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

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Music from Folk Alliance International Conference
+ Victor & Penny + Don Simon & Lost Cowgirl Records Showcase
+ Megan Slankard & Summer Osborne

We spinned songs from musical artists playing Official and Private Showcases at the 2018 Folk Alliance International Conference, February 14 thru 17 at the Westin Crown Center. More info at http://www.folk.org.

1. “Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks”
from: Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / Universal / Dec. 20, 1979
[WMM’s theme]

2. AHI – “Alive Again”
from: We Made It Through the Wreckage / Ahkinoah H Izarh / January 20, 2017
[Debut album from Brampton, Ontario, Canada indie-soul/alt-folk songwriter AHI (pronounced “eye”). From humble beginnings in Brampton, Ontario, AHI independently toured over 100,000 miles, through the vast woodlands of Canada and the neon lights of Nashville, to the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and eventually beyond the Atlantic to the brick lanes of London. Along the way, he has recorded with leading acoustic sessions across the UK and Europe, but none has been more viewed than a simple home video of his stunning rendition of Bob Marley’s ‘No Woman No Cry’, filmed in a London alleyway and accompanied by the sweet harmonies of his three-year-old daughter. The video caught the attention of the Marley family who featured it on the official BobMarley.com website and sent AHI a personalized note from Mrs. Rita Marley herself – an unparalleled experience for an artist who cites Bob Marley as his greatest musical inspiration. Soon after, AHI returned to find his Indie Soul EP (2014) was chosen one of CBC Radio One’s top 10 records of the year, and he has since been recognized and awarded by Folk Alliance International, Nashville Songwriters Association International, the Songwriters Association of Canada, and the Canada Council for the Arts, among others. For his debut full-length We Made It Through The Wreckage (2017), AHI has collaborated with CMA winning producer Eric Masse (Miranda Lambert) to create what Masse has called an entirely “new genre”, blending folk, soul and rock, and topping it off with a vocal performance to be expected from a seasoned powerhouse rather than an indie debut..]

[AHI plays an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference, Friday, February 16, at 6:00 pm, in Shawnee Mission Room, at Weston Crown Center.]

3. Ruthie Foster – “What Are You Listening To?”
from: Joy Comes Back / Stone Truth Music – Blue Corn Music / March 24, 2017
[Ruthie Cecelia Foster (born February 10, 1964) is an American singer-songwriter of blues and folk music. She mixes a wide palette of American song forms, from gospel and blues to jazz, folk and soul. She has often been compared to Bonnie Raitt and Aretha Franklin. Foster is from Gause, Texas and comes from a family of gospel singers. At the age of fourteen, Ruthie was a soloist in her hometown choir, and was certain that her future would revolve around music. After high school, Ruthie moved to Waco, Texas to attend community college, where her studies concentrated in music and audio engineering. She began fronting a blues band, learning how to command a stage in the bars of Texas. Hoping to travel and gain a wider world perspective, Foster joined the Navy, and soon her musical talents soon had her singing in the naval band Pride, that played pop and funk hits at recruitment drives in the southeastern United States. Following her tour of duty, Ruthie headed to New York City where she became a regular performer at various local folk venues. Atlantic Records got wind of Foster’s talent and offered her a recording deal, with the intent of cultivating her as a budding pop star, but Foster wasn’t interested in a pop career, preferring instead to explore the various strains of American roots music that had informed her childhood. When her mother fell ill in 1993, Foster left New York and her recording deal and returned to Texas to be with her family. She began working as a camera operator and production assistant at a television station in College Station, Texas while she cared for her mother, who passed in 1996. A year later in 1997, Foster self-released the album Full Circle, the success of which paved the way to a long relationship with the record label Blue Corn Music. Blue Corn released the follow up album Crossover in 1999, Runaway Soul in 2002, and Stages (featuring a series of live tracks) in 2004. Stages marked a turning point in Foster’s career, as the experience of a Ruthie Foster live show was able to be experienced by a wide audience. Foster’s next release was Heal Yourself in 2006, followed by the studio album The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster in 2008 (produced by Papa Mali), and The Truth According to Ruthie Foster (produced by Grammy-winning producer Chris Goldsmith), recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis, in 2009, all released by Blue Corn Music. The Truth According to Ruthie Foster earned Ruthie a Grammy Award Nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album. A second album of Foster’s live performances, Live At Antone’s (CD and DVD), was released in 2011. In 2012, Ruthie and Blue Corn released the studio album Let It Burn, which featured special guests The Blind Boys of Alabama, William Bell and the rhythm section of The Funky Meters, and was produced by Grammy-award winner John Chelew. Let It Burn earned Foster a second Grammy Nomination, this time for Best Blues Album, and was the vehicle for numerous Blues Music Awards won by Foster. Her most recent album, Joy Comes Back, was released by Blue Corn Music in 2017.]

[Ruthie Foster hosts the International Folk Music Awards Show, Wednesday, February 14, at 7:00 PM, at The Folly Theatre with guest performances and presentations by John Oates, Guy Davis, Giri and Uma Peters, Anais Mitchell, and others.]

[Ruthie Foster plays an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference, Thurs, Feb 15, at 10:00 pm, in Pershing East/West.]

10:11 – Underwriting

4. Victor & Penny – “Wake Up Early” (Vinyl)
from: Wake Up Early – Single / EAT.HEAR.RECORDS / November 15, 2017
[Erin McGrane, Jeff Freling formed Victor & Penny in 2010. The vinyl-only label was started by Steve Tulipana and the team at recordBar. Written by Erin McGrane and Jeff Freling. Recorded mixed and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab. Erin McGrane on ukulele & vocals, Jeff Freling guitar & vocals, featuring James Issac on clarinet & soprano sax, Kyle Dahlquist on trombone, glokenspiel & vocals, Jeff harshbarger on upright bass, and Brian Steever on drums. Sleve design by Marco Pascolini. EAT.HEAR.RECORDS. 1520 Grand Ave. KCMO 64108 http://www.therecordbar.com]

[Victor & Penny play an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference at Saturday, February 17, at 6:45 PM in The Garden Terrace at Weston Crown Center.]

10:16 – Interview with Erin McGrane and Jeff Freling

Formed in 2010, Jeff Freling and Erin McGrane are Victor & Penny. The duo were honored to represent Kansas City at a New York City press event as part the America’s Creative Crossroads campaign, “Paris of the Plains Goes to NY.” Victor & Penny have also performed at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Inaugural New Year’s, the Missouri Governor’s 2016 EDC Awards Luncheon, KC Union Station’s Centennial Celebration, and KC Mayor, Sly James’ 2015 State of the City Address.V&P are a four-time Official Showcase Artists for Folk Alliance International Conference, and have made over 1,000 personal appearances and traveled more than 200,000 miles in the last five years. In 2016 V&P released their 4th album, ‘Electricity.’ After recently getting married, Victor & Penny recently released their first ever vinyl 7-inch vinyl single though EAT.HEAR.RECORDS. Last night Victor & Penny and the Loose Change Orchestra joined famed composer & musician David Amram for David Amram: A Musical Life, interviewed by Chuck Haddix, at The Olathe Public Library.

Victor & Penny play an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference at Saturday, February 17, at 6:45 PM in The Garden Terrace at Weston Crown Center

Jeff Freling and Erin McGrane thank you for being with us on WMM.

Victor & Penny are a four-time Official Showcase Artists for Folk Alliance International Conference.

Formally trained at Berklee School of Music (Boston) and the Conservatory of Music (Kansas City), Mr. Freling participated in the international program, The Acoustic Guitar Project in 2014 and is an accomplished composer, arranger, and outstanding instrumentalist.

Erin McGrane is an ArtsKC Fund Inspiration Grant recipient and a Mid-America Arts Alliance Professional Development Grant recipient as well as a fellow of the ArtistINC program for which she currently serves as a peer facilitator and a workshop presenter. The duo was married in May 2017 and recently returned from an extended overseas honeymoon in Spain and Portugal (Oct. 2017).

Celebrating the simultaneous launch of Victor & Penny were the first release on the new label, EAT. HEAR. RECORDS. The 7” 45rpm vinyl record by Victor & Penny offers a new sonic landscape from the band as they have expanded to include drums with local jazz drummer, Brian Steever. Mr. Steever will join the band for a portion of the special concert.

EAT. HEAR. RECORDS was founded by recordBar and Steve Tulipana.

10:23

6. Victor & Penny – “She Says She Knows”
from: She Says She Knows – Single / EAT.HEAR.RECORDS / November 15, 2017
[Erin McGrane, Jeff Freling formed Victor & Penny in 2010. The vinyl-only label was started by Steve Tulipana and the team at recordBar. Recorded by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab.]

[Victor & Penny play an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference at Saturday, February 17, at 6:45 PM in The Garden Terrace at Weston Crown Center.]

10:27 – Interview with Erin McGrane and Jeff Freling

Formed in 2010, Jeff Freling and Erin McGrane are Victor & Penny, a Swing-infused folk-jazz rooted in the riff-driven Kansas City style, delivered with class, joy, and soaring musical improvisation.. The duo have released four full length albums and most recently a 7″ vinyl single. Kansas City is their home.

Victor & Penny are members of Folk Alliance International Member, and Midwest Music Foundation

Victor & Penny were named “Best Folk Ensemble 2015” by the PITCH; “Standout Concert of the Year” by the Joplin Globe; and are two-time Folk Alliance International official showcase artists. V&P and the LCO feature tight vocal harmonies, dazzling guitar work, red-hot horns and a fiery ukulele. This corset-tight quintet brings a modern Kansas City voice to their original tunes and prohibition era jazz with sterling musicianship. V&P and the LCO impress and delight with charm and hot licks and they are an “absolute rollicking blast.”

The group released a new full-length CD, “Electricity” (March 2016) which debuted on the Folk Radio DJ charts at #12 with the #3 song. “Electricity” crackles and sparks with joy and regret; truths and dares; love and love gone wrong all set to a score of vibrant, rhythmic swing and virtuosic musicianship. Electricity is the culmination of 160,000 miles, 5 years and nearly 1,000 performances and is a testament to the incomparable vivacity of Victor & Penny’s live show, with newly added sophistication and rich instrumentation.

Jeff Freling played for many years in the band for Blue Man Group, in Chicago. Erin McGrane starred on screen with George Clooney in the film “Up in the Air.” She was also in the cabaret troupe Alacartoona. Ms. McGrane is an ArtsKC Fund Inspiration Grant recipient and a Mid-America Arts Alliance Professional Development Grant recipient as well as a fellow of the ArtistINC program for which she currently serves as a peer facilitator and a workshop presenter.

The Loose Change Orchestra:

Classically trained reeds virtuoso James Isaac fronts his own highly respected jazz quartet, The James Isaac Group and is a member of the People’s Liberation Big Band.

Bassist Rick Willoughby attended the UMKC Conservatory of Music and is a member of Quixotic, The Snow Globes and the Barclay Martin Ensemble.

Multi-instrumentalists Kyle Dahlquist (The Naughty Pines, Hardship Letters) rounds out the lineup with trombone, accordion and vocals.

For more information, please visit: http://www.victorandpenny.com

Awards: New folk-jazz album “Electricity” debuts on Folk Radio DJ chart as #12 album with #3 song (March 2016)
3-time Folk Alliance International Official Showcase Artists (2014, 2015, 2017)
SERFA Official Showcase (2016)
NERFA Official Quad Showcase Artist (2014)
“Best Folk Ensemble 2015” – PITCH (KC)
“Standout Concert of the Year 2014” – Joplin Globe

2014 Mid-America Arts Alliance Professional Development Grant Recipient (KCMO)
2013 Escape To Create Artist-in-Residence (Seaside, FL)
2009 ArtsKC Inspiration Grant Recipient (Kansas City, MO)
ArtistINC Fellow, Peer Facilitator and Workshop Presenter

Victor & Penny play Visit KC Annual Meeting at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Tues, Feb 27, at 4:30pm

10:34

6. Victor & Penny – “You’re A Revelation”
from: Electricity / Victor & Penny / April 19, 2016
[Jeff Freling on guitar & vocals and Erin McGrane on ukulele & vocals. Produced by Grammy Award winning Producer/Engineer Mitch Dane, at Sputnik Sound in Nashville, TN, featuring Victor & Penny’s fine band, The Loose Change Orchestra with James Isaac on clarinet, soprano saxophone and melodica; Rick Willoughby on upright bass; and trombonist Kyle Dahlquist.]

[Victor & Penny play an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference at Saturday, February 17, at 6:45 PM in The Garden Terrace at Weston Crown Center.]

7. The Accidentals – “Odyssey”
from: Odyssey / Sony Music Group / August 18, 2017
[The Accidentals are an American musical band, formed in Traverse City, Michigan, in 2012, by Savannah Buist and Katie Larson, joined by percussionist Michael Dause in 2014. The group features an eclectic blend of indie folk, pop, jazz, bluegrass, rock, classical, and other genres, utilizing a wide variety of instruments that reflect the group’s orchestral roots and electronic influences. As of 2017 they had released three full length albums and one EP. In March 2015, they performed at the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas, which featured some 2,200 acts, and were named as one of the top breakout groups by Billboard staff. In 2015, the group contracted with Marshall Crenshaw and Stewart Lerman to produce four new albums, but upon the contract becoming renegotiable the following year, the band opted to continue releasing music independently. On January 9, 2017, the band announced that they were signed to Sony Masterworks via a feature in Local Spins, the album will feature multiple guest performers, including Jack White bassist Dominic John Davis, Jenny Conlee of The Decemberists, Keller Williams, Kaki King, Lily & Madeleine, and Carbon Leaf. Buist described Masterworks as “a family that gets us and our music, and wants to support that authentically”, while Larson added, “We feel like we can be truly who we are and they appreciate the honesty.” Masterworks is primarily a classical and jazz label, having previously signed such names as Yo-Yo Ma, Sonny Rollins, and Yanni, though it has recently expanded its reach with its signing of indie folk duo Tall Heights and acknowledgement of bluegrass on The Goat Rodeo Sessions. On August 18, 2017, the Accidentals embarked on tour throughout the United States and Canada to promote the album. The album received positive reviews from critics, including PopMatters, AllMusic, and Local Spins.]

[The Accidentals play an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference, Sat, Feb 17, at 7:30 pm, in Shawnee Mission Room.]

[The Accidentals play a Private Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference, in The Lost Cowgirl Records Room 713, at The Weston Kansas City at Crown Center, Friday, February 16.]

10:42 – Interview with Don Simon

With over 40 live musical acts being presented during four nights, February 14 – 17, in Room 713 at The Weston Kansas City at Crown Center, in the Lost Cowgirl Records Private Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference our next guest will be keeping some late hours starting tonight. Lost Cowgirl Records is based in Kansas City, Missouri and was formed on March 12, 2017 by musician and songwriter Jenna McCarty and Don Simon. Don Simon is an attorney, business advisor, father, educator, musician, and arts advocate. He serves on the Board of Directors at Folk Alliance Region Midwest (FARM), KC Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts and, Midwest Music Foundation. He works as an Adjunct Instructor at UMKC, Northwest Missouri State University – Kansas City, and Avila University.

Don Simon Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Lost Cowgirl Records is based in Kansas City, Missouri and was formed on March 12, 2017 by musician and songwriter Jenna McCarty and Don Simon.

The Lost Cowgirl Records Room – Feb 14 at 10:30 PM to Feb 18 at 3 AM
Westin Crown Center, 1 E. Pershing, Kansas City, Missouri 64108

Room #713 – Schedule: Wednesday 2/14:

Shawna Caspi (Ontario, Canada)
Beth Marlin (San Francisco, CA)
Julia Othmer (Los Angeles, CA)
Eddie Crane (KC)
Hope Dunbar (Utica, NE)
Bob and Una Walkenhorst (KC)
Erin O’Dowd (Tulsa, OK)
Bill Scorzari (Huntington, NY)
The Summer Storms (KC)
MisterScotty – Music from Scott Stuewe (KC)
Luther Vincent (KC)

10:49

8. Hope Dunbar – “She Keeps Going”
from: Three Black Crows / Hope Dunbar / October 6, 2017
[Hope Dunbar’s music is rooted where and with whom she lives: in small town Utica, NE (population 800) with her husband and three kids. Between basketball games and PTA meetings, she finds time to write about women like her: complicated. Sometimes stretched thin and wanting more; sometimes singing liberation anthems and cracking jokes; always believing love is never too far out of reach. Hope’s debut EP “A Woman like Me” showcases her powerhouse vocals and her ukulele and guitar prowess with songs and style influenced by traditional country and folk.]

[Hope Dunbar plays a Private Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference, in The Lost Cowgirl Records Room 713, at The Weston Kansas City at Crown Center, Tonight, Wednesday, Feb 14. ]

10:53 – Inteview with Don Simon

We are talking with Don Simon the Lost Cowgirl Records Private Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference presenting over 40 live musical acts during four nights, February 14 – 17, in Room 713 at The Weston Kansas City at Crown Center.

40 musical acts will be presented during four nights, February 14 – 17, in Room 713 at The Weston Kansas City at Crown Center.

Room #713 – Schedule:

2/15:
Jeff Brown (Chicago, IL)
The Nite Owls: Wyatt Brewer & Sarah Lynn (KC)
Jason Lee McKinney (Memphis, TN)
Run With It (KC)
Caroline Cotter (Portland, ME)
summerland (Stillwater, OK)
Jenna & Martin (KC)
Betsey Mae (Springfield, MO)
The Matchsellers (KC)
Rabble in Arms (KC)
Jacob Stanton (KC)

2/16:
Julie Bennett Hume (Lee’s Summit, MO)
Danielle Ate the Sandwich (Ft. Collins, CO)
The Accidentals (Traverse City, MI)
The Roseline (Lawrence, KS)
Danny Burns (Nashville, TN)
The Hardship Letters (KC)
Jessica Paige (KC)
Heather Styka (Chicago, IL)
Freight Train Rabbit Killer (KC)
Joy Zimmerman (KC)
Teri Quinn (KC)

2/17:
Chris Stephens – World Musician (Columbia, MO)
Alex Winters (Austin, TX)
The Vogts Sisters (Erie, KS)
Kelly Hunt (KC)
Under The Big Oak Tree (St. Joseph, MO)
Of Tree (KC)
Jenna Rae (KC)
Kyshona Music (Nashville, TN)
Mary Bragg (Nashville, TN)
Ladies’ Jam

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

Lost Cowgirl Records Private Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference presenting over 40 live musical acts during four nights, February 14 – 17, in Room 713 at The Weston Kansas City at Crown Center. More information at: http://www.lostcowgirlrecords.com

11:00 – Station ID

9. Yirrmal – “Blackfella Whitefella”
from: Deadly Hearts / Austrailian Broadcasting Corporation / June 30, 2017
[New gen Indigenous Australian artist Yirrmal Marika, from North-East Arnhem Land, has made a refreshing entrance into the music scene. Inspired by his Grandfather, Dr Yunupingu, former lead singer of Yothu Yindi, he fuses tradition and contemporary with class and passion. Yirrmal is an inspiring songwriter and guitarist with a beautiful voice, singing songs about his homeland and culture with feeling and depth beyond his years. Yirrmal is related to Dr G Yunupingu on his mother’s side, and his father, Witiyana Marika, was a singer and dancer in Yothu Yindi. He has extensive knowledge of traditional Yolngu “Manikay” songs, and he is also an excellent dancer and didgeridoo “yidaki” player. He is connecting a newfound sound and engaging the hearts of all who are lucky enough to hear him. Yirrmal has lived in Geelong for the past six years where he has been continuing his education and participating in the Marrma’ Rom Two Worlds Leadership Program. He aims to set an example for Indigenous youth and to be a strong, positive role-model for the next generation. Over the past 3 years Yirrmal has worked with song-writing mentors Neil Murray, Shane Howard and released his debut EP ‘Youngblood’ in November 2016. The release was followed by a short regional Victorian and interstate tour. Yirrmal is looking forward to working with more mentors in 2017 to write material for his first full-length album recording in 2018. Career highlights include performing at the Northern Territory NAIDOC Week concert and NAIDOC Ball, the National Indigenous Music Awards, Garma Festivals, New Zealand Music Festival and Singapore and Taipei Music Festivals with the Black Arm Band, Nannup Music Festival, BluesFest Touring Shows and Bluesfest Music Festival, Woodford Festival, the Port Fairy Folk Festival and he was the recipient of the 2017 Maton Class Act for Emerging Talent award. Yirrmal also received great reviews for his performance in the concert ‘1967: Songs in the Key of Yes’ marking the 50th anniversary of the Referendum. More information at: http://www.yirrmal.com]

[Yirrmal plays an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference at Friday, February 16, at 7:30 PM in Pershing North at Weston Crown Center.]

10. John Oates – “Arkansas”
from: Arkansas / PS Records / February 2, 2018
[John Oates is one half of the best-selling duo of all time, Hall & Oates, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Songwriters Hall of Fame. His new album “Arkansas” which blends delta blues, ragtime and roots influences. John Oates was born in New York City, his family moved to a small town outside of Philadelphia, PA in the early 1950s – a move that would change the course of his life. John Oates met Daryl Hall while attending Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. The two began collaborating and playing music together, marking the beginning of their historic partnership. Since their formation in the early 70s, Daryl Hall & John Oates have gone on to record 21 albums, which have sold over 80 million units, making them the most successful duo in rock history. They have scored 10 #1 records, over 20 Top-40 hits, and have toured the world for decades. Their involvement in the original Live Aid concert and the groundbreaking We Are The World charity recording have further established them as legendary artists, who have personally and through their music, stood the test of time. in 2005 they were inducted into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame. In May of 2008, they were also presented the prestigious BMI Icon Award for their outstanding career achievement in songwriting. In April 2014, Hall & Oates was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Since embarking on a long awaited solo career in 1999, John has recorded five solo albums: Phunk Shui, 100 Miles of Life, Mississippi Mile, a live album called The Bluesville Sessions, and Good Road To Follow, (which featured collaborations with Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, Vince Gill, Nathan Chapman, Jim Lauderdale, and Jerry Douglas). Arkansas was originally inspired by the music and legacy of the legendary Mississippi John Hurt, the project grew to encompass other artists and styles that represent the dawn of American popular music. Stylistically diverse and eclectic, the collection features a full band that was put together specially to bring the full range and flavors of classic American musical styles to life. Oates crafted a number of original songs for the Arkansas album; selections actually inspired by the process of digging deep into the sonic soil of authentic roots music. “I really believe this is the most vital and satisfying solo project I’ve ever embarked upon,” Oates says of Arkansas. “Of all the music I have ever made with anyone, for me this album sits right up there.” John resides in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife Aimee.]

[John Oates plays an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference at Thursday, February 15, at 9:15 PM in Pershing East/West at Weston Crown Center.]

11. Black Umfolosi – “Umhlaba”
from: Umhlaba / 10th District Music / July 18, 2015
[From Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, this ensemble has been performing and recording music form 30 Years. Known as Zimbabwe’s greatest ambassadors, performing music inspired by the traditional song and dance of their native southern Africa. Black Umfolosi were formed in 1982 by school friends in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, who named themselves after the Umfolozi Omnyama River in South Africa to where their ancestors can be traced. In 2011 The Black Umfolosi 5 continue to present their spectacular songs and dances thrilling audiences worldwide. Their performances are energy driven and completely engaging, mixing a great gentleness of spirit and song with an exuberance in dance. Their trademark harmonies mixed with intricate rhythms, clicking and clapping are highlighted during their brilliantly choreographed shows with a full range of movements from subtle to vibrant stomping and leaping! Their famous Gumboot Dances showcase the traditional styles and rituals of the South African mining regions and are a particular crowd pleaser.]

[Black Umfolosi play an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference at Thursday, February 15, at 8:30 PM, in Century C, at Weston Kansas City Crown Center.]

12. The Mammals – “My Baby Drinks Water”
from: My Baby Drinks Water – Single / The Mammals / May 1, 2017
[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 play an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference at Saturday, February 17, at 9:45 PM, in Shawnee Mission Room at Weston Kansas City Crown Center.]

13. Radio Free Honduras – “Morena (feat. Steve Eisen)”
from: Radio Free Honduras / Radio Free Honduras / September 6, 2014
[Charlie Baran has lived a life of music. Before moving the the United States he was a founding member of the legendary Honduran musical group Banda Blanca, who’s song “Sopa de Caracol” became the #1 Billboard Top Latin Songs hit in 1992. Now a maintenance man at a Catholic grade school by day, Charlie has kept his musical flame glowing largely through acoustic solo performances around Chicago for the past ten years. Charlie Baran is a true virtuoso. No one sees him perform without recognizing the presence of a true master – an heir to a rich tradition of Honduran music, as well as a guitar slinging showman and a gifted songwriter whose skill transcends all genres. But throughout most of his career he has existed in the shadows – until the formation of Radio Free Honduras. Radio Free Honduras is a diverse collective of Chicago musicians, all united under one goal – supporting the artistry of Charlie Baran and bringing this tremendous talent into the spotlight where it belongs. Founded by Dan Abu-Absi, longtime guitarist for JT and the Clouds and Birds of Chicago, Radio Free Honduras plays mostly Baran originals, but their live shows often feature a wide variety of reimagined cover songs. This band provides Charlie with the wide musical pallet his talent (and songs) deserve. Abu-Absi has gathered a large, revolving collective of some of Chicago’s most talented musicians; lively percussion, eclectic instrumentation, and rich harmonies all provide the backdrop, allowing Charlie to do what he does best – stunning guitar work, tapping into what seems a limitless supply of energy and enthusiasm for music. Charlie Baran has lived a long and storied musical life – but very few are familiar with his side of the story. Radio Free Honduras has made it their mission to change that.]

[Radio Free Honduras play an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference at Friday, February 16, at 7:00 PM, in Liberty Room at Weston Kansas City Crown Center.]

14. Rosie & The Riveters – “Let ‘Em Talk”
from: Ms. Behave / Rosie & the Riveters / April 6, 2018
[Saskatoon, Saskatchewan trio formed by Alexis Normand, Farideh Olsen, and Allyson Reigh. Rosie & the Riveters never planned to get political. But opening a newspaper or watching the news these days made it impossible to see the status of women around the world and stay silent. The result is Ms. Behave – a collection of gritty, sultry, vintage-inspired folk anthems that paint a portrait of a woman’s voice in a man’s world. The band wrote most of the album in a cabin nestled in the woods in the dead of the Canadian winter. A quick read through song titles like “Gotta Get Paid”, “Let’em Talk” and “I Wanna Be King” gives an idea of what they have to say. While their single, “Ms. Behave” lays down a Bill-Withers-inspired groove and rejects the policing of women’s behavior, “I Believe You” sprung from the outrage and sorrow they felt after hearing the recent avalanche of stories of sexual assault. Produced by Joshua Van Tassel (Rose Cousins, Great Lake Swimmers), their sophomore album echoes Aretha Franklin’s demand for R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Rosie & the Riveters believe women are the world’s greatest untapped resource which is why they invest 20% of merchandise profits in microfinance initiatives through KIVA.org. They helped women like Alice in Kenya expand her horticulture farm and Maria in Ecuador purchase a sewing machine for her tailoring business. To date, they have contributed more than $8800 to over 175 projects around the world. More info at http://www.rosieandtheriveters.com.]

[Rosie & The Riveters play an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference at Thursday, February 15, at 6:00 PM, in Benton’s 20th Floor, at Weston Kansas City Crown Center.]

11:26 – Underwriting

11:27 – Interview with Megan Slankard

San Francisco indie-alt-rocker Megan Slankard, is in Kansas City to play 10 different Private showcases during the 30th Annual Folk Alliance International Conference. Megan Slankard will also play a public concert, Sunday, February 18, at 6:00 PM, at InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton Street, Overland Park, Kansas with Summer Osborne. After Folk Alliance, Megan gets back on the road with 16 more shows taking her to Wichita, Madison, and Chicago.

Megan Slankard, thanks for joining us again on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

KC Turner Presents at Folk Alliance International – Private Showcase Room # 714
Powered by Bose

~ Wednesday, Feb. 14 ~
10:30-11:10pm: Steve Poltz

11:25-12:05am: The Mastersons / Matt The Electrician / Megan Slankard
12:20-1:05am: Honeysuckle / Grant Peeples
1:20-2:05am: Korby Lenker / Heather Styka / Tim Easton

~ Thursday, Feb. 15 ~
10:30-11:10pm: Evie Ladin & Keith Terry / Meshach Jackson / Mary Bragg
11:25-12:05am: Nels Andrews / Matt The Electrician / Peter Mulvey
12:20-1:05am: Megan Slankard / The Accidentals / Carrie Elkin
1:20-2:05am: Steve Poltz
2:20-3:05am: Ali Holder / Little Brave / Beth Marlin

~Friday, Feb. 16 ~
10:30-11:10pm – Bob Hillman / Caitlin Jemma / Beth Marlin
11:25-12:05am: Natalia Zukerman / Amber Rubarth / Rebecca Loebe
12:20-1:05am: Stephen Kellogg
1:20-2:05am: – Tim Easton / Ayleen O’Hanlon / Megan Slankard
2:20-3:05am: The Sea The Sea / Ismay / The Mastersons

~ Saturday, Feb. 17 ~
10:30-11:10pm: Jimbo Scott / Peter Mulvey / Danielle Ate The Sandwich
11:25-12:05am: Son of Town Hall / Megan Slankard / Robby Hecht
12:20-1:05am: Joe Purdy
1:20-2:05am: Anna Vogelzang / Julian Muller / Melissa Greener
2:20-3:05am: Anthony da Costa / John Blek / Jaimee Harris

11:37

15. Megan Slankard – “You Got This” (Live)
(a new song)

11:41 – Interview with Megan Slankard

San Francisco indie-alt-rocker Megan Slankard, is in Kansas City to play 10 different showcases during the 2018 Folk Alliance International Conference. Megan Slankard will also play a public concert, Sunday, February 18, at 6:00 PM, at InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton Street, Overland Park, Kansas with Summer Osborne.

Megan Slankard, welcome back to Kansas City

Megan Slankard is also playing Folk Alliance International Private Showcases in:
Wisconsin Room #543
M Press Records Room #641
Combo Plate booking #652
Momentary Love MGMT #601

Megan Slankard is playing Bose demonstration shows:

Fri 2/16 – 1pm at Guitar Center 3911 Bolger Rd, Independence, Missouri
Fri 2/16 – 4pm at Guitar Center 6700 W 119th St, Overland Park, Kansas

Megan Slankard will also play a public concert, Sunday, February 18, at 6:00 PM, at InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton Street, Overland Park, KS with Summer Osborne.

After Folk Alliance, Megan gets back on the road with 16 more shows taking her to Wichita, Madison, and Chicago.

Megan Slankard is playing Steve Poltz 9th Annual 50th B-Day Bash ft. The Rugburns, Saturday, February 24 at 9 PM at Belly Up, 143 S Cedros Ave Ste T, Solana Beach, California

Megan Slankard is in Kansas City to play 10 different showcases during the 2018 Folk Alliance International Conference. Megan Slankard will also play a public concert, Sunday, February 18, at 6:00 PM, at InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton Street, Overland Park, Kansas with Summer Osborne. More info at: http://www.meganslankard.com

11:50

16. CS Luxem – “Symptoms”
from: Symptoms / Whatever Forever / February 17, 2018
[First full length from ACS Luxem who works as a solo artist as well as a collaborator. CS Luxem has released several EPs and has performed all over the United States and Europe. More information at http://www.csluxem.bandcamp.com]

[CS Luxem plays an Album Release Show with Kawehi and Hush Machine at The Bottleneck! 737 New Hampshire St, Lawrence, Kansas on Saturday, February 17, at 8:00 PM]

17. Anais Mitchell – “Flowers” (Eurydice’s Song)
from: Hadestown / Righteous Babe Records / 2010
[born in 1981 Anais Mitchell grew up on a farm in Addison County, Vermont. She began writing songs at 17 and performing them during her school days, where she studied political science and languages. Her 2nd recording, “Hymns for the Exiled,” eventually reached the ears of Ani DiFranco, who signed Mitchell to her label, Righteous Babe Records. Anaïs Mitchell’s latest release comes in the form of a folk opera. Hadestown is the modern day interpretation of the ancient Greek myth of the poet Opheus and his doomed quest to rescue his wife Eurydice from the underworld. Hadestown began its existence in 2006 as a live “acoustic rock opera” that the Vermont-based singer/songwriter created in collaboration with director Ben t. Matchstick (Bread & Puppet Theater) and arranger / orchestrator Michael Chorney. After loading the sets and the 22-member cast of Vermont performers into a former circus bus and touring New England during “full-on winter,” it was time to rework a few songs. Next, Mitchell called upon a few fellow musicians to lend their voices to a recorded version—not a cast album, but a stand-alone, selcontained song cycle. The result is a veritable Who’s Who of modern indie folk/rock: Justin Vernon of Bon Iver plays Orpheus; Greg Brown is Hades; and Ani DiFranco plays Persephone. Also on hand in smaller roles are the Haden Triplets (Petra, Rachel, and Tanya) as the Fates and Ben Knox Miller of The Low Anthem as the Hermes, Mitchell herself sings the part of Eurydice.] [Hadestown became a 2016 stage musical adaptation of a 2010 folk opera concept album by the same name, written by Anaïs Mitchell. It premiered off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop on May 6, 2016 and ran through July 31. The show was developed for the stage and directed by Rachel Chavkin. Like the original concept album, Hadestown tells a version of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, where Orpheus journeys to the underworld to rescue his wife Eurydice. Music by Anaïs Mitchell, Michael Chorney, Todd Sickafoose, Lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell, Book by Anaïs Mitchell.]

[Anais Mitchell play an Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International Conference at Thursday, February 15, at 9:00 PM, in Washington Park Place, at Weston Kansas City Crown Center.]

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

Next week on February 21 Marion Merritt of Records With Merritt returns as our special Guest Producer. Also Next week members of the band Red Kate and Sid Sowder join us to share the new Too Much Rock Single release.

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

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

Show #721