‘Pocketful Of Rainbows’ written by Ben Weisman, ‘Till There Was You’ written by Meredith Wilson. “Words of Love” written by Claire Adams. ‘Calico Skies’ written by Paul McCartney. // Claire Adams released the EP Moras under the moniker, Mismo Sismo (same earthquake) on July 21, 2021. Claire Adams wrote and recorded this EP at home during the first months of the COVID-19 quarantine. The three songs are meant to be played all together but also stand alone. Mismo Sismo is a collaboration with photographer Hugo Parasol.// Claire played guitar on True Lions album THE FEMPIRE STRIKES BACK. In 2020 Claire played with the band Ondist for their three full length albums, No Coincidence on June 12, and Electricity on Aug. 14, and Mise en Place on Nov. 13, 2020 with songs recorded at Weights & Measures with Duane Trower with Sam Platt on drums, Eddie Moore on keyboards, DeAndre Manning on bass, Jamie Anderson on guitar, Claire Adams on vocals, and Jillian Riscoe on vocals. Claire also participated in Katy Guillen and The Girls Reunion shows in summer of 20. More info at: https://claireadams.bandcamp.com%5D

11:00 – Station ID

  1. Sunny War – “One Way Train”
    from: Armageddon In A Summer Dress / New West / February 21, 2025
    [Sunny War, also known as Sydney Ward, found inspiration for her latest album, Armageddon In A Summer Dress, while living in her late father’s 100-year-old house in Chattanooga, TN. She initially thought the house was haunted. Eerie sounds and visions led her to write the song “Ghosts.” However, she later discovered that hallucinations were caused by gas leaks, shifting her understanding of those experiences but not her artistic focus. Armageddon In A Summer Dress explores themes of memory, loss, and the ghosts of past selves. //After the success of her 2022 album, Anarchist Gospel, Sunny spent more time touring with artists like Bonnie Raitt and Mitski. To avoid falling back into past struggles with alcohol, she channeled her energy into music, crafting intricate demos and experimenting with sound. This process involved shifting from acoustic to electric guitar, aiming for a fuller band sound. // Tracks like “One Way Train” and “No One Calls Me Baby” highlight her blend of punk and roots influences, emphasizing the rebellious spirit shared by both genres. A notable collaboration on the album is with Steve Ignorant from Crass, whose participation in “Walking Contradiction” reflects Sunny’s admiration for the band and its critique of modern society.\ // Armageddon in a Summer Dress serves as a reflection on identity and choices, balancing heavy themes with empowerment. Sunny War encourages listeners to live authentically and resist societal pressures. Committed to continual growth, she sees every performance and song as an opportunity for exploration. Through her music, Sunny War captures the complexities of life, loss, and the transformative power of creativity. // Produced by Andrija Tokic. Engineered and Mixed by Andrija Tokic at The Bomb Shelter, Nashville, TN. Mastered by Dave Gardner at DSG Mastering, Los Angeles, CA. // Sunny War on Guitar, Banjo, Lead Vocals; Megan Coleman on Drums, Percussion; Jack Lawrence on Bass; Jo Schornikow: Keyboards, Vibraphone, Xylophone; John James Tourville on Pedal Steel, Guitars, Additional Percussion; Andrija Tokic on Additional Percussion; Kyshona Armstrong on Background Vocals; Maureen Murphy: Background Vocals; Nickie Conley on Background Vocals. Sample on “Ghosts”on Adam Ramirez and Sunny War; Steve Ignorant on Vocals on “Walking Contradiction”; Valerie June on Vocals on “Cry Baby”; Tré Burt: Vocals, Guitar on “Scornful Heart”. John Doe: Vocals on “Gone Again” // Sunny War released Anarchist Gospel on Ebruary 3, 2023 part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023. About that release Sunny wrote: “I feel like there are two sides of me,” says the Nashville-based singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso known as Sunny War. “One of them is very self-destructive, and the other is trying to work with that other half to keep things balanced.” That’s the central conflict on her fourth album, the eclectic and innovative Anarchist Gospel, which documents a time when it looked like the self-destructive side might win out. // Extreme emotions can make that battle all the more perilous, yet from such trials Sunny has crafted a set of songs that draw on a range of ideas and styles, as though she’s marshaling all her forces to get her ideas across: ecstatic gospel, dusty country blues, thoughtful folk, rip-roaring rock and roll, even avant garde studio experiments. She melds them together into a powerful statement of survival, revealing a probing songwriter who indulges no comforting platitudes and a highly innovative guitarist who deploys spidery riffs throughout every song. // Because it promises not healing but resilience and perseverance, because it doesn’t take shit for granted, Anarchist Gospel holds up under such intense emotional pressure, acknowledging the pain of living while searching for something that lies just beyond ourselves, some sense of balance between the bad and the good.]

[Sunny War plays The Kansas City Folk Festival at Washington Square Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 11:00am to 8:00pm with Nokosee Fields, Jamogi and the Jammers, Stranded in the City, KC Queertet and more.]

11:03 – Interview with Rachel Christia and Stephonne Singleton

Rachel Christia a Kansas City born tech-girl, afro-futurist, vocalist, actress and landlocked mermaid. She has performed with notable MidCoast bands such as Hearts of Darkness; an eclectic collective influenced by 70s afrobeat, and the Denver based powerhouse Pink Hawks; pulling funky polyrhythms from West Africa and South America. More recently, she enjoys collaborating with her favorite Kansas Music legends or concocting fully improvised audience led musicals with The Maestro’s – Kansas City. She is perfectly aligned as a Kansas City Folk Fest Board member as her primary directive is to build community by lovingly blurring the lines between art and activism.

Rachel Christia, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist, activist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, serving as a board member of KC Folk Fest, organizing tribute shows, playing: music festivals, Charlotte Street Foundation, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, Crossroads Music Fest, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, and West 18th Street Fashion Show. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022. He also released the single “I” on August 21, 2024. Stephonne is a 2023 winner of the Charlotte Street Generative Performing Arts Fellows. 9. Stephonne released the single “1 Think It’s Gonna Be Alright” on April, 2025. Stephonne’s newest single, “Forgive Me, Father (Sinead O’Connor) will be officially released on May 19 with the video released on May 23, 2025. More info at: http://www.stephonne.com

Stephonne Singleton, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Rachel Christia & Stephonne Singleton join us to share all the details about Kansas City Folk Festival to be held in Washington Square Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 11:00am to 8:00pm. Lineup includes nationally renowned Americana blues artist Sunny War, Old Time Cherokee fiddler Nokosee Fields, local gospel rock outfit Jamogi and the Jammers, Tex-Mex family band Stranded in the City led by the Reyes Brothers, chamber Dalima Kapten, folk ensemble KC Queertet and more. KC Folk Fest boasts four stages, delicious food trucks, and an extensive craft market chock full of local vendors. Heralded as a grassroots “people’s fest,” this is the 4th annual event organized by a community-led board of musicians & artists. Programming by community partners include a garage band-style open mic sponsored by KC Young Audiences, youth songwriter contest by Heartland Song Network, and showcases by KC Fringe and No Divide KC. Full lineup: http://www.kcfolkfest.org.

People-Powered KC Folk Fest Returns to Washington Square Park with a Riotous Sound

KC Folk Fest returns for another spirited event in Washington Square Park on Sat, May 17, 2025 from 11am-8pm. With a superb lineup featuring touring and local roots artists across styles including: Chamber Folk, Old Time, Americana, Bluegrass, Blues, R&B, Singer-songwriters, and Hip Hop, KC Folk Fest boasts 4 stages, delicious food trucks, and craft market chock full of local vendors. Heralded as a grassroots “people’s fest,” this is the fourth annual event organized by a community-led board of musicians and artists. 

Lineup includes nationally renowned Americana blues artist Sunny War, Old Time Cherokee fiddler Nokosee Fields, local gospel rock outfit Jamogi and the Jammers, Tex-Mex family band Stranded in the City led by the Reyes Brothers, chamber folk ensemble KC Queertet and more. For full lineup, visit: http://www.kcfolkfest.org

11:12

  1. Dalima Kapten – “Feel the Beat, Bud”
    from: “Feel the Beat, Bud’ – Single / Dalima Kapten / September 27, 2024
    [Dalima Kapten (she/her) released the single “Scrappy Rose” also on September 27, 2024.// Dalima Kapten (she/her) is currently working on her debut album. She is a second-generation Kenyan-American pursuing a Master of Arts in Music Technology at the University of Central Missouri. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, Theater Minor, and a specialization in Architectural Acoustics from the University of Kansas. // As a theater performer and artist, Dalima is deeply moved by a passion for storytelling and worked at Music Theater Heritage as the Manager of Artistic Operations. Additionally, she presented her self-published chapbook “Native Anomaly” for Columbia University’s HOME: Symposium.]

[Dalima Kapten plays KC Folk Fest at Washington Square Park on Sat, May 17, 2025, 11 to 8:00pm with Sunny War, Nokosee Fields, Jamogi & the Jammers, Stranded in the City, KC Queertet and more.]

[Dalima Kapten plays Night Six of Manor Fest 7 on Thursday, May 29 at 5:00 at PH Coffee, 2200 Lexington Ave,, KCMO with Wills Van Doorn, and Teri Quinn] (all ages).]

11:15 – More Interview Rachel Christia & Stephonne Singleton

We are talking with Rachel Christia & Stephonne Singleton about KC Folk Fest in Washington Square Park, Sat, May 17, 11 to 8:00pm, with Sunny War, Nokosee Fields duo, Jamogi and the Jammers, Dalima Kapten, Stranded in the City, KC Queertet and more. KC Folk Fest boasts 4 stages, delicious food trucks, and craft market chock full of local vendors. Heralded as a grassroots “people’s fest,” this is the 4th annual event organized by a community-led board of musicians & artists. Programming by community partners include a garage band-style open mic sponsored by KC Young Audiences, youth songwriter contest by Heartland Song Network, and showcases by KC Fringe and No Divide KC.

Rachel Christia & Stephonne Singleton thanks for being with us on WMM

Programming by community partners include a garage band-style open mic sponsored by Kansas City Young Audiences, youth songwriter contest by Heartland Song Network, and showcases by KC Fringe and No Divide KC.

Supported by grassroots campaigns such as as our “Dandelion Donor” campaign ($100×100 “Seed” Donors), “Fun Raisers” such as FolkyOkie Karaoke and community outreach events like Pickball – a jam-friendly brand of kickball – alongside local sponsors, community partners and arts grants such at Missouri Arts Council’s Folk Arts Grant, KC Folk Fest continues its legacy as an all-ages, admission-free city festival whose mission is “to celebrate the music and arts of our neighborhoods, region and beyond” – all while paying its artists a living wage. As a zero-waste event with recycling and composting available on-site, KCFF encourages visitors to follow the National Parks mottos “Pack it in, pack it out” and “Leave it better than you found it.”

HISTORY OF THE FEST: Originally founded as a public outreach event for Folk Alliance International’s annual industry conference in 2016, FAI transitioned the fest over to local stakeholders in 2019. “Kansas City Folk Festival” incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2021 and produced their first outdoor folk festival on Saturday, May 22, 2022 in Washington Square Park, KCMO.

For questions or interview requests, contact Festival Coordinator Mikal Shapiro at mikal@kcfolkfest.org or (816) 888-0668. KC Folk Fest is May 17, 2025 in Washington Square Park, KCMO. Craft Market opens at 11AM, programming runs from 12PM – 8PM. The fest is all ages and admission free. Donations accepted and are tax deductible.

Rachel Christia & Stephonne Singleton thanks for being with us on WMM

KC Folk Festival at Washington Square Park on Sat, May 17, 2025 from 11 to 8:00pm. Lineup includes nationally renowned Americana blues artist Sunny War, Old Time Cherokee fiddler Nokosee Fields, local gospel rock outfit Jamogi & the Jammers, Tex-Mex family band Stranded in the City led by the Reyes Brothers, chamber folk ensemble KC Queertet and more. KC Folk Fest boasts four stages, delicious food trucks, and an extensive craft market chock full of local vendors. For lineup: http://www.kcfolkfest.org.

11:25

  1. Stranded in The City – “Tell Me”
    from: Family Function / Chorizo Springs Records / April 25, 2025
    [André Reyes, Jr. on piano, keyboard, synthesizers, organ and vocals; Antonio Reyes on drums and vocals; Timmy Keith on guitar & vocals; Matt Elton on bass & vocals; Densil Malabre on congas, timbales, percussion & vocals. // Stranded in the City is made up of brothers André Reyes, Jr. and Antonio Reyes, Timmy Keith, Matt Elton, and Densil (D.J) Malabre. Together they form one of Kansas City’s powerhouse bands. André and Antonio arose from a musical family tracing across four generations. They met Timmy, a natural rock guitarist, and bassist, Matt, who would later become the core of Stranded in the City. Densil adds his West African style to the mix to solidify the sound. // As a diverse group, Stranded in the City provides a retro flavor in a fresh sound, playing every song with soul and every beat of their hearts. Through the thickness of the groove, they deliver rich vocal harmonies and smoking improvisational skills. Expect a melting pot of genres; R&B, Funk, Country, Tex-Mex, Rock and Pop all in their music. Never the less backed by the right energy. // They perform locally and pack venues in Kansas City and the surrounding areas. In the spring of 2025, they will be premiering their sophomore album. Visit the calendar for more details on live performance dates, album releases, events and more. Sign up for the mailing list for updates, and follow on social media for live streams and more content.]

[Stranded in The City plays KC Folk Fest at Washington Square Park on Sat, May 17, 11 to 8:00pm with Sunny War, Nokosee Fields, Jamogi & the Jammers, Dalima Kapten, KC Queertet & more.]

11:29 – Underwriting

  1. Alex Wong – “Permission (feat. Milck)”
    from: “Permission (feat. Milck)” – Single / Alex Wong / November 22, 2024
    [Alex Wong is a Latin GRAMMY®-nominated artist, producer and advocate who creates music to empower everyone, especially those on the margins, to take up space. Alex established The Quiet Voice nonprofit around the idea that our voice doesn’t have to be loud to be strong, which has raised more than $80,000 for BIPOC charities. He’s appeared on NPR’s Mountain Stage, Kerrville Folk Festival, SXSW, 30A, Americanafest, and Musicians Corner, and has produced records for Delta Rae, Vienna Teng, and others. In 2023 he launched The Permission Parties, a multi-sensory experience where each track from his upcoming album Permission is paired with a Chinese-inspired dish that shares a common emotion.]

[Alex Wong presents PERMISSION, an immersive concert experience celebrating and exploring Asian American identity, on Saturday, May 17, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, at Vivilore Restaurant, 10815 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO.]

11:35 – Interview with Alex Wong & Jen Kiper

Jen Kiper is a music lover and volunteer who works with data to help raise funding for a local nonprofit. From queer punk shows to local theater festivals, Jen can often be found near the front of the room and marveling at the work artists create.

Alex Wong is a Latin GRAMMY®-nominated artist, producer and advocate who creates music to empower everyone, especially those on the margins, to take up space. Alex established The Quiet Voice nonprofit around the idea that our voice doesn’t have to be loud to be strong, which has raised more than $80,000 for BIPOC charities. He’s appeared on NPR’s Mountain Stage, Kerrville Folk Festival, SXSW, 30A, Americanafest, and Musicians Corner, and has produced records for Delta Rae, Vienna Teng, and others. In 2023 Alerx launched The Permission Parties, a multi-sensory experience where each track from his upcoming album Permission is paired with a Chinese-inspired dish that shares a common emotion.

Alex Wong + NAAAP KC presents PERMISSION, an immersive concert experience celebrating and exploring Asian American identity, on Saturday, May 17, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, at Vivilore Restaurant, 10815 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO. Info at: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/alex-wong

Jen Kiper & Alex Wong Thank you both for being with us on WMM.

Wong’s latest album, PERMISSION, is an honest, personal, and at times uncomfortable look at Wong’s journey as a person of color learning how to take up space in America and exploring what Asian-American music can sound like.

Event information:
Alex Wong’s PERMISSION is Saturday, 5/17 at 6 PM and is an immersive concert experience celebrating and exploring Asian American identity.

What is a Permission Party?

To bring the album to life, Wong has developed a multi-sensory live experience called PERMISSION, which uses food as an on-ramp to his cultural memory.

Attendees will be treated to a first-of-its-kind listening and tasting performance, enjoying 3 songs from Wong’s newest album that are each paired with a Chinese-inspired dish sharing a common emotion. The event will close with a set by Wong including a mix of music from PERMISSION and previous records.

LOCATION: Vivilore Restaurant: 10815 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO 64052

TICKETS: Limited general admission tickets are available – buy early to ensure entry! Tickets will include food + music. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

DIETARY: All dishes are vegetarian and can be vegan and/or gluten free upon request.

DOORS OPEN @ 6 PM, DINNER BEGINS PROMPTLY @ 7 PM

Wong has developed a multi-sensory live experience which uses food as an on-ramp to his cultural memory. Attendees are treated to a listening and tasting performance, enjoying 3 songs from Wong’s newest album paired with a Chinese-inspired dish sharing a common emotion. The National Association of Asian American Professionals (“NAAAP”) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to advancing the careers and leadership development of Asian American professionals.

Co-presented by NAAAP KC: The National Association of Asian American Professionals (“NAAAP”) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to advancing the careers and leadership development of Asian American professionals. As the largest and fastest-growing Asian American professional organization in the U.S. and Canada, NAAAP fosters leadership, education, accountability, and diversity. The Kansas City chapter connects members through professional development, networking, and community service, empowering leaders to make a meaningful impact in business, education, government, and society. Join our organization for more opportunities to events that inspire growth, collaboration, and community engagement.

Alex Wong & Jen Kiper Thanks for being with us on WMM

Alex Wong presents PERMISSION, an immersive concert experience celebrating and exploring Asian American identity, on Saturday, May 17, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, at Vivilore Restaurant, 10815 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO.

11:53

  1. Alex Wong – “Second Generation (feat. Vienna Teng & Amulets)”
    from: Second Generation (feat. Vienna Teng & Amulets) – Single / Alex Wong / Feb. 21, 2025
    [Alex Wong is a Latin GRAMMY®-nominated artist, producer and advocate who creates music to empower everyone, especially those on the margins, to take up space. Alex established The Quiet Voice nonprofit around the idea that our voice doesn’t have to be loud to be strong, which has raised more than $80,000 for BIPOC charities. He’s appeared on NPR’s Mountain Stage, Kerrville Folk Festival, SXSW, 30A, Americanafest, and Musicians Corner, and has produced records for Delta Rae, Vienna Teng, and others. In 2023 he launched The Permission Parties, a multi-sensory experience where each track from his upcoming album Permission is paired with a Chinese-inspired dish that shares a common emotion.]

[Alex Wong presents PERMISSION, an immersive concert experience celebrating and exploring Asian American identity, on Sat, May 17, 6 to 10 pm, at Vivilore Restaurant, 10815 E Winner Rd, Indep, MO.]

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

Next week, on Wednesday, May 21David Luther joins us to share music form his new album WHO ARE YOU. At 11:00 we will talk with Jeremiah James Gonzales of the band Redder Moon. AND, at 11:30 Katlyn Conroy of the band Cheery joins us to talk about her new music, and life in Liverpool.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show #1095

WMM Playlist from APRIL 23, 2025

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, April 23, 2025

WMM presents New & MidCoast Releases + Southwest Ramblers + Guest Producer SYLKYSAN

  1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
    from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
    [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
  1. JW Francis – “Orbit”
    from: Sunshine / Gomino – Born Loser Records / October 11, 2024
    [SUNSHINE is the third album from New York’s next lo-fi legend JW Francis, and, in an appropriately maverick move, will be released just after its creator finished canoeing over 2,000 miles of the Mississippi River. // The follow-up to JW’s critically acclaimed sophomore album WANKERKID, SUNSHINE will be released on October 11 by Born Loser Records. // Shortly after the release, JW is now set to leave the river and tour the new album across the United States, Canada as well as Europe. // Wistful, upbeat and bursting with charisma, new single MISSISSIPPI is quintessential JW and sets the tone perfectly for an album that tells the story of a wandering anti-hero; as JW elaborates. // “SUNSHINE is my Appalachian trail album. It’s the collection of songs I wrote after walking 1500 miles in 123 days, and all that unraveled as a result. The biggest change in my life, after living outside for 4 months, is that I haven’t lived anywhere since. I’ve been nomadic for three years now and this album is the result of that.” // “Future indie classics that reek of modern New York City Charm” –– DIY Magazine // “Captures honest-to-god truths in a new light’ –– The Line of Best Fit // “A nostalgia-tinged hit, filled with jangly guitars and contagious melodies” –– Wonderland. // “Get ready for a good time from New York’s undeniable king of guitar pop” –– Indie Shuffle]

[JW Francis plays the Lemonade Social, Friday, May 2, at 7:00pm at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, KCMO West Bottoms with Husbands, and Kat King. In 2020, Lemonade Social was formed as a two-day event at Lemonade Park by long-time indie record label The Record Machine and is now celebrating 5 years.]

  1. Keo & Them – “Eyesore”
    from: “Eyesore” – Single / Midtopia / March 14, 2025
    [The new single marks a sonic departure from previous Keo & Them releases, something bandleader Keo notes is by design and a welcome change from previous material from the group. // Keo & Them released their single “Fire”on March 15, 2024. // Keo & Them released their 7-track album, THIS TIME AROUND on October 28, 2023. // When Neo-soul meets funk, meets R&B, meets pop, meets hip hop & even rock sometimes. Keo & Them released the single “Fool Me Once” on October 6, 2023 on Midtopia. Leo & Them released the three song single “Don’t Say” with “Be Still” and “Money Grooves (feat. Greg Spero)” on June 2, 2023 on Midtopia. And earlier “Money Grooves (feat. Greg Spero)” was release by itself on March 2, 2023. For Wichita-based, Texas-raised singer/songwriter Keo, making music is as much about the one creates and the songs one writes as it is about making deeper connections with the other people partaking in an artistic journey. From the unique flavors, perspectives, and performances they each contribute, Keo finds the “Them” that brings her project Keo & Them full circle. // First formed and conceptualized by Keo in 2018, the collective consists of Keo and a revolving door of musicians and collaborators, each of whose contributions would leave an indelible mark on the project’s ever-adapting sound that merges the worlds of 70’s pop and R&B with the moody glow of contemporary neo-soul and beyond. For Keo, the project’s sole constant member, the fluid line-up allowed her to become immersed and acquainted with a Wichita music scene she was completely new to and overwhelmed by. Through meeting, jamming, and performing with the Kansas town’s tight-knit and eclectic music scene in which Keo found something akin to a family. More info at: https://linktr.ee/keoandthem [Keo & Them played Outer Reaches Fest, on Sat, Oct. 14 at recordBar, On the Les BonsBons Electrique stage w/ Sweeping Promises, Static Phantoms, Alyssa Murray.]

[Keo & Them play the Lemonade Social, Saturday, May 3, at 6:00pm at Lemonade Park, 1628 Wyoming Street, KCMO West Bottoms with Brother Moses, Hotel Leo, and They’re Theirs. In 2020, Lemonade Social was formed as a two-day event at Lemonade Park by long-time indie record label The Record Machine and is now celebrating 5 years.]

  1. Juliette Frost – “Carbon Copy (Radio Edit)”
    from: “Carbon Copy (Radio Edit)” – Single / Juliette Frost / March 22, 2024
    [Juliette writes: “This is a track accompanied by a it’s official music video available on my YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FfYe3KGiV4 – I may eventually end up finishing the longer version of the song…but this feels pretty complete for now.” // Juliette Frost released the EP personal logs on March 3, 2024. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. personal logs was a small collection of personal notes and feelings collaged into 3 tracks which have been sliced and diced like curry ingredients. // Juliette Frost released the single “Carbin Copy (radio edit). On March 22, 2024. // Juliette Frost released the single “Wizard Trance” with Not Nymph Yet, on December 20, 2023, // Juliette Frost released the single “UeyuAau,” on December 13, 2023. // Juliette Frost released the single “Night Owl,” on April 13, 2023. // Juliette Frost released the single “Fruits of Our Tree,” on December 11, 2022. // Juliette Frost also released the single “Sylvrface,” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost also released the single “Parallel,” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost also released the17 track album, “Lepidoptera” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost also released the single “Streetwalker,” on February 8, 2021. // Juliette Frost recorded a 6-song EP HUSH on May 5, 2021, that was created in a 5-day recording session, in December 2020 in Los Angeles, with musician, bassist, & producer Dominique Sanders. The songs, written by Juliette, feature her vocals layered in harmonies, beats and soundscapes. // Juliette Frost also released the single “burd,” on February 8, 2021. // On April 18, 2020 Juliette released Subterranean.Egyptian.Sea.Monkeys, her 19-track, debut, recorded in her bedroom, when she was 16, sampling sounds from her own cats meowing and purring, among others. When Juliette was making the music for, Subterranean.Egyptian.Sea.Monkeys, she really wasn’t thinking of putting out an album. She was just creating music, and before she knew it she had all of these songs. // Juliette has had the opportunity to see the recording process from two very different perspectives: in a recording studio in LA, and in her own private bedroom, working by herself. Juliette says that she prefers the alone time, in her bedroom process, because she can translate her ideas into reality, much faster. Juliette says she realized her musical passion, and that she had the abilities to create music and songs when she was in middle school. // Juliette Frost went to Shawnee Mission North High School. Juliette is not only a songwriter and producer of music but she is also a visual artist who created amazing collage art, and is also a painter and fine artist. // Juliette grew up surrounded by music in her home, Juliette is the daughter of opera and jazz vocalist Emily Frost and nationally known Hip Hop Beatboxer Adrian “A-Train” Frost] [Juliette Frost played minibar, on October 23, 2024, with Belgium-based Ultra Sunn and Religion of Heartbreak.]

[Juliette Frost plays SK8BAR, 209 Westport Road, KCMO on Saturday, April 12, at 8:00pm opening for Bellhead, with Cables & Lace.]

  1. Redder Moon – “Drown The Fire”
    from: If You’re Falling, Dive / Redder Moon / April 25, 2025
    [Produced by: Jeremiah James Gonzales. Engineered and Mixed by: Jeremiah James Gonzales, Brody Lowe, Ross Brown. All instruments and Songwriting: Jeremiah James Gonzales with content contributions by: Jason Scott, Brody Lowe, Eric B Lopez, Lauren Chavez. // Redder Moon is a Kansas City based band led by Jeremiah James Gonzales and Brodie Lowe using analog synths, dark dance beats, dreamy guitars, we create Mono No Aware music.. The band began as one of Gonzales’ many music projects, although more electronic than his other work with Knife Crime, Be/Non, Rhunes, Elevator Division, Umberto. Brody Lowe moved to KC from Portland, and met Jeremiah in 2019. The band released their EP, LAND OF THE BLIND on June 13, followed by an album, HELL IS OTHER PEOPLE, on November 5, 2021. ]

[Redder Moon plays The Warehouse, 3951 Broadway Blvd., KCMO on Friday, April 25, at 7:00pm opening for Vision Video with Urban Heat.]

  1. Keelon Vann – “The Herd of Stranded Sheep”
    from: “The Herd of Stranded Sheep” – Single / Keelon Vann / April 18, 2025
    [Keelon Vann released Tales of the Gypsy on January 1, 2024 which was part of WMM’s 120 Best tecordings of 2024. // Keelon Vann is a 25 year old singer-songwriter and guitarist. Keelon Vann plays an eclectic fusion of Rock & Roll, Pop, R&B, and Funk. He looks to break barriers by paying tribute to the classics and finding inspiration in modern productions alike. The Kansas born artist doesn’t believe in genre. “It’s pretty hard to put you in a box,” said Steve Kraske of KCUR 89.3 Radio. It is, however, to Vann’s dismay, that such fusion of music may result in quite an unorthodox niche. Nonetheless, music is art, and according to Vann, art is not meant to be superficial within genre. Art exists spiritually to inspire and to heal. Keelon studied at William Jewell College. He went to Wyandotte High School, Blue Valley Southwest High School, and Piper High School in Kansas. // Keelon Vann and his trio play The Ship, 1217 Union Ave on February 15, 2024, at 8:00pm. Vann is joined by drummer Thomas Pribyl and bass guitarist Tommy OHalloran.] [Keelon Vann plays recordBar at 1520 Grand Blvd. on February 23.] [Keelon Vann played Chartreuse Saloon, 1625 Oak Street, KCMO on February 23.] [Keelon Vann played Society on March 14.] [Keelon Vann played The Rino, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, on March 28, at with Lady Revel, and IVORY BLUE]
  1. Nature Boys – “Common Visions”
    from: “Common Visions” Single / Dead Broke Rekerdss / April 11, 2025
    [Nature Boys released their album IV /on September 24, 2021. Nature Boys started playing together in Kansas City, Missouri September of 2009. They wrote this about their band: “We had our first show in November or December at the Troost House, and then our second show at Dave’s Stagecoach Inn. We left for our first tour in January of 2010. The band includes: Danny Fischer on guitar & vocals, Suzanne Hogan on bass & vocals. evan malone on drums. Kansas City, Missouri punk rock & rollers that have been kickin’ up dust all across the country since 2009! Their fourth album and first on Dead Broke after self-releasing a slew of their previous efforts. Imagine if Dead Moon was a buch of punk rockers from the south, then you might be getting close to what Nature Boys scrappy & energetic punk rock is all about. Limited to 300 copies. (200 Black, 100 Clear Pink) Comes w/download code..] [Nature Boys playrdd a Special Halloween Benefit for Confluence & KC Tenants on Saturday, October 30, at 8:00 PM, at Blip Roasters 1301 Woodswether Rd, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO with Pink Phase, DJ Dan Cool, Killus.]

[Nature Boys play Farewell 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO, TONIGHT, April 23 with Drastic Plastic, and Snooper.]

  1. mehro – “You’re So Pretty (Radio edit)”
    from You’re So Pretty (Radio Edit) – Single / Heroine Records / February 15, 2025
    [mehro’s songs sound like instant classics. Cut from the same cloth as Elliot Smith, Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright, mehro brings a sincerity and maturity to music that is missing from the current scene. From composition to lyrical imagery, mehro captures the essence of a soul much older and wiser than we would imagine to be his. mehro was born on November 10, 1999. He is an American pop singer, songwriter and guitarist from Los Angeles, USA. // As a teenager, mehro started learning to sing in a choir, and it was only when he was eighteen that he began to play the guitar and write his own songs. mehro cites Elliot Smith, Frank Ocean and Phoebe Bridgers as his main inspirations. Moreover, in an October 2020 interview, mehro revealed that he had other dreams he wanted to accomplish, which is to become a filmmaker and actor – he notably starred in a short film entitled Scarecrow.]

[mehro plays The Truman 601 East Truman Road, KCMO, TONIGHT, April 23 at 7:00pm, opening for The Walters with Half a Life.]

10:29 – Underwriting

  1. The Southwest Ramblers – “Lad O’Beirne’s”
    from: The Southwest Ramblers / The Southwet Ramblers / Aprl 18, 2024
    [The Southwest Ramblers are a high-energy trio who bring fresh life to Irish traditional music. With roots in Ireland and the U.S., they fuse deep tradition with a modern spark, making their performances both timeless and electrifying. Their live album captures this energy, and after a successful, critically acclaimed tour a few years back, they’re heading stateside again for a new round of gigs in April and May. For the record: Hughie Kennedy on Button accordion; Jason Turk on Keyboard, Seaboard and Piano accordion, Grace Broadhead – Fiddle & Vocals. For the tour: Dain Forsythe – Bodhrán and Vocals; Jason Turk on Keyboard, Seaboard, Vocals (introductions). Grace Broadhead on Iddle, Vocals (singing)]

[The Southwest Ramblers play Hammers at 3901 Main Street, KCMO TONIGHT on Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm with Of Tree. ]

10:33 – Interview with Grace Broadhead and Jason Turk of The Southwest Ramblers

With roots in Ireland and the U.S., this high-energy The Southwest Ramblers bring fresh life to Irish traditional music fusing tradition with a modern spark, making their performances both timeless and electrifying. Their critically acclaimed stateside tour brings them to Kansas City to play Hammers at 3901 Main Street, KCMO TONIGHT Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm with Of Tree.

Grace Broadhead is a Nashville-based fiddler from Sandia Park, New Mexico, who’s racked up an impressive list of awards, including the “Fiddler of London Diaspora Award”. She’s performed with Sharon Shannon, Gaelic Storm, and others, blending raw tradition with her own unique sound.

Grace Broadhead thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Jason Turk is a Cork-born musician pushing the boundaries of Irish traditional music. His work with the Seaboard—an instrument rarely seen in trad—has been so groundbreaking that it’s now part of the school music syllabus in Ireland. He blends Irish melodies with electronic textures, creating a sound that’s as innovative as it is rooted. His performance of Pressed for Time was used as a global ad using Irish Traditional Music to sell music tech.

Jason Turk thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

The Southwest Ramblers play Hammers at 3901 Main Street, KCMO TONIGHT on Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm with Of Tree.

Jason Turk from Cork, Ireland and Grace Broadhead from Nashville (Sandia Park, New Mexico)

Live Album & Tour: The Southwest Ramblers’ live album is a snapshot of their raw, in-the-moment energy, and their U.S. tour showcases this in full force. They’ll be playing across the country in April and May, starting in Nashville, Tennessee, and stopping in:

  • St. Louis, Missouri
    Kansas City, Kansas
  • Fort Collins, Denver, and Colorado Springs, Colorado
  • Taos, New Mexico
  • Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Austin and Dallas, Texas
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico

Jason Turk is a Cork-born musician pushing the boundaries of Irish traditional music. His work with the Seaboard—an instrument rarely seen in trad—has been so groundbreaking that it’s now part of the school music syllabus in Ireland. He blends Irish melodies with electronic textures, creating a sound that’s as innovative as it is rooted. Watch his performance of Pressed for Time which was used as a global ad using Irish Traditional Music to sell music tech.

Grace Broadhead is a fiddler from Sandia Park, NM. She is a member of two local bands in Albuquerque, the Duke City Ceili Band and Jug O’ Punch. In 2018 and 2019, Grace competed in the Midwest Fleadh. In 2019, her Newly Composed Tune “Chain Reaction” came in 1st place, affording her the opportunity to compete at Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2019. She has also competed in the Comórtas Ceoil in 2020 and 2021 and was awarded a gold medal in the 15-18 fiddle competition both years. In 2021 she also received a gold medal in fiddle slow airs and a silver medal in the lilting competition. In April, 2022, Grace was awarded the inaugural “Fiddler of London Diaspora Award”.

Grace has had the opportunity to play with several well-known musicians and groups, including the Sharon Shannon Band, The Old Blind Dogs, and Gaelic Storm. She also opened the show for Randal Bays when he came to Albuquerque in February 2019. In 2019, Grace played on two of Fergal Scahill’s Tune a Day videos. She also joined in on two of Colin Farrell’s Tune a Day videos in 2020. Grace and bouzouki player Ben Williamson released their debut album Tipping the Scales in 2021.

The Southwest Ramblers are a high-energy duo who bring fresh life to Irish traditional music. With roots in Ireland and the U.S., they fuse deep tradition with a modern spark, making their performances both timeless and electrifying.

Hughie Kennedy: A button accordionist from Cork City, Hughie has been steeped in traditional music all his life. He’s toured the U.S. with The Young Irelanders and played at festivals and céilís across Ireland, Germany, and Switzerland. You might have heard him on Céilí House or Fleadh TV, and he’s a respected teacher in the Irish trad community. Check out one of his popular “Tune a day” videos

Grace Broadhead: Grace is a Nashville-based fiddler from Sandia Park, New Mexico, who’s racked up an impressive list of awards, including the “Fiddler of London Diaspora Award”. She’s performed with Sharon Shannon, Gaelic Storm, and others, blending raw tradition with her own unique sound. You can watch her winning performance at the Fiddler of London competition here Fiddler Of London

Jason Turk: Jason is a Cork-born musician pushing the boundaries of Irish traditional music. His work with the Seaboard—an instrument rarely seen in trad—has been so groundbreaking that it’s now part of the school music syllabus in Ireland. He blends Irish melodies with electronic textures, creating a sound that’s as innovative as it is rooted. Watch his performance of Pressed for Time which was used as a global ad using Irish Traditional Music to sell music tech.

Grace Broadhead and Jason Turkthanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

The Southwest Ramblers play Hammers at 3901 Main Street, KCMO TONIGHT on Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm with Of Tree.

10:51

  1. The Southwest Ramblers – “Darling Girl”
    from: The Southwest Ramblers / The Southwet Ramblers / Aprl 18, 2024
    [The Southwest Ramblers are a high-energy trio who bring fresh life to Irish traditional music. With roots in Ireland and the U.S., they fuse deep tradition with a modern spark, making their performances both timeless and electrifying. Their live album captures this energy, and after a successful, critically acclaimed tour a few years back, they’re heading stateside again for a new round of gigs in April and May. For the record: Hughie Kennedy on Button accordion; Jason Turk on Keyboard, Seaboard and Piano accordion, Grace Broadhead – Fiddle & Vocals. For the tour: Dain Forsythe – Bodhrán and Vocals; Jason Turk on Keyboard, Seaboard, Vocals (introductions). Grace Broadhead on Iddle, Vocals (singing)]

[The Southwest Ramblers play Hammers at 3901 Main Street, KCMO TONIGHT on Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00pm with Of Tree. ]

  1. Megan Lutrell – “Take Me Back”
    from: “Take Me Back” – Single / Records DK / July 30, 2024
    [Singer-songwriter Megan Luttrell, “one of the biggest breakout stars of the past year,” (Unmistakably Lawrence, 2019), is known for powerhouse vocals and compelling original music. In 2020, Megan won first place in Best of Lawrence’s Best Solo Musician category. In 2019, she started the Women’s Songwriter Showcase, a monthly event lauded by local media. Sadly, with the closure of Kaw Valley Public House, the showcase is on hiatus. Megan was recognized for her work to support women in music when she won second place in the Kansas City People’s Choice Awards for the artist doing the most good for the local music scene. She served as the Program Director for Lumberyard Live on High live music series at the Lumberyard Arts Center in Baldwin City, Kansas and on the executive board of Americana Music Academy in Lawrence, KS. // Megan has always loved music and has been singing since before she can remember. She began playing the guitar around the age of 14 and immediately threw herself into songwriting. WFHB Radio (Bloomington, IN), describes her sound as, “a big country, Americana, blues-style voice. Her songs are beautifully powerful.” Megan released her debut album “Broken Bottles” in June 2016, and her singles, “Miss You” and “Folk Singer” in April 2019, which won 4th place in the 2019 Kansas City People’s Choice Awards. She released singles “Burn” and “Just Out of Reach” in 2020, and “Hold On (Not Too Long)” in 2021. Her newest single, “Take Me Back,” was released in August 2024. Check out an interview with the Pitch KC about the song.“
    “She’s got sass, beauty, presence, and a voice that rings true like a tuning fork to the heart — better catch her while she’s still local!”— Melvin Litton, host of the Gothic Cowboy Review]

[Megan Lutrell plays Songs in Solidarity: A Fundraiser to Benefit Immigrants’ Rights on Sunday, April 27, at 7:00pm at Lucia 1016 Massachusetts, Lawrence KC with 45 Grados Flamenco, David Luther & Kelly Dougherty, and Shapiro Brothers.]

11:00 – Station ID – SYLKYSAN as Guest Producer

WMM presents:SYLKYSAN as Guest Producer for our second hour. SYLKYSAN has been training as a new KKFI Programmer with Wednesday MidDay Medley. SYLKYSAN is the name her Aunt gave her back in the 1980s, explaining that silk comes in a variety of textures. SYLKYSAN says that you will hear a smorgasbord of music from her that will move your mind, body and soul. Go ahead and snap your fingers, tap your feet, bob your head, because we are going to have a House Party! SYLKYSAN will spin tracks from: Luther Vandross, The Gap Band, Lakeside, Tina Marie, Midnight Star, The Emotions, Atlantic Starr, Average White Band, and Earth Wind & Fire.

  1. Luther Vandross – “Bad Boys/Having a Party”
    from: Forever, For Always, For Love / Sony Music Records / September 21, 1982
    [Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr. (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) was an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer. Over his career, he achieved eleven consecutive RIAA-certified platinum albums and sold over 40 million records worldwide. Known as the “Velvet Voice”, Vandross was recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the 200 greatest singers of all time (2023) and was named one of the greatest R&B artists by Billboard. NPR also included him among its 50 Great Voices. He won eight Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year in 2004 for “Dance with My Father”. He has been inducted into both the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame. // Vandross began his music career in the late 1960s performing at the Apollo Theater in New York City as part of a local musical ensemble. The group later appeared on the television show Sesame Street in the early 1970s. He eventually established himself as a sought-after backing vocalist, contributing to albums by Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, Todd Rundgren, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Judy Collins, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Ben E. King, Stevie Wonder, and Donna Summer. In 1980, he served as the lead vocalist for the post-disco group Change on their Gold-certified album The Glow of Love, released on Warner/RFC Records. // After Vandross left the group, he was signed to Epic Records as a solo artist and released his debut solo album, Never Too Much, in 1981. The following year, he was credited as the primary producer on Aretha Franklin’s album Jump to it, which topped the Billboard R&B Albums chart. His hit songs include “Never Too Much”, “Here and Now”, “Any Love”, “Power of Love/Love Power”, “I Can Make It Better”, and “For You to Love”. He also recorded several covers of songs originally performed by other artists, including “Since I Lost My Baby”, “Superstar”, “I (Who Have Nothing)”, and “Always and Forever”. // Vandross collaborated on several notable duets, including “The Closer I Get to You” with Beyoncé, “Endless Love” with Mariah Carey, and “The Best Things in Life Are Free” with Janet Jackson of which the latter two were hit songs in his career. The tribute album So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross was released shortly after his death. In 2024, Kendrick Lamar and SZA released the chart-topping single “Luther”, paying homage to Vandross and sampling his rendition of “If This World Were Mine”, a duet with Cheryl Lynn. That same year, he was the subject of the documentary Luther: Never Too Much, which chronicles his life, career, and legacy.]

11:05 – Special Guest producer SYLKYSAN

WELCOME EVERYBODY TO MY HOUSE PARTY.

MY NAME IS SYLKYSAN AND MARK, ALONG WITH 90.1 KKFI KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO, IS LETTING ME INTRODUCE MYSELF TO THE COMMUNITY OF KKFI.

SYLKYSAN IS THE NAME MY AUNT GAVE ME IN THE 80’S AND SHE DESCRIBED TO ME, THAT SILK COMES IN A VARITY OF TEXTURES AND THAT’S THE MUSIC YOU WILL HEAR FROM ME. YOU WILL GET A SMORGASBORD OF MUSIC THAT WILL MOVE YOUR MIND, BODY, AND SOUL. SO GO AHEAD AND SNAP YOUR FINGERS, TAP YOUR FEET, BOB YOUR HEAD BECAUSE WE’RE GOING TO HAVE A HOUSE PARTY.

I STARTED THIS PARTY WITH THE LATE GREAT LUTHER VANDROSS WHO PASSED AWAY IN 2005.

LUTHER STARTED IN THE LATE 60’S AND WAS ALSO ON SESAME STREET
IN THE EARLY 70’S AND OF COURSE BECAME A SUPERSTAR.

“BAD BOYS” WAS RELEASED IN 1982.

CONTINUING THIS PARTY YOU WILL HEAR THE GAP BAND, LAKESIDE AND TINA MARIE.

11:07

  1. The Gap Band – “Humpin'”
    from: The Gap Band III / Mercury Records / December 8, 1980
    [The Gap Band was an American R&B and funk band that rose to fame during the 1970s and 1980s. The band consisted of three brothers: Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert Wilson, along with other members; it was named after streets (Greenwood, Archer, and Pine) in the historic Greenwood neighborhood in the brothers’ hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. // The band formed in Tulsa in 1967, based around the three Wilson brothers, but often included other musicians as well. The name “Greenwood, Archer, and Pine Band” originally started as a joke, reflecting the band’s origins, and was shortened to GAP Band later. The band received its first big break by being the back up band for fellow Oklahoman Leon Russell’s Stop All That Jazz album released in 1974. // Early on, the group took on a funk sound typical of the early 1970s. This style failed to catch on, and their first two LP’s, 1974’s Magicians Holiday which was recorded at Leon Russell’s historic The Church Studio and 1977’s The Gap Band (not to be confused with their 1979 album), failed to chart or produce any charting singles. Afterwards, they were introduced to Los Angeles producer Lonnie Simmons, who signed them to his production company, Total Experience Productions (named after his successful Crenshaw Boulevard nightclub), and managed to secure a record deal with Mercury Records. // On their first album with Simmons, The Gap Band, they found chart success with songs such as “I’m in Love” and “Shake”; the latter became a Top 10 R&B hit in 1979. // Later that year, the group released “I Don’t Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops!)” on their album The Gap Band II. Although it did not hit the Billboard Hot 100, it soared to number 4 in the US Billboard R&B chart, and the album went gold. The song, and the band’s musical output as a whole, became more P-Funk-esque, with expanded use of the synthesizers and spoken monologues within songs (see audio sample). The song “Steppin’ (Out)” also reached the top 10 R&B. // The band reached a whole new level of fame in 1980 with the release of the number 1 R&B and number 16 Billboard 200 hit, The Gap Band III. That album had soul ballads such as the number 5 R&B song “Yearning for Your Love”, and funk songs such as the R&B chart-topper “Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)” and “Humpin'”. They repeated this formula on the number 1 R&B album Gap Band IV in 1982 (the first album released on Simmons’ newly launched Total Experience Records), which resulted in three hit singles: “Early in the Morning” (number 1 R&B, number 13 Dance, number 24 Hot 100), “You Dropped a Bomb on Me” (number 2 R&B, number 31 Hot 100, number 39 Dance), and “Outstanding” (number 1 R&B, number 24 Dance). It was during this time that former Brides of Funkenstein singer Dawn Silva joined them on tour. // Their 1983 album, Gap Band V: Jammin’, went gold, but was not quite as successful as the previous works, peaking at number 2 R&B and number 28 on the Billboard 200. The single “Party Train” peaked at number 3 R&B, and the song “Jam the Motha'” peaked at number 16 R&B, but neither made it onto the Hot 100. The album’s closer “Someday” (a loose cover of Donny Hathaway’s “Someday We’ll All Be Free”) featured Stevie Wonder as a guest vocalist. // Their next work, Gap Band VI brought them back to number 1 R&B in 1985, but the album sold fewer copies and did not go gold. “Beep a Freak” hit number 2 R&B, “I Found My Baby” peaked at number 8 on the R&B charts, and “Disrespect” peaked at number 18. That year, lead singer Charlie Wilson and singer Shirley Murdock provided backing vocals on Zapp & Roger’s number 8 R&B “Computer Love”. // While their 1986 cover of “Going in Circles” went to number 2 on the R&B charts, and the album it was released on, Gap Band VII, hit number 6 R&B, the album almost became their first in years to miss the Billboard 200, peaking at number 159. // While they were beginning to struggle stateside, the group found their greatest success in the UK when their 1986 single “Big Fun” from Gap Band 8 reached number 4 in the UK Singles Chart. 1988’s Straight from the Heart was their last studio album with Total Experience. // The Gap Band caught a small break in 1988 with the Keenen Ivory Wayans film, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka. They contributed the non-charting “You’re So Cute” and the number 14 R&B title track to the film (The first was not on the soundtrack, but was used in the film). Their first song on their new label, Capitol Records, 1989’s “All of My Love” (from their album Round Trip), is, to date, their last number 1 R&B hit. The album also produced the number 8 R&B “Addicted to Your Love” and the number 18 R&B “”We Can Make it Alright.” They left Capitol Records the next year and went on a five-year hiatus from producing new material. // During the 1990s, the band released three non-charting studio albums and two live albums.]
  1. Lakeside – “Fantastic Voyage”
    from: Fantastic Voyage / Unidisc Music / January 1, 1980
    [Lakeside is an American funk band, best known for their 1980 number one R&B hit “Fantastic Voyage”. // In 1969, guitarist Stephen Shockley from Dayton, Ohio formed a group named the Young Underground after he had departed a group known as the Monterreys. Vocalist Mark Woods, who was a member of another local band called the Nomads, joined up with Shockley’s band. In 1971, the Nomads and the Young Underground took on a new, singular identity: with the addition of Thomas Shelby and Mark Wood’s sister Shirley Wood, they became Ohio Lakeside Express. // In 1971, the group became acquainted with Eddie Thomas of Curtom, a record label owned and operated by Mr. Thomas and his partner Curtis Mayfield. Eddie Thomas left Curtom to form his own label, “Lakeside”, which he named after the south-side of Chicago. Lakeside (the record label) signed Ohio Lakeside Express. Eddie Thomas had a number of producers expressing interest in producing an album for Lakeside, but nothing materialized at this stage in their career. That would soon change, as Shirley chose not to pursue her singing career, so they added Ricky Abernathy as a new singer. // At Mavericks Flats, another of the big-time venues of the day, by now they added another vocalist (Otis Stokes) to replace Ricky Abernathy, and a new percussionist (Fred Lewis). The group was seen by Dick Griffey, a promoter handling successful artists like Stevie Wonder. Impressed by the group, he offered his friendship and advice, and began informally managing Lakeside in early 1975. It was also in 1974 that Lakeside met Frank Wilson and signed a deal with Motown. Motown was promoting and prioritizing other groups, and shelved what they had produced for Lakeside. // When Frank Wilson left Motown in 1976 for ABC Dunhill, he formed his own production company named Spec-O-Lite Productions and signed Lakeside after convincing them to drop the “Ohio” and “Express”. // In 1977, Lakeside’s success began to accelerate. That year, the group released their eponymous debut album, which featured the single “If I Didn’t Have You”. About this time, the group debuted on Soul Train, performing a Beloyd Taylor and Peter Cor composition “Shine On”, which helped pave the way for future success. As Lakeside added barefoot drummer Fred Alexander, Jr., the band was approached by Whitfield Records, Motown, and Solar Records. Lakeside chose Solar Records, owned by Dick Griffey, with stablemates The Whispers, Shalamar, Midnight Star, Klymaxx, and Carrie Lucas. // Dick Griffey, the producer who had befriended and managed Lakeside since 1975, started Solar Records in 1978. At that same time, Norman Whitfield had been courting the group to sign with his Whitfield Records, but Griffey offered the group a chance to write and co-produce their own music, which Whitfield was not willing to do. // Parting amicably with Frank Wilson, Lakeside became a part of the Solar family. The band released the album Shot of Love in 1978. Their first Solar album featured songs all written by members of the band and co-produced with Solar staff producer Leon Sylvers III. With this album, the band began to find major success on the R&B charts when the single “It’s All the Way Live” reached number 4. // The band, at this point consisting of bassist Marvin Craig, drummer Fred Alexander, percussionist Fred Lewis, guitarist Steve Shockley, keyboardist Norman Beavers, guitarist/multi-instrumentalist and lead vocalist Otis Stokes, lead vocalist/keyboardist Mark Wood, occasional lead vocalists Tiemeyer McCain and Thomas Shelby found their niche with a sound that stemmed from years of playing together. The band dressed in a range of costumes on their album covers, including pirates, 1920s police officers, cowboys, Arabian knights, and even Robin Hood. // Despite the success of Shot of Love and “It’s All the Way Live”, the album Rough Riders did not fare as well. However, the following album, 1980’s Fantastic Voyage, exceeded all expectations. Its single “Fantastic Voyage” reached number one on the R&B chart. The tune remains the band’s biggest hit, also hitting the pop charts (their only single to do so), where it peaked at number 55. Fantastic Voyage was certified Gold and remains the group’s greatest achievement, and it eventually went Platinum. They followed up this hit with a remake of the Beatles’ song “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, which made the R&B top 10 again. // Subsequent to Fantastic Voyage, Lakeside released six more successful albums. More hits on the R&B charts, such as “Raid” (1983) and “Outrageous” (1984), kept the group going until their change in the late 1980s. “Bullseye” (1987) became the group’s last major hit as new jack swing began taking over the airwaves. // Tyrone Griffin, one of the later members of Lakeside, has a son in the music industry, Tyrone Griffin, Jr., known to the public as singer Ty Dolla Sign.]

11:19 – Special Guest producer SYLKYSAN

THE SECOND SONG WAS FROM THE GAP BAND, “HUMPIN”, RELEASED IN 1980.

THE BAND’S MAIN PLAYERS WERE 3 BROTHERS LAST NAME WILSON AND CHARLIE

WILSON, THE YOUNGEST IS STILL MAKING MUSIC AND TOURING GIVING
WONDERFUL SHOWS.

THE NEXT SONG IS BY THE GROUP LAKESIDE, “FANTASTIC VOYAGE”, RELEASED IN 1980.

GUITARIST STEPHEN SHOCKLEY FROM DAYTON, OHIO WAS ONE OF THE
FOUNDING MEMBERS OF THE BAND.

MOVING ON, WE ARE GOING TO LISTEN TO MS. TINA MARIE, “SQUARE BIZ”.

11:18

Teena Marie Songs
  1. Teena Marie – “Square Biz”
    from: 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Teena Marie / Motown Records / January 1, 2001
    [Originally released as a single in 1981 from Gordy Records. // “Square Biz” is a 1981 song by American R&B singer, Teena Marie. Bass player and frequent collaborator Allen McGrier is credited as the co-writer along with Marie. The song was released as a single from the album It Must Be Magic, and became one of Marie’s signature songs. The song includes a rap break, an unusual feature at the time. // Mary Christine Brockert (March 5, 1956 – December 26, 2010), known professionally as Teena Marie, was an American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and producer. She was known by her childhood nickname Tina before taking the stage name Teena Marie and later acquired the nickname Lady T, given to her by her collaborator and friend Rick James. // She was known for her distinctive and soulful soprano vocals, which caused many listeners to believe she was black. Her success in R&B and soul music, and loyalty to these genres earned her the title Ivory Queen of Soul. She played rhythm guitar, keyboards, and congas. Teena Marie was a 4 time Grammy Award nominee. // Mary Christine Brockert was born on March 5, 1956, in Santa Monica, California, the daughter of construction worker Thomas Leslie Brockert and home renovator Mary Anne. She spent her early childhood in Mission Hills, California. She said that her ethnic heritage was Belgian, Portuguese, Italian, Irish, and Native American. In 2005, while visiting Louisiana, she discovered that her paternal ancestors once lived in New Orleans. She took to singing naturally, performing Harry Belafonte’s “Banana Boat Song” by age 2. // When she was eight years old, her parents began sending Tina on auditions which, among other things, netted her an acting role on The Beverly Hillbillies, credited as Tina Marie Brockert. She later taught herself the guitar, bass, and congas. She formed a semi-professional R&B band with her younger brother Anthony and their cousin. // In the early 1970s, after the family moved to Venice, California, Brockert spent her adolescent years in the historically black Venice enclave of Oakwood, nicknamed “Venice Harlem”. There, she acquired a strong spiritual influence from neighborhood matriarch Berthalynn Jackson, a black woman who became her godmother. // While attending Venice High School, Brockert joined the Summer Dance Production and was the female lead in the school’s production of The Music Man. She also fronted a local Venice rock band “Truvair” in 1974–1975; the band’s members were her high school classmates. Following graduation, Brockert juggled auditioning for various record companies with studying English literature at Santa Monica College. // In 1976, Brockert (as the lead singer of a band she had assembled, which included long-time friend Mickey Boyce) gained an introduction to Motown Records staff producer Hal Davis (best known for his work with Brenda Holloway and the Jackson 5). It led to an audition for a film about orphans that was being developed by Motown. The project was shelved, but label boss Berry Gordy, impressed with her singing but having no need for a musical group, decided to sign her as a solo act. Tina recorded unreleased material with a number of different producers over the next few years, before being spotted by labelmate Rick James, who was immediately impressed with her sound. Some of Tina’s earlier, unreleased material has been made available on the compilation album First Class Love: Rare Tee. At the time, James, already established as a successful recording artist, was on tap to produce for Diana Ross but changed his mind and decided to work with Brockert, instead. The result was her debut album release, Wild and Peaceful. The album was, at one point, due to be credited to “Teena Tryson”, but ultimately was put out under “Teena Marie”, the name by which she was known throughout her remaining career. It scored Teena Marie her first top-ten R&B hit “I’m a Sucker for Your Love” (#8 R&B Singles Chart), a duet with James. Neither the album nor its packaging had her picture on it, and many radio programmers assumed she was black during the earliest months of her career. This myth was disproved when she performed her debut hit with James on Soul Train in 1979, becoming the show’s first white female guest. (She appeared on the show eight more times, more than any other white act.) // Her album Lady T (1980), featured her portrait on the cover, and it is noted for having production from Richard Rudolph (the widower of R&B singer Minnie Riperton). Teena Marie had asked Berry Gordy to contact Rudolph and secure his input, as Rick James was unavailable, and she felt unprepared to be sole producer of her own material. Rudolph had intended for “Now That I Have You”, a song he penned, for his wife Minnie Riperton, but offered it to Teena Marie for Lady T. Rudolph also co-composed the single “Behind the Groove”, which reached number 21 on the R&B singles chart and No. 6 on the U.K. singles chart in 1980. The song also was included on the soundtrack of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City on the Fever 105 radio station. // Also in 1980, Teena Marie released the LP Irons in the Fire, for which she handled most of the writing and production herself, an achievement considered rare at the time for a female artist. The single “I Need Your Lovin'” (#37 Pop, No. 9 R&B Singles) brought Teena Marie her first top 40 hit; it also peaked at No. 28 in the UK chart. // The same year, Teena Marie appeared on James’ album Street Songs, with the duet “Fire and Desire”. In an interview, Teena Marie said she had a fever at the time yet managed to record her vocals in one take. After the session, she was driven to a hospital. The two performed the single at the 2004 BET Awards, which was their last TV appearance with one another, as James died later that year. // Teena Marie continued her success with Motown in 1981, with the release of It Must Be Magic (#2 R&B Albums Chart), her first gold record, which included her then biggest hit on R&B, “Square Biz” (#3 R&B Singles). Other notable tracks include “Portuguese Love” (featuring a brief, uncredited cameo by James, No. 54 R&B Singles), the title track “It Must be Magic” (#30 R&B Singles). // In 1982, Teena Marie got into a heated legal battle with Motown Records over her contract and disagreements about releasing her new material. The lawsuit resulted in “The Brockert Initiative”, which made it illegal for a record company to keep an artist under contract without releasing new material for that artist. In such instances, artists are able to sign and release with another label instead of being held back by an unsupportive one. Teena Marie commented on the law in a Los Angeles Times article, saying “It wasn’t something I set out to do. I just wanted to get away from Motown and have a good life. But it helped a lot of people, like Luther Vandross and the Mary Jane Girls, and a lot of different artists, to be able to get out of their contracts. She left Motown as the label’s most successful white solo act. // Contacted by Epic Records in the fall of 1982, after expressing dismay over her Motown contract, Teena Marie signed a worldwide deal with the Columbia Records subsidiary that also allowed her to establish her own publishing company, Midnight Magnet. Epic released the concept album Robbery, which featured the hit “Fix It” (#21 R&B), as well as “Shadow Boxing” and “Casanova Brown”. The latter was one of many tracks Teena Marie wrote over the years about her real-life romance with one-time mentor Rick James. // In 1984, Teena Marie released her biggest-selling album Starchild. It yielded “Lovergirl”, her biggest hit, which peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in March 1985 and at No. 9 on the R&B chart. “Lovergirl” was included in the 2002 Jennifer Lopez movie Maid in Manhattan. The label also released the moderate R&B hit “Out on a Limb”, which peaked at No. 56 on the R&B chart but didn’t break the Hot 100. “14k” was featured on the soundtrack of the film The Goonies (1985) but this song was not a hit. // In 1986, Teena Marie released a rock music-influenced concept album titled Emerald City. She also recorded the rock-influenced track “Lead Me On”, co-produced by Giorgio Moroder, for the soundtrack of the box-office hit film Top Gun (1986). // In 1988, she returned to R&B and funk, releasing the critically acclaimed album Naked to the World. That album contained the hit “Ooo La La La”, which reached # 1 on the Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart. // Teena Marie released Ivory in the fall of 1990; it scored no pop hits, but it did experience two R&B hits: “Here’s Looking at You” (#11 R&B) and “If I Were a Bell” (#8 R&B). // Teena Marie gave birth to a daughter, Alia Rose, on December 25, 1991, whom she had with a man named Peter Butcher. Alia Rose would grow up following in her mother’s footsteps, often dueting with Marie during live shows and being featured on some of Marie’s songs on her last four albums (La Doña to Beautiful). Alia went under the name Rose LeBeau in the late 2000s. From 2015 and onward, she has since released songs under her original name. // Teena Marie was godmother to American actress and comedian Maya Rudolph, daughter of singer-songwriter Minnie Riperton, as well as Marvin Gaye’s daughter Nona Gaye. She also cared for Rick James’s son Rick, Jr. and family friend Jeremiah O’Neal. Lenny Kravitz posted a video in which he said that Teena Marie had taken him into her home and helped him when he was struggling early in his career. // In 2004, while Teena Marie was sleeping in a hotel room, a large picture frame fell and struck her on the head. The blow caused a serious concussion that resulted in momentary seizures for the rest of her life. // On the afternoon of December 26, 2010, Teena Marie was found dead by her daughter, Alia Rose, in her Pasadena home.
Midnight Star
  1. Midnight Star – “Feel So Good”
    from: No Parking On The Dance Floor / Unidisc / June 6, 1983
    [Midnight Star is an American musical group that had a string of hit records in the 1980s. // The group was formed in 1976 at Kentucky State University by trumpeter Reggie Calloway, vocalist Belinda Lipscomb, guitarist/drummer/vocalist Melvin Gentry, bassist Kenneth Gant, multi-instrumentalist Bill Simmons, keyboard player/vocalist Bo Watson and guitarist/keyboardist Jeff Cooper, as a self-contained group. They later added non-KSU student trombonist Vincent Calloway (Reginald’s younger brother). A 1978 New York City showcase inspired SOLAR Records chief Dick Griffey to sign the group. They released their debut album The Beginning (1980) with some studio musicians. In 1981 their second album, released on Solar Records, Standing Together, reached position #54 on the U.S. R&B chart. In 1982 they released the album Victory. Using elected band leader Reggie Calloway’s production skills, Midnight Star hit the U.S. R&B chart with early singles “Hot Spot” and “I’ve Been Watching You”. Drummer Bobby Lovelace joined the group in late 1982, freeing Gentry to sing and play guitar exclusively. // Midnight Star’s fourth album, No Parking on the Dance Floor, was released in 1983, and proved to be their breakout. Featuring a mix of R&B and funk with vocoder vocals, the album hit No. 2 on the Billboard magazine Top Black Albums chart and No. 27 on the Billboard Top LPs & Tape and it went double platinum in the U.S. Its first single, “Freak-A-Zoid”, went to No. 2 on the U.S. Black Singles chart. The Washington Post’s J. D. Considine argues that this song served to “establish [the] group’s stylistic identity” and that it “put Midnight Star on the pop music map because it so perfectly combined the group’s technopop tendencies with its R&B roots”[5] Other singles from the album included “Wet My Whistle”, and the title track. The album’s three singles all charted on Billboard’s Hot 100, Black Singles and dance charts. and the album tracks “Slow Jam” (co-written by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds) and “Electricity” received significant airplay. // Planetary Invasion had the same “basic sound…from the chattering electronic pulse to Vincent Calloway’s chatty vocoder” as the band’s previous release[5] and also went platinum.”Operator”, the first single, made the pop top 20 and the number one spot on the R&B chart; it remains the band’s only Billboard top 40 hit to date. // In 1985, Kool & the Gang, Midnight Star, Shalamar and Klymaxx performed at the Marriott Convention Center in Oklahoma City. The band continued to concerts in San Antonio and Little Rock. // In 1986 the band released the Headlines, which was their third album to sell at least gold. It was to be their last with the Calloway brothers. Due to irreconcilable differences with the other members, Reggie was out of the group, and Vincent left shortly thereafter. They achieved their biggest success in the UK with “Midas Touch”, which made #8, and “Headlines”, a #16 hit earlier the same year.Without the Calloways who formed the group Calloway and release an album that spawned the 1990 hit single “I Wanna Be Rich”, Midnight Star recorded two more albums, the self-titled Midnight Star and Work It Out. These two albums proved not as successful as their previous three releases, but the singles “Don’t Rock the Boat” and “Snake in the Grass” did reach the top ten on the R&B singles chart. The group went on a long hiatus, though they never officially broke up. // The group reunited in 2000 with many of the original members (including all of the singers) and released the album 15th Avenue two years later. Since then, the group has toured sporadically, most recently with a lineup that includes Belinda Lipscomb, Kenneth Gant, Melvin Gentry, Bo Watson, and Bobby Lovelace, with Bill Simmons sometimes joining as well.

11:29 – Underwriting

11:31 – Special Guest producer SYLKYSAN

BEFORE THE BREAK WE HEARD TINA MARIE, WHO DIED DECEMBER 26, 2010
AND “SQUARE BIZ” WAS RELEASED AS A SINGLE IN 1981 FROM HER ALBUM “IT MUST BE MAGIC” RELEASED IN 1980, AND SHE WAS RAPPING HER TAIL OFF, AND WAS ONE OF THE FIRST FEMALE RAPPERS. AND WE HEARD MIDNIGHT STAR AND “FEEL SO RIGHT.”

AND NOW IT’S TIME TO START TWO STEPPING WITH “LOVE IS RIGHT ON” BY THE EMOTIONS AND “TOUCH A FOUR LEAF CLOVER” BY ATLANTIC STAR.

11:32

  1. The Emotions – “Love Is Right On”
    from: Sunbeam / Sony Music / Spril 1, 1978
    [Sunbeam is the fifth studio album by the girl group the Emotions issued in April 1978 on Columbia Records. The album rose to No. 12 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 40 on the Billboard 200 chart. Sunbeam has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. // The Emotions are an American soul/R&B vocal group from Chicago. The group started out in gospel music but transitioned into R&B and disco music. The Emotions were named by VH1 as one of the 18 most influential girl groups of all time. // The group was originally a gospel outfit known as the Hutchinson Sunbeams who toured the gospel circuit with their father Joe Hutchinson. The Sunbeams sang on Jerry Van Dyke’s “Children’s Gospel” television show and also occasionally performed in the concert with Mahalia Jackson. They eventually became an R&B/Soul act with a popular following in their hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Soon being renamed as The Emotions, and now managed by Pervis Staples (formerly with the Staple Singers, another father/children gospel group), they signed with the Memphis-based Volt imprint of Stax Records in the late 1960s. Under the production of Isaac Hayes and David Porter the group issued their 1969 debut album entitled So I Can Love You on Stax. // “So I Can Love You” reached No. 43 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. The album’s “title track peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and No. 39 on the Hot 100. The single, “The Best Part of a Love Affair”, peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. // In 1970, “Heart Association” was released as single and reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. They releaseed their second album, Untouched, in 1972 on Stax Records. “Show Me How” was released as a single from the album and reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. // In 1972, the group released three more singles, each reaching the Billboard Soul Singles chart: “My Honey and Me” peaked at No. 18, “I Could Never Be Happy” reached No. 23, and “From Toys to Boys” climbed to No. 37. // The Emotions then started to work on their third studio album entitled Songs of Innocence and Experience. This LP was due to be issued in 1973, but was eventually shelved. The girl group went on to appear in the 1973 feature film Wattstax, performing the song “Peace Be Still.” The tune went on to be added to the movie’s soundtrack. Wattstax was also nominated for a Golden Globe in the category of Best Documentary. With Stax becoming defunct in 1975, the group then left the record label altogether. // The group then joined up with Columbia Records where an association with Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire brought them their greatest level of success. With White and Charles Stepney on production, The Emotions issued in 1976 their third studio album Flowers on Columbia Records. Flowers rose to No. 5 upon the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 45 on the Billboard 200. The album was also certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. The LP’s title track got to No. 16 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. Another single called “I Don’t Wanna Lose Your Love” rose to No. 4 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and No. 13 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. // Following Charles Stepney’s death in 1976, White took over producing the Emotions. During June 1977 the group issued their follow up album entitled Rejoice. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart. Rejoice has also been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA. // With the LP came the single “Don’t Ask My Neighbors” which got to the top ten on the Billboard R&B singles charts. Another song called “Best of My Love” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Pop and R&B charts and won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals, as well as an American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Single. “Best of My Love” has also been certified Platinum in the US by the RIAA. A compilation album entitled Sunshine was, in November 1977, released by Stax. Sunshine got to No. 39 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart. Dave Marsh of Rolling Stone found the album “is harder edged, more classically soulful than (Rejoice).” John Shearlaw of Record Mirror exclaimed “Old Emotions, new Emotions-they’re just as good.” Covers of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” and Carla Thomas’ “Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes)” appeared on the album.Whilst the album cut “Shouting Out Love” peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart. // During April 1978, the Emotions issued Sunbeam, their third studio album on Columbia. The album rose to No. 12 on the Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and No. 40 on the Billboard 200 chart.[19][10] John Storm Roberts of High Fidelity stated “”Sunbeam” sparkles with good tracks.” Glenn Clark of The Morning Call wrote “The best thing I can say about this LP is that I like it. The Emotions’ brand of snappy and upbeat soul is good for my soul. Maurice White, guru of Earth, Wind & Fire, produced this album, and I think he has blended well the talent he has brought together.” At this time, Wanda began dating Brothers Johnson keyboardist Wayne Vaughn, and the two composed “Come into My World” together. They were married in 1980 or ’81, and continued to write songs as a team. // Sunbeam has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.] An album cut called Smile reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart/ // During 1979, Earth, Wind & Fire collaborated with The Emotions on the single “Boogie Wonderland”. The song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 4 on the UK Pop Singles and No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot Soul Songs charts.”Boogie Wonderland” has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA and Platinum in the UK by the BPI. “Boogie Wonderland” was also Grammy nominated in the categories of Best R&B Instrumental Performance and Best Disco Recording. // Within October of that year the Emotions issued their follow up studio album again produced by White entitled Come into Our World upon Columbia, which rose to no. 35 upon the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. Jon Wall of Melody Maker wrote “throughout Come into Our World The Emotions’ superb vocal control, range and harmonic sense are displayed to maximum effect”. Wall also added “Come into Our World is one of the most appealing albums I’ve heard since Off the Wall. I can’t get the album off the turntable and I don’t want to”. Bill Rhedon of The Baltimore Sun noted that the album has “excellent material” with “simply steady, unvarying Coming at You, Soul.” A song called “What’s the Name of Your Love?” also got to no. 30 upon the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart. As well Maurice White went on to be Grammy nominated in the category of Producer of the Year Non-Classical. // Wanda and Jeanette went on to appear on Jennifer Holliday’s Grammy nominated 1983 LP Feel My Soul. Pamela and Wanda also featured on Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1983 album Electric Universe. // The Emotions’ eighth studio album entitled Sincerely was issued in 1984 on Red Label Records.The album rose to No. 3 on the UK Blues & Soul Hiplist chart and No. 33 on the US Billboard Top Soul Albums chart. Dave Hillson of Blues & Soul said The Emotions “caught the mood of eighties Soul perfectly”. Hugh Wyatt of the New York Daily News declared “this album is top shelf”. As a single, “You’re the One” reached No. 19 on the UK Blues & Soul Hiplist chart, No. 34 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and No. 11 on the UK Physical Singles chart. Another single called “You’re the Best” rose to No. 33 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. During 1985 the group also issued their subsequent studio LP entitled If I Only Knew on Motown Records. The album got to No. 11 on the UK Blues & Soul Hiplist chart. // The Emotions went on to feature on Tyler Collins 1989 album Girls Nite Out. A song off the LP that the girl group sang on called “Watcha Gonna Do?” rose to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs chart. // Jeanette and Wanda then appeared upon EWF’s 1990 album Heritage. The Emotions also guested upon Nancy Wilson’s 1990 album A Lady with a Song and jazz group Urban Knights’s 1995 LP Urban Knights I. They then featured on LL Cool J’s 1995 LP Mr. Smith which has been certified Double Platinum in the US by the RIAA. The Emotions also appeared on George Duke’s 1995 album Illusions and the Gospel Gangstaz’s 1996 album Do or Die. During 1998 they featured on an episode of Motown Live with fellow girl group Divine and made a guest appearance on Smokey Robinson’s 1999 Grammy nominated album Intimate. // During 2000, Pamela eventually rejoined the group. A year later they were bestowed with the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation. The Emotions went on to guest upon Earth, Wind & Fire’s 2003 album The Promise, which was produced by Maurice White. A song from the album featuring The Emotions called “All in the Way” rose to No. 13 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart and No. 25 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Songs chart. As well the group appeared on a 2004 PBS soul music special hosted by Patti LaBelle where they performed “Best Of My Love”. Within September of that year, Songs of Innocence and Experience were finally released by Stax. // The Emotions went on to collaborate with rapper Snoop Dogg on a track called “Life” upon his 2006 album Tha Blue Carpet Treatment. The album has been certified Gold in the US by the RIAA. The Emotions also appeared as a guest artist upon Terrace Martin’s 2016 Grammy nominated album Velvet Portraits. // On Sept. 18, 2020, Pamela Hutchinson died at 61.]
  1. Atlantic Starr – “Touch A Four Leaf Clover”
    from: The Best of Atlantic Star / A&M Records / January 1, 1986
    [Atlantic Starr is an American R&B band based in White Plains, New York. They are best known for the hits “Always”, “Secret Lovers”, “Circles”, “Silver Shadow”, and “Masterpiece”. // Atlantic Starr began in Greenburgh, New York with trumpeter Duke Jones (who left the band prior to their first recordings), drummer Porter Carroll Jr., bassist Clifford Archer, percussionist and flautist Joseph Phillips, Sheldon Tucker (guitar; parted ways with the band before the first recordings), and three brothers: David Lewis (vocals and guitar), Wayne Lewis (keyboards and vocals), and Jonathan Lewis (keyboards and trombone). The band’s membership eventually stabilized around Carroll, Archer, Phillips, the three Lewis brothers, lead singer Sharon Bryant (who was later replaced by Barbara Weathers), trumpeter William Sudderth III, and saxophonist Damon Rentie (who was later replaced by Koran Daniels). // In 1977, the band came to Westwood, California, and performed on the nightclub scene under the name “Newban,” which they agreed to change at the request of A&M Records executive Herb Alpert when they were signed. Having already agreed to keep the Starr part of an early idea for a new band name, the members decided to add the word Atlantic, because of their East Coast roots. The nine-member band were now A&M employees. // Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Atlantic Starr scored several hits on the R&B charts. However, significant crossover success (onto the pop charts) did not come until halfway into the 1980s, with the release of their album As the Band Turns (their last on A&M Records), and the single “Secret Lovers”. By this time, the band had pared itself down to a quintet, consisting of the three Lewis brothers, Phillips, and Weathers. In 1987 (after signing to Warner Bros. Records), the band solidified their pop success by scoring a No. 1 pop (and R&B) hit with “Always”, a love ballad off their album All in the Name of Love. Following this success, Weathers left for a solo career, and she was replaced by Porscha Martin for the band’s next album, 1989’s We’re Movin’ Up. Although this album was not quite as successful as its predecessors, it did produce another No. 1 R&B hit with “My First Love.” // The band continued to score hits on both the R&B and Pop charts into the early 1990s. 1991 saw the introduction of yet another new female lead singer, when Martin was replaced by Miss Black America 1986, Rachel Oliver, for the album, Love Crazy. This album featured the band’s biggest hit of the 1990s, with “Masterpiece” reaching No. 3 on both the pop and R&B charts in early 1992. The group toured to Japan in 1992 with yet another female vocalist at the helm, Crystal Blake, a studio vocalist for Stevie Wonder who had also sung the female lead parts on the minor hit title track for Eddie Murphy’s How Could It Be album and Young MC’s “Bust a Move.” // Following the release of Love Crazy, Atlantic Starr’s relationship with Warner Bros. Records dissolved, and in 1994, the band recorded one album for Arista: Time. That album was a commercial disappointment and the single “I’ll Remember You” only made it to the fifties on Billboard’s R&B and pop singles charts. Time (which was David Lewis’ last album with the band) found a fifth female singer, Aisha Tanner, replacing Oliver. And when 1999’s Legacy was distributed by the small, independent Street Solid label, Atlantic Starr unveiled yet another lineup—one that consisted of two Lewis Brothers (Wayne and Jonathan) as well as Oliver (who had returned and replaced Tanner) and a new male singer named DeWayne Woods. Although Legacy received little attention, Atlantic Starr still continues to perform today and released their 14th album, Metamorphosis in 2017, featuring L’john Epps and Melessa Pierce. // After leaving Atlantic Starr, original drummer and founding bandmember Porter Carroll Jr. released a self-titled solo album (Porter Carroll II) in 1986. This album featured contributions from several prominent musicians, including Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, and former Starr bandmate Sharon Bryant. He has continued to do session work since that time, and is currently playing percussion in Daryl Hall’s live band. // Following her exit from Atlantic Starr, singer Bryant embarked on a solo career and released an album in 1989, scoring several big hits on the R&B charts, as well as a minor Pop hit from the project. // Original saxophonist Damon Rentie went on to a solo career of his own, releasing his first solo album, Designated Hitter in 1985. His second and third solo albums followed in each successive year (1986 and 1987, respectively). He had also previously done session work with DeBarge. // Original trumpeter William Sudderth continues to follow an active schedule in the music business, performing in many diverse settings and having become one of the most sought-after horn players in the industry.]

11:41 – Special Guest producer SYLKYSAN

WE JUST LISTENED TO TINA MARIE, WHO DIED DECEMBER 26, 2010 AND “SQUARE BIZ” WAS RELEASED AS A SINGLE IN 1981 FROM HER ALBUM “IT MUST BE MAGIC” RELEASED IN 1980, AND SHE WAS RAPPING HER TAIL OFF, AND WAS ONE OF THE FIRST FEMALE RAPPERS.

“FEEL SO GOOD” BY MIDNIGHT STAR, WAS RELEASED 1983. A GROUP FORMED IN 1976 OUT OF KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY BY TRUMPETER REGGIE CALLOWAY, THE ONLY FEMALE SINGER WAS BELINDA LIPSCOMB ALONG WITH SIX OTHER MEMBERS.

THE EMOTIONS AN ALL SISTER BAND STARTED OUT IN GOSPEL AND EARLY ON, CAME UNDER THE WINGS OF ISAAC HAYES ON STAX RECORDS

AND LATER MAURICE WHITE FROM EARTH WIND AND FIRE

“YOUR LOVE IS RIGHT ON” WAS RELEASED IN 1978.

“TOUCH A FOUR LEAF CLOVER” BY ATLANTIC STAR WAS RELEASED IN 1983.

THE BAND BEGAN IN GREENBURGH, NEW YORK AND LATER ADDED THREE
BROTHERS LAST NAMES LEWIS. THE FEMALE VOICE ON THIS SONG IS SHARON BRYANT. SHE LEFT THE GROUP TO GO SOLO IN 1984.

ARE WE STILL BOBING OUR HEADS, SNAPPING OUR FINGERS OR TAPPING OUR FEET? I KNOW I AM.

NEXT I HAVE “IF I EVER LOSE THIS HEAVEN” BY THE AVERGE WHITE BAND,

11:43

  1. Average White Band – “Of I Ever Lose This Heaven (Single Edit)”
    from: Cut The Cake /Atlantic Recording Corp / June 24, 1975
    [The Average White Band (also known as AWB) were a Scottish funk and R&B band that had a series of soul and disco hits between 1974 and 1980. They were best known for their million-selling instrumental track “Pick Up the Pieces”, and their albums AWB and Cut the Cake. The band name was initially proposed by Bonnie Bramlett. They have influenced others, such as the Brand New Heavies, and been sampled by various musicians, including the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, TLC, the Beatnuts, Too Short, Ice Cube, Eric B. & Rakim, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Christina Milian, and Arrested Development, making them the 15th most sampled act in history. // AWB was formed in early 1972 in London by Alan Gorrie, and Malcolm “Molly” Duncan, with Owen “Onnie” McIntyre,[6] Michael Rosen (trumpet), Roger Ball, and Robbie McIntosh joining them in the original line-up. Hamish Stuart[8] quickly replaced Rosen. Duncan and Ball, affectionately known as the Dundee Horns, studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art (now part of the University of Dundee, but which at the time was part of the Dundee Institute of Art and Technology, now known as Abertay University), and were previously members of Mogul Thrash. Gorrie and McIntyre had been members of Forever More. McIntyre & McIntosh were used as session musicians on Chuck Berry’s recording of “My Ding-a-Ling”. // According to Duncan, members of the band had played together before in Scotland, but had moved to London separately and met up by chance at a Traffic concert. They decided to jam together; a friend heard them and remarked: “This is too much for the average white man,” which became adapted as the name of the band. // The band’s breakthrough was a support slot at Eric Clapton’s comeback concert in 1973. MCA Records released their debut album, Show Your Hand (1973), which sold poorly. Bruce McCaskill, who was Clapton’s tour manager, liked the band’s music and agreed to manage them. He borrowed money to take them to the US and to promote them. McCaskill had many contacts from his days with Clapton and managed to get Atlantic Records to sign them. The band relocated to Los Angeles and released the follow-up, AWB, better known as The White Album. It reached No. 1 and was the first of many with producer Arif Mardin. // McIntosh died of a heroin overdose at a Los Angeles party on Sept. 23, 1974.Gorrie also overdosed, but Cher kept him conscious until medical help arrived. The NME reported in January 1975 that AWB played a benefit show for McIntosh’s widow at the Marquee Club in London. McIntosh was replaced by Steve Ferrone, previously of Bloodstone, who had replaced McIntosh before in Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express. // In 1975, the single “Pick Up the Pieces”, taken from the No. 1 AWB album, reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song knocked Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good” out of No. 1 and sold over one million copies. It was awarded a gold disc by the R.I.A.A. in March 1975. It also prompted The J.B.’s, James Brown’s backup band, to record and release a song in reply, “Pick Up the Pieces, One by One”, under the name AABB (Above Average Black Band). It was both a tribute to AWB’s knowledge of funk and a tongue-in-cheek play on the Scottish band’s name. // AWB followed up with the LPs Cut the Cake (1975) and Soul Searching (1976), both big sellers and yielding further Top 40 singles. Cut the Cake was dedicated by the surviving band members to McIntosh’s memory. A double live album Person To Person was issued in late 1976. Their next LP, Benny & Us, was a collaboration with Ben E. King. // After several more albums, “Warmer Communications” (1978), “Feel No Fret” (1979) and after a switch to the U.S. Arista label, “Shine” (1980) and “Cupid’s In Fashion” (1982), AWB’s audience and sales dwindled. The group initially disbanded by 1983. Their 1980 disco hit “Let’s Go Round Again” (UK No. 12), was covered in the late 1990s by Louise. // Ferrone went on to work with Duran Duran and later with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers from 1994 until Petty’s death in 2017. Hamish Stuart joined Paul McCartney’s touring group. In 1985 Gorrie released a solo album, Sleepless Nights. // The classic lineup of Gorrie, McIntyre, Ball, Stuart, Duncan and Ferrone reunited for one last time at the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary in 1988. Gorrie, McIntyre, and Ball then continued in 1989 to record Aftershock. Alex Ligertwood (ex-Santana, Jeff Beck Group and another veteran of Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express) also appeared on this album, replacing lead singer Hamish Stuart, along with Eliot Lewis who co-wrote with Gorrie and joined the band. Ligertwood left after the album’s recording and drummer Tiger McNeil joined for the reunited band’s live shows. McNeil was with the group until 1994. He was then succeeded by Peter Abbott (ex-Blood, Sweat & Tears), who in turn was replaced by Fred “Catfish” Alias in September 1998. Drummer Adam Deitch did a two-year stint with AWB from 1999 to 2001. // Average White Band has continued recording (1997’s Soul Tattoo, 1999’s Face to Face) and touring since. Ball worked on Soul Tattoo with the group but was replaced by Fred Vigdor (aka Freddy V.) in 1996. // Brian Dunne took over the drum chair in 2001 and when Eliot Lewis left the band in September 2002 to pursue other musical opportunities (including a stint with Hall and Oates), he was replaced by Klyde Jones. // Their line-up as of 2002 became Alan Gorrie (bass guitar, guitar, lead and backing vocals), Klyde Jones (keyboards, bass guitar, guitar, lead and backing vocals), Onnie McIntyre (guitar, vocals), Freddy V (sax, keyboards, vocals), and Brian Dunne (drums). // Dunne was replaced by Rocky Bryant as drummer as of the 2006 tour. After Jones left in 2011 to join Hall and Oates, Monte Croft (keyboards, bass, guitar) and former Earth, Wind & Fire member Morris Pleasure (keyboards, bass, guitar) came in to do brief stints before Rob Aries arrived in 2013. // Brent Carter (ex-Tower of Power) has been singing with AWB since 2011. // In July 2015, Malcolm ‘Molly’ Duncan, Steve Ferrone and Hamish Stuart reunited to form The 360 Band. This is in essence one half of the classic AWB. They released an album titled Three Sixty in 2017 and performed live together along with supporting musicians. As of 2019, Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre are the only two original members left in the Average White Band. // Original tenor sax player Molly Duncan died on 8 October 2019, shortly after it had been announced that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. // In June 2023, AWB announced their final tour, Let’s Go Round Again One Last Time. “That it’s finally coming to an end is going to mean a highly emotional tour next year, but one which will mean we bow out at the top level,” Gorrie said. “Please join us in a final celebration of that journey, and to a last hurrah of epic proportions with your presence and your aye-ready appreciation!”]

11:50 – Special Guest producer SYLKYSAN

WE STILL BE STEPPING AND THERE IS NOTHING LIKE THE KANSAS CITY TWO STEP.

WE HEARD “IF I EVER LOSE THIS HEAVEN” BY AWB RELEASED IN 1975. A GROUP OUT OF SCOTLAND THAT EXPLODED ONTO THE AMERICAN SCENE IN THE LATE 70’S WITH FUNK R&B SOUND.

WE ALL KNOW ABOUT EARTH WIND AND FIRE. “IMAGINATION” WAS RELEASED 1976. I WILL SAY THEY CREATED VERY THOUGHT PROVOKING SONGS AND LOVE SONGS.

THIS IS JUST A SMALL TASTE OF WONDERFUL MUSIC I WILL BRING.

IN THE FUTURE YOU WILL HEAR JAZZ, CLASSIC ROCK, REGGAE, A LITTLE BLUES, GOSPEL AND OF COURSE SOUL R&B. SO PLEASE KEEP LISTENING TO KKFI FOR DAY AND TIME SO WE CAN CONTINUE THIS HOUSE PARTY.

I WANT TO THANK MARK MANNING, WEDNESDAY MIDDAY MEDLEY AND 90.1 KKFI – KANSAS CITY COMMUNITY RADIO FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO INTRODUCE MYSELF,

HELLO EVERYONE MY NAME IS SYLKYSAN FOR SYLKYSAN SENSATIONS
PEACE BYE FOR NOW

WE WILL CLOSE WITH “IMAGINATION” BY EARTH WIND AND FIRE

11:52

  1. Earth Wind & Fire – “Imagination”
    from: Spirit / Columbia Records / September 1, 1976
    [Earth, Wind & Fire (abbreviated as EW&F or EWF) is an American band formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1969. Their music spans multiple genres, including jazz, R&B, soul, funk, disco, pop, Latin and Afro-pop. They are among the best-selling bands of all time, with sales of over 90 million records worldwide. // The band was formed by Maurice White, originating out of the Salty Peppers; its history includes a hiatus from mid-1984 to mid-1987. Prominent members have included Verdine White, Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, Larry Dunn, Al McKay, Roland Bautista, Robert Brookins, Sonny Emory, Freddie Ravel, Ronnie Laws, Sheldon Reynolds and Andrew Woolfolk. The band is known for its kalimba sound, dynamic horn section, energetic and elaborate stage shows, and the contrast between Bailey’s falsetto and Maurice’s tenor vocals. // The band has won six Grammy Awards out of 17 nominations, and four American Music Awards out of 12 nominations. They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, and Hollywood’s Rockwalk, and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The band has also received an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award, a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, a Soul Train Legend Award, a NARAS Signature Governor’s Award, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2012 Congressional Horizon Award, and the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019. Rolling Stone has called them “innovative, precise yet sensual, calculated yet galvanizing” and declared that the band “changed the sound of black pop”. VH1 has described EWF as “one of the greatest bands”.]
  1. Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
    from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]

NEXT WEEK, on April 30 – Special Guests include: Enrique Chi of Making Movies, ALBER, The Forcefields, and the band, She Said!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show #1092

WMM Playlist from April 16, 2025

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, April 16, 2025

WMM presents New & MidCoast Releases + Jaclyn Danger, Simon Huntley, & J. Ashley Miller of THE LOVE NOTE featuring Marmoppes at The Strand Theater

  1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
    from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
    [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
  1. Deep Sea Diver – “Billboard Heart (Radio Edit)”
    from: Billboard Heart / Sub Pop Records / February 28, 2025
    [Seattle’s Deep Sea Diver released Billboard Heart, their fourth album, and wide-screened Sub Pop debut. The new long-player includes the “Billboard Heart”, along with highlights “What Do I Know,” “Emergency,” “Let Me Go,” her collaboration with Grammy-winner Madison Cunningham, and the guttural single “Shovel.” // Billboard Heart immediately puts Deep Sea Diver in the company of St. Vincent, TV on the Radio, and Flock of Dimes, bands that have found newly ornate and magnetic ways to make indie rock by discarding notions of how it must sound or what it must say. Dobson punches through her past here. As she howls during Billboard Heart’s rapturous title track, she is “welcoming the future by letting go of it.” // It is a coup, a triumph over self-doubt in which what first felt like failure became an opportunity to find new freedom, belief, and strength. You can hear it in each of these eleven songs, the beating heart that makes everything here feel like a new anthem for finding your own way forward. // Billboard Heart was written and performed by primary songwriter and guitar player Jessica Dobson, and her partner, drummer and band co-writer Peter Mansen, and synth player Elliot Jackson. Additional contributions include former The Shins’ bandmate Yuuki Matthews, Caroline Rose, and Greg Leisz. Billboard Heart was produced by Jessica Dobson and Andy D. Park, with additional production from Adam Schatz, mixed by Park, and mastered by Greg Calbi and Steve Fallone. // You can watch the single-take official video for “Shovel,” directed by Tyler Kalberg and Deep Sea Diver. Dobson says of the track and visual, “‘Shovel’ is one of the most angular and dualistic songs I’ve written, and I wanted to do a one-shot video that captured the grit, rawness, and intensity of the song. Simply put, it is me digging and dancing with a shovel in the middle of the night, desperately looking for beauty in dark places. Influenced by Lynch, the Cohen brothers, Nick Cave, and the sweet dance moves of Kate Bush.” // “Frontwoman Jessica Dobson’s powerful voice and gnarled guitar solos grant the Seattle band’s propulsive, riff-laden indie rock a new level of yearning intensity.” – Pitchfork // “Billboard Heart could propel Deep Sea Diver to the greatest of heights: mild indie stardom. Or at least it should, because this record is very good. But even if they aren’t headlining Pearl Jam-sized arenas this time next year, the sounds of Billboard Heart could fill one.” – PASTE // “There is plenty to unpack with plenty of anthemic moments but also moments of calm that help the epic tracks to soar even more. Dobson’s vocals and guitar work are both captivating throughout in a record that rarely has a dull moment and is full of spirit and spark from start to finish.” – CLASH]
  1. Stereolab – “Aerial Troubles”
    from: Instant Holograms On Metal Film, / Duophonic UHF / Warp. Records / May 23, 2025
    [Stereolab are an Anglo-French avant-pop band formed in London in 1990. Led by the songwriting team of Tim Gane and Lætitia Sadier, the group’s sound features influences from krautrock and 1960s French pop music, often incorporating a repetitive motorik beat with the use of vintage electronic keyboards and female vocals sung in English and French. Their lyrics have political and philosophical themes influenced by the Surrealist and Situationist art movements. While performing, they play in a more feedback-driven and guitar-oriented style. Since the mid-1990s, the band have drawn from funk, jazz and Brazilian music. // Stereolab were formed by Gane (guitar and keyboards) and Sadier (vocals, keyboards and guitar) after the break-up of McCarthy. The two were romantically involved for fourteen years and are the group’s only consistent members. Other longtime members included 1992 addition Mary Hansen (backing vocals, keyboards and guitar), who died in 2002, and 1993 addition Andy Ramsay (drums). The High Llamas’ leader Sean O’Hagan (guitar and keyboards) was a member from 1993 to 1994 and continued appearing on later records for occasional guest appearances. // Throughout their career, Stereolab have achieved moderate commercial success. The band were released from their recording contract with Elektra Records, and their self-owned label Duophonic signed a distribution deal with Too Pure and later Warp Records. After a ten-year hiatus, the band reunited for live performances in 2019. // Stereolab announces their first new record in 15 years. It includes 13 new studio recordings as well as guest contributions from Cooper Crain, Rob Frye, Ben LaMar Gay, Ric Elsworth, Holger Zapf, Marie Merlet and Molly Read. Alongside the announcement, the group shares a first glimpse into their forthcoming project with first single “Aerial Troubles.” // Instant Holograms On Metal Film will be available on double vinyl LP in standard and colour variants, as well as compact disc and digital formats. The album will arrive two days ahead of the launch of their world tour in Brussels on May 25th. They will then take their discography across Europe with dates in Berlin, Amsterdam, and Paris, among others. They’ll be kicking off the North American leg of the tour this coming October with shows across the United States before heading back to perform a string of shows across the UK. ]
  1. RxGhost – “Anytime But Now”
    from: “Anytime But Now” – “Undersaid”- Singles / Celery Wolf / March 14, 2025
    [RxGhost is: Josh Thomas on vocals & guitar, Justin Brooks on drums, James Capps on guitar, Chris Smead on bass, and Jeremiah James Gonzales. Scaffolding was produced by RxGhost, recorded and mixed by Paul Malinowski at Massive Sound Studios and Recording engineer by Josh Thomas. Music by RxGhost and Lyrics by Josh Thomas. RxGhost released their album Scaffolding on April 11, 2024, part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2024. More info at: rxghost.bandcamp.com]
  1. Gigi Perez – “Sailor Song”
    from: At the Beach, in Every Life / Outahere / April 25, 2025
    [Gigi Perez has announced her debut full-length album. The record is called At the Beach, In Every Life and is due out April 25. It includes Perez’s breakout single, “Sailor Song.” // “This is the album I needed to listen to when I was twenty years old following the passing of my older sister, Celene,” Perez says. “It’s taken years to process, and seeing how it’s colored everything in my life, it feels like a flag down in the sand at a checkpoint rather than a destination. And there was water everywhere for miles, and a girl met me there every time. I have been loved through my grief.” // Perez will launch a U.S. headlining tour April 23 in New York City. Her 2025 schedule also includes dates opening for Hozier and Mumford & Sons.Gianna Brielle Perez was born February 4, 2000, known professionally as Gigi Perez or simply Gigi, is an American singer-songwriter. Born in New Jersey and raised in Florida, she went viral on TikTok for her songs “Celene” and “Sometimes (Backwood)” and spent a period signed to Interscope Records, on which she released the 2023 EP How to Catch a Falling Knife. After leaving the label, she released “Sailor Song”, which peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Sailor Song” topped the charts in Ireland, Latvia, and the United Kingdom, and peaked within the top ten of the charts in various countries, including New Zealand and Norway. She has also supported Coldplay on their Music of the Spheres World Tour, Noah Cyrus on her The Hardest Part Tour, girl in red on her Doing It Again Tour and D4vd on his The Root of It All Tour. // Gianna Brielle Perez was born on February 4, 2000, in Hackensack, New Jersey, and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida.: 0:49  She spent a year at a comprehensive before moving to a Christian school.: 8:39  Perez is a lesbian and has credited “Girls Like Girls” by Hayley Kiyoko with helping her accept her sexuality. She began writing songs aged fifteen and began releasing music in 2018 while in high school as part of the band Wendy Lane. Perez attended Berklee College of Music but left due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. She had an older sister, Celene, who died in July 2020, shortly after which Perez’s partner broke up with her.: 29:34  To cope with her grief, she began uploading videos to TikTok to kill time. She went viral in early 2021 after releasing “Celene” and then “Sometimes (Backwood)”, both of which went viral on TikTok, prompting Interscope Records to sign her. // Perez released a further single, “The Man”, in June 2022, a track about expectations faced by men She supported Coldplay on their Music of the Spheres World Tour later that month at their Florida stadium show. She has stated in interviews to have received the offer to do so on her 22nd birthday and in February 2022. She then released “When She Smiles”, a song about a toxic relationship inspired by Ariana Grande, Imogen Heap, and “When Jamie Smiles” from the Ryan Reynolds film Just Friends, and “Glue”, a track written in late 2020 about clinging to a relationship after bereavement. In October 2022, she supported Noah Cyrus on her The Hardest Part Tour and released “Figurines”. In February 2023, she supported D4vd on his The Root of It All Tour. In March, by which time she was based in Brooklyn, she released “Sally” and announced an EP, How to Catch a Falling Knife, which comprised eight songs composed three years earlier. The EP took its title from the stock market term “never try to catch a falling knife”, as she felt it represented what she had put into the project, and was released in April 2023 alongside a music video for focus track “Kill for You”. // In March 2024, after being released from Interscope Records, she released “Normalcy”, a queer love song she had first promoted in December 2022 on TikTok; she followed this a month later with “Please Be Rude”. // In July 2024, she released the single “Sailor Song”, an acoustic queer ballad about a woman who looked like Anne Hathaway. The track went viral on TikTok, and peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Some conservative Christian communities complained about the line “I don’t believe in God, but I believe that you’re my saviour”, prompting Perez to remind her followers that her songwriting was “not a democracy”. She signed to Island Records in September 2024.]
  1. Danny Cox – “What a Time To Be Free”
    from: Feel So Good / Casablanca Records / 1974
    [Recorded at Bell Sound Studios, New York, January-March, 1974. In 2021 Danny Cox digitally released YOUNG AND HOT (LIVE AT COWTOWN BALLROOM) EP on July 27, 2021. Danny Cox was born in 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a folk singer and songwriter best known for his 1974 LP album Feel So Good. Danny Cox moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1967. As a youth, he sang in a church choir together with Rudolph Iseley, and in the 1960s he started his professional career performing on a Hootennany Folk Tour. Cox has recorded albums for ABC Dunhill, Casablanca, MGM and others. He also partnered a company called Good Karma Productions, run by the KC based Vanguard Coffee House owner Stan Plesser, who managed the acts of Brewer & Shipley, and The Ozark Mountain Daredevils.]

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

  1. Valerie June – ”Inside Me”
    from: Owls, Omens, and Oracles / Concord Records / April 11, 2025
    [Rooted in the belief that what we focus on is what we manifest, June dreams a song path forward with Owls, Omens, and Oracles that leaves no one behind. Halfway through a decade of immense and rapid global change, June asserts a multidimensional Blackness steeped in laughter, truth, magic, delight, and interdependence. This album is a radical statement to break skepticism, surveillance, and doom scrolling – let yourself celebrate your aliveness. Connect, weep, change, open. Throughout the M. Ward-produced Owls, Omens, and Oracles, Juneʼs distinctive Tennessee twang grips the listener. Visceral twists and a fierceness of raw emotion thread textures and tones through the needle of a multi-genre American quilt, striking against notions that voices should always sound polished and pretty. Gracefulness and gentleness harmonize with dissonance, edginess, and precarity in the sharpest parts of her voice. // Juneʼs singular sound is a North Star as steady and undeniable as any true love story, telling us to “trust the path.” She is inviting us out of the small boxes that keep us apart from each other, her music creating a space where we are already together, already one. The horizon changes as we get closer to it, but our artist is sure-footed in the face of uncertainty and change. She wants everyone who listens to this music to want to be alive, to love, co-creating a future together. Recently Valerie June returned to CBS Saturday Morning where she performed several songs off Owls, Omens, and Oracles. Accompanied by her band, she played lead single “Joy, Joy!,” the unreleased “All I Really Wanna Do,” and debuted “Endless Tree,” a song that was released on Tuesday as a single with an accompanying video. Juneʼs spirited performance gives a taste of what to expect on the upcoming Owls, Omens, and Oracles Tour, which kicks off next week and runs through late June. // Valerie June Hockett was born January 10, 1982, known as Valerie June, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Her sound encompasses a mixture of folk, blues, gospel, soul, country, Appalachian and bluegrass. She is signed to Concord Music Group worldwide. // Born in Jackson, Tennessee on January 10, 1982, June is the oldest of five children. As a child growing up in Humboldt, June was exposed to gospel music at her local church and R&B and soul music via her father, Emerson Hockett. As a teenager, her first job was with her father, owner of Hockett Construction in West Tennessee, and a part-time promoter for gospel singers and Prince, K-Ci & JoJo, and Bobby Womack. She helped by hanging posters in town. Her father died in late 2016. // June relocated to Memphis in 2000 and began recording and performing at the age of 19, initially with her then-husband Michael Joyner, in the duo Bella Sun. After her marriage ended, she began working as a solo artist, combining blues, gospel and Appalachian folk in a style that she describes as “organic moonshine roots music”, and learning guitar, banjo, and lap-steel guitar. She became associated with the Memphis-based Broken String Collective. // In 2009 she was a featured artist on MTV’s online series $5 Cover (following the lives of Memphis musicians attempting to make ends meet), and in 2010 she recorded the EP Valerie June and the Tennessee Express, a collaboration with Old Crow Medicine Show. // In 2011 she was honored by the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission at the Emissaries of Memphis Music event. She raised funds to record an album with producer Craig Street via Kickstarter.com, raising $15,000 in 60 days. Later that year she relocated from Memphis to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Shortly after, record producer Kevin Augunas introduced June to Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, which led to the recording of June’s album Pushin’ Against a Stone in July 2011, which was co-written and produced by Dan Auerbach and Kevin Augunas. // In 2012, June performed with producer John Forté on a collaboration called Water Suites (on the hip-hop-blues song “Give Me Water”), and with Meshell Ndegeocello on the song “Be My Husband”. She contributed The Wandering’s 2012 album Go on Now, You Can’t Stay Here: Mississippi Folk Music Volume III. In 2012 she performed in the UK for the first time, playing at Bestival and appearing on Later… with Jools Holland. // She has received substantial radio play in Europe on BBC Radio 6, including a feature on Cerys on 6 with Cerys Matthews. Mary Anne Hobbs of XFM has said of June: “This woman has already touched my heart, she really, really has.” // In February 2013, June was invited to support Jake Bugg on the UK leg of his tour. In March 2013, June performed two nights at South By Southwest. The first performance was on March 14 as part of the Heartbreaker Banquet. On March 16, June performed again, this time as part of The Revival Tour. Rolling Stone June’s second album, The Order of Time one of the 50 Best Albums of 2017, citing “her handsomely idiosyncratic brand of Americana, steeped deep in electric blues and old-time folk, gilded in country twang and gospel yearning….a blend of spacey hippie soul, blues and folk with June’s pinched, modern-Appalachian voice at the center”. In a 2017 interview, Bob Dylan was asked what artists he listened to and respected; June was among the artists he mentioned in reply. More info at: http://www.valeriejune.com]
  1. Aretha Franklin – “Something He Can Feel”
    from “Music from the Warner Bros. Picture Sparkle / Curtom – Atlantic Records / May 5, 1976
    [“Something He Can Feel” was composed by Curtis Mayfield for the 1976 film Sparkle. The song, a love ballad in a Chicago-/Philly-soul style, became a #1 hit on the Billboard’s R&B singles chart in the U.S. twice with two separate recordings: a 1976 version by Aretha Franklin from the film’s soundtrack, and a 1992 cover by En Vogue . // In the original 1976 version of the film Sparkle, the song is performed by “Sister & the Sisters”, with Lonette McKee on lead vocal, and Irene Cara & Dwan Smith on backing vocals. The version of “Something He Can Feel” present on the film’s soundtrack album replaces the vocal tracks with those of Aretha Franklin and the Kitty Haywood Singers, with the instrumental tracks remaining the same. //Sparkle revolves around the lives of the members of Sister & the Sisters, a 1960s Motown-esque girl group, and “Something He Can Feel” is present in the film as part of their repertoire. Franklin’s recording of the song was issued as the first single from the album, and became a number-one hit on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart, peaking at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Franklin’s only pop Top 40 hit during the second half of the 1970s. // Sparkle would be remade in 2012, as would “Something He Can Feel”, this time performed by Carmen Ejogo on lead vocal with Jordin Sparks and Tika Sumpter on backing vocals. In an allusion to Aretha Franklin’s version of the song and soundtrack, Sister & Her Sisters perform “Something He Can Feel” as part of a live TV performance headlined by Franklin. // Franklin’s version of the song was featured in the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, being performed by contestants Jujubee and Tatianna in a “lipsync for your life”. // Aretha Louise Franklin was born March 25, 1942 and died August 16, 2018. She was a singer, songwriter and pianist. Honored as the “Queen of Soul”, she was twice named by Rolling Stone magazine as the greatest singer of all time. // As a child, Franklin was noticed for her gospel singing at New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where her father C. L. Franklin was a minister. At the age of 18, she was signed ato Columbia Records. While her career did not immediately flourish, Franklin found acclaim and commercial success once she signed with Atlantic Records in 1966. She recorded albums such as I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You (1967), Lady Soul (1968), Spirit in the Dark (1970), Young, Gifted and Black (1972), Amazing Grace (1972), and Sparkle (1976), before experiencing problems with the record company. Franklin left Atlantic in 1979 and signed with Arista Records. Her success continued with the albums Jump to It (1982), Who’s Zoomin’ Who? (1985), Aretha (1986) and A Rose Is Still a Rose (1998). // Franklin is one of the best-selling music artists, with more than 75 million records sold worldwide. She charted 112 singles on the US Billboard charts, including 73 Hot 100 entries, 17 top-ten pop singles, 96 R&B entries and 20 number-one R&B singles. Her best-known hits include “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)” (1967), “Respect” (1967), “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” (1967), “Chain of Fools” (1967), “Ain’t No Way” (1968), “Think” (1968), “I Say a Little Prayer” (1968), “Call Me” (1970), “Don’t Play That Song (You Lied)” (1970), “Spanish Harlem” (1971), “Rock Steady” (1971), “Day Dreaming” (1972), “Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)” (1973), “Something He Can Feel” (1976), “Jump to It” (1982), “Freeway of Love” (1985), “Who’s Zoomin’ Who” (1985), “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” (a duet with George Michael, 1987) and “A Rose Is Still a Rose” (1998). She also made a featured appearance in the 1980 musical-comedy film The Blues Brothers. // Franklin received numerous honors through her career. She won 18 Grammy Awards out of 44 nominations, including the first eight awards given for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (1968–1975), as well as a Grammy Living Legend Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also awarded the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 1987, she became the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Her other inductions include the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2012, and posthumously the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 2020.In 2019, the Pulitzer Prize jury awarded her a posthumous special citation “for her indelible contribution to American music and culture for more than five decades.]

10:29 – Underwriting

  1. Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark – “Soft Landing”
    from: Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark / Lost River Sound / August 9, 2024
    [Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark released Cindergarden (A Sides) on May 22, 2022. They released Cindergarden (B Sides) on June 21, 2023. Kirstie Lynn is a classically trained soprano with a passion for songwriting, always looking to marry poetry and melody. Though Kirstie’s voice has been compared to that of Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez, her sound is uniquely her own. Kirstie Lynn is a folk singer-songwriter originally from the fingerlakes region of upstate, NY. She began her professional music studies at the age of 15, and has since received both a Bachelor’s degree from Shenandoah University and a Master’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University in voice and opera performance. Her vocal training lends her the freedom to paint her nature inspired lyrics with a wide range and a beautiful and effortless sound. Kirstie Lynn is one half of the duo Kirstie Lynn and Galen Clark. // Galen Clark introduces an alternative perspective and approach to music that contains multitudes. Migratory melodies, multi-instrumental fluency, and mysterious texture all outline the stylings of the newly transplanted Cuyahoga Valley songwriter, producer, and musician. // Born into an Air Force family, Clark grew up in many places with family anchors in Vermont and Colorado. At the age of 9 following many failed piano lessons, Clark’s grandparents gifted him a Harmony parlor guitar from a Shelburne flea market, starting a journey that would span almost 2 decades of stylistic development, a plethora of ephemeral bands, a degree in music production and recording technology, and a refined take on songwriting. .. Sharing songs spanning the stoic mountains of Idaho’s lost river range to the ancient hum of the Shenandoah Valley, Galen draws upon energy strewn between varied time and place, a broader quest for belonging, and rejuvenation beyond the front door. Clark’s previous records, Providence (2018) and The Well (2020) offer a contemplative portrait of moods in natural ambiguity, collective consciousness, and introspection. His most recent collaboration with Kansas City – based artist, Kirstie Lynn is a reckoning that is to be heard live and will transport you elsewhere if not in mind than in spirit.][Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark joined us live on WMM on June 21. // Kirstie Lynn played IN THE ROUND with Calvin Arsenia, Julia Othmer, and Christena Graves at The Bauer, 115 West 18th Street, in KCMO’s West Crossroads, Oct. 17.]

[Kristie Lynn with Hunger Peebles and Naytalir Prauser play Knuckleheads, 2715 Rochester Street KCMO, TONIGHT, Wednesday, April 16, at 7:00pm.]

  1. Old Sound – “Relics of a Small Town”
    from: Liquid Folk Vol. 01 / Old Sound / April 25, 2025
    [Liquid Folk Vol. 01 contains the first two singles to be released by the band, throughout the next few months leading up to their next full-length reklease.“Relics of a Small Town” & “Signs of Life” – Singles Greg Herrenbruck on bass & vocals; Grady Keller on mandolin, acoustic guitar & vocals; Chad Brothers on acoustic guitar & vocals. // On October 6, 2020 Old Sound released their album DELUGE. Recorded at Temple Sounds in Kansas City. The new album was produced by Old Sound, Brendan Moreland and Phil Wade. The album was engineered and mixed by Brendan Moreland and Mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Sound Lab. // “Deluge” dives deep into the band’s 20-year chemistry, showcasing the band’s acoustic soundscapes and strong three-part harmony. The wide range of songwriting contains lyrics concerning life, love, self-expression, capitalism, climate change, police brutality, the demise of our country, death, and much more. Grady Keller plays guitar and mandolin, Greg Herrenbruck plays bass and Chad Brothers plays lead guitar. All sing. The three members have been creating music together in some fashion for more than 20 years. Greg Herrenbruck & Chad Brothers grew up together as friends in Winfield, Kansas. Winfield is the home of the Walnut Valley Festival. As young college students at Kansas State University they met Grady Keller. The trio has shared many years of picking, camping and performing at the Walnut Valley Festival. Old Sound, is a synthesis of the ideas, techniques, songs and stories we’ve found in those campground. // In 2014 they released their debut recording RAIN FOLLOWS THE PLOW, Recorded and produced by Phil Wade at his studio, Alluvial Fan.More info at: http://www.oldsoundmusic.com]
  1. Champ – “Do It Again Do It Again”
    from: Sampler EP / Champ / March 27, 2025
    [Debut EP, Sampler, from Kansas City, Missouri power pop trio Champ. // Champ began as a recording project of prolific singer-songwriter and DIY punk rocker Bennett Weaver in 2019. That year, Weaver released a four-song demo via Bandcamp, singing and playing every instrument himself. // Now, roughly five years later, Weaver has recruited his longtime friends and collaborators Jack Marsh (bass/backing vocals) and Iggy Audley (drums) to make Champ a full-fledged band (Weaver maintains vocal and guitar duties). // Weaver and Marsh spent 2024 and the early months of 2025 crafting the three songs featured on Sampler. What they came up with were some of their most mature arrangements and some of their catchiest hooks yet, without sacrificing an ounce of the raw emotion that inspired them. // Album art by Lucy Isadora. // Recorded by Lance Rutledge. // Mastered by Justin Mantooth.]

[Champ plays Howdy, 6523 Stadium Dr., KCMO Sun, April 27 w/ Skinman, Refuse To Thrive, Failure Drill]

[Champ plays Howdy, 6523 Stadium Dr, KCMO on Fri, May 23 w/ Gripe, Total Sham, J*ckoffs]

[Champ plays Hitt Records, 10 Hitt St., Columbia, MO on Fri, June 6 w/ Highway Demon]

  1. Wet Leg – “catch these fists (Radio Edi)”
    from: moisturizer / Domino Recording Co / July 17, 2025
    [Wet Leg – the Isle of Wight five piece founded by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers – have announced their eagerly anticipated second album moisturizer will be released on July 17.. Alongside the album announcement, the band also share the first taste of moisturizer with its frenetic, alluringly combative lead single “catch these fists.” Kicking things off with an untamable, electrified groove and from its opening seconds, “catch these fists” is dance-punk par excellence – bass notes ricocheting off a wall of howling synth, thunderous beat catching strays from Teasdale’s cruel deadpan. The video, directed by the band and shot on the island, nods to Ti West, Cameron Crowe and their own “Wet Dream” video and is a suitably off-kilter introduction to moisturizer valley. // Teasdale previously felt allergic to writing love songs, moisturizer is defined by its sheer exuberance and Teasdale ended up finding the process empowering. That new sense of ownership extends to moisturizers album art, an instant-classic freak-fest in which Chambers and Teasdale bare long, ghoulish claws; Teasdale, sporting long, kitschy socks and sans eyebrows, grins fiendishly into the camera. It reflects the album, moisturizer is the band turning the dial up and delivering a record that is unapologetically bolder, stronger and raunchier. // Wet Leg is a British indie rock band from the Isle of Wight, founded in 2019 by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers. The band came to prominence in 2021 when their debut single, “Chaise Longue”, became a viral hit. Their self-titled debut album was released on April 8 2022. // Teasdale and Chambers first met at Isle of Wight College. After ten years of friendship, they became a musical duo in 2019 under the name Wet Leg, signed with Domino Recording Company. They chose the name by playing a game picking different emoji combinations and getting to Wet Leg, it stuck. Their debut single, “Chaise Longue”, was released on June 15, 2021, and gained media notice for earning millions of streams and video views. Their second single, “Wet Dream”, was released on 28 September 2021. Variety noted, “It’s rare that a new group releases two songs and they’re both great”. They appeared on Later… with Jools Holland on BBC2, on 30 October 2021. On 29 November 2021, they announced their debut self-titled album, released on 8 April 2022 via Domino. The same day, Wet Leg released the double-single “Too Late Now” / “Oh No”. // In an interview with Diffus, the band stated that their name came from a regional epithet from the Isle of Wight to describe non-islanders on the island. Those who had crossed the Solent to enter the isle were said to have a wet leg from getting off the boat. // Teasdale had performed for many years on the Isle of Wight as a local musician and pianist, and prior to forming Wet Leg, was known as RHAIN and was linked to the music scene in Bristol. In 2013 Teasdale performed as RHAIN her song “Humdrum Drivel”. In 2014 she was photographed Lucy Dacus’ new album, her fourth solo record, Forever Is A Feeling via Geffen Records. The album’s release comes replete with a special performance video for new single “Bullseye” – featuring acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Hozier – and filmed for legendary Irish television show Other Voices at the National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin last week. Dacus first met Hozier, one of her favorite artists, when he joined boygenius onstage at their show in Boston in September 2023. She later invited him to duet with her on “Bullseye”, a song about a breakup in which she felt both partners’ respective voices should be portrayed. // Shortly after boygenius’ multiple GRAMMY wins in January 2024, Lucy recorded Forever Is A Feeling in Los Angeles with an array of collaborators that includes Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, Blake Mills, Bartees Strange, Madison Cunningham, Collin Pastore, Jake Finch and Melina Duterte. // The album’s debut single, “Ankles”, was debuted with a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in January and recently hit the top ten at AAA Radio in the U.S – marking Dacus’ first top ten radio hit as a solo artist. Dacus will embark on the Forever Is A Feeling Tour beginning in Philadelphia on April 16th. Support comes from special guest Katie Gavin (of MUNA) and jasmine.4.t. The tour, her largest to date, includes Radio City Music Hall in New York, two nights at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles and two nights at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, before heading to the UK and Europe in June. All dates below.
  1. Lucy Dacus – “Ankles”
    from: Forever is a Feeling/ Dirty Hit Records / February 21, 2025
    [Lucy Elizabeth Dacus was born May 2, 1995. She is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Dacus first gained fame following the release of her debut album, No Burden (2016), which led to a deal with Matador Records. Historian, her second album, was released in 2018 to critical acclaim. Home Video, her third studio album, was released in 2021. Forever is a Feeling, her fourth album, was released in 2025. // In addition to her solo work, Dacus is also a member of the indie supergroup Boygenius, with Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers. The band has released one studio album and two EPs to critical acclaim and widespread touring. The band won 3 Grammy Awards in 2024, including Best Alternative Music Album. They also became the first all-female band to win Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance. // In October 2023, Rolling Stone named Dacus the 213th-greatest guitarist of all time, noting: “[her] guitar is as essential an instrument as her voice”. // Lucy Elizabeth Dacus was adopted as an infant and grew up in Mechanicsville, Virginia, a suburb of Richmond. She is of Uzbek and Irish descent.[8] Her adoptive mother is a professional pianist and music teacher, and her adoptive father is a graphic designer. Dacus had an early interest in music, and bought her first guitar, an Ibanez, from Craigslist when she was in middle school. After graduating from Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School in 2013, she began studying film at Virginia Commonwealth University, but left to avoid student debt and the “feeling of being misunderstood” in her university program. Prior to becoming a full-time musician, she was employed by Richmond Camera as an editor for children’s school photos. During this time, she wrote approximately 30 songs, nine of which would make up the tracklist of No Burden.]

[Lucy Dacus brings her a Forever is a Feeling Tour to The Midland Theatre 1228 Main St. KCMO on Wednesday May 7.at 7:15pm with Katie Gavin & jasmine.4.t]

  1. Jackie Myers – “What About The Butterfly”
    from: “What About The Butterfly” – Single / Jackie Myers / March 20, 2025
    [Second single from upcoming album What About The Butterfly to be released May 18, 2025. // In his online sitte The Plastic Sax Bill Brownlee writes: “Witnessing the transformation of Jackie Myers from a peripheral figure on Kansas City’s jazz scene to one of the region’s most compelling artists has been extraordinarily gratifying. Quietly upping her game in incremental steps, Myers’ resolute work in recent years is reaping dividends. // On any given night, Myers applies her talents in a variety of contexts in Kansas City cafés, restaurants and barrooms. The variety of sounds- pop, rock, blues and, yes, jazz- coalesce on What About the Butterfly. The new album marks the culmination of a remarkable metamorphosis. // Not only is What About the Butterfly superior to Myers’ previous recordings, the album makes most jazz-rooted efforts seem unimaginative and simplistic. Her ambitions extend well beyond conventional Kansas City jazz. // Support from elite collaborators including Bobby Watson helps the album compare favorably to the arty pop of Laura Nyro, the contemporary soul of Cory Henry and the fastidiousness of Jacob Collier. Rarely has Kansas City been the setting for a more pleasing musical glow-up. ” – Read more at http://www.plasticsax.com // Jackie Myers is a jazz pianist, composer, and singer. She is a transplant from Austin Texas, where she performed in the indie touring circuit for almost a decade. She has been playing in Kansas City since December of 2017 with shows that feature a mix of jazz standards and original compositions. Since then she has held residencies at several notable jazz venues in Kansas City, including but not limited to, Corvino Supper Club, Chaz on the Plaza, and Green Lady Lounge. She also held the position of Music Director and piano player for the nationally syndicated radio show – 12th Street Jump – taped live in Kansas City until 2020, when the show ended. // During the pandemic, Jackie was able to continue performing through live streaming from her home and she produced a series of 9 concerts called “Kansas City Drive-ins” that featured artists including Bobby Watson, The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, Eddie Moore, and Beau Bledsoe. The series was well attended and brought jazz back to its audience in a time when the venues could not host. Myers boasts a catalog of 7 albums and is currently working on her 8th. At her live shows, audiences are treated to Myers’ innovative and fluid keyboard work, punctuated by her bluesy vocals. At other times, Myers’ shows feature a purely instrumental dose. Performing as part of a duo, trio, quartet, or quintet, Myers is typically joined by some of the best musicians offered by a locale, typically combining a crisp rhythm section with top artists on horns or guitar. In 2018, Myers added Hammond organ to her repertoire, adding to the diversity of her performances. She currently plays the Hammond B3 for one of Kansas City’s most decorated Blues Artists – Nick Schnebelen. // As for Myers’ vocals, Louisiana musical writer Dominick Cross said about an earlier recording: “My initial reaction to the recording was that in some ways its Michelle Shocked meets Amy Winehouse. And several listens later, I’d say the same thing with more emphasis on Winehouse.” Bill Brownlee, jazz critic for The Plastic Sax and several other Kansas City publications said, “Her vocals on Ain’t No Sunshine and Stars Fall on Alabama demonstrated that Myers … brings a singular talent to the scene.” Myers debuted her first straight ahead jazz album in 2018 – The Instrumental One, which was recorded live at the prestigious Green Lady Lounge in Kansas City. Made up of eight tracks, including six original compositions, Jackie’s keyboard stylings groove what one critic called “jazz from a solid R&B point of view.” Critics compared The Instrumental One to works by Ahmad Jamal and Les McCann. Kansas City’s Roger Atkinson wrote: “I still like that soul-jazz genre . . . plus, Jackie Myers has a new fan: me.” Myers has also done some impressive work in musical production. In 2017, she produced the musical production Silent Films Out Loud: A Tribute to Buster Keaton. This event featured a nine-piece ensemble playing newly-written compositions to four Buster Keaton silent film classics, including a score by Myers to Buster Keaton’s 1922 Cops. This event, sponsored in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department, filled Austin’s premier theater – The Stateside at the Paramount. Lastly, she has recently plied her craft with local production startup – FMK Music as a producer and composer for the group. Jackie holds a certificate in music from Berklee School of Music, a BA in music from Grinnell College, and a Master of Arts in Music with a jazz concentration from UMKC. ]

[Jackie Myers plays a What About The Butterfly Album Release show at The Blue Room, Friday, April 18, 2025 at 7:30pm]

11:00 – Station ID

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

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

[Marmoppes play THE LOVE NOTE featuring Marmoppes, Friday, April 18, 2025 at 9:00pm at The Strand Theater, 3544 Troost Ave, KCMO.]

11:03 – Interview with Jaclyn Danger, Simon Huntley, & J. Ashley Miller

Lucid Illusions Kansas City’s innovative art collective is presenting THE LOVE NOTE featuring Marmoppes, this Friday, April 18, 2025 at 9:00pm at The Strand Theater, 3544 Troost Ave, KCMO.

The Strand Theatre is the oldest operating theater in Kansas City and is one of the last remaining XXX theaters in the Midwest. This one night only spectacular features a live on stage improvised musical score by Marmoppes, inspired by a custom-cut smut mixtape filled with the wildest, most hilarious clips from the pre-digital age when all adult movies were shot on film.

Jaclyn Danger joins us to share details about this special event. Jaclyn Danger studied at The Kansas City Art Institute and is a co-founder of Lucid Illusions an innovative art collective led by queer artists Allison Lloyd, Jaclyn Danger, and Kimmon Smutz. Specializing in immersive, site-specific experiences, the collective transforms unconventional venues into dynamic spaces for multimedia art. Their work blends music, performance art, drag, burlesque, and more, creating interactive events that defy traditional boundaries.

Also joining us in the conversation are one half of the band, Marmoppes: J. Ashley Miller and Simon Huntley. Since the Spring of 2024 Marmoppes have released five new singles. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, the band includes: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. And after the interview we’ll share their latest single, “Nos.’

Jaclyn Danger, Simon Huntley, & J. Ashley Miller thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

THE LOVE NOTE featuring Marmoppes, is this Friday, April 18, 2025 at 9:00pm at The Strand Theater, 3544 Troost Ave, KCMO.

11:24

Marmoppes
  1. Marmoppes – “Nos”
    from: “Nos” – single / Big Nip Records / March 23, 2025
    [Since the Spring of 2024 Marmoppes have released five new singles. Originally formed on Groundhog Day, the band includes: Simon Huntley on drums; J. Ashley Miller: on vocals, guitar & bass; Alyssa Murray on synths & keyboards; and Ernest Melton on saxophone. More info at: https://linktr.ee/marmoppes More info at: Marmoppes- https://www.instagram.com/marmoppes/ ]

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

[Marmoppes play THE LOVE NOTE featuring Marmoppes, Friday, April 18, 2025 at 9:00pm at The Strand Theater, 3544 Troost Ave, KCMO.]

11:28 – Underwriting

  1. Nan & The One Nite Stands – “Sick”
    from: “Sick” – Single / Nan Turner / March 7, 2025
    [Nan + the One Nite Stands. Song by Nan Turner. Music backing track by Chase Horseman. Additional Vox by Tracy Flowers. Recorded + mixed + produced by Chase Horseman at Element Studios, Kansas City, KS. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. Additional studio support by Frida the Dog // On February 19, 2021 Nan Turner released High – Caliber with all songs by Nan Turner. Initial Engineering on 2 and 5 by Mark Ospovat @ Speakersonic Studios, Brooklyn and on 1,3,and 4 by Pat Tomek @ Largely Studios, KCMO. All songs co-engineered, mixed, and co-produced by Chase Horseman @Element Studios, Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. // “Yeah” is track 1, on this 5-song EP // The One Nite Stands who played on these songs! Lizz Weiler on bass on 1, 3, and 4; Pat Tomek on drums on 1, 3, and 4; Mark Ospovat on bass on 2 and 5; Don Dawn + Tracy Flowers on backing vocals on 2, 4, and 5; Chase Horseman on keyboards, guitar, and co-production on 1-5. // Thanks to Mark O, Pat, Chase, Ian, Lizz, Don Dawn, Tracy, Peter Gallagher, and Frida the Dog. Xtra BigThanks to: Chase Horseman for sonic textures + production magic. Kimya Dawson, Bertrand “BP” Perrot, MMM, and Sun Ra for Tour Dawg “Space is the Place” Inspiration. // Nan Turner released the single “Desert Nights” released May 22, 2020, written by Nan Turner, and recorded by Mark “Dragon” Ospovat @ SpeakerSonic Studios in Brooklyn, NY. Additional recording and mixing and production by Chase Horseman @ Winky World Studios in Kansas City, MO. Mastered by Ian Dobyns. // On July 12, 2019, Nan Turner released her solo EP, Champs and Losers, Version 2. Recorded, Mixed, and Co-Produced at Winky World in Kansas City, by Chase Horseman. Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music, New Windsor, NY. Ian Dobyns plays drums and Chase Horseman plays bass. // Nan Turner is also one half of the critically acclaimed band Schwervon! Nan has been called the “Lucy Ricardo of Indie Rock. Her music has been described as “Tone Loc meets the Velvet Underground.” More Info at: http://www.nanturner.bandcamp.com Nan Turner was our guest on WMM on March 31, 2021.]
  1. Tune-Yards – “Heartbreak”
    from: Better Dreamiing / 4AD Records / May 16, 2025
    [Tune-Yards is the Oakland, California–based music project of Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner. Garbus’s music draws from an eclectic variety of sources and uses elements such as loop pedals, ukulele, vocals, and lo-fi percussion. Tune-Yards’ 2011 album Whokill was ranked the number one album of that year in The Village Voice’s annual Pazz and Jop critics’ poll. // The album Nikki Nack was released in 2014, with its first single, “Water Fountain”, being picked up by Google Pixel in 2016 for an advertising campaign. The album I Can Feel You Creep into My Private Life was released in January 2018. At the same time, Tune-Yards provided an atmospheric score for the sci-fi film Sorry to Bother You. // Born in 1979, Garbus was raised in New York City and in New Canaan, Connecticut. She attended Smith College. She was a puppeteer for the Sandglass Theater in Vermont and lived in Montreal where she played ukulele in the band Sister Suvi with guitarist Patrick Gregoire and drummer Nico Dann. Merrill’s sister Ruth Garbus is also a musician who has played solo and in the band Happy Birthday. After releasing her first Tune-Yards album in 2008, she moved to Oakland, where her partner in Tune-Yards, Nate Brenner, also lives. // The first Tune-Yards album, Bird-Brains (stylized as BiRd-BrAiNs) was originally self-released by Garbus on recycled cassette tape. It was recorded using only a handheld voice recorder. A limited edition vinyl was released in June 2009, via the Portland-based imprint Marriage Records. In July 2009, it was announced that Tune-Yards had signed to 4AD, and a limited edition pressing of Bird-Brains was released on August 17, 2009. A full worldwide release followed on November 16, 2009 (and November 17 in North America). The autumn 2009 pressing was remastered at Abbey Road Studios by Christian Wright, and includes two new bonus tracks: “Want Me To” and “Real Live Flesh.” // A second album, Whokill (stylized as w h o k i l l), was released on April 19, 2011. A single from it, “Bizness”, came out in February 2011. It was produced by Garbus and engineered by Eli Crews at New, Improved Studios in Oakland. Applying the live approach to Garbus’ studio work for the first time, Garbus works with bass player Nate Brenner, who co-wrote some of the album’s songs. Comparing the act to Sonic Youth, Frontier Psychiatrist said, “if Bird-Brains was Garbus’ Evol, a record bursting with musical ideas that attempted to subvert the notion of song, who kill is Garbus’ Sister, a record that embraces the traditional pop song as a vehicle to convey those ideas.” The album as well as singles “Bizness” and “Gangsta” received mention on many top 2011 album and song lists, including Time, Rolling Stone, Spin, and the New York Times. In early 2012, the Village Voice’s annual “Pazz and Jop” poll of critics named Whokill the No. 1 album of 2011. The song “Fiya” is featured on a 2010 commercial for the Blackberry Torch, while the song “Gangsta” has been used in the television shows Orange Is the New Black, Letterkenny, Weeds and The Good Wife and the song “Bizness” was used in Season 3 of Transparent. // Garbus started recording material for her third LP during the latter half of 2013, with a working title of Sink-o. A May 6, 2014 release date was later announced with the title Nikki Nack. The album spawned three singles, including “Water Fountain”, which was featured in the soundtrack for EA Sports video game FIFA 15 as well as in a 2016 commercial for the Google Pixel. // A fourth album was released on January 19, 2018, called I Can Feel You Creep into My Private Life. The album showed more of an electronic influence. The single “Look at Your Hands” was released earlier, in October 2017, followed by “Heart Attack” in January.// The Tune-Yards scored the satiric science fiction film Sorry to Bother You (2018). The film was shown at Sundance in January, then began a theatrical run in July. Its soundtrack songs are performed by the Coup, fronted by the film’s director, Boots Riley. Riley said he started working with Tune-Yards in “early 2015” to create the film’s score, with demo tracks already available before the script was complete, and before the start of principal photography. Riley said he was attracted to Garbus’s voice, and to the band’s “unorthodox use of percussion and vocal layering.” Garbus also composed the theme music for The New Yorker Radio Hour. // In 2021, Tune-Yards appeared as the opening performance for Google I/O with Artificial Intelligence powered vocal accompaniment.]
  1. Daniel Gum – “Met You Too Soon”
    from:The Great Conjunction / Manor Records / February 7, 2025
    [All songs written/performed by Daniel Gum (BMI), production/engineering: Mike Crawford & Daniel Gum, mixing: Daniel Gum, bass: Joel Stratton, drums/percussion: Micah Ritchie. With Joel Stratton (piano on 1, baritone guitar on 2), Wills Van Doorn (slide guitar on 3), Brandon Bray (lead guitar on 6), Cole Crawford (piano on 10), Devon Teran (pedal steel on 2), Evan Herd (writing for drums on 7), Rachel Cionitti (bgvs on 1-6, 8), mastering: Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering, artwork/lettering: Daniel Gum] // Here’s what Daniel had to say about this track: “This song was written reflecting on a past relationship—thinking things probably could have worked out if we met 5 years later than we did. Or maybe they wouldn’t have.. but I’ll never know. This song is a part of a series of singles leading up to my second album. I hope you enjoy the chord progressions and slide guitar especially”. // 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 Farewell KCMO 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO on Friday, April 19, ay 8:00pm with, Faith Maddox and Sloe Poke]

  1. Faith Maddox – “Sunspot”
    from: Impressions EP / Faith Maddox / February 26, 2024
    [// Faith Maddox released the songle “Frances” om March 11, 2023 through French Exit Records – Performed and mixed by Faith Maddox. Mastered by Deegan Poores. Faith Maddox released the single “Bloody Maple” on February 18, 2022 on French Exit Records. Faith Maddox released the 9-song album SUBTLE HAUNTINGS on February 25, 2022, Faith Maddox on vocals/guitar/bass and Jared Crowley on drums. The album was recorded by Faith Maddox, it was mixed & mastered by Joel Martin. Faith Maddox is a 21-year-old artist currently living in Lawrence, Kansas. A self-taught guitarist and writer, Maddox’s work explores themes of gender, mortality, and nature, often weaving literary references between fingerpicked melodies. Her music is not easily boxed in, taking influence from math rock, jazz, folk, and slowcore. She is an avid fan of Fleabag, Joan Didion, and anything green. Faith Maddox released the 9-song album SUBTLE HAUNTINGS on February 25, 2022, Faith Maddox on vocals/guitar/bass and Jared Crowley on drums. The album was recorded by Faith Maddox, it was mixed & mastered by Joel Martin. Info: http://www.faithmaddox.bandcamp.com]

[Faith Maddox plays Farewell KCMO 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO on Friday, April 19, ay 8:00pm with Daniel Gum, and Sloe Poke]

  1. TheBabeGabe X The Human – “FUTURISTIC LOVERS”
    from: HONEYPOP / Seven Rings Media / March 5, 2025
    [Production by The Human // After years of being the girl in the band, TheBabeGabe is stepping out, and standing ten toes down. As she dives into her solo career, Gabe brings the same sugary raps and addicting energy that she did as 1/3 of the alt-rap trio BLACKSTARKIDS. This time though, she’s telling her story, and forging a fresh start. The debut mixtape HONEY POP introduces the world to a young black girl from Kansas City that’s hungry for better things for herself and everyone who looks like her. Her energy is infectious, and you won’t want to be the one standing in her way, which becomes clear from the rowdy hook of the project’s lead single PSA. “It’s in my DNA, killing shit like every day, take this as a PSA, don’t give a fuck ‘bout what you say.” // With BLACKSTARKIDS, Gabe gained experience crushing a stage, opening on tour with The 1975, beabadoobee, Glass Animals, & more. That confidence shines through on braggadocios tracks like Only See Me, Pulse, and Pep Rally where she raps, “hoe shut the fuck up when I’m talking, got a pretty face but this mouth repulsive.” Pulling inspiration from future peers like Doja Cat & Tyler, The Creator, Gabe is quick to prove she isn’t restricted to one sound. There’s no shortage of variety with sticky hooks, soulful ballads, Janelle Monáe -esque pop hits, somber reflective cuts, and boomy west-coast kickbacks. // No song boasts this genre-bending ability better than the double track RIOT GRRL//DRAMA QUEEN. Starting with an inspirational pop-punk banger that could make any Olivia Rodrigo fan nod in approval, it soon turns to the emotional DRAMA QUEEN, seeing Gabe grapple with difficult changes and struggle to find the best way forward. Listening to Gabe can often feel like hanging with your bestie in that you’re getting both the yap sessions about the everyday as well as the venting about life’s drama and all its uncertainties. // These confessions, boasts, hooks, croons, screams, beats, and sounds all come together to create an extraordinary portrait of a young artist figuring it out. It’s an unfiltered showcase that sees Gabe pull back the curtain and step forward so you can meet her where she’s at. So when you listen, you’re seeing her for who she really is. And for many, that’s someone you can see yourself in. That’s TheBabeGabe. // TheBabeGabe was one-third of the Kansas City based BLACKSTARKIDZ Gen-Z upstarts BLACKSTARKIDS have released their sixth studio album Saturn Dayz on September 20, 2024 through Dirty Hit Records and immediately followed with an 8-track seventh studio album HEAVEN ON URF, on October 25, 2024 on Dirty Hit Records. Our friend and music writer Bill Brownlee talked with us about how the band created a double album, but the record company decided to release as two separate albums. The music from both albums relate to each other. Before the release of Saturn Dayz the band released their single and video “SOULMATEZ!” on August 30, 2024. “SOULMATEZ!,” is a magnetic, blissed-out bop that brings together pop, indie, and alt-rap, reminiscent of Dev Hynes-era Solange mixed with De La Soul. // The follow up to BLACKSTARKIDS’ acclaimed 2022 album CYBERKISS* which featured standout singles “CYBERKISS 2 U* ft. beabadoobee” and “SEX APPEAL,” SATURN DAYZ is an otherworldly, genre-crossing testament to their unrelenting artistry and is their most impressive work to date. PRESS HERE to pre-save SATURN DAYZ. // Putting out music at a prolific rate and making waves for their formidable songwriting and producing talents, as well as their endless energy and truly limitless sound, BLACKSTARKIDS have received critical acclaim from New York Times, MTV, UPROXX, Billboard, Alternative Press, SPIN, Ones To Watch, Rolling Stone France, The Line Of Best Fit, DIY, Coup De Main, and more. Blending garage rock with synth-punk and hip-hop to usher in a new surge of indie, such as on their beloved album Puppies Forever which features anthemic singles “ALL COPS ARE BASTARDS,” “JUNO,” and “FIGHT CLUB,” BLACKSTARKIDS are well on their way to indie stardom and have previously toured with the likes of The 1975, COIN, Glass Animals, beabadoobee, Christian Leave, GroupLove. // Incorporating each member’s wide-ranging influences into their blissful DIY sound, such as Toro Y Moi, NERD*, Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer, Outkast, Odd Future, and A Tribe Called Quest, BLACKSTARKIDS first captivated the internet with their “black coming of age trilogy” of projects Let’s Play Sports, Surf, and Whatever, Man that feature critically acclaimed singles including “BRITNEY BITCH” and “FRANKIE MUNIZ.” // Blackstarkids are phenomenon who came out of KC in 2020 became the soundtrack for the summer. Members include: TheBabeGabe, Deiondre, and TyFaizon (of the Drop Dead XX collective). The members have known each other since high school in Raytown, Missouri. Members met at Raytown South High School and formed the band in 2019. The group released its first album, Let’s Play Sports, on August 1, 2019. Blackstarkids then released their second album SURF through their own label Bedroom Records on February 28, 2020. Blackstarkids caught the attention of The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy and were then signed to The 1975’s management company and UK-based label Dirty Hit Records. They were featured in Clash Magazine. Blackstarkids then released, Surf Basement Demos on Dirty Hit Records on March 5, 2020. On 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 KC scene is great, the community here is so supportive and genuine. This is a really prideful city here and I think they’re finally getting the musicians they deserve.”]
  1. Saving Miles Lemon – “In The Night” – Single
    from: “In The Night” – Single / Saving Miles Lemon / January 16, 2025
    [Performed by: Saving Miles Lemon. Written by: Miguel Silva-Leon. Produced by: Saving Miles Lemon. One of three new singles released in the last few months from Saving Miles Lemon. // Saving Miles Lemom released the 13-track full-length album LOVELY/ on October 6, 2023. Saving Miles Lemon is the psychedelic-pop project of Miguel Silva-Leon. Formed in 2019 with the goal of releasing an album by the end of the year, the project has transformed into a full-blown musical odyssey for Miguel (who likes to go by Mig) to explore new sounds. It’s hard to define what genre Saving Miles Lemon fits into as they like to let the music go where it wants to go. From smooth dance pop, to blown-out stoner rock, Mig likes to keep things interesting and never stay with one sound for too long.​ // Having grown up learning to play the piano at the age of 7, Miguel found themselves picking up new instruments frequently from the clarinet, saxophone, and oboe to guitar/bass and drums. Just as with their instruments, Mig began practicing their production skills in high school with small bedroom projects and hardcore bands. In a way, nothing has changed, as all of Saving Miles Lemon’s music is recorded and produced entirely by Mig in their bedroom studio to this day. // Their live members include Jacob Frisbee (bass), James Wiltfang (keys), and Zeke Bockleman (drums). // As a live act, the band began performing in 2021 and quickly took over the DIY scene in Kansas City before moving on to the bar/venue scene with sold-out shows at The Rino (KCMO) and The Bottleneck (LFK). They’ve opened for national and international touring bands such as Cub Sport at The Encore at Uptown Theatre (KCMO). // Saving Miles Lemon has released two full-length LPs and a handful of singles. A third album is set to release in 2023.] [Saving Miles Lemon played Outer Reaches Fest, Fri, Oct. 13 at recordBar, 1w/ Bombino, The Philistines, & Teri Quinn.]
  1. Various Blonde – “RAW” – Single
    from: “RAW” – Single / Various Blonde / September 1, 2023
    [One of three new singles released in the last few months from Various Bonde. “Couldn’t Love Me” was released March 7, 2025, and “Silent Partner” was released April 11, 2025// Various Blonde released the 10 track album Love Is How We Will Survive on September 1, 2023. That album contained 4 singles released over two years 20022 to 2023. Various Blonde is a Kansas City based experimental, rock, pop, and funk band originally formed in 2008 and currently served by founder Joshua Allen on guitar, synthesizers, and vocals; and Mark Lomas on drums. The band has been described by Mills Record Company as, “Having all the sex appeal of The Weeknd and all the grit of Rage Against the Machine–the combination makes for a performance that is explosive.” On September 24, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Love is How We Survive.” On August 19, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Obtuse”. On June 9, 2022 Various Blonde released the single, “Too Many Secrets.” On March 13, 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s 2 through The Record Machine. On January 2020 Various Blonde released a three song EP called 3s 1 through The Record Machine. On September 16, 2016 Various Blonde released the 10-track album ALL BASES COVERED through The Record Machine. On January 13, 2015 Various Blonde release the 10-track album, SUMMER HIGH. “More info at: http://www.variousblonde.com]
  1. The Freedom Affair – “Don’t You Wanna Love Me”
    from: The Freedom Affair / Sunflower Soul Records / May 9, 2025
    [Shon Ruffin on vocals, Paula Saunders on vocals, Seyko Groves on vocals, Cole Bales on guitar, Branden Moser on bass & Acoustic Guitar, Chris Hazelton on Hammond B3 Organ, Wurlitzer, Rhodes, Piano, Bass (Track 4), Vocals; Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet & flugelhorn; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax, tambourine. Recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, TN. Recording Engineer: Boo Mitchell. Tape Operator: Wesley Graham. Produced by: Chris Hazelton, Dave Brick, and The Freedom Affair. Mixed by: Vince Chiarito. Mastered by: JJ Golden at Golden Mastering. Horn Arrangements by: Hazelton, Carroll, Jackson, and Bales. Design and Layout: Tracy Lenihan // The Freedom Affair has planted deep roots in soul music from their start, but after nearly a decade together, the group’s self-titled sophomore album focuses their sound squarely where Muscle Shoals meets Memphis Soul. It’s a masterstroke of impassioned message-music exploring ageless themes of inequity, love, and togetherness. // A fateful February 2023 encounter with Grammy Award-winning recording engineer Boo Mitchell (Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Al Green) at Royal Studios created a spark that sent the band back to Kansas City with new musical conviction. By November, the band had returned to record all-new Southern Soul-inspired songs in the legendary Memphis studio. // The ever-powerful female trio fronting the band–Paula Saunders, Seyko Groves, and Shon Ruffin–has been the hallmark of The Freedom Affair’s sound and identity, and their collective vocal prowess is on full display ranging from tough to tender, touching on heartache and hope. The experience at Royal studios convinced the band that there isn’t a better room to record horns. The “one take” horns of Pete Carroll on trumpet and Brett Jackson on saxophone prove their years together as a unit have paid off with their precision and lines written to meet the vibe perfectly. With rhythm section personnel remaining the same from their debut album Freedom is Love, a shift in instrumentation moves Chris Hazelton from bass to his primary instrument of the Hammond B3 organ along with various keyboards. Branden Moser swaps in the bass, which also happens to be his primary instrument, from his former rhythm guitar. Cole Bales continues to dig into timeless riffs on lead guitar, and Dave Brick maintains the backbone with the heavy boom-bap on drums. This album has cemented The Freedom Affair’s sound: enduring melodies with rich arrangements, backed by a gritty pulse. // Royal was the perfect site for this album, and the band took full advantage of the studio’s history by incorporating studio tools and relics throughout the process. With only four days to fully track the ten-song album, the band insisted on using the same Ampex 1” tape recorder that produced all the Hi Record hits from 1974 and prior to preserve authenticity. It was the first time the machine had been used for an album since 1974. The limitations and quirks of using vintage, analog gear made way for magic moments that shape the album’s charm. The record calls fresh attention to classic Southern Soul with all the coziness and warmth you’d expect from listening to Al Green or Ann Peebles, captured in the very same room. Mixed by Vince Chiarito (Hive Mind, Jalen Ngonda, Charles Bradley) and mastered by JJ Golden (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, The James Hunter Six, Antibalas), this album is a truly an all-killer, no-filler lesson in soul music.]

[The Freedom Affair play The Madrid, 3810 Main Street, KCMO Friday, May 2, 2025.]

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

This Friday, April 18 at Noon, Mark will be hosting MidCoast LIVE with musician ALBER who will play a 60-minute concert LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios.

NEXT WEEK, on April 23 – We’ll be playing more New & MidCoastal Releases! And we’ll interview the Southwest Ramblers who’ll be rambling into town to play Hammers at 3901 Main April 23. And in our 2nd hour we welcome Guest Producer Silky Sand Sensations!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show #1091

WMM Playlist from April 9, 2025

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, April 9, 2025

WMM presents Til Willis, Heather Pontonio, José Faus, Elizabeth Bettendorf Bowman, Chico Sierra, Kevin King & Zo E. Schmidt

  1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
    from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
    [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
  1. REVISER – “CELESTINE”
    from: “CELESTINE” – Single / TEVISER / February 28, 2025
    Calling to mind classic 80’s bands such as Sisters of Mercy, The Cure, and Killing Joke, REVISER sounds complimentary to such contemporaries as Actors, Soft Kill, and Drab Majesty. REVISER collects and redirects its familiar influences into something both familiar and foreign, a sound that is dark, deep, and danceable. Dedric Moore on keyboards and Krysztof Nemeth on vocals and baritone guitar, with newest member Breaka Dawn (of The Bad Ideas) singing with Krysztof. This is the 4th single form REVISER who released “DARKSIDERS” on October 18, 2024, and “ASSASINS” and “BURN IT OUT” on March 15, 2024. REVISOR is a continuation of the musical collaboration from Static Phantoms, Religion of Heartbreak (with Mikal Shapiro) and Monta At Odds.
  1. Eddie Moore – “In The Kitchen”
    from: What Makes Us / Eddie Moore Music / March 25, 2024
    [“In the Kitchen” features: Eddie Moore on piano, Bass, & Rhoades; Jaylen Ward on drums; Ben Tervort on bass, Isaiah Petrie on vibes. Written & Produced by Eddie Moore(Emoremyz BMI). Executive Producer – Eddie Moore, Co-Producer- Dan Israel. Mixed By- Eddie Moore. Mastered By Crayge Lindesay. Recorded at First Run Studios engineered by Dan Israel // When you speak to Eddie Moore you find an ocean of calm, and when you listen to Eddie Moore you find the depth of that ocean. Moore reaches from the soul with every note, in a deep way, with a tension just below the surface. His yearning for exploration and curiosity in music contribute to an ebb and flow freedom of expression. // On March 5, 2024 Eddie Moore released the EP Aperture (Live Piano Works) through Eddie Moore Music. // On April 20, 2023 Eddie Moore released the single “Tsunami” Recorded & produced at Moore’s Tribe Studios, the song features Jaylen Ward on drums. Mixed & mastered by veteran KC savant Crayge Lindesay. // Eddie Moore released his critically acclaimed album INTUITION on Oct. 28, 2022. Written & Produced by Eddie Moore. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Featuring Tim Ogutu on guitar. Mix & Mastered by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Album Art by Brandon Wilson. // Eddie Moore released the single, “Love Song” (with Joel Castillo & Bree Cummings) on Oct. 22, 2021. // We The People released the single, “Single Double” on June 10, 2021. Written & Produced By Eddie Moore on keyboards, key bass, & programming; Zach Morrow on drums; and Jason Emmond on bass. // Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on Sept. 25, 2020. // Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to KC to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-KC where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. He was 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore has shared the stage and recordings with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. Eddie Moore joined WMM on Sept. 23, 2020 and Nov. 23, 2022. More info at http://www.eddiemooremusic.com]

[The Eddie Moore Trio plays The Majestic, 931 Broadway, KCMO, Thursday, April 10, at 6:00pm]

  1. Ivory Blue – “Heartbeat”
    from: “Heartbeat” – Single / IVORY BLUE / March 28, 2025
    [For “HEARTBEAT” IVORY writes, “is about letting things be when there seems to be no way to change the outcome of something that happened in our life. Sometimes, things happen without an apparent reason. Other times it’s a blessing in disguise and time will tell if it was worth the pain we felt going through it.” // IVORY BLUE released the single “Rhythm of the Radio” on January 31, 2025 // IVORY BLUE released the single “Exiled” on November 29, 2024. IVORY BLUE released the single “Olé!” on October 4, 2024, Breathing Underwater” on August 9, 2024, “Bad Dreams”on June 7, 2024, “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024, “Flashback” on March 15, 2024, “Howl” on Feb. 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their 2nd full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and stations around the world. // On Oct. 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the single “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from Sept. 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from Aug. 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on Feb. 24, 2023. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on Oct. 28, 2022, “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. // IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top 10 of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. // IVORY BLUE’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and give IVORY BLUE attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017 when Ivory was among 1800 artists/bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. // IVORY BLUE has played with The Band That Fell to Earth, Boulevardia, Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Fest, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at KC Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families, before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. In 2011, Ivory settled in the Kansas City, MO area. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”, and then later as Trans-Female. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com]
  1. My Oh My – “Face in the Crowd (Live)”
    from: Live At The Library / My Oh My / April 11, 2025.
    [A.M. Merker on vocals & guitar, Grant Buell on keyboards, Jacob Horpinjuk on drums, Justin Rogers on bass, Melissa Geffert on vocals, Sarah Wittman on vocals, and Stephen Berry on guitar. // Recorded live at Union Library, Kansas City, MO, September 9, 2023 // Recorded, mixed, and edited by Paul Malinowski @ Massive Sound, Shawnee, KS. Mastered by Mike Nolte ® Eureka Mastering, Kansas City, KS. Photography by Betsy Gretzinger Vida. Videography by Jack McClain @ Circle M Films. All songs A.M. Merker / My Oh My, except “Superstar” (Leon Russell, Bonnie Bramlett, Skyhill Publishing/Delbon Publishing, BMI) © 2025 All rights reserved // myohmykc.com // My Oh My released the singles: “Working on Assumptions” / “I Just Don’t Understand” on November 11, 2022. // My Oh My released the 10-song album ThHE WAR OUTSIDE on May 19, 2018 // My Oh My released the single “Christmastime, 2016” on December 16, 2016 // My Oh My released the 6-track EP, WOULDN’T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY on December 12, 2015. // My Oh My released the 9-track debut album, YOUR HEART NOT MINE on March 14, 2014.]

[My Oh My play an Album Release Matinee Show on Friday, April 11, at 6:00pm at The Ship 1221 Union Ave. KCMO in the West Bottoms.]

Kansas City, MO USA – August 04, 2024: easterday at recordBar
  1. the easterday band – “Smothered (Live)”
    from: live recordings of Scott Easterday: 35 Years / Recorded August 4, 2024 / Unreleased
    [Scott Easterday: 35 Years – celebrating Scott’s 35 years as a singer, songwriter and performer, from Sunday, August 4, at the recordBar, 1520 Grand, KCMO. This retrospective concert featured 11 other musicians who have performed with Scott over the years. There were 3 main acts for the evening that will include songs from Expassionates, the easterday band, and more. Featured in the show were Mark Accuff, Elaine McMilian, Jon Niccum of the original Easterday band with Richard Alwyn. Also in the show were Marco Pascolini, Richard Burgess, and Sam Platt of (the latter day) Expassionates. And also in the also were: Kyle Dahlquist, Bryan Hicks, Nate Hofer, and Matt Richey. // Originally released on the album: Easterday 1993-1995 from Scott Easterday in 2004. The easterday band featuring Scott Easterday on lead vocals and guitar, Elaine McMilian on vocals, Jon Niccum on bass and Mark Acuff on drums. The band was active from 1993-1995. The album was recorded at Red House Studios by Ed Rose and released in 2004. They have had a couple reunions since then and are taking advantage of this occasion to have another. Mark plays drums in Promise Breakers. Jon was the creator of The Worst Gig [worstgig.com] and Elaine just published her first book of poetry, Copper and Other Precious Metals. ]

[Easterday play The Black Box 1060 Union Ave. KCMO in West Bottoms on Fri, April 11, at 6:30pm]

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

10:29 – Underwriting

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

[Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy play an Album Release Show, Saturday, April 12, at 7:00PM at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS with Sunflower Ordnance Works.]

10:35 – Interview with Til Willis

Til Willis was born in the heat of 1980, has been making music for a long time. The style of music is lyric driven rock, that draws influence from many sources. Some have described it as Tin-Roof-Rain-Water-Bop. Til Willis joins us to share details about his band Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy and their new album Glass Cactus. Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy play an Album Release Show, Saturday, April 12, at 7:00PM at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS with Sunflower Ordnance Works.

Til Willis Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

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

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

Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy is:
Til Willis on vocals & guitar
Bradley McKellip on guitar & backup vocals
Eric Binkley on bass
Austin Sinkler on drums.

With Steve Faceman on backup vocals for “Lost.
With Chance Dibben on Sonic Manipulations on Homecoming, Recovering Sunday, Natural Law
With Nate Holt on keyboards for: Ten Miles of Days, Horizon, Smells Like Honey, Recovering Sunday

10:43

  1. Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy – “Ten Miles of Days”
    from: Glass Cactus / Til Willis / March 27, 2025
    [Til Willis on vocals, guitar, percussion, mixing, & production; Bradley McKellip om guitars & lap steel; Eric Binkley on bass, and Austin Sinkler on grums with Nate Holt on keyboards for: Ten Miles of Days, Horizon, Smells Like Honey, Recovering Sunday; Chance Dibben on Sonic Manipulations on Homecoming, Recovering Sunday, Natural Law; and Steve Faceman on backup vocals on Lost. Recorded in The Barn in Tecumseh, Kansas. Mixed in The Cabin in Ouray, Colorado, and at 1509 Recording Service in Lawrence, Kansas. // Til Willis, born in the heat of 1980, has been making music for a long time. Currently, when not performing solo, he makes noise with Erratic Cowboy.]

[Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy play an Album Release Show, Saturday, April 12, at 7:00PM at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS with Sunflower Ordnance Works.]

10:46 – More Interview with Til Willis

Til Willis began performing in 1992, at the remarkable age of just twelve. Since then, he’s produced an expansive catalog of music, including fifteen studio albums, two live albums, and five EPs. Til’s bandmates, known as Erratic Cowboy, both compliment and enhance Til’s well-seasoned songwriting, and have added their own dynamic energy to his albums and live shows since 2012.

Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy play an Album Release Show, Saturday, April 12, at 7:00PM at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS with Sunflower Ordnance Works.

Til Willis Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CEO at Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy
Studied at Colorado State University
Lives in Lawrence, Kansas // From Ouray, Colorado
Married to Stephanie Willism, Daughter: Mahalia, Dog: Twyla

Til Willis Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy play an Album Release Show, Saturday, April 12, at 7:00PM at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS with Sunflower Ordnance Works.

10:45

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

[Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy play an Album Release Show, Saturday, April 12, at 7:00PM at Lucia, 1016 Massachusetts, Lawrence, KS with Sunflower Ordnance Works.]

11:00 – Station ID

11:00 – Interview with Heather Pontonio, José Faus, Elizabeth Bettendorf Bowman, and Chico Sierra

Heather Pontonio – Arts & Science Council (Rep= Ashley)

Heather Pontonio has a master’s degree in Public Administration from New York University and a bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She serves on the board of VIA Collaborative Arts and Research Advisory Board for the Strategic National Arts Alumni Project (SNAAP).

Heather is the Senior Program Director at the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation where she is responsible for national strategy and administration of the Art Program portfolio focused on professional practices for both artists and curators. In her 13 years at the Foundation, she has expanded the curatorial portfolio from a single program (the Emily Hall Tremaine Exhibition Award) to a suite of programs that support dozens of curators and been instrumental in the launch of Artists Thrive, a national tool to assess and improve conditions for artists across the country.

Heather joins us to share details about the ARTISTS THRIVE 2025 Summit in Kansas City, on May 6-8. The 2025 summit venue has been provided with generous support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, with lead local partner Mid-America Arts Alliance and Charlotte Street Foundation. Artists, arts leaders, educators, and funders can expand their creative circle. This unique event offers a powerful networking hub, connecting art communities with passionate colleagues from across the country. For more information on the 2025 Artists Thrive Summit you can visit: http://www.artiststhrive.org

Heather Thanks for being with us on the radio.

Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation is based in New Haven, Connecticut, but you are calling us from Montana, through your work for the foundation you travel all over the country.

2025 Artists Thrive Summit May 6-8 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Mid-America Arts Alliance and Charlotte Street Foundation

Also Joining us in the conversation is José Faus – writer, performer, visual artist, and independent teacher/mentor with an interest in the role of artists as creative catalysts for community building. He is a co-founder of the Latino Writers Collective. His writings have appeared in many anthologies and journals. His chapbook, This Town Like That was released by Spartan Press. The Life and Times of Jose Calderon was published by West 39 Press. His children’s book, Possum Trot was published by La Resistencia Press. More info at: http://www.artistinc.art/facilitator/jose-faus/

José Faus Thanks for being with us on the radio.

Also joining us is Elizabeth Bettendorf Bowman (she/her) is a theatre artist dedicated to making the arts truly accessible. Since graduating from Northwest Missouri State University in 2012, she has made KC her home and has worked at several area not-for-profit companies. She received her Master of Arts in Theatre from the University of Missouri-KC and is a faculty member at Benedictine College where she teaches theatre courses. She has also taught for KCK Community College at the Fort Leavenworth correctional facilities. // As a director & administrator, Elizabeth has worked at such companies as the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Coterie Theatre, Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, and KC Fringe. Through her work in theatre education & outreach, Elizabeth was inspired to create a theatre which reaches all corners of the diverse KC community. By producing free professional theatre, Elizabeth hopes to foster the creativity of our citizens and explore the truly global nature of the KC region. http://www.kcpublictheatre.org

Elizabeth Bettendorf Bowman Thanks for being with us on the radio.

Also joining us is visual artist and muralist Chico Sierra, originally from El Paso Texax. Having relocated from his familial homeland, Chico attempts to connect the dots of his cultural history and create new stories based around humanism, class structures and social justice. Influenced by his interests in spiritual iconography he is attempting to create new narratives using symbolism that has been previously clouded by colonialism and more recently appropriated by euro-centric new age spiritualism. Chico’s work has been shown at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, the Nelson Atkins Museum Day of the Dead exhibit, Mattie Rhodes, Union Station, and InterUrban ArtHouse. More info at: http://www.chicosierra.com

Chico Sierra, Thanks for being with us on the radio.

Chris Dahlquist, José Faus, Elizabeth Bettendorf Bowman, Chico Sierra are part of a Plenary Session: Lay of the Land: An Overview of the Arts in KC – Tuesday, May 6, 5-6pm. This session is designed to ground all Summit attendees into the Kansas City art scene.

Chris Dahlquist will cover Historic KC: 18th and Vine // Hallmark // Walt Disney – Laugh-O-Gram // Union Station // Downtown Airport // Nelson-Atkins // Folly Theatre // Midland Theatre
…and bring it into the Contemporary: Charlotte St Foundation // Belger Crane Yard // Zhou B Art Center // Crossroads // Kaufman Performing Arts Center

Elizabeth Bowman of KC Public Theatre will cover the: Spencer Theatre on UMKC’s Campus // Copaken Stage (Power & Light district) // Unicorn Theatre // Coterie Theatre // Musical Theatre Heritage in Crown Center // The Black Box // Just Off Broadway // The Arts Asylum // White Theatre // City Stage in Union Station // Warwick Theater // The Gem Theatre // Quality Hill Playhouse // Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center // Martin City Melodrama // The New Theatre // Stern Black Box Theatre at Charlotte Street Found

Artist-Thrive will include tours and interactive experiences include InterUrban ArtHouse in Overland Park, Englewood Arts Center in Independence, Charlotte Street in Kansas City, and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art at Johnson County Community College.

Learning Journeys:
Airport
InterUrban Arts
Englewood Arts
Nerman Museum at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park
Charlotte Street (also dinner on Wed)

Other locations
Main hotel: Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza
Dinner Tuesday: Crossroads – Jack Stack and Lidia’s
Dinner Thursday: Food truck event at Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park, 1123 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64106

Partners
Mid-America Arts Alliance
Arts KC
Kauffman Foundation Conference Center
KCAI
Belger Arts

Artists, arts leaders, educators, and funders from across the United States are invited to expand their creative circle at the annual 2025 Artists Thrive Summit in Kansas City, Missouri, May 6–8, 2025.

This event offers a powerful networking hub to help connect attendees with passionate colleagues from across the region and country. As part of the Summit, Artists Thrive has partnered with Kansas City organizations to craft regional experiences, including tours to cultural venues embedded in the community.

Attendees will spark collaborations, share best practices, and find inspiration alongside a diverse group of individuals who share a similar dedication to the arts. The Summit’s flexible format ensures everyone—introverts, extroverts, seasoned professionals, or those new to the field—can make lasting
connections.

Artists Thrive aims to raise the value of artists in every community. Artists Thrive is a growing initiative offering activities, practices, language, visions and values of what it means to succeed and thrive as an artist – and what it means to have a thriving arts sector and, eventually, thriving communities. It is a set of interconnected and holistic resources that can guide us in improving our performance and, ultimately, the conditions in which artists can thrive. Artists Thrive is funded by the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation.

Heather Pontonio, José Faus, Elizabeth Bettendorf Bowman, Chico Sierra thanks or being on WMM

ARTISTS THRIVE 2025 Summit in Kansas City, on May 6-8. The 2025 summit venue has been provided with generous support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, with lead local partner Mid-America Arts Alliance and Charlotte Street Foundation. Artists, arts leaders, educators, and funders can expand their creative circle. This unique event offers a powerful networking hub, connecting art communities with passionate colleagues from across the country. For more information on the 2025 Artists Thrive Summit you can visit: http://www.artiststhrive.org

11:25

  1. Helen Gillet – Vautour”
    from: Helkiase / Helen Gillet / July 6, 2018
    [Originally from Leuven, Belgium and now based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Globe Trotting, multi-faceted, jazz-based cellist, singer, composer and improviser Helen Gillet is a “mixed bag” of musical influence. Downbeat Magazine recently nominated her a Rising Star in the 61st Annual Critic’s Poll. She believes music to be an expression of the honest human condition; performing an eclectic mix of French pop, Avant Garde Jazz, North Indian, Folk and Classical styles. Helen Gillet’s 2018 solo album is Inspired by Helkiase, a cure-all medicine invented by the nuns of Notre Dame à la Rose hospital in Lessines, Belgium. (The hospital was one of Europe’s longest continually operating hospitals founded in XIII’s century). Gillet’s latest music deals with the more recent personal layers of complicated grief and finding new strength, sense of humor and inspiration. This recording captures the current spirit of Gillet’s live performance and features her newest original songs “Slow Drag Pavageau” written about legendary dancer and New Orleans bassist Alcide Pavageau, as well as “You Found Me,” “Skin,” and “Vautour,”song inspired by Israeili composer and artist Naama Tsabar. All songs are performed by Helen Gillet using a Boss RC50 Loop station and mainly cello and voice. Tracks 7 “Tonnerre” and 4 “Helkiase” use a Moog Sub Fatty synthesizer and vinyl scratching of a famous 1940 General de Gaulle speech. Live studio sessions and evening concerts recorded by Andrew “Goat” Gilchrist at the House of 1Hz on March 8th and 9th 2018 in New Orleans, LA. Mastered by Bruce Barielle.]

[Owen / Cox Dance Group presents SKIN with Helen Gillet on Saturday, April 12, at 8:00pm at The Folly Theater, 300 West 12th Street, KCMO. -Critically acclaimed collaboration with New Orleans-based cellist, vocalist, live looping artist and composer Helen Gillet. Skin features original music by Gillet and choreography by Jennifer Owen, performed live by Gillet, Brad Cox, and the captivating dancers of Owen/Cox Dance Group. Skin will be performed live for one night only]

[“Skin”originally made its World premiered April 1 and 2, April 3 at 2:00 PM, at City Stage Theatre, Union Station,KCMO choreography by Jennifer Owen and musician Brad Cox in collaboration with New Orleans-based cellist Helen Gillet. Owen/Cox Dance Group is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation. More info at: http://www.owencoxdance.org]

  1. Anaǐs Mitchell – “Flowers (Eurydice’s Song)”
    from: Hadestown / Righteous Babe Records / March 9, 2018
    [Hadestown is the fourth studio album by American folk singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, and was released by Righteous Babe Records on March 9, 2010. The concept album, which became the basis for the stage musical of the same name, follows a variation on the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, where Orpheus must embark on a quest to rescue his wife Eurydice from the underworld. It has been advertised as a “folk opera”. Several of the songs feature singers other than Mitchell, including Justin Vernon, Ani DiFranco, Greg Brown, Ben Knox Miller, and The Haden Triplets (Tanya, Petra and Rachel Haden). The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Recording Package in the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. // Between 2006 and 2007, Mitchell staged performances of Hadestown, a musical based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Unsure what lay ahead for the stage musical, she decided to turn it into a concept album. Raising a few thousand dollars by emailing her fan base and asking them to pitch in for shirts and other merchandise, Mitchell worked on the album for over a year. // The album features orchestral arrangements by Michael Chorney, who had worked with Mitchell’s recordings since her album Hymns for the Exiled in 2004. //Within the narrative of the album, the part of Orpheus is played by Vernon; Persephone by DiFranco; Hades by Greg Brown; The Fates by Tanya, Petra and Rachel Haden; Hermes by Ben Knox Miller; and Eurydice by Mitchell. While most of the recording was produced by Todd Sickafoose at Brooklyn Recording Studio in New York City, the lead vocals were often produced elsewhere in the United States. The album encompasses a variety of American roots music forms, including folk, indie folk, country, blues, ragtime, gospel, rock, swing, and avant-garde. // Anaïs Mitchell was born March 26, 1981. She is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and playwright. Mitchell has released eight studio albums, including Hadestown (2010), Young Man in America (2012), Child Ballads (2013), and Anaïs Mitchell (2022). // She developed her album Hadestown into a stage musical (together with director Rachel Chavkin), which received its US debut at New York Theatre Workshop in summer 2016, and its Canadian debut at the Citadel Theatre, Edmonton the following year. The show opened at London’s National Theatre in November 2018 and then on Broadway on April 17, 2019, at the Walter Kerr Theatre. The Broadway production of Hadestown won eight Tony Awards in 2019 including the Tony Award for Best Musical. Mitchell received the Tony Award for Best Original Score; she was also nominated for Best Book of a Musical. The Broadway cast album of the show took home the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album in 2020. Mitchell’s first book, Working on a Song: The Lyrics of Hadestown, was published by Plume Books on October 6, 2020. Mitchell was included in Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020. // Mitchell is a member of the band Bonny Light Horseman, whose self-titled debut was released in 2020. The band’s second album, “Golden Rolling Holy”, was released in 2022, followed by “Keep Me on Your Mind/See You Free” in 2024. // Mitchell’s father, a novelist and college professor, named her after author Anaïs Nin. She grew up on Treleven farm in Addison County, Vermont and graduated from Mount Abraham Union High School. She was raised Quaker. Her mother was Deputy Secretary of Vermont’s Agency of Human Services. After traveling to the Middle East, Europe and Latin America as a child, she attended Middlebury College, where she majored in political science and graduated in 2004.]

[The Broadway National Tour of Hadestown plays The Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Drive, Lawrence Kansas, this Monday, April 14 at 7:30pm]

11:32 – Underwriting

11:33 – Interview with Kevin King & Zo E. Schmidt – Whim Productions

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

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

Kevin King joins us to share details about Whim Production’s annual flagship event, Alphabet Soup: Theater from Queer Voices an evening of six short plays written by Kansas City-area LGBTQ writers. Running through April 13, 2025, at Whim Space, 415 Prospect Ave, KCMO, in historic Pendleton Heights. For info visit: http://www.whimproductions.org.

Kevin King and Zo E. Schmidt welcome to Wednesday MidDay Medley

Whim Productions’ Alphabet Soup: Theater from Queer Voices returns to Whim Space from April 4-13. Alphabet Soup, Whim’s annual flagship production, is an evening of six short plays written by Kansas City-area LGBTQ writers.

Alphabet Soup debuted in 2015 as part of the Kansas City Fringe Festival and now returns for its ninth iteration.

“We’re so excited to bring back Alphabet Soup for a 9th year!” said Kevin King, Whim’s producing artistic director. “The six plays we’re presenting are a great mix of over-the-top narratives and very grounded drama. We can’t wait to share these with audiences!”

The selected playwrights participate in private workshops facilitated by Kevin King, Whim’s Producing Artistic Director. This allows the plays to develop and builds a community among the writers. The workshops have given production opportunities to people who had never had a production before. In fact, some of the selected playwrights had never written a play prior to being involved in Soup.

This year’s short plays are:

The High Who Spied Me by John Adams (he/him): A top-secret agent is sent to America to retrieve a stolen nuclear missile — but finds something even more explosive.

Pride and Precipice by Camilo Fontecilla (he/him): A mountain hike tests all the limits of Willow and Bree’s relationship.

Futureproof by Courtney Honors (they/her): Only hours after meeting, two women — one a serial monogamist and the other a doomsday prepper — rush into a relationship and try to make it work despite the looming threat of an armageddon.

The Space Where We Met by Kevin King (he/him): On the eve of their 10-year high school reunion, Charlie and Melissa have surprising realizations about each other. Turns out, ten years can change everything, including what you think you know.

Oversteeped Tea by B. Michael McFarland (he/him): What are the consequences of our actions? An estranged brother and sister find out over afternoon tea.

All the Stars in Cygnus by Zo E. Schmidt (they/them): Love and mortality collide in this poignant farewell as Val grapples with Kitty’s refusal to embrace eternity.

All plays are presented at every performance.

Alphabet Soup isn’t just a presentation of plays. Built into it is a script development process that builds the skills of the participating playwrights and strengthens the selected plays. King said that the workshops have paid dividends, both for Whim and the playwrights. Several plays that were developed in Alphabet Soup have been presented across the country. This summer, Kevin King & John Adams will present plays developed by Alphabet Soup at the Valdez Theatre Conference. David Whitner’s play “Tickle Monster, ” from the 2024 festival, will be published by Smith & Kraus in an anthology.

Tickets are available online at http://www.whimproductions.org and at the door.

VENUE: Whim Space – 415 Prospect Ave, Kansas City, 64124

DATES & TIMES:
Fri. Apr 4th, 7:30 pm
Sat. Apr 5th, 7:30 pm
Sun. Apr 6th, 3:00 pm
Mon. Apr 7th, 7:30 pm
Fri. Apr 11th, 7:30 pm
Sat. Apr 12th, 7:30 pm
Sun. Apr 13th, 3:00 pm

Doors open 30 min. before show. There is no admission 10 minutes after show starts.

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

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

Kevin King and Zo E. Schmidt thank you for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Whim Production’s annual flagship event, Alphabet Soup: Theater from Queer Voices an evening of six short plays written by Kansas City-area LGBTQ writers. Running through April 13, 2025, at Whim Space, 415 Prospect Ave, KCMO, in historic Pendleton Heights. For info visit: http://www.whimproductions.org.

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

11:53

  1. Jamogi – “DO IT TO ME”
    from: “DO IT TO ME” – Single / Jam Tunes / March 28, 2025
    [Jamogi is also know as Byron Hyde a Kanas City based singer, songwriter, MC, producer, originally from Los Angeles, California. Jamogi released the single “Hot Block” on May 30, 2024. Jamogi released the EP, Star-Crossed Lover on March 3, 2023. Jamogi then released a “Star-Crossed Lover GALACTIC REMIX (feat. Watchman)” single on June 9, 2023.Jamogi previously released the AGE OF AQUARIUS EP on March 3, 2023, and the single “Celebration” on Dec. 9, 2022, and the single “Anymore” on May 6, 2022. // Jamogi played the ROCK IS BLACK—a celebration of Black artists in rock music, happening February 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Zhou B Art Center, 1801 E 18th Street, KCMO. Rock is Black features: Malek Azrael & The Vibez, Jamogi and The Jammers, Stephonne, and Frankie Shorez & Mercy Fire.]

[Jamogi and The Jammers play The Ship 1221 Union Ave. KCMO in the West Bottoms on Friday, April 11, at 8:00pm for the Flew The Coop Sessions Fundraiser.]

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

NEXT WEEK, on April 16 – Jaclyn Danger shares details about The Love Note April 18 at Strand Theatre on Troost. AND Zach Phillips returns w/ LIVE music from Lone Stranger.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show #1090

WMM Playlist from March 26, 2025

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

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

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

  1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
    from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
    [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
  1. Debbie Friday – “1/17”
    from: “1/17′ / Sub Pop Records / March 20, 2025
    [Debby Friday is sharing “1/17”, an anthemic and salacious new dance pop single for 2025, available now worldwide from Sub Pop and in Canada from Royal Mountain Records. // Written and produced during a whirlwind European tour, “1/17” marks an exciting evolution for Debby Friday as she unveils a softer, more playful side of her artistry. Featuring hypnotic vocals and cheeky lyrics with nods to ancient Greece and nude selfies, the track exudes charm and lightness. With threads of experimental dance-pop woven seamlessly throughout, “1/17” is a refreshing addition to Debby Friday’s sonic world and a promising kickoff to her new era. // “1/17” was produced by Friday and Darcy Baylis, mixed by Alex Gamble, with assistance by Taylor Finnigan, and mastered by Levi Seitz. // Its soaring and singular shot official video is directed by Friday and frequent collaborator Kevan Funk (“WHAT A MAN,” “SO HARD TO TELL”), and filmed at Toronto’s historic Massey Hall. // Friday says of the visual, “It’s based on an amalgamation of two experiences that I had. The first was when I won the Polaris Prize at Massey Hall, which felt like a peak moment in my career. The second was when, nine months later, I played a festival show to absolutely no one in the audience. I’ve spent the past year detaching myself from the highs and lows of this business and trying to see everything as a sign. Of what? I don’t know. But I’m sure in the end, it’ll all mean something.”]
  1. Billie Marten – “Feeling”
    from: Dog Eared / Fiction Records / July 18, 2025
    [New Single from Billie Marten’s 5th LP DOG EARED. Dog Eared is a warm, rich and textured record that bristles with confidence and self-belief, with Billie already approaching the prolificacy of a “lifer” with so much life left to live. It’s a left turn from her previous recordings, albeit a subtle one, taken with a deftness of touch. A musician embracing change, while staying true to her core self. There’s a certain strength of conviction here that finds its voice more prominently in the extensive pool of her acclaimed American contemporaries, of which she now surely stands shoulder to shoulder with. With Dog Eared, Billie calmly posits herself at the top of the tree of not just British contemporary folk artists, but with British songwriters at large. // Of the record’s opening number, “Feeling”, Billie explains: “I’ve discovered that I have a really particular long-term memory: I have specific sensory recollections from when I was two onwards, that I can recall easily now. One of these is marking out roads in my grandmother’s patterned carpet, for my Dad’s old 1950/60s toy cars to drive on. I used to trace patterns in everything: fabric seats at the dentist, carpets, wallpaper and walls, raindrops on car windows. Everything had a pattern to be noticed.” // “Another strong memory is the feeling of big, warm hands when you’re a child and how comforting and safe that feels. The notion of age being so far away from you, but you know it’s a future inevitability, and that you’re on your way there. The inarticulateness of that ‘feeling’ you can’t describe yet, but you’re aware of a push in the world that you don’t yet understand.” ”Feeling” is really set alight by Núria Graham’s guitar part, the one you hear from the outset. It sparks the album info life and really sets a benchmark in terms of rhythm. This is an album of rhythmic focus.”]
  1. Yukimi – “Peace Reign (Radio Edit)”
    from: For You / Ninja Tune / March 28, 2025
    [Debut Solo Album from Yukimi, the celebrated vocalist and co-founder of Grammy-nominated band Little Dragon, shares her new single “Peace Reign.” A hopeful song about believing and striving for a peaceful world, the song starts with a sweet message from Yukimi’s son, “you have to believe it for it to come true, it’s right in front of you.” This is the latest offering from her debut album For You due March 28th via Ninja Tune.
    “Peace Reign is about not giving up on the dream that this world can be a peaceful place. Believing in hope and a brighter future for the generations to come,” says Yukimi.
    Her debut solo album sees her step away from a band formation to create some of her most beautiful and intimate work to date: both intensely personal and brilliantly relatable. On For You, Yukimi elegantly entwines musical styles from jazz, soul and electronic pop to hip hop, roots and psychedelia, but the themes of her solo songs dig deeper than ever, across love, loss, feminine energy and innate resilience. // For You will include previously released singles “Stream of Consciousness” featuring British singer-songwriter Lianne La Havas. The collaboration marks Yukimi’s first time writing and creating music with another woman, which allowed her to fully delve into her feminine energy; “Sad Makeup,” which was written “about those days when you try to push down and control a sad feeling” says Yukimi; “Winter Is Not Dead,” inspired by those long, dark winters in Scandinavia; and the self-empowering debut single “Break Me Down” which was also in collaboration with Lianne La Havas and Little Dragon bandmate and long-time friend Erik Bodin.//Reflecting on For You, Yukimi shares: “I want this music to really be a force to connect people to each other, and step away from the madness of everything on the planet right now. And I’m excited about embarking on that journey on my own – the expression really feels pure.” // To celebrate the album’s release, Yukimi will embark on a full North American tour beginning in April, making stops in major cities including New York, Toronto, Chicago, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Full tour details and ticket information can be found at https://yukimi-music.com/. // Renowned for her distinct and graceful voice, Yukimi has captivated audiences since co-founding Little Dragon in 1996. With the band, she has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, from Coachella and Glastonbury to NPR’s Tiny Desk—while collaborating with an impressive roster of artists, including Mac Miller, Kali Uchis, Gorillaz, JID, KAYTRANADA, Flume, and De La Soul. Her ability to transcend genres and craft deeply moving music has cemented her status as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary music.]
  1. The Faint – “Desperate Guys”
    from: Wet from Birth / Saddle Creek / September 14, 2004.
    [Wet from Birth is the fourth studio album by The Faint, formed in Omaha, Nebraska, the band consists of Todd Fink, Graham Ulicny, Dapose and Clark Baechle. The Faint was originally known as Norman Bailer and included Conor Oberst (of Bright Eyes, with whom The Faint toured in 2005). He quit shortly after the band was formed, though the Faint continued to share a spot with Bright Eyes on Saddle Creek Records. // The band originally consisted of Clark Baechle, Todd Fink (formerly Todd Baechle), and Joel Petersen. Growing up, Fink, Petersen, and Baechle skateboarded in their free time, until Fink developed knee problems, which shifted their hobbies towards making music. They signed to Saddle Creek Records and released a few singles, but were unable to establish widespread sales. After adding Matt Bowen, the Faint released Media. At the end of 1998, Jacob Thiele joined the band, and shortly thereafter, Matt Bowen was replaced by Ethan Jones. They toured the U.S., playing what would become the songs that would comprise the next album, Blank-Wave Arcade, which had a more dance and techno-influenced sound and was an underground hit. Before recording the album, however, Jones left the band and was replaced on bass guitar by Joel Petersen, who played both bass and guitar on the album. Partway through the creation of Danse Macabre, the Faint added Dapose, a death metal guitarist formerly of LEAD. Their next album, recorded with Mike Mogis and released in 2004, was called Wet from Birth. Conor Oberst claimed in an August 2020 interview with Pitchfork Magazine that The Faint were offered a major label record deal, but turned it down out of loyalty and commitment to Saddle Creek, which at the time was still a collaborative project between members of The Faint, Cursive and Bright Eyes. // In May 2008, the Faint announced that they had split from Saddle Creek, and that their fifth studio album would be self-released under their own label, blank.wav. The album, entitled Fasciinatiion, was released on August 5, 2008, in the U.S. The first single from the album was “The Geeks Were Right”, which was released on Boys Noize Records. It was also announced that the band would tour North America with British electronic group Ladytron during the spring. // Since the release of Fasciinatiion, two of the band members, Clark Baechle and Todd Fink have been quietly, with little advertising, performing under the name Depressed Buttons, playing remixes of other artists, and DJing for various small clubs and venues. // The band performed an original song “Teach Me Teacher” on the children’s show Yo Gabba Gabba! in the third-season episode “School”, which originally aired September 19, 2010. // On October 30, 2012, Saddle Creek Records released a deluxe edition of Danse Macabre with the original album remastered, bonus and unreleased tracks, and a DVD of archival footage, live projections from that era’s tour dates, and live footage. The band announced that it would play Danse Macabre in its entirety along with fan favorites during a tour of 24 cities across North America. // In 2016, Graham Ulicny (of Reptar) replaced Jacob Thiele on keyboards. Thiele died on February 13, 2020.]

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

  1. Honeybee – “i wish i knew you then”
    from: “i wish i knew you then” – Single / Honeybee / March 28, 2025
    [New honeybee single from their upcoming EP “midtown girl”, to be released on June 6, 2025. // The track was written by the songwriter and lead singer, Makayla Scott, who wrote to us, “i wish i knew you then is inspired by all the stories Al (honeybee bass player and Mak’s partner) has told me about their life prior to us getting to know each other. Sometimes when we are reminiscing and giggling about the past, I get hit with a big wave of fomo – sad i’ve missed out on so much. but they always say that the timing of our relationship is perfect and that they’re glad we met when we did. Still, I would have LOVED to hang with kid AL and play horses or dogs or any of the 2000s era Madden games!” // Honeybee released their EP Saturn Return on March 29, 2024 part of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2024. // Honeybee started as the solo project of Singer/Songwriter Makayla Scott and now include 3 or 4 of her friends umping in… Honeybee released the songle “I Know What Love is” on January 27, 2023. Makayla Scott also played with the band Blue False Indigo Makayla Scott studied music at Drury University graduating in 2017. Honeybee played Manor Fest 6 at 6:30 PM at Arizona Trading CO. 1722 Oak Street KCMO with The Highwater, and Jass.]
  1. David Luther – “Wrecking Bay”
    from: “Wrecking Bay”- Single / David Luther / March 28, 2025
    [David Luther released the first single “Smile About Something” on January 21, 2025. David Luther released the 2d single, “If Love Just Ain’t Enough (feat. Garrison Starr) on February 28, 2025. all singles off of David’s upcoming album EWHO YOU ARE expected April 25, 2025. // David Luther Broxterman recorded his first self-titled EP in 2009 with Nashville producer Neilson Hubbard. The EP featured backing vocals from Americana artist Garrison Starr. This experience was the catalyst that would send him on his path to a music career, gigging part-time to begin with while working full-time as a social worker. // In 2020, during the heart of COVID-19, David knew it was time to embrace becoming a full-time musician.. Stepping away from social work and side jobs, especially as a single father of two boys, was a faith move then. During this time, David collaborated with David George and Pat Tomek on his EP Take Me Home, which was released in 2022. The EP included the anthem Home To Kansas City and World’s Gonna Change, a song co-written by David, Brandon Mashburn, and Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning songwriter Tom Whitlock. George and Tomek’s dedication and artistry to the project, along with the exceptional musicians and singers, inspired David. Shortly after, David worked with his sister Anna Taylor and producer Brandon Mashburn on the single I Will, released in 2023, a song to draw attention to things that unite rather than divide us. // In July 2024, David again joined Neilson Hubbard, studio musician Juan Solórzano, and engineer Dylan Alldridge in their East Nashville studio to record a new full-length Americana album. The album, Who You Are, features partner Kelly Dougherty on several songs and Garrison Starr on If Love Just Ain’t Enough. The songs on the LP are a journey of David’s songwriting, many coming from painful places in the past and leading up to the last song he finished the night before the last days of recording, the title track. // David is grateful for the people in his family and community who have come alongside him, often carrying him and sometimes dragging or chasing him down his path. He says he can’t imagine how he’d still be doing this without their ongoing help and encouragement, especially that of his partner and manager, Kelly Dougherty. “I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but there’s no going back.”]
  1. Krystle Warren & The Faculty – “Truly Great Thing”
    from: Extended Play / Parlour Door Music / November 1, 2024
    [Krystle Warren & The Faculty are: Krystle Warren, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Mike Riddleberger, and Jonathan Anderson. Following their double album LOVE SONGS (2012) Krystle Warren & The Faculty were involved in many musical projects. Krystle Warren & The Faculty, released the single “Macca” on May 22, 2023. They released and their single “Rising” released May 31, 2019, and written especially for Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed television mini series WHEN THEY SEE US. When Covid delayed the upcoming release of Extended Play, Krystle and members of The Faculty along with some of their frequent collaborators formed The Crew to release the 4-song CREW EP on September 15, 2020. Through isolation came unity. The Crew was made up of: Lakecia Benjamin, Matthew Silberman, Jacob Snider, Joe Blaxx, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Cassorla, Krystle Warren, and Ben Kane. They recorded unique versions of classic songs with the hope of encouraging the rallying cries of The Moment: the movement of the people. // In the lockdown of their homes, they sewed together their interpretations of “Bein’ Green” (based upon Ray Charles’ rendition); “Gimme Some Truth” (a mighty John Lennon composition); “Dear Landlord” (a scathing indictment from the blistering pen of Bob Dylan); and “Rhythm of Life”, (a timeless statement originally performed by Oleta Adams). // A portion of the proceeds from The Crew. EP were donated to the various causes and organizations // // The Faculty was formed with Krystle Warren, Solomon Dorsey, Zach Djanikian, Mike Riddleberger, and Dave Moore. While the four boys had classes and gigs, Krystle floated around New York and made a lot of friends. She busked and wrote songs, and, with the help of her band members and Ben Kane, who had an internship at Electric Lady Studios and was sneaking them in at odd hours, Krystle turned those songs into an e.p. called Diary. // Diary led to Circles, which Ben Kane co-produced with Voodoo engineer Russell “The Dragon” Elevado. Circles was bought by Because Music in France, but Krystle still recorded Love Songs in New York, a double album that invokes a Blakean duality with its two subtitles, ‘A Time to Refrain from Embracing’ and ‘A Time You May Embrace’. // Love Songs​ was produced with most of the Faculty (Zach was on tour with Amos Lee) and a slew of guest musicians in Brian Bender’s Brooklyn studio, The Motherbrain. Bender’s assistant, Jonathan Anderson, would later go on to replace Dave Moore on keys. // The Faculty has always been a tenuous project for everyone involved because of the distance and the schedules. While everyone remains close friends, the band members are spread across the globe. Krystle in France. Riddleberger in New York and Zach in Woodstock. Jonathan in Los Angeles. And then they are all working musicians, touring, recording, and collaborating with an impressive list of artists. Musicians like, in no particular order: D’Angelo, Hercules and Love Affair, Donald Fagen and the Nightfliers, Joan As Police Woman, Jonathan Wilson, Emily King, Janet Jackson, Ron Sexsmith, Amy Helm, Taylor Swift, Rufus Wainwright, Natalie Merchant, Graham Nash, The Knights, Bleachers, Emmylou Harris, Amos Lee, Mayra Andrade, Lana Del Rey, Broken Social Scene, Teddy Thompson, Lakecia Benjamin, and honestly that’s less than the half of it. // So they have been busy, and they have gained a lot of experience since the days of sneaking into ElectricLady late night or playing for meager pay and free wine at an East Village Italian resto. And while Diary, Circles, and Love Songs​ were recorded with everyone in the same room (​Three the Hard Way, Krystle’s solo album, was pared down to her and Kane collectively), Extended Play​ was recorded disparately and assembled together by the steady hands and ears of Kane and Krystle. There is distance between the musicians in the recording process, but there is still a close emotional connection that can be heard in these songs. // The songs that make up ​Extended Play​ are songs of experience—the lyrics reflect on a crush from high school, a departed musical hero, and others who live in memory. There is nostalgia in Extended Play, and a forlornness. // Krystle describes “When I Look Back,” the last song of the album, as “an apology to my teenage self.” Twenty years ago she was writing songs about what happened day-of because being young is about immediacy and living in the present tense. Now the songs are about years past because life slows down, and we are allowed the time to “look back.”// But as Krystle sings in “Rising,” “Future lingers while past is present.” She’s writing about the past because we are all our collected histories—or as she puts it in “When I Look Back”: “there’s still something of her that stays.” The future, of course, still lingers, always there waiting for us, for the next move. The album ends with a recording of Audre Lorde’s gravelly voice. She says, // I’m going on to something else, the shape of which, I have no idea. ‘Only thing I know is, it’s going to be quite different. What I leave behind has a life of its own – I’ve said this about poetry … Well in a sense, I’m saying it about the very artifact of who I have been. // Krystle Warren & The Faculty still have more to come. They have built twenty years of memories, experiences, recordings, and shows, and with the release of Extended Play,​ they continue to show a commitment to growing as musicians together, even if apart. The Extended Play bio written by Phil Anderson]

10:29 – Underwriting

10:31 – Interview with Stephonne

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

Stephonne Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Welcome back to the show. We are nearly three months into the year and Stephonne has already produced another epic tribute show, this time to Mary J. Blige at the Fifth Floor in the historic West Bottoms. Stephonne was also one of the featured artists at the Rock is Black concert at the Zhou B Art Center in the heart of the 18th & Vine Arts & Cultural District.

Both of these events were very important to Stephonne as a performer, but also in the community building work that Stephonne does.

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

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

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

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

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

10:40

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

10:43 – More Interview with Stephonne

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

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

Stephonne Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

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

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

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

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

Stephonne’s Statement:

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

Stephonne Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
More info at: http://www.stephonne.com

10:53

  1. Stephonne – “1”
    from: “1” – Single / Stephonne / August 21, 2024
    [Written and Produced by Stephonne Singleton. Additional Production – Justin Mantooth. Engineering, Mixing, and Mastering – Justin Mantooth. Additional Vocal Engineering – Stephonne Singleton. Vocals – Stephonne; Synths, Drum Machine, Keyboard – Stephonne; Guitar – Zachary Arias; Bass – Carly Atwood; Drums – Adam Soliz (McKee); Trombone – Trevor Turla. Recorded, mixed and mastered at Westend Recording Studios, Kansas City. // Stephonne describes himself as the lovechild of Prince & Billie Holiday. He grew up in KCK and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Benedictine College, and Masters in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Singer, songwriter, actor, model, artist – Stephonne Singleton keeps very busy, organizing Tribute Shows, working as a Resident Artist at Charlottee Street studios, playing Music Festivals, Lemonade Park, Lawrence Pride, Manor Records, Midwest Music Foundation, The AIDS Service Foundation of KC, InterUrban ArtHouse, The Black Box, The Folly Theatre, collaborating with The Black Creatures, Calvin Arsenia, Miki P, Jass, Eboni Fondren, putting out EPs, and singles. Stephonne released his EP SIS: Side B on June 24, 2022 it was in the TOP TEN of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. Stephonne was a featured performer at the 23rd Annual West 18th Street Fashion Show on Friday, June 2, 2023, and also in the 24th annual West 18th Street Fashion Show.]
  1. Julien Baker & TORRES – “Sugar in the Tank”
    from: “Sugar in the Tank”- Single / Matador Records / December 13, 2024
    [This was the first single from Julien Baker and TORRES upcoming 12-track album SEND A PRAYER MY WAY to be released April 18, 2025. // After playing “Sugar in the Tank” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Julien Baker & TORRES closed out 2024 with the release of their critically acclaimed debut single “Sugar in the Tank” via Matador Records. Since then, they have also shared the official video for the track which was shot in collaboration with the queer country dance party Stud Country. // Formed by their shared experiences of growing up queer in the south, “Sugar in the Tank,” which is now #3 greatest gainer, and #30* at AAA, not only reflects Julien Baker & TORRES’ love of country music, but joyfully reclaims the genre’s traditions and iconography which until only recently felt exclusionary. The single is a beautiful duet that is authentically country as it is a celebration of the songwriter’s roots. // “Sugar in the Tank,” is a stunning duet—a heartfelt celebration of identity and belonging, steeped in the timeless essence of country music. // “Straightforward country — guitar strumming, banjo picking, pedal steel guitar — perfectly suits the all-out declarations of love in “Sugar in the Tank.” -The New York Times // “the pair’s voices fit together like puzzle pieces, making ‘Sugar in the Tank’ a must-listen for any country music fan out there.” Billboard]

11:00 – Station ID

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

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

11:04 – Interview with Danielle Anderson

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

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

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

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

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

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

11:12

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

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

11:16 – More Interview with Danielle Anderson

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

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

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

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

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

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

Danielle on Fumbling Tour Dates around the US!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11:25

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

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

11:28 – Underwriting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11:41

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11:54

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show #1088

WMM Playlist from March 19, 2025

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

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

WMM presents: Black Light Animals + Big Fat Cow

  1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
    from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
    [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
  1. Flutienastiness – “Tulum in November”
    from: Tulum in November / Flutienastiness Entertainment / November 28, 2024
    [Amber Underwood’s first new music in four years. Nick Spacek of The Pitch writes, “Seeing the flute player rock a melody which wouldn’t be out of place on a ’70s compilation LP you pulled out of the bargain bin while digging for cool, weird vinyl before a Daft Punk meets Italo disco bass line turns it into the late night track you didn’t know you needed and gets you shaking your ass so hard you scare your pets.” // Jazz flutist, educator, band director, and band leader, Amber Underwood is a native of Kansas City and has been entertaining and performing music since the tender age of 8. Beginning her musical journey on the piano and soon after began playing classical flute. / While in college, Amber discovered Jazz and became intrigued with the art form inspired by musical influences of Bobbi Humphrey, Hubert Laws, Frank Wess, Herbie Mann, and Nestor Torres and found a love for the art form. At age 20, Amber graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance and by 23 she completed a Masters of Arts in Arts Administration and Music Business from the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory and continued her education with a second Master’s degree in Education and Teaching Music from Pittsburgh State University. / In the beginning of 2014, the Amber Underwood Project and later transformed into Flutienastiness and the SoulPatrol with the mission to showcase an instrument that is normally used as an auxiliary instrument in jazz but now as a solo instrument. Flutienastiness and the SoulPatrol is a modern and fresh take on smooth jazz and R&B sounds with a touch of Latin, Funk and Gospel. Flutienastiness and the SoulPatrol uses the rich tones and colors of the flute to interpret the various styles and genres of jazz. // Amber has been a presence in the Kansas City jazz scene making a place and a voice for her instrument. Amber has opened for Kirk Whalum and has performed alongside a host of other artist. / Amber is our modern-day soul and contemporary jazz flautist and a force to be reckoned with. Her debut album, ‘This Is Me’ has gained International recognition and was name one of the Top 25 Jazz Albums of Kansas City in 2020. Amber has also appeared on jazz playlists and featured on various recordings from all genres. Amber ‘Flutienastiness’ Underwood is the future of contemporary soul jazz flute! // On October 28, 2020 Flutienastiness released the album THIS IS ME (part of WMM 120 Best recordngs of 2020). The album was produced, mixed, & mastered by Desmond “D. Professor” Mason for Out D. Park Productions. All flutes by Amber Underwood. All tracks were composed collaboratively between Amber & Desmond. Amber writes: “This is album is a touch of all my feelings, life journeys and an inside look into Amber ‘Flutienastiness’ Underwood as a person beyond the stage. More info at:www.flutienastiness.com.]
  1. GHOSTY – “Back To School”
    from: Duane Duane – EP / More Famouser Records / February 27, 2024
    [Lawrence / Kansas City band founded by Andrew Connor. Music by Ghosty. Lyrics by Andrew Connor and Eugene Booth. Recorded by Ross Brown in Kansas City, KS November 2024. Mixed by Ross Brown. Mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Bill Belzer on drums, percussion; Ross Brown on slide guitar on Duane Duane, backing vocals; Andrew Connor on vocals, guitar; Mike Nolte on bass; David Wetzel on piano, synth, backing vocals; Konnor Ervin om backing vocals; Collin Rausch on backing vocals; and Kyle Rausch on backing vocals. Art by Paul Browning. Consulting by Kyoko Connor // Andrew Connor released the album IN COLORADO on April 21, 2021. // Ghosty released the EP PRODIGAL SON on February 28, 2020. With this EP GHOSTY was able to finally get back to finishing 3 tracks that were started in 2014. Andrew Connor on guitar & keyboards, & vocals, Bill Belzer on drums & percussion, Ross Brown on guitar & keyboards, and Mike Nolte on bass. Basic tracks were recorded in July 2014 at Westend, Kansas City, KS. Engineered by Mike Nolte. The songs were written by Andrew Connor. Mixed by Ross Brown and mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. This EP followed the band’s critically acclaimed 2013 album GHOSTY on High Dive Records. More info at: http://www.ghostysounds.com ]

Ghosty Discography

Ghosty released the 3-song EP, PRODIGAL SUN on February 28, 2020 with Bill Belzer on drums, percussion / Ross Brown on guitar, keys / Andrew Connor on guitar, keyboards, vocals / Mike Nolte on bass

Ghosty released the self titled album GHOSTY on April 17, 2014. It was there 3rd full length release with Andrew Connor, Mike Nolte and 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.]

Ghosty released the single “Love U 2” on July 15, 2013, recorded June 2013 at Westend, Kansas City, KS. Documentary about the recording of this song by surrounding media vimeo.com/70317712 // with: Mike Nolte on bass, engineering, mastering // Andrew Connor on guitar, keys, vocals / Bill Belzer – drums, & percussion

Ghosty released the 5-track EP, TEAM UP AGAIN on April 13, 2010 with Andrew Connor, Mike Nolte, David Wetzel, Josh Adams, Jake Blanton, Suzannah Johannes, Konnor Ervin, Ryan Johnson // Team Up Again,” “Ocean of Heat (Setting FIres),” and “Quell The Hunger” by Andrew Connor, arranged by Ghosty, Pretend Outlaw Music, ASCAP, 2010. “Virginia Song” by Rev. Howard Finster, arranged by Ghosty. “On A Saturday” by Jake Blanton, arranged by Ghosty. // “Team Up Again,” “Setting Fires,” “Virginia Song,” and “On A Saturday” recorded and mixed at Run Riot / More Famouser Studios, Shawnee, KS, September 2009 through March 2010. Engineered and mixed by Mike Nolte and Ghosty. // “Quell The Hunger” recorded at Mixtape Soundlab, Lawrence, KS, January 2009 additional tracking and mixing and Run Riot / More Famouser studios, Shawnee, KS, and February 2010. Engineered and mixed by Mike Nolte and Ghosty.

Ghosty released the 3-track EP, FOOLISH PRIDE on November 17, 2009 with All songs by Andrew Connor, arranged by Ghosty, Pretend Outlaw Music, ASCAP, 2009 // “Foolish Pride” and “Rose-Colored Glasses” basic tracks recorded at Jack’s House, Merriam, Kansas, Fall 2007. Engineered by Mike Nolte and Ghosty. Additional tracking and mixing at More Famouser Studios, Kansas City, MO, and Run Riot Studios, Shawnee, KS, Fall 2009. // “Hey Bill” basic tracks recorded at Mixtape Soundlab, Lawrence, KS, January 2009. Engineered by Mike Nolte and David Wetzel. Additional tracking and mixing at More Famouser Studios, Kansas City, MO by Mike Nolte and Ghosty, Spring 2009.

Ghosty released the 3-track EP, A MYSTIC’S ROBE on September 15, 2009 with Andrew Connor, David Wetzel, Mike Nolte, Jake Blanton, Josh Adams, Carmen Winters // All Songs by Andrew Connor, arranged by Ghosty, Pretend Outlaw Music, ASCAP, 2009 // “My Girl Is Strong” and “Sunday Morning” basic tracks recorded at Mixtape Soundlab, Lawrence, KS, January 2009. Engineered by Mike Nolte and David Wetzel. Additional tracking & mixing at More Famouser Studios, KCMO by Mike Nolte & Ghosty Spring 2009. // “Secret Language” basic tracks recorded at Jack’s House, Merriam, KS, Fall 2007 Engineered by Mike Nolte & Ghosty. Additional tracking & mixing at More Famouser Studios, by Mike Nolte & Ghosty Spring 2009.

Ghosty released the 11-song album ANSWERS on January 15, 2008 with tracks recorded by Paul Malinowski at Westend and Run Riot Studios, Kansas City, KS, 2006-07. racks 4, 6, 7, and 9 were recorded and mixed by Trent Bell at Bell Labs, Norman, OK, 2006. // Track 8 was recorded by Tim Brandsted at UMKC and Paul Malinowski at Westend. Mixed by Paul Malinowski at Westend, 2007. // Tracks 2 and 10 were recorded by Chris Behmer at the Ferrell home, Overland Park, KS, 2005, and with Trent Bell at Bell Labs. Mixed by Trent Bell at Bell Labs, 2006. // Mastered by Roger Seibel at SAE Masterin // All songs by Andrew Connor, arranged by Ghosty // Pretend Outlaw Music, ASCAP. // Released on Oxblood Records.

Ghosty released the 5-track EP, ME, ME, ME on January 15, 2006 w/ Andrew Connor on guitar & vocals / Jeff Ferrell on guitar & vocals // David Wetzel on keyboards &* vocals // Mike Nolte – bass & vocals // Josh Adams on drums & vocals // Recorded & mixed Fall 2005 by Jeff Ferrell and Ghosty at New York St. house, Lawrence, KS. Artwork by Paul Browning. Songs by Andrew Connor, Pretend Outlaw Music

Ghosty released the 19-track album GROW UP OR SLEEP IN (Deluxe Edition) on August 30, 2005 with Josh Adams, Andrew Connor, Jeff Ferrell, Mike Nolte, David Wetzel// and Alums: Jacob Baum, Richard Gintowt, Mark Hurst, Andrew Sallee, James Duft // Big Surrender, Henry Greene, and Hey! Somebody were recorded by Mike Mogis at Presto! in Lincoln, NE in the summer of 2002 // Jacqueline, Rooms in the Dark, (In a Big World)Little Dreams Count, High on Life, Clouds Solve It, Go to Add/Drop City, and World Travelers were recorded by Trent Bell and Andy Nunez at Bell Labs in Norman, OK in the fall 2003 // Mastered by Doug Van Sloun at Studio B // Design by Patrick Giroux at Blue Collar Press // All songs by Andrew Connor, Copyright 2005 // Pretend Outlaw Music(ASCAP) // Wayne Coyne appears courtesy of Warner Brothers Records // BONUS TRACKS: Primadonna, John Hunter, and Sad Sack recorded Summer 2006? at the Ferrell Home in Overland Park, KS by Chris Behmer and Ghosty // Dust Box Nites and Rok Town Air recorded and mixed with Tom Wagner at Underground Sound in Lawrence Kansas, Winter 2005? James Duft plays bass // Going Home Recorded in the Spring of 2002 at 1225 and 1137 Tennessee in Lawrence, KS by Ghosty, Mixed with Jeff Ferrell.

Ghosty released the 6-track EP THE FIVE SHORT MINUTES on February 2, 2002 with Andrew Connor: Guitar, Vocals, Keyboards / Jacob Baum: Bass, Organ, Percussion, Guitar / Richard Gintowt: Drums, Percussion / Jeff Jackson: Pedal Steel Guitar on Track 5 // Recorded Fall 2001 at the haunted house by Jacob Baum / Produced by Ghosty / Mastered by Boyd Bristow

  1. Birdie – “Sleepsinger”
    from: Make Me / Birdie / February 1, 2025
    [Birdie’s new 8-track album. Birdie Is: Betsy Schwartze on vocals, ukulele, keyboard;Andy Oxman on guitar; Barb Wilmoth on drums & bass; Dan Carey on bass. // Birdie released the 8-track album 8 TRACK on July 25, 2024. // Birdie released the 9-track album GRAVITY on October 12, 2022. GRAVITY was made with Birdie in lead vocals & ukelele, Andy Oxman on guitar, Barb Wilmoth on drums, Dan Carey on bass, with Pat Tomek on drums, Gary Paredes on guitar and Marc Bollinger on bass. // Birdie released two full-length albums in 2022. // On May 27, 2022 Birdie’s released the 8-song album WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE SO COOL? Power pop, punk, and echoes of the girl groups of our time intersect in Kansas City-based band Birdie. This energetic collaboration of local talent brings a fresh take on classic sounds. // Birdie released the single “You Can’t Stop Her” on June 13, 2021. // Birdie released the 7-track EP, CELLOPHANE HEART on June 4, 2021. Birdie is the musical project of Betsy Schwartze who lives in Stilwell KS. Info at: http://www.birdiesound.com]
  1. LYXE – “Sad Surfer”
    from: “Sad Surfer” – Single / LYXE / March 11, 2025
    [Ryan Wise (of The Sluts) on vocals, Jimmy Girod on percussion, AJ Knudson on bass,. This indie/alternative rock band LYXE, is from Lawrence, Kansas. // This is LYXE’s second single of 2025 following “All Alone” that was released on February 21, 2025 // “Sad Surfer” – A Melodic Reflection on the Struggle to Find Home. The track blends surf-inspired guitar melodies with introspective lyrics about the search for belonging. The song’s lush, reverb-laden guitars evoke a sense of nostalgia for surf rock from both past and present, while offering a modern twist that perfectly complements the band’s unique sound. With this new release, LYXE continues to push the boundaries of their genre, delivering a hauntingly beautiful reflection on personal longing and identity. / “Sad Surfer” captures the universal struggle of trying to find a place that feels like home. The almost pessimistic lyrics delve into themes of displacement and the desire for stability, resonating with anyone who has ever felt out of sync with their surroundings. With its atmospheric guitar work and emotive vocals, the song creates a sonic landscape that mirrors the inner conflict of seeking a place to call your own. The track’s introspective mood is balanced by its ethereal soundscape, making it a standout piece in the band’s growing catalog. / The release of “Sad Surfer” marks another exciting chapter for LYXE, as they continue to gain momentum in the indie rock scene. Known for their emotionally charged music and genre-blending style, LYXE’s new single is sure to captivate both new listeners and long-time fans alike. //LYXE, a three piece pop-rock outfit formed out of the love of getting fans to sing and dance along to hip shaking rhythms reminiscent of classic 80’s and 90’s sounds. They quickly became a favorite of crowds and musicians alike with the lead of Ryan Wise’s crooning vocals and vintage guitar sounds. The trio has an undeniable chemistry that caught the local scene like wildfire. Bassist AJ Knudson brings a loveable charisma to their live presence, while drummer Jimmy Girod’s subtle, elegant delivery gives this act a sophisticated backbone. // LYXE released their debut EP, EVERYTHING YOU COULD EVER WANT on September 15, 2022. Pulling inspiration from a wide range of genres, this six-song EP has a pop-rock, new wave nostalgia that sinks its teeth into you. Luring in listeners with dramatics and lush hooks on “Wave,” yet unafraid to tap into their feral side on “I Got Everything.” The record closes with “Fit,” which makes you feel like you’re in an argument with your prom date in 1989. Recorded, at Element Recording Studios in Kansas City. The new EP gave listeners a different side of Ryan Wise’s songwriting with crooning vocals and vintage guitar sounds. // On June 23, 2023 LYXE released a remastered version of their song “Wave (Remastered 2023)” produced by Joel Nanos. Remaster by Jake Vertigo, with: Ryan Wise (of The Sluts) on vocals, Jimmy Girod on percussion, AJ Knudson on bass, and Chase Horseman on synthesizer. This was originally the debut single “Wave.” // LYXE release their singe ”Ice Cream” on June 23, 2023 // LYXE released their single “P{rom Song” on November 10, 2024. // LYXE released their single “Hard To Talk” on October 4, 2024. // For additional information or inquiries please contact: wearelyxe@gmail.com ]

[LYXE plays Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 N. 12th St. Manhattan, KS on Friday, March 21 at 8:00pm gthe first of their 12-city tour through Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Colorado, Illinois and Iowa.]

  1. Nightosphere – “Poverty Policy”
    from: “Poverty Policy” – Single / Nightosphere / February 21, 2025
    [Brittany Sawtelle on guitar; Claire Hannah on bass & vocals, Dekota Trogdon on drums. Recorded at BRC Audio Productions by Zack Hames. Mixed + mastered by Mario Quintero. Nick Spacek in The Pitch writes, “their new single sees the band leaning into pure Goth territory, courtesy of a bassline that feels like the most ominous thing ever, plodding along in the best possible way before the song explodes in its final minute as though they can’t possibly hold it in any longer, and then returning to the slow march of what was a eulogy, now becoming the funeral.”// Nightosphere released their own 6-minute version of Echo and the Bunnymen’s “The Killing Moon” on Jan. 31, 2025 // After a couple of early single releases and an excellent 3-way split with Abandoncy and Flooding, Nightosphere developed their heavy slowcore sound into a fully realized, extremely imposing full length. On April 14, 2023 Nightosphere released their 7-track album Katabasis. Katabasis was recorded and mixed by Morgan Reed Greenwood & mastered by Greg Obis at Chicago Mastering Service. The album’s artwork is by Kasper Durkin, and the layout & design by Alexis Politz.]
  1. Lee Walter Redding – “It Should Be Ours”
    from: “It Should Be Ours” – Single / Lee Walter Redding / February 24, 2025
    [On July 15, 2022 Lee Walter Redding released the EP live From The Argyle Wallpaper. Lee Walter Redding on vocals, guitar; Justin Rogers on bass; Andy Kirk on guitar/synth and Justin Skinner on drums. // Lee Walter Redding released “Elephant Man (feat. Stephonne)” on April 9, 2021. Lee told us that he learned about Stephonne Singleton from listening to Wednesday MidDay Medley and hearing Stephonne for the first time. WMM bringing musical collaborations together since 2004. // Kansas City based Lee Walter Redding was raised on 60s rock, steeped in 90s Britpop ennui, and guided by contemporary neo-soul, Lee Walter Redding weaves dry humor into vibrant sonic textures that sway from wistful to chaotic. Think 2010s Nick Lowe fronting The Velvet Underground. On warped vinyl. More info at: http://www.leewalterredding.bandcamp.com] [Lee Walter Redding was our guest on WMM on July 13, 2022]

10:30 – Underwriting

  1. KiNG MALA – “FUN! (Radio Edit)”
    from “FUN!” – Single / Handwritten Records / February 21, 2025
    [KiNG MALA is an alternative pop artist based in Los Angeles. AKA Areli Castro, the El Paso born musician is not afraid to spill her guts. Setting out with the hopes to spark confidence in both herself and her listeners, she creates music that will make you walk taller and speak louder. Both her music and visuals experiment with masculine tropes, sharing “There’s something about taking something traditionally masculine and wearing it as a woman that makes me feel really powerful.” These masculine threads weave throughout everything she does, hence King rather than Queen and “MALA” which roughly translates to “bad bitch” in Spanish. Sharing her feelings from the bottom of her heart KiNG MALA encourages you to dig deep and connect with your inner-self. Life is messy and we shouldn’t feel ashamed to show our emotions and speak our mind. // Dark, provocative and perhaps a little twisted, the new single “cult leader” has an empowering and confident disposition. Manifested with a ‘fake it till you make it’ mindset, the track was actually written when her confidence had taken a hit, though the song writer decided that instead of leaning into the sadness, she would be overly confident and a bit narcissistic to try and boost her self-esteem. Reverberating with a distorted driving beat and haunting vocals, the track oozes with a bold and daring energy.]
  1. Youth Lagoon – “Speed Freak”
    from Rarely Do I Dream / Fat Possum Records / February 21, 2025
    [Trevor Powers was born March 18, 1989. He is better known by his stage name Youth Lagoon, is an American musician from Boise, Idaho. Youth Lagoon’s music has been described as neo-psychedelia, and includes elements of pop, Americana, electronic and experimental music. // Powers was initially active as Youth Lagoon between 2010 to 2016, releasing three studio albums – The Year of Hibernation (2011), Wondrous Bughouse (2013) and Savage Hills Ballroom (2015) – before announcing his retirement from the project. He returned to music in 2018, releasing two studio albums under his own name, before announcing the return of his Youth Lagoon moniker in 2022. // Working closely with producer Rodaidh McDonald, Powers released his fourth Youth Lagoon album, Heaven Is a Junkyard, in 2023 to widespread critical acclaim. The album was followed by Rarely Do I Dream in 2025, to further acclaim, with its lyrical content rooted in boyhood memoir and old-world folklore and incorporates samples from home movies. // “This song came from a thought I had of giving the angel of death a hug. We spend our whole lives running from this thing we can’t outrun. This body is temporary, but there is no death. Only transformation. A door opens when you learn to let go of the identity you’ve been building your whole life. Someone told me a couple years ago, ‘I have good news for you and I have bad news. The bad news is Trevor is doomed. There’s no hope for Trevor. The good news is — you’re not Trevor. When I heard that, it clicked.” – Trevor Powers // “Through a dozen years of shifting sounds and trends, Powers has remained faithful to the fundamentals of chamber pop: tunes that stick in your head and arrangements grand enough to get lost in.” – Pitchfork // 5th album, Rarely Do I Dream, Youth Lagoon’s most comprehensive and audacious album to date. It’s a treasure trove of home movies, twangy fuzz guitars, sun-bleached synths, classical pianos, blown-out drums, and Powers’ spellbinding melodies, all which feel like an old photograph that’s been reanimated in a strange and distant future. // Rooted in love and childhood memoir, Rarely Do I Dream is a triumph of American gothic imagination — where storybook innocence dissolves into a radioactive billow of teenage drifters, drug-addled hustlers, and old-world folklore. Drifting between propulsive electronica and hallucinatory rock songs, Powers’ singular voice always glows front and center as the neon road sign pointing home. // Lead single “Speed Freak,” is a dark joyride that showcases Youth Lagoon’s glaring metamorphosis, unleashes a grungy beat while synth bass struts and splinters into a technicolor post-punk spectacle.]
  1. Tunde Adebimpe – “God Knows”
    from: Thee Black Boltz / Sub Pop Records / April 18, 2025
    [Acclaimed TV On The Radio frontman and multi-hyphenate talent Tunde Adebimpe has released a new song “God Knows,” from his highly anticipated debut solo album, Thee Black Boltz. // “God Knows” delves into the complexities of a bittersweet breakup, showcasing Adebimpe’s distinctive vocals and introspective lyrics. The song captures the raw vulnerability of heartbreak as Adebimpe sings, “You’re the worst thing I ever loved, And you’re bad news but I still want to give you my love.” // Of the latest single, the TV on the Radio frontman says “Breaking up is hard to down dooby doo down do”. // Thee Black Boltz is produced by Tunde Adebimpe & Wilder Zoby, and executive produced by Zoby, with additional production and contributions from Jaleel Bunton & Jahphet Landis (of TV on the Radio), and more. Showcasing visionary soundscapes, the album is a nod to Adebimpe’s propensity to write and sing about the human condition – in all its forms, under all its stressors, both big and small. // “Adebimpe is strutting back into the spotlight with style.” – Consequence // “Adebimpe is plagued with the state of the world, as he muses on the human race, love, tenderness and how to fly above it all. He whistles, claps and yelps—in all the ways that made TV On The Radio songs so com-pelling and mesmeric—but with a progressive voice that sounds fresh and thrilling in 2024.” – Paste // “‘’Magnetic’… It’s an apt name for the track, which opens with a reflective, melancholic lyric (‘I was thinking about my time in space’) before the propulsive instrumentals drop in and never let up.” – AV Club // “Tunde Adebimpe had quite the 2024, stealing scenes in Twisters and reuniting with TV on the Radio to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut, Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes. The front man will get a little more “me” time this year with his first solo album via Sub Pop.” – Vulture’s “Albums We Can’t Wait to Hear in 2025”
  1. Fantastic Negrito – “I Hope Somebody’s Loving You”
    from: Son of a Broken Man / Storefront Records / October 18, 2024
    [Born Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, Fantastic Negrito’s story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of music. By now much has been made of Negrito’s unique story – growing up in an orthodox Muslim household, a doomed major label deal, the near-fatal car crash that permanently damaged his guitar playing hand—as well as the remarkable redemption arc that began in 2015, when he won the first-ever NPR Tiny Desk Contest. He has since earned three GRAMMY® Awards for “Best Contemporary Blues Album,” and shared stages with everyone from Sturgill Simpson to Chris Cornell to Bruce Springsteen. He’s collaborated in the studio with the likes of Sting, E-40, and Tank and The Bangas, performed on countless headline world tours and at festivals such as Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, Newport Folk, and WOMAD. Negrito also founded Revolution Plantation, an urban farm in Oakland, CA aimed at youth education and empowerment. // 2025 is the ten year anniversary of Fantastic Negrito winning the inaugural NPR Tiny Desk Contest. Winning the Tiny Desk Contest took Negrito from a street musician to a genre bending, Grammy winning, internationally acclaimed artist. // His latest release, Son Of A Broken Man sees Fantastic Negrito encapsulating his inimitable style, from hard-hitting guitar riffs to expressive ballads, with the unexpected twists that have become his trademark. It stands as one of his most personal works to date, exploring family, deception, and the human desire to hide the true self as he dives deep into the struggle between father and son. // I Hope Somebody’s Loving You, the second single from “Son Of A Broken Man” is a rare ballad from Fantastic Negrito with a touch of Otis Redding mixed with some Prince. The music video has amassed over 180,000 organic views on YouTube and nearly 1 million organic views on TikTok. The track stems from Negrito observing people on the street while on tour. The message is simple. “I hope somebody, somewhere, somehow, is loving every single person in this world”.]
  1. Tune-Yards – “Limelight (Radio Edit)”
    from: Better Dreamiing / 4AD Records / May 16, 2025
    [Tune-Yards is the Oakland, California–based music project of Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner. Garbus’s music draws from an eclectic variety of sources and uses elements such as loop pedals, ukulele, vocals, and lo-fi percussion. Tune-Yards’ 2011 album Whokill was ranked the number one album of that year in The Village Voice’s annual Pazz and Jop critics’ poll. // The album Nikki Nack was released in 2014, with its first single, “Water Fountain”, being picked up by Google Pixel in 2016 for an advertising campaign. The album I Can Feel You Creep into My Private Life was released in January 2018. At the same time, Tune-Yards provided an atmospheric score for the sci-fi film Sorry to Bother You. // Born in 1979, Garbus was raised in New York City and in New Canaan, Connecticut. She attended Smith College. She was a puppeteer for the Sandglass Theater in Vermont and lived in Montreal where she played ukulele in the band Sister Suvi with guitarist Patrick Gregoire and drummer Nico Dann. Merrill’s sister Ruth Garbus is also a musician who has played solo and in the band Happy Birthday. After releasing her first Tune-Yards album in 2008, she moved to Oakland, where her partner in Tune-Yards, Nate Brenner, also lives. // The first Tune-Yards album, Bird-Brains (stylized as BiRd-BrAiNs) was originally self-released by Garbus on recycled cassette tape. It was recorded using only a handheld voice recorder. A limited edition vinyl was released in June 2009, via the Portland-based imprint Marriage Records. In July 2009, it was announced that Tune-Yards had signed to 4AD, and a limited edition pressing of Bird-Brains was released on August 17, 2009. A full worldwide release followed on November 16, 2009 (and November 17 in North America). The autumn 2009 pressing was remastered at Abbey Road Studios by Christian Wright, and includes two new bonus tracks: “Want Me To” and “Real Live Flesh.” // A second album, Whokill (stylized as w h o k i l l), was released on April 19, 2011. A single from it, “Bizness”, came out in February 2011. It was produced by Garbus and engineered by Eli Crews at New, Improved Studios in Oakland. Applying the live approach to Garbus’ studio work for the first time, Garbus works with bass player Nate Brenner, who co-wrote some of the album’s songs. Comparing the act to Sonic Youth, Frontier Psychiatrist said, “if Bird-Brains was Garbus’ Evol, a record bursting with musical ideas that attempted to subvert the notion of song, who kill is Garbus’ Sister, a record that embraces the traditional pop song as a vehicle to convey those ideas.” The album as well as singles “Bizness” and “Gangsta” received mention on many top 2011 album and song lists, including Time, Rolling Stone, Spin, and the New York Times. In early 2012, the Village Voice’s annual “Pazz and Jop” poll of critics named Whokill the No. 1 album of 2011. The song “Fiya” is featured on a 2010 commercial for the Blackberry Torch, while the song “Gangsta” has been used in the television shows Orange Is the New Black, Letterkenny, Weeds and The Good Wife and the song “Bizness” was used in Season 3 of Transparent. // Garbus started recording material for her third LP during the latter half of 2013, with a working title of Sink-o. A May 6, 2014 release date was later announced with the title Nikki Nack. The album spawned three singles, including “Water Fountain”, which was featured in the soundtrack for EA Sports video game FIFA 15 as well as in a 2016 commercial for the Google Pixel. // A fourth album was released on January 19, 2018, called I Can Feel You Creep into My Private Life. The album showed more of an electronic influence. The single “Look at Your Hands” was released earlier, in October 2017, followed by “Heart Attack” in January.// The Tune-Yards scored the satiric science fiction film Sorry to Bother You (2018). The film was shown at Sundance in January, then began a theatrical run in July. Its soundtrack songs are performed by the Coup, fronted by the film’s director, Boots Riley. Riley said he started working with Tune-Yards in “early 2015” to create the film’s score, with demo tracks already available before the script was complete, and before the start of principal photography. Riley said he was attracted to Garbus’s voice, and to the band’s “unorthodox use of percussion and vocal layering.” Garbus also composed the theme music for The New Yorker Radio Hour. // In 2021, Tune-Yards appeared as the opening performance for Google I/O with Artificial Intelligence powered vocal accompaniment.]
  1. Saya Gray – “Shell (of a Man)”
    from: SAYA / Dirty Hit Records / February 21, 2025
    [Saya Gray (born 1995) is a Canadian musician. She has four albums or EPs, starting with her debut in 2022. // Gray was born in 1995 and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, growing up in the Beaches neighbourhood of Toronto. Her mother is the founder of the Discovery Through the Arts music school in Toronto. Her mother’s family moved from Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan to Canada when her mother was ten years old. Her father is a Scottish-Canadian jazz trumpet player who studied at the Berklee College of Music. She is of Japanese-Canadian descent.Her brother, Lucian Gray, who plays the guitar, appears on her album 19 Masters. She began playing the piano at a young age, eventually deciding around the age of ten to play bass. // Gray began playing music in a house band for a Jamaican Pentecostal church. At the age of eighteen, Gray was a music teacher and a member of the Quincy Bullen Band. After dropping out of high school in order to take night classes instead, she moved to London in the United Kingdom at the age of nineteen. She worked as a touring bassist for over ten years prior to releasing music. She previously played as a bassist in Canadian singer and songwriter Daniel Caesar’s touring band She has also been a musical director for American singer Willow Smith and a bassist for English singer and songwriter Liam Payne. // In 2019, Gray began releasing original music. Her debut album, 19 Masters, was released on June 2, 2022. In 2023 and 2024, she released the dual extended plays QWERTY and QWERTY II. Her second album, Saya, was released on 21 February 2025. // Gray has lived in Toronto and the countries of Japan and the United Kingdom. She was living in Tokyo as of March 2024.]
  1. Gigi Perez – “Chemistry (Radio Edit)”
    from: “Chemistry (Radio Edit)” – Single / Outahere Records / February 28, 2025
    [Gianna Brielle Perez was born February 4, 2000, known professionally as Gigi Perez or simply Gigi, is an American singer-songwriter. Born in New Jersey and raised in Florida, she went viral on TikTok for her songs “Celene” and “Sometimes (Backwood)” and spent a period signed to Interscope Records, on which she released the 2023 EP How to Catch a Falling Knife. After leaving the label, she released “Sailor Song”, which peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Sailor Song” topped the charts in Ireland, Latvia, and the United Kingdom, and peaked within the top ten of the charts in various countries, including New Zealand and Norway. She has also supported Coldplay on their Music of the Spheres World Tour, Noah Cyrus on her The Hardest Part Tour, girl in red on her Doing It Again Tour and D4vd on his The Root of It All Tour. // Gianna Brielle Perez was born on February 4, 2000, in Hackensack, New Jersey, and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida.: 0:49  She spent a year at a comprehensive before moving to a Christian school.: 8:39  Perez is a lesbian and has credited “Girls Like Girls” by Hayley Kiyoko with helping her accept her sexuality. She began writing songs aged fifteen and began releasing music in 2018 while in high school as part of the band Wendy Lane. Perez attended Berklee College of Music but left due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. She had an older sister, Celene, who died in July 2020, shortly after which Perez’s partner broke up with her.: 29:34  To cope with her grief, she began uploading videos to TikTok to kill time. She went viral in early 2021 after releasing “Celene” and then “Sometimes (Backwood)”, both of which went viral on TikTok, prompting Interscope Records to sign her. // Perez released a further single, “The Man”, in June 2022, a track about expectations faced by men She supported Coldplay on their Music of the Spheres World Tour later that month at their Florida stadium show. She has stated in interviews to have received the offer to do so on her 22nd birthday and in February 2022. She then released “When She Smiles”, a song about a toxic relationship inspired by Ariana Grande, Imogen Heap, and “When Jamie Smiles” from the Ryan Reynolds film Just Friends, and “Glue”, a track written in late 2020 about clinging to a relationship after bereavement. In October 2022, she supported Noah Cyrus on her The Hardest Part Tour and released “Figurines”. In February 2023, she supported D4vd on his The Root of It All Tour. In March, by which time she was based in Brooklyn, she released “Sally” and announced an EP, How to Catch a Falling Knife, which comprised eight songs composed three years earlier. The EP took its title from the stock market term “never try to catch a falling knife”, as she felt it represented what she had put into the project, and was released in April 2023 alongside a music video for focus track “Kill for You”. // In March 2024, after being released from Interscope Records, she released “Normalcy”, a queer love song she had first promoted in December 2022 on TikTok; she followed this a month later with “Please Be Rude”. // In July 2024, she released the single “Sailor Song”, an acoustic queer ballad about a woman who looked like Anne Hathaway. The track went viral on TikTok, and peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Some conservative Christian communities complained about the line “I don’t believe in God, but I believe that you’re my saviour”, prompting Perez to remind her followers that her songwriting was “not a democracy”. She signed to Island Records in September 2024.]

11:00 – Station ID

  1. Black Light Animals – “somebody 2 love me”
    from: “somebody 2 love me” – Single / The Record Machine / February 7, 2025
    [One of the singles from LAST CALL FOR LOVE SONGS to be released Friday, March 28, 2025. For this recording: Cole Bales on lead vocals, background vocals, guitar, keyboards; Cody Calhoun on lead guitar & percussion; Branden Moser on bass, guitar, keyboards, drums & percussion; and Alex Hartmann on drums & percussion. All songs written and produced by Black Light Animals. Lyrics by Cole Bales, Cody Calhoun, Branden Moser. Mixed and engineered by Cole Bales. Mastered by Adam Boose. Featuring Nate Hubert on keyboards & background vocals; spoken word intro and outro by Jass. Seyko Groves & Paula Saunders on additional background vocals and vocal arrangements. Brett Jackson on saxophone. Recorded at Groove King Studios in KCMO. // Formed from the ashes of their last band, Instant Karma the new record contains lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. Playboys of the Western World is a sprawling, decadent examination of what it means to be a human being through the lens of horror movie organs, spaghetti western guitars, hip hop grooves, psychedelic sojourns, and ballads crooned to lovers in the night. More info at: http://www.blacklightanimalsband.bandcamp.com]

[Black Light Animals play an Album Release Show on Saturday, March 29, at 9:00pm at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO with Jass, SEYKO, FlarethaRebel, and more!]

11:03 – Interview with Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun

Joining us are Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun of Black Light Animals – sharing details about their new album, LAST CALL FOR LOVE SONGS to be released Fri, March 28, 2025.

Black Light Animals play an Album Release Show on Sat, March 29, 9:00pm at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO w/ Jass, SEYKO, FlarethaRebel, and more!

Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun Thanks for being with us on WMM

We just heard “somebody 2 love me” – single / Groove King Records / December 21, 2024

For the recording: Cole Bales on lead vocals, background vocals, guitar, keyboards; Cody Calhoun on lead guitar & percussion; Branden Moser on bass, guitar, keyboards, drums & percussion; and Alex Hartmann on drums & percussion.

Featuring Nate Hubert on keyboards & background vocals; spoken word intro and outro by Jass. Seyko Groves & Paula Saunders on additional background vocals and vocal arrangements. Brett Jackson on saxophone.

Black Light Animals are a KC based band playing lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. All songs written and produced by Black Light Animals. Lyrics by Cole Bales, Cody Calhoun, Branden Moser. Mixed and engineered by Cole Bales. Mastered by Adam Boose. Recorded at Groove King Studios in KCMO. Cole & Branden Moser also play with The Freedom Affair.

Last week’s WMM our guest was Seyko who plays with Cole & Branden in The Freedom Affair. Seyko released two singles as a solo artist that were both produced by Cole Bales

Discography of other musical projects that involve members of Black Light Animals:

SEYKO – “Anybody High” – Single / Groove King Records – Fat Beats, Dec. 1, 2023 was Produced by Cole Bales of the band Black Light Animals and also a bandmate of SEYKO’s in The Freedom Affair.

SEYKO – “What I Want” – Single / Groove King Records – Fat Beats / June 23, 2023 Produced by Cole Bales of Black Light Animals, bandmate – SEYKO The Freedom Affair.

Jass & The Boys – “Day Dream Girl” – Single / Groove King Records / August 25, 2023

Jass & The Boys – “Gvn2u(feat. Jass & Black Light Animals)” – Single / Groove King Records / July 14, 2023

Jass & The Boys “Love U Like I Love U (feat. Jass & Black Light Animals) “ / Groove King Records / December 2, 2022

“The Boys” are the members of Black Light Animals: Colby Bales, Branden Moser, & Cody Calhoun plus Clarence Copridge. Colby & Branden are also in The Freedom Affair. Jass is Jasmine “Jass” Couch

The Freedom Affair play The Madrid, 3810 Main Street, KCMO Friday, May 2, 2025.

The Freedom Affair have a new 10-track album produced and recorded with Grammy Award-winning recording engineer Boo Mitchell (Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Al Green) at the legendary Royal Studios in Memphis. The new album will be released on May 9, 2025.

Shon Ruffin – Vocals
Paula Saunders – Vocals
Seyko Groves – Vocals
Cole Bales – Guitar
Branden Moser – Bass, Acoustic Guitar (Track 4)
Chris Hazelton – Hammond B3 Organ, Wurlitzer, Rhodes, Piano, Bass (Track 4), Vocals
Dave Brick – Drums
Pete Carroll – Trumpet and Flugelhorn
Brett Jackson – Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Tambourine

Recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, TN
Recording Engineer: Boo Mitchell
Tape Operator: Wesley Graham
Produced by: Chris Hazelton, Dave Brick, and The Freedom Affair
Mixed by: Vince Chiarito
Mastered by: JJ Golden at Golden Mastering
Horn Arrangements by: Hazelton, Carroll, Jackson, and Bales
Design and Layout: Tracy Lenihan

The Freedom Affair has planted deep roots in soul music from their start, but after nearly a decade together, the group’s self-titled sophomore album focuses their sound squarely where Muscle Shoals meets Memphis Soul. It’s a masterstroke of impassioned message-music exploring ageless themes of inequity, love, and togetherness.

A fateful February 2023 encounter with Grammy Award-winning recording engineer Boo Mitchell (Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Al Green) at Royal Studios created a spark that sent the band back to Kansas City with new musical conviction. By November, the band had returned to record all-new Southern Soul-inspired songs in the legendary Memphis studio.

The ever-powerful female trio fronting the band–Paula Saunders, Seyko Groves, and Shon Ruffin–has been the hallmark of The Freedom Affair’s sound and identity, and their collective vocal prowess is on full display ranging from tough to tender, touching on heartache and hope. The experience at Royal studios convinced the band that there isn’t a better room to record horns. The “one take” horns of Pete Carroll on trumpet and Brett Jackson on saxophone prove their years together as a unit have paid off with their precision and lines written to meet the vibe perfectly. With rhythm section personnel remaining the same from their debut album Freedom is Love, a shift in instrumentation moves Chris Hazelton from bass to his primary instrument of the Hammond B3 organ along with various keyboards. Branden Moser swaps in the bass, which also happens to be his primary instrument, from his former rhythm guitar. Cole Bales continues to dig into timeless riffs on lead guitar, and Dave Brick maintains the backbone with the heavy boom-bap on drums. This album has cemented The Freedom Affair’s sound: enduring melodies with rich arrangements, backed by a gritty pulse.

Royal was the perfect site for this album, and the band took full advantage of the studio’s history by incorporating studio tools and relics throughout the process. With only four days to fully track the ten-song album, the band insisted on using the same Ampex 1” tape recorder that produced all the Hi Record hits from 1974 and prior to preserve authenticity. It was the first time the machine had been used for an album since 1974. The limitations and quirks of using vintage, analog gear made way for magic moments that shape the album’s charm. The record calls fresh attention to classic Southern Soul with all the coziness and warmth you’d expect from listening to Al Green or Ann Peebles, captured in the very same room. Mixed by Vince Chiarito (Hive Mind, Jalen Ngonda, Charles Bradley) and mastered by JJ Golden (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, The James Hunter Six, Antibalas), this album is a truly an all-killer, no-filler lesson in soul music.

The Freedom Affair released the single “Get My Share” from: The Freedom Affair / Sunflower Soul Records / May 9, 2025 with Shon Ruffin on vocals, Paula Saunders on vocals, Seyko Groves on vocals, Cole Bales on guitar, Branden Moser on bass & Acoustic Guitar=, Chris Hazelton on Hammond B3 Organ, Wurlitzer, Rhodes, Piano, Bass (Track 4), Vocals; Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet & flugelhorn; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax, tambourine. Recorded at Royal Studios in Memphis, TN. Recording Engineer: Boo Mitchell. Tape Operator: Wesley Graham. Produced by: Chris Hazelton, Dave Brick, and The Freedom Affair. Mixed by: Vince Chiarito. Mastered by: JJ Golden at Golden Mastering. Horn Arrangements by: Hazelton, Carroll, Jackson, and Bales. Design and Layout: Tracy Lenihan // The Freedom Affair has planted deep roots in soul music from their start, but after nearly a decade together, the group’s self-titled sophomore album focuses their sound squarely where Muscle Shoals meets Memphis Soul. It’s a masterstroke of impassioned message-music exploring ageless themes of inequity, love, and togetherness. // A fateful Feb. 2023 encounter with Grammy Award-winning recording engineer Boo Mitchell (Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars, Al Green) at Royal Studios created a spark that sent the band back to KC with new musical conviction. By November, the band returned to record all-new Southern Soul-inspired songs in the legendary Memphis studio.

The Freedom Affair play The Madrid, 3810 Main Street, KCMO Friday, May 2, 2025.

11:12

  1. Black Light Animals – “Pink Lemonade”
    from: “Pink Lemonade” – Single / The Record Machine / September 15, 2023
    [The latest release from the Kansas City based psychedelic soul group, Black Light Animals: Alex Hartmann on drums & percussion, Branden Moser on bass & background vocal, Cody Calhoun on lead electric guitar & background vocals, Colby Bales on lead & background vocals, & acoustic guitar.. This single follows “Persephone” that was released on September 23, 2022. Black Light Animals released their full length debut album, Playboys of The Western World on Groove King Records on July 3, 2020. More info at: http://www.blacklightanimalsband.bandcamp.com]

[Black Light Animals play an Album Release Show on Saturday, March 29, at 9:00pm at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO with Jass, SEYKO, FlarethaRebel, and more!]

11:16 – More Interview with Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun

Joining us live in our 90.1 FM Studios are Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun of Black Light Animals. Cole & Cody join us to share details about their new album, LAST CALL FOR LOVE SONGS to be released Friday, March 28, 2025. Black Light Animals are a KC based band playing lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. All songs written and produced by Black Light Animals. Lyrics by Cole Bales, Cody Calhoun, Branden Moser. Mixed and engineered by Cole Bales. Mastered by Adam Boose. Recorded at Groove King Studios in KCMO. Cole & Branden Moser also play with The Freedom Affair.

Black Light Animals play an Album Release Show Sat, March 29, at 9:00pm at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO w/ Jass, SEYKO, FlarethaRebel, and more!

Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun Thanks for being with us on WMM

We just heard the “somebody 2 love me” – single / Groove King Records / Dec. 21, 2024

Black Light Animals are: Cole Bales on lead vocals, background vocals, guitar, keyboards; Cody Calhoun on lead guitar & percussion; Branden Moser on bass, guitar, keyboards, drums & percussion; and Liam Sumnight on drums & percussion.

Cole and Cody joined us on August 18, 2021

Cole and Cody joined us on July 1, 2020 to talk about the new record.

They also joined us on June 12, 2019 edition of Wednesday MidDay Medley to share a new recording they’ve just completed, “Tell Me That You Love Me” was just finished up and mastered by Zach Harris And to talk about heir previous band, Instant Karma playing their last live show on Saturday, June 22, at recordBar, for SoundMachineKC with Pink Royal, and The Maytags. Instant Karma! was a 4-piece rock band from KC blending elements of psych, soul, funk. and hip hop. Instant Karma bass player Branden Moser has called the band, “a drug trip through the soul section of your local record store.”

Cole Bales & Cody Calhoun, thanks for being with us on WMM

Black Light Animals play an Album Release Show on Saturday, March 29, at 9:00pm at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO with Jass, SEYKO, FlarethaRebel, and more!

11:25

  1. Black Light Animals – “nobody left to blame”
    from: “nobody left to blame” – single / The Record Machine / December 21, 2025
    [One of the singles from LAST CALL FOR LOVE SONGS to be released Friday, March 28, 2025. Black Light Animals are: Cole B[ales on lead vocals, background vocals, guitar, keyboards; Cody Calhoun on lead guitar & percussion; Branden Moser on bass, guitar, keyboards, drums & percussion; and Alex Hartmann on drums & percussion. All songs written and produced by Black Light Animals. Lyrics by Cole Bales, Cody Calhoun, Branden Moser. Mixed and engineered by Cole Bales. Mastered by Adam Boose. Featuring Nate Hubert on keyboards & background vocals; spoken word intro and outro by Jass. Seyko Groves & Paula Saunders on additional background vocals and vocal arrangements. Brett Jackson on saxophone. Recorded at Groove King Studios in KCMO. // More info at: http://www.blacklightanimalsband.bandcamp.com]

[Black Light Animals play an Album Release Show on Saturday, March 29, at 9:00pm at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO with Jass, SEYKO, FlarethaRebel, and more!]

11:29 – Underwriting

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

[Big Fat Cow play miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Sat., March 22, with The Clarence Tilton Band, and Gullywasher.]

[Big Fat Cow play Farewell, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO on Friday, April 4, with Allergen (from Minneapolis), Lake Love, and Kariah].

10:35 – Interview with Noah Cassity, Alex May, and Cole Waters of Big Fat Cow

Joining us from the band Big Fat Cow are Noah Cassity, Alex May, and Cole Waters. Big Fat Cow released their debut EP, BEHOLD THE SOIL! on August 1, 2024 and supported the release with a 13-city tour across the midwest. Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; & Matt Chipman on drums.

Big Fat Cow play miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Sat., March 22, with The Clarence Tilton Band, and Gullywasher.

Big Fat Cow play Farewell, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO on Friday, April 4, with Allergen (from Minneapolis), Lake Love, and Kariah. Info at http://www.bigfatcowband.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Noah Cassity, Alex May and Kole Waters thanks for being with us on WMM

11:54

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

[Big Fat Cow play miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Sat., March 22, with The Clarence Tilton Band, and Gullywasher. ]

[Big Fat Cow play Farewell, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO on Friday, April 4, with Allergen (from Minneapolis), Lake Love, and Kariah.]

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

NEXT WEEK, on March 26 Stephonne joins us to premiere the brand new single “It’s Gonna Be Alright.” Also, Danielle Anderson joins us to talk about her new full length album FUMBLING from Danielle Ate The Sandwich releasing on Friday, March 21, 2025, AND Zach Hodson of the band The Fur and The Fang, joins us to talk about the band’s new music and their show Friday, March 28, at 7:00pm at The RINO with The Village Prairie and Cee Dee Vee

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

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

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

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

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

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

Show #1087

WMM presents: Lone Stranger + Black Light Animals + Big Fat Cow

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

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

WMM presents: Lone Stranger + Black Light Animals + Big Fat Cow

Mark spins more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Flutienastiness, Ghosty, Birdie, LYXE, Nightosphere, Lee Walter Redding, Lone Stranger, Black Light Animals, and Big Fat Cow.

At 10:30 Zach Phillips returns to play music from LONE STRANGER – live, in our 90.1 FM Studios. LONE STRANGER just released the 13-track debut, INTRODUCING…THE LONE STRANGER on February 15, 2025. The record was recorded & written by Lone Stranger in Kansas City during the pandemic. Mixed by Paul Malinowski. Mastered by Duane Trower. Produced by LONE STRANGER. All music performed by LONE STRANGER. Lone Stranger is a KC native with over 25 years in the music community. From his first band The Gadjits, to THE ARCHITECTS, Zachary has recorded and toured with Tim Armstrong from Rancid, Gilby Clarke from Guns & Roses, inked deals with Epitaph Records, RCA Recordings, and Frank Ieros Skeleton Crew. Zach has toured North America with My Chemical Romance, Vans Warped tour, Flogging Molly, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Rancid, The Skatalites, Hepcat, The Slackers, Reel Big Fish, The Pilfers, Spring Heeled Jack, Dance Hall Crashers, Stiff Little Fingers, Bouncing Souls, Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls, Leftover Crack, Slow Gherkin, RX Bandits, and The Bronx.

At 11:00am Colby Bales and Cody Calhoun of Black Light Animals join us to share details about their new album, LAST CALL FOR LOVE SONGS to be released on March 28, 2025. Black Light Animals are a KC based band playing lush pop vocals crooned over spaghetti western riffs, psychedelic synth, and hip hop drums. Black Light Animals are: Cole Bales on lead vocals, background vocals, guitar, keyboards; Cody Calhoun on lead guitar & percussion; Branden Moser on bass, guitar, keyboards, drums & percussion; and Alex Hartmann on drums & percussion. All songs written and produced by Black Light Animals. Lyrics by Cole Bales, Cody Calhoun, Branden Moser. Mixed and engineered by Cole Bales. Mastered by Adam Boose. Featuring Nate Hubert on keyboards & background vocals; spoken word intro and outro by Jass. Seyko Groves & Paula Saunders on additional background vocals and vocal arrangements. Brett Jackson on saxophone. Recorded at Groove King Studios in KCMO. Black Light Animals play an Album Release Show on Saturday, March 29, at 9:00pm at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, WEST BOTTOMS, KCMO with Jass, SEYKO, FlarethaRebel, and more!

At 11:30 Mark talks with Noah Cassity and Alex May of the band Big Fat Cow. Big Fat Cow released their debut EP, BEHOLD THE SOIL! on August 1, 2024 and supported the release with a 13-city tour across the midwest. Big Fat Cow is a post-country band delivering cowpoke fuzz with a mix of rock, indie, and americana bold enough to get you moving and heavy enough to have you feeling. The band was formed in 2022 and includes: Noah Cassity on lead vocals & guitar, Kole Waters on guitar & vocals, Alex May on bass guitar & vocals; and Matt Chipman on drums. Big Fat Cow play miniBar, 3810 Broadway, KCMO on Saturday, March 22, with The Clarence Tilton Band, and Gullywasher. Big Fat Cow play Farewell, 6515 Stadium Drive, KCMO on Friday, April 4, with Allergen (from Minneapolis), Lake Love, and Kariah. More information at http://www.bigfatcowband.com

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

Show #1087