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.]

3. 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.]

4. 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”.]

5. 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.]

6. 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.]

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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]

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.]

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

Next week, on Wednesday, May 21 – David 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