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, November 5, 2025
WMM presents New Releases + David George’s Christmas Ain’t A Drag + Ben Wendt & Land Lion
- “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979
[WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
2 Florence + The Machine – “Everybody Scream (Clean Edit)”
from: Everybody Scream / Polydor Records / November 3, 2025
[From Pitchfork: On her sixth album, Florence Welch sings anthems of resilience with her characteristic gusto, but it’s her words of uncertainty that stand out most. // She doesn’t always emerge unscathed, but at least she’s alive. Each new Florence and the Machine album opens on Florence Welch in the aftermath of a tsunami, attempting to make sense of her circumstances as she prepares to charge forth into the unknown. The London band’s sixth album, Everybody Scream, is again dedicated to finding strength in release from physical and psychological inhibitions. If you’re a fan of the band’s arena-pop baroque, you’ll get what you came for: horizon-spanning anthems of resilience furnished with cinematic strings, gargantuan drums, and, yes, the occasional scream. Nearly every song rests on this sturdy foundation, and Welch’s voice ignites each into a raging wildfire. // “There’s a feeling of dying a little bit, every time I make a record,” Welch told The Guardian earlier this year. “And, this time, I nearly died.” That’s not hyperbole: While touring Dance Fever in 2023, Welch underwent life-saving surgery, which she’s now revealed was due to massive internal bleeding caused by an ectopic pregnancy. The trauma of miscarriage is evident in the fury that fuels Everybody Scream: “Sometimes my body seems so alien to me,” Welch sings over the steady chug of “Kraken,” sounding despairingly numb before transforming into a creature of wrath. On “The Old Religion,” she dreams of immateriality, yearning to be free of her physical self so long as it means relief from pain. // Florence and the Machine (stylised as Florence + the Machine) are an English indie rock band formed in London in 2007 by lead vocalist Florence Welch, keyboardist Isabella Summers, guitarist Rob Ackroyd, drummer Christopher Lloyd Hayden and harpist Tom Monger. The band’s music features dramatic, eccentric production and Welch’s powerful vocals. Their sound has been described as a combination of various genres, including rock and soul. // The band’s debut studio album, Lungs, was released on 3 July 2009, and held the number-two position for its first five weeks on the UK Albums Chart. On 17 January 2010, the album reached the top position, after being on the chart for twenty-eight consecutive weeks. As of October 2010, the album had been in the top forty in the United Kingdom for sixty-five consecutive weeks, making it one of the best-selling albums of 2009 and 2010. The group’s second studio album, Ceremonials, released in October 2011, entered the charts at number one in the UK and number six in the US. The band’s third studio album, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, was released on 2 June 2015. It topped the UK charts, and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, their first to do so. The album reached number one in a total of eight countries and the top ten of twenty. Also in 2015, the band was the headlining act at Glastonbury Festival, making Welch the first British female headliner of the 21st century. // The BBC played a part in their rise to prominence by promoting Florence and the Machine as part of BBC Music Introducing. At the 2009 Brit Awards, they received the Critics’ Choice Awards.]
[On Saturday, December 27, at 7:00pm recordBar, at 1520 Grand Blvd. KCMO, presents Strange Claws : A Tribute to the music of Florence + the Machine featuring a collective of Kansas City’s finest music and theatre veterans—Katie Gilchrist, Mark Johnson, Felix Dukes, Grant Klinksick, Adee Dancy, Ahafia Jurkiewcz-Miles, and Calvin Arsenia.]
- Makaya McCraven– “Boom Bapped (ft. Theon Cross & Ben LaMar Gay)”
from: Techno Logic (feat. Ben LaMar Gay & Theon Cross) – EP / International Anthem Records / October 31, 2025
[Makaya McCraven (born October 19, 1983) is an American jazz drummer and bandleader. // McCraven was born in Paris, France, to jazz drummer Stephen McCraven [fr] and Hungarian singer Ágnes Zsigmondi (of the band Kolinda [fr]), and from the age of three was raised in and around Amherst and Northampton, Massachusetts. At the age of five he played in his father’s drum ensemble, the CMSS Bashers, along with some of his father’s students. In middle school, he and friends formed a band to accompany his mother’s folk singing. In high school, McCraven formed the jazz-hip hop Cold Duck Complex. He studied music at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, becoming part of the university’s jazz orchestra and receiving various DownBeat student awards, but did not graduate. // In 2007 McCraven moved to Chicago, where he performed in the bands of Bobby Broom, Corey Wilkes [de], Willie Pickens, and with the Occidental Brothers, Marquis Hill, and Jeff Parker. He also worked as a studio musician for Apollo Sunshine and Kris Delmhorst. In 2012 he released his debut album, Split Decision, through Chicago Sessions, leading a trio. In the following years he appeared weekly with other musicians, from which he developed concepts for his 2015 album, In the Moment. He also performed with Kamasi Washington. In 2016 he toured mostly in Europe. After several mix tapes, in 2018 he released the double album Universal Beings, on which he was joined by musicians from New York City, London, and Los Angeles; the album was nominated for the Jazz Journalists Association Awards in 2019.[citation needed] In DownBeat’s 2020 Critics Poll, he was the winner in the “Rising Star” categories of best producer and best drummer of the year. In September, 2022, McCraven released In These Times, a full-length album that had been in development since 2015, through International Anthem. // McCraven is married to Nitasha Tamar Sharma, a professor of African-American and Asian-American Studies at Northwestern University as of 2018.]
- Snocaps – “Heathcliff”
from: Snocaps / Anti / October 31, 2025
[Snocaps is the debut full-length album from American indie rock band Snocaps, consisting of Katie and Allison Crutchfield, joined by multi-instrumentalist MJ Lenderman and producer Brad Cook. The album was surprise-released on October 31, 2025.[2][3] The album was named one of the “11 New Albums You Should Listen To Now” by Pitchfork upon its release. // The Snocaps project marks the first time the Crutchfield twins had recorded music together since the split of their previous band, PS Eliot. It also marks Allison Crutchfield’s first new music in seven years, following the release of the fourth Swearin’ album Fall Into the Sun in 2018. In a post to her Substack newsletter, Katie Crutchfield noted that she and Alison had initially broached the idea of a new project in 2023, prior to the release of the Waxahatchee album Tigers Blood. She wrote that the sisters were interested in “making something akin to what we made when we were younger” with “no ambitions and no plan, purely for our own enjoyment, for the experience of making something we ourselves wanted to hear.” The album was recorded with Cook and Lenderman over the course of a week, with Katie describing the experience as “realigning with the earliest, purest versions of our music-making selves”. // All tracks are written by Katie Crutchfield and Alison Crutchfield.]
- Lene Lovich – “Lucky Number”
from: Stateless / Stiff Rcords / October 1978
[“Lucky Number” is a song by American-British recording artist Lene Lovich. Originally released as a B-side for Lovich’s cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now”, the song was re-released in 1979 by Stiff Records as an A-side and became the lead single of her debut studio album Stateless (1978). The song was written by Lovich and Les Chappell, who produced the song. // “Lucky Number” received very positive reviews from music critics and was a commercial success, peaking at number two in Australia, number three in the Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and number five in Belgium. The single also charted well in Ireland and Austria. It became a defining song of the new wave genre. // “Lucky Number” was covered by German punk artist Nina Hagen. The German version “Wir leben immer… noch” (“We are alive… still”) was released on the album Unbehagen (1979). // After the break-up of the band the Diversions in December 1976, Lovich started searching for another band. She contacted a radio presenter Charlie Gillett and advertised herself as a sax player looking for a band. Gillett gave out her number but nobody called. Later, Lovich wrote him a letter providing more information about herself. This encouraged him to get her to record a demo of Tommy James and the Shondells’ song “I Think We’re Alone Now”. He took the tape to Dave Robinson of Stiff Records, who liked it and decided to sign Lovich. He immediately proposed the song to be released. In July 1978, Stiff released the first limited quantities of “I Think We’re Alone Now” with an early version of “Lucky Number”. Lovich and Chappell went on to record her first album Stateless, which was released in October of the same year. “Lucky Number” gained recognition and was later re-released as a lead single from the album. // The song is composed in D major at 120 beats per minute. The chorus consists of four dissonant notes sung in rapid succession. According to Lovich, she “didn’t know anything about writing a song, so [the producer] just threw together a vocal line that sounded like a synthesizer.”[citation needed] The chorus, coupled with a guitar ostinato and rapid vocal shouts from backup singers, gave the song and Lovich a sound that would define her next several records and, according to Rovi, “the hundreds of bands that followed.” // Lili-Marlene Premilovich was born on March 30, 1949. She is known professionally as Lene Lovich (/ˈleɪnə ˈlʌvɪtʃ/ LAY-nə LUV-itch), is an American-British singer. She first gained attention in 1979 with the release of her hit single “Lucky Number”, which peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and made her a leading figure of the new wave music scene. She is equally notable for her eccentric hairstyle, clothing and quirky sense of humor while performing. // Born in Detroit, Michigan, Lovich moved to England at the age of 13, where she met guitarist and songwriter Les Chappell, who later became her long-time music collaborator and life partner. She developed an interest in art and theater, enrolling at the Central School of Art and Design where she took saxophone lessons. In 1975, she joined the band the Diversions and shortly afterwards wrote the lyrics to Cerrone’s single “Supernature”. After the band broke up, Lovich started looking for another band to join and contacted the radio presenter Charlie Gillett, who got her to record a demo of Tommy James and the Shondells’ song “I Think We’re Alone Now” and played it to Dave Robinson of Stiff Records, who decided to sign Lovich. The song was released as a single and appeared on her debut studio album Stateless (1978), which produced the single “Lucky Number”. // She released two more albums, Flex (1979) and No Man’s Land (1982), on Stiff Records. In 1989, she independently released the album March, before her 15-year hiatus. She focused more on her family but returned in 2005 with the release of her album Shadows and Dust. In 2013, she established her own publishing label, Flex Music, and released a re-mastered version of all her previous albums in a limited edition box set. // Lovich was born Lili-Marlene Premilovich in Detroit, Michigan, to an English mother and American father of Serbian descent. After her father had health problems, her mother took the 13-year-old Lovich and her three siblings to live in Hull, East Yorkshire, England. She met guitarist/songwriter Les Chappell when they were teenagers, and he became her longtime collaborator and life partner. In the autumn of 1968, they went to London to attend art school. It was there that Lovich first tied her hair into the plaits that later became a visual trademark, though at first she braided her hair to keep it out of the clay when studying sculpture. // Over the following decade, Lovich attended several art schools, busked around the London Underground and appeared in cabaret clubs as an “Oriental” dancer. She also travelled to Spain, where she visited Salvador Dalí at his home. She played acoustic rock music around London, sang in the mass choir of a show called Quintessence at the Royal Albert Hall, played a soldier in Arthur Brown’s show, worked as a go-go dancer with the Radio One Roadshow, toured Italy with a West Indian soul band and played saxophone for Bob Flag’s Balloon and Banana Band and for an all-girl cabaret trio called the Sensations. She recorded screams for horror films,[10] wrote lyrics for French disco star Cerrone (including the sci-fi dance smash “Supernature”, later recorded by Lovich) and worked with various fringe theatre groups. She was also one of thousands of audience members invited to sing along at the 1972 Lanchester Arts Festival at the Locarno Ballroom in Coventry when Chuck Berry recorded “My Ding-a-Ling” for Chess Records. // In 1975, Lovich joined the Diversions, a funk group that released three singles and an album on Polydor Records without success. // In 1976, Lovich released a 7″ three-track “maxi-single” in the UK under her own name, aimed at the Christmas market: “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus/The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)/Happy Christmas” (Polydor 2058 812). In 1977, Lovich, along with recording engineer Alain Wisniak, provided lyrics for “Supernature” a song featuring music composed by French percussionist and disco music performer Cerrone. The song, with its surreal lyrics describing a world in which nature has risen to fight against desecration and destruction by humanity, is indicative of Lovich’s interest in animal rights issues. In 1978, disc jockey and author Charlie Gillett presented her recording of “I Think We’re Alone Now”, a cover version of a song originally performed by Tommy James and the Shondells, to Stiff Records boss Dave Robinson. Robinson immediately suggested releasing it as a single on Stiff, for which Lovich and Chappell had to write and record a B-side at short notice. They came up with “Lucky Number”, which was then released as an A-side and became a Top 3 hit in the UK Singles Chart. // Invited by Robinson to participate in the forthcoming Be Stiff Route 78 Tour in 1978, Lovich quickly recorded her first album for Stiff, Stateless, which contained “Lucky Number” and another Top 20 hit, “Say When”. Lovich’s musical style combined her own quirky inventions with contemporary punk rock and new wave styles. She then recorded the albums Flex and No-Man’s-Land for Stiff over the next few years, as well as an EP titled New Toy, the title cut penned by touring band member Thomas Dolby. She also recorded vocals for “Picnic Boy” by the Residents. // Lovich co-wrote with Chappell and Chris Judge Smith and performed Mata Hari, a play/musical at the Lyric Hammersmith, London in October and November 1982. During this time she was having disputes with Stiff. The success of the show and pressure from Epic, her U.S. label, persuaded Stiff to release and promote No Man’s Land. // Following her departure from Stiff, Lovich released “Don’t Kill the Animals,” a single with Nina Hagen, with whom she had appeared in Cha Cha, a film that starred Herman Brood; together, the three created the film’s soundtrack. // n May 1987, Lovich performed with a band for the first time in years at a small club in Austin Texas called The Cave Club (now called Elysium). She had been doing a series of events for PETA where she sang to prerecorded tapes. For this show, she was joined by the electronic duo Tanz Waffen (based out of Austin). Les Chappell, longtime partner, was not at this show. That sparked a renewed interest from Lovich in touring. // Starting in 1988, Lovich toured the US (and a little in Canada) with Tanz Waffen both opening the shows as well as being her backing band in conjunction with Les Chappell. // In 1989, after an absence of several years to raise a family, Lovich recorded the album March on Pathfinder Records. It was only moderately successful and was not released until nearly a year after the album’s single “Wonderland” had been issued and had become an American dance hit. She also toured the U.S. three times immediately before, during and shortly after the release of March, giving American fans their only glimpse of her for many years to come. Two of the three tours culminated with benefit concerts for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals including one at the Washington Monument in 1988 and one in New York City in 1989. Both of those shows were hosted by The B-52s. // Lovich contributed to the opera The Fall of the House of Usher (1991) by Peter Hammill and Judge Smith, singing the part of Madeline Usher. // In 2005, Lovich appeared on Hawkwind’s Take Me to Your Leader CD and appeared occasionally on stage with them. Lovich’s first album since March, entitled Shadows and Dust, received a limited release on the Stereo Society label on September 13, 2005. She played for the first time in many years with a full band at the Drop Dead Festival in 2006. // In 2006, Lovich made a guest appearance with the Dresden Dolls at The Roundhouse that is featured as an extra on the band’s DVD Live at the Roundhouse. // In 2007, MVD Visual released the DVD Lene Lovich: Live from New York, featuring a 1981 performance at Studio 54. In late 2007, Lovich and Chappell produced a new recording of their hit “Lucky Number”, which was performed by rock group Eastroad and was used by BBC Television for its coverage of the 2008 World Snooker Championship. // In 2011, Lovich sang the part of Eurydice in the song story Orfeas by Judge Smith. In 2013, she sang on the albums Zoot Suit by Judge Smith and Gridlock by Mr. Averell. // In 2012, Lovich began performing with a new band comprising Subterraneans frontman Jude Rawlins on guitar, bassist Lydia Fischer, keyboard player Kirsten Morrison and Morgan King on drums. This marked the first time that Les Chappell was not part of her band. // The Lene Lovich Band made its live debut at London’s 12 Bar Club on October 29, 2012. In 2013, the band undertook its first high-profile tour, concluding with shows in London and Berlin, and with an appearance at the Rebellion Festival. Valkyrie replaced Fischer on bass in 2014 as the band undertook its first major European tour. The band performed at Rebellion again in 2017, before undertaking Lovich’s largest tour in 27 years, opening for the Psychedelic Furs. // In September 2013, Lovich and Rawlins created the record label Flex Music, giving Lovich control of her back catalogue for the first time. Flex Music was launched with a limited-edition handmade CD box set entitled Others: Volume 1, which contained Lovich’s first three albums and a bonus CD of rarities. In 2015, Flex reissued Lovich’s 1982 album No Man’s Land in digital format. // In November 2023, Cherry Red Records released a 4-CD box set, Toy Box, containing material Lovich recorded for Stiff Records between 1978 and 1983. // Lene Lovich will open for The B-52s and Devo on their North American “Cosmic De-Evolution” tour in 2025.]
[Lene Lovich, the Post-Punk/New Wave icon who could count John Lennon and Frank Zappa among her fans, is set to return to the US for the first time in 18 years with a show at recordBar, 1510 Grand Blvd KCMO., TONIGHT, Wednesday, November 5, 2025 with Re:vis:er and DJ EJ opening. ]
[Re:vis:er sister band, Religion of Heartbreak play miniBar, 3810 Broadway Blvd, KCMO on Friday, November 7 with Pop Ritual and Las Cruxes]
[Both shows are part of a 4-night Dreams Never End Concert Series More info at http://www.kosmiccity.com]
- The Mammals – “Luna Light”
from: Touch Grass Vol. 2 / Humble Abode Music / November 1, 2025
[RUTH UNGAR on VOCALS, GUITAR, BANJO, UKULELE; MIKE MERENDA VOCALS, GUITARS, BANJO, CASIO SK-5, PERCUSSION; BRANDON MORRISON on BASS, VOCALS; TIM MORRISON DRUMS, PERCUSSION, VOCALS; WILL BRYANT on VOCALS, PIANO, SYNTHESIZERS, ORGAN SCOTT MILICI on ORGAN. Produced by The Mammals. Mastered by Greg Calbi, Sterling Sound (except “Unpopular Ideas” mastered by Alex Saltz)Indie-roots trailblazers, The Mammals, bring politically-infused string-band fervor to their re-emergent new album and US tour in 2018. In an era of disconnect, The Mammals enjoy re-connecting generations thru their truth-telling lyrics, off-the-cuff storytelling and euphoric instrumentals, and by organizing a hometown community folk festival (The Hoot) near Woodstock, NY. Founded in 2001 by Seeger’s grandson, Tao, second generation fiddler/singer, Ruth Ungar, and multi-instrumental wordsmith, Mike Merenda, the original trio enjoyed a remarkable 7 year run that brought them to the largest folk festivals across North America, Australia and Denmark, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium New York’s Carnegie Hall as the special guest of folk legend Arlo Guthrie, and to the pages of numerous publications lauding their unique “traditional-music-in-combat-boots-sound” including a feature in The New York Times handpicking them as a leader in a pack of new-wave stringbands “updating that old-time sound.” After a considerable break from the project during which time Merenda and Ungar married and started a family, a bi-annual folk festival, and a musical duo aptly called, Mike + Ruthy, and Seeger pursuing a solo career before retiring from music all together to start a family of his own, The Mammals returned fronted by Merenda and Ungar in 2017 “stronger than ever” (Folk Alley) with a pair of politically charged singles, “Culture War” and “My Baby Drinks Water,” and the announcement of a new album in 2018. The 2017 lineup includes some former Mammal members including Jacob Silver and Ken Maiuri when they are not touring with Lee Fields and the B-52’s respectively. “It’s a blessing to have a connection to the past and such great new players too,” says Mike. “The alchemy of fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass and drums is magic… and when keys, pedal steel, and horns are in the mix we leap to the next level.” // The Mammals played an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference at Saturday, February 17, 2018 in Shawnee Mission Room at Weston Kansas City Crown Center.]
- Ivory Blue – “Echo”
from: “Echo” – Single / IVORY BLUE / September 5, 2025
[What IVORY BLUE says: “Echo” is about the energy in the world and how we get back what we put into it. The theme came to me when I was in the hospital, listening to stories from all kinds of people who were there. Our situations were different, but we were part of the same community striving for the love and connection we all deserve. I wanted this song to capture the echoes of our actions, our struggles, and our hopes all returning to use like a gift from above.” // Kansas City based artist, IVORY BLUE has a tendency of breaking through barriers that keeps her from saying what needs to be said, regardless of style. Bringing us hard hitting rock inspired ear candy like “Starlit Love Child” and “Control”, the idea of genre is only a tool IVORY uses to express her ability to communicate through music. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Mirrors” pon August 1, 2025. //IVORY BLUE released the single “Heartbeat” on March 28, 2025. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Rhythm of the Radio” on January 31, 2025 // IVORY BLUE released the single “Exiled” on November 29, 2024. IVORY BLUE released the single “Olé!” on October 4, 2024, Breathing Underwater” on August 9, 2024, “Bad Dreams”on June 7, 2024, “Batter Up” on April 22, 2024, “Flashback” on March 15, 2024, “Howl” on Feb. 16, 2024. // IVORY BLUE released their 2nd full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on Nov. 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and stations around the world. // On Oct. 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the single “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from Sept. 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from Aug. 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on Feb. 24, 2023. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on Oct. 28, 2022, “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. // IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on Feb. 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top 10 of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. For COMPOUND LOVE, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, vocalist and played all instruments with the exception of: Lester Estelle on drums, Klaartje Van Lue on piano, Craig Kew on bass, Lennon Bone on drums, and Marco Pascolini on pedal steel guitar. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Good Changes” on Oct 26, 2021. Ivory Blue released the singles: “Heavy,” “Bad Weather,” “It Must Have Been Me,” “Compound Love,” and “The Start” on December 14, 2021. // IVORY BLUE’s debut EP, Ready Get Set was released in June 2015. While the EP helped spread the word and give IVORY BLUE attention from regional radio and TV stations, a big break would come in 2017 when Ivory was among 1800 artists/bands that competed in neXt2Rock. Ivory won local & regional challenges and advanced to nationals in Los Angeles to win the top prize. // IVORY BLUE has played with The Band That Fell to Earth, Boulevardia, Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Fest, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at KC Public Library, and Kauffman Stadium. // Ivory Blue was born in 1986 in Peoria Illinois, as Devin James Miclettet. Ivory’s birth mother put them up for adoption at the age of four. Ivory speaks about how it was difficult to find trust in people offering their home to someone denied it for so long, Ivory lived with eight different families, before running away at 15. // Ivory has talked with us about how in their life they have turned to music to express pain. Ivory spent most of their childhood looking for a family. In 2010 Klaartje Van Lue saw Ivory performing in a YouTube video and contacted them, flying Ivory to Kansas City, and adopting Ivory into the Van Lue family. In 2011, Ivory settled in the Kansas City, MO area. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”, and then later as Trans-Female. // As a multi-instrumentalist, Ivory began refining their performance style, using digital looping pedals to stack harmonies and guitar parts live on stage, giving their solo shows the feel of a full band. More info at: http://www.ivorybluemusic.com]
- Jeff Tweedy – “Enough”
from: Twilight Override / dBpm Records / September 26, 2025
[Twilight Override is Jeff Tweedy’s 5th solo studio album. It is a triple album featuring 30 songs. It follows Tweedy’s 2020 album, Love Is the King. It was recorded at his Chicago studio, the Loft. It features contributions from James Elkington, Finom’s Sima Cunningham and Macie Stewart, and Liam Kazar, along with Tweedy’s sons, Spencer and Sammy. Tweedy’s decision to record a triple album was first inspired after he listened to The Clash’s Sandinista! all the way through during a road trip with his two sons. // In the album’s press release, Tweedy expressed being overwhelmed by the “bottomless basket of rock bottom” of current social conditions, what he described as the “sense of decline” in the “twilight of an empire”. He, however, concluded that he was unsure what exactly was “squeezing this ennui into [his] day”, and described the album as his “effort to overwhelm it right back”. He further credited his recent prolific output to his belief that creativity aligns oneself against destruction, consuming the “darkness”. // Twilight Override was officially announced on July 15, 2025. Four singles were released the same day: “One Tiny Flower”, “Out in the Dark”, and “Stray Cats in Spain”, and “Enough”. The album is scheduled to be released on September 26, 2025, through dBpm Records. “Feel Free” was released on August 19, 2025, and “Lou Reed Was My Babysitter” was released on September 12, 2025. // Following the remaining dates on Wilco’s summer 2025 tour, Tweedy will support the album with “a full-band tour” of North America in October and November 2025, followed by a tour of Europe in February 2026. // Jeffrey Scot Tweedy (born August 25, 1967) is an American musician, singer songwriter, author, and record producer best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Wilco. Tweedy, originally from Belleville, Illinois, began his music career in high school with his band The Plebes along with Jay Farrar, also in the band. The Plebes later became the alternative country band Uncle Tupelo. // After Uncle Tupelo broke up Tweedy formed Wilco which found critical and commercial success, most notably with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost Is Born. The latter received a Grammy for Best Alternative Album in 2005. // During his career Tweedy has released 20 studio albums including four with Uncle Tupelo, twelve with Wilco, one with his son Spencer, a solo acoustic album, three solo studio albums, along with numerous collaborations with other musicians, most notably Mermaid Avenue with Billy Bragg. // Tweedy was born in Belleville on August 25, 1967, the fourth child of Bob and JoAnn Tweedy (née Werkmeister). Bob Tweedy (died August 4, 2017) worked for Alton & Southern Railroad in East St. Louis; JoAnn was a kitchen designer. Tweedy grew up with three siblings, older brother Greg Tweedy (he died in 2013), brother Steven Tweedy, and sister Debbie Voll. // Tweedy’s mother bought him his first guitar when he was six years old, although he did not begin to play it seriously until he was twelve. Apparently Tweedy told people that he knew how to play the guitar once he got his first guitar, even though he did not know how to play. // When he was twelve, Tweedy was injured in a bicycle accident and was laid up for the summer. He decided to learn how to play a few chords before somebody “called him out” on the lie. On an appearance of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, he remembered attending an X concert as a youngster in St. Louis. The Replacements opened, and Paul Westerberg, their guitarist and vocalist, fell off the stage while performing. Tweedy recalls thinking “That looks like fun!” // In 1981, when Tweedy was fourteen years old, he befriended Jay Farrar during an English class at Belleville Township High School West. All of the members of Farrar’s family enjoyed playing music; he already knew rock and roll music very well. By that time, Tweedy was a fan of The Ramones and country music while Farrar enjoyed The Sex Pistols. Tweedy attended Belleville Area College and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.]
[Jeff Tweedy plays Liberty Hall in Lawrence, Kansas on November 8, 2025]
10:30 – Underwriting
- Kemet Coleman –”Stay In Your Lane (feat. Marcus Lewis Big Band, Kadesh Flow & Kimology) [Down Home Version]
from: Stay In Your Lane (feat. Marcus Lewis Big Band, Kadesh Flow & Kimology) [Down Home Version] –Single / Kemet Creative (Vine Street Records) / October 24, 2025
[Nearly a decade after “Get Out” helped launch KC’s streetcar, Kemet Coleman returns with “Stay In Yo Lane”—the bold, brass-fueled anthem for KC’s $600M Main Street Extension. // The KC Streetcar teamed up local musician, artist and business owner, Kemet Coleman, to create an original song and music video to celebrate the opening of the KC Streetcar Main Street Extension. // The original song and video, “Stay in Your Lane,” premiered during the KC Streetcar Main Street Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, October 24, at the Plaza Transit Stop. Later that same day, Kemet Coleman performed the song live for the first time at the Community Celebration at the UMKC Streetcar Stop. The high-energy performance capped off a full day of festivities marking the 3.5-mile extension of the streetcar route from downtown Kansas City to UMKC. // The track features an all-star lineup of Kansas City talent, including Brass & Boujee (Marcus Lewis Big Band), vocals by Kadesh Flow (Ryan Davis) and Kimology (Kim Newsome), with Grammy-nominated producer Dominique Sanders on bass and Robert Tribbett III on keys and organ. Coleman served as executive producer of the project. // The music video, filmed by Sensei Brands, showcases Kansas City’s culture, landmarks, and community — from the heart of downtown to UMKC — celebrating the people who make the city move. Both the song and video were officially released on October 24 in conjunction with the Main Street Extension grand opening. // Kemet Coleman is a Kansas City based musicians and is a member of the Hip-Hop duo COA (Center of Attention) and is the lead singer of the Funk/Rap/Soul band The Phantastics. Kemet is also a core element of The Marcus Lewis Big Band for Brass & Boujee. Kemet is a two time Pitch Music Award nominee for “Best Hip-Hop Act.” Kemet is known for his unprecedented collaborations with UMKC, KC Streetcar and The Kansas City Royals. He is also highly regarded for his impresario role within the Sly James for Mayor Campaign in the 2010-2011 where he created the first ever KC mayoral candidate rap song. A UMKC alumnus, Kemet, created “Gold and Blue” for UMKC’s sports teams, which has garnered thousands of plays on YouTube and has been featured on prime-time television commercials for the university. In 2020 Coleman contributed his song, “The Virus” to the compilation, Kansas City Syzygy, music created by over 25 KC-based musicians in the middle of the map of a pandemic. All proceeds donated to KC Tenants, a local nonprofit organized to ensure that everyone has a safe, accessible, affordable home. Kemet Coleman released, BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL on Aug. 1, 2020. Kenet Coleman released the single “Eyes On The Street” on May 21, 2021.] [The Phantastics released their single “All That Fine”on May 6, 2022. The Phantastics are an 8 member band from KC formed in December of 2010. Kemet the Phantom on lead vocals; Kimology on lead vocals; JJ Cantrell on lead guitar & vocals; Danny Florez on electric bass; Ashley Thompson on drums, DJ Mitchell on saxophone; Ryan Jamaal Davis on Trombone and rap vocals; Austin Quick on keyboards. The Phantastics specialize in genre-blending dance floor activators. In 2015, the music group was crowned “Kansas City’s best party band” by the KC Star. Musicianship and diversity are at the core of their success. Rock, Rap, Dance, Funk, Jazz & Soul are all incorporated into their music. “The band that can do it all”, according to I Heart Local Music, has shared the stage with some of music’s most legendary acts including George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic. On Oct. 18, 2019 The Phantastics released LIVE AT THE PLAZA ART FAIR. On Aug. 24, 2018 The Phantastics released the EP, LIFE OF THE PARTY. On Dec. 14, 2013 The Phantastics released their debut album THE CLOSER. Info at: http://www.thephantastics.com]
- Julia Haile – “Keep It Comin’ [feat. Les Izmore]”
from: EP/ Julia Haile / October 31, 2025
[New 7-track recording collection of Julia’s most recent songs. “Keep It Comin’” offers a mini reunion with Julia’s former band mate Les Izmore from the KC super-group The Buhs. Julia Haile on vocals; Tim Braun on guitar & bass; Fritz Hutchison on drums; Chase Horseman on keyboards, & synthesizers. // Julia Haile is an Indie Soul singer-songwriter with a voice that balances power and elegance. Her music pairs sweet and stirring vocals with driving guitar and funky beats, taking the listener on a genre-mixing journey of conscious baring offerings. Julia has carved out a unique sound that blends elements of Jazz, R&B, Pop and Rock. Along with musical partner Tim Braun, the pair have crafted songs with rich melodies and authentic storytelling, reflecting themes of love, self-discovery, and resilience. // Drawing inspiration from classic greats like Ella Fitzgerald all the way to the modern sounds of Erykah Badu and H.E.R, Julia continues to create music that marries instinct and raw ability. Her single Up Late is a Disco and Soul soaked party with heavy, dance inspiring guitar. Set Out begs you to leave behind what you know and venture into new depths. Each a view into the singer’s perspective on living life in this evolving day and age. // Haile studied Vocal Performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. // She has been a featured artist in bands such The Buhs and Hi-Lux. She has collaborated with musicians around the country and world. // Julia’s work with Hi-Lux included Tim Braun on guitar, Nick Howell on keys, Dan Loftus on bass, (and prior to that Pete Leibert on bass) and Kian Bryne on drums. Hi-Lux was a Modern-Soul band that blends and bends the boundaries between soul, rock n roll, reggae, and funk. This group aims to create music that pays tribute to their myriad of influences (Amy Winehouse, The Meters, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings). but also claims a spotlight of its own in the musical world. Hi-Lux released the singles, “Revolution” and “Get What You Give” on February 28, 2020, through The Record Machine. Hi-Lux released the single. “Don’t Blame Lee” (featuring Lee Scratch Perry) on April 20, 2018. Hi-Lux released the 7” vinyl single, “”Dance With My Baby” b/w “Don’t Blame Me” on January 5, 2018 through Sunflower Soul Records. Hi-Lux released their 6-track, self-titled EP, Hi-Lux on January 2, 2018. The band brings together elements of soul, reggae and funk for a unique and dance inspiring sound. More info at: http://www.juliaHaile.com]
- Akkilles – “By The Time”
from: “By The Time” – Single / AORIST Records / October 17, 2025
[Akkilles is the music project of David Bennett who makes music under the moniker Akkilles. He also helps other people make music. Akkilles released “Drivin’” on October 3, 2025, “Who I Am” on July 5, 2024, “Strange Dream” on July 9, 2024, “Used To It (Demo)” on June 25, 2024, and “Online” on April 19, 2024 written and produced by David Bennett. Performers include Nick Pickrell on bass, Ian Thompson on synth & keyboards, Baird Williams on lead guitar, Jared Bond on drums, Bryan Koehler on percussion and David Bennett on vocals & rhythm guitar. Recorded at: Aorist Studios in KC. // Akkilles released the single “Way I Feel” on May 5, 2023. Akkilles released the single “Happily” on April 21, 2023. Akkilles released three singles in 2019. “By Myself” – Single was released November 1, 2019. “Meet in the Middle” was released October 25, 2019. “Feelin’ My Self” was released February 1, 2019. Akkilles released the critically acclaimed debut record “Something You’d Say” on July 2, 2013.]
- Treanne – “I Fell in Love”
from: “I Fell in Love” – Single / Young / October 29, 2025
[Treanne Imani Richards is based in Kansas City. She wrote this song with Tobie Tripp who served as producer. Last year Treanne released the 6-song EP 20/20 on May 10, 2024. // “vocals so smooth they could shatter porcelain glass.” – NOTION // “Hypnotizing vocals” – Uproxx // “Treanne sings with a world-weariness beyond her years” – The FADER // Kansas City-based singer-songwriter Treanne released her deeply moving new single, “I Fell In Love,” via Young. The track marks the first new music from Treanne since her 2024 EP 20/20, a striking showcase of her prowess as both songwriter and vocalist that cemented her as a compelling new voice in this genre. // Written and recorded during her time in London, “I Fell In Love” captures the fragile intensity of first heartbreak and the quiet resilience that follows. Recorded with Tobie Tripp in the studio over just a few hours, the song distills the devastation and tenderness of young love into something immediate and timeless. // Treanne on “I Fell In Love”: this is about my first relationship, it’s basically a letter to him, of my disappointment in who he turned out to be, and me navigating those feelings literally. // After supporting Sampha on his 2024 U.S. tour, Treanne became one of the year’s most quietly arresting discoveries. Her performances were praised by The Current for her “raw honesty” and by Nashville Scene for her “fragile, deeply personal nature which left audiences transfixed night after night.” // With “I Fell In Love,” Treanne continues to expand her intimate world of storytelling, in a space where emotion and reflection intertwine, and where heartbreak finds unexpected grace.]
- Liney Blu – “West Coast”
from: Scout / Liney Blu / October 24, 2025
[Kansas City singer songwriter Liney Blu writes from a unique place of personal experience and identity. They vividly show us how vulnerability is strength and require us to see love, frustration, disappointment and humor through lenses we may not have considered. Every song finds Liney passionately and sometimes bravely exploring a broader, more inclusive understanding of the human experience while letting us into some sacred personal spaces to do so. And while many listeners are just finding Liney Blu, she set out on her path as a songwriter and artist as a teenager. // At age 17 as Caroline Blubaugh she released a first EP titled “Green” which featured the single “San Francisco” that quickly saw 185K Spotify streams. In 2023 as Liney Blu, came a 2nd EP, “Pennsylvania St.” with bandmates bassist Renee Huey and drummer Jones Goldman. “Pennsylvania St.” is an introspective, sometimes raw, indie pop rock/folk synthesis built on innovative arrangements relentlessly pushed along by Liney’s deep, resonant vocal, subtly insistent delivery and very personal passion. // New music building on the release of “Pennsylvania St.” is in the works. Liney Blu can be heard in venues around the Kansas City/Lawrence area with an expanded show schedule planned for 2024. More infoo at: http://www.lineyblu.com]
[Liney Blu plays an Album Release Show on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 9:00pm at The Ship 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms, with Jolson & The Fear of Snakes, and Alex May & Friends.]
- Hermon Mehari & Tony Tixier – “POEM FOR THE OPPRESSED”
from: SOUL SONG / Komos Jazz / April 25, 2025
[Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Tony Tixier on Fender Rhodes. // Hermon Mehari and Tony Tixier first met in 2010, in their early twenties, in a club on Paris’s Rue des Lombards for a concert with saxophonist Rodolphe Lauretta. Over the next decade, the two musicians took opposite paths, while continuing to collaborate on two continents. The American trumpeter moved to France to discover European culture and the world cultures that coexist there, while the Parisian pianist of Martinican origin spent several years in the USA, immersing himself in the roots of jazz and Afro-American music. // In June 2024, the two musicians, who had been working for fifteen years on numerous albums and collaborations, and whose musical understanding had continued to be forged in clubs, festivals, and on recordings, met again for a duet at the TOC-TOC festival in the Puisaye region, where Antoine Rajon was a collaborator. Enthusiastic about the idea, the artistic director of the KOMOS label invited them back to his home in this corner of Burgundy to record this Fender Rhodes/trumpet formula. He called on sound engineer Christian Hierro, who traveled with his mobile studio for the album recording, then mixed and produced the master in his studio in Lyon, using the best analog equipment and his expert ear. // At dusk on November 12, 2024, the duo played eight tracks in a single, direct take on a 33-minute magnetic tape. // Four unusual cover versions were carefully chosen. “Maimoun” is a composition emblematic of pianist Stanley Cowell’s style, also recorded by Marion Brown. George Duke’s “The Black Messiah” was captured live by Cannonball Adderley’s band on an album of the same name but has never been released as a studio version. “Hello To The Wind” was created by Bobby Hutcherson in 1969, sung by Eugene McDaniels. Finally, “Laini,” dedicated by the great Martinican pianist Marius Cultier to one of his daughters, is a mazurka dear to Tony’s heart. // Each of the musicians also contributed a composition: Hermon with “This Is Our Fantasy,” written especially for the session, and Tony with “Poem For The Oppressed,” a moving composition with an explicit title. Lastly, the duo improvised two tracks, without repetition, in mutual symbiosis and echo. // SOUL SONG captures a moment without enhancement, transformation, or additives, far removed from contemporary virtual technologies. // A&R: Antoine Rajon // Sound engineer : Christian Hierro. // Analog recording on 1/2 inch tape at Antoine’s Burgundy home on the 12th of November 2024, no edits, no overdubs. // Analog mix and mastering at Christian’s Back to Mono studio in Lyon in November 2024. // Hermon Mehari grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri, home of Lincoln University. He received his BM in Jazz Performance from UMKC Conservatory of Music in 2010. Hermon was also the winner of the 2008 National Trumpet Competition and placed second in the International Trumpet Guild competition in Sydney, Australia. Hermon Mehari Mehari was the winner of the 2015 Carmine Caruso International Trumpet Competition and a semifinalist in the 2014 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition. He is a founding member with Ben Leifer, Ryan Lee , John Brewer, and William Sanders of the band Diverse Jazz, and Diverse Trio. In 2014 Diverse released the album “Our Journey” which was recorded in Paris featuring Logan Richardson on alto saxophone. In 2015-2016 Hermon Mehari was a founding member of the KC super group The Buhs with Julia Haile, Lee Langston, Anthony Saunders, Reach, Les Izmore, Ryan J. Lee, Ben Leifer, Tim Braun, Brad Williams, and Kinyon Price. Hermon Mehari released his debut solo album, BLEU in 2017, and his 2nd solo album A CHANGE FOR THE DREAMLIKE in 2020. In 2021 Hermon Mehari with Alessandro Lanzoni released the 11 track Contemporary Jazz album Arc Fiction. Mehari released ASMARA on November 18, 2022. Recorded and mixed by Félix Rémy in Paris with Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Peter Schlamb on piano & vibraphone, Luca Fattorini on double bass, Gautier Garrigue on drums, and Faytinga on vocals. // In addition to performing and touring all over the world, Hermon dedicates himself to being a serious educator, runs a weekly musical radio program called “The Session” on KCUR 89.3, is constantly collaborating with other musicians. Hermon Merhari has collaborated with Peter Schlamb, Making Movies, John Velghe & the Prodigal Sons, Mikal Shapiro, Krystle Warren. Hermon was featured on Bobby Watson’s 2013 release, “Check Cashing Day”.]
- The Forcefields – “Lion Tamer”
from: “Lion Tamer” – Single / Frickin’ Awesome Records / November 7, 2025
[WMM was the very first to premiere this track on our show back on April 30l 2025. when Julia and James joined us LIVE on the show. // The Forcefields is a cosmosonic collaboration between Julia Othmer and James T Lundie AKA Aayama & Max Forcefield. The Forcefields made their first debut with the presentation TRANSMISSION for the Charlotte Street Foundation series, In(SITE), highlighting local, regional, and national acts at pivotal points in their practices. In a multidisciplinary collaboration with artists Simon Huntley, Sarah Hearn, and Mikal Shapiro, Transmission was an exploration of cosmic vibrations and soundscapes in a stunning one-night-only production. // Julia Othmer grew up in Kansas City and studied at Columbia University in New York City. The child of European refugees, she draws from a broad and richly cultured palette of experience to create her intensely human yet otherworldly songs. Her piano-driven performances are a mesmerizing and superconscious fusion of raw power, vocal artistry and joy. She played many local KC clubs including Jardine’s and Bar Natasha. Julia moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to record her 1st album, OASIS MOTEL. When Julia started planning to record her second album she traveled all the way to England to work with producer James Lundie. On a dark night in North London, singer-songwriter Julia Othmer landed on the front steps of producer-composer James T Lundie. She had been introduced to his music production and fell so deeply in love with his sonic architecture, she transported herself across the proverbial pond from LA to the UK, and refused to leave until he listened to her songs. This began a deeply creative and inspired partnership both in music and in life. Together they have released (under Julia’s name) studio recordings, live recordings, short films to accompany their work, a multi-media performance experience, and multiple social and environmental justice initiatives. James T. Lundie married Julia in January of 2016, during the completion of the record. The album “Sound,” was released on April 12, 2019. Leading up to the 2020 presidential election Julia & James released Seeds (Vol. 1) in 2020, and SEEDS (Vol. 2) in 2022. In the midst of these releases Julia and James relocated to Kansas City. Last year in April of 2024 Julia and James unveiled their newest creation, THE FORCEFIELDS featuring, reimagined vintage synthesizers, video projections, one of a kind instruments. // In 2021 Julia and James relocated to KC, and they recently unveiled their newest creation, a new expanding sonic & visual aesthetic called THE FORCEFIELDS. Their sound is evolving into what is described as Annie Lennox hosting a full moon party with The Beach Boys and Portishead gathered round the fire. Their studio recordings feature James’ unique sonic tools, reimagined vintage synthesizers, audireting and distilling the essence of two of Julia’s previous songs.]
[The Forcefields have been playing shows in France and the United Kingdom this Summer and Fall.]
11:00 – Station ID
- David George Orchestra – “No White Christmas”
from: Music from Christmas Ain’t A Drag / David George / 2025 Unreleased Recording
[Cast members: Julian Rivera, Jackson Tomlin, and Scotty Sharp and more bring. CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG to life on stage. Christmas Ain’t A Drag is known as a Big Band Musical, it is an uplifting new musical inspired by the big band era, celebrating the love, romance & acceptance people find at Christmas. The show is packed with original rock, blues, and jazz music featuring the David George Orchestra with Book by David George and Music & Lyrics by David George and George Johnsen. This year there will be fourteen performances with matinees on the weekend. ]
[CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG running December 3 through December 14, 2025, at The Black Box, 1060 Union Ave, KCMO WEST BOTTOMS. More info at: http://www.xmasaintadrag.com]
11:04 – Interview with David George & Scotty Sharp
David George is a rock and roll singer, songwriter, producer, compposer, musical theatre creator. He has served as lead singer The David George Band, Moaning Lisa, Volker Brothers, and St. George & The Dragon. He created three critically acclaimed solo EPs with Pat Tomek of The Rainmakers. He has toured all over the country with John Fogerty, played on national television including The Tonight Show. He has his music played when the Chiefs scored a touch down. He hashas performed at The Kansas City Rep Theatre. And he has written an annual holiday show called CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG is known as a Big Band Musical, it is an uplifting new musical inspired by the big band era, celebrating the love, romance & acceptance people find at Christmas. The show is packed with original rock, blues, and jazz music featuring the David George Orchestra with Book by David George and Music & Lyrics by David George and George Johnsen.
David George Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG will run December 3 through December 14, 2025, at The Black Box, 1060 Union Ave, KCMO WEST BOTTOMS.This year there will be fourteen performances with matinees on the weekend. More info at: http://www.xmasaintadrag.com
Joining David was cast member Scotty Sharp.
Scotty Sharp plays Brad Sergeant in Christmas Ain’t A Drag. Scotty Sharp is a singer, actor, comic, dancer. scotty has worked on stage and screen on land and at sea.
Other cast members who couldn’t be with us include: Julian Rivera, and Jackson Tomlin.
Julian Rivera plays Silver in Christmas Ain’t A Drag. Julian Rivera grew up in Lenexa, Kansas. He went to school at Holy Trinity in Lenexa. And then went to Rockhurst High.” Julian double majored in graphic design and illustrationBut then in college, I also started to dabble around with drag a little bit, just dressing up.” also has performed as LunaFlair a drag queen, and she sometimes likes to just slap makeup on her face and try to be fabulous. Works for downtown for HNTB. Worked as an actor in shows for the “Barn Players, the Arts Asylum, Starlight Theatre
Jackson Tomlin plays Holly Dei in Christmas Ain’t A Drag. Jackson Tomlin is an actor, singer dancer choreographer. He has worked at Shawnee Mission Theatre in The Park. Jackson Tomlin also performs locally and nationally as Allura
This musical has been in David’s life for over 10 years.
Katie Gilchrist is serving as Director of CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG
CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG running December 3 through December 14, 2025, at The Black Box, 1060 Union Ave, KCMO WEST BOTTOMS. More info at: http://www.xmasaintadrag.com
11:13
- David George Orchestra – “Tonight’s Child [Ft. Cory Weber – vocals]”
from: Music from Christmas Ain’t A Drag / David George / 2024 Unreleased Recording
[Cast members: Julian Rivera, Jackson Tomlin, and Scotty Sharp and more bring. CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG to life on stage. Christmas Ain’t A Drag is known as a Big Band Musical, it is an uplifting new musical inspired by the big band era, celebrating the love, romance & acceptance people find at Christmas. The show is packed with original rock, blues, and jazz music featuring the David George Orchestra with Book by David George and Music & Lyrics by David George and George Johnsen. This year there will be fourteen performances with matinees on the weekend. ]
[CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG running December 3 through December 14, 2025, at The Black Box, 1060 Union Ave, KCMO WEST BOTTOMS. More info at: http://www.xmasaintadrag.com]
11:17 – More Interview with David George and Scotty Sharp
David George is a rock and roll singer, songwriter, producer, compposer, musical theatre creator. He has served as lead singer The David George Band, Moaning Lisa, Volker Brothers, and St. George & The Dragon. He created three critically acclaimed solo EPs with Pat Tomek of The Rainmakers. He has toured all over the country with John Fogerty, played on national television including The Tonight Show. He has his music played when the Chiefs scored a touch down. He has performed at The Kansas City Rep Theatre. And he has written an annual holiday show called CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG is known as a Big Band Musical, it is an uplifting new musical inspired by the big band era, celebrating the love, romance & acceptance people find at Christmas. The show is packed with original rock, blues, and jazz music featuring the David George Orchestra with Book by David George and Music & Lyrics by David George and George Johnsen.
David George Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG will run December 3 through December 14, 2025, at The Black Box, 1060 Union Ave, KCMO WEST BOTTOMS.This year there will be fourteen performances with matinees on the weekend. More info at: http://www.xmasaintadrag.com
Joining David was cast members Scotty Sharp.
Scotty Sharp plays Brad Sergeant in Christmas Ain’t A Drag. Scotty Sharp is a singer, actor, comic, dancer. scotty has worked on stage and screen on land and at sea
“Tired of Being Good (ft. Shay Estes & Camry Ivory)”
David George and Scotty Sharp Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG will run December 3 through December 14, 2025, at The Black Box, 1060 Union Ave, KCMO WEST BOTTOMS.This year there will be fourteen performances with matinees on the weekend. More info at: http://www.xmasaintadrag.com
11:25
- David George Orchestra – “Tired of Being Good (ft. Shay Estes & Camry Ivory)”
from: Music from Christmas Ain’t A Drag / David George / Unreleased Recording
[Cast members: Julian Rivera, Jackson Tomlin, and Scotty Sharp and more bring. CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG to life on stage. Christmas Ain’t A Drag is known as a Big Band Musical, it is an uplifting new musical inspired by the big band era, celebrating the love, romance & acceptance people find at Christmas. The show is packed with original rock, blues, and jazz music featuring the David George Orchestra with Book by David George and Music & Lyrics by David George and George Johnsen. This year there will be fourteen performances with matinees on the weekend. ]
[CHRISTMAS AIN’T A DRAG will run December 3 through December 14, 2025, at The Black Box, 1060 Union Ave, KCMO WEST BOTTOMS. More info at: http://www.xmasaintadrag.com]
11:28 – Underwriting
- Land Lion – “Close Calls (Radio edit)”
from: Hymns For End Times / DistroKids / November 5, 2025
[Land Lion band 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. Music For End Times is the band’s debut album release. Land Lion is: Ben Wendt on lead vocals & guitar; Matt Jack on drums, Iggy Chamon on bass; Carlos Chamon on keyboards; Grant Baker on lead guitar; Parker Mason on rhythm guitar & backing vocals; Kirsten Krier on trombone; Caitlyn Jacobs on saxophone, Michael Cervantes on trumpet; and Schuyler Minor on vocals. Fronted by primary songwriter and lead vocalist Ben Wendt, Land Lion crafts songs that evoke both introspection and celebration, inviting listeners into a world of personal storytelling and wide-reaching soundscapes. For fans of Bruce Springsteen, Bleachers, and The Muppets, Land Lion is a dynamic project blending indie rock, arena rock, folk, and Americana, known for its heartfelt lyrics, vibrant instrumentation, and powerful rhythms accompanied by an amazing horn section. Last year Land Lion released three singles: “Ribs” on January 26, 2024, “Honey Do” on June 9, 2024, and “Townie Song” on July 25, 2024. Land Lion played Boulevardia on Saturday, June 14, 2025.]
[Land Lion play a double album release show on Saturday, December 13, at 8:00pm at The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City with Jack Summers, and with special guest Jeremy Nathan.]
11:34 – Interview with Ben Wendt
Ben Wendt is from Kansas City Missouri. He is a vocalist, guitarist, songwriter for the band Land Lion. He is also a vocalist for the band, The Way Way Back. Ben spends most of his time working as owner and production manager for The RINO a music & entertainment venue and bar at 314 Armour Blvd in North Kansas City. Ben also sometimes works as a Bartender and Events Host at Screenland Armour. He is a Former Box Office Supervisor at Starlight. Ben Studied Creative Writing at University of Central Missouri, He went to Winnetonka High and is married to Sarah Wendt.
One of Ben’s musical projects is the band Land Lion and as primary songwriter and lead vocalist Ben and Land Lion craft songs that evoke both introspection and celebration, inviting listeners into a world of personal storytelling and wide-reaching soundscapes. Land Lion make happy songs about sad things. Hymns For End Times is the band’s debut album release.
Land Lion play a double album release show on Sat, Dec. 13, at 8:00pm at The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City w/ Jack Summers, and special guest Jeremy Nathan
Ben Wendt Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Hymns For End Times is the band’s debut album release.
For fans of Bruce Springsteen, Bleachers, and The Muppets, Land Lion is a dynamic project blending indie rock, arena rock, folk, and Americana, known for its heartfelt lyrics and vibrant instrumentation. Their music effortlessly weaves intricate melodies and powerful rhythms accompanied by an amazing horn section.
The band has garnered attention for their live performances and compelling compositions building a loyal fan base along the way.
As the group furthers their evolution, they continue pushing the boundaries of their sound while staying true to the authentic, emotional core that defines their music.
Algorithm & Blues – Produced, mixed, & mastered by: Rodd Fenton of @solsticeaudio2865
Written by: Ben Wendt, Land Lion
Performed by:
Ben Wendt – Acoustic guitar, vocals
Schuyler Minor – vocals
Grant Baker – Electric guitar
Iggy Chamon – Bass guitar
Carlos Chamon – Keys
Matt Jack – Drums
Mikey Cervantes – Trumpet
Kirsten Krier – Trombone
Caitlyn Jacobs – Saxophone
Parker Mason – Guitar
11:42
- Land Lion – “Algorithm and Blues”
from: Hymns For End Times / DistroKids / November 5, 2025
[Land Lion band 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. Music For End Times is the band’s debut album release. Land Lion is: Ben Wendt on lead vocals & guitar; Matt Jack on drums, Iggy Chamon on bass; Carlos Chamon on keyboards; Grant Baker on lead guitar; Parker Mason on rhythm guitar & backing vocals; Kirsten Krier on trombone; Caitlyn Jacobs on saxophone, Michael Cervantes on trumpet; and Schuyler Minor on vocals. Fronted by primary songwriter and lead vocalist Ben Wendt, Land Lion crafts songs that evoke both introspection and celebration, inviting listeners into a world of personal storytelling and wide-reaching soundscapes. For fans of Bruce Springsteen, Bleachers, and The Muppets, Land Lion is a dynamic project blending indie rock, arena rock, folk, and Americana, known for its heartfelt lyrics, vibrant instrumentation, and powerful rhythms accompanied by an amazing horn section. Last year Land Lion released three singles: “Ribs” on January 26, 2024, “Honey Do” on June 9, 2024, and “Townie Song” on July 25, 2024. Land Lion played Boulevardia on Saturday, June 14, 2025.]
[Land Lion play a double album release show on Saturday, December 13, at 8:00pm at The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City with Jack Summers, and with special guest Jeremy Nathan.]
11:46 – More Interview with Ben Wendt
Ben Wendt is from Kansas City Missouri. He is a vocalist, guitarist, songwriter for the band Land Lion. He is also a vocalist for the band, The Way Way Back. Ben spends most of his time working as owner and production manager for The RINO a music & entertainment venue and bar at 314 Armour Blvd in North Kansas City. Ben also sometimes works as a Bartender and Events Host at Screenland Armour. He is a Former Box Office Supervisor at Starlight. Ben Studied Creative Writing at University of Central Missouri, He went to Winnetonka High and is married to Sarah Wendt.
One of Ben’s musical projects is the band Land Lion and as primary songwriter and lead vocalist Ben and Land Lion craft songs that evoke both introspection and celebration, inviting listeners into a world of personal storytelling and wide-reaching soundscapes. Land Lion make happy songs about sad things. Hymns For End Times is the band’s debut album release.
Land Lion play a double album release show on Sat, Dec. 13, at 8:00pm at The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City w/ Jack Summers, and special guest Jeremy Nathan
Saturday, December 13, 2025
7:00 PM 10:30 PM
http://www.therinokc.com
314 Armour Road North Kansas City, MO, 64116 United States (map)
Saturday, December 13th
live music at The RINO
Land Lion (celebrating the release of their album “Hymns For End Times”
and Jack Summers (celebrating the release of his album “Konza Prairie Hymnal”)
with special guest Jeremy Nathan
Doors 7 | Show 8 | $10 | All Ages
314 Armour Rd | NKCMO | 64116
SONG LAB
Music Open Mic Night every Monday & Tuesday; sign-ups at 6:30; music at 7! Bring your instrument and get put on a list for the night! Not a musician? Come watch the best of Kansas City artists work on their new material!
LAUGH LAB
Comedy Open Mic Night happens every Wednesday at 8:00pm. Seasoned comics, or beginners, come and work on your material! Show up at 7 to get signed up. Comic or not, come watch the free show and grab a drink!
Ben Wendt Thank you for being with us on WMM. Thank you all for listening
11:54
- Land Lion – “Motion Smoothing”
from: Hymns For End Times / Drag City Records / November 5, 2025
[Land Lion band 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. Music For End Times is the band’s debut album release. Land Lion is: Ben Wendt on lead vocals & guitar; Matt Jack on drums, Iggy Chamon on bass; Carlos Chamon on keyboards; Grant Baker on lead guitar; Parker Mason on rhythm guitar & backing vocals; Kirsten Krier on trombone; Caitlyn Jacobs on saxophone, Michael Cervantes on trumpet; and Schuyler Minor on vocals. Fronted by primary songwriter and lead vocalist Ben Wendt, Land Lion crafts songs that evoke both introspection and celebration, inviting listeners into a world of personal storytelling and wide-reaching soundscapes. For fans of Bruce Springsteen, Bleachers, and The Muppets, Land Lion is a dynamic project blending indie rock, arena rock, folk, and Americana, known for its heartfelt lyrics, vibrant instrumentation, and powerful rhythms accompanied by an amazing horn section. Last year Land Lion released three singles: “Ribs” on January 26, 2024, “Honey Do” on June 9, 2024, and “Townie Song” on July 25, 2024. Land Lion played Boulevardia on Saturday, June 14, 2025.]
[Land Lion play a double album release show on Saturday, December 13, at 8:00pm at The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City with Jack Summers, and with special guest Jeremy Nathan.]
- Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now”
from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
NEXT WEEK, on Wednesday, November 12 we welcome back Brock Wilbur & Nick Spacek of The Pitch. To talk about The Annual Pitch “Best Of” Issue. We’ll also talk with Brock & Nick about some of the “Headlines” of 2025. And Nick shares his 10 Favorite Musical Releases of 2025.
Stay tuned at 12:00 Noon for Learning To Wiggle with Steve Stemmerman, at 2:00pm it’s Jazz Afternoon with Jeff Harshbarger. At 4:00pm we bring you, Dub’s Groove with Warren, at 6:00pm it’s: ON AIR with Nikki Brooks. At 7:00pm it’s VOICES OF KANSAS CITY brought to you by The Kansas City Star and 90.1 FM KKFI.
You can find our playlists at: http://www.wednesdaymiddaymedley.org & http://www.kkfi.org
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
http://www.instagram.wednesday_midday_medley
http://www.bandcamp.com/wednesdaymiddaymedley
Thank you to KKFI Staff: Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein Huff, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, and Shaina Littler – Office Manager Book Keeper
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. It is a collective spirit of hundreds of people, setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the goal of keeping our airwaves, non-commercial, and open! Thank you to programmers who create content for over 85 locally produced radio shows & volunteers who made extra effort to keep our station alive.
For WMM, I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!
Show #1120
Wednesday MidDay Medley 