For 19 years Mark Manning has served as Coordinator of the KCK Organic Teaching Gardens, an Initiative of The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Office of Cultural Enhancement and Diversity, Health Careers Pathways Program, K-12. Each year Mark works with 1000 to 2000 students, between K through 8th grades, with organic, "raised bed" gardens built directly on the school grounds of three Middle Schools and four Elementary Schools in the inner city of the Kansas City, Kansas school district. Mark conducts over 440 workshops annually in classrooms at these schools. He started the project under the guidance of Marcia Pomeroy, in 1999, after working in a literacy program. The KCK Organic Teaching Gardens has been financially supported through grants from The Kauffman Foundation, and The University of Kansas Medical Center. The project has been recognized locally and nationally by The National Gardening Association, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Community Gardens, The Green Bliss Festival, The Urban Farm & Garden Tour, and on the PBS television program America's Harvest. Mark learned about gardening from his grandmother Edna Jacobsen on the family's McCool Junction, Nebraska farm. His grandmother raised a huge garden, chickens, sheep and cattle. She preserved apples, wild berry jams, and beets and virtually everything she grew was canned for consumption in winter months. Edna raised seven children with no running water and as a child lived in a sod house. His passion for the school gardening program has been fueled by the fact that he doesn't see the lessons he learned from his grandmother passed down to kids today. Kids need to know where their food comes from, especially with the rise of diabetes, and over weight Americans. We can all learn from our gardens how to treat ourselves and the world better.
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Shaun Crowley & The Music of Manor Fest 6
Mark spins music from 25 artists and bands playing Manor Fest 6 including: Blackstarkids, Squirrel Flower, Shy Boys, Ebony Tusks, Calvin Arsenia, Paris Williams, Daniel Gum, Frogpond, Honeybee, True Lions, The Creepy Jingles, Liney Blu, Nick Shoulders, Grady Philip Drugg, Kadesh Flow, Pale Tongue, Julia Haile, Wills Van Doorn, Kat King, Pure XTC, Khrystal., Malek Azrael, Jass, The Swallowtails, and ALBER.
At 10:00 AM Shaun Crowley of Manor Records joins us to talk about Manor Fest 6, featuring 60 bands, across 20 venues, in 6 nights, in 6 different neighborhoods of Kanas City. The official dates are May 23, 24, & 25 and May 30, 31, & June 1. Manor Fest is a local music fundraiser festival curated and ran by Manor Records. All profits from this fundraiser go to the “Manor Records Fund” to help with their non-profit’s mission of releasing music from local artists on physical platforms through Manor Records. Manor Fest 6 includes: BLACKSTARKIDS, Squirrel Flower, Shy Boys, Ebony Tusks, Calvin Arsenia, Dylan Earl, Paris Williams, Daniel Gum, Kat King, Scabb, Flooding, Frogpond, Fritz Hutchison, Honeybee, True Lions, Supermoto, The Creepy Jingles, Tidal.wav, Kirstie Lynn & Galen Clark, Nick Shoulders, Fullbloods, MC Rue + Mikey, Jass, Grady Drugg, Kadesh Flow, Pale Tongue, Liney Blu, Khrystal., Eggs On Mars, CS Luxem, Brian Bulger, Blanky, The Highwater, Charlotte Bumgarner, THIMASTR, Julia Haile, Teri Quinn, The CAVVES, Wills Van Doorn, Midwestern, Pure XYC, Stephonne, Big Fat Cow, Mason Blaize, Burning Bush, Luke Krutzke, 2W33DY, Collidescope, Shay Lyric, Malek Azrael, Field Daze, They’re Theirs, The Swallowtails, Jolson & The Fear of Snakes, Natalie Prauser, Dalia Kapten, and ALBER. For more information you can visit: http://www.manorrecords.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Mara Williams & J.M. Banks of VOICES OF Kansas City + Owen/Cox Dance Group + D. Rashaan Gilmore + Anson The Ornery
“Main Title Instrumental – It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / December 20, 1979 [WMM’s Adopted Theme Song]
Swamp Dogg – “Count The Days (feat. Jenny Lewis)” from: Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St. / Oh Boy Records / May 31, 2024 [Blackgrass: From West Virginia to 125th St, his first record with Oh Boy Records that will be released on May 31. The effervescent new single which was first released in 1967 by Inez and Charlie Foxx and re-envisioned here, arrives with an official music video featuring Swamp and Lewis recording the track at Nashville’s Sound Emporium. // Last month, the feature-length documentary Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted premiered at SXSW and received raves from The Austin Chronicle and The Hollywood Reporter who called it, “a documentary that draws its voice and aesthetic from the spirit of its subject, resulting in a tight 97 minutes that feel organic and satisfying and, as befits that subject, appealingly odd.” Rolling Stone also included Swamp Dogg’s official showcase in their Best of SXSW roundup proclaiming, “Swamp Dogg sounded bold and robust, his vigor encouraging his band to ratchet up the energy… every musician on stage was locked into an undeniable groove.” // Produced by Ryan Olson (Poliça, Gayngs) and recorded with an all-star band including Noam Pikelny, Sierra Hull, Jerry Douglas, Chris Scruggs, Billy Contreras, and Kenny Vaughan, the 12-song collection is a riotous blend of past and present, mixing the sacred and the profane in typical Swamp Dogg fashion as it blurs the lines between folk, roots, country, blues, and soul. Special guests like Margo Price, Vernon Reid, Jenny Lewis, Justin Vernon, and The Cactus Blossoms all add to the excitement, but it’s ultimately the 81-year-old Swamp Dogg’s delivery—sly and playful and full of genuine joy and ache—that steals the show. // “Believe it or not, I didn’t do anything but sing these songs the way I would have sung them if it was an R&B album. That’s just the way the music comes out of me, and it would have been unholy for me to try and imitate anybody else,” explains Swamp Dogg about the making of the album. “Black music has had so many different labels put on it over the years that sometimes I’m onstage and I don’t know what the hell it is that I’m singing,” Swamp Dogg says with a laugh. “The only thing I know how to do is be myself.” // “Swamp Dogg is one of my favorite humans on the planet… How to classify him I just don’t know. He’s a soul artist, a psychedelic artist, a protest singer, he’s a man for all seasons.” – Ann Powers // Jerry Williams Jr. was born July 12, 1942. He is generally credited under the pseudonym Swamp Dogg after 1970, is an American soul and R&B singer, musician, songwriter and record producer. Williams has been described as “one of the great cult figures of 20th century American music.” // After recording as Little Jerry and Little Jerry Williams in the 1950s and 1960s, he reinvented himself as Swamp Dogg, releasing a series of satirical, offbeat, and eccentric recordings, as well as continuing to write and produce for other musicians. He debuted his new sound on the Total Destruction To Your Mind album in 1970. In the 1980s, he helped to develop Alonzo Williams’ World Class Wreckin’ CRU, which produced Dr. Dre among others. He continues to make music, releasing Love, Loss & Autotune on Joyful Noise Recordings in 2018,[3][4] and Sorry You Couldn’t Make It in 202. // Williams was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. He made his first recording, “HTD Blues (Hardsick Troublesome Downout Blues)”, for the Mechanic record label in 1954, when he was aged 12, with his parents and uncle and backing musicians, and was regularly hired to play private parties. From 1960, he released occasional singles for a variety of labels, including the self-written “I’m The Lover Man” in 1964, which was first issued on the Southern Sound label and was then picked up by the larger Loma label, almost breaking into the national Billboard Hot 100. He also wrote successfully for other musicians, including “Big Party” for Barbara and the Browns. // As Little Jerry Williams, he had his first national chart success in 1966, when “Baby You’re My Everything”, which he co-wrote and produced, was released on the Calla label and rose to #32 on the R&B chart, again just missing the Hot 100. He released several more singles on Calla through to 1967, by now credited simply as Jerry Williams, but with little commercial success, although some of his records such as “If You Ask Me (Because I Love You)” later became staples of the Northern Soul movement in the UK. // By late 1967 he started working in A&R and other duties for the Musicor label in New York. In 1968 he co-wrote, with Charlie Foxx, Gene Pitney’s up-tempo hit, “She’s a Heartbreaker”, which Williams also claimed to have produced, saying: “I produced the motherfuck out of it… [and] Charlie Foxx put me down on the label as “vocal arranger.” What the fuck is that? When they took out full-page ads in Billboard and Cashbox, there was a picture of Charlie on one side and a picture of Gene Pitney on the other and no mention of me.” // Later in 1968 Williams began working as a producer at Atlantic Records with Jerry Wexler and Phil Walden, on artists including Patti LaBelle & the Blue Belles, though he found the administration frustrating.[5] He established a songwriting partnership with Gary Anderson, who performed as Gary U.S. Bonds, and the pair wrote the R&B chart hits “To the Other Woman (I’m the Other Woman)” by Doris Duke, and “She Didn’t Know (She Kept on Talking)” by Dee Dee Warwick. He also recorded a single, “I Got What It Takes”, in a duo with Brooks O’Dell, and released two singles under his own name on the Cotillion label, a subsidiary of Atlantic. // Swamp Dogg Williams later wrote:I became Swamp Dogg in 1970 in order to have an alter-ego and someone to occupy the body while the search party was out looking for Jerry Williams, who was mentally missing in action due to certain pressures, mal-treatments and failure to get paid royalties on over fifty single records…. Most all of the tracks included were recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and Macon, Georgia, which brings me to how the name Swamp Dogg came about. Jerry Wexler, Atlantic Records v.p. and producer/innovator second to none, was recording in the newly discovered mecca of funk Muscle Shoals, Alabama. He coined the term “Swamp Music” for this awesome funk predominately played by all white musicians accompanying the R’n’B institutions e.g., Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, King Curtis… I was also using the same “swamp” players. I was tired of being a jukebox, singing all of the hits by Chuck Jackson, Ben E. King, etc., and being an R’n’B second banana. I couldn’t dance as good as Joe Tex, wasn’t pretty like Tommy Hunt, couldn’t compare vocally to Jackie Wilson and I didn’t have the sex appeal of Daffy Duck. I wanted to sing about everything and anything and not be pigeonholed by the industry. So I came up with the name Dogg because a dog can do anything, and anything a dog does never comes as a real surprise; if he sleeps on the sofa, shits on the rug, pisses on the drapes, chews up your slippers, humps your mother-in-law’s leg, jumps on your new clothes and licks your face, he’s never gotten out of character. You understand what he did, you curse while making allowances for him but your love for him never diminishes. Commencing in 1970, I sung about sex, niggers, love, rednecks, war, peace, dead flies, home wreckers, Sly Stone, my daughters, politics, revolution and blood transfusions (just to name a few), and never got out of character. Recording in Alabama and sincerely singing/writing about items that interested me, gave birth to the name Swamp Dogg. // Having adopted his moniker before Snoop Dogg was born he has claimed to be “the original D-O double G.” // In 1970 he emerged in his new Swamp Dogg persona, with two singles on Wally Roker’s Canyon label, “Mama’s Baby, Daddy’s Maybe”, again co-written with Bonds, and “Synthetic World”. He also produced the first Swamp Dogg album, Total Destruction to Your Mind. The album sleeve showed Williams sitting in his underwear on a pile of garbage. Williams’ new direction apparently followed an LSD trip, and was inspired by the radical politics of the time and by Frank Zappa’s use of satire, while showing his own expertise in, and commitment to, deep soul and R&B music. According to Allmusic: “In sheer musical terms, Swamp Dogg is pure Southern soul, anchored on tight grooves and accentuated by horns, but the Dogg is as much about message as music…” Although not a commercial success at the time, Swamp Dogg started to develop a cult following and eventually the album sold enough to achieve gold record status. Record critic Robert Christgau wrote that “Soul-seekers like myself are moderately mad for the obscure” album and has called it “legendary”. It was reissued in 2013 by Alive Naturalsound Records. // Around the same time, one of the songs Williams had co-written with Gary Bonds, “She’s All I Got”, became a top-ten R&B hit for Freddie North, and was recorded with even greater success by country star Johnny Paycheck, whose version reached #2 on the country music chart in late 1971.[7] In a later interview on NPR’s Studio 360, Williams stated he was raised on country music: “Black music didn’t start ’til 10 at night until 4 in the morning and I was in bed by then… If you strip my tracks, take away all the horns and guitar licks, what you have is a country song.” However, he also continued to write and produce deep soul songs for other musicians, including Z. Z. Hill and Irma Thomas. In 1971 in collaboration with co-producer and writer the legendary George Semper he released “Monster Walk Pt. 1 and 2” by the Rhythm ‘N’ Blues Classical Funk Band on Mankind Records label. Produced for Jerry Williams Productions, Inc.and in spite of modest sales the record once again demonstrated his entrepreneurial skill as an artist. // As Swamp Dogg, he was signed by Elektra Records for his second album, Rat On! in 1971. The sleeve showed him on the back of a giant white rat, and has frequently been ranked as one of the worst album covers of all time. Sales were relatively poor, and he joined Jane Fonda’s anti-Vietnam War Free the Army tour. His next albums Cuffed, Collared and Tagged (1972) and Gag a Maggott (recorded at the TK Studio in 1973) were released on smaller labels, though his 1974 album, Have You Heard This Story??, was issued by Island Records. In 1977 he had another minor R&B hit with “My Heart Just Can’t Stop Dancing”, credited to Swamp Dogg & the Riders of the New Funk. He continued to release albums through the 1970s and into the mid-1980s as Swamp Dogg, on various small independent labels and in a variety of styles including disco and country and maintained a healthy cult following. He also set up his own publishing and recording company, Swamp Dogg Entertainment Group (SDEG). // In 1999, “Slow Slow Disco” was sampled by Kid Rock on the track “I Got One for Ya”, sparking a revival of interest in Swamp Dogg, who began performing live gigs for the first time. Several other of his recordings were sampled, and in 2009 he released two new albums, Give Em as Little as You Can…As Often as You Have To…Or…A Tribute to Rock N Roll, and An Awful Christmas and a Lousy New Year. He also released some further singles, and a compilation album of the best of his work as both Little Jerry Williams and Swamp Dogg, It’s All Good, was released in 2009. Most of his early Swamp Dogg albums have also been reissued on CD. // Swamp Dogg released a full-length album of new songs in 2014, The White Man Made Me Do It, which Williams described as being a sort of sequel to Total Destruction To Your Mind. Shortly thereafter, Swamp Dogg teamed up with Ryan Olson from Poliça to produce the tracks for his 2018 album Love, Loss & Autotune, Justin Vernon (aka Bon Iver) fine-tuning the vocal tracks. The song also features instrumentation by Guitar Shorty. The music video for “I’ll Pretend” premiered at NPR and was later featured at Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Spin and elsewhere. Swamp Dogg described the song as a character study about “a guy sitting in a restaurant by himself losing his fucking mind because he’s hoping his woman is gonna walk by, but she’s at a Ramada Inn somewhere fucking somebody else to death.” // In 2020, he released the album Sorry You Couldn’t Make It, a country-styled record recorded in Nashville with producer Ryan Olson and musicians including Justin Vernon, John Prine, and Jenny Lewis. More info at: http://www.theswampdogg.com]
Beyoncé – “Blackbird (feat. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts)” from: Cowboy Carter / Parkwood Entertaiment / March 29, 2024 [Cowboy Carter (also referred to as Act II: Cowboy Carter) is the eighth studio album by American singer and songwriter Beyoncé, released on March 29, 2024, via Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. The album is the second installment of Beyoncé’s trilogy project, following Renaissance (2022). Beyoncé conceived Cowboy Carter as a journey through a reinvention of Americana, spotlighting the overlooked contributions of Black pioneers to American musical and cultural history. // Mostly labeled a country album, Cowboy Carter blends together diverse musical genres such as pop, hip hop, trap, psychedelic funk, blues, soul, rock, rock ‘n’ roll, opera, “Irish” jig and folk music, among others. Conceptually, the album is presented as a radio broadcast by a fictitious station called “KNTRY Radio Texas”, with country singers Dolly Parton, Linda Martell and Willie Nelson acting as disc jockeys. The album’s songs feature lesser-known country artists such as Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts, Shaboozey and Willie Jones. The music is driven by a range of acoustic instruments played by musicians including Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, Nile Rodgers, Jon Batiste, Gary Clark Jr. and Rhiannon Giddens. // The album broke several streaming records and debuted at number one in several countries globally. Two co-lead singles — “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” — supported the album, with the former becoming the first country song by a black woman to top the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts. // Cowboy Carter was met with universal acclaim upon release; critics felt that the album’s genre experimentation, expansive scope and eclectic references aided an ambitious reimagining of Americana and country through the lens of its Black roots. The album also ignited discussions on Black musicians’ place within country music, boosted the listenership of Black country artists and country radio in general, and increased the popularity of Western wear and culture. // I grew up going to the Houston rodeo every year. It was this amazing diverse and multicultural experience where there was something for every member of the family, including great performances, Houston-style fried Snickers, and fried turkey legs. One of my inspirations came from the overlooked history of the American Black cowboy. Many of them were originally called cowhands, who experienced great discrimination and were often forced to work with the worst, most temperamental horses. They took their talents and formed the Soul Circuit. Through time, these Black rodeos showcased incredible performers and helped us reclaim our place in western history and culture.— Beyoncé to Harper’s Bazaar in 2021 // Beyoncé was born and raised in Houston, amid the city’s cowboy heritage and country and zydeco music. She listened to country music from an early age, particularly because of her paternal grandfather; her family attended the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo every year in western clothing. She performed at the Rodeo four times between 2001 and 2007, and has continued to celebrate her country and Southern roots throughout her career. // Beyoncé’s first notable association with country music came in 2007, when she performed a bluegrass-inspired version of her hit “Irreplaceable” with country duo Sugarland at the American Music Awards. She first released an original country song in 2016: the track “Daddy Lessons” on her sixth studio album Lemonade. Beyoncé, together with the Chicks (who had previously covered the song), performed the track at the 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards on November 2, 2016. The performance was largely praised by critics and gave the Country Music Association Awards their highest viewership in history; however, it was also met with backlash, with some country music fans criticizing Beyoncé’s attendance and claiming she did not belong in the genre. The Country Music Association deleted all promotional posts about Beyoncé’s performance, which was seen as succumbing to the pressure in an attempt to prevent backlash against the organization. // This experience led to the creation of Cowboy Carter. Beyoncé said how it was made clear to her that she was not welcome in the country music space, but instead of letting the criticism force her out of the genre, it made her push past the limitations put on her. She delved into the history of country music and Western culture and researched its African-American roots. She studied “our rich musical archive” and learned from educators who had long advocated for a re-education on the black roots of country music. She also read that historically half of cowboys were black. “After understanding where the word ‘cowboy’ came from, I realized how much of the Black, brown and Native cowboy stories are missing in American history”, she said. This was the inspiration for her 2021 “Ivy Park Rodeo” clothing collection. Following this research, Beyoncé decided that she wanted to reclaim Americana and country music from a Black perspective, according to stage designer Es Devlin. Collaborator Rhiannon Giddens said Beyoncé did not intend to create a typical crossover country album, but instead wanted to explore her family’s roots through music. Beyoncé conceived the album as a redefinition of “what is Country and Americana, and who gets to be included”, with the aim of dismantling accepted false norms about American culture and paying homage to Black musical pioneers. // Cowboy Carter was over five years in the making. Beyoncé began to write the album in 2019, then recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, which she described as her most creative period. The album forms the second installment (“Act II”) of a trilogy project that Beyoncé recorded during this period. The first act, Renaissance (2022), is primarily a house and disco record highlighting and celebrating the Black progenitors of dance music, leading some to believe that each album of the trilogy would aim to explore the Black roots of a different musical genre. Cowboy Carter was originally intended to be released before Renaissance but Beyoncé changed the order as a response to the pandemic. // Between 2020 and 2024, Dolly Parton said on multiple occasions that she would like Beyoncé to cover her song “Jolene”. She first said that “nobody’s ever had a really big hit record on [‘Jolene’]” in a December 5, 2020, interview with The Big Issue. She said that even though “the song has been recorded worldwide over 400 times in lots of different languages, by lots of different bands, [she’d] always hoped somebody might do [it] someday, someone like Beyoncé.” On March 10, 2022, when asked by Trevor Noah on The Daily Show about her 2020 statement, she said “I would just love to hear ‘Jolene’ done in just a big way, kind of like how Whitney did my ‘I Will Always Love You’, just someone that can take my little songs and make them like powerhouses. That would be a marvelous day in my life if she ever does do ‘Jolene’.” After publicly showing her support for Beyoncé’s 2024 venture into country in February, on March 8, 2024, in an interview with Knox News for the 2024 season opening of Dollywood, Parton said “I think she’s recorded ‘Jolene’ and I think it’s probably gonna be on her country album, which I’m very excited about…” // In addition to up-and-coming country artists, various established musicians contributed to Cowboy Carter, including Linda Martell, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder and Nile Rodgers // The joy of creating music is that there are no rules. The more I see the world evolving the more I felt a deeper connection to purity. With artificial intelligence and digital filters and programming, I wanted to go back to real instruments, and I used very old ones. I didn’t want some layers of instruments like strings, especially guitars, and organs perfectly in tune. I kept some songs raw and leaned into folk. All the sounds were so organic and human, everyday things like the wind, snaps and even the sound of birds and chickens, the sounds of nature.— Beyoncé on Cowboy Carter // Beyoncé recorded around 100 songs for the album. Each song is its own reimagined version of a Western film. These include Five Fingers For Marseilles (2017), Urban Cowboy (1980), The Hateful Eight (2015), Space Cowboys (2000), The Harder They Fall (2021), Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), Thelma & Louise (1991), and O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000). // Cowboy Carter is generally described as a country and Western album, and blends together various genres including blues, soul, rock, rhythm and blues, zydeco, folk, bluegrass, opera, go-go, flamenco, funk carioca, fado, classic rock, rap, pop, house and Jersey club. The album is presented as a broadcast by a fictional Texas radio station, with country singers Dolly Parton, Linda Martell and Willie Nelson acting as radio DJs. The album features rising country artists Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts, Shaboozey and Willie Jones, and also features contributions by musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Nile Rodgers, Raye, and Jon Batiste. The album is cyclical, with the final note looping seamlessly into the beginning of the first track (which begins “Nothing really ends”) in the same manner as James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake (1939), according to the The Washington Post’s Shane O’Neill. The album features a range of acoustic instruments played by musicians including Stevie Wonder on harmonica, Paul McCartney and Nile Rodgers on guitar, and Rhiannon Giddens on banjo. // Chitlin’ Circuit-inspired Cowboy Carter tracklist poster released two days prior to the album. Beyoncé originally intended to release Cowboy Carter as the first installment of her trilogy project, but explained that “with the pandemic, there was too much heaviness in the world”, and so released Renaissance first, because “[people] deserved to dance.” The then-untitled album was first announced on February 11, 2024, during Super Bowl LVIII, when Verizon Communications aired a Super Bowl commercial, titled “Can’t B Broken”, in which Beyoncé tried to “break the Internet” through increasingly outlandish means, such as releasing a jazz saxophone record, performing on top of the Las Vegas Sphere, building an artificial intelligence (AI) version of herself, launching a “BarBey” (portmanteau of Barbie and Beyoncé) collection, announcing her candidacy for a fictional political position, and flying into space for a performance. After all of the ideas proved unsuccessful, Beyoncé concluded the commercial by remarking: “Okay, they ready. Drop the new music”. // Following the broadcast, Beyoncé released a teaser video for Act II on Instagram. Directed by British artist and filmmaker Nadia Lee Cohen, the video pays homage to Paris, Texas (1984), references border blasters and features Chuck Berry’s 1955 track “Maybellene”. The same day, the singer’s official website was updated to announce her eighth studio album, with the placeholder name Act II, scheduled for release on March 29. Subsequently, the album’s two lead singles, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages”, were simultaneously made available for digital download and streaming. On March 12, Beyoncé announced the album would be titled Cowboy Carter via a teaser poster of a western saddle with a sash. With this she listed album merchandise of limited-edition CDs with a bonus track, T-shirts, and vinyl variants in red, white, blue and standard black. // On March 19, 2024, Beyoncé revealed the album cover via Instagram, and said there would be “surprises” and collaborations on the album. On March 20, she revealed a limited edition exclusive cover, wearing a sash that reads “act ii BEYINCÉ”, referencing her mother Tina’s generational family surname. Taglines and film stills for the album were projected onto various museums in New York City. One of these was an unauthorized projection onto the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, who genially responded by posting Franz Marc’s 1910 painting Three Horses Drinking with the Texas Hold ‘Em-inspired caption “This ain’t Texas”. Beyoncé also posted co-ordinates to the museum on her Instagram story. // This album has been over five years in the making. […] It feels good to see how music can unite so many people around the world, while also amplifying the voices of some of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives educating on our musical history. The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me. act ii is a result of challenging myself, and taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work. […] I hope that you can hear my heart and soul, and all the love and passion that I poured into every detail and every sound. I focused on this album as a continuation of RENAISSANCE…I hope this music is an experience, creating another journey where you can close your eyes, start from the beginning and never stop. This ain’t a Country album. This is a “Beyoncé” album. — Beyoncé via Instagram in March 2024 // On March 27, Beyoncé posted a graphic to Instagram of the album’s tracklist inspired by vintage posters from the Chitlin’ Circuit era. It revealed collaborations with Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, as well as a cover of the former’s “Jolene”, and “The Linda Martell Show”. The latter song references Linda Martell, the first Black woman to achieve commercial success in the country genre. // The CD release comes in four variants, each with a different rear cover depicting Beyoncé. It was released in Japan on March 29 and will be released on April 12 in Europe. After the album’s release, fans reported that their pre-ordered physical vinyl and CD copies were missing numerous tracks, with some asking for refunds.]
Marvin Gaye – “Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler)” from: “Inner City Blues (Makes Me Wanna Holler)” – Single / Tamla- Motown / Sept. 16, 1971 [“Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)”, often shortened to “Inner City Blues”, is a song by Marvin Gaye, released as the third and final single, and the climactic song from his 1971 landmark album, What’s Going On. Written by Gaye and James Nyx Jr., the song depicts the ghettos and bleak economic situations of inner-city America, and the emotional effects these have on inhabitants. // In 1998, co-writer James Nyx Jr. recalled, “Marvin had a good tune, sort of blues-like, but didn’t have any words for it. We started putting some stuff in there about how rough things were around town. We laughed about putting lyrics in about high taxes, ’cause both of us owed a lot. And we talked about how the government would send guys to the moon, but not help folks in the ghetto. But we still didn’t have a name, or really a good idea of the song. Then, I was home reading the paper one morning, and saw a headline that said something about the ‘inner city’ of Detroit. And I said, ‘Damn, that’s it. ‘Inner City Blues’.” // The song was recorded in a mellow funk style with Gaye playing piano. Several of the Funk Brothers also contributed, including Eddie “Bongo” Brown, and bassist Bob Babbitt. // In its unedited version as it appears on the album, the final minute of the song (and of the LP) is a reprise to the theme of “What’s Going On”, the album’s first song, then segues into a dark ending. This final minute was cut off of the single version, as well as other sections of the song so the single edit runs under three minutes—this edit appears on most reissues of the LP. // Lead and background vocals by Marvin Gaye Piano by Marvin Gaye; Instrumentation by The Funk Brothers and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra including: Bobbye Hall on bongos. // Motown released “Inner City Blues” as a single on their Tamla label on October 14, 1971. Record World predicted that it would be Gaye’s “third [single from What’s Going On] to smash.” // The song helped Gaye make history by being one of the few artists to have three or more Top 10 songs off Billboard’s Pop Singles chart peaking at #9 and one of the first to have three consecutive #1 hits on Billboard’s R&B Singles chart where it stayed for two weeks. Although not certified by the RIAA at that time, all three releases from the What’s Going On album gained Gold status by selling over 1,000,000 copies in the U.S.]
10:12 – Interview with Mara Rose Williams and J.M. Banks
Mará Rose Williams is The Kansas City Star’s assistant managing editor for race and equity issues. She has served as a member of the Star’s Editorial Board and she is an award-winning columnist. She has written on all things education for The Star since 1998, including issues of inequity in education, teen suicide, universal pre-K, college costs & racism on university campuses. She was a writer on The Star’s 2020 “Truth in Black amd White” project, and the recipient of the 2021 Eleanor McClatchy Award for exemplary leadership skills and transformative journalism.
Mara Rose Williams thanks for being our guest on WMM
J.M. Banks is Co-Host of Voices of Kansas City on KKFI 90.1 FM. He grew up in Kansas City. and went to Paseo Academy Of Performing Arts and then Studied at University of Missouri – Kansas City. J.M. Banks is The Kansas City Star’s culture and identity reporter. He has worked in various community-based media outlets such as The Pitch KC and Urban Alchemy Podcast. He is former Advisory Board Member at KSHB 41. J.M. is the Creator and Host of J.M. Banks: The KC Renaissance now in its 6th year.
J.M. Banks thanks for being our guest on WMM
Mará Rose Williams and J.M. Banks, join us to talk about The Kansas City Star’s new 4-week radio series, VOICES OF KANSAS CITY, that The Star is producing with 90.1 FM KKFI. The series begins on Wednesday, April 17, at 6:00 pm.
Mara Rose Williams and J.M. Banks are the cohosts of this new series.
This is the second season of VOICES OF KANSAS CITY that The Kansas City Star has created in collaborations with 90.1 FM KKFI.
The first season VOICES OF KANSAS CITY told the stories of 8 Black owned small business in Kansas City and aired September 22, through October 13, 2023 at 12:00 Noon, and was part of KKFI’s “new schedule roll-out.”
In Season two, Mará Rose Williams and J.M. Banks of The Kansas City Star have created feature stories on eight young Black Activist in our community.
This series is part of The Star’s continued effort to improve coverage of Black Kansas Citians, following the paper’s 2020 publication, of the award winning, six story, “Truth in Black and White,” an apology for the news organization’s poor, inadequate, and often absence of coverage of Black Kansas City which perpetuated systemic racism in our city.
Mara Rose Williams started the conversation with KKFI by referring to The Kansas City Star’s December 22, 2020. The Kansas City Star published an apology:
“Today we are telling the story of a powerful local business that has done wrong.
For 140 years, it has been one of the most influential forces in shaping Kansas City and the region. And yet for much of its early history — through sins of both commission and omission — it disenfranchised, ignored and scorned generations of Black Kansas Citians. It reinforced Jim Crow laws and redlining. Decade after early decade it robbed an entire community of opportunity, dignity, justice and recognition.
That business is The Kansas City Star.
Before I say more, I feel it to be my moral obligation to express what is in the hearts and minds of the leadership and staff of an organization that is nearly as old as the city it loves and covers:
From this apology The KC Star has made a commitment to change. They hosted “Community Listening Projects” to find out what readers want, what are their issues, what are their loves.
The Star learned that the community wants more stories about success and triumphs.
The KC Star wanted to partner with KKFI to have us be the broadcast platform to air these programs, as a limited series.
KKFI is a non-commercial radio station under the direction of a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization. We operate under FCC and IRS regulations. The series would not be about selling any specific products, it would be more of a journalistic approach to the who, what, where, when, how, of the people behind the business, to tell stories of success.
The KC Star is presenting 8 stories on young Black activists in Kansas City. These will be approximately 30-minute interview/features, to become four 60-minute shows, created, produced, hosted, and edited by KC Star Staff: Mara Williams & J.M. Banks.
The KC Star Initiative mirrors KKFI’s “New Program Roll Out” Initiative of working to make both of our organizations even more diverse, inclusive, equitable, and representative population we serve.
90.1 FM KKFI’s Programming Committee, voted to approve KKFI’s airing of The KC Star’s 4-week series. The MidCoast Radio Project Board of Directors voted unanimously, to approve the motion.
Mara Rose Williams and J.M. Banks thank you for being our guest on WMM
The second season The Kansas City Star’s new 4-week radio series, VOICES OF KANSAS CITY, produced on collaboration with d 90.1 FM KKFI will begin on 90.1 FM KKFI on Wednesday, April 17 , at 6:00pm.
10:30 – Underwriting
Brad Cox – “Canon from 4 FRAGMENTS” from: Music from 4 FRAGMENTS / Owen/Cox Dance Group / April 12, 2024 [4 Fragments is a series of short works with music for string quartet, percussion and electronics, composed by Brad Cox. The musicians are: Matthew Bennett on violin, Christine Grossman on viola, Sascha Groschang on cello, Jeff Harshbarger on bass, Patrick Alonzo Conway on percussion, and Brad Cox on piano. Also, John Kizilarmut on percussion, although not playing for the live show, John was instrumental in putting the music together. 4 Fragments celebrates those we love, those we have lost, and the joy of human connection.]
[4 FRAGMENTS is premiering at City Stage Theatre, Union Station 30 W. Pershing Rd. KCMO, Friday & Saturday, April 12 & 13 at 8:00 PM, and Sunday, April 14, at 2:00 PM. More info at: http://www.owencoxdance.org]
10:32 – Interview with Jennifer Owen & Brad Cox
Jennifer Owen is Artistic Director of Owen/Cox Dance Group, an ensemble she co-founded with composer Brad Cox in 2007. She has choreographed over fifty new works for Owen / Cox Dance Group. Prior to founding Owen/Cox Dance Group, Owen enjoyed a 13-year international ballet career. After training w/ Pacific Northwest Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet School, School of American Ballet, and Bolshoi Ballet Academy, she went on to dance with the Russian State Ballet, Moscow Renaissance Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Hong Kong Ballet, BalletMet, and was a guest artist w/ National Ballet of Turkmenistan.
Brad Cox is a composer in the uniquely American Ellington model, Brad is dedicated to forming long lasting relationships with musicians and writing music for those musicians. Brad served as founder & contributing composer to The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City, and conceived & organized the ensemble’s versions of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King and The Battleship Potemkin. In addition to his work with Owen/Cox Dance Group, he has created compositions & arrangements for Sony Classical recording artist Nathan Granner, Grammy award-winning producer & engineer Russ Elevado, Paris-based songwriter Krystle Warren and internationally-recognized puppeteer Paul Mesner. Brad is a 2009 recipient of the Tanne Foundation Award, and 2010 recipient of the Charlotte Street Foundation Generative Performing Artist Award.
Jennifer Owen and Brad Cox join us to talk about 4 FRAGMENTS, a series of short works with music for string quartet, percussion & electronics, composed by Brad Cox, celebrating those we love, those we have lost, and the joy of human connection. 4 FRAGMENTS is premiering at City Stage Theatre, Union Station 30 W. Pershing Rd. KCMO, Friday & Saturday, April 12 & 13 at 8:00 PM, and Sunday, April 14, at 2:00 PM. More info at: http://www.owencoxdance.org
Jennifer Owen & Brad Cox thank you for being our guest on WMM
Jennifer Owen has choreographed over fifty new works for Owen/Cox Dance Group, including two commissions by the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and works commissioned by Island Moving Co. of Newport, RI, Kansas City Dance Festival, Kansas City Baroque Consortium, and Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. She has also created nine new works for Kansas City Ballet’s In the Wings choreographic workshop, and a winning entry for the 2006 Columbus Choreography Project. Owen is the recipient of a 2000 Princess Grace Honorarium. Prior to founding Owen/Cox Dance Group, Owen enjoyed a 13-year international ballet career. After training with Pacific Northwest Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet School, School of American Ballet, and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, she went on to dance with the Russian State Ballet, Moscow Renaissance Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Hong Kong Ballet, BalletMet, and was a guest artist with the National Ballet of Turkmenistan. She has performed principal roles in Giselle, Don Quixote, George Balanchine’s Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux and Donizetti Variations, and the central pas de deux in Todd Bolender’s Arena.
The musicians in 4 FRAGMENTS are: Matthew Bennett on violin, Christine Grossman on viola, Sascha Groschang on cello, Jeff Harshbarger on bass, Patrick Alonzo Conway on percussion, and Brad Cox on piano. Also, John Kizilarmut on percussion, although not playing for the live show, John was instrumental in putting the music together.
Jen Owen’s husband and partner is Brad Cox, is also the founder of The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City--a musicians’ collective dedicated to the creation and performance of new large ensemble jazz. AND, Brad Cox Octet–an eight-piece ensemble made up of 2 saxophonists, 2 bass players, 2 drummers, and 2 keyboardists.
Jennifer Owen and Brad Cox of Owen/Cox Dance Group talk with us about 4 FRAGMENTS, a series of short works with music for string quartet, percussion and electronics, composed by Brad Cox, celebrating those we love, those we have lost, and the joy of human connection. 4 FRAGMENTS is premiering at City Stage Theatre, Union Station 30 W. Pershing Rd. KCMO, Friday & Saturday, April 12 & 13 at 8:00 PM, and Sunday, April 14, at 2:00 PM. More info at: http://www.owencoxdance.org
Jennifer Owen & Brad Cox thank you for being our guest on WMM
10:40
Brad Cox – “Canon from 4 FRAGMENTS” from: Music from 4 FRAGMENTS / Owen/Cox Dance Group / April 12, 2024 [4 Fragments is a series of short works with music for string quartet, percussion and electronics, composed by Brad Cox. The musicians are: Matthew Bennett on violin, Christine Grossman on viola, Sascha Groschang on cello, Jeff Harshbarger on bass, Patrick Alonzo Conway on percussion, and Brad Cox on piano. Also, John Kizilarmut on percussion, although not playing for the live show, John was instrumental in putting the music together. 4 Fragments celebrates those we love, those we have lost, and the joy of human connection.]
10:43 – More Interview with Jennifer Owen & Brad Cox
Jennifer Owen and Brad Cox of Owen/Cox Dance Group talk with us about 4 FRAGMENTS, a series of short works with music for string quartet, percussion and electronics, composed by Brad Cox, celebrating those we love, those we have lost, and the joy of human connection. 4 FRAGMENTS is premiering at City Stage Theatre, Union Station 30 W. Pershing Rd. KCMO, Friday & Saturday, April 12 & 13 at 8:00 PM, and Sunday, April 14, at 2:00 PM. More info at: http://www.owencoxdance.org
Jennifer Owen & Brad Cox thank you for being our guest on WMM
Owen/Cox Dance Group is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit corporation with a mission is to create new music and dance collaborations, to present high-quality contemporary dance performances with live music, and to engage as wide an audience as possible through affordable live performance, education and outreach programs
Over the last few years Owen/Cox Dance Group’s was working on a U.S. State Diplomacy Tour in Ukraine. COVID-19 local & international protocol, postponing this trip until later. Jen Owen how do you explain how your donace company has been involved in international history and now with the Russian invasion into the Ukrain things have dramatically changed.
Monday, April 8, 2024 was Cecilia Cox’s 10th Birthday and she saw the solar eclipse in Fredericktown, Missouri.
Past Shows:
Owen Cox Dance Group’s aRound & aRound, March 31 thru April 2, 2023, at The City Stage Theatre, Union Station This production featured original music composed by Brad Cox and Jeff Freling (of Victor & Penny and Slim Hanson and the Poor Choices). This work also featured visual projections created by artist and NEA Fellow, Nate Fors.
Owen Cox collaboration with The Black Creatures “What Came With Spring,” Oct. 7 thru October 9, 2022.
Jennifer Owen & Brad Cox thank you for being our guest on WMM
4 FRAGMENTS is premiering at City Stage Theatre, Union Station 30 W. Pershing Rd. KCMO, Friday & Saturday, April 12 & 13 at 8:00 PM, and Sunday, April 14, at 2:00 PM. More info at: http://www.owencoxdance.org
10:54
Rick Mareske – “River” from: A Stroll in The Park / Rick Mareske / March 30, 2024 [For this song: Rick Mareske on guitar, with Erin Keller on lead vocals, Beth Watts Nelson l backing vocals, Betse Ellis on violin, Christine Broxterman on cello, Brian Steever on drums, Jeffery Ruckman on piano, & Johnny Hamil on bass.These compositions have been written over the past 50 years but have been edited, updated, arranged, scored over the last four years and finally recorded. // Compositions by Rick Mareske. Produced by Clarke Wyatt. Recorded by Chad Meise at Massive Sound and Clarke Wyatt at Gnomes and Goats Studio. Mastered by Collin Jordan at Boiler Room Mastering. Illustrations by Regina Compernolle. Album Design by Quinn Kavanaugh. Musicians: Thomas Aber – Clarinet and Bass Clarinet; Christine Broxterman – Cello; Patrick Alonzo Conway – Percussion; Betse Ellis – Violin, Viola and Fiddle; Adam Galblum – Mandolin; Johnny Hamil – Electric Bass and String Bass; Byron Jones – Trumpet, Flugelhorn and Vocals; Erin Keller – Vocals; Rick Mareske – Guitars and Vocals; John Miles – String Bass; Fast Johnny Ricker – Slide Guitar; Jeffery Ruckman – Piano and Organ; Steven Smith – Alto and Tenor Sax; Guy Montes – Flute; Brian Steevers – Drums; Beth Watts Nelson – Vocals; Randy Weinstein – Harmonica; Bill Woodhouse – Mandolin; Clarke Wyatt – Banjo and Organ; Zinnia, Macee, and Clementine – Choir. Artwork by Regina Compernolle. Wallet Style Case Design by Quinn Mahler]
[Rick Mareske plays A Stroll In The Park – CD Release Party, Friday, April 12, at 8:00pm at The Brick, 1727 McGee, KCMO, with Erin Keller on vocals; Beth Watts Nelson on vocals; Rick Mareske on guitar & vocals; Byron Jones on trumpet, flugelhorn, & vocals; John Miles on string bass; Johnny Hamil on string bass & electric bass, Gliddon Coleman on keys; RJ Schultze on drums. With special Guests: Betse Ellis on fiddle; Clarke Wyatt on banjo & keyboards; Bill Woodhouse on mandolin; and maybe others.]
Krystle Warren – “Move” from: Three The Hard Way / Parlour Door Music / August 18, 2017 [Inspired by early Black gospel and gospel/jazz music of the 20th Century leading up to the Civil Rights era Produced by Krystle Warren and Ben Kane (D’Angelo, Emily King, PJ Morton). Recorded, engineered, and mixed by Ben Kane. Written & performed by Krystle Warren. Mixed at The Garden, Brooklyn. Mastered & cut by Alex DeTurk at Masterdisk. In 2016, for Middle of The Map Festival Krystle Warren premiered songs from this album in a packed room at Californos in Westport and later at The Polsky Theatre for the Performing Arts Series of Johnson County Community College. For this record Krystle decided to play every instrument and vocals & back up vocals, “playing bass, drums, lap steel, piano, guitar, and vocals directly to analog tape. She and Ben Kane recorded in Villetaneuse, France, a small town on the outskirts of Paris in a vintage 70s era studio that offered just the right, rich sound to suggest the musical foundation for the record, and to do justice to the duo’s carefully balanced arrangements.” In the Summer of 207 prior to this album’s release, on WMM Krystle shared inspirations for this record, early gospel recordings, that crossed over into Jazz from Pharoah Sanders, Edwin Hawkins, and The Swan Silvertones. Originally from KC, Krystle learned to play the guitar by listening to Rubber Soul & Revolver from The Beatles. Krystle graduated from Paseo Arts Academy in 2001 and began her musical career in collaborating with area jazz and pop musicians. After living in San Francisco and NYC, Krystle was signed to a French label, Because Music, and moved to Paris to release “Circles” in 2009. Krystle played French and British television programs, including Later with Jools Holland, garnering critical acclaim and traveling all over the world with Rufus Wainwright, Nick Cave, Norah Jones, and Joan As Police Woman. Krystle created, Parlour Door Music, to release “Love Songs: A Time You May Embrace” a recording from a 13-day session in Brooklyn, where she recorded 24 songs live with 28 musicians including her band, The Faculty, alongside choirs, horn and string sections.]
[Krystle Warren plays Boulevardia, Saturday, June 15 at Crown Center]
11:05 – Interview with D Rashaan Gilmore
D. Rashaan Gilmore is the Emmy winning host and moderator of the Kansas City PBS program Flatland KC. He is also a Newsweek contributing writer. After nearly four years as part of the team on 90.1’s The Tenth Voice, D. Rashaan made the leap to producing and hosting his own weekly radio show “Unbossed and Unbothered” that aired from 2021-2022 on 90.1 FM KKFI. A life-long resident of Kansas City. He is community connector, organizer, collaborator, and AIDS activist, who serves as Founder and President/CEO at BlaqOut KC, which seeks to organize and mobilize the black, gay community in Kansas City and develop a leadership core. Gilmore has previously managed multiple significant HIV/ AIDS awareness and prevention grants for the Kansas City CARE Clinic. D Rashaan has also served as the Senior Field Organizer for PROMO, Missouri’s statewide LGBT equality and advocacy organization.
D Rashaan Gilmore thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
D. Rashaan Gilmore congratulations on winning an Two Emmy Awards.
After nearly four years as part of the team on 90.1’s The Tenth Voice, D. Rashaan made the leap to producing and hosting his own weekly radio show, “Unbossed and Unbothered” that aired from 2021-2022 on 90.1 FM KKFI. And then KC PBS hired D. Rashaan to serve as host and moderator of Flatland KC whee is has won two Emmy Awards.
While he had his radio show on KKFI D Rashaan covered insurrections, impeachments, and inaugurations, COVID-19, The Vaccine, The Presidential election. In his new role as host and moderator of Flatland KC D. Rashaan covers all kinds of area issues including recently the April 2, Jackson County Sales Tax vote.
Will Flatland KC give D. Rashaan a segment called “Reclaiming My Time” inspired by the legendary U.S. Representative for California’s 43rd Congressional District, Maxine Waters.
D. Rashaan’d program on KKFI was called “Unbossed and Unbothered” a title inspired by the late congress woman Shirley Chisholm who ran for President in 1972 with the motto: “Unbought and Unbossed.”
Shirley Anita Chisholm (November 30, 1924 – January 1, 2005) was an American politician who, in 1968, became the first black woman to be elected to the United States Congress. Chisholm represented New York’s 12th congressional district, a district centered in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn[a] for seven terms from 1969 to 1983. In 1972, she became the first black candidate for a major-party nomination for President of the United States and the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Throughout her career, she was known for taking “a resolute stand against economic, social, and political injustices,” as well as being a strong supporter of black civil rights and women’s rights.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, she spent ages five through nine in Barbados, and she always considered herself a Barbadian American. She excelled at school and earned her college degree in the United States. She started working in early childhood education, and she became involved in local Democratic Party politics in the 1950s. In 1964, overcoming some resistance because she was a woman, she was elected to the New York State Assembly. Four years later, she was elected to Congress, where she led the expansion of food and nutrition programs for the poor and rose to party leadership. She retired from Congress in 1983 and taught at Mount Holyoke College while continuing her political organizing. Although nominated for the ambassadorship to Jamaica in 1993, health issues caused her to withdraw. In 2015, Chisholm was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Actress Uzo Aduba portrays Chisholm in the FX on Hulu miniseries Mrs. America, released in April 2020, for which she won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series.
In November 2020, Danai Gurira was cast as Shirley Chisholm in The Fighting Shirley Chisholm, directed by Cherien Dabis, about her 1972 run for president. However, as of 2024, the film had not appeared, and it was still considered to be in development.
Shirley was released on Netflix in March 2024 with Regina King as Chisholm and John Ridley directing. Also announced in the cast were Lance Reddick, Lucas Hedges, Amirah Vahn, André Holland, Christina Jackson, Michael Cherrie, Dorian Missick, W. Earl Brown and Terrence Howard.
Chisholm was also heavily featured in Mel Brooks’s 2023 satirical television series History of the World, Part II, played by Wanda Sykes. Segments throughout the series loosely detailed Chisholm’s presidential bid stylized as episodes of Shirley!, a fictional 1970s sitcom. The episodes “starred” other members of Chisholm’s family and friends, including Conrad Chisholm (Colton Dunn), Florynce Kennedy (Kym Whitley) and Ruby Seale (Marla Gibbs).
Current Issues for “Reclaiming My Time”:
The Right wing attack against Black History
The movie “Shirley” and the Academy Award Nominated film, “Rustin” starring Coleman Domingo as Bayard Rustin both offer history so many folks do not know about.
Biden vs. Trump the rematch Women’s Healthcare vs. The Supreme Court House Speaker Mike Johnson presides over the most ineffective Congress ever? Trump in Court Drag Queen Story time After Trump Trump supporters don’t care about issues, they only want revenge and suffering. Why do well meaning white folks ask their Black friends to explain racism? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
A life-long resident of Kansas City. He is community connector, organizer, collaborator, and AIDS activist, who serves as Founder and President/CEO at BlaqOut KC, which seeks to organize and mobilize the black, gay community in Kansas City and develop a leadership core.
Gilmore has previously managed multiple significant HIV/ AIDS awareness and prevention grants for the Kansas City CARE Clinic.
D Rashaan has also served as the Senior Field Organizer for PROMO, Missouri’s statewide LGBT equality and advocacy organization.
D Rashaan thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.
D. Rashaan Gilmore is the Emmy winning host and moderator of the Kansas City PBS program Flatland KC. D. Rashaan Gilmore also serves as Founder and President/CEO at BlaqOut KC More info at: http://www.blaqOut.org
11:28 – Underwriting
11:28 – Underwriting
The Distant Now – “Some Thin Dime” from: The Dime Variations / The Distant Now / March 27, 2024 [Kansas City, Kansas based musical duo, The Distant Now who released “The Dime Variations,” on April 2, 2024. Anson the Ornery and Brandan Hoffman created two new songs that are two sides of the same coin. “Some Thin Dime” antes up a classic soul tune, recorded to sound live in a smokey nightclub. “Borrowed Dime” then doubles down by flipping “Some Thin Dime” to create new meaning and context. “The Dime Variations” is streaming on all platforms. Last year The Distant Now released the EP Want Not is Deth on July 29, 2023. The Distant Now is now a duo, but last year it was a trio with Jacob E.chord, Anson The Ornery, & Brandan Hoffman. More info at: http://www.thedistantnow.bandcamp.com]
11:35 – Interview with Anson The Ornery
Anson the Ornery is a multimedia artist with a background in music, visual arts, writing and acting. Anson combines his artistic disciplines in interactive installations and performances to use the viewer as a creative part of his process. Anson graduated with a BFA in Expanded Media along with minors in Music and Writing from the University of Kansas in 2010 then moved to Kansas City to be apart of the art scene. Anson is currently managing his own art handling business as he continues to create more ambitious installations.
Anson the Ornery is one half of of the Kansas City, Kansas based musical duo, The Distant Now who released “The Dime Variations,” on April 2, 2024. Anson the Ornery and Brandan Hoffman created two new songs that are two sides of the same coin. “Some Thin Dime” antes up a classic soul tune, recorded to sound live in a smokey nightclub. “Borrowed Dime” then doubles down by flipping “Some Thin Dime” to create new meaning and context. “The Dime Variations” is streaming on all platforms.
Anson The Ornery, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Last year The Distant Now released the EP Want Not is Deth on July 29, 2023 with Jacob E.chord, Anson The Ornery, & Brandan Hoffman. // Too Much Rock reviewed The Distant Now’s Sept. 9, 2022 concert at The Rino in NKC, MO. : “The evening began punctually at 8pm. The three-piece of The Distant Now was up first. Three dudes. Patchy beards. Long dark hair. Lanky. Glasses. They could be brothers, but they’re not. They’re guitarist Jacob E.chord (Eckhardt to the taxman), keyboardist Anson DeOrnery, and drummer Brandan Hoffman. You’ve seen some before in other bands. You’ve seen all of them at other shows. The band hasn’t been around long. In fact, The Distant Now only has two songs that they’ve written as a band. They played both (as the opener and the closer I believe) and then padded the half-hour set with five other songs from the players’ other projects. As such it’s hard to get a feel for what the band is or where it is going. There are short psych songs augmented by E.chord’s pedal board. There are long multi-movement prog suites colored by DeOrnery’s synthesized organ tones. There’s elements of jazz and indie throughout. Originality is hard to pull off, but the Distant Now is giving it a go. E.chord carried most of the vocals. Sometimes they’re a bit campy in that Peter Murphy or even Ziggy-era Bowie way. That’s fun. DeOrnery provided backing vocals throughout the night and took lead on a few. One was a bit iffy. He sounded better on the next. That must have been the closer. It had a solid piano ballad foundation elevated with phased guitar weaving in and out. Between songs E.chord chatted with the audience. DeOrnery chimed in. The set was relaxed and unpretentious. The audience, engaged and supportive. Time will tell where the band goes, but everyone should pay attention to find out.” (from http://www.toomuchrock.com)
The last time Anson The Ornery was on the show was May 20, 2020. We were on the phone during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Anson The Ornery had just released DJ Daniel The Cat on May 6, 2020 – Daniel used small electronic toy synthesizers to accommodate the size of his paws to create his self titled album synthpop DJ Daniel the Cat containing six upbeat dance songs with lyrics chronicling Daniel’s crippling social anxiety. After Daniel’s disappearance the DJ Daniel the Cat album was believed to be lost over. Over the last decade the notoriety of DJ Daniel the Cat has grown due to the popularity of the internet and the demand for the lost album was never greater when it was recently rediscovered. DJ Daniel the Cat is just one part of a larger work of art. Anson will be premiering DJ Daniel the Cat live on YouTube on Friday, May 22 at 7:00 PM with a special surprise at the end for longtime fans.
For over a decade it was believed that the ground-breaking 2009 self-titled album DJ Daniel the Cat had been lost after the disappearance of Daniel the Cat in 2010. Recently Anson the Ornery, the producer and singer of DJ Daniel the Cat, rediscovered the album’s masters. The interest in DJ Daniel the Cat has only grown over the years despite the fact that few have ever heard the legendary album outside Daniel’s inner group of friends. That is soon to change, for Anson has announced that on May 22nd 2020 he will be live streaming DJ Daniel the Cat via Facebook and Youtube Live at 7 pm CST in its entirety along with his own personal commentary about the making of the album.
The breakout success of Piano Cat inspired Daniel to become a DJ himself but, due to bigotry in the music industry towards cats, Daniel was worried that his music would not be taken seriously. Anson then became the voice of DJ Daniel the Cat in order for the public to accept Daniel’s music. The two labored on the album for months only using small electronic toy synthesizers to accommodate the size of Daniel’s paws. The result was a masterful collection of six electronic dance music tracks with lyrics chronicling Daniel’s crippling social anxiety. After the news of Daniel’s disappearance Anson was disheartened and DJ Daniel the Cat was lost in the confusion. Over the last decade the notoriety of DJ Daniel the Cat has grown due to the popularity of the internet and the demand for the lost album has never been greater.
Anson The Ornery, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
The Distant Now – “Borrowed Dime” from: The Dime Variations / The Distant Now / March 27, 2024 [Kansas City, Kansas based musical duo, The Distant Now who released “The Dime Variations,” on April 2, 2024. Anson the Ornery and Brandan Hoffman created two new songs that are two sides of the same coin. “Some Thin Dime” antes up a classic soul tune, recorded to sound live in a smokey nightclub. “Borrowed Dime” then doubles down by flipping “Some Thin Dime” to create new meaning and context. “The Dime Variations” is streaming on all platforms. Last year The Distant Now released the EP Want Not is Deth on July 29, 2023. The Distant Now is now a duo, but last year it was a trio with Jacob E.chord, Anson The Ornery, & Brandan Hoffman. More info at: http://www.thedistantnow.bandcamp.com]
Waxahatchee – “Bored” from: Tiger’s Blood / Merge Records / March 22, 2024 [Kansas City based Katie Crutchfield’s southern roots are undeniable. The name of her solo musical project Waxahatchee comes from a creek not far from her childhood home in Alabama and seems to represent both where she came from and where she’s going. // Tiger’s Blood was produced by Brad Cook. Engineered & mixed by Gerardo “Jerry” Ordonez. Assistant engineering by Natalia Chernitsky. Mastered by Emily Lazar. Recorded and Mixed at Sonic Ranch Recording Studios. // On March 27, 2020 Waxahatchee released SAINT CLOUD which was in the TOP 20 of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2020. On Saint Cloud all songs were written by Katie Crutchfield. Recorded & mixed at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, TX & Long Pond in Stuyvesant, NY. Produced by Brad Cook. Engineered by Jerry Ordonez. Additional engineering by Jon Low. Mixed by Jon Low. Mastered by Brent Lambert at The Kitchen. KATIE CRUTCHFIELD on vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, keys; BRAD COOK on bass, acoustic guitar, piano, keys, synth; BOBBY COLOMBO on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keys; BILL LENNOX on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keys, percussion; NICK KINSEY on drums, percussion; JOSH KAUFMAN on electric guitars, piano, organ, percussion. More info at: http://www.waxahatchee.com.]
[Waxahatchee plays the Uptown Theatre on April 18, 2024]
Next week on Wednesday, April 17 We will cover Manor Fest 6 with Special Guest Shaun Crowley.
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Mara Williams & J.M. Banks of VOICES OF Kansas City + Owen/Cox Dance Group + D. Rashaan Gilmore + Anson The Ornery
Mark spins more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Rick Mareske (with Erin Keller, Beth Watts Nelson, Betse Ellis, Christine Broxterman, Brian Steever, Jeffery Ruckman, & Johnny Hamil), and The Distant Now, Waxahatchee, Swamp Dogg (with Jenny Lewis), Beyoncé, (with Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts), Brittany Howard, and Marvin Gaye.
At 10:10am we’ll talk with Mara Williams – Assistant Managing Editor for Race and Equity Issues at The Kansas City Star and J.M. Banks – Kansas City Star Culture and Identity Reporter who will discuss Season Two of The KC Star’s new 4 – week series, VOICES OF KANSAS CITY starting April 17, airing Wednesdays at 6:00pm to 7:00pm featuring the stories of eight young black activists in Kansas City. More info at http://www.KansasCity.com
At 10:30 Mark welcomes Jennifer Owen and Brad Cox of Owen/Cox Dance Group talk with us about 4 FRAGMENTS, a series of short works with music for string quartet, percussion and electronics, composed by Brad Cox, celebrating those we love, those we have lost, and the joy of human connection. 4 FRAGMENTS is premiering at City Stage Theatre, Union Station 30 W. Pershing Rd. KCMO, Friday & Saturday, April 12 & 13 at 8:00 PM, and Sunday, April 14, at 2:00 PM. More info at: http://www.owencoxdance.org
At 11:00 we welcome back to the show, our friend D. Rashaan Gilmore who is the Emmy winning host and moderator of the Kansas City PBS program Flatland KC. D. Rashaan is Founder and President/CEO at BlaqOut. He is also a Newsweek contributing writer and the former host & producer of “Unbossed and Unbothered” that aired from 2021-2022 on 90.1 FM KKFI.
At 11:30 we welcome Anson the Ornery of the Kansas City, Kansas based musical duo, The Distant Now who released “The Dime Variations,” on April 2, 2024. Anson the Ornery and Brandan Hoffman created two new songs that are two sides of the same coin. “Some Thin Dime” antes up a classic soul tune, recorded to sound live in a smokey nightclub. “Borrowed Dime” then doubles down by flipping “Some Thin Dime” to create new meaning and context. “The Dime Variations” is streaming on all platforms.
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Claire Adams + ALBER + Rick Truman & The Folly Theater + Sondra Freeman & Michelle Bacon of Midwest Music Foundation
1.”It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / Dec. 20, 1979 [WMM theme]
Neko Case – “Hold On, Hold On” from: Fox Confessor Brings The Flood / Anti Inc / March 7, 2006 [Neko’s 4th studio solo album. The album was recorded primarily in Tucson, over the course of two years as Case worked on the live The Tigers Have Spoken and continued to play with the New Pornographers. Critics hailed the record not only for Case’s trademark vocals but also her use of stark imagery and non-standard song structures. Fox Confessor Brings the Flood wound up on many “Best of 2006” lists, such as No.1 on the Amazon.com music editors’ picks and No. 2 on NPR’s All Songs Considered. The album debuted at No. 54 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. It contains Case’s most autobiographical song, “Hold On, Hold On”. Case said: “the song is actually about me. It’s not metaphorical about other people. It’s not little pieces of my life made into a story about someone else or someone fictitious. // Neko Richelle Case was born September 8, 1970. She is an American singer-songwriter and member of the Canadian indie rock group the New Pornographers. Case has a powerful, untrained contralto voice, which has been described by contemporaries and critics as a “flamethrower”, “a powerhouse [which] seems like it might level buildings,” “a 120-mph fastball,” and a “vocal tornado”. Critics also note her idiosyncratic, “cryptic,” “imagistic” lyrics, and credit her as a significant figure in the early 21st-century American revival of the tenor guitar. Case’s body of work has spanned and drawn on a range of traditions including country, folk, art rock, indie rock, and pop and is frequently described as defying or avoiding easy generic classification. // Case is the only child of James Bamford Case and Diana Mary Dubbs. Case’s paternal family surname was originally Shevchenko; her great-aunt was the professional wrestler Ella Waldek. Her father, a Vietnam veteran serving in the United States Air Force, was based in Virginia at the time of her birth. Case’s parents, who were teenagers when they had her, are of Ukrainian ancestry. Her parents divorced when Case began school. Case’s family relocated several times during her childhood due to her stepfather’s work as an archaeologist. She has lived in Western Massachusetts, Vermont, Oregon and Washington. She considers Tacoma, Washington to be her hometown. // Case left home at age 15. By the age of 18 she was performing as a drummer for the Del Logs and the Propanes, playing in venues including a punk club called the Community World Theater.]
[Neko Case plays Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St, Lawrence Kansas on Friday, April 5, at 8:00pm.]
Paul Cherry – “Don’t You Wish” from: Pure Grooves Vol. 1 / Born Losers Records / September 15, 2023 [Paul Cherry on acoustic guitar/synth; Joseph Faught on bass; Noah Barker on keys/synth; Nelson Devereaux on saxophone/flute; Roy Arsenault on drums/percussion; and Adam Paulsen on guitar. // All songs recorded at Honeymoon Suite, Lincoln Heights Los Angeles CA between spring 2022 and spring 2023. Engineered by Paul Cherry. Mixed by Paul Cherry. Additional Production by Paul Cherry, Noah Barker, Lydia Kitto. Radio Call-in sketches by Maya Nordine & Mood Killer. Mastered by Todd Mecaughey // Vocals & Acoustic guitar on track 3 performed by Mica Tenenbaum & Matthew Lewin]
[Paul Cherry plays The Emerald 1715 West 9th Street, KCMO WEST BOTTOMS, on Monday April 8, at 7:00pm with JW Francis]
Claire Adams – “Words of Love (2024)” from: “Words of Love (2024)” – Single / Claire Adams / April 2, 2024 [Words of Love Claire Adams-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. More info at: claireadamsmusic.com]
[Claire Adams plays The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms on Thursday, April 11 at 8:00pm, opening for Fritz Hutchison & His Honky Tonk Band]
[Claire Adams plays The Gospel Lounge at Knuckleheads 2715 Rochester Ave. KCMO on Sunday, April 14 with Jackie Myers and Fritz Hutchison]
10:11 – Interview with Claire Adams
Claire Adams has a new single called WORDS OF LOVE that was officially released yesterday on April 2, 2024. 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, and Steve Gardels. Claire Adams plays The Gospel Lounge at Knuckleheads on Sunday, April 14 with Jackie Myers and Fritz Hutchison. More info at: http://www.claireadamsmusic.com
Claire Adams thanks for being with us again on WMM.
Claire Adams was our guest on WMM on April 7, 2021
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..
Claire Adams has collaborated with the KC based string quartet Rewound, True Lions, Steve Gardels, jazz pianist Alyssa Murrav, Jazz pianist Jackie Myers & drummer Fritz Hutchinson.
Claire Adams Alyssa Murray and Steve Gardels released the EP Easy Match on November 1, 2023. Easy Match contains 5 songs.
Claire Adams releases “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 Clairplayed 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
In 2020 the band Ondist has released three full length albums, No Coincidence on June 12, and Electricity on August 14, and Mise en Place on November 13 totaling 41 songs, plus a 26 track Acapellas & Instrumentals Release on July 3, plus a 4-song EP entitled Resound on February 28, plus 9 singles. Ondist is Corbin Dooley, Nick Poortman, and Maya Coppola are Ondist. With divergent backgrounds rooted in Arkansas, New Zealand, and New York, the trio connected in Los Angeles. Recording in Malibu, Dallas, Kansas City, and Las Vegas brought environmental influences to the center of the Ondist sound, which is united by its cinematic vision of hope. Several of the tracks for all three albums were 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. Corbin Dooley signed Nine Inch nails to TVT Records in 1990. He managed Blur, and Tekronic. We interviewed Maya Coppola on the October 7, 2020 on WMM. . Claire Adams thanks for being with us again on WMM.
Claire Adams plays The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms on Thursday, April 11 at 8:00pm, opening for Fritz Hutchison & His Honky Tonk Band
Claire Adams plays The Gospel Lounge at Knuckleheads on Sunday, April 14 with Jackie Myers and Fritz Hutchison. More info at: http://www.claireadamsmusic.com
10:27
Claire Adams – “All The Dreams” from: “Words of Love (2024)” – Single / Claire Adams / April 2, 2024 [Claire Adams-vocals, bass; Fritz Hutchison on drums; Jackie Myers on piano. // 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 tRewound, and in a trio featuring pianist Alyssa Murray. More info at: claireadamsmusic.com]
[Claire Adams plays The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms on Thursday, April 11 at 8:00pm, opening for Fritz Hutchison & His Honky Tonk Band]
[Claire Adams plays The Gospel Lounge at Knuckleheads 2715 Rochester Ave. KCMO on Sunday, April 14 with Jackie Myers and Fritz Hutchison]
10:31 – Underwriting
ALBER – “Ritmo” from: Lento / Locale Records / April 12, 2024 [Alberto Racanati is a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. His musical journey started at age 11 when he learned to play his first notes on the trumpet. At age 14 Alberto enrolled in the Bari Conservatory to pursue his performance degree in the academy, while living a parallel musical existence in the rich musical underground in Southern Italy, playing drums and trumpet in a plethora of bands across all genres. His musical studies then took him to the National Music Academy in Gdansk, Poland, where he lived from 2011 to 2014, discovering the multicultural nature of the arts. In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In 2016 Alberto continued on to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. 2018 saw the start of Alberto’s journey with electronic music, writing material for trumpet and electronics. This is where the project Alber starts, especially using social media as an interactive, open sketchbook for his sonic excursions. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was then released in 2021. At the same time, Alberto ramped up his touring of the Midwest region and collaboration with a variety of other artists. Most recently in 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. Additionally he became one of the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residents, a program that features some of the most brilliant up and coming artists in the Kansas City region. Still in 2023, Alberto toured the East Coast of the US and his native Italy, in a much welcome reconnection with his musical roots. Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento and finalizing his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.]
[ALBER presents his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, Bari Italy, on May 23, 2024 at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming, KCMO.]
10:36 – Interview with Albert Racanati
Albert Racanati who records as ALBER. Alberto Racanati is a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. He learned to play his first notes on the trumpet at age 11. At 14 Alberto enrolled in the Bari Conservatory to pursue his performance degree in the academy, while living a parallel musical existence in the rich musical underground in Southern Italy, playing drums & trumpet in multiple bands. In 2011 his studies took him to the National Music Academy in Gdansk, Poland. In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In 2016 Alberto moved to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was released in 2021. In 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. He also became a Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Resident. Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento and is planning his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.
Albert Racanati thanks for being with us again on WMM.
Alberto Racanati is originally from Bari, Italy in Southern Italy on the coast of the Adriatic Sea
His musical journey started at age 11 when he learned to play his first notes on the trumpet. At age 14 Alberto enrolled in the Bari Conservatory to pursue his performance degree in the academy, while living a parallel musical existence in the rich musical underground in Southern Italy, playing drums and trumpet in a plethora of bands across all genres.
His musical studies then took him to the National Music Academy in Gdansk, Poland, where he lived from 2011 to 2014, discovering the multicultural nature of the arts.
In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois.
In 2016 Alberto continued on to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. 2018 saw the start of Alberto’s journey with electronic music, writing material for trumpet and electronics.
This is where the project Alber starts, especially using social media as an interactive, open sketchbook for his sonic excursions. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri.
His second album Journey, was then released in 2021. At the same time, Alberto ramped up his touring of the Midwest region and collaboration with a variety of other artists.
Most recently in 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea.”
ALBER presents his multimedia installation “Born at Sea” on May 23, 2024 at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming, KCMO. “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, Bari Italy.
Alberto explained to us that “Born At Sea” features four shots of the sea from the shores of Bari, Italy, reflecting four different moods, with a different musical guest with each shot, and including dance. The project will involve all of the senses of the audience.
Most recently in 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. Additionally he became one of the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residents, a program that features some of the most brilliant up and coming artists in the Kansas City region.
Still in 2023, Alberto toured the East Coast of the US and his native Italy, in a much welcome reconnection with his musical roots.
Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento o April 12, 2024 and finalizing his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.
DISCOGRAPHY INTO THE WOODS – 2022 JOURNEY – 2021 ALBER – 2020
10:45
ALBER – “Suerte” from: Lento / Locale Records / April 12, 2024 [Alberto Racanati is a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. His musical journey started at age 11 when he learned to play his first notes on the trumpet. At age 14 Alberto enrolled in the Bari Conservatory to pursue his performance degree in the academy, while living a parallel musical existence in the rich musical underground in Southern Italy, playing drums and trumpet in a plethora of bands across all genres. His musical studies then took him to the National Music Academy in Gdansk, Poland, where he lived from 2011 to 2014, discovering the multicultural nature of the arts. In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In 2016 Alberto continued on to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. 2018 saw the start of Alberto’s journey with electronic music, writing material for trumpet and electronics. This is where the project Alber starts, especially using social media as an interactive, open sketchbook for his sonic excursions. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was then released in 2021. At the same time, Alberto ramped up his touring of the Midwest region and collaboration with a variety of other artists. Most recently in 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. Additionally he became one of the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residents, a program that features some of the most brilliant up and coming artists in the Kansas City region. Still in 2023, Alberto toured the East Coast of the US and his native Italy, in a much welcome reconnection with his musical roots. Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento and finalizing his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.]
[ALBER presents his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, Bari Italy, on May 23, 2024 at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming, KCMO.]
10:48 – More Interview with Albert Racanati
Albert Racanati who records as ALBER is a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. In 2016 Alberto moved to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was released in 2021. In 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. He also became a Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Resident. Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento and is planning his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.
Albert Racanati thanks for being with us again on WMM.
In 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. He also became a Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Resident.
Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento on April 12, 2024, and is planning his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.
Albert Racanati thanks for being with us again on WMM.
Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento and is planning his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.
ALBER – “Poolside (feat, Alex Mallett” from: Lento / Locale Records / April 12, 2024 [Alberto Racanati is a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. His musical journey started at age 11 when he learned to play his first notes on the trumpet. At age 14 Alberto enrolled in the Bari Conservatory to pursue his performance degree in the academy, while living a parallel musical existence in the rich musical underground in Southern Italy, playing drums and trumpet in a plethora of bands across all genres. His musical studies then took him to the National Music Academy in Gdansk, Poland, where he lived from 2011 to 2014, discovering the multicultural nature of the arts. In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In 2016 Alberto continued on to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. 2018 saw the start of Alberto’s journey with electronic music, writing material for trumpet and electronics. This is where the project Alber starts, especially using social media as an interactive, open sketchbook for his sonic excursions. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was then released in 2021. At the same time, Alberto ramped up his touring of the Midwest region and collaboration with a variety of other artists. Most recently in 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. Additionally he became one of the Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Residents, a program that features some of the most brilliant up and coming artists in the Kansas City region. Still in 2023, Alberto toured the East Coast of the US and his native Italy, in a much welcome reconnection with his musical roots. Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento and finalizing his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.]
[ALBER presents his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, Bari Italy, on May 23, 2024 at Charlotte Street Foundation, 3333 Wyoming, KCMO.]
11:00 – Station Identification
February 8, 2019 – Jazz pianist Matthew Whittaker, album packaging photography for ‘Now Hear This’
Matthew Whitaker – “Trust Me” from: Connections / Resilience Music Alliance / August 13, 2021 [Matthew Whitaker (born April 3, 2001) is an American jazz pianist. Blind since birth, he has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and the Apollo Theater, where, at 10, he was the opening performer for Stevie Wonder’s induction into the Apollo Theater’s Hall of Fame. // Whitaker was the subject of Thrive, a 13-minute documentary about “the prodigious talent and irrepressible spirit of a musically precocious 12-year-old blind boy.” // Whitaker was born in Hackensack, New Jersey to May and Moses Whitaker. Born three months prematurely, he weighed less than two pounds, and was given a less than 50 percent chance of survival. He was later diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which caused his blindness. On his third birthday, he played “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” on a toy Yamaha keyboard he had received as a birthday present. Whitaker had heard the song and played it by ear. // Whitaker began taking piano lessons when he was 5 as the youngest student at The Filomen M. D’Agostino Greenberg Music School, a New York school for the blind and visually impaired. With perfect pitch, he learned to play piano mainly by listening, although he learned to read Braille music as well. He later studied at The Harlem School of the Arts, and in addition to taking lessons in classical and jazz piano, he learned to play the organ, percussion instruments, the clarinet and bass guitar. At 9, he earned the support of the Jazz Foundation of America, and as a teenager, he attended the Manhattan School of Music’s Pre-College Jazz program. His playing was influenced by Jimmy Smith, Joey DeFrancesco, Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, Barry Harris, Erroll Garner, and Thelonious Monk.// On March 6, 2017, he released his first album, Outta the Box. Other musicians on the album include Christian McBride, Dave Stryker, Will Calhoun, Sammy Figueroa, Melissa Walker, and James Carter. In April 2017, Whitaker performed on the Ellen Degeneres Show and competed on Fox’s Showtime at the Apollo, winning first place. Whitaker has toured Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Among other venues, he has performed at the main concert hall at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C and the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.]
[Matthew Whitaker plays The Folly Theatre at 300 West 12th Street, KCMO on Saturday, April 6, at 8:00pm for The Folly Jazz Series with this 22-year-old phenom. More info at http://www.follytheater.org]
11:02 – Interview with Rick Truman
Rick Truman is the Executive Director at The Folly Theatre at 300 West 12th Street, KCMO. Rick Truman joined the Folly Theater as Executive Director in January 2022. From 2003 to 2021, Truman served as Managing Director of Quality Hill Playhouse, a local nonprofit theater company, leading financial and administrative operations. He holds a Master in Public Administration from the Bloch School of Business and Public Administration at UMKC and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in acting and directing from Avila University. In addition to his experience in nonprofit arts management, Rick has performed or stage directed at many Kansas City theaters, including Kansas City Repertory Theater, Musical Theater Heritage, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Spinning Tree Theatre, Coterie Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, and Civic OperaTheater. On Saturday, April 6 The Folly Jazz Series continues with Matthew Whitaker, Jazz Series, 22-year-old phenom. More information at http://www.follytheater.org
Rick Truman, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Rick Truman joined the Folly Theater as Executive Director in January 2022.
From 2003 to 2021, Truman served as Managing Director of Quality Hill Playhouse, a local nonprofit theater company, leading financial and administrative operations.
He holds a Master in Public Administration from the Bloch School of Business and Public Administration at UMKC and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in acting and directing from Avila University.
In addition to his experience in nonprofit arts management, Rick has performed or stage directed at many Kansas City theaters, including Kansas City Repertory Theater, Musical Theater Heritage, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Spinning Tree Theatre, Coterie Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, and Civic Opera Theater
FOLLY PROGRAMMING AND PARTNERS
Folly Jazz Series The Folly + 90.9 The Bridge Americana Concert Series Live! In the Lounge Folly Kids’ Series Friends of Chamber Music Harriman Jewell Series Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra
Saturday, April 6: Matthew Whitaker, Jazz Series, 22-year-old phenom who is the youngest ever Hammond B3 artist (at 13) and Yamaha artist (at 15)
Sunday April 7 at 3:00 PM Emanuel Ax, Piano Part of Harriman-Jewell Series
Wednesday, April 10 at 8:00 PM Jimbo’s Drag Circus (This event is 18+) Murray & Peter in association with House Of JIMBO proudly present “JIMBO’s Drag Circus” The Weirdest Show On Earth, featuring the many outrageous characters of JIMBO’s twisted imagination. // Best known for competing on the first season of Canada’s Drag Race (2020), the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs the World (2022), and the (spoiler alert) WINNER of the eighth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars (2023), JIMBO has quickly become a ‘Drag Icon’ garnering international recognition. JIMBO is a designer known for show stopping looks and creating a spectacle that leaves audience screaming for more. // The world tour will begin with 37 US cities including a stop at the Folly Theater in downtown Kansas City, MO on April 10, 2023.
Sunday, April 14: Art For Art, a benefit auction where the visual arts industry is supporting the performing arts industry (art works are donated to the Folly, and we auction them online and at a special reception event where all the art will be displayed on the Folly stage)
Saturday, April 27: Alex Cuba, Americana Series, bi-lingual GRAMMY, Latin GRAMMY, and Juno winning singer-songwriter/producer and musician
Friday, May 3: “My Shadow Is Pink”, Kids Series, world premiere choral work commissioned by the Folly, based on the book of the same title by Scott Stuart about a 5-year-old boy who is scared to reveal his true self (i.e. his shadow) who loves the color pink and dancing in a tutu. The piece will be performed by a small ensemble of the Heartland Men’s Chorus.
Wednesday, June 5: The 50th anniversary of the Folly building being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This single event is what stopped the wrecking ball and started the process of restoring the theater to the beautiful showplace it is today.
June 22, Folly will be presenting our first ever Folly Pride Concert. With the fabulously talented and indomitable Alex Newell who will take the stage for an extraordinary night of timeless Broadway classics and contemporary chart-toppers.
Rick Truman, thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
On Saturday, April 6 The Folly Jazz Series continues with Matthew Whitaker, Jazz Series, 22-year-old phenom. This summer the Folly will be presenting our first ever Folly Pride Concert. On June 22, the fabulously talented and indomitable Alex Newell will take the stage for an extraordinary night of timeless Broadway classics and contemporary chart-toppers. More information at http://www.follytheater.org
Shucked is a 2022 musical with music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and a book by Robert Horn. The Broadway musical SHUCKED opened on April 4, 2023 at the Nederlander Theatre. The show received nine nominations at the 76th Annual Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Cast member Alex Newell became one of the first two openly non-binary performers to be nominated for and win a Tony Award, with their win for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. (Along with J. Harrison Ghee)
11:19
Alex Newell – “Independently Owned” from: Shucked (Original Broadway Cast Recording) / Haystack on Broadway / May 5, 2023 [Alex Eugene Newell was born August 20, 1992. They are an American actor and singer. They[ are known for their role as Unique Adams on the Fox musical series Glee and Mo on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. Newell also starred as Asaka in the Broadway revival of Once on This Island at the Circle in the Square Theatre in 2018. For their role in Shucked, they won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Along with J. Harrison Ghee, they became the first openly nonbinary performers to win a Tony Award in an acting category. // As a singer, Newell has released tracks with Clean Bandit, Blonde, and the Knocks. // Newell was born on August 20, 1992, in Lynn, Massachusetts. Their father, a deacon, died of cancer when they were six years old, at which point their mother raised them as a single parent. // After four complete years of education in the first class of Kipp Lynn Academy, Newell moved on to and graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School in 2012,[6] where they were involved in their school’s choir, improv club, and costume club; they were also a member of their church choir at Zion Baptist Church in Lynn, Massachusetts while later also directing the youth choir. They never had any formal voice lessons before landing their part on Glee. They have cited Donna Summer, Sylvester, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Beyoncé as their influences.// Newell was among 34,000 to submit an audition video in 2011 for the first season of Oxygen’s The Glee Project. Newell’s self-taped audition earned them over one million MySpace views as well as a spot among the 12 participants who competed for a seven-episode arc on Glee. During the arc, they asserted themself as an out gay man. Eventually, they became the series’ first runner-up.[ Nevertheless, the producers were so impressed that they decided to bring them on Glee for two episodes. Newell first appeared on Glee in the third season episode “Saturday Night Glee-ver”. They were cast in the role of Wade “Unique” Adams, a transgender teenager who was assigned male at birth. The shy, outcast Wade expressed their female identity through music as the bold, brave alter ego, Unique. Wade broke ground by being one of the most visible transgender characters on television and one of the first on a network prime time show. Newell’s performance was described as “bold”, with “remarkable restraint and powerful vocals.” // On his nightly show, Bill O’Reilly expressed concern that children watching the show unsupervised might be encouraged to experiment with what he termed “alternative lifestyles,” which he said the show glorified. Newell commented, “My mother said, ‘If Bill O’Reilly said something about you, you are doing something right.’ He just showed the public and conservative viewers me. There are more people seeing me now… There are people like Wade and Unique, and [they’re] being themselves. If kids want to go and do that, that is them expressing who they are.” They later appeared in two more episodes and completed their story arc that season. // Newell was accepted into the Berklee College of Music for fall 2012, but decided instead to move to Los Angeles to be on Glee when they were asked to rejoin the cast for the show’s fourth season. Unique returned as a Glee recurring cast member in the fourth season premiere, “The New Rachel”. Newell, along with the rest of the cast, received a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series in 2012, but lost to Modern Family. For the fifth season, Newell was promoted to main cast because of the character’s popularity. In the sixth and final season, Newell was not a part of the regular cast, but did appear as a recurring guest star. A highlight of the sixth season was Newell singing “I Know Where I’ve Been” from Hairspray with the Transpersons Choir of 200 performers.// Over the years, Newell sang at numerous events, such as the Coachella Festival, but also at many LGBT events and pride festivals. They also performed at the Governors Ball Music Festival and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend. // Newell announced in October 2013 that they had been signed by Big Beat Records and that they were going to release Newell’s debut album. It was also revealed that it was going to be produced by Adam Anders. Their debut single, a cover of Sigma’s “Nobody to Love”, was released on June 3, 2014. In 2015, Newell embarked on a series of cover songs and collaborations. In March, they provided feature vocals for the re-issued version of “Stronger”, a song by Clean Bandit. Later in the same month, they produced a disco-house stylization of Robin S.’s single “Show Me Love” together with Russian DJ Matvey Emerson. Over the summer, they worked with the British electro duo Blonde by featuring vocals in their single “All Cried Out”. They then began to collaborate with the US electroduo the Knocks on the song “Collect My Love”, “a soaring disco standout” where they reached “staggering heights.” The song, from the EP So Classic, will be included in The Knocks’ debut album 55, scheduled to be released in March 2016. Finally, for Christmas, Newell released a cover of the song “O Come All Ye Faithful”. // Their original song “This Ain’t Over”, released in January 2016, was warmly welcomed by the media. Out commented: “The vibrant dance-pop track flawlessly revives disco if only for a few short minutes. Without the gimmicks of manufactured radio pop, Newell manages to serve This Ain’t Over with pure talent.” Spin said: “Newell’s unassailable voice is in full force on ‘This Ain’t Over,’ shining out like a triumphant beacon over a thumping, glamorous dance-pop soundscape.” Vulture concluded: “This is just diva vocal acrobatics flexed with the swag of a queen.”] // “This Ain’t Over” was announced as the first track off their debut extended play called Power, featuring production from the pop artists Diane Warren, Nile Rodgers, MNEK and DJ Cassidy. The EP will be released on February 19 via Big Beat. // Newell supported fellow Glee alum Adam Lambert on tour from February 23 until the April 2 finale at Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theatre in 2016. After the tour, Newell recorded a new single in collaboration with Power producers DJ Cassidy and Nile Rodgers, entitled “Kill the Lights”, released on April 8, 2016, through Atlantic Records. It was expected to be one of a few tracks that Newell was making as part of the HBO TV series Vinyl. It was later revealed that the song had been recorded the previous year when Newell was working with Clean Bandit, Blonde and The Knocks, and inspired the producers to work with them on their debut extended play. Later that same month, the song was released again, featuring vocals from Jess Glynne.// ebut album, Once on This Island, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, and Shucked // In 2017, Newell made their Broadway debut playing the role of Asaka in the revival of Once on This Island. // In 2019, Newell was cast in NBC’s musical dramedy Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist in the role of Mo, a genderfluid DJ and the protagonist’s next-door neighbor. In June 2021, the series was canceled by NBC after two seasons. In December 2021, The Roku Channel released a two-hour holiday film, Zoey’s Extraordinary Christmas, concluding the story of the NBC series. Newell reprised their role of Mo for the film. // In 2023, Newell premiered in the role of Lulu in the musical comedy Shucked on Broadway in the Nederlander Theatre. The show opened April 4, 2023, and is scheduled to run through January 14, 2024. In June 2023, they won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for their performance in the role. Newell and J. Harrison Ghee became the first openly nonbinary actors to win Tony Awards in the same year. // Newell played the title role in NBC’s comedy pilot Imaginary Friend, which was expected to air in 2016. It was passed on and no other network wanted to make it into a series. They contributed with music to the HBO TV series Vinyl on a track also featuring DJ Cassidy and Jess Glynne. // They are committed to helping other LGBT youth and regularly performs at benefit concerts, most notably for The Trevor Project, the Human Rights Camp Jack Antonoff’s Ally Coalition and other fundraisers. // Newell was given a special recognition award at the 2015 GLAAD Media Awards, as part of the cast of Glee. // Newell identifies as gender nonconforming, and in May 2020 said they relate to their character Mo in Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, who is genderfluid. They have stated they go by all pronouns. Newell also identifies as gay.] [Shucked is a 2022 musical with music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and a book by Robert Horn. The Broadway production began previews at the Nederlander Theatre on March 8, 2023, before opening on April 4. The show received positive reviews and went on to receive nine nominations at the 76th Annual Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Cast member Alex Newell became one of the first two openly non-binary performers to be nominated for and win a Tony Award, with their win for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.// A U.S. tour, West End production, and feature film adaptation are currently planned. Synopsis – Act One: The storytellers discuss the history of the town, Cob County, emphasizing the town’s love for corn. They introduce the audience to Maizy and Beau, a couple who are planning their wedding (“Corn”). // While Beau’s brother, Peanut, is officiating the wedding, the town’s corn suddenly begins to die. The town decides that they can’t have a wedding until they fix the corn. Maizy talks to her cousin, Lulu, and her grandfather, before discussing the situation with Beau. Maizy tells Beau that she wants to leave the town in order to find solutions, but Beau is against the idea. Maizy explains her reasoning, before booking a plane to Tampa (“Walls”). Maizy is amazed by Tampa, and she finds a podiatrist who calls himself a “corn doctor”. Unaware of what that actually means, she decides to meet the doctor, a man named Gordy (“Travelin’ Song”). // Gordy comes from a family of conmen, but is not great at the job (“Bad”); currently, he is in debt to some members of the mob (played by the storytellers). Gordy notices a bracelet that Maizy is wearing, which he takes to have appraised by the jewelers (also played by the storytellers), who say that the stones are incredibly valuable. Gordy realizes he can use the bracelet to get out of his debt. He tries to charm Maizy, and Maizy kisses him. Although shocked by her eagerness to cheat on Beau, she delights in her ability to save the corn (“Woman of the World”). // Maizy takes Gordy back to Cob County, where Beau is angered at her decision to go to Tampa. Maizy retorts that Beau is jealous that she managed to do something about their situation, whereas Beau couldn’t even leave the county. As the fight gets increasingly heated, Maizy admits that she kissed Gordy. Beau is shocked and angered, and breaks off his engagement with Maizy, deciding that he’s going to find someone who wants him (“Somebody Will”). // At Lulu’s whiskey distillery, Maizy vents about the situation. Lulu tells her that her mistake was telling Beau that she kissed Gordy. Gordy arrives and tries to sweet-talk Lulu, but Lulu ignores him, relishing her independence as a single person (“Independently Owned”). // Gordy receives two calls from the jewelers and the mob. The jewelers tell him the stones weren’t as valuable as they thought, while the members of the mob tell Gordy his debt has been cleared. However, Gordy misunderstands both calls, due to the poor cell service in Cob County. Peanut, Beau, and Lulu overhear the conversations, and go to warn Maizy (“Holy Shit”). However, Maizy remains optimistic and doesn’t believe the other three. She and Lulu get into an argument, leading to Maizy saying that Lulu’s whiskey is bitter. After they leave, Maizy wonders what love means (“Maybe Love”). // Gordy reveals a corn cob he’s found, which is growing, to the town. He tells them that the stones from the bracelet are stopping the corn from growing, and to fix the situation he will remove the stones from the county; he actually intends to keep the stones for himself. The rest of the town takes this as an answer, except for Beau, Lulu, and Peanut. Maizy, still frustrated with Beau and Lulu, and excited by her ability to save the corn, misinterprets Gordy being down on one knee, and agrees to marry him, to the surprise of everyone in Cob County (“Corn (Reprise)”). // Act Two: The storytellers briefly recap the events of Act I. The town goes into a song about how they’re Christian, but they drink alcohol (“We Love Jesus”). Peanut and Beau watch the celebration, and Peanut asks Beau if he’s doing all right. Beau says he’s fine, but admits his heartache after Peanut leaves (“OK”). // As Gordy tries to leave Cob County with the stones, he runs into Lulu. Gordy attempts to charm Lulu, again, and Lulu is interested in Gordy’s advances. However, she removes the catalytic converter from his car, forcing him to stay in town. // Maizy and Gordy both have trouble with the vows for their upcoming wedding. Maizy realizes that the chemistry between her and Beau is still there, and she begins to have second thoughts about the wedding. Lulu and Beau advise Gordy and Maizy, respectively, to pretend that they are the ones they are giving vows to, while the storytellers watch with chagrin (“I Do”). // Maizy asks her grandfather for advice about the wedding. Afterwards she speaks with Lulu, and the two make up (“Friends”). Lulu admits that she is interested in Gordy, and the two of them try to come up with a plan to set things right. Meanwhile, Peanut, while attempting to overlook his own romantic interest in Gordy, suggests that Beau, along with the rest of the men, get Gordy drunk, which would force him to admit everything. Storyteller 2 joins in on this song (“Best Man Wins”). // The evening before the wedding, the boys easily manage to get Gordy drunk (“Corn Mix”), and he admits his plan. He also admits that the corn cob he showed the town was planted, as he bought it from Whole Foods. However, Gordy says that he wants to do right. Beau and Maizy get back together, and Gordy and Lulu also get together. It is revealed that Storyteller One is Lulu and Gordy’s grandchild, while Storyteller Two is Maizy and Beau’s grandchild. Beau and Maizy have the wedding that they were hoping for, as Peanut, once again, officiates (“Maybe Love (Reprise)”).]
[Alex Newel plays The Folly Theatre at 300 West 12th Street, KCMO on Saturday, June 22, at 8:00pm for their first ever Folly Pride Concert. The night features the fabulously talented and indomitable Alex Newel who will take the stage for an extraordinary night of timeless Broadway classics and contemporary chart-toppers.]
Lonnie Fisher – “Don’t Come After Me” from: “:Don’t Come After Me” – Single / Lonnie Fisher / March 14, 2024 [Recorded at Weights & Measures Sound Lab with Duane Trower. Keyboards & Backup Vocals by Julia Wildstar. Bass Guitar by Autumn Hayes. // Lonnie Fisher released his 8-song, solo album FAMOUS GIRL on January 19, 2022 was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. FAMOUS GIRL was engineered by Ed Rose and Duane Trower with contributions from: Chris Nunez. Tim Jenkins, Tim Manning, and Julia Reynolds. On October 22, 2021 with his band, Lonnie Fisher And The Funeral released, HAUNTED with Lonnie Fisher on lead vocals, 5 String Guitar & Keyboards; Tim Jenkins on guitars; Chris Nunez on drums, Tim Manning on bass, & Julia Reynolds on vocals & keyboards. Info at: http://www.lonniefisher.bandcamp.com.]
[Lonnie Fisher plays Northside Social, 340 Locust Street, Lawrence, Kansas on Saturday, April 6 with Nirvana Hope.]
L’Rain – “Pet Rock” from: I Killed Your Dog / Mexican Summer / October 13, 2023 [Taja Cheek, known professionally as L’Rain, is an American experimentalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, and curator known primarily as the lead vocalist and songwriter of her eponymous band. L’Rain has been recognized for experimental music that draws on a vast number of traditions and genres in a practice and aesthetic Cheek calls “approaching songness”. // Her self-titled debut, L’Rain, was included in best-of-year lists by publications including Pitchfork and Bandcamp Daily; her second album, Fatigue (2021), was named the best album of the year by The Wire. She has collaborated with artists including Vagabon, Helado Negro, and Naama Tsabar, 8 and performed with Kevin Beasley at the Whitney Museum of American Art. // Cheek was born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn,[9] where she lived with her mother, father, and grandparents. Her father, Wyatt Cheek, worked in music marketing and promotion for entities including Select Records and Kiss FM; her grandmother ran a liquor store; and in the 1950s her grandfather owned a neighborhood jazz club. Cheek’s mother, Lorraine C. Porter, taught physical education, health, math, and science in Brooklyn schools.The stage name L’Rain is an homage to Porter, who died before the release of the self-titled debut. // Cheek studied ballet and modern dance at The Ailey School and learned piano, cello, and Baroque recorder before picking up bass in high school, then forming and joining groups that included an Iron Maiden cover band. She attended Yale to study music but dropped the major, citing factors including a lack of diversity among the program’s course offerings. She transferred to the American Studies program, where her major included a concentration in visual, audio, literary, and performance cultures; in 2011, she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction. While at Yale she worked as music director of radio station WYBC and booked shows. // After graduation, Cheek returned to New York, where she resumed playing in Brooklyn bands including Throw Vision, who released their debut in 2013 and an EP in 2015. // In 2017, Cheek released the self-titled L’Rain on New York City-based label Astro Nautico. She composed and performs vocals, keyboards, synthesizers, guitar, bass, samples, and percussion on the album. L’Rain also features Alex Goldberg, Jeremy Powell, Kyp Malone (of TV on the Radio), and Andrew Lappin, who co-produced the album with Cheek. Pitchfork included L’Rain among their 20 Best Experimental Albums of 2017, and Bandcamp Daily listed the release as #10 in their Best Albums of 2017. // In 2018, L’Rain (represented by Cheek and Ben Chapoteau-Katz) collaborated with producer Morgan Wiley and vocalist Patrick Gordon to remake the 1980s Chicago house track “Your Love” for a benefit compilation which paired electronic artists with formerly-incarcerated singers. The release, Bring Down The Walls, raised money for Critical Resistance, an organization dedicated to ending the prison–industrial complex. // L’Rain’s second album, Fatigue, was released on Mexican Summer in 2021. Fatigue was named album of the year by The Wire, included among the year’s best by Pitchfork,and met with wide acclaim from outlets including NPR. Cheek provides vocals and plays guitar, bass, synth, keyboards, piano, percussion, tape effects, and airhorn on the album, which features an expanded roster of twenty performers; these include executive producer Andrew Lappin, on guitar and programming, and co-producer Ben Chapoteau-Katz, who contributes synths, saxophone, vocals, percussion, and airhorn. // In August 2023, L’Rain announced a third album, I Killed Your Dog, released in October 2023;the album was co-produced by Cheek with Lappin and Chapoteau-Katz, who perform alongside L’Rain bandmates Zachary Levine-Caleb, Justin Felton, and Timothy Angulo. // L’Rain has toured with bands including Black Midi (2021),Animal Collective (2022), Sharon Van Etten (2022),Big Thief (2023), and LCD Soundsystem (2023). // In 2011, Cheek began working with arts nonprofit Creative Time;in 2014, as site manager for an exhibit co-presented with the Weeksville Heritage Center, Cheek installed and ran a pop-up radio station from a pink Cadillac parked outside the Utica Avenue A/C subway station. (The project was conceived by Otabenga Jones and Associates in homage to Jitu Weusi, black nationalist community arts center The East, and the Central Brooklyn Jazz Consortium.) The same year, Cheek––along with Ariana Allensworth, Salome Asega, Sable Elyse Smith, and Nadia Williams––co-organized “The Kara Walker Experience: WE ARE HERE”, a public gathering of people of color at the Domino Sugar Refinery for Kara Walker’s installation A Subtlety. In 2015, Cheek’s work as Curatorial Assistant for High Line Art included helping to organize an installation and performance by Kevin Beasley. // In 2016, Cheek joined the curatorial team at contemporary art institution MoMA PS1; the same year, she also opened the basement of her Brooklyn apartment to experimental music events under the name 49 Shade (initially co-organized with Max Alper, Dann Lawrence, and Matteo Liberatore). At PS1, Cheek co-organized Sunday Sessions and the Warm Up series through 2021; Warm Up lineups receiving extensive media coverage included a 2017 event with Cardi B, A$AP Ferg, and YATTA (of artist collective PTP); a 2018 show pairing Lizzo with 2019’s season opener, with Queens local duendita and Freddie Gibbs; 2020’s livestream edition, with Eartheater and KeiyaA;[48] and a limited-capacity 2021 event with Baby Tate and Patia’s Fantasy World.[49] As of July 2022, Cheek was listed as “former Associate Curator” at PS1. Her DIY space 49 Shade has presented artists including Kyp Malone, Miho Hatori, and Otomo Yoshihide, and Bartees Strange credits the space as introducing him to many of his collaborators. // In 2023, Cheek was announced as the first artist curator for BRIC’s Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival. // L’Rain often layers and loops her vocals, and her work frequently features samples from her collection of hundreds of field recordings, some pitch-shifted or otherwise manipulated beyond recognition. She has spoken in interviews about her work’s tendency to evade or reject categorization, saying that she is “more interested in a Barthes, Death of the Author, approach to genre”, values illegibility, and seeks to complicate assumptions about the relationship between identity and aesthetics: “I’m hyper-aware of how marketing and packaging happens for Black people and women and Black women […] I like feeling a sense of agency in how those stories are told”. // AllMusic described L’Rain as making “dreamy, genre-blurring music […], reflecting on grief, change, joy, and resistance through a collage-like mixture of soul, psychedelia, gospel, musique concrète, and numerous other genres.” Pitchfork described her 2021 album Fatigue as “painterly and methodical, daubing vocal loops over clattering percussion, sweeping strings, and resonant synths to create a shapeshifting strain of experimental pop.” Reviewers have variously identified her style and influences as including free jazz, ambient, noise music, and disco; dance; “psychedelic orchestral pop” and “distorted shoegaze”; krautrock, outsider music, and hip hop; R&B and avant-garde rock; gospel, funk, and post-punk; and soul, drone, avant-pop, and musique concrète. // While Cheek is the sole fixed figure in L’Rain recordings and performances, she says the project follows a “more nuanced and collective [model]” than that of the “lone genius or creator”: “I’m trying to find a way to nurture my own voice and singular vision, especially as a Black woman musician, while also acknowledging that I work collaboratively with a team that is essential to the project.”[ Andrew Lappin and Ben Chapoteau-Katz are credited as Cheek’s closest collaborators and co-producers of L’Rain’s second and third albums; as of 2023, the band’s members are Cheek, Lappin, and Chapoteau-Katz with Zachary Levine-Caleb, Justin Felton, and Timothy Angulo.]
[L’Rain plays recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO Saturday, April 6 at 8:00pm, with Armand Hammer.]
11:29 – Underwriting
Cowtown Country Club – “Undone” from: “Undone” – Single / Cowtown Country Club / June 2, 2023 Cowtown Country Club released their self titled album, on September 15, 2018. Since first appearing on stage in August 2017, Greg Gagnon (guitars), Leah Sproul Pulatie(guitars), Brian Werner (bass), and Jessica Salley (drums) have been delighting audiences as Cowtown Country Club with their twist on country and western executed with glittering guitars, 24-karat vocal harmonies, and eye-catching western wear. At once both deeply familiar and excitingly fresh, Cowtown Country Club has a reputation for their original interpretations of classic country and western swing, plus a signature brand of countrified covers – re-imaginings of pop hits.]
[Midwest Music Foundation’s Annual Spring Donation Drive, Mental Health Care for Musicians, Saturday, April 6 at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms with a 6:00 Dinner Show with Cowtown Country Club and a 10:00 Evening Show with Friendly Thieves, Paris Williams, SirQueen and Goomer Green. The Spring Drive is raising funds to assist local musicians & industry professionals with affordable, essential health care service. Donate/Info at: http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org]
11:35 – Interview with Sondra Freeman & Michelle Bacon
Sondra Freeman is Director of Promotions & Artist Relations for Midwest Music Foundation, a nonprofit created to support music and musicians in Kansas City and the surrounding areas, founded in 2008 by a collective of musicians and music lovers. The Midwest Music Foundation (MMF) unites and empowers the greater KC music community by providing programs and resources to area musicians through outreach, support, education, and health care opportunities. Sondra is instrumental in MMF’s annual events: Apocalypse Meow, and other collaborative musical events and fundraisers.
Michelle Bacon, is Content Manager at 90.9 The Bridge, where she helps to shine a light on area musicians and events. Michelle Bacon is a board member for MMF and is Co-Chair Mental Health for Musicians,and Diversity Chair. Michelle has written for The Kansas City Star, The Deli Magazine KC, and Folk Alliance International. Michelle plays drums in the band Frogpond. Michelle also plays bass with Other Americans, and The Band That Fell To Earth: A Tribute to David Bowie
Sondra Freeman and Michelle Bacon joins us to share details about Midwest Music Foundation’s 6th Annual Spring Donation Drive, Mental Health Care for Musicians, Saturday, April 6 at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms with a 6:00 Dinner Show with Cowtown Country Club and a 10:00 Evening Show with Friendly Thieves, Paris Williams, SirQueen and Goomer Green. The Spring Drive is raising funds to assist local musicians & industry professionals with affordable, essential health care service. Donate/Info at: http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org
Sondra Freeman and Michelle Bacon thanks for being with us again on WMM.
DONATION DRIVE | APRIL 1ST-30TH, 2024
CONCERT | APRIL 6th AT THE SHIP, 1221 Union Avenue KCMO WEST BOTTOMS
The annual Spring Donation Drive expands MMF’s ability to connect musicians with vital resources for mental and urgent health care needs.
Since the formation of Midwest Music Foundation in 2009, Kansas City’s world-class musicians have been at the heart of our mission. While they regularly contribute to our experiences of healing, catharsis and celebration, they also work in an industry that often devalues personal health and wellness. For working musicians, affordable and adequate access to health care continues to be a major barrier. Hundreds of artists have benefited from MMF’s emergency health care grants, clinician resources, plus preventive care and wellness clinics at large-scale events across the metro area.
Throughout April 2024, Midwest Music Foundation (MMF) continues our service to Kansas City’s music community in our Spring Donation Drive. Funds raised will expand our ability to connect musicians with vital mental health resources.
The Ship’s – All Else the Sea stage will host two events that evening
DINNER SHOW with Cowtown Country Club – Doors at 6pm, music from 7-9pm
EVENING SHOW with Friendly Thieves, Paris Williams and SirQueen & Boomer Green Doors at 9:30pm, show at 10pm
The night will showcase a variety of local artists, beginning with a dinner show with Western swing quartet Cowtown Country Club at 7:00pm on the venue’s new All Else the Sea stage.
Starting at 10:0)pm, that stage will host music from the alt-funk quintet Friendly Thieves and multi-hyphenate rapper/producer Paris Williams. On The Ship’s original stage, DJ SirQueen and Boomer Green will serve up dance vibes until 1:00am.
Funds from MMF’s annual Donation Drive have assisted local musicians and industry professionals with affordable, essential health care services. This year’s focus on our Mental Health For Musicians initiative will designate funds for counseling and other mental wellness resources. As artists lost countless opportunities to create, perform and generate income over the pandemic, their need for mental health support remains at an all-time high. Our initial goal of $20,000 will provide mental health grants to 10 musicians. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is matching all donations to Midwest Music Foundation made in March and April up to $15,000
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Greater KC will be on hand from 6 to 9 p.m. to provide information and resources to attendees. Research College of Nursing will be offering free health screenings from 7 to 9 p.m.
Funds from MMF’s annual Donation Drive have assisted local musicians and industry professionals with affordable, essential health care services. This year’s focus on our Mental Health For Musicians initiative will designate funds for counseling and other mental wellness resources. As artists lost countless opportunities to create, perform and generate income over the pandemic, their need for mental health support remains at an all-time high. Our initial goal of $20,000 will provide mental health grants to 10 musicians.
Paris Williams – “Pack Light” (radio edit) from: “Pack Light” – Single / Bitter Sweet Sound / August, 2023 [Paris Williams released his EP REBEL HEART through Bitter Sweet Sound on January 31, 2023. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best recordings of 2023. Paris Williams is a 24-year old artist from Muskegon, Michigan in the midst of redefining the bedroom pop label. Employing his own sound that he’s dubbed, “bittersweet,” Williams never shuts away from his DIY aesthetic – producing his own work to maintain full creative flexibility. Premiering in December of 2019 with his debut album, DROP DEAD GORGEOUS, Paris is a believer in hitting the ground running and then just never letting off the gas. This mentality was shaped by the inspiration he’s pulled from other famously out-of-the-box artists: such as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Toro y Moi. // Fueled by the multi-faceted artists, Williams believes heavily in pulling from all creative mediums as a way to add layers and texture to his music. This approach has led to Williams seeing support from larger than life musical pillars, like Iggy Pop himself – who showed love to Williams’ song of the same name by spinning it on his BBC radio show in 2018. Williams reshapes the musical landscape around him as his burgeoning career continues to solidify its own form more and more each day by bringing in a breath of fresh air with him everywhere since he wrote his first bars in elementary school. Paris Williams previously released the single, “Hopscotch” on June 21, 2022. He released,“Chunky”on April 20, 2022. He released the single, “Sunsets & Solariums (feat. Bloom Allen)” on October 21, 2021 through Bittersweet Sounds. More info at: allmylinks.com/popstarparis][Paris Williams joins us LIVE on WMM on March 8, 2023 and August 2, 2023] [Midwest Music Foundation’s Annual Spring Donation Drive, Mental Health Care for Musicians, Saturday, April 6 at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms with a 6:00 Dinner Show with Cowtown Country Club and a 10:00 Evening Show with Friendly Thieves, Paris Williams, SirQueen and Goomer Green. The Spring Drive is raising funds to assist local musicians & industry professionals with affordable, essential health care service. Donate/Info at: http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org]
[Midwest Music Foundation’s Annual Spring Donation Drive, Mental Health Care for Musicians, Saturday, April 6 at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms with a 6:00 Dinner Show with Cowtown Country Club and a 10:00 Evening Show with Friendly Thieves, Paris Williams, SirQueen and Goomer Green. The Spring Drive is raising funds to assist local musicians & industry professionals with affordable, essential health care service. Donate/Info at: http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org]
10:45 – More Interview with Sondra Freeman & Michelle Bacon
Sondra Freeman is Director of Promotions & Artist Relations for Midwest Music Foundation, a nonprofit created to support music and musicians in Kansas City and the surrounding areas, founded in 2008 by a collective of musicians and music lovers. The Midwest Music Foundation (MMF) unites and empowers the greater KC music community by providing programs and resources to area musicians through outreach, support, education, and health care opportunities. Sondra is instrumental in MMF’s annual events: Apocalypse Meow, MidCoast Takeover and the MidCoast Takeover fundraiser shows, and other collaborative musical events and fundraisers.
Michelle Bacon, is Content Manager at 90.9 The Bridge, where she helps to shine a light on area musicians and events. Michelle Bacon is a board member for MMF and is Co-Chair Mental Health for Musicians,and Diversity Chair. Michelle has written for The Kansas City Star, The Deli Magazine KC, and Folk Alliance International. Michelle plays drums in the band Frogpond. Michelle also plays bass with Other Americans, and The Band That Fell To Earth: A Tribute to David Bowie
Sondra Freeman and Michelle Bacon joins us to share details about Midwest Music Foundation’s 6th Annual Spring Donation Drive, Mental Health Care for Musicians, Saturday, April 6 at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms with a 6:00 Dinner Show with Cowtown Country Club and a 10:00 Evening Show with Friendly Thieves, Paris Williams, SirQueen and Goomer Green. The Spring Drive is raising funds to assist local musicians & industry professionals with affordable, essential health care service. Donate/Info at: http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org
Sondra Freeman and Michelle Bacon thanks for being with us again on WMM.
DONATION DRIVE | APRIL 1ST-30TH, 2024
CONCERT | APRIL 6th AT THE SHIP IN KANSAS CITY, MO
MMF’s annual Spring Donation Drive expands our ability to connect musicians with vital resources for mental and urgent health care needs.
We believe that a healthy, thriving community of artists contributes to the strength and character of our city. Funds raised from the Donation Drive will expand our ability to connect musicians with vital mental health resources offering mental health care grants, education and support, while continuing to provide urgent health care grants through Abby’s Fund for Musicians’ Health Care.
Throughout April 2024, Midwest Music Foundation (MMF) continues our service to Kansas City’s music community in our Spring Donation Drive. Funds raised will expand our ability to connect musicians with vital mental health resources.
“Abby believed that music can take you to where you need to be and that it’s important, and the people that do that need to be taken care of.” – Sondra Freeman
Abby’s Fund for Musicians’ Health Care was named for Abigail Henderson (1977-2013).
Death Notice from St. Louis Post Dispatch: Abigail Hope Henderson the Kansas City vocalist who started a nonprofit organization to help musicians pay health-care costs, died on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 of cancer at her home. She was 35. For more than a decade, Abigail was the lead singler of several area bands: Trouble Junction, The Gaslights, Atlantic Fadeout, and Tiny Horse. In 2008 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had health insurance, but the cost of the treatments prompted her and husband Christopher Meck, to start the Midwest Music Foundation which raised funds to help area musicians pay health care costs. “Medical bills can throw you into poverty in a week – in one day,” she said. “There’s nothing like standing in your kitchen opening a hospital bill for $63,000.00 in one day and $47,000.00 the next. After a while you don’t want to open them anymore. Who can pay that?”
Rhonda Lyne, Executive Director Sondra Freeman, Director of Promotions and Artist Relations Canyon McClung, Production Specialist Danielle Anderson, Media Manager
Midwest Music Foundation Board
Chris Meck, Founder, Musician and CM2 Audio Amber Hulet, President Eric Barton, Treasurer, General Counsel Julia Haile, Secretary, Education Chair, Musician Dr. K. Allen Greiner, MD, MPH, Chair of Health + Wellness, University of KS Med Center Dr. Erin Corriveau, MD, MPH, Public Health Officer, University of Kansas Med Center Michelle Bacon, Co-Chair Mental Health for Musicians, Diversity Chair, Musician Molly Gotobed, Insurance Program Research Chair, Kansas Assistance Network, Community Health Council of Wyandotte County Jerry Jones JD, Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – Health Programs, Movember Foundation Eddie Moore, Musician Sonia Hall, President & CEO BioKansas
Rhonda Lyne is Executive Director of Midwest Music Foundation. She is a scientist by day and avid supporter of the arts by night. Rhonda has had an active role with the MMF since the inaugural fundraiser, Apocalypse Meow, in 2008. Inspired by MMF founder, Abigail Henderson, Rhonda is dedicated to the mission of the MMF a nonprofit created to support music & musicians in KC and the surrounding areas, founded in 2008 by a collective of musicians & music lovers. Rhonda is instrumental in MMF’s fundraising, volunteer, event coordination, overseeing the health care fund, and day to day activities of the organization.
DINNER SHOW with Cowtown Country Club – Doors at 6pm, music from 7-9pm
EVENING SHOW with Friendly Thieves, Paris Williams and SirQueen & Boomer Green Doors at 9:30pm, show at 10pm
The night will showcase a variety of local artists, beginning with a dinner show with Western swing quartet Cowtown Country Club at 7:00pm on the venue’s new All Else the Sea stage.
Starting at 10:0)pm, that stage will host music from the alt-funk quintet Friendly Thieves and multi-hyphenate rapper/producer Paris Williams. On The Ship’s original stage, DJ SirQueen and Boomer Green will serve up dance vibes until 1:00am.
Funds from MMF’s annual Donation Drive have assisted local musicians and industry professionals with affordable, essential health care services. This year’s focus on our Mental Health For Musicians initiative will designate funds for counseling and other mental wellness resources. As artists lost countless opportunities to create, perform and generate income over the pandemic, their need for mental health support remains at an all-time high. Our initial goal of $20,000 will provide mental health grants to 10 musicians. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is matching all donations to Midwest Music Foundation made in March and April up to $15,000
Sondra Freeman and Michelle Bacon thanks for being with us again on WMM.
Midwest Music Foundation’s Annual Spring Donation Drive, Mental Health Care for Musicians, Saturday, April 6 at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms with a 6:00 Dinner Show with Cowtown Country Club and a 10:00 Evening Show with Friendly Thieves, Paris Williams, SirQueen and Goomer Green. The Spring Drive is raising funds to assist local musicians & industry professionals with affordable, essential health care service. Donate/Info at: http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org.
For WMM, I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!
11:54
Friendly Thieves – “Cool” from: Til Death / Friendly Thieves / October 31, 2023. [Friendly Thieves released their single “Redbone” on October 4, 2023. Friendly Thieves released their single “Rush” on July 31, 2023. Friendly Thieves released their debut single “You Better Run” on October 28, 2022. The five-piece alt-funk band Friendly Thieves are: Sam Wells on lead vocals, Jamae Breeze on lead guitar, Sam Millard on bass, John Goss on drums, and Ben Baker on saxophone. // From Michelle Bacon’s piece in http://www.bridge909.org: Friendly Thieves describes themselves as if “Alabama Shakes and Young The Giant had a Vulfpeck-inspired love child,” and well, that’s pretty spot on. Their single captures that intersection of vibrant indie-rock energy and exceptional musicianship, with an intriguing funk aroma. // The bands show at ULAH is their only KC show so far this year before the ban sets off on tour to Austin, Chicago, Denver, and Nashville. // Sam Wells released her debut EP, FOR THE DEFLATED on French Exit Records on December 31, 2020. Sam Wells is a Kansas City, based singer songwriter who has shared stages with Betsy Phillips, Kelly Hunt, Andrew Ryan, The Zack Pietrini Band, and The Phantastics. She was featured as a composer and performer in the Kansas City Repertory Theater production of “Ghost Light” performed on the lawn of The Nelson Atkin Museum of Art in October, 2020. Sam has also performed in Troostival (2020), Kansas City Porchfest (2019) and Jamdemic. In 2019, Wells released her debut single “Lesson Learned.” In early 2020 Wells released her second single “Sugar” producer and engineered by Riley Corbin at the Lawrence Kansas Public Library recording studio. It was only a decade ago, Sam Wells sat in her bedroom learning the Corrine Bailey Ray classic “Put Your Records On”. This was all it took to ignite a lifetime love affair with music. With her smooth and sultry voice and the warm tones of a baritone ukulele, she shares stories of love, loss and everything in between. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Sam Wells has lived in Lawrence, but now calls KC home. Sam Wells also contributed to The Black Lives Matter Compilation from French Exit Records that featured tracks from 22 acts from the area, and was released on July 6, 2020. Sam contributed the song, “Dear Black People”. On WMM we featured tracks from: Blackstarkids, Daniel Gum, Crystal Rose, UpKeep, Bream, Heavy Surface, Palace Intrigue, Self Harmony, and Sam Wells. All proceeds donated to One Struggle KC’s Liberation Fund, a Black-led coalition of KC activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally & globally. French Exit Records launched in 2018, and is an independent music label based out of Kansas City, Missouri founded by Brad Girard. French Exit Records has released albums for No Magic and Raymond, and has organized live events. The Black Lives Matter Compilation is available on French Exit Record’s Bandcamp page: http://www.frenchexitrecords.bandcamp.com. More info at: http://www.whoissamwells.com. Sam Wells was on WMM on May 13, 2020 and January 20, 2021.][Friendly Thieves played MUSIC UNITES, a Benefit for KKFI w/ Calvin Arsenia on Nov. 2, 2023 at 7:30 PM on the Drexel Hall Stage at KC Irish Center, 19 Linwood Blvd, KCMO.]
[Midwest Music Foundation’s Annual Spring Donation Drive, Mental Health Care for Musicians, Saturday, April 6 at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms with a 6:00 Dinner Show with Cowtown Country Club and a 10:00 Evening Show with Friendly Thieves, Paris Williams, SirQueen and Goomer Green. The Spring Drive is raising funds to assist local musicians & industry professionals with affordable, essential health care service. Donate/Info at: http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, April 10 we talk with Mara Williams Assistant Managing Editor for Race and Equity Issues at The Kansas City Star and JM Banks – KC Star Culture and Identity Reporter who share detail about The KC Star’s new 4 – week series VOICES OF KANSAS CITY starting April 17, Wednesdays at 6:00am to 7:00am featuring the stories of eight young black activist in Kansas City.
Also next week Jennifer Owen and Brad Cox of Owen/Cox Dance Group talk with us about 4 FRAGMENTS premiering April 12-14 at City Stage at Union Station
AND We welcome back to the show, our friend D. Rashaan Gilmore Emmy Winning host of the Kansas City PBS program Flatland KC. D. Rashaan is a Newsweek contributing writer and the former host & producer of “Unbossed and Unbothered” that aired from 2021-2022, on 90.1 FM KKFI.
And Zachary Philips plays lIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Claire Adams + ALBER + Rick Truman & The Folly Theater + Sondra Freeman & Michelle Bacon of Midwest Music Foundation
Mark spins more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Claire Adams, ALBER, Paris Williams, Friendly Thieves, Cowtown Country Club, Lonnie Fisher, L’Rain, Matthew Whitaker, Neko Case, Paul Cherry, and Alex Newell.
At 10:10am we welcome special guest: Claire Adams who has a new EP called WORDS OF LOVE being released on April 2, 2024. In Kansas City, 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 plays The Gospel Lounge at Knuckleheads on Sunday, April 14 with Jackie Myers and Fritz Hutchison. More info at: http://www.claireadamsmusic.com
At 10:35 Mark talks with Albert Racanati who records as ALBER. Alberto Racanati is a genre-bending musician originally from Bari, Italy, now established in Kansas City. He learned to play his first notes on the trumpet at age 11. At 14 Alberto enrolled in the Bari Conservatory to pursue his performance degree in the academy, while living a parallel musical existence in the rich musical underground in Southern Italy, playing drums & trumpet in multiple bands. In 2011 his studies took him to the National Music Academy in Gdansk, Poland. In 2014 Alberto moved to the United States to work as a Graduate Assistant at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. In 2016 Alberto moved to Kansas City to pursue a Doctoral Degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he became enamored with the local music scene. Alberto’s first self-titled album was released in 2020, followed by significant live performing presence in 2021 in Kansas and Missouri. His second album Journey, was released in 2021. In 2023 Alberto was awarded the ArtsKC Inspiration Grant for his multimedia installation “Born at Sea”, a project centered on the idyllic sea scenery of his hometown, debuting in 2024. He also became a Charlotte Street Foundation Studio Resident. Currently, Alberto is about to release his third full length album Lento and is planning his upcoming 2024 tours to the East Coast and Southern Italy.
At 11:00am we’ll welcome Rick Truman – Executive Director at The Folly Theater at 300 West 12th Street, KCMO. Rick Truman joined the Folly Theater as Executive Director in January 2022. From 2003 to 2021, Truman served as Managing Director of Quality Hill Playhouse, a local nonprofit theater company, leading financial and administrative operations. He holds a Master in Public Administration from the Bloch School of Business and Public Administration at UMKC and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in acting and directing from Avila University. In addition to his experience in nonprofit arts management, Rick has performed or stage directed at many Kansas City theaters, including Kansas City Repertory Theater, Musical Theater Heritage, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Spinning Tree Theatre, Coterie Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, and Civic Opera Theater.On Saturday, April 6 The Folly Jazz Series continues with Matthew Whitaker, Jazz Series, 22-year-old phenom. More information at http://www.follytheater.org
At 10:30 Sondra Freeman and Michelle Bacon share details about Midwest Music Foundation’s Annual Spring Donation Drive, Mental Health Care for Musicians, Saturday, April 6 at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms with a 6:00 Dinner Show with Cowtown Country Club and a 10:00 Evening Show with Friendly Thieves, Paris Williams, SirQueen and Goomer Green. The Spring Drive is raising funds to assist local musicians & industry professionals with affordable, essential health care service. Donate/Info at: http://www.midwestmusicfoundation.org
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Jackson County Legislator, Manuel Abarca + Rural Grit All Stars: Kim Stanton & Kris Bruders discuss KC Royals Stadium in Crossroads Arts District + Paul Wenske, Nancy Meis, Chris Wenske & Isaac S. Cates share “I’m So Glad”
“It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / Dec. 20, 1979 [WMM theme]
Ibibio Sound Machine – “Pull the Rope” from: Pull the Rope / Merge Records / May 3, 2024 [Ibibio Sound Machine is an English electronic afro-funk band from London. Formed in 2013. // “Pull the Rope” is about the hope of finding a peaceful way to overcome our differences in the world. The idea of standing at two ends of a rope symbolizes this. We recruited our friends Richmond Kessie and Helen McDonald as well as Eno’s mum to lend a bigger sound to the chorus vocals. Musically it’s a mix of post-punk and electronic sounds. // “Pull the Rope” is accompanied by a Darlington Anyiam–directed music video. The spacefaring clip evokes Afrofuturism and classic dance video vibes. “My fascination for Eno’s beautiful voice and presence makes me turn her visual performances into impersonations of powerful entities,” Anyiam explains of Williams’ turn as a celestial pharaoh. // Pull the Rope, the new record by Ibibio Sound Machine, casts the Eno Williams and Max Grunhard–led outfit in a new light. The hope, joy, and sexiness of their music remain, but, further honing the edge of their acclaimed 2022 album Electricity, the connection they aim to foster has shifted venues from the sunny buoyancy of a sunlit festival to a sweat-soaked, all-night dance club. The atmosphere has changed, but you’re still having the time of your life. // Williams and Grunhard attribute this shift to a matter of collaborators, recording Pull the Rope with Sheffield-based producer Ross Orton (Arctic Monkeys, M.I.A.) over the course of two weeks. The way the pair wrote songs changed significantly—rather than Eno penning lyrics to music generated by Max and company’s jamming, Orton started with Eno and Max writing together before adding the band. With less time in the studio and a new way of considering how they built songs, the duo found making decisions about Pull the Rope’s sound quicker and more instinctual than before. // “Ross is from Sheffield, which has an edgier, more industrial vibe than London,” Grunhard explains. “He hears things differently than us, is more grounded in rave and grungier sounds, and knew when to add drums or push the instrumentation more. It was very different for us, but it lends itself to where Ibibio Sound Machine is going.” // In melding their songwriting process, Grunhard and Williams have, impossibly, pulled the trick of making Ibibio Sound Machine a tighter band than ever before, building out from their core in a way that highlights the electrifying group of musicians they play with. Rather than recording with the full band in the room, Pull the Rope was sculpted, elements added and shaped by Grunhard, Williams, and Orton along the way. As a result, Pull the Rope is a nimble, sleek machine that’s thrilling from the first note of the opening title track, Eno’s otherworldly voice and PK Ambrose’s throbbing bass driving through a kaleidoscopic array of house, post-punk, funk, Afrobeat and disco, bangers and ballads, making an argument for unity that begins on the dancefloor. // “We are the places we grew up, the places we’ve been, and the people we’ve met along the way,” Williams says. “Hopping around the globe, we’ve found that people are fundamentally the same—they’re people. Opposing sides push and pull, but there is an alternative to war, violence, and suffering.” // That belief is the blood that pulses like Grunhard’s hypnotic bass lines throughout Pull the Rope. Lead single “Got to Be Who U Are” literally globetrots, name checking locales across the world that would feel disparate were it not for how well-traveled they are. Eno growing up in the musical melting pot of the Ibibio region of Nigeria and Max being a conservatory-trained musician from Australia, one could call their meeting in London and formation of Ibibio Sound Machine predestined. // “Mama Say” and “Let My Yes Be Yes” touch themes of female empowerment. They’re indicative of the band’s depth as they push further into the electronic; “Mama Say” hits notes of electropop while “Let My Yes Be Yes” fuses electro to Afrobeat. Ibibio Sound Machine have always imbued their music with political consciousness, and the light that shines through in Williams’ vocals and voice has never felt more necessary. // The sound of Pull the Rope, then, is hope in darkness, bliss in spite of bleakness. Once again, Ibibio Sound Machine are here to provide the soundtrack to the best night of your life, and the better world to come. // The name of the band itself finds influence from Eno Williams’ Nigerian mother, whose native tongue was Ibibio.]
Gossip – “Crazy Again” from: Real Power / Ultra Records/Sony Music Entertainment / March 22, 2024 [Formed in 1999 in Olympia, Washington with vocalist Beth Ditto, guitarist Nathan “Brace Paine” Howdeshell and drummer Kathy Mendonca. All 3 were originally from Searcy, Arkansas; Mendonca moved to Olympia to attend Evergreen State College and Howdeshell and Ditto followed. Drummer Kathy Mendonca left the band to pursue a career as a midwife. Established punk drummer Hannah Blilie joined to replace her. Gossip’s album A JOYFUL NOISE was part of WMM’s 112 Best Recordings of 2012. // LA – Indie-pop rebels Gossip have made a triumphant return with their highly anticipated album, Real Power, marking their first album in 12 years. // The album marks a reunion with acclaimed producer Rick Rubin, who helmed the band’s pivotal 2009 album Music For Men. At the coaxing of Rubin, the band started recording in 2019 after completing a tour for the ten-year anniversary of Music For Men. Recorded at Rubin’s home studio in Kauai, the process was temporarily halted by the pandemic and resumed when restrictions lifted. The result is an 11-track testament to the galvanizing might of music, the liberating joy of creative expression, and the profound power of chosen family amidst collective and personal upheavals. “Real Power” not only marks a new chapter of maturity and purpose for the trio but also showcases Gossip’s characteristic blend of sonic diversity, spanning from propulsive rock to jubilant disco, and delving into a rich tapestry of emotions that encompass the full spectrum of the human experience. // Reflecting on the intervening years since their last collaboration, frontwoman Beth Ditto shares, “We all experienced a lot of deep loss, and we each turned 40 since we last recorded together. Those are such big moments in your lives.” Since the band were last together, Ditto and Billie each got divorced, there were losses of close friends and family, and the world went through a pandemic. Working with Rubin again gave the band space and support to reconnect and create. “Rick is pure about his creativity. He’s not interested in fads or a label’s opinions. He’s a cheerleader—he tries to pull the best out of us. He has this ability to make an artist be their best when he’s working with them, because he works with people he believes in,” says Howdeshell. The band delved further into their long-awaited reunion in a recent profile with The New York Times. // In celebration of the album’s release, Gossip will be participating in a series of special events. The band will kick off with a vinyl signing at Rough Trade NYC on March 25th followed by The Grammy Museum on March 26th, who will host the trio for their SOLD-OUT ‘A New York Evening With’ at National Sawdust in Brooklyn, New York. It will feature an intimate conversation with Beth Ditto, moderated by T. Cole Rachel, followed by a performance by the band. Additionally, on March 27th, Beth Ditto will take center stage as a chat guest on The Late Show with Seth Meyers, accompanied by a full-band performance. // Highlights on Real Power include the invigorating “Real Power,” lauded by Billboard for its “infectious melodies and stratospheric vocals,” along with the first single and blissful pop classic “Crazy Again,” praised by Consequence for its “dazzling production and radiant hooks.” // A multi-platinum selling band, Gossip have sold over 10 million records worldwide and are one of Indie Rock’s most exciting acts from the early 21st century. Gossip consists of vocalist Beth Ditto, guitarist Nathan “Brace Paine” Howdeshell and drummer Hannah Blilie. The band’s 2016 breakout studio album, Standing In The Way Of Control, reached #1 on UK Indie chart (certified Gold) and solidified the band as a dynamic force in the music scene. “Standing In The Way Of Control,” the album’s battle-cry title track, is a queer anthem written in response to U.S. government’s proposition to define marriage and exclude homosexuals. The band achieved multiplatinum success with their follow up Music For Men, certified 2x platinum in Germany and France, 1x platinum in Australia and Switzerland with sales in excess of 1.5m copies. // Gossip is renowned for their high energy live performances and have delivered incredible sets at some of the world’s biggest festivals such as Glastonbury, Coachella, Pukkelpop Festival and most recently a triumphant headline set at BBC 6 Music Festival. The band’s first U.S. festival performance following the release of Real Power will be at Just Like Heaven in Pasadena, CA on May 18th. They recently launched their 30-city EU/UK tour on March 21st in Berlin, Germany, with stops planned in Milan, London, Zürich, Dublin, and many more. The tour is packed with festival appearances such as Glastonbury and All Points East. For information on upcoming tour dates, visit: https://www.bethditto.com%5D
Akkilles – “Online” from: “Happily” – Single / David Bennett / March 15, 2024 [ Akkilles is the music project of David Bennett who makes music under the moniker Akkilles. He also helps other people make music. “Online” was written and produced by David Bennett. Performers include Nick Pickrell on bass, Ian Thompson on synth & keybopards, 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.]
Julia Haile – “Up Late” from: “Up Late” – Single / Julia Haile / June 16, 2023 [One of 4 new singles released by Julia Haile in the last 9 months. Julia released “Ave 4” on June 16, 2023. Julia released “Heavy Rotation” & “Set Out” on Sept. 30, 2022. Julia Haile is a singer & songwriter based in KCMO. Her natural talent & musical education fueled a career of exciting performances and beautiful music. From leading Neo-Soul band Hi-Lux and international collaborations to solo works, Julia’s goal is create meaningful musical experiences for all. Julia’s work with Hi-Lux included Tim Braun on guitar, Nick Howell on keys, Dan Loftus on bass, (and prior to that Pete Leibert on bass) and Kian Bryne on drums. Hi-Lux was a Modern-Soul band that blends and bends the boundaries between soul, rock n roll, reggae, and funk. This group created music that pays tribute to their myriad of influences (Amy Winehouse, The Meters, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings). Hi-Lux released the singles, “Revolution” and “Get What You Give” on February 28, 2020, through The Record Machine. Hi-Lux released the single. “Don’t Blame Lee” (featuring Lee Scratch Perry) on April 20, 2018. Hi-Lux released the 7” vinyl single, “”Dance With My Baby” b/w “Don’t Blame Me” on January 5, 2018 through Sunflower Soul Records. Hi-Lux released their 6-track, self-titled EP, Hi-Lux on January 2, 2018. All 6 songs had previously been released as singles. More info at: http://www.juliaHaile.com]
[Boogaloo 7 feat. Julia Haile play The Ship 1221 Union Ave., KCMO West Bottoms on Friday, March 29, at 9:00pm w/ Splatt – KC’s brass innovation pairing vocalist/trombonists Kadesh Flow & Trevor Turla.]
Trevor Turla – “No Reason” from: “No Reason” – Single / Trevor Turla / October 26, 2023 [Trevor Turla released the single Walk With Love”on August 26, 2022, recorded with Joel Nanos at Element Recording Studios. Trevor Turla released his debut EP AND WE CONTINUE on April 21, 2022.. Trevor Turla composed all of the music on this EP that included Trevor Turla on trombone, Daniel Dissmore on trumpet, Aryana Nemati on saxophone, Fritz Hutchison on guitar & banjo, Miki P on guitar & vocals, John O’Keefe on bass, Nik Douglas on drums, Carmen Dieker on fiddle, Jake Keegan on dobro, and Chris Hazelton on organ. “Let Go” was the second single released on February 17, 2022. We first played Trevor Turla on WMM on July 29, 2020. His track “Busted” was released on a compilation titled KANSAS CITY SYZYGY that featured over 25 Kansas City-based musicians who came together to create a compilation of music created during the shutdown of the world in the Spring of 2020. // Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Trevor Turla is now lives in Kansas City. Trevor defines himself as a musician. He started playing his first instrument, the bagpipes, at the age of 8 and hasn’t stopped the pursuit of music since. He received his Bachelor’s in Jazz Studies for trombone from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Trevor now creates music full time by playing, recording, and holding clinics around the United States. Trevor plays & sings in numerous bands, including Jake Wells, Grand Marquis, Miki P, Fritz Hutchison, & LA Jones. He was also the founder, lead singer & trombonist for the band Sulu Moon. Info at http://www.trevorturla.com.]
[Boogaloo 7 feat. Julia Haile play The Ship 1221Union Ave., KCMO West Bottoms on Friday, March 29, at 9:00pm w/ Splatt – KC’s brass innovation pairing vocalist/trombonists Kadesh Flow & Trevor Turla.]
Gary Clark Jr. – “What About The Children (Feat. Stevie Wonder)” from: JPEG RAW / Warner Music / March 22, 2024 [Four-time Grammy Award winning artist Gary Clark Jr. releases his highly anticipated new album, JPEG RAW. This new body of work signals a brave new world for Clark’s ever-expanding creative palette. The new music is dense and adventurous with a more cohesive synthesis of his eclectic musical universe. His samples, Thelonious Monk and Sonny Boy Williamson, decorate flourishes of African, World Music, and even Jazz while merging with rock, R&B, hip-hop and blues; familiar areas he has ventured before, this time with more unity forging a fresh new style. Clark’s lyrics are pointed, deeply personal, outspoken and socially conscious with occasional forays into rap and spoken word from Clark himself. The sonics are immersive, verging on modern groove-oriented psychedelia with hip-hop driven beats in verses giving way to anthemic choruses, rich with power-chording and wide fuzz riffage.. // The co-written Stevie Wonder duet, “What About The Children,” feels like an immediate classic that could have lived on Innervisions or Talking Book if not for Clark’s fuzzed out riff and hip-hop pocket. // Clark will kick off his North American headline tour on May 8 in Fort Worth, TX. The tour will continue with shows in Chicago, Boston, and New York City before concluding with his set at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts festival in Manchester, TN on June 14. // JPEG RAW is Clark’s first album since 2019’s critically lauded This Land, which became his third consecutive top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and garnered three Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance (“This Land”) and Best Contemporary Blues Album (This Land). Clark’s first Grammy win was awarded in 2014 for Best Traditional R&B Performance (“PleaseCome Home”). // Since its release, the singer-songwriter has toured extensively and stretched his wings as an actor, playing American blues legend Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which received eight Academy Award nominations. Clark also served as the official Music Director for Jon Stewart’s acceptance of the 23rd Annual Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. In addition to programming the event, he delivered a powerful tribute on stage, which aired on PBS nationwide. // With an eclectic range that contains multitudes, Clark continues to defy boundaries of any kind. Highlighted by an impressive coterie of awards, critical accolades, collaborations, sold-out tours that span the globe, billions of streams, endless television performances, & appearances in acclaimed films & TV series, Clark steps back into the light with JPEG RAW and breaks new ground that is both thrilling & inspiring.]
[Gary Clark Jr. plays The Midland Theatre, 1228 Main St. KCMO, on Wednesday, May 15, at 8:00pm.]
French Cassettes – “White Noise” from: Benzene / Tender Loving Empire Records / June 7, 2024 [Benzene is the band’s third album. // Benzene means nothing and everything. The title of French Cassettes’ new album is not an allusion to the dangerous fossil fuel byproduct, nor is it a nod to the anti-anxiety drug Benzos. As a child, Scott Huerta’s birth name—Lorenzo—transformed into Wren, then Renzo. Before long, he was Renzo Benzo. By the age of four, the family had largely settled on Benz, which is what they still call him today. // Benzene, Huerta’s own abstraction, was chosen on a whim. “I wish I had a better explanation,” he admits. “I guess I should have Googled it first.” The self-deprecation is classic Benz, as is this crossing of the wires between the flippant and the deeply meaningful. There’s a lot in a name, after all, and even more in a name that only those dearest to you call you by. // This sort of understatement is all over Benzene (the album), in big ways and small ones. It’s one reason the San Francisco band’s third album holds up so well to repeated listens: It contains a world of references, quotes and handmade word-puzzles that only Huerta can fully unpack. Some of the band’s influences are apparent: The Magnetic Fields in the tight song construction and humor, The Beach Boys in the harmonies and experimentation. But Huerta’s lyrical aesthetic is his own, and Benzene is packed to the gills with funny, memorable one-liners (“I’m sick of bar banter, but attracted to the neon”) and punctuated by knife twists (“Sometimes you swear you barely know her”). Its themes never veer too far from separation: from partners you still want the best for; from family members who have died; from a person you’re trying hard not to be. // Huerta was already working on the songs that would become Benzene during Rolodex’s release. He wrote and recorded songs in the bedroom while his then-girlfriend worked from home in the next room. “Sometimes I’d get a good take and then realize that the theme from Love Island was playing in the background,” Huerta says. His memories of this time are all positive, but the recording process would eventually outlast the romantic relationship. // Discussing “White Noise,” Huerta said, “The original title for the demo of this song was ‘Bruce’ because I thought I was writing a Springsteen song. My goal starting out was to not overthink it and just make a straightforward rock song, but that didn’t last very long, and next thing I knew I was listening to three guitar tracks playing lead lines at the same time thinking ‘what have I done?’ Instead of reeling it back in I decided to just lean into it, and when I found myself playing with an electronic drum pad I knew I was past the point of no return.”]
10:29 – Underwriting
10:33 Ticket Giveaway
Making Movies play a special Quinceañera…their OWN! To celebrate the band’s 15 years as a band, they are doing a “Quinceañera” Show, Saturday, March 30, at 9:00pm, at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms. We have 2 tickets to giveaway. You’ll find them at The Door, night of the show. These 2 tickets go to the 3rd caller at 816-805-6326.
Making Movies – “Cuna De Vida” from: A La Deriva / Independent / December 21, 2012 [For this recording: Enrique Chi (guitar/lead vox), Brendan Culp (drums), Diego Chi (bass), Juan-Carlos Chaurand (percussion /keyboard).] [[Latin Grammy nominated band Making Movies released their specual EP EN LA SALA containing 8 of the songs recorded LIVE, on January 12, 2024. Before that they released their single “Medicina” is an anthemic, cumbia-rock cut that immediately grabs you as soon as you hear the opening distorted guitar riff. Composer: Enrique Javier Chi. Produced by: Ben Yonas. Recorded by: Enrique Javier Chi, Diego Samuel Chi, Juan-Carlos Chaurand, and Duncan Burnett. Mixer: David Simon-Baker. Masterer: John Baldwin // Enrique Chi on lead vocals & electric guitar; Duncan Burnett on drums & background vocals, Diego Chi on bass, synthesizer & background vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & background vocals. Horn Arrangement: Asdru Sierra. Trombone: Adam Theis. Recording Studio: Memphis Magnetic Recording Co. Recording Engineer: Ben Yonas & Scott McEwen. Assistant Engineers: Omar Ruiz, Owen Reece, Felipe Villegas, Miguel Pons] [Most recently Making Movies released XOPA through Cosmica Artists on June 17, 2022. XOPA and was recorded in Memphis, produced by Ben Yonas and mixed by Tchad Blake. More info at: http://www.makingmovies.world. Making Movies is a KC based 4-piece band and made up of : Enrique Chi on guitar and lead vocals; Diego Chi on bass & vocals; Juan-Carlos Chaurand on percussion & keyboards; and Duncan Burnett on drums. The band draws their influences from the origins of their families: Santiago, Panama, and KC Missouri, and Guadalajara, Mexico. Making Movies released the 5-song EP, EN VIVO (SIN APLAUSO) on February 4, 2022. Prior to that, Making Movies released the 6-track EP BORING BITS, on May 7, 2021, which includes their single “La Marcha.” On February 5, the band released a sneak peek of the new music they’ve been working on. The 7-song, La Cuarentena EP includes a brand new version of the first Making Movies song, “La Marcha” and the lullaby “Could You?” (both mixed by Jim Eno of Spoon and tracked at Memphis Magnetic studio), and the love ballad “Una Vida.” The EP was ranked #25 inWMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021. The EP also includes: covers of Talking Heads and Tears for Fears classics, plus bonus live acoustic tracks. This EP was made available on BandCamp for only three days on February 5 through February 7, 2021. Since then it has been made private, an is not available anywhere. Making Movies released their single “Could You” on January 12, 2021. About “Could You” lead singer Enrique Javier Chi wrote, “I was thinking about what to share for “Could You?” and I just go back to the fact that Memphis is a profound place… it is a place where you can feel what America truly is and where it comes from. I think you see and feel the reality that so much of this nation was built from exploiting people. You can see that our pop culture is driven by the Black community and yet that community is still the most oppressed in the nation. Things are still so messed up. // Memphis is the place where Elvis started singing black music with a country twang and where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot. It’s a beautiful place, it’s a charming place, it feels at times downtrodden and it’s a place that reminds me of home (both KC and Panamá in different ways. Our experiences going to Memphis gave us the context to create “Could You?” It was filmed originally for AMERI’KANA TV..” Making Movies released their critically acclaimed album ameri’kana through 3/2 Recordings on May 24, 2019. This was #1 on WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. Produced by Steve Berlin and Ben Yonas. The notes for this album read: “ameri’kana is a canary in a coal mine, the watchman at the tower. It is a desire to remember where we come from and assure that we better ourselves in every step along our journey. Every chapter is an example, a reason to not be silent and not accept corrupt leaders as something inevitable. ameri’kana is based on faith, faith that every person on this continent carries within themselves the ability to grow, to awaken their consciousness and merits of the same rights. We were accomplices to get ourselves to this point so we will have to be accomplices in the solutions.” This was the band’s follow up release to their critically acclaimed, I Am Another You, released May 26, 2017. The quartet has toured with Arcade Fire, Thievery Corporation, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis, Sergio Mendoza of Calexico, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Hurray for the Riff Raff. Enrique Chi joined WMM on May 19, 2021.]
[Making Movies play a very special Quinceañera…their OWN! To celebrate the band’s 15 years as a band, they are doing a “Quinceañera” Show, Saturday, March 30, at 9:00pm, at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms.]
Bon Monarchs – “Gumdrop” from: Spilling Mayhem EP / Psychic Bicycle Records / January 28, 2013 [Bon Monarchs are a Kansas City based band formed in 2019. Larry Grinder on bass, Brian Murray on guitar, Bob White on drums, Amy Wilson on vocals & guitar. The band are all former or current members of popular Kansas City bands. Amy Wilson and Larry Grinder both from KC’s MOLOTOV GRASSHOPPER, have merged with OTIS 13 drummer Bob White, as well as guitarist Brian Murray from SEE THROUGH HEAD.]
[Bon Monarchs play The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, NKC, Saturday, March 30, at 7:00pm with Times and Places, and Yes You Are (doing an acoustic set).]
Leyla McCalla – “Scaled To Survive” from: Sun Without The Heat / Anti – Records / April 12, 2024 [Leyla McCalla on vocals, cello, banjo, guitars; Shawn Myers on percussion, drums; Nahum Zdybel on guitars; Pete Olynciw on electric bass, piano; Maryam Qudus on synthesizers, organs, backing vocals; Louis Michot on fiddle on “Tower”. Recorded and Produced by Maryam Qudus at Dockside Studios, June 20-29, 2023. Assisted by Justin Tocket. Mixed by Maryam Qudus at Best House. Mastered by Heba Kadry, NYC. All songs written by Leyla McCalla (Makala Music (BMI)) except “Love We Had” music by Ali Mohammed Birra, arrangement and lyrics by Leyla McCalla (Makala Music (BMI)) // On May 6, 2022 Leyla McCalla released Breaking the Thermometer on Anti- Records. // Leyla Sarah McCalla was born October 3, 1985. She is a classical and folk musician. She has been a cellist with the Grammy-winning string band Carolina Chocolate Drops but left that group to focus on her solo career. Both of McCalla’s parents were born in Haiti. Her father Jocelyn McCalla was the Executive Director of the New York-based National Coalition for Haitian Rights from 1988 to 2006 and is credited as translator on Vari-Colored Songs. Her mother Régine Dupuy arrived in the United States at age 5, is the daughter of Ben Dupuy who ran Haiti Progrès, a New York based Haitian socialist newspaper. McCalla’s mother went on to found Dwa Fanm, an anti-domestic violence human rights organization. McCalla was born in New York City and raised in New Jersey. She lived in Accra, Ghana for two years as a teen. After a year at Smith College, she transferred to New York University to study cello performance and chamber music. She then moved to New Orleans where she played music on the streets. We first played Leyla McCalla in 2016 the same year we saw her live at Folk Alliance International and the same year she released her critically acclaimed album Vari-Colored Songs on Music Maker Recordings on February 4, 2014. The album is a tribute to Langston Hughes which includes adaptations of his poems, Haitian folk songs sung in Haitian Creole and original compositions. McCalla says the first song she wrote for the album was Heart of Gold because it provided “a window into Hughes’ thinking”.McCalla chose to dedicate this work to Hughes because she says “reading his work made me want to be an artist.” McCalla started working on the album 5 years prior to its release. Commentators have noted the influence of Louisiana musical traditions such as old Cajun fiddle melodies and trad-jazz banjo on the album. Members of the Carolina Chocolate Drops appear on the album. Along with her solo work Leyla McCalla was part of Songs of Our Native Daughters is the debut Americana/folk album by four North American singer-songwriters collaborating as Our Native Daughters. The group includes Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell. The album was released on the Smithsonian Folkways label in early 2019. Songs of Our Native Daughters addresses American historical issues that have influenced the identity of black women, including slavery, racism, and sexism. The album features 13 songs, 11 of them written by the group’s members. It also includes a cover of a 1970s Bob Marley classic and a song that draws its lyrics from two poems.]
Valerie June — “Big Dream” from: My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall / Oh Boy Records / Aspril 12 12, 2024 [Collaborative album celebrates the Black female experience in Country & Folk music with additional contributions from Adia Victoria, Rhiannon Giddens, Saaneah Jamison, Miko Marks, Leyla McCalla, Rissi Palmer, Allison Russell, SistaStrings, Sunny War & Alice’s daughter Caroline Randall Williams, Re-recording the greatest songs from New York Times bestselling novelist, award-winning songwriter & educator Alice Randall’s catalog. Produced by Ebonie Smith (Hamilton, Cardi B’s Invasion of Privacy, Janelle Monae’s Dirty Computer, Sturgill Simpson’s A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, founder & president of Gender Amplified) // Companion album to Alice Randall’s new book: My Black Country: A Journey through Country Music’s Black Past, Present and Future. // “Growing up, we all have dreams and wishes. Alice Randall’s lyrics capture the magic of our personal dreams. In the simplest way, she invites listeners to remember the power of collective dreaming. If God can be a woman in a patriarchal society, then there are no limits to what can be achieved. Balance is restored through the sacred art of dreaming, and each dream big or small helps to shape our world. I am a dreamer. Everyone on this record is a dreamer. Together we are breaking boundaries just as so many who’ve come before have done for us.” – Valerie June // On March 12, 2021 Valerie June released her 5th full length album The Moon And Stars on June Tunes – Concord records, co-produced by Jack Splash and Valerie June. // Valerie June Hockett was born January 10, 1982), known as Valerie June, is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Memphis, Tennessee, United States. Her sound encompasses a mixture of folk, blues, gospel, soul, country, Appalachian and bluegrass. She is signed to Concord Music Group worldwide. // Born in Jackson, Tennessee on January 10, 1982, June is the oldest of five children. As a child growing up in Humboldt, June was exposed to gospel music at her local church and R&B and soul music via her father, Emerson Hockett. As a teenager, her first job was with her father, owner of Hockett Construction in West Tennessee, and a part-time promoter for gospel singers and Prince, K-Ci & JoJo, and Bobby Womack. She helped by hanging posters in town. Her father died in late 2016. // June relocated to Memphis in 2000 and began recording and performing at the age of 19, initially with her then-husband Michael Joyner, in the duo Bella Sun. After her marriage ended, she began working as a solo artist, combining blues, gospel and Appalachian folk in a style that she describes as “organic moonshine roots music”, and learning guitar, banjo, and lap-steel guitar. She became associated with the Memphis-based Broken String Collective. // In 2009 she was a featured artist on MTV’s online series $5 Cover (following the lives of Memphis musicians attempting to make ends meet), and in 2010 she recorded the EP Valerie June and the Tennessee Express, a collaboration with Old Crow Medicine Show. // In 2011 she was honored by the Memphis and Shelby County Music Commission at the Emissaries of Memphis Music event. She raised funds to record an album with producer Craig Street via Kickstarter.com, raising $15,000 in 60 days. Later that year she relocated from Memphis to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Shortly after, record producer Kevin Augunas introduced June to Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, which led to the recording of June’s album Pushin’ Against a Stone in July 2011, which was co-written and produced by Dan Auerbach and Kevin Augunas. // In 2012, June performed with producer John Forté on a collaboration called Water Suites (on the hip-hop-blues song “Give Me Water”), and with Meshell Ndegeocello on the song “Be My Husband”. She contributed The Wandering’s 2012 album Go on Now, You Can’t Stay Here: Mississippi Folk Music Volume III. In 2012 she performed in the UK for the first time, playing at Bestival and appearing on Later… with Jools Holland. // She has received substantial radio play in Europe on BBC Radio 6, including a feature on Cerys on 6 with Cerys Matthews. Mary Anne Hobbs of XFM has said of June: “This woman has already touched my heart, she really, really has.” // In February 2013, June was invited to support Jake Bugg on the UK leg of his tour. In March 2013, June performed two nights at South By Southwest. The first performance was on March 14 as part of the Heartbreaker Banquet. On March 16, June performed again, this time as part of The Revival Tour. Rolling Stone June’s second album, The Order of Time one of the 50 Best Albums of 2017, citing “her handsomely idiosyncratic brand of Americana, steeped deep in electric blues and old-time folk, gilded in country twang and gospel yearning….a blend of spacey hippie soul, blues and folk with June’s pinched, modern-Appalachian voice at the center”. In a 2017 interview, Bob Dylan was asked what artists he listened to and respected; June was among the artists he mentioned in reply.More info at: http://www.valeriejune.com]
Mary Timony – “Looking For The Sun” from: Untame The Tiger / Merge / February 23, 2024 [Untame the Tiger marks singer-songwriter and guitar hero Mary Timony’s (Ex Hex, Wild Flag, Helium, Autoclave) fifth solo album, her first in 15 years. It’s a startling document of an artist fully coming into her own power during the fourth decade of her career, the product of lessons learned during life-altering struggle. // Lead single “Dominoes” is a cynical and funny description of a relationship not working out, and a reminder of the healing power of music. “This song was almost not on the record,” says Timony. “We needed one last song, and I found a demo of it I had forgotten about at the last minute.” Mixed by Dave Fridmann (MGMT, The Flaming Lips, Mercury Rev), “Dominoes” features album contributors David Christian (Karen O, Hospitality) on drums and album co-producer Dennis Kane on bass.// For more than 30 years, Mary Timony has cut a distinctive path through the world of independent music, most recently as vocalist and guitarist of acclaimed garage-pop power trio Ex Hex (Merge) but also as a member of seminal post-punk band Autoclave (Dischord), celebrated leader of the deeply influential Helium (Matador), multifaceted solo artist (Matador, Lookout!, Kill Rock Stars), and a co-founder of supergroup Wild Flag (Merge). Described by Sleater-Kinney’s Carrie Brownstein as “Mary Shelley with a guitar” and dubbed “a trailblazer and an innovator” by [Mary’s former guitar student] Lindsey Jordan AKA Snail Mail, Timony has distinguished herself as one of her generation’s most influential guitarists and songwriters. Although she has remained a cult hero and critical favorite since the early ’90s, appearing everywhere from 120 Minutes episodes to Coachella sets, Timony’s many triumphs have long been counterbalanced by crippling doubt and self-nullification. // The mystical, guitar-driven Untame the Tiger emerged after the dissolution of a long-term relationship, and was bookended by the deaths of Timony’s father and mother. The album was recorded during a two-year period during which she was the primary caregiver for her ailing parents. “This was the hardest thing I’ve been through. Every week I had to manage a new crisis.” The tectonic psychic shift Mary experienced informs many of her lyrics on the album. “I started realizing that I gotta control the things that I can,” says Timony, who would write songs while going on mind-clearing walks and bike rides around her native Washington, DC. “Because I was making impossible decisions on behalf of my parents, creative choices now seemed more manageable. Since I had to confront the reality of loss, I realized what was important to me about being alive, and I became less scared. The record became my anchor in a time when I was losing so much around me. It felt like all I had—a guide that helped me through, and gave me hope.” // Untame the Tiger picks up the thread woven through Timony’s freak-folk-anticipating solo albums of the early ’00s. Basic tracks were recorded at Los Angeles’ Studio 606, with Timony backed by Dave Mattacks, drummer of legendary British folk-rock band Fairport Convention. “Mattacks is a hero of mine and one of my favorite musicians of all time. He is a true legend. I never in a million years thought he’d agree to play on my record,” says Timony. “Before the session, I had a panic attack and had to go sit alone in the parking lot… Once we started playing together, it felt so great that the fear subsided and turned into excitement. His playing felt instantly familiar, which makes sense because it’s the foundation of many of my favorite records.” // Untame the Tiger was produced by Mary Timony, Joe Wong (composer on Master of None, Russian Doll, The Midnight Gospel, Krapopolis, host of The Trap Set podcast), and Dennis Kane. The album was recorded over the course of two years at Studio 606, Magpie Cage, 38North, and in Mary’s basement. Additional engineering by J. Robbins (Jawbox, Burning Airlines). Musicians include Chad Molter (Faraquet, Medications), David Christian, and Brian Betancourt (Cass McCombs, Devendra Banhart, Hospitality). The album was mixed by Dave Fridmann, Dennis Kane, and John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr., Kurt Vile, Waxahatchee). // Mary Timony also release music with her band Wild flag and Ex Hex is a power trio from Washington, DC. Ex Hex includes Mary Timony (Autoclave, Helium) with Laura Harris (The Aquarium, Benjy Ferree) and Betsy Wright from Virginia. Ex-Hex released Rips on October 7, 2014. It was part of WMM’s 114 Best recordings of 2014.]
Bolis Pupul – “Goodnight Mr. Yi” from: Letter To Yu / DEEWEE – Because Music / March 8, 2024 [Bolis Pupul’s debut solo album touches upon some of life’s big themes – memory, loss, family and coming to terms and making peace with all of that – the album is a resounding audio triumph. It reconciles the competing sonic strands that make up Bolis’ aesthetic – his European and Asian roots, alongside the overarching presence of the twin American pillars of Detroit techno and Chicago house – in a manner that is pleasingly familiar and creatively inventive. // It’s no coincidence that Bolis Pupul’s music sounds the way it does. Born in Belgium to a Chinese mother, Belgian father, raised in the creative city of Ghent, Bolis’ music is a joyous cross-cultural assemblage. Mixing widescreen electronica. think early Mr Fingers-like techno and Yellow Magic Orchestra’s exuberant man-machine minimalism with the warm-hearted and wonky naivete of Belgian New Beat. // On March 4, 2022 Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul released the studium album, Topical Dancer co-written and produced by Soulwaxunder the label Deewee, Topical Dancer is Adigéry and Pupul’s debut album as a duo. // Pupul and Adigéry are both based in Belgium with shared heritage from Martinique, a French island. They first met while working for the soundtrack of Belgica, a 2016 Belgian drama, after being invited by Soulwax, who also co-written and produced this album. The album is influenced by experiences of racial discrimination and sexual abuse. In the album, Adigéry sings in English, Dutch, Creole, and French. The album features Charlotte Adigéry’s mother, Christiane Adigéry and was released under the label Deewee, which the duo previously released three EPs on. “Thank You” is the lead single of Topical Dancer and the second single is “Blenda”. “Blenda” was released on November 4, 2021 along with an announcement of the album and its release date. The first track of the album “Bel Deewee” is a field recording of Adigéry entering the Deewee recording complex, which is also where they recorded the album, and calling through the intercom. // On the review aggregator Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from professional publications, Topical Dancer received an average score of 85, based on six reviews, indicating “universal acclaim”. Emily Mackay of The Observer called the album “banging fusion of funk, house and techno”. Paul Simpson of AllMusic claimed the album was “catchiest and most danceable songs Adigéry and Pupul have written to date” and that the lyrics “offer a lot of food for thought”. Eric Torres of Pitchfork called the album “riveting” and reported that the album had a “roguish charm”. Jasper Willems wrote on Beats Per Minute that Topical Dancer is “spiritual palette cleanser as much as it is a physical one” and “a record for literally anyone”. In a review written for NME, reviewer Max Pilley claimed that the album “arrived bursting with positive energy”. Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul played the Empty Bottle in Chicago on Sept. 19 at 8:00 PM. Topical Dancer was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022.]
Doubledrag – “Sound” from: Alone With Everyone / Doubledrag / March 11, 2024 [Debut full length from the rising 4 member bone oscillating shoegaze band, Doubledrag, hailing from KC.]
[Doubledrag play an Album Release show Friday, March 29 at recordBar, 1520 Grand Ave. KCMO with Siilk, and Wire Twins.]
11:00 – Station ID
The views and opinions of this program are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of 90.1 FM KKFI, The MidCoat Radio Project, or KKFI Staff and volunteers.
11:00 – Interview with Jackson County Legislator, Manuel Abarca IV
Next Tuesday, on April 2, Jackson County Voter will go to the polls to decide whether to fund a new 3/8ths cent sales tax, for the next 40 years for The Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs. The Royals have made a last minute proposal to build a new stadium in the heart of the East Crossroads Arts District that would force the removal or closing of 27 small business, and negatively effect 40 additional small businesses including many of KC’s most influential music venues including: recordBar, The Truman, The Brick, Chartreuse Saloon, The Pairing, and others. 90.1 FM in a non-commercial, 501 _c) 3 organization so we do not endorse political candidates or political issues, instead we offer information to our listeners, and because tWednesday MidDay Medley offers 150 interview each year, and we are dedicated to helping to tell the story of our MidCoastal Music Community we believe is is our responsibility to present two perspectives on this issue.
Jackson County Legislator, Manuel “Manny” Abarca IV represents the 1st District, where the KC Royals want to build a new Stadium. Manny prides himself on his working-class upbringing, he is the son to a 30-year Union Teamster father and dedicated, loving mother of three who worked her whole life setting an example of perseverance and the value of education. He has spent his entire life in the Kansas City Metropolitan area and has made his home with his wife, Alexis, and daughter, Camila, in the Historic Northeast. // Manny currently serves as the Treasurer of the Kansas City Public School Board and the Jackson County Democratic Committee. He is also currently serving Congressman Emanuel Cleaver as his Deputy District Director. Previously, he served on the Guadalupe Center Educational Systems Board of Directors and serves or has served on the Board of Directors for: MoKan Goodwill, ReDiscover Mental Health Clinics, Samuel Rodgers Health Center, Healing House Inc., the Northeast Chamber of Commerce, Historic Kansas City Foundation and the Indian Mound Neighborhood Association. He also represents the 12th Ward on the Jackson County Democratic Committee and is a past member of the executive board of the Missouri Democratic Party. Manuel “Manny” Abarca IV received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Central Missouri and is pursuing his Doctorate from Mizzou.
Mark: “Manny” Abarca , thanks for being with us on WMM.
Manny Abarca: Thanks so much for having me.
Mark: You are one of seven legislators who voted to override County Executive Frank White’s veto just 24 hours before the deadline to finalize the April ballot. Right?
Manny Abarca: Correct
Mark: You’ve said that you wanted to just get this on the ballot to let voters decide.
Manny Abarca: Yeah, I mean that was where we started this effort. I believe that it wasn’t up to nine members of the legislature or one member of the executive office to decide such a large issue for Jackson Countians, so the goal was to get it on the ballot and let the teams make the decisions for folks based upon what they presented that would create a for or against scenario, so here we are.
Mark: You have said in social media that the agreement includes funding for affordable housing, workforce training inclusion, and support for minority businesses, and the Kansas City Public Schools District will not lose any revenues.
Manny Abarca: That is correct, I mean from conversations I’ve been a part of, and even heard directly from these sources, that is what I have seen come to fruition, whether that be the community benefits that the county has negotiated, or the community benefits agreement that I have seen come out publicly in recent weeks.
Mark: There has been a lot of criticism that the “community benefits agreement” aren’t as good as they should be, you have endorsed these, how come?
Manny Abarca: I think as you compare community benefits agreements both locally on several projects whether that be the airport or downtown creations, or nationally as you look at sports team community benefits agreements this is transformative, it is unparalleled to anything that exists, and unfortunately just because it doesn’t include as many housing dollars as some would like, doesn’t make it a bad deal, it is in fact the best deal in the history of these franchises, present both in the documents and the lease, to come forward. Many folks are entitled to their opinion but the reality of the facts in comparison this is the best community benefits agree for any team across the country.
Mark: Your fellow legislator, Megan Marshall said “To place $2 billion in taxes on the ballot without legally binding agreements from both teams — which would ensure if the ballot measure passes, taxpayers actually receive what they voted for — goes beyond mere good faith,” Marshall said. “It is irresponsible.” The Jackson County Legislature wanted to put this on the ballot even before having a signed lease agreement or having details of the final Royals Stadium location was announced, why was this issued rushed so quickly?
Manny Abarca: It wasn’t rushed. It was started two and a half years ago, with a Country Executive who obfuscated his duties, and refused to actually hear out details of plans that whether he like them or not was something that should have been brought to the legislature. On top of that Legislator Marshall herself criticized the process of transparency, while being absent in the process for understanding, and so the reality now that she says no details were defined, she chose not be a part of those conversations, she chose not to be a part of the negotiating team, and is criticizing the very process that she chose to be absent from. So I think it is a little laughable to sit on your hands and say you can’t get up.
Mark: When the Kansas City Royals announced that they wanted to build their new Stadium in the East Crossroads Arts District it came as a big surprise to many voters and residents of that neighborhood. The Royals had earlier suggested the location the East Village where the old Greyhound Bus Station was located, an area of mostly vacant lots that would only force one business to move and would only negatively effect 3 businesses in this East Village location. But at the last minute the KC Royals announce a plan to build in the heart of the east Crossroads Arts District that would force the removal or closing of 27 small business, and negatively effect 40 additional businesses in the East Crossroads Arts District. Why make this change in location? How do you justify this to your constituents in neighborhood?
Manny Abarca: Sure, I mean I think it’s kind of misconstrued of the approach, because East Village would have impacted actually more residents that are actually living on the site of the location both the insulary potential development that was suggested there, going as far as Troost, impacting a lot more of the organizations that have an impact on reducing homelessness, but also low-income housing that are literally on the side of East Village. In addition to that there are several businesses, several non-profits, that also within that footprint west of Troost that would have also been impacted. So East Village wasn’t even in fact the most ideal location in displacement either. And as to who kind of drove the suggestion to move the location to the Crossroads, I think you have to look at City Hall for that answer, because the reality of that change happened faster than I realized, and what I’m gathering from the justification as to why, including the completion of those city parks, the reduction of debt obligations for city obligation in exchange for these templates, that all comes from City Hall, not from the county. So I mean obviously the team ownership group makes that decision, but if your are looking to curry favor from those that you need at City Hall, I would look at that top floor, and ask that question to them.
Mark: Did the Jackson County Legislature and KC Royals underestimate the citizens in Kansas City? I mean Kansas City Royals have recently doubled and tripled, I think they have put three million dollars into this campaign, they have been adding another million every week. Did they under estimate the opposition to this?
Manny Abarca: I won’t speak on behalf of the Royals organization by any means, but the point of this entire election, one of the reasons why I chose to put it on the ballot, in a unique election, by itself, was to get this focused level of attention here, and so the opposition campaign has undoubtedly come out with a lot of unfortunate misinformation, and it’s trying to counter that narrative, that has been so costly. The reality that the teams have contributed millions of dollars to this effort I think goes to show that there is further investment interest in staying here in Kansas City because if the teams truly didn’t care, they wouldn’t be investing this amount of money in trying to win this election.
Mark: KC Royals have hired former Mayor Sly James to go on TV to sell the yes vote. They have hired the same political consulting company AXIOM Strategies, owned by Jeff Roe a conservative Republican. Axiom is the same campaign team who worked for Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Governor Ron Desantis in his presidential campaign. Even before the vote on Tuesday, It appears that KC Royals have successfully divided the Kansas City Progressive and Democratic communities. Do you see that?
Manny Abarca: I think that is an equal allocation there, as it pertains to kind of whipping up the response of the progressive base here, you don’t get any more progressive than me on the Jackson County Legislature. The reality that Remington was actually the group that is used, as a subsidiary of AXIOM, it’s used on every major city election, and every major poll, unfortunately, within our city. That is a product of what happens, not what we would like to see. I would strongly welcome a progressive statistician to show up and start creating polls, and think that is why you would see a use in a different area. When it comes to the progressive bases, you have seen a lot of progressive folks come out in opposition to this, but the reality and the brass tacks of these agreements, there is a labor agreement set in place, there are community protections set in place, that are all binding documents, they are all public, and if you want the documents you need to ask the Chair of the Legislature, who is a Republican, by the way, to share those documents. I can’t personally do it myself. And so these ideas of splitting the base, this is a city wide issue that is non-partisan, Republican or Democrat, this is a matter of whether or not we want to keep these teams in Jackson County or not, making an investment in our future as a community with these teams or not. That’s as simple as this is. It’s not partisan.
Mark: I know Jackson County is a very Democratic county. A lot of times people won’t even run on the other side of the political spectrum. That is why I’m concerned about the progressive base of this county being divided by this particular issue and by the Royals. What if the vote comes back “No” what if the results of the election on Tuesday come back “No.” What happens then?
Manny Abarca: I think you get what you pay for. You said no, and the tax will end in 2030, and the teams will be gone before then, I think undoubtedly. And that’s not a product of a fear factor as much as a business. You should also question why Walmart picks up and leaves after their tax incentive runs out, it’s the same mentality here. This is unfortunately the corporate welfare that folks are looking to see all a myriad of businesses here. It is a product of nature of these businesses here. So if you don’t think the teams are going to leave, that’s fine, but when they leave, look in the mirror and blame yourself for not making that level of investment. That is a personal choice, and again, the main reason what we put this on the ballot for folks to vote on.
Mark: Thank you so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with us on the radio today.
Manny Abarca: No problem
Mark: Manny Abarca, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Manny Abarca: Thanks for having me.
Mark: Manny Abarca IV represents the 1st District, th area where the KC Royals want to build a their new Stadium. Manny currently serves as the Treasurer of the Kansas City Public School Board and the Jackson County Democratic Committee. He is also currently serving Congressman Emanuel Cleaver as his Deputy District Director. He also represents the 12th Ward on the Jackson County Democratic Committee
Mark: Manny Abarca IV represents the 1st District, th area where the KC Royals want to build a their new Stadium. Manny currently serves as the Treasurer of the Kansas City Public School Board and the Jackson County Democratic Committee. He is also currently serving Congressman Emanuel Cleaver as his Deputy District Director. He also represents the 12th Ward on the Jackson County Democratic Committee
Coming up we talk with members of the Rural Grit who have been working to help defeat the April 1 Vote Yes Campaign, but first…
Mikal Shapiro & The Musical – “The Distance of Elements” from: Kansas City Syzygy / Kansas City Syzygy / July 17, 2020 [Kansas City Syzygy was a glimpse into the music created in the middle of the map in the middle of a pandemic. Mastered by J Ashley Miller, designed by JC Franco, with compilation direction by Robert Castillo. Over 25 Kansas City-based musicians came together to create “Kansas City Syzygy,” a compilation of music created during the shutdown of the world in April of 2020. From this amazing compilation on WMM we played 8 brand new original songs from: Miki P, Trevor Turla, Kemet Coleman, Calvin Arsenia, We The People, Rob Rice & The Devils Threesome, Johnny Hamil & Jeff Harshbarger as part of the GAV7D Project, and The Musical. The album can be purchased from Bandcamp. All proceeds will be donated to KC Tenants, a local nonprofit organized to ensure that everyone in KC has a safe, accessible, and truly affordable home. // The Musical is Mikal Shapiro, on vocals & guitar, Chad Brothers on vocals & guitar, Johnny Hamil on bass, and Matt Richey on drums. Recorded separately and with social distancing. // Artist, Singer & Songwriter, Mikal Shapiro was our guest live in the studio on March 3, 2008. She has been one of our most frequent guests appearing on our recent 1000th show. // Mikal studied Film History, Film, & Writing at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. She received her MFA in Film/Video/New Media/ Animation from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2012. Artist, filmmaker, puppeteer, ring-leader, Mikal Shapiro is a KC songwriter whose musical influences span popular songs, psych rock, lounge, classic country and old time spirituals. A third generation storyteller, she draws inspiration from her travels, love life, and the state of the Union. She has toured extensively across the United States and has recorded 5 critically acclaimed albums. Mikal also performs with Shapiro Brothers, and Monta At Odds. Mikal was the original co-host and co-creator of River Trade Radio. She is also the creator and co-host of Siren Song, Saturdays at 11:00 AM on 90.1 FM KKFI KC Community Radio. Mikal also serves as Coordinator of Kansas City Folk Fest. Mikal Shapiro is founder of State City Films creating documentary and experimental filmmaking practices.// Mikal Shapiro released her critically acclaimed album The Musical II on May 26, 2018 which included “Everybody’s Baby” her pop song she wrote that got a lot of radio play, but all the songs on The Musical 11 are great. The Musical is Mikal Shapiro, on vocals & guitar, Chad Brothers on vocals & guitar, Johnny Hamil on bass, and Matt Richey on drums. Recorded separately and with social distancing. The Musical II is the sequel to Shapiro’s 2015 concept album, “The Musical.” Along with Mikal Shapiro, Chad Brothers, Johnny Hamil and Matt Richey, special guests include: Hermon Mehari on trumpet, Tina Bilberry on viola & violin, Damon Parker on keyboards, and Lauren Hughes on vocals. Engineered and co-produced by Joel Nanos at Element Recording & Mastering Studios. KC Star and Tim Finn declared her album “The Musical” to be one of his top five releases of 2015.// Mikal Shapiro’s recording The Crow, The Lark & The Loon, released in 2008 made our list of The 100 Best Recordings of 2008.]
[Mikal Shapiro plays recordBar, at 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, Tonight Wednesday, March 27, at 6:00pm, Rural Grit presents “The Great Big Know Show” with Bob Walkenhorst, Gerald Trimble & Jambaroque, Cody Wyoming Deal, Havilah & Rich Hill, Starhaven Rounders, MIkal Shapiro & The Musical, Steddy P, The Uncouth, Kadesh Flow, Freight Train Rabbit Killer & Multiple Guest Speakers.]
Disclaimer: The views and opinions of this program are those of its hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of 90.1 FM KKFI, The MidCoat Radio Project, or its Staff and volunteers.
11:13 – Interview with Kim Stanton and Kristopher Bruders of Rural Grit
Kim Stanton, is a teacher by trade. She returned to the midwest in 1996 and began providing support to one of her good friends’ band, Trouble In Mind. Through this work, she began helping to foster the making of the foundation of Rural Grit and by extension the Rural Grit Happy Hour produced for the past 20 years every Monday night at The Brick, 1727 McGee St. KCMO in the east Crossroads Arts District. Coming from a theatre background, Kim had an understanding of putting on a show and stage management. She curates the Rural Grit Happy Hour show each week.
Kristopher Bruders is a singer, songwriter, band leader, husband, father and event organizer. Many Kansas City music fans know Kristopher Bruders for his work with band, Cadillac Flambé with vocalist and keyboardist, Havilah Bruders. Kristopher Bruders has also released music as a solo artist and with his newer bands Copper Threading and Gascan. Kristopher Bruders is also one half of Freight Train Rabbit Killer with Mark Smeltzer. Freight Train Rabbit Killer released their album, HAMMER OF JUDGEMENT on April 30, 2022 on vinyl from Haymaker Records.
For the past three week Kim Stanton & Kris Bruders of Rural Grit at The Brick have devoted their stage each Monday to opposing Question 1. They’ve invited local leaders to speak to the audience. Multiple musicians have contributed verses to Kris Bruders “A Living Breathing Folk Song.” // On Wednesday, March 27, at 6:00pm, Rural Grit presents “The Great Big Know Show” at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Bob Walkenhorst, Gerald Trimble & Jambaroque, Cody Wyoming Deal, Havilah & Rich Hill, Starhaven Rounders, The Musical, Steddy P, The Uncouth, Kadesh Flow, Freight Train Rabbit Killer & Guest Speakers. // Rural Grit also announce a Rally on Monday, April 1, 4:00pm at Ilus Davis Park. Following the Rally the assembly will march to The Brick, 1727 McGee, for the final Rural Grit Happy Hour Vote No Show.
Kim Stanton and Kristopher Bruders thanks for being with us again on WMM.
RURAL GRIT HAPPY HOUR PRESS RELEASE AND CALL FOR ACTION:
Rural Grit announces its formal opposition to Question 1 on the April 2, 2024 special election ballot. The ballot measure proposes a 3/8 cent sales tax to fund stadium construction and maintenance for The Kansas City Royals Baseball Club, LLC. The Royals’ East Crossroads site selection threatens Rural Grit’s continued existence. We accordingly oppose Question 1 and encourage our members to vote no on April 2nd.
Rural Grit is an unincorporated, non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of roots, Americana, and folk music throughout Kansas City. We have hosted the Rural Grit Happy Hour every Monday for 25 years, and more than 10,000 musicians have played more than 30,000 times on our stage, from living-room hobbyists to national acts. Our organization has also generated millions of dollars in local economic activity. We were instrumental in bringing Folk Alliance International to Kansas City. FAI’s annual music conference brings musicians to Kansas City from around the world, providing a significant economic impact to the area. We are proud to have helped make our city the international center of folk and traditional music, making Kansas City thrive both artistically and economically.
The Brick, located in East Crossroads, is our home. The construction site and the new stadium will be at our front door, and most of the roadways leading to The Brick will close permanently. If it survives construction, property taxes and demographic changes will challenge The Brick to stay open. For the Happy Hour, we need The Brick’s dedicated PA system, a food menu that low-income artists can afford, an owner willing to host us every Monday, and a central location downtown. Our home is here. If we lose The Brick, we lose the Rural Grit Happy Hour.
WHAT WE ARE DOING – Rural Grit Happy Hour and The Brick will devote our stage each Monday for the next four weeks to opposing Question 1. We are inviting all of our local leaders to join us, speak with us, and listen to our music. We are inviting representatives from both the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs to join us also to see how important our community is to the city. We are also inviting our local journalists to the Happy Hour.
The official campaign committee opposing Question 1, Royals Nation Against New Stadium Taxation, will also join us at the Happy Hour. They will have yard signs available, information on how to donate time and money, and will be on hand to answer questions.
Several of our musicians have also written a community song. Musicians from around the city continue to write verses, creating a collective message to our friends, our leaders, the teams, and the community at large. We are doing what we know, spreading our message through music.
WHAT YOU CAN DO – First, please share our message. Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. We are “ruralgrit816” across all platforms. Share our social media posts, and place your privacy setting to “public” so your friends can re-share our message. We do not have a television budget, and as a grassroots organization, we rely on grassroots messaging. Please be our voice.
A representative will be at the Happy Hour to help sign you up, or you may volunteer through their website, http://alltaxedout.com/.
Rural Grit Happy Hour continues the opposition each Monday until the April 2nd election. Bring an instrument, bring a song, or just listen and support us. Let’s show our leaders how much support we have. Let’s overflow The Brick and sing on the sidewalk. We don’t have money, but we have numbers. Show up and support us.
Fourth, contribute to our community song by following our Facebook Page “A Living Breathing Folk Song.” You may submit your lyrics on the “submit” pinned post or you may directly share your own audio or video recording to the page. We hope for support from all of the city’s musicians, all genres, from professionals like the Kansas City Symphony, famous local songwriters like Taylor Swift, to kids learning to write songs for the first time. Everyone’s support is welcome.
11:24
17. Kris Bruders – “A Living Breathing Folk Song” (Live)
11:27 – More interview with Kim Stanton & Kris Bruders
Kim Stanton & Kris Bruders of Rural Grit at The Brick who have devoted their stage each Monday to opposing Question 1. They’ve invited local leaders to speak to the audience. Multiple musicians have contributed to Kris Bruders “A Living Breathing Folk Song.”
Tonight on Wed, March 27, at 6:00pm, Rural Grit presents “The Great Big Know Show” at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Bob Walkenhorst, Gerald Trimble & Jambaroque, Cody Wyoming Deal, Havilah & Rich Hill, Starhaven Rounders, The Musical, Steddy P, The Uncouth, Kadesh Flow, Freight Train Rabbit Killer & Guest Speakers.
Kim Stanton and Kristopher Bruders thanks for being with us again on WMM.
Rural Grit also announce a Rally on Monday, April 1, 4:00pm at Ilus Davis Park. Following the Rally the assembly will march to The Brick, 1727 McGee, for the final Rural Grit Happy Hour Vote No Show.
A Living Breathing Folk Song Lyrics are updated daily.
“Hey pretty mama let’s go to Arkansas Yeah, we’re gonna have ourselves a ball Yeah, we’re gonna jump and twist and shout Yeah, have ourselves a time no doubt Let’s gooooo! Hey, big money, leave our home alone.” (Kris Bruders)
“Gonna hit the city, gonna shuffle and dance Drinkin’ and a laughin’ with the Rural Grit band. Gonna hit the city, gonna shuffle around But the City tyrnna tear my dance hall down. Let’s gooooo! Hey, big money, leave our home alone. Me and my people found a place to go Down in the Crossroads where they left us alone. Built us up a neighborhood with businesses and such Now, they’re swipin’ it from under us. Let’s gooooo! Hey, big money, leave our home alone. Going to the city where the people all hand You can hear the people talk and you can hear the people sing. Going to the city, for to get some rock and roll But the city grabbed a shovel and they’re diggin’ them a whole. Let’s gooooo! Hey, big money, leave our home alone. VOTE NO!” (Cody Wyoming)
“We gave you ⅜ in 2006 Still licking wounds of being bought on the fix Same lies and fears and they’re trying it again This time is different, let’s get on the right end. Let’s goooo! Hey Big Money, leave our home alone. Vote No!” (David Regnier)
“Billionaire borrowed my Cracker Jack Couple a peanuts were all I got back Man sure took me at the ol’ ball game Paid with my taxes all the same Let’s gooooo! Hey, big money, leave our home alone. Can’t root no more for the ole home Hard to root babe, while choking on the schemes If billionaires win, it’s a rotten shame We’re all striking out at the ole ball game Let’s gooooo! Hey, big money leave our home alone Came to a Crossroads already occupied Royals want a field of dreams subsidized Now we’re down to the ninth inning Game’s not over, we’re just beginning Let’s gooooo! Get out and VOTE NO! Hey, big money, leave our home alone. Not every royal deserves to be king Sometimes you miss when you swing Don’t play people like a bad note Know what to do? Get out and vote! Let’s gooooo! Hey, big money, leave our home alone.” (Pete Dulin)
“Hey big money, leave us alone. Don’t be messing with our home. The place we built with our hard earned tax. Any many a time filled to the max Let’s gooooo! Hey, big money, leave our home alone. Vote no! Went to the games many a time. The weather, the crowds were so sublime. Peanut and hot dogs were the fare. Just something magical in the air. Let’s gooooo! Hey big money, leave us alone. Don’t be messing with our home. Vote no!” (John Fry Sr)
“Life is short – not too long Take time today to share a song Dance like time has no end Be good to each other my friend Be good to each other my friend” (Mark O’Renick)
“Big money don’t spend, oddly enough A penny for your dollar and tuff luck stuff Streets don’t work and your friends are broke They can’t live in the town, big money woke Let’s goooo. You are ruining our city man Hey big money, leave our home alone.” (Tony LaCroix)
“See here see here come face to face Your big money well it has no place Take it down the road with your fancy suit While we vote no to give you the boot.” (Heidi L Taylor)
“Think it’s Brett’s 390, no it’s Ken Harvey’s back. They were born on third base, we’re left holding the sack. It’s like Cone for Hearns, maybe Chris Stynes too. Never say it can’t get worse, it’s what the Royals do. Let’s goooo! (VOTE NO!) Hey big money, leave our home alone. Both Hunt and Sherman think they’re gonna win Fueling up the doers with big fat grins We’re pounding tequila not cookies and mile To stop them at the ballot box before we get bilked. Let’s gooooo (Nobody likes getting bilked you know) Hey big money, leave our home alone. Like Hosmer’s mad dash they are touching our home But we have words, guitars and a microphone. So, we’ll stand on the stage and sing this song loud If you leave us alone, we’ll stay royal proud. Let’s goooo! (We love the Royals and you know!!!!) Hey big money, leave our home alone. “ (Rick Johnson)
“MD said it musta been a bad batch Bored fat cats just had an itch to scratch Countin their money at the company store Pavin their way right over the poor. The green dirt’s gonna get washed away The saloon and the pairing aren’t able to stay The say it’ll work if you walk real far We’re drivin in circles tryna park the car Back home they’re bringin out the wrecking ball Their friends’ll get gigs in the parking lot Taylor’s comin in through the VIP Didn’t get an entrance for you and me.” (Jeremy Clark)
“Sherman drove the franchise down They lost a hundred and six games Ewing Kauffman must be rolling in his grave.” (Scott Hrabko)
“A billionaire owner makes a pitch Give me your money ’cause I’ve got an itch To build a stadium for my team ‘Cause making money’s the American dream Meanwhile we’re here digging the ditch Trying to keep up when life’s a bitch It’s different for us, so it seems Taking care of family’s the American dream We’re at a Crossroads Which way do we go? Crossroads – go vote no Give me some peanuts and cracker jacks Just don’t get rich on my back Do your part and I’ll do mine The American dream is when we all do We’re at a Crossroads Which way do we go? Crossroads – go vote no Get up folks join the show It’s game time baby – go vote no” (Mark O’Renick)
“The KC Crossroads is a place that’s well known For the music and the art and it’s all home-grown But now Big Money is coming around And wants to buy it up but it’s OUR HOMETOWN Let’s Go! Vote No! Hey big money, leave my city alone!” (Cee Dee Vee)
“I’m tryna buy a camper with my limited funds To have a place to work and a little bit of fun Yeah, I’m gonna write and I’m gonna sing Yeah, I’m gonna do it on a tiny shoestring. Let’s go! Vote, no! Hey big money, leave our home alone. I got a can o’beans and a lil’ bit of rice Gonna cook up a dinner but it’s still a fat price Cause they locked up the food, didn’t give us a key And I can barely feed my daddy and me. Let’s go! Vote, no! Hey big money, leave our home alone! The sun’s shinin’ down but I’m feeling royal blue ‘Cause my home team screwed me and I dunno what to do But watch who rises like the cream to the top The movers ‘n the shakers and the artists of the block. Let’s go! Vote, no! Hey big money, leave our home alone! Now gather round children, let me tell you a tale About the billionaires fall, and how they all went to jail Because we called him on their BS and they were running scared Now they’re eat’ cold beans from a crowded old can. Let’s go! We voted, no! (That’s not the American way you know) We told ya, big money, leave our home alone.” (Kasey Rausch)
“When I need a pick me up I have one place that I go To hear a little music down in the crossroads Not the kind you hear on that pop radio But the music of my friends that’s got heart and soul Let’s go! Vote no!” (Kristin Hamilton)
“Mayor Quinton Lucas, he’s nothing but a coward He won’t address the culture that will all be devoured By the billionaire investors who’ll park in helicopters Time to vote no and send Sherman to the showers” (Jason Beers) “Bully takes his right hand Smacks it down on the little poor man Feel the weight of that pinky ring Sentiment don’t mean a damn thing Let’s goooo! Vote NO!! April 2 Hey big money, leave our city alone. You’re not blessing this great city By tearing down part of its history Move to the west move to the east No more tax to leave our home in one piece. Let’s goooo! Vote NO! Hey big money, leave our city alone.” (Dave Duly)
“Kauffman is where we experienced our dreams. With kids and friends and families. Denny calling plays about Frank White. Along the journey colored by Fred White. George hit the ball like few before, hustled round the bases and evened the score (pine tar and all). With passion for the “K” he built the home. Bridge named after him many families have strolled. Everyone agrees he was one of the great. And in the end he even kissed the home plate. Buddy Biancalana played short in the games of his life. Helpin’ win the Series in ’85. Hosmer, Moose, Perez, and the great Wade Davis, reminded us the “K” is one of those special places Where tailgating with the family was a place one wanted to be. Creating those special memories. Now they want to take it away, in the name of big money Wanna Be’s Interrupting a special synergy. Disrupting a neighborhood built from the ground Where art of all kinds became a place to hang out. The “K” is the fourth oldest stadium in the MLB Abandoning a place of KC history. Ewing & Muriel will be rolling in their graves If big money takes their icon away.” (Greg Neubauer)
“All these people coming around, From outside the limits of this part of town, Enjoying the culture of this place, Could be torn down to play first base, Let’s go Hey big money leave our city alone A billionaire huckster & a mayor Throw some pixie dust in the air In the name of commerce for the future days , To be torn down to play 3rd base Let’s go Hey big money, leave our city alone.” (Chris Hudson)
“Turned on the tube and what did I see? Six billionaires lookin back at me. Said as they smiled through a million dollar grin “We’re here to bring life to the Crossroads again!” While we appreciate what you’ve done We’re here to save the Crossroads, Son. We know what’s best to make it grow, So just step back and watch us go. I said “What?”. Just wait a damn minute. Hell no! No thanks Buddy, we’re doing just fine. You can Put your plans where the sun don’t shine. We were here first, we’re here to stay. We got some Hillbilly music to play. Don’t bet against the common man. We’re liable to mess with your billion dollar plan. As a tribe we’ve still got plenty of clout, So Don’t let the door hit your butt on your way out. Hell no. We won’t go. Hey Big Money leave our Home alone!” (Leo Eilts)
“Progress come and progress go Ever’thing changes in the ebb and flow All we want is to keep our home Down in the ol’ Crossroads Hey, Hey! Let’s Go! Big Money leave our home alone! Somebody tol’ me “Freedom ain’t free!” but, Ain’t our money should hafta buy your scheme! We already got our ‘Field of Dreams’ Its the art in the ol’ Crossroads that is our dreams Hey, Hey! Vote No! Big Money leave our home alone! Business men come and business men go An’ ever’ time it come, seems to steal our soul Remember, my friend, “all that glitters ain’t gold!” When they tear down the ol’ Crossroads!” (Douglas Ward)
“You tell us your intentions, all the good things that you’ll bring Gonna revitalize the city – details available next spring Demolition and displacement are part of progress so they say It’ll be pretty as a picture, if you get your way Let’s go! Vote No! Hey, big money, leave our home alone. (You’ve got) Few financial details, how about a CBA? (You’ve got) Lots of intangibles and you’re wanting us to pay Trust you with our money, never mind the cost Gold plate the city, never mind what’s lost Let’s go! Vote no! Hey, big money, leave our home alone.” (Susan Hodges) “You’re piling on the lies just to get your way/you’re gonna take it all and make us pay/you’re handing us the match for our own funeral pyre/ but It’s just shining on the truth—you’re a goddamn liar.” (Val Tankard) “He may sweeten it with honey but there’s poison in his money.” (Val Tankard)
“You can kick your balls up in the air you can hit them with a bat and I don’t care You can play with your little balls in your house Don’t tear down mine to get your ya ya’s out Let’s Goooooo Hey big money leave my home alone There’ a bouncing ball on the words I sing We all join in and let the truth ring The truth we sing will be heard Cuz the little man has the final word Let’s Goooooo Hey big money leave my home alone” (Mark McGonigle)
“Rich mofos buying everything up. All you care about is making bucks. Your plan is stupid. Selfish to the core. We barely get by and you wanna take more. Let’s go. Oh no. Hey big money leave the city alone. The billionaires think they get to decide. They are all criminals in disguise. Capitalism in our face. Sherman Stay the fuck away from our space.” (Don Dawn)
Kim Stanton and Kristopher Bruders thanks for being with us again on WMM.
Tonight on Wed, March 27, at 6:00pm, Rural Grit presents “The Great Big Know Show” at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Bob Walkenhorst, Gerald Trimble & Jambaroque, Cody Wyoming Deal, Havilah & Rich Hill, Starhaven Rounders, The Musical, Steddy P, The Uncouth, Kadesh Flow, Freight Train Rabbit Killer & Guest Speakers.
Rural Grit announced a Rally on Mon, April 1, 4pm at Ilus Davis Park. After Rally folks will march to The Brick, 1727 McGee, for s final Rural Grit Happy Hour Vote No Show.
11:30
18. Steddy P – “Won’t Lay Down” from: Style Like Mine / Indyground Entertainment / September 11, 2009 [It’s no secret in the Show Me State, that oddly familiar eyeball tag in the alley, in the venue, green room, light pole and usual suspect area where maybe a bomber climb the pole for the highest point, that’s what is truly from here to fame and of the culture, something fought for, forever. Fathom the leap of faith, fright of flight only to be late to the fight, that’s our culture, that’s 2022, sans Pandemic. // The Indyground eyeball represents one of the most progressive and relevant Hip Hop labels and culture movements ever to come out of Missouri, by way of the point guard, patient progressive prototype and proud parent, Steddy P, of Indyground Entertainment. // The original self-proclaimed OG Gonzo Rapper is armed with one of the livest progressively rooted rap shows in the business, offering his latest album, SOS: Toxic from the Indyground label.]
[Steddy P plays recordBar, at 1520 Grand Blvd, KCMO, Tonight Wednesday, March 27, at 6:00pm, Rural Grit presents “The Great Big Know Show” with Bob Walkenhorst, Gerald Trimble & Jambaroque, Cody Wyoming Deal, Havilah & Rich Hill, Starhaven Rounders, MIkal Shapiro & The Musical, Steddy P, The Uncouth, Kadesh Flow, Freight Train Rabbit Killer & Multiple Guest Speakers.]
11:33 – Underwriting
11:35
11:35
The Whitney Tones – “Surely” from: Gospel Greats Concert Masters Live / unknown / unknown
[I’m So Glad will have a special screening and Q & A, on Saturday, April 6, at 4:00pm at The Englewood Arts Center, 10901 E Winner Road, Independence, MO.
11:36 – Interview with Paul Wenske, Nancy Meis, Chris Wenske, & Isaac S. Cates
Paul Wenske, is a former national correspondent & investigative reporter for The KC Star. Nancy Meis, is a former content marketing, creative industries and arts manager. Chris Wenske, a University of Kansas graduate, who works as a videographer and editor, who is also a singer, songwriter, guitarist currently living in Los Angeles California.
Paul Wenske, Nancy Meis, Chris Wenske, thanks for being with us on WMM.
For more than 10 years, this three-person family collaborative, known as Electric Prairie Productions, with Paul as writer and director, Nancy as producer, and Chris as videographer and lead editor, have gone to historically Black churches to film amazing gospel music for their new documentary film, “I’m So Glad. The film that explores the untold story of Black Gospel Music in Kansas City and the roots of Black Gospel Music narrated by internationally recognized gospel music conductor Isaac S. Cates.
Isaac Cates is an award-winning musician, singer-songwriter, composer, conductor, producer and Recording Academy member. He is conductor of the popular Kansas City gospel choir, Ordained. He frequently travels overseas to present gospel music concerts and direct gospel music workshops. He is Director of Music Outreach and Worship Leader at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood.
Isaac Cates, thanks for being with us on WMM.
The film will have a special screening and Q & A, on Saturday, April 6, at 4:00pm at The Englewood Arts Center, 10901 E Winner Road, Independence, MO.
We just heard The Whitney Tones with the track “Surely.”
More than 200 performers (whether in choirs, quartets or solos) at 16 churches have been recorded for their new documentary film, “I’m So Glad.”
“I’m So Glad” that explores the untold story of Black Gospel Music in Kansas City and the roots of Black Gospel Music
Many advisors and experts have assisted with this film and more than 100 interviews have been filmed with Black studies professors, archivists, historians, pastors, choral directors, performers, musicologists, and authors.
Film Synopsis: Kansas City is known for its jazz and blues. But the same forces that shaped those American art forms also led to the development of Black Gospel music.
Our region’s gospel blues have a rich but largely overlooked history. In fact, historians say gospel music may be the best window through which to view the development of the Black community in and around Kansas City, MO, and its roots in pre-Civil War Kansas.
11:43
Genetter Bradley and The Bradley Singlers – “Right Direction” from: Moving in the Right Direction / Recom Records /1 974 [Sister Genetter Bradley’s life activities include but are not limited to: She toured with such groups as the Staple Singers, The Caravans and many more. Sang and helped “The Kansas City Melody-Aires land their first recording contract with Simco Records and then Peacock Records. She performed at the Famed Apollo Theatre in New Your City in 1966. In 1974 she was introduced to Recom Records by Shirley Caesar and recorded her first Album titled “Moving in the Right Direction” with her own group “Genetter Bradley and the Bradley Singers”. Lead singer with the “Wings of Grace” in 1982.]
[I’m So Glad will have a special screening and Q & A, on Saturday, April 6, at 4:00pm at The Englewood Arts Center, 10901 E Winner Road, Independence, MO.
11:44 – Interview with Paul Wenske, Nancy Meis, Chris Wenske, & Isaac S. Cates
For more than 10 years, this three-person family collaborative, known as Electric Prairie Productions, with Paul as writer and director, Nancy as producer, and Chris as videographer and lead editor, have gone to historically Black churches to film amazing gospel music for their new documentary film, “I’m So Glad. The film that explores the untold story of Black Gospel Music in Kansas City and the roots of Black Gospel Music narrated by internationally recognized gospel music conductor Isaac S. Cates.
Isaac Cates is an award-winning musician, singer-songwriter, composer, conductor, producer and Recording Academy member. He is conductor of the popular Kansas City gospel choir, Ordained. He frequently travels overseas to present gospel music concerts and direct gospel music workshops. He is Director of Music Outreach and Worship Leader at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood.
Paul Wenske, Nancy Meis, Chris Wenske, & Isaac S. Cates thanks for being on WMM.
Issac Cates brought his own vast experience to this project.
10 years in the making. The film explores this rich legacy: featuring the music and the stories of the region’s pioneering greats.
Interviews with historians and scholars reveal a musical and cultural history never presented before. The film shows how the region’s gospel legends played key roles in developing gospel music nationally and helped introduce African American musical traditions into the nation’s mainstream culture.
Paul Wenske, Nancy Meiss, Chris Wenske you are a musical family. Paul Wenske, Nancy Meiss, are also regular performers at the Rural Grit happy Hour at The Brick. Chris Wenske, is currently working on a new recording project in Los Angeles
Paul Wenske, Nancy Meis, Chris Wenske, & Isaac S. Cates, Thanks for being on WMM.
“I’m So Glad” will have a special screening and Q & A, on Saturday, April 6, at 4:00pm at The Englewood Arts Center, 10901 E Winner Road, Independence, MO.
11:54
Ivory Blue – “Flashback” from: “Flashback” – Single / IVORY BLUE / March 15, 2024 [IVORY BLUE released their second full length album, STARLIT LOVE CHILD, on November 17, 2023. The 10-track album was in the top five of Wednesday MidDay Medley’s 120 Best Recordings of 2023, and in the “Best of” lists at 90.9 The Bridge and other radio stations around the world. For STARLIT LOVE CHILD, IVORY BLUE served as songwriter, producer, and vocalist. // IVORY BLUE released the single “Howl” on February 16, 2024. // On October 27, 2023 IVORY BLUE released the sIngle “Ghost of Life.” This single followed IVORY’s previous releases,”In A World Like This” from September 22, 2023, ”The Best of Life” from August 4, 2023 and “Control” from May 26, 2023. IVORY released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. IVORY BLUE released their full length debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. COMPOUND LOVE was in the Top Ten 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. Nick Poortman served in mixing, with Kurt Festge who also served in mixing & Mastering. 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. In 2017 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 Crossroads Music Festival, The Middle of the Map Festival, The Westport Roots Festival, the KCPT Screening of “Real Boy” at The Kansas City Public Library, and 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. During the past 10 years Ivory came out as “Non-Binary Transgender”. // 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. In 2011, Ivory settled in Kansas City, MO and quickly began attracting an intense regional following for their strong vocals and incisive, deeply personal lyrics. // By 2013, IVORY BLUE was playing regularly in and around Kansas City and the first EP ‘Ready Get Set’ was released. in 2015. IVORY BLUE released the video of “Family Table” directed by Mikal Shapiro, on August 21, 2021 and the audio track was released on September 7, 2021. 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 released their debut album COMPOUND LOVE on February 25, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Red Light” on July 29, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “Starlit Love Child” on October 28, 2022. IVORY BLUE released the single “All Outta Love” on February 24, 2023. More info at: https://linktr.ee/ivorybluemusic%5D [Ivory Blue was our guest on WMM on: March 8, 2023, June 7, 2023, our 1000th show on June 28, 2023, and September 27, 2023.]
[IVORY BLUE plays The Rino, 314 Armour Rd, North Kansas City, on Thursday, March 28, at 8:00PM with Lady Revel, and Keelon Vann]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
On Friday, March 29 on MidCoast LIVE! At Noon, Mark will welcome Cody Wyoming, Mark Smeltzer, and Kris Bruders who will play a LIVE 60 minute concert in our 90.1 FM Studios.
Next week on Wednesday, April 3 we welcome special guests: Claire Adams who has a new EP called WORDS OF LOVE coming out on April 2, Claire Adams plays The Gospel Lounge at Knuckleheads on Sunday, April 14 with Jackie Myers and Fritz Hutchison. // also next week we’ll talk with Albert Racanati who records as ALBER about his new release and work with Charlotte Street. // And we’ll welcome Rick Truman – Executive Director at The Folly Theatre. // AND ALSO Sondra Freeman and Michelle Bacon will be here, to talk about MidWest Music Foundation’s Mental Health Care for Musicians Donation Drive, Saturday, April 6 at The Ship, 1221 Union Ave, KCMO West Bottoms with a 6:00 Dinner Show with Cowtown Country Club and a 10:00 Evening Show with Friendly Thieves Paris Williams, SirQueen and Goomer Green. More info: https://midwestmusicfoundation.org
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Jackson County Legislator, Manuel Abarca + Rural Grit All Stars: Kim Stanton & Kris Bruders discuss KC Royals Stadium in Crossroads Arts District + Paul Wenske & Nancy Meis share “I’m So Glad”
Mark spins more New & MidCoastal Releases from: Doubledrag, Akkilles, Bon Monarchs, IVORY BLUE, Making Movies, Julia Haile, Trevor Turla, Steddy P., Mikal Shapiro & The Musical, Bolis Pupul, Leyla McCalla, Gossip, Ibibio Sound Machine, Gary Clark Jr. with Stevie Wonder, Valerie June, Mary Timony, and French Cassettes.
At 11:00am we’ll present two perspectives of the April 2, Jackson County Vote to decide whether to fund a new 3/8ths cent sales tax, for the next 40 years for The KC Royals and KC Chiefs. The Royals have made a last minute proposal to build a new stadium in the heart of the East Crossroads Arts District that would force the removal or closing of 27 small business, and negatively effect 40 additional small businesses including many of KC’s most influential music venues including: recordBar, The Truman, The Brick, Chartreuse Saloon, The Pairing, and others.
Mark will talk with Manuel Abarca IV, 1st District Legislator of the Jackson County Legislature. Abarca was one of seven legislators who voted to override County Executive Frank White’s veto just 24 hours before the deadline to finalize the April ballot. Abarca says the agreement includes funding for affordable housing, workforce training inclusion, and support for minority businesses, and the Kansas City Public Schools District will not lose any revenues.
We’ll talk with Kim Stanton & Kris Bruders of Rural Grit at The Brick who have devoted their stage each Monday to opposing Question 1. They’ve invited local leaders to speak to the audience. Multiple musicians have contributed verses to Kris Bruders “A Living Breathing Folk Song.” // On Wednesday, March 27, at 6:00pm, Rural Grit presents “The Great Big Know Show” at recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd, with Bob Walkenhorst, Gerald Trimble & Jambaroque, Cody Wyoming Deal, Havilah & Rich Hill, Starhaven Rounders, The Musical, Steddy P, The Uncouth, Kadesh Flow, Freight Train Rabbit Killer & Guest Speakers. // Rural Grit also announce a Rally on Monday, April 1, 4:00pm at Ilus Davis Park. Following the Rally the assembly will march to The Brick, 1727 McGee, for the final Rural Grit Happy Hour Vote No Show.
At 11:30am musicians & filmmakers Paul Wenske & Nancy Meis share details about “I’m So Glad” their documentary film exploring the untold story of Black Gospel Music in Kansas City and the roots of Black Gospel Music narrated by internationally recognized gospel music conductor Isaac S. Cates. The film will have a special screening and Q & A, on Saturday, April 6, at 4:00pm at The Englewood Arts Center, 10901 E Winner Road, Independence, MO.
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
WMM Talks Radio w/ Sarah Bradshaw + Michael Byars + Chris Haghirian
“It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / Dec. 20, 1979 [WMM theme]
Joy Division – “Transmission” from: Permanent / Qwest Records and Warner Bros. / August 15, 1995 [Joy Division were an English rock band formed in Salford in 1976. The group consisted of vocalist, guitarist and lyricist Ian Curtis, guitarist/keyboardist Bernard Sumner, bassist Peter Hook and drummer Stephen Morris. // Permanent is a compilation album by English post-punk band Joy Division. It was released in the United Kingdom on May 8 1995 by London Records and in the United States on August 15, 1995 by Qwest Records and Warner Bros. Records. The album charted for three weeks and peaked at number 16 on the UK Albums Chart. // Permanent contains tracks from the band’s two studio albums, Unknown Pleasures and Closer, as well as other tracks previously released on the compilations Substance and Still. // Transmission” was originally recorded in 1978 for the band’s aborted self-titled album, it was later re-recorded the following year at a faster tempo and released by record label Factory as the band’s debut single. // “Transmission” was released on 7″ vinyl in October 1979 by record label Factory. It was re-released as a 12″ single with a different sleeve in December 1980. The single charted twice in New Zealand, debuting at number 2 in September 1981 and re-appearing again at number 24 in July 1984. // The song was performed once by the band on television, for the BBC Something Else programme. Twenty seconds of the song is shown in the movie Control (2007), directed by Anton Corbijn, a film based on the biography of Ian’s wife, Deborah Curtis’s Touching from a Distance. // Greil Marcus has a chapter on this song in his book The History of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Ten Songs. According to Marcus, “‘Transmission’ is not an argument. It’s a dramatization of the realization that the act of listening to the radio is a suicidal gesture. It will kill your mind. It will rob your soul.” Marcus also quotes the band’s bassist Peter Hook about the importance of this song: “We were doing a soundcheck at the Mayflower, in May, and we played ‘Transmission’: people had been moving around, and they all stopped to listen. I realized that was our first great song.” // In May 2007, NME magazine placed “Transmission” at number 20 in its list of the 50 “Greatest Indie Anthems Ever”, one place below “Love Will Tear Us Apart”. In 2016, Pitchfork placed “Transmission” at number 10 in its list of “The 200 Best Songs of the 1970s”. // “Transmission” has been covered by: Low (on its EP Transmission); Bauhaus (as well as by frontman Peter Murphy on his solo tours); Innerpartysystem; The Weather Station; Girl in a Coma; and Hot Chip on the 2009 War Child charity album Heroes. It was played by The Smashing Pumpkins on their Adore Tour in 1998, with performances of the song usually lasting from 15 to 25 minutes. It was also covered by the cast of Control, a biographical film about the life of Ian Curtis. In 2009, the song was covered by Russian post-punk group Последние танки в Париже as “Радиоволна”.]
10:04 – Interview with Sarah Bradshaw + Michael Byars + Chris Haghirian
Today, Wednesday MidDay Medley Talks Radio with Sarah Bradshaw of 90.9 The Bridge + Michael Byars of 89.3 KCUR + Chris Haghirian of Eight Oner Sixty on The Bridge.
We will spin songs about Radio from: Psychic Heat, Joy Division, Tito Larriva with Talking Heads, Nivea, Thundercat, Joni Mitchell, Wall of Voodoo, Regina Spektor, R.E.M., KRS-One, Molly O’Day & The Cumberland Mountain Folks, Donna Summer, and Eazy-E. We started with Joy Division and their song “Transmission.”
Plus, we welcome three voices of the radio free airwaves…
Sarah Bradshaw is 90.9 The Bridge‘s music coordinator and an on-air host evenings 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Sarah also hosts & produces “Recently Released” on Mondays at 8:00pm and co-hosts with Chris Haghirian for Eight One Sixty on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Sarah received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Broadcast Media from the University of Central Missouri in 2007. Sarah received her Masters in Mass Communications from the University of Central Missouri in 2010. Sarah is currently working on her PhD in Communications Studies at The University of Kansas. Sarah worked as a Speech Instructor of State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri. Sarah balances her academic work and extensive radio work with her husband Homer of 25 years and their 5-year old daughter Kezia. Sarah is an Air Force kid from way back with over twenty years in the Kansas City area, Sarah has been all around the world, but KC is her home. More info at: http://www.bridge909.org
Sarah Bradshaw thanks for being with us on Wednesday Midday Medley
Michael Byars graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1980. Michael has been associated with 89.3 KCUR ever since he first started volunteering for them in 1997. Michael also helped at other KCUR events such as the Great Record Sale I & II, the Ethnic Enrichment Festival, and both live broadcasts of “A Prairie Home Companion” from Starlight Theatre. His on-air career began in December 2000, as a part-time announcer during classical music. He later became KCUR’s Saturday afternoon announcer before being named full-time Morning Edition announcer in 2002. Michael also serves as KCUR’s Music Coordinator and performs various other duties, including occasionally getting to spin records as a fill-in host for “The Fish Fry,” the station’s long-running blues and soul program. Michael is proud to be a long-time supporter of the Midwest Music Foundation and the tireless work they do for the local music community. More info at: http://www.kcur.org
Michael Byars thanks for being with us on Wednesday Midday Medley
Chris Haghirian is host & Producer of Eight One Sixty, heard Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM, on 90.9 The Bridge. Chris worked for The KC Star for over 20 years and INK Magazine. Chris studied Journalism & Advertising at The University of Kansas. Chris also studied Photography at Kansas City Art Institute. Chris Haghirian currently works for Spray KC an organization that works to inspire people. From students in schools, to attendees of community festivals, to people driving by once blighted buildings, our goal is to give small glimpses of inspiration & joy to people through art around KC. Chris co-founded The Middle of The Map Fest, organizes multiple concert series, and coordinates talent on the music stages for Boulevardia, The Plaza Art Fair, Kauffman Stadium, The Chiefs, and The Innovation Fest, and others. More information at: http://www.spraykc.com
Chris Haghirian thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
All three of our guests have dedicated a huge part of their lives to radio.
Michael Byars, Kansas City radio listeners start their day with you, perhaps when their alarm clock wakes them or as they are driving to work.
Chris Haghirian is the Wizard behind the the OZ of Kansas City’s biggest music festivals, while working for The Star he co-founded the Middle of The Map Fest that brought Peter Hook and The Light to a Westport Parking Lot on a cloudy overcast Saturday night on April 25, 2015, where the band played from both of Joy Division’s two studio albums and from their singles, ending with Joy Divisions first single: “Transmission” followed by their last single: “Love Will Tear Us Apart” release a month after lead singer Ian Curtis’s suicide. Like many in print journalism, Chris has made the transition to Radio with his weekly show Eight One Sixty on The Bridge. Sarah Bradshaw is a frequent co-host and engineer for Chris on Eight One Sixty.
Before Eight One Sixty, Michael Byars and Chris Haghirian co-hosted a podcast featuring local Kansas City and Lawrence bands.
10:22
Joni Mitchell – “You Turn Me On I’m A Radio” from: For The Roses / Asylum / 1972 [“You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” is a song written and originally recorded by Canadian singer songwriter Joni Mitchell. It was released on her fifth studio album entitled For the Roses and was issued as a single as well. // Joni Mitchell originally wrote the song in response to her record label’s desire for her to write a hit song. Mitchell reveals her purpose on lines such as, “And I’m sending you out this signal here, I hope you can pick it up loud and clear”. She believed that including words in the song about radio themes would convince stations to play the recording. The song was recorded in preparation for Mitchell’s then-upcoming fifth studio album in Hollywood, California at A&M Studios. Although Graham Nash, David Crosby, and Neil Young all contributed to the recording session for the song, only the harmonica piece performed by Graham Nash was included on the official release. // “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” was released as a single in November 1972 via Asylum Records. The song became Mitchell’s first top-ten hit in Canada, reaching the tenth position on the RPM Top Singles chart. Additionally, the single became her first top-forty hit in the United States, reaching number twenty-five on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside North America, “You Turn Me On, I’m a Radio” peaked within the top forty on the Australian Kent Music Report chart.[6] The single was included on Mitchell’s fifth studio effort For the Roses, which was issued in November 1972. // For The Roses was released between her 2 biggest commercial and critical successes, “Blue” and “Court & Spark.” In 2007 it was one of 50 recordings chosen that year by the Library of Congress to be added to the National Recording Registry. “For the Roses” was Mitchell’s farewell to the business; she took an extended break for a year after. The album was critically acclaimed with The New York Times saying, “Each of Mitchell’s songs on For the Roses is a gem glistening with her elegant way with language, her pointed splashes of irony & her perfect shaping of images. Never does Mitchell voice a thought or feeling commonly. She’s a songwriter and singer of genius who can’t help but make us feel we are not alone.” A nude photograph of Joni Mitchell was included on the inside cover of the original LP and is included in the CD booklet. The photograph shows the singer from the rear & was taken from a considerable distance; she is shown standing on a rock and staring out at the ocean. This created some controversy at the time.]
Eazy-E – “Radio” from: Eazy-Duz-It / Ruthless Records / November 22, 1988 [Eric Lynn Wright (September 7, 1964 – March 26, 1995), known professionally as Eazy-E, was an American rapper who propelled West Coast rap and gangsta rap by leading the group N.W.A and its label, Ruthless Records. He is often referred to as the “Godfather of Gangsta Rap”. // Born and raised in Compton, California, Wright had several legal troubles before founding Ruthless in 1987. After a short solo career with frequent collaboration with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, they joined, forming N.W.A, later that year. N.W.A’s debut studio album, Straight Outta Compton, was released in 1988. Controversial upon release, it is now ranked among the greatest and most influential albums ever. The group released its second and final studio album, Niggaz4Life, in 1991, and soon after disbanded. // During N.W.A’s splintering, largely by disputes over money, Eazy-E became embroiled in bitter rivalries with Ice Cube and Dr. Dre, who had departed for solo careers in 1989 and 1991, respectively. Resuming his solo career Eazy-E released two EPs, yet he remained more significant behind the scenes, signing and nationally debuting the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony from 1993 to 1994. He died from HIV/AIDS-related illness in 1995. // Eric Wright was born to Richard and Kathie Wright on September 7, 1964, in Compton, California, a Los Angeles suburb once noted for high crime rates and gang culture. His father was a postal worker and his mother was a grade-school administrator. // Wright dropped out of high school in the tenth grade, but later received a general equivalency diploma (GED). // No one survived on the streets without a protective mask. No one survived naked. You had to have a role. You had to be “thug,” “playa,” “athlete,” “gangsta,” or “dope man.” Otherwise, there was only one role left to you: “victim.” – Jerry Heller on Eazy-E/ // Wright supported himself mainly by selling drugs, and introduced his cousin to the illicit occupation. Wright’s music manager Jerry Heller recalls seeing Wright selling marijuana, but not cocaine. Heller would claim that Wright’s “dope dealer” label was part of his “self-forged armor”. Wright was also labeled as a “thug”. Heller explains: “The hood where he grew up was a dangerous place. He was a small guy. ‘Thug’ was a role that was widely understood on the street; it gave you a certain level of protection in the sense that people hesitated to fuck with you. Likewise, ‘dope dealer’ was a role that accorded you certain privileges and respect.” // In 1986, at age 22, Wright had allegedly earned as much as US$250,000 from dealing drugs. However, after his cousin was shot and killed, he decided that he could make a better living in the Los Angeles hip hop scene, which was growing rapidly in popularity. He started recording songs during the mid-1980s in his parents’ garage, thus starting Ruthless Records.// The original idea for Ruthless Records came when Wright asked Heller to go into business with him. Wright suggested a half-ownership company, but it was later decided that Wright would get eighty percent of the company’s income and Heller would only get twenty percent. According to Heller, he told Wright, “Every dollar comes into Ruthless, I take twenty cents. That’s industry standard for a manager of my caliber. I take twenty, you take eighty percent. I am responsible for my expenses and you’re responsible for yours. You own the company. I work for you.” Along with Heller, Wright invested much of his money into Ruthless Records. Heller claims that he invested the first $250,000 and would eventually put up to $1,000,000 into the company. // Eazy-E’s debut album, Eazy-Duz-It, was released in 1988, and featured twelve tracks. It was labeled as West Coast hip hop, gangsta rap and, later, as golden age hip hop. It has sold over 2.5 million copies in the United States and reached number forty-one on the Billboard 200. The album was produced by Dr. Dre and DJ Yella and largely written by MC Ren, Ice Cube, and The D.O.C. Both Glen Boyd from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and MTV’s Jon Wiederhorn claimed that Eazy-Duz-It “paved the way” for N.W.A’s most controversial album, Straight Outta Compton. Wright’s only solo in the album was a remix of the song “8 Ball”, which originally appeared on N.W.A. and the Posse. The album featured Wright’s writing and performing; he performed on seven songs and helped write four songs. // On February 24, 1995, Wright was admitted to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles with a violent cough. He was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. He announced his illness in a public statement on March 16. It is believed Wright contracted the infection from a sexual partner. During the week of March 20, having already made amends with Ice Cube, he drafted a final message to his fans. On March 26, Eazy-E died from AIDS-induced pneumonia, one month after his diagnosis. He was 30 years old (most reports at the time said he was 31 due to the falsification of his date of birth by one year). He was buried on April 7, at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California. Over 3,000 people attended his funeral, including Ice Cube and DJ Yella. He was buried in a gold casket, and was dressed in a flannel shirt, jeans, and his Compton hat. His final album, Str8 off tha Streetz of Muthaphukkin Compton, was released ten months after his death on January 30, 1996.]
10:29 – Underwriting
R.E.M. – “Radio Song (feat. KRS-One)” from: Out Of Time / Warner Bros. / March 12, 1991 [“Radio Song” was the fourth single from their seventh album, Out of Time, where it appears as the opening track. Lead singer Michael Stipe once said that he hoped everyone had enough sense of humor to realize that he was “kind of taking the piss of everyone,” himself included. Stipe also asked KRS-One, leader of Boogie Down Productions (of which Stipe was a fan), to contribute to the track. He provides some backing vocals for the track, as well as a closing rap, and appears prominently in the video. // Dele Fadele from NME named “Radio Song” Single of the Week, adding, “The most galvanizing radio-wave song since Joy Division’s “Transmission” sees Messrs Berry, Buck and Mills pressure-cooking some dirty funk with poignant pauses (‘radio silence’ as an act of subversion).” Another editor, Terry Staunton, declared it as “predictably the most curious and out of character track, which switches from gentle Velvet Underground strumming to anxious funk workout.” Parry Gettelman from Orlando Sentinel viewed it as one of the album’s “strongest cuts” and “an adventurous amalgam of jangly funk and sugary-sweet pop balladry, with KRS-1 a good foil for otherworldly singer Michael Stipe.” He added, “While Stipe is, as usual, a bit oblique (“I’ve everything to show/I’ve everything to hide/ look into my eyes – listen”), KRS-1’s words are unambiguous (“Now our children grow up prisoners/all their life – radio listeners”).” Celia Farber from Spin felt it’s one of the few “that rocks out a little [on the album], settling intermittently on a classic dramatic R.E.M. moment, with a crescendo of arpeggiated guitars and words about the world collapsing.” // Out of Time is the seventh studio album by American alternative rock band R.E.M., released on March 12, 1991, by Warner Bros. Records. With Out of Time, R.E.M.’s status grew from that of a cult band to a massive international act. The record topped the album sales charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, spending 109 weeks on U.S. album charts and, with two separate spells at the top, and spending 183 weeks on the British charts, including one week at the top. The album has sold more than four and a half million copies in the United States and more than 18 million copies worldwide. Out of Time won three Grammy Awards in 1992: one as Best Alternative Music Album, and two for its first single, “Losing My Religion.” // Out of Time combines elements of pop, folk and classical music heard on the band’s previous album, Green, with a new concentration on country elements that would continue on 1992’s Automatic for the People. It features guest appearances by KRS-One and Kate Pierson from The B-52’s. // Preceded by the release of “Losing My Religion,” which became R.E.M.’s biggest U.S. hit, Out of Time gave them their first U.S. and UK No. 1 album. The band did not tour to support the release, although they did make occasional appearances on television or at festivals. In Germany, it is the band’s best-selling album, selling more than 1,250,000 copies, reaching 5× gold. Out of Time was the first R.E.M. album to have an alternative expanded release on compact disc, including expanded liner notes and postcards. In Spain, a contest was held to have a limited-edition cover, with the winner being an abstract oil painting. // For the 25th anniversary the album was remastered. The standard version of the reissue comes with a second disc of demos, the deluxe version adds a third disc featuring live acoustic tracks. It was released through Concord Records on November 18, 2016. // Warner Bros. Records executive Jeff Gold, alongside Rock the Vote campaign co-founder and Virgin Records executive Jeff Ayeroff, approached R.E.M. in regards to printing a petition on the back of Out of Time’s CD longbox packaging in the United States, where buyers were encouraged to sign their name in support for Rock the Vote, who were in support of the Motor Voter Act to ease voter registration, and would allow voters “to register through their local DMV.” Gold reasoned, considering many of the album’s buyers would be young, that this could “vote out” the controversial Parents Music Resource Center music censorship bill, who “put pressure on the creators and distributors of ‘objectionable’ music,” as well as make good use of the popular longbox packaging format of the day, which many artists and customers considered unnecessary and wasteful. Michael Stipe also appeared in a public service announcement for the campaign. // In July 2014, radio show 99% Invisible said that because of this packaging, Out of Time is “the most politically significant album in the history of the United States.” They said that three weeks after the album’s release, “they had received 10,000 petitions, 100 per senator, and they just kept coming in droves,” and a month following its release, the campaign’s political director and members of KMD “wheeled a shopping cart full of the first 10,000 petitions into a senate hearing.” The bill was eventually passed in 1993 by Bill Clinton and was in effect January 1, 1995; one commentary later said this happened “in no small part because of R.E.M.’s lobbying.”]
10:35 – More interview with Sarah Bradshaw + Michael Byars + Chris Haghirian
Today, Wednesday MidDay Medley Talks Radio with Sarah Bradshaw of 90.9 The Bridge + Michael Byars of 89.3 KCUR + Chris Haghirian of Eight Oner Sixty on The Bridge.
There are documented studies that have shown that “Your brain is more active when you are sleeping than when you are watching television.” One of the reasons why brain activity is so low when watching television is because you don’t really have to do any thinking. When you read or listen to the radio, for example, you have to mentally create images of what you are reading or hearing.
Radio is so personal. We build relationships with listeners.
The Kansas City Radio Landscape – KCUR 89.3, KKFI 90.1, and KTBG 90.9 are all on the left end of the dial.
The Bridge has a regular team of daily announcers, Jon Hart, Bryan Truta, Misti Mundae and Sarah Bradshaw along with individuals like Robert Moore, DJ Ray Velasquez, Cuee, Skylar Rochelle, Michael Atchinson, and Chris Haghirian.
KKFI 90.1 FM has 80, weekly locally produced radio shows and 5 monthly locally produced radio shows, produced by 150 programmers and hosts, with a team of 225 active volunteers and 4 paid staff members.
KCUR 89.3 has a staff of 75 paid employees. Recently KCUR gave birth a sister station: 91. 9 Classical KC.
10:53
Molly O’Day & The Cumberland Mountain Folks – “Heaven’s Radio” from: Molly O’Day & The Cumberland Mountain Folks / Bear Family / Nov. 17, 2006 (1994) (2-CD LP-sized box set with 44-page booklet) [They called her ‘the female Roy Acuff’ for the way she sang pure mountain music in a full-throated style. Her backings featured all traditional instruments, like the dobro and fiddle. Mac Wiseman and Carl Smith are among the luminaries who worked on her sessions. These 36 titles are everything Molly recorded for Columbia between 1946-1951. Songs include Tramp On The Street, When God Comes And Gathers His Jewels, The Black Sheep Returned To The Fold, The Tear Stained Letter, The First Fall Of Snow, Poor Ellen Smith, Heaven’s Radio, Don’t Sell Daddy Any More Whiskey, as well the first recorded versions of two Hank Williams songs, On The Evening Train and The Singing Waterfall. Pure mountain music! // Molly O’Day (July 9, 1923 – December 5, 1987) was an American country music vocalist. O’Day was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2007. // Lois LaVerne Williamson was born on a farm in Pike County, Kentucky, United States, to Joseph and Hester Williamson. Her father supported the family as a coalminer. Neither of her parents played music but Lois got together with her two brothers, Cecil and Joe, to practice singing and playing. Lois and her two brothers, who called themselves Skeets and Duke, began performing at local dances. // In 1939, Skeets was hired to perform in a radio band: Ervin Staggs and His Radio Ramblers at WCHS, Charleston, West Virginia. One of the more famous members of the group was Johnnie Bailes. That same year Molly also joined the Radio Ramblers as a vocalist under the pseudonym Mountain Fern. She worked with a banjoist called Murphy McClees and changed her name to Dixie Lee Williamson] Within a couple of months, she and her two brothers quit and moved to Williamson, West Virginia, to perform at a local radio station. In 1940, Lois and her two brothers moved to Beckley, West Virginia, to join the Happy Valley Boys, led by Johnnie Bailes. The band did not make much money and it disintegrated in the fall of 1940. // In 1940, Lois applied for the position as a vocalist in the band Lynn Davis and His Forty-Niners, who had performed on WHIS in Bluefield, West Virginia for the past four years. A few months later, on April 5, 1941, Lynn Davis and Lois Williamson were married. The Forty-Niners appeared on several locations in the southeast and during one gig in Birmingham, Alabama, Hank Williams performed with the group. In 1941, Lois changed her name to Molly O’Day, as there was already a singer named Dixie Lee. In 1945, Davis decided to change the band’s name to the Cumberland Mountain Folks. // The new band became a hot act. In 1946, the head of Acuff-Rose, Fred Rose heard Molly sing “Tramp on the Street”, a Grady Cole song she learned from Williams. Rose arranged a recording contract with Columbia Records. Molly O’Day and The Cumberland Mountain Folks made their first recordings on December 16, 1946. On these first recordings, Mac Wiseman appeared on bass. During her first years as a recording artist, Molly O’Day’s popularity increased, but she started to have doubts about her life’s choice. By 1951, she had made her last recording session for Columbia Records. // Although O’Day recorded albums for Bob Mooney’s Rem label (later reissued on Starday) and GRS Records in the 1960s, she preferred to sing in churches and do evangelistic work. Both the Smithsonian Institution and Ralph Stanley tried without success to get her back onstage. In February 1974, Molly and Lynn started a program on a Christian radio station in Huntington, West Virginia, featuring gospel recordings. // In the 1980s, her health began to deteriorate after she was diagnosed with cancer. She died on December 5, 1987, aged 64, at the Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia. She was survived by her husband Lynn Davis.]
Psychic Heat – “Black Radio” from: Sunshower / High Dive Records / May 27, 2016 [Psychic Heat was created by Evan Herd & Tanner Spreer. After releasing their EP Lighter and Brighter in 2015 they quickly turned their attention to their first full length Sunshower being released through High Dive Records. Sunshower is Engineered by Ron Miller (Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds) & mixed/mastered by Kliph Scurlock (previously of the Flaming Lips). Psychic Heat is: Steve/Evan Herd on guitar & vocals, Tanner Spreer on guitar & vocals, James Thomblison on bass, and Mark Rockwell on drums.]
11:00 – Station ID
Wall Of Voodoo – “Mexican Radio” from: Call of the West / I.R.S. Records / September, 1982 [“Mexican Radio” is a song by American rock band Wall of Voodoo. The track was initially released on their second studio album Call of the West (1982). // The video for the single was regularly featured on MTV in the United States, contributing to the song’s popularity. The song peaked in the US at No. 58 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached No. 18 in Canada, No. 21 in New Zealand, No.33 in Australia and No. 64 in the UK. // The song’s lyrics describe listening to the broadcasts of high-wattage unregulated Mexican radio stations, known as border blasters, whose AM broadcasts are strong enough to be picked up by radio receivers in the US. The song was inspired by car trips taken by Wall of Voodoo frontman Stan Ridgway and guitarist Marc Moreland on their way to rehearsals, when they would listen to Mexican broadcasts, preferring their programming to mainstream Los Angeles radio. During one of the band’s sessions, Moreland played them a demo tape that he had recorded of himself repeatedly singing the line “I’m on a Mexican radio” over a guitar riff and that sound clip became the starting point of the single. // The lyrics for “Mexican Radio” were written by Ridgway and Moreland; the music was written by Moreland. // Producer Richard Mazda and recording engineer Jess Sutcliffe, both from England, were invited to Los Angeles to record with Wall of Voodoo by Miles Copeland, founder of I.R.S. Records. The songs “Mexican Radio” and “Suburban Lawns”, from Wall of Voodoo’s album Call of the West, were recorded with Mazda and Sutcliffe over the course of a weekend at Hit City West studios in Los Angeles. // In order to emulate the sounds of AM radio, many of the song’s instruments, including the synthesizers, were played through amplifiers, rather than being recorded directly through the microphones to the mixing console. They recorded some of Moreland’s guitar through an amplifier placed in the restroom at the back of the studio and Ridgway sang some of the vocals through a handmade bullhorn. The song also includes soundbites recorded by Ridgway during a trip to Mexico, including the broadcast of a dog race that was playing over a radio in a bar that he visited. // The song was recorded using a Soundcraft mixing console and one 24-track recorder along with Shure and AKG microphones. The synthesizer parts were played on a Minimoog and an Oberheim-8 voice sequencer, the majority of which were recorded through Fender Twin Reverb and Vox AC30 amplifiers. It is the Oberheim-8 that was used to create the sounds right at the opening of the song. The instrumental track for “Mexican Radio” was created using two different drum machines: a Roland TR-808 and a Kalamazoo Rhythm Ace, an older device once owned by voice actor Daws Butler. // The video for “Mexican Radio” was featured regularly on MTV in the weeks following its release. It was the first music video created by filmmaker and former the Bruthers frontman Frank Delia, who had been a long-time friend of Wall of Voodoo band members. The video impressed the Ramones, who hired Delia to direct videos for them as a result. // The video also includes bizarre imagery, including a shot of Ridgway’s face surfacing from a bowl of beans. Some of the footage was shot in Tijuana, Mexico at the bullfights. Also, actor Carel Struycken makes a brief appearance playing the video’s director. // The video cost $15,000 to make and was originally shot on film. // Wall of Voodoo was an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Though largely an underground act for the majority of its existence, the band came to prominence when its 1982 single “Mexican Radio” became a hit on MTV and alternative radio. The band was known for surrealist lyrics drawing on iconography of the American southwest. // Wall of Voodoo had its roots in Acme Soundtracks, a film score business started by Stan Ridgway, later the vocalist and harmonica player for Wall of Voodoo. Acme Soundtracks’ office was across the street from the Hollywood punk club The Masque and Ridgway was soon drawn into the emerging punk/new wave scene. Marc Moreland, guitarist for the Skulls, began jamming with Ridgway at the Acme Soundtracks office and the soundtrack company morphed into a new wave band. In 1977, with the addition of Skulls members Bruce Moreland (Marc Moreland’s brother) as bassist and Chas T. Gray as keyboardist, along with Joe Nanini, who had been the drummer for the Bags, the Eyes, and Black Randy and the Metrosquad, the first lineup of the band was born, named Wall of Voodoo before their first show in reference to a comment made by Joe Berardi, a friend of Ridgway’s and member of the Fibonaccis.]
11:04 – More interview with Sarah Bradshaw + Michael Byars + Chris Haghirian
Thanks for tuning into WMM on 90.1 FM KKFI. Today, Wednesday MidDay Medley Talks Radio withSarah Bradshaw of 90.9 The Bridge + Michael Byars of 89.3 KCUR + Chris Haghirian of Eight Oner Sixty on The Bridge.
There are so many songs about the radio:
Radio – White Girl Radio – Emily King – Seven Radio – Sylvan Esso – What Now Radio – Kristie Stremel – Here Comes The Light Radio – Elevator Division – Years Radio – Maal, Tom Richman – Grass LP Radio – Kristen Ford Band – Tighten it Up Radio – Horse Stories – Radio Radio Radio 4 – Public Image Ltd. – Second Edition Radio 80 – Nortec Collective Presents: Clorofila Corridos Urbanos Radio On – Ex Hex – Rips Radio Fly – Joel Plaskett – Emergency Radio War – Iron & Wine – Our Endless Numbered Days Radio Star – Martha Wainwright- Come Home to Mama Radio Nine – Buzzcocks – Operator’s Manual Buzzcocks Best Radio Kids – Strand of Oaks – Hard Love New Radio – Bikini Kill – Kill Rock Stars 20 Year Anniversary Sampler Radiostory – Clinic – Bubblegum Hello Radio – They Might Be Giants – Miscellaneous Black Radio – Psychic Heat – Sunshower Radio Song – Danny Brown Radio Song – R.E.M. Feat. KRS-One – Out Of Time Radio Clash – The Clash – Super Black Market Clash Bitter Radio – Hospital Ships – Bitter Radio Single Radio Radio – Elvis Costello & The Attractions Radio Tower – Kate Gray – The Smell of Moonlight Ghost Radio – Youngest Children – Midwest Quest Radio Signal – The Mammals – Nonet On the Radio – Donna Summer – On the Radio: Greatest Hits, Vol. I & II Capital Radio – Hyperjax – Uncut: White Riot Vol. 2 – A Tribute To The Clash On The Radio – Regina Spektor – Begin To Hope Kill The Radio – James Christos – Midwasteland Takeover 2010 Radionic Jam – Mouth – Word Of Mouth, Volume 2 Radio Activity – Neutron Wednesday – Neutron Wednesday Guerilla Radio – Rage Against The Machine – Body Of War On Your Radio – Joe Jackson – Steppin’ Out: The Very Best Of Joe Jackson Radio Varsavia – Franco Battiato – Call Me By Your Name (OMPS) Mother’s Radio – The Blackbird Revue – The Whaler & Other Stories Heaven’s Radio – Molly O’Day & The Cumberland Mountain Folks – In God’s Countr Little Red Radio – Magic Kids – Memphis Late Night Radio – Slow Down, Molasses – Uncut: New Directions Home Late Night Radio – Afton Wolfe – Late Night Radio Radio Campaign – M. Ward – Transistor Radio Radio Retaliation – Thievery Corporation Feat. Sleepy Wonder – Radio Retaliation Radio Borderland – Nortec Collective Bostich/Nortec Collective Fussible Bulevar 2000 Capital Radio Two – The Clash – Super Black Market Clash Turn the Radio Up – Kyle Andrews – Robot Learn Love Turn the Radio On – J.E. Sunde – Alice, Gloria and Jon Boys On The Radio – Hole – Celebrity Skin The Spirit Of Radio – Rush – Freaks And Geeks Song On The Radio – Al Stewart – Time Passages Static On The Radio – Jim White – Hear Music Volume 3 Raised On the Radio – The Ravyns – The Ravyns God Bless the Radio – Flat River Band Golden Age Of Radio – Josh Ritter – Golden Age Of Radio Radio Ga Ga (Live Aid) – Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (The Original Soundtrack) Killing Your Radio – Kiz One – Intelligent sound Don’t Mess With The Radio – Nivea – Got Hits! Perfect Pop Album You Turn Me On I’m A Radio – Joni Mitchell For The Roses Loopzilla – George Clinton – Greatest Hits: Straight Up (Remastered) BBC Radiophonic Workshop – The Magnetic Fields – Holiday Even If It Breaks Your Heart – Will Hoge – Ryko: Flash Of Light Sampler Radio Kaliningrad – Handsome Furs – Sub Pop Cybersex Digital Sampler Radio Baghdad – Patti Smith – Patti Smith Trampin’ Radio Ethiopia – Patti Smith Group Radio Prague – This Heat – DJ Kicks Rock & Roll – Velvet Underground – The Essential Lou Reed (Remastered) Darkness – Leonard Cohen – Old Ideas Oh Yeah – Roxy Music – Flesh + Blood Sometimes – Daniel Lanois – Hear Music, Vol. 10: Reveal Transmission – Joy Division – Permanent Matanza Funk – Monareta – Picotero Left Of The Dial – The Replacements – Tim Two For Tuesday – Dan Baird & Homemade Sin Wkrp In Cincinnati- Various Artists – All-Time Top 100 TV Themes Radio Friendly Unit Shifter- Nirvana – In Utero Hello – Turn Your Radio On – Julia Othmer – Seeds Bury me Not Mexican Radio – The Electric Horseman I Can’t Live Without My Radio – LL COOL J – All World: Greatest Hits Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft – The Carpenters Radioactivity – Kraftwerk – Radio-Activity (2009 Remaster) FLAR 86.5 Imersive Radio (Interlude 2) – Flare Tha Rebel – Summer You, Summer Me Do You Remember Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio? – The Ramones – Mania Radio Head (Tito Larriva Vocal Version) – Talking Heads – True Stories (Reissue)
All three of our guests are actively involved in Kansas City’s music community, working with Midwest Music Foundation, and area venues, artists, studios. The Area Kansas City Music community is represented on all of our stations.
11:22
Donna Summer – “On The Radio” from: “On The Radio: Greatest Hits Volumes I & II / Casablanca / November 23, 1979 [On the Radio” is a song by American singer-songwriter Donna Summer, produced by Italian musician Giorgio Moroder, and released in late 1979 on the Casablanca record label. It was written for the soundtrack to the film Foxes and included on Summer’s first international compilation album On the Radio: Greatest Hits Volumes I & II. // The song was released in three formats: the radio 45rpm single; the 5+ minute version included on Summer’s Greatest Hits double album package, and a DJ Promo 7+ minute version released on 12″ single (and included on the Foxes film soundtrack album).[1] This last version was later released on the Bad Girls CD digipack double CD release. The Foxes soundtrack also includes an instrumental version of the song in a ballad tempo and crediting Moroder as a solo artist. In the film, the ballad tempo and the disco version are both heard with Donna Summer’s vocals. Donna Summer performed “On the Radio” on many television shows such as American Bandstand. // The instrumental parts of this song were occasionally heard on the US version of The Price Is Right in the early 1980s when they displayed jukeboxes and stereos as prizes. While the first two versions included all written lyrics, the DJ Promo omitted the final verse, opting instead to repeat the third. Only the first “short” version ended with the famous “on the radio – adio – adio” echo vocal effect. For the second consecutive year, Summer placed at least three singles in the Billboard Year-End charts in 1980. // “On the Radio” was released as a single and became, in February 1980, her tenth top-ten hit in the U.S. as well as her eighth and final consecutive top-five single. “On the Radio” peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number nine on the soul chart. The song was also Summer’s 14th entry on the Billboard Disco chart, where it peaked at number eight. In Canada, it peaked at number two.// Donna Adrian Gaines (December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012), known professionally as Donna Summer, was an American singer and songwriter. She gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s and became known as the “Queen of Disco”, while her music gained a global following. // Influenced by the counterculture of the 1960s, Summer became the lead singer of a psychedelic rock band named Crow and moved to New York City. In 1968, she joined a German adaptation of the musical Hair in Munich, where she spent several years living, acting, and singing. There, she met music producers Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, and they went on to record influential disco hits together such as “Love to Love You Baby” and “I Feel Love”, marking Summer’s breakthrough into international music markets. Summer returned to the United States in 1976, and more hits such as “Last Dance”, her version of “MacArthur Park”, “Heaven Knows”, “Hot Stuff”, “Bad Girls”, “Dim All the Lights”, “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” with Barbra Streisand, and “On the Radio” followed. // Summer amassed a total of 32 chart singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 in her lifetime, including 14 top-10 singles and four number-one singles. She claimed a top-40 hit every year between 1976 and 1984, and from her first top-10 hit in 1976, to the end of 1982, she had 12 top-10 hits (10 were top-five hits), more than any other act during that period. She returned to the Hot 100’s top five in 1983, and claimed her final top-10 hit in 1989 with “This Time I Know It’s for Real”. She was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach the top of the US Billboard 200 chart and charted four #1 singles in the US within a 12-month period. She also charted two number-one singles on the R&B Singles chart in the US and a number-one single in the United Kingdom. Her last Hot 100 hit came in 1999 with “I Will Go with You (Con te partirò)”. While her fortunes on the Hot 100 waned in subsequent decades, Summer remained a force on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart throughout her entire career. // Summer died in 2012 from lung cancer, at her home in Naples, Florida. She sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She won 5 Grammy Awards. In her obituary in The Times, she was described as the “undisputed queen of the Seventies disco boom” who reached the status of “one of the world’s leading female singers.” Moroder described Summer’s work on the song “I Feel Love” as “really the start of electronic dance” music. In 2013, Summer was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In December 2016, Billboard ranked her 6th on its list of the “Greatest of All Time Top Dance Club Artists”.]
Nivea – “Don’t Mess With The Radio” from: Nivea / Zomba Recordings / September 25, 2001 [Nivea B. Hamilton (born March 24, 1982), better known by the mononym Nivea, is an American singer whose recordings reached the Billboard charts during the early 2000s. Nivea is known most for her Grammy-nominated hit “Don’t Mess with My Man” as well as “Laundromat” and “Okay” featuring YoungbloodZ & Lil’ Jon. She has released 3 studio albums: Nivea (2001), Complicated (2005), Animalistic (2006), and an independently released extended play Nivea: Undercover (2011). // On Sept. 26, 2019, she released her album Mirrors, including the single “Circles”. // Hamilton was born in Savannah, Georgia, youngest of 3 sisters. She sang in church choir and admired Mariah Carey. Nivea admitted to being shy in a BET “Finding Nivea” interview. She said, “I never wanted anyone to hear me sing… my parents would turn down the radio.]
11:29 – Underwriting
Talking Heads – “Radio Head (Tito Larriva Vocal Version)” from: True Stories (Bonus Track Versions) / Sire / September 15, 1986 [2006 Reissue] [True Stories is the seventh studio album by American rock band Talking Heads. It was released on September 15, 1986, by Sire Records, preceding lead singer David Byrne’s related film True Stories. // The album originally included only Talking Heads studio recordings of songs from the film; an original cast recording from the film was planned, but was not released at the time, although some actors’ performances were featured on singles of songs drawn from the album. Later that year, Byrne released the album Sounds from True Stories containing incidental music from the soundtrack. In 2018, a complete film soundtrack album was finally released, combining cast performances from the film and tracks from the two previous albums; only those three performances by Talking Heads from the first True Stories album that are actually heard in the film were included.// The single “Wild Wild Life” became the most prominent hit from the album, accompanied by its video airplay on MTV. The “Wild Wild Life” video won two MTV Video Music Awards in 1987: “Best Group Video” and “Best Video from a Film” (the video is in fact an extended sequence lifted directly from the film itself). A video for “Love for Sale” was created for use in the film (during a sequence when a woman, played by Swoosie Kurtz, watches the video on TV), and an extended version was later released as a video in its own right. // In 2006, the album was re-released and remastered by Warner Music Group on their Warner Bros./Sire Records/Rhino Records labels in DualDisc format, with three bonus tracks on the CD side (an extended mix of “Wild Wild Life”, “Papa Legba” with vocal by Pops Staples, and “Radio Head” with vocals by Tito Larriva). The DVD-Audio side includes both stereo and 5.1 surround high resolution (96 kHz/24bit) mixes, as well as a Dolby Digital version and the videos of “Wild Wild Life” and “Love for Sale”. In Europe, it was released as a CD+DVDA two disc set rather than a single DualDisc. The reissue was produced by Andy Zax with Talking Heads. The band Radiohead named themselves after the sixth track, “Radio Head”. // Humberto “Tito” Larriva (born 1953) is a Mexican-American songwriter, singer, musician, and actor. He came to prominence leading The Plugz, one of the earliest Los Angeles punk rock groups. Since the 1990s, his main musical outlet has been Tito & Tarantula. // Larriva was born in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, and El Paso, Texas. As a child he played the violin in the school orchestra and sang in the church and school choirs where he met his wife Janet Carroll. In 1972 Larriva snuck into Yale University for a full term without being noticed. After being kicked out of the Ivy League university, he moved to Mexico City and in 1975 moved to Los Angeles, California. He now lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and daughter and continues to work in the music and film industries.= // Larriva was the vocalist and rhythm guitarist for punk band The Plugz. He formed The Plugz in Hollywood, California in 1978. Their presence during the birth of West Coast punk has ensured their enduring influence on punk bands. Record label Rhino recognized their role in the Los Angeles music scene by including their version of “La Bamba” on “We’re Desperate: The L.A. Scene (1976-79).” The Plugz released two albums, Electrify Me (1978) and Better Luck (1981). The Plugz also scored the cult classic film Repo Man and contributed three songs to the soundtrack. // Larriva’s first acting role was “Hammy” on The Pee-wee Herman Show in 1981. He has gone on to play notable supporting roles in big-budget films like Born in East L.A., Road House, Boys on the Side, Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn and Once Upon a Time in Mexico. He often works with his friend, director Robert Rodriguez. His latest appearance was a few seconds cameo in Rodríguez’ Machete trailer in Grindhouse. He also appears in the actual, released movie. // He also played the character Ramon in the film True Stories (1986). Larriva performed the Talking Heads song “Radio Head,” and played the organ in the “Puzzling Evidence” scene. The original soundtrack album, however, only featured Talking Heads’ cover of the song; Larriva’s version, performed with Esteban “Steve” Jordan, was not released until sometime later. // Apart from acting, Larriva has scored films including Dream with the Fishes, Tin Cup, and Mi Vida Loca. Larriva features on the soundtrack album to the 2000 film The Million Dollar Hotel, written by Bono and directed by Wim Wenders. Larriva performs as part of the MDH band (a composite band featuring members of U2) and sings a Spanish version of “Anarchy In The UK” by The Sex Pistols.]
11:35 – More interview with Sarah Bradshaw + Michael Byars + Chris Haghirian
Wednesday MidDay Medley Talks Radio with Sarah Bradshaw of 90.9 The Bridge + Michael Byars of 89.3 KCUR + Chris Haghirian of Eight Oner Sixty on The Bridge.
Chris has a little project called Boulevardia that he is working on.
Boulevardia 2024 – Over 70 acts on 5 stages over 2 days, June 14 and 15. Crown Center, 2450 Grand Boulevard, KCMO. – https://boulevardia.com
Friday June 14 MILKY CHANCE * HANSON POM POM SQUAD • HA HA TONKA • DJ P * FRIENDLY THIEVES • STARHAVEN ROUNDERS * THE ROSELINE • BEARS AND COMPANY • JASS • LAURA NOBLE * FLAT SUSAN • WEDA SKIRTS • KIRSTIE LYNN & GALEN CLARK * DAMES OF THE DEAD • FLIGHT ATTENDANT • LYXE * KADESH FLOW * LAVA DREAMS • DEWEY AND TWINNFLAME • SHEPPA • DOM CHRONICLES * DJ JOE & DJ ICE KOLE • SANA & ZIMMERMAN • JINGRAM • DJ EJ • DJ ON 10
Saturday June 15 THUNDERCAT PAUL CAUTHEN • BIG FREEDIA OLE 60 • POST SEX NACHOS • ULTIMATE FAKEBOOK * KRYSTLE WARREN • KATE COSENTINO • THE BURNEY SISTERS * THE PHANTASTICS • BACK ALLEY BRASS BAND • STIK FIGA & LEONARD DSTROY * ZEE UNDERSCORE • THE WHIPS * STRANDED IN THE CITY • DANNY SANTELL SASS A BRASS • THE MGDS • MARTY BUSH • THE COWARDLY LIONS THE SWALLOWTAILS • SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES * MARY AND THE MATRIX SELEKTO • BRODERICK JONES • LOVE, MAE C • ASIA TSION • IVORY BLUE • JAMOGI ASSJAMZ • DJ NESS • A SWIFTY EXPERIENCE WITH DJ DAWNA AND LANA LUXX * KAY FAN + SIRQUEEN * YUNG MAPLE • DJ DIEHARD • DJ JOE & DJ ICE KOLE • DJ MISSY E * DJ MOHEAT • DJ EJ • DJ ON 10
11:42
Thundercat – “Show You the Way (feat. Michael McDonald & Kenny Loggins)” from: Drunk / Brainfeeder / February 24, 2017 [Stephen Lee Bruner (born October 19, 1984), better known by his stage name Thundercat, is an American musician, singer, record producer, and songwriter from Los Angeles. First coming to prominence as a member of crossover thrash band Suicidal Tendencies, he has since released four solo studio albums and is noted for his work with producer Flying Lotus and his appearances on Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly. In 2016, Thundercat won a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Performance for his work on the track “These Walls” from To Pimp a Butterfly. In 2020, Thundercat released his fourth studio album, It Is What It Is, which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album. // Raised in Compton and other parts of Los Angeles, Bruner was born into a family of musicians, including his father Ronald Bruner Sr., a drummer, and his mother Pam, a flautist and percussionist. His father played drums for The Temptations, The Supremes, and Gladys Knight, amongst others. After Bruner Sr. got sober from cocaine, the children would watch him play gigs at the Crenshaw Christian Center. Bruner attended Locke High School, playing in the school’s jazz band. His teacher, Reggie Andrews, produced and co-wrote the Dazz Band’s 1982 single “Let It Whip” and collaborated with Rick James. Andrews re-introduced Bruner to Kamasi Washington; the two had originally met as children, through their fathers’ membership in a gospel fusion band. The reunited duo would sneak into jazz concerts, driving around in a worn-down 1982 Ford Mustang to do so. They would later get to play the same venues as the performers they watched. They also did sessions with Bruner’s cousin Terrace Martin in Washington’s father’s garage during this time. // Bruner began playing the bass at an early age, listening to bass players such as Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller for inspiration. By the age of 15, he had a minor hit in Germany as a member of the boy band No Curfew. A year later, he joined his brother Ronald Jr. as a member of the Los Angeles crossover thrash band Suicidal Tendencies, replacing former bass player Josh Paul. Bruner’s earliest studio album appearances include playing electric bass on Kamasi Washington’s Live at 5th Street Dick’s and The Proclamation. // Erykah Badu was credited with helping Bruner find his stage presence and identity as Thundercat. Around this time, Bruner would play in live bands for Raphael Saadiq and Snoop Dogg, and both would make quips about his playing style. Bruner credited Flying Lotus with pushing him to start singing and making his own projects. // In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked him as one of the greatest bass players of all time. // In 2004, Bruner collaborated with Kamasi Washington, as well as Cameron Graves and Ronald Jr., under the name The Young Jazz Giants. The group later united with Terrace Martin and five other Los Angeles jazz musicians to form the West Coast Get Down collective, with whom they recorded several albums. // Along with his band duties, Bruner is also a session musician, acclaimed for his work on Erykah Badu’s New Amerykah (2008) and fellow Brainfeeder artist Flying Lotus’ Cosmogramma (2010), Until the Quiet Comes (2012), and You’re Dead! (2014). // Bruner was a major contributor to Kendrick Lamar’s critically acclaimed album To Pimp a Butterfly in 2015, and has been described as being “at the creative epicenter” of the project. Longtime Thundercat collaborators Flying Lotus, Kamasi Washington, and Terrace Martin were also major contributors to the album. // Bruner was a frequent collaborator on Mac Miller’s tracks. On August 6, 2018, Bruner played bass during Miller’s Tiny Desk Concert, during which the two played their collaborative track, “What’s the Use?” In 2022, he collaborated with virtual band Gorillaz on their single “Cracker Island”, the first single and title track for their album of the same name. The song was released on April 30, 2022.]
[Thundercat plays this year’s Boulevardia, Saturday, June 15 at Crown Center.]
11:45 – More Interview w/ Sarah Bradshaw + Michael Byars + Chris Haghirian
Today, Wednesday MidDay Medley Talks Radio with Sarah Bradshaw of 90.9 The Bridge Michael Byars of 89.3 KCUR + Chris Haghirian of Eight Oner Sixty on The Bridge.
Sarah Bradshaw is the on-air host evenings 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Sarah also hosts & produces “Recently Released” on Mondays at 8:00pm More info at: http://www.bridge909.org
Michael Byars is 89.3 KCUR’s Morning Edition announcer. More info at: http://www.kcur.org
Chris Haghirian is host & Producer of Eight One Sixty, heard Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM, on 90.9 The Bridge.
11:54
Regina Spektor – “On The Radio” from: Begin to Hope / Sire Records / June 13, 2006 [Regina Ilyinichna Spektor was born February 18, 1980=. She is a Russian-born American singer, songwriter, and pianist. // After self-releasing her first three records and gaining popularity in New York City’s independent music scenes, particularly the anti-folk scene (along with KC’s very own Schwervon and Major Matt Mason USA) centered on New York City’s East Village, Spektor signed with Sire Records in 2004 resulting in greater mainstream recognition. After giving her third album a major label re-release, Sire released Spektor’s fourth album, Begin to Hope, which achieved a Gold certification by the RIAA. Her following two albums, Far and What We Saw from the Cheap Seats, each debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200. // Mayor Bill de Blasio proclaimed June 11, 2019, Regina Spektor Day in New York City. Spektor was also inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame on May 18, 2019, by Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. // Spektor was born on February 18, 1980 in Moscow, Soviet Union, to a musical Russian-Jewish family. Her father, Ilya Spektor, was a photographer and amateur violinist. Her mother, Bella Spektor, was a music professor in a Soviet college of music and taught at public elementary schools in Mount Vernon, New York, now retired.[11] Spektor has a brother, Boruch (also known as Bear), who was featured in track 7, “* * *”, or “Whisper”, of her 2004 album Soviet Kitsch. Growing up in Moscow, Regina started taking piano lessons when she was seven and learned how to play the piano by practicing on a Petrof upright that her grandfather gave her mother. She grew up listening to classical music and Russian bards like Vladimir Vysotsky and Bulat Okudzhava.[1] Her father, who obtained recordings in Eastern Europe and traded cassettes with friends in the Soviet Union, also exposed her to rock and roll bands such as the Beatles, Queen, and the Moody Blues. // The family left the Soviet Union for the Bronx in 1989, when Spektor was nine and a half, during the period of Perestroika, when Soviet citizens were permitted to emigrate. She had to leave her piano behind. The seriousness of her piano studies led her parents to consider not leaving the Soviet Union, but they finally decided to emigrate due to the racial, ethnic, and political discrimination that Jewish people faced. Traveling first to Austria and then Italy, the Spektor family was admitted to the United States as refugees with the assistance of HIAS (the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society). They settled in the Bronx, where Spektor graduated from SAR Academy, a Jewish day middle school in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. Since the family had been unable to bring their piano from Moscow, Spektor practiced on tabletops and other hard surfaces until she found a piano to play in the basement of her synagogue. In New York City, Spektor studied classical piano with Sonia Vargas, a professor at the Manhattan School of Music, until she was 17; Spektor’s father had met Vargas through Vargas’ husband, violinist Samuel Marder. Spektor attended high school for two years at the Frisch School, a yeshiva in Paramus, New Jersey, but transferred to a public school, Fair Lawn High School, in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where she finished the last two years of her high school education. // Spektor was originally interested in classical music only, but she later grew interested in hip hop, rock, and punk as well. Although she had always made up songs around the house, she first became interested in more formal songwriting during a visit to Israel with the Nesiya Institute in her teenage years when she attracted attention from the other children on the trip for the songs she made up while hiking. // Following this trip, Spektor was exposed to the works of Joni Mitchell, Ani DiFranco, and other singer-songwriters, which encouraged her belief that she could create her own songs. She wrote her first a cappella songs around the age of 16 and her first songs for voice and piano when she was 17. // Spektor completed the four-year studio composition program of the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College within three years, graduating with honors in 2001. Around this time, she also worked briefly at a butterfly farm in Luck, Wisconsin, and studied in Tottenham (in North London) for one term.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, March 27 we have a lot of new releases to share, plus at 11:00am we’ll talk with Kim Stanton of the Rural Grit Happy Hour which happens at The Brick every Monday Night and musician Kris Bruders will also be here to share their living breathing folk song, originally created by Kristopher Bruders in Protest the Upcoming April 2 Jackson County Vote for tax payers to subsidize the creation of a new Royal Stadium in the East Crossroads Arts District that would force the removal or closing of 27 small business, and negatively effect 40 additional small businesses in the East Crossroads Arts District, as opposed to The Royals’ earlier suggested location that would only force one business to move and would only negatively effect 3 businesses in the East Village earlier location. . Also next week – at 11:30am Musicians & filmmakers Paul Wenske and Nancy Meis share details about “I’m So Glad” their Documentary film exploring the untold story of Black gospel music in Kansas City and The Roots of Black Gospel Music narrated by internationally recognized gospel music conductor Isaac S. Cates. The documentary will have a special screening and Q & A, on Saturday, April 6, at 4:00pm to 7:00pm at The Englewood Arts Center, 10901 E Winner Road, Independence, MO.
Also next week, on Friday, March 29 on MidCoast LIVE! At Noon, Mark will welcome Cody Wyoming, Mark Smeltzer, and Kris Bruders who will play a LIVE 60 minute concert in our 90.1 FM Studios.
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
WMM Talks Radio w/ Sarah Bradshaw + Michael Byars + Chris Haghirian
Mark plays Songs about Radio from: Psychic Heat, Joy Division, Tito Larriva with Talking Heads, Nivea, Raphael Saadiq, Joni Mitchell, Wall of Voodoo, Regina Spektor, R.E.M., KRS-One, Molly O’Day & The Cumberland Mountain Folks, Donna Summer, and Eazy-E.
Plus, we’ll talk radio with three voices of the radio free airwaves…
Sarah Bradshaw is 90.9 The Bridge‘s music coordinator and an on-air host evenings 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Sarah also hosts & produces “Recently Released” on Mondays at 8:00pm and co-hosts with Chris Haghirian for Eight One Sixty on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. Sarah received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Broadcast Media from the University of Central Missouri in 2007. Sarah received her Masters in Mass Communications from the University of Central Missouri in 2010. Sarah is currently working on her PhD in Communications Studies at The University of Kansas. Sarah worked as a Speech Instructor of State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri, and as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at The University of Kansas. Sarah balances her academic work and extensive radio work with her husband Homer of 25 years and their young daughter. Sarah is an Air Force kid from way back with over twenty years in the Kansas City area, Sarah has been all around the world, but Kansas City is her home. More info at: http://www.bridge909.org
Michael Byars graduated from Minnetonka High School in 1980. Michael has been associated with 89.3 KCUR ever since he first started volunteering for them in 1997. Michael also helped at other KCUR events such as the Great Record Sale I and II, the Ethnic Enrichment Festival, and both live broadcasts of “A Prairie Home Companion” from Starlight Theatre. His on-air career began in December, 2000, as a part-time announcer during classical music. He later became KCUR’s Saturday afternoon announcer before being named full-time Morning Edition announcer in 2002. Michael also serves as KCUR’s Music Coordinator and performs various other duties, including occasionally getting to spin records as a fill-in host for “The Fish Fry,” the station’s long-running blues and soul program. Michael is proud to be a long-time supporter of the Midwest Music Foundation and the tireless work they do for the local music community. More info at: http://www.kcur.org
Chris Haghirian is host & Producer of Eight One Sixty, heard Tuesday nights at 6:00 PM, on 90.9 The Bridge. Chris worked for The Kansas City Star for over 20 years and the INK Magazine. Chris studied Journalism and Advertising at The University of Kansas. Chris also studied Photography at Kansas City Art Institute. Chris Haghirian currently works a works for Spray KC an organization that works to inspire people. From students in schools, to attendees of community festivals, to people driving by once blighted buildings, our goal is to give small glimpses of inspiration and joy to people through art around Kansas City. Chris co-founded The Middle of The Map Fest and organizes multiple concert series throughout the metro, as well as coordinating talent on the music stages for Boulevardia, The Plaza Art Fair, Kauffman Stadium, The Chiefs, and The Innovation Fest, and others. More information at: http://www.spraykc.com
On your local radio dial 90.1 FM or STREAMING LIVE at: kkfi.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley Produced and Hosted by Mark Manning 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio TEN to NOON Wednesdays – Streaming at KKFI.org
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Kat King + Elaine McMilian + DJ Thundercutz, Jasmine Majors, Nico Gray + New & MidCoastal Releases
“It’s Showtime Folks” from: Orig. Motion Picture Soundtrack All That Jazz / Casablanca / Dec. 20, 1979 [WMM theme]
Heidi Lynne Gluck – “Severance (Remix)” from: “Severance (Remix)” – Single / Dynamite Red / March 11, 2024 [Heidi Lynne Gluck is a Canadian-born artist who calls Lawrence, Kansas home. Heidi is every musician’s dream to play with, given her impeccable ear for nuance and detail. She is a versatile singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, playing bass, keys, vocals, guitar, accordion and lap steel. // Heidi has collaborated live and in studio with dozens of musicians, including Tom Brousseau, John C Reilly, Juliana Hatfield, Margo and the Nuclear So and So’s, The Roseline, Lily and Madeleine, Frogpond, and 95 Sweetbird. Heidi’s music channels 70’s folk rock with a groovy Wurlitzer laying the bed for her warm, matter-of-fact delivery. Subtle acoustic guitar lines snake around crunchy electrics, embellished with ethereal pedal steel guitar. // She’s been featured on The Moth, The Great American Folk Show, The Mystery Hour and NPR live sessions. Her songs have been placed in The Listeners documentary and Tig Notaro’s hit show, ‘One Mississippi’.// She has recorded three albums, including her just released, ‘Migrate Or Die’. Heidi recorded and produced the majority of these albums at home. // Her message is uplifting and nurturing without being cloying, encouraging you to acknowledge your pain and face the unknown with strength and grace.Heidi Lynne Gluck released the album, MIGRATE OR DIE on July 7, 2023. She released the singles: “All I See Is Magic” on May 25, 2023, “I’m Not Free” on June 2, 2023 and “Skyscraper” on June 7, 2023 Heidi released two singles with Tom Brosseau, “Under African Skies” on Feb. 17, 2023 ang “Sunflower” on Dec. 15, 2022. Heidi Lynne Gluck released the 8th edition of the Too Much Rock, limited edition, 7” vinyl Single Series on Aug. 3, 2018, featuring her original song, “Party Line.” and the B-side, “Good Guys and Bad Guys” a new version of Camper Van Beethoven song. Heidi Lynne Gluck released her critically acclaimed album, PONY SHOW through Lawrence based Lotuspool Records on Aug. 26, 2016. This was the follow-up to her critically acclaimed release THE ONLY GIRL IN THE ROOM, released April 28, 2015. Heidi Lynne Gluck also plays with the band the Roseline and was a featured vocalist on “Beauty in the Distance” with Asterales.] [Heidi Lynne Gluck joined us live on WMM on June 8, and Aug. 24, 2016, and July 12, 2023]
The Freedom Affair – “Outta My Mind” from: Freedom is Love / Sunflower Soul Records / September 25, 2020 [Debut album from KC’s newest soul juggernaut. The album explores themes of love, heartache, empowerment, and togetherness through a varying landscape of hard-hitting funk, luscious soul, and everything in between. The Freedom Affair is a unique collective featuring 3 powerhouse female vocalists in front of a dynamic 6-piece band. On “Freedom Is Love”, each of the ladies get their time to shine individually, but the magic is on full display when all 3 come together in unison and harmony, symbolically embodying the messages that they sing about. The album was recorded and produced by Chris Hazelton, utilizing the best of vintage and new recording technologies to create an authentic experience, befitting of a soul record that would have been relevant 50 years ago as much as it will be 50 years from now. The Freedom Affair is: Misha Roberts on vocals; Paula Saunders on vocals; Seyko Groves on vocals; Cole Bales on guitar, sitar (Track 3); Branden Moser on guitar; Chris Hazelton on bass guitar, organ (Tracks 1, 2, 9, & 10), Tambourine (Track 1), Glockenspiel (Track 3), & Chimes (Track 4); Dave Brick on drums; Pete Carroll on trumpet; Brett Jackson on tenor sax, baritone sax (Tracks 1 & 5), & tambourine (Tracks 5, 6, & 8). Additional Musicians: Pat Conway on Congas (Tracks 1, 3, & 6), Alyssa Bell on viola (Tracks 3, 4, & 7), Elizabeth Codd on violin (Tracks 3 & 4), Matt Bennett on violin (Tracks 3 & 7), John Wickersham on timpani (Track 4), Pamela Baskin-Watson on piano (Track 10), Nick Howell on tambourine (Track 10), The Freedom Family Choir (Track 10): Misha Roberts, Erica Hazelton, Seyko Groves, Paula Saunders, Jordyn Saunders, Cole Bales, and Chris Hazelton. All Horn & String Arrangements by Chris Hazelton except: “Heartaches Don’t Come Easy” and “Give A Little Love” by Pete Carroll & Brett Jackson “Don’t Shoot” by Chris Hazelton & Allyssa Bell. Produced, Recorded, & Mixed by Chris Hazelton. Assistant Produced by Dave Brick. Rhythm Section on Track 10 recorded by Chad Meise. Mastered by JJ Golden. Cover Artwork by Matthew “Mo” Manley. Front cover photograph of civil rights protesters in Kansas City, MO (April 9th, 1968). The Freedom Affair and their track “Rise Up” were selected to be part of Colemine Records 3xLP box set, “Soul Slabs Vol. 2” a Record Store Day Exclusive, released April 13, 2019. Colemine writes: “The Freedom Affair is a freight train of KC soul! Dirty, funky drums, gritty horns, and the combined vocals of Misha Roberts, Seyko Groves, and Paula Saunders to put this band over the top. Politically charged soul music for the dancefloor!”]
[The Freedom Affair play The Ship, 1221 Union Ave. KCMO West Bottoms on Friday, March 15, at 10:00pm.]
Christena Graves – “One Good Thing” from: “One Good Thing” – Single /Junco Records / February 24, 2024 [On August 3, 2023 Christena Graves released the single “Summer’s End.” // On June 28, 2023 Christena Graves released “Swingin’ On The Stars.” // Christena Graves released her album, FINDING MY FOOTING on February 11, 2021. It was one of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2021. Christena Graves writes songs in order to make sense of her world. Her lyrics are a mixture of a heartfelt acknowledgment of the pain and suffering in life, balanced by the steadying force of committed relationships. Growing up in a coastal area of western Michigan, Christena draws from her deep connection with the natural world to help frame the difficulty of the human emotional landscape. “Nature brings focus for me. I rely on it to color my lyrics.” She found her musical beginning learning to sing harmonies with her older brothers and sisters. Music was an important part of her family and they would often sing hymns together. She fondly remembers the day her oldest brother sat her on the kitchen counter and taught her to sing harmony to Jingle Bells. It was a moment that gave fuel to her love of singing. // After leaving Michigan to attend college in Missouri, she met her husband Brandon and joined the band Waterdeep as the keyboard player. After touring for several years, she stepped away from the band to raise their children. Songwriting became a release to help process the struggles of life. Eventually, she was writing songs for her church community and helping lead music on Sunday mornings. Once the kids were old enough, Christena and Brandon decided to form a new project and return to making music in a bigger way. // 2019 marked the beginning of the Christena Graves Band and the ground work being laid for her return to the music industry. In mid 2020 Greg Lafollette, a long time musical friend, moved back to KC from Nashville where he had built a successful career as an artist and producer. Greg offered his help to record a collections of songs that have become her new record. The album is titled, Finding My Footing. A nod to the difficulty of reengaging in a music business that has changed dramatically over the last 20 years but also a humble acceptance that life can be hard at times but it is important to keep moving forward. // The release of Finding My Footing marks her first full length solo album since 1996 and her first project ever as a band leader. The songs are stories of loss, fear, struggle, and joy. “This project ended up being much more than just making a good record. I spent a lot of time in self reflection—maybe I should call it a mid-life moment. I questioned my ability and worth as an artist, as a woman, and a human. It has been difficult to go through but I am learning so much about myself. I am happy with where I am and I am proud of what I’ve said with this album.” More info at: http://www.christenagravesmusic.com][Christena Graves was guest on WMM on February 10, and on July 7, 2021.]
[Christena Graves plays O’Malley’s 1842 Pub, in Weston Missouri on Friday, March 29, 2024.]
Eddie Moore – “Black Flight” from: Aperture (Live Piano Works) / Eddie Moore Music / March 5, 2024 [All songs written by Eddie Moore. Recorded by Eddie Moore and Jaylen Ward. Mixed by Eddie Moore. Mastered by Crayge Lindesay. Album art by Jeremy Ian Thomas. This project presents snapshots into the life of Eddie Moore. The fun times riding bikes, getting lost in the woods, and spending time with loved ones. As a special solo sharing, it only felt right to capture the velvet soothing energy live on stage at Corvino’s, where experimentation and vulnerability are encouraged. // Special thanks to the Corvinos and the staff for letting me sneak in during the “off hours” and post up for a few hours in a blizzard. // When you speak to Eddie Moore you find an ocean of calm, and when you listen to Eddie Moore you find the depth of that ocean. Moore reaches from the soul with every note, in a deep way, with a tension just below the surface. His yearning for exploration and curiosity in music contribute to an ebb and flow freedom of expression. // On April 20, 2023 Eddie Moore released the single “Tuunami” Recorded & produced at Moore’s Tribe Studios, this song features Jaylen Ward on drums. Mixed & mastered by veteran KC savant Crayge Lindesay. // Eddie Moore released his critically acclaimed album INTUITION on October 28, 2022. Written & Produced by Eddie Moore. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Featuring Tim Ogutu on guitar. Mix & Mastered by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Album Art by Brandon Wilson. // Eddie Moore released the single, “Love Song” (with Joel Castillo and Bree Cummings) on October 22, 2021. // Eddie Moore released “We Chillin’” on April 9, 2021. // Eddie Moore’s band We The People released their album MISUNDERSTOOD on September 25, 2020. // Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to Kansas City to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore’ has shared the stage and recordings with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band. We The People released the single, “Single Double” on June 10, 2021. Written & Produced By Eddie Moore with Moore on keyboards, key bass, & programming; Zach Morrow on drums; and Jason Emmond on bass. Recorded at Tribe Studios. Mixed by Rick Carson at Make Believe Studios. Eddie Moore joined WMM on Sept. 23, 2020 and Nov. 23, 2022. More info at http://www.eddiemooremusic.com]
Daniel Gum – “Don’t I Know” from: Sophia – Don’t I Know – Single / Manor Records / January 24, 2024 [Daniel Gum is a singer-songwriter based out of Kansas City, KS who has been active since 2017. Daniel Gum released the single “Julia” on December 9, 2022. Daniel Gum released the single “Wolverine (ft. Rachel Cion)” on September 19, 2921. Daniel Gu, released the electronic pop EP, I’M NOT DEAD in 2017 and an acoustic EP, MOON in 2018. In addition to working on his own solo project, Daniel has been working with other local groups—playing bass and engineering for his band Pillow (a post-punk/shoegaze group) and playing drums behind singer-songwriter Chloe Jacobson, also doing some recording for her. Channeling the likes of Elliott Smith & Andy Shauf, he co-produced his new record THIRTEEN with Mike Crawford, playing almost everything you hear on the album and mixing it himself. Signing to Manor Records in the spring of 2020, he officially released THIRTEEN on cassette & CD on October 30, 2020. All songs written, performed, and.mastered by Mike Nolte at Eureka Mastering. Daniel Gum is a 24 year old singer-songwriter . Since the age of 12, he has spent the majority of his time writing and recording songs by himself in his room. The Moon EP was released December 7, 2019. It was engineered by Mike Crawford and Daniel Gum and mixed by Daniel Gum with piano and accordion by Cole Crawford. Daniel Gun released his EPI’M NOT DEAD on October 25, 2017, and his 10-song album Reorient on July 31, 2015, with all songs written, recorded and mixed by Daniel Gum who also performed all vocals guitars, drums, piano, bass. harmonica, and programming. The first single from Daniel Gum’s album, Thirteen “Ruin Your Life” was released on September 4, The second single, “In The Worst Ways” was released September 28, 2020.] [On our July 22, 2020, WMM show we played Daniel Gum’s track, “Tired Saint” from French Exit Records – Black Lives Matter Compilation, released July 6, 2020. French Exit Records was launched two years ago as an independent music label in KCMO, founded by Brad Girard. French Exit Records has released albums for No Magic and Raymond,. BLM Compilation is 22 acts from the area, with all proceeds donated to One Struggle KC’s Liberation Fund, a Black-led coalition of KC activists seeking to connect the struggles of oppressed communities, locally & globally. Daniel Gum joined us on WMM on November 11, 2020.]
Erin Keller & James Ward Band – “Gotta Get The White Stuff Out” from: Songs For Times Like These / Erin Keller / January 26, 2024 [Erin Keller on vocals, James Ward on electric bass, Jaylen Ward on drums & cymbals, Angela Ward on keyboard, Chad Meise on electric guitar. Recorded & mixed by Chad Meise. Mastered by Collin Jordan. Artwork by David Ford. Photos & Graphic design by Kayla Haskins. // On May 9, 2016 Erin Keller released her debut solo album, DISTRACTED. // Erin Keller is originally from Waukee, Iowa. She was born in 1980. Erin has been singing on a professional level for 30 years. Erin sang with the internationally competitive Des Moines Children’s Choir for 5 years, and 3 years in All-State choir in high school, which helped her earn a voice performance degree from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri in Kansas City, in 2002. Erin peforms with the Grammy-Award winning Kansas City Chorale. Erin has also worked as a featured soloist with Owen Cox Dance Ensemble, New Ear, KC jazz musicians, the big band at University of Colorado, a West African Highlife Ensemble, the Balkan brass band Gora Gora Orkestar. Erin also has experience writing her own music, singing in rock, folk, and free improv settings and she more recently earned a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder. In Colorado she worked for two years in public schools teaching music and moved back to KC to continue her career as musician and educator. Erin’s voice is born out of an uncommon musical perspective, with a huge range of not only pitch, but also in execution of style and expression. Six and a half years ago, Erin was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. She has been on chemo since her diagnosis, constantly fighting all the symptoms that come with being on chemo. During the Covid pandemic, Erin worked to create safe outdoor concerts for local performers & audiences.]
10:29 – Underwriting
Kat King – “Baby Talk” from: “Baby Talk” – Single / Manor Records / June 16, 2023 [On Jan. 13, 2023 Kat King released “Gone South” Produced by Joel Martin. Led by Kat, on vocals, with Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyboards. Centering on themes of self-care, steadfast friendship, and revitalizing optimism. On September 20, 2022 Kat King released the single “With Nothing In My Way.” This followed their single “New Sun” released July 29, 2022. “New Sun” was a follow up to the June 9, 2021, SAY WHAT YOU MEAN 5-track EP, recorded with her band. Co-produced & mixed / mastered by Joel Martin. Lawrence KS based singer songwriter Kat King released her last single “Song of Spain” in 2019 and her single “2017” in, 2018. She released her 5-song EP “Falling Up” on Dec. 1, 2017. Kat King has been creating music since the 2nd grade. She’s produced a 13-song album and 3 EP’s, the 1st one released at 14.] [Kat King played Boulevardia, on Friday, June 16, at 5:05 PM on the Visit Missouri Grand Stage]
[Kat King play an EP Release Show on Sat., April 6, at 7:00pm, at The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, NKC]
10:34 – Interview with Kat King
Kat King‘s career started as far back as 2nd grade in small town Kansas. Accompanied by her acoustic guitar and piano in her early career, Kat tugged at the heartstrings of listeners with her clever and cryptic in-the-closet love ballads. As a solo singer-songwriter act, she produced one 13-song album and three EP’s, the first one released at the age of 14.
Now based in Kansas City, Kat King graduated into a 5-piece indie-pop rock group who’ve drawn a loyal following, packing out crowds around the city. The group has released one EP and multiple singles together. In April of 2021, they dropped their first single together titled “Don’t Wanna Lose.” The tune made it into regular rotation on 90.9 The Bridge. It was later voted in at second place for The Bridge’s listeners choice of Best Songs of 2021. In 2022 Kat King (The band) played Boulevardia and the Plaza Art Fair.
Through different musical projects, Kat has shared the stage with an impressive list of artists including Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, The Beths, Michigander, Creed Bratton, Houndmouth, Nathaniel Rateliff, Leon Bridges, War and Treaty, Ohmme, Lomelda, and Eliza & the Delusionals.
Sophie Johnson of Manor Records says King is “highly regarded for her ability to hustle in the music scene.” She’s known to bounce from a multitude of instruments, the most recent addition being the keytar. As a sought after musician, she’s accompanied many acts from keys to lead guitar, the latest being Katy Guillen and The Drive.
Kat King prolifically produces perfect pop songs with lyrics that are poetic, thoughtful, autobiographical, musical short stories about living, loving and looking at the times we are living through.
Kat King joins us about the new single “Living Room” from the upcoming EP, Domestic Bliss to be released through Manor Records on April 5, 2024. The Kat King band includes: Kat King on lead vocals, Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyboards. More info at: https://vibe.to/livingroom
Kat King play an EP Release Show on Sat., April 6, at 7:00pm, at The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, NKC
Kat King thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Kat King’s career started as far back as 2nd grade in small town Kansas. Accompanied by her acoustic guitar and piano in her early career, Kat tugged at the heartstrings of listeners with her clever and cryptic in-the-closet love ballads. As a solo singer-songwriter act, she produced one 13-song album and three EP’s, the first one released at the age of 14.
Kat King Discography
THIS IS HOME 5-song EP November 21, 2015 “Falling Up” Single June 1, 2017 “Don’t Expect Me To” Single August 3, 2017 FALLING UP 5 – Song EP December 1, 2017 “2017” Single October 18, 2018 “Song from Spain” Single February 9, 2019 “Don’t Wanna Lose” Single April 14, 2021 “Say What You Mean” Single May 19. 2021 SAY WHAT YOU MEAN 5-song EP June 9, 2021 “New Sun” Single July 29, 2022 “With Nothing in My Way”Single September 30, 2022 “Gone South” Single January 13, 2023 “Baby Talk” Single June 16, 2023 “Bright Eyed” Single October 6, 2023 “Living Room” Single March 8, 2024
Starting with “Song From Spain” (2019) Kat King has worked with Producer Joel Martin.
Kat King is: Kat King on vocals Derek Melies on guitar John Kaul McCain on bass Daniel Cole on drums Kara LePage on keyboards
Kat King joins us about the new single “Living Room” from the upcoming EP, Domestic Bliss to be released through Manor Records on April 5, 2024.
Kat writes: “Living Room formed out of a guitar melody that Derek sent me in a voice recording. It was in the early stages of living with a partner for the first time where you have to figure out how to navigate your independence while cohabitating because you realize the joy in having someone to leave early with or to just stay home with. I knew I wanted to revisit that guitar recording Derek sent me because of its nostalgic sound and I ended up writing the entire song that evening. When I showed the band we restructured the song, jumping right into the chorus instead of the classic verse/chorus/verse/chorus structure it was initially. John also wrote this beautiful melodic bass line that acts as a counter melody throughout which I think gives it such an interesting instrumental story arc.”
11:43
Kat King – “Living Room” from: “Living Room” – Single / Manor Records / March 8, 2024 [From their upcoming EP, Domestic Bliss. // Kat writes: “Living Room formed out of a guitar melody that Derek sent me in a voice recording. It was in the early stages of living with a partner for the first time where you have to figure out how to navigate your independence while cohabitating because you realize the joy in having someone to leave early with or to just stay home with. There was an evening when she was out of town and I was sitting in our living room having a crisis because I was feeling the heaviness of the injustices in the world and I didn’t want to leave the house but I also didn’t want to be home alone. These were feelings I’d navigated before as a single person but it was hitting in such a different way. As someone who had always operated from a state of FOMO, it felt so out of character to choose staying home instead of going to find something to do. It’s silly but in that moment it felt like I wasn’t the same person that I was before living together, so naturally I grabbed my guitar to try and work through that feeling. I knew I wanted to revisit that guitar recording Derek sent me because of its nostalgic sound and I ended up writing the entire song that evening. When I showed the band we restructured the song, jumping right into the chorus instead of the classic verse/chorus/verse/chorus structure it was initially. John also wrote this beautiful melodic bass line that acts as a counter melody throughout which I think gives it such an interesting instrumental story arc. Living Room is the acceptance of enjoying simple home pleasures while recognizing home as a sanctuary from the outside world.” // Kat King, on lead vocals, Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyboards. On October 6, 2023 Kat King released the single. “Bight-Eyed.” // On June 16, 2024 Kat King released the single “Baby Talk.” // On Jan. 13, 2023 Kat King released “Gone South” Produced by Joel Martin. Centering on themes of self-care, steadfast friendship, and revitalizing optimism. On September 20, 2022 Kat King released the single “With Nothing In My Way.” This followed their single “New Sun” released July 29, 2022. “New Sun” was a follow up to the June 9, 2021, SAY WHAT YOU MEAN 5-track EP, recorded with her band. Co-produced & mixed / mastered by Joel Martin. Lawrence KS based singer songwriter Kat King released her last single “Song of Spain” in 2019 and her single “2017” in, 2018. She released her 5-song EP “Falling Up” on Dec. 1, 2017. Kat King has been creating music since the 2nd grade. She’s produced a 13-song album and 3 EP’s, the 1st one released at 14.]
[Kat King play an EP Release Show on Sat., April 6, at 7;00pm, at The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, NKC]
10:48 – More Interview with Kat King
Kat King joins us to talk about the new single “Living Room” from the upcoming EP, Domestic Bliss to be released through Manor Records on April 5, 2024.
Kat King thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
The Kat King band includes: Kat King on lead vocals, Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyboards. More info at: https://vibe.to/livingroom
Sophie Johnson of Manor Records says King is “highly regarded for her ability to hustle in the music scene.” She’s known to bounce from a multitude of instruments, the most recent addition being the keytar. As a sought after musician, she’s accompanied many acts from keys to lead guitar, the latest being Katy Guillen and The Drive.
Bright-Eyed (Lyrics)
Daydream fifty places to see before you die Daydream morning routine, grinding coffee, burning My tongue holding back the longing for a warmer month
A heavy mind in a crowded space Standing in line with a stone-cold face The room is alive but I live in worst-case World is alive and I feel out of place Grab an arm but they’re all out of reach The bitter cold wraps around my feet The room is alive but it’s suffocating The world is alive and I can’t breathe Bright-eyed
Watch you undress, softer, slower, laying in bed Don’t have much to say these days are shorter I hear Muffled, can you hear me if I don’t speak what I think?
A heavy mind in a crowded space Standing in line with a stone-cold face The room is alive but I live in worst-case World is alive and I feel out of place Grab an arm but they’re all out of reach The bitter cold wraps around my feet The room is alive but it’s suffocating The world is alive and I can’t breathe Bright-eyed
Guitar & Vocals – Kat King Lead Guitar – Derek Melies Keys – Kara LePage Drums – Daniel Cole Bass – John McCain Trumpet – Cameron Seip Engineered by Zack Hames and John McCain Produced by Joel Martin
Kat King thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
Kat King joins us about the new single “Living Room” from the upcoming EP, Domestic Bliss to be released through Manor Records on April 5, 2024. More info at http://www.katbking.com
11:56
Kat King – “Bright Eyed” from: “Bright-Eyed.” – Single / Manor Records / On June 16, 2024 [From their upcoming EP, Domestic Bliss. / Kat King, on lead vocals, Derek Melies on guitar, John Kaul McCain on bass, Daniel Cole on drums, & Kara LePage on keyboards. On October 6, 2023 Kat King released the single. “Bight-Eyed.” // On June 16, 2024 Kat King released the single “Baby Talk.” // On Jan. 13, 2023 Kat King released “Gone South” Produced by Joel Martin. Centering on themes of self-care, steadfast friendship, and revitalizing optimism. On September 20, 2022 Kat King released the single “With Nothing In My Way.” This followed their single “New Sun” released July 29, 2022. “New Sun” was a follow up to the June 9, 2021, SAY WHAT YOU MEAN 5-track EP, recorded with her band. Co-produced & mixed / mastered by Joel Martin. Lawrence KS based singer songwriter Kat King released her last single “Song of Spain” in 2019 and her single “2017” in, 2018. She released her 5-song EP “Falling Up” on Dec. 1, 2017.]
[Kat King play an EP Release Show on Sat., April 6, at 7:00pm, at The RINO, 314 Armour Rd, NKC]
11:00 – Station ID
11:00 – Interview with Elaine McMilian
Writer and musician Elaine McMilian wrote her first poem, “Palatable Thoughts of Peace,” in the eighth grade, and whether poetry, songs, or essays, she’s been a committed writer since, graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1991 with a Creative Writing degree. Elaine McMilian has performed in and around KC for over 30 years as a solo artist and in the bands: Swingin’ 6, Easterday, Bonnys’ McGill, Toy Box, Sugar Plums, and The Brannock Device, singing American ballads, folk, alternative, rock and punk. She has collaborated and recorded with many of Kansas City’s very best song writers and musicians including: Erin McGrane, Jason Beers, Marco Pascolini, Scott Easterday, Christian Hankel and Howard Iceberg.
In more recent years, Elaine shifted toward poetry and essays. She created her memoir blog, And Something Else. And now currently her follow-up site, And Something More. Elaine lives contentedly in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband Gaylon.
Elaine joins us today to talk about her first book of poetry, Copper and Other Precious Metals ithat represents the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream. Read more of Elaine’s writing at elainemcmilian.substack.com.
Elaine McMilian, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Elaine joins us today to talk about her first book of poetry, Copper and Other Precious Metals ithat represents the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream. Read more of Elaine’s writing at elainemcmilian.substack.com.
Elaine grew up in Independence, and graduated High School in 1973, went to college as a vocal music major, but left college after her first year to get married and start a family. Early musical influence were Barbara Streisand, Linda Ronstadt and Joni Mitchell.
In her mid thirties Elaine went back to college a UMKC and that’s where she met Christian Hankel, who at the time he was getting ready to start his band Mongol Beach Party. Christian took Elaine out to see a whole new generation of musicians playing in KC.
Elaine graduated in 1991 from UMKC with a degree in Creative Writing with an emphasis in Poetry. During this time you answered an ad in The Pitch which led to your being involved in the acapella group Swingin’ Six with Erin McGrane and Suzi Seigler.
Elaine McMilian has performed in and around KC for almost 30 years as a solo artist and in the bands: Swingin’ 6, Easterday, Bonnys’ McGill, Toy Box, Sugar Plums and The Brannock Device. Elaine created EME LLC, a musician’s representation company where she uses her background and networking skills to promote bands and solo artists. Elaine worked with Artist Inc.
Originally formed in 1994 The Brannock Device includes: Jason Beers on Bass & Vocals, Bernie Dugan on Drums, Marco Pascolini on Guitar, and Elaine McMilian on Vocals.
Scott Easterday – 1995 recorded Easterday – Released in 2004.
The Bonnys McGill – Erin McGrane
Elaine’s released the solo recordings
The Messenger 10-track album July 22, 2011 Insomnia 10-track Album May 23, 2002
In more recent years, Elaine shifted toward poetry and essays.
She created her memoir blog, And Something Else. And now currently her follow-up site, And Something More.
Elaine lives contentedly in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband Gaylon.
Elaine McMilian, thanks for being with us on WMM.
Elaine McMilian’s first book of poetry, Copper and Other Precious Metals represents the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream. Read info: elainemcmilian.substack.com.
11:17
Jamogi – “Star-Crossed Lover” from: Star-Crossed Lover – EP / Jam Tunes / March 3, 2023 [Jamogi Bridges is also know as Byron Hyde a Kanas City based singer, songwriter, MC, producer, originally form Los Angeles, California. Since releasing this EP Jamogi released a “Star-Crossed Lover GALACTIC REMIX (feat. Watchman)” single on June 9, 2023.Jamogi previously released the AGE OF AQUARIUS EP on March 3, 2023, and the single “Celebration” on December 9, 2022, and the single “Anymore” on May 6, 2022. Jamogi played the 19th Annual Crossroads Music Fest, Saturday, August 26.]
[Jamogi plays The No Place Like Home: MultIdisciplinary Screening, TODAY, Wednesday, March 13 at 5:30 pm at Charlotte Street, 3333 Wyoming, KCMO. The No Place Like Home documentary “explores the challenges for acceptance and compassion that LGBTQ people face through stories of gains and losses- and the willful ignorance that continues to make this effort so arduous yet vital for the very soul of our humanity.” The documentary is based on the book No Place Like Home written by author and Kansas native C.J. Janovy. // No Divide KC, C.J. Janovy and the No Place Like Home filmmakers are partnering to present a documentary screening with live performances from KC based queer artists. At this event the entire film will be screened mixed with live performances by Jamogi, Leah Sproul, Sass A Brass, Nick May, Melissa Ferrer, and Olivia Emert that respond to the queer themes presented in the work. Doors open 5:30 PM // Program 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM // Artist Talkback 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM]
The Whips – “As Long As You Want Me” from: “As Long As You Want Me” – Single / Draft Crew Records / March 8, 2024 [The Whips are Miles Patterson on drums, Quinn Cosgrove on bass, Max Indiveri on guitar, and Coop on piano. The Whips are a funk/soul band based in Kansas City. The Whips released their 12 track debut album HOW TO HOLD A GRUDGE on Lotuspool Records on September 1, 2023, Recorded with Audio Engineer Chris Cosgrove. the album features an array of their favorite local musicians guest in various tracks including: Malek Azrael, Anna Duntz, Atomic Blonde, Die Jane, Tre’ Mutava, Lymerrick & Lucy Brock. The Whips released their 6-track Debut EP, NEVER CHANGE, OR DO on August 20, 2021 on Draft Crew Records. The Whips released multiple singles in 2021. More info at: ww.thewhipsband.com]
Belle & The Vertigo Waves – “What You Wanted (ReAligned)” from: “What You Wanted – ReAligned” – Single / Drop Out Records / December 15, 2023 [Belle & The Vertigo Waves is the sonic brainchild of Belle Loux. She resides in Kansas City, MO, and is slowly attempting world domination. Members include Belle Loux on lead vocals, John Loux on guitar. // What You Wanted originally came out in 2017 on our first album, ‘Aligned’. It was a fun, soft indie/alternative song about dealing with mean girls in high school. Well, What You Wanted is all grown up now, a bit more self aware and a lot louder. This is the first single off of our upcoming EP, ‘(Re)Aligned’ that we will be releasing early 2024. // For Belle, when it comes to writing songs, there has always been a core meaning and a surface level meaning. The core meaning is the thing that allows other people to relate to what you are saying, the surface level is the more specific incident that you are writing about. When we started to work on the Re-Aligned songs, Belle wanted to take a look at the core meaning of these songs that she wrote as a teenager, and find a way to relate to them as an adult. // What you wanted was originally written about drama between friends in highschool. At the core of it, it all came down to someone hating you for having something they didn’t have. Thinking the only possible way you could have obtained the success, friendships or happiness you have in your life, is by lying, cheating, stealing or getting some sort of special treatment. As an adult, this still happens all of the time. People can be bitter and resentful towards you for having what they wish they had. They can overlook the hard work that you put into your career, relationships etc. to get to where you are today. // Belle & The Vertigo Waves released their debut album, ALIGNED on Drop Out Records on October 6, 2017. “Aligned” is available on iTunes and all streaming services. About the album, Belle told Michelle Bacon at The Bridge that, “Many of the tunes had been written around five years prior, when I was just 15 or 16.” Belle had only played them as a solo artist with occasional accompaniment from her dad, guitarist John Loux, and keyboardist Charlie Hibberd. In 2017, she hired the two musicians and a couple other friends to track “Aligned,” dubbing the project Belle and the Vertigo Waves, in the hopes that she’d eventually assemble a live band. “Recording was a surreal and emotional experience. Playing the songs with a band was like seeing them come to life,” she said. “I knew there was no way I could be a solo artist anymore, because I fell in love with the full band sound so much.” The music of Belle & The Vertigo Waves have been described as having an “1980s pop-laden sound.” which drew local attention in 2018. Their sound is influenced by three generations of musicians in the band. Belle & The Vertigo Waves are currently recording new music at Massive Sound Studios. Belle & The Vertigo Waves released their single, “Fear or Faith” on June 7, 2019 on Drop Out Records. Belle & The Vertigo Waves released their single, “Pulse” on April 17, 2020 on Drop Out Records. Belle & The Vertigo Waves released their single, “Beat Me To The Punch” on Drop Out Records on October 29, 2021. Belle & The Vertigo Waves released their single, “Stand Down” on January 21, 2021. Belle & The Vertigo Waves joined us on WMM on Feb 5, 2020 and June 26, 2019. More info at: http://www.thevertigowaves.com]
[Belle & The Vertigo Waes play recordBar, 1520 Grand Blvd. KCMO, TONIGHT, Wednesday, March 13 at 7:00pm with Nick Loux, and World Engine]
11:29 – Underwriting
Supermassive Black Holes – “Down In The Back” from: Stop Safely Now / Supermassive Black Holes / October 27, 2023 [The album was recorded, engineered, mixed & mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab. Supermassive Black Holes are: Alexis Barclay on bass guitar & vocals; John Johnson on electric & acoustic guitar, synthesizer, kazoo & vocals; Matt Davis on drums, piano & vocals; and Chad Brothers on electric & acoustic guitar & vocals. Song written by Chad Brothers. Supermassive Black Holes were formed in 2010 during the legendary Monday jam nights at Crosstown Station. Supermassive Black Holes are a genre-bending psychedelic rock band from Kansas City known for their mesmerizing live performances. Fresh off the release of their new album “Stop Safely Now”, these musical stalwarts are eager to share their latest songs and sounds with lovers of psychedelic and progressive rock music. Their unique chemistry, honed over 13 years of collaboration, pushes the boundaries of sonic expression, creating a listening experience that captivates audiences. They’ve been described as a stoner rock lounge act or punk rock jam band. Their musical style is rich with electric guitar, rock-steady bass and powerful drums, and draws comparisons to bands like My Morning Jacket, Ween, Guided by Voices, and The Stone Roses. ]
[Supermassive Black Holes play Mike Kelly’s Westsider, 1515 Wstport Rd, KCMO, Thurs, March 14, at 7:00pm for a KC Folk Fest Fundraiser / Raffle / Instrument Auction / Live Music / Special Guests.]
11:34 – Interview w/ DJ Thundercutz, Jasmine Majors, and Nico Gray
Recently 90.1 FM KKFI – Kansas City Community Radio completed a giant initiative that sprang to life from station-wide Strategy Sessions that were organized 5 years ago. Our Board of Directors compiled main objectives from these sessions, and some routed to KKFI’s Programming Committee to create a plan of action. Our initiative was to open up our schedule, to increase the number of younger, Female, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, POC, and LGBTQIA programmers into our radio family, so that KKFI 90.1 FM could be even more representative of the collective communities we serve through our Mission Statement.
This process took 18 months to achieve. KKFI has had programming changes in the past, but for this initiative, we created space for 15 new program possibilites, and invited in 22 new hosts, programmers and DJs into our family. We did all of this with our losing any of our pre-existing programs, and without changing the percentage of music show and news & public affairs shows. It has been a little over a month since we launched our new schedule, and we have heard a lot of positive response to our New Programming, and last week we completed our Winter Fund Drive which as one of the most successful fund drives KKFI has had in over 10 years.
In an effort to help to introduce some our New Programmers at KKFI I have invited three of them to join us today on the show!
Jasmine Majors is a mother, a lover, a natural herbalist, a vegan chef, a seasoned tie dye artist, and local Kansas City promoter of all music. Jasmine started volunteering at KKFI nearly 9 months ago, answering phones, working our front desk, recording promos. When she first heard about KKFI’s initiative to bring in New Programmers she decided to pass. But after giving it more thought she turned in her application and created a pilot program that became a favorite of the Programming Committee. She then fast-tracked into KKFI’s Programmer training program and mentored with multiple DJs and KKFI veterans to completed her training and was certified just in time to accept her role of radio show host and producer. Jasmine Majors hosts Vital Vibrations, every Tuesday from Noon to 2:00pm where you’ll can hear positive music with a message of love, vibrations that are vital.
Jasmine Majors Thanks for being with us on WMM.
Dj Thundercutz also know has Clinton Martens Has been collecting records and DJ’n for 13 years. DJ Thundercutz is well known in the Kansas City Music Community and has played in most all music venues in Kansas City. He has accumulated a collection of over 16,000 vinyl records and in multiple genres, from funk to reggae to French Pop to Cumbia to Hip-Hop to Afro-Beat. DJ Thundercuz loves the “treasure hunt” that is vinyl collecting. He has been “filling in on KKFI since 2014” and was just recently started his own show called “In The Groove” on Mondays from Noon – 2:00pm and it’s going swimmingly.
DJ Thundercutz, Thanks for being with us on WMM.
Nico Gray is host and producer of Radio Nicopisa on Wednesdays, 12:00 Noon to 2:00pm on 90.1 FM KKFI. Nico contributed to Wednesday MidDay Medley for over 10 years, helping with shows about Glam Rock, David Bowie, and Fund Drive, and serving as Guest Producer for 12 different shows. In 2022 Nico’s own radio show, “Radio Nicopisa” was launched in the overnight hours. Nico Gray is also a writer, performance artist, and has worked as an actor with Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Gorilla Theatre, 8th St. Cafe Theatre, Actor’s Craft, and Big Bang Buffet. He appeared in HBO film “Truman” and in the Robert Altman film, “Kansas City.” Nico was also in an early short film of John McGraths that had a small role played by Emmy Award Winner Jason Sudeikis. Nico is currently a marketing & advertising consultant with Union Station.
Nico Gray, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley
DJ Thundercutz, Jasmine Majors and Nico Gray Thanks for being with us on WMM.
DJ Thundercutz hosts “In The Groove” Mondays, Noon to 2:00pm; Jasmine Majors who hosts “Vital Vibrations” Tuesdays Noon to 2:00pm; Nico Gray hosts “Radio Nicopisa” Wednesdays, Noon to 2:00pm. More info at http://www.kkfi.org
11:54
The Swallowtails – “Good Days” from: LUCKY PENNY EP / The Swallowtails / February 20, 2024 [The independent acoustic band, experimenting in the rock/pop genres while performing on what are traditionally folk/classical instruments, enter a new era having produced the entirety of this project themselves, with the songwriting matter touching on life’s big changes, challenges, and the realizations that time will heal. // “Since becoming a duo, it was time for us to reinvent our sound again. The songwriting on this EP is split between Rachel and myself, and this is Rachel’s debut release as a writer and singer. We spent all of January 2024 finishing the arrangements, recording and mixing the mini-record. It was a much needed release of energy for both of us, and we are definitely looking forward to adding these songs into our live sets and performing new material.”– Miki P, songwriter, singer and musician in The Swallowtails. // Est. in 2018, The Swallowtails are a Kansas City based musical duo comprised of musicians Miki P on guitar/vocals and Rachel Lovelace on bassoon/vocals. Their vision is to write honest, heartfelt songs that feel like you’re coming home to an old friend. As recording and performance artists, they have been showcased throughout Kansas City, performing at the Folly Theatre, Boulevardia Music Festival, The Kansas City Public Library as part of the 2023 Art in the Loop: Celebrate project, and most recently at Green Guitar Folk House opening for The Wildwoods. Their songwriting was awarded Best Song by a KC Band in 2023 by the Pitch Magazine for their tune “Take it Slow.” // Live video’s will be released on The Swallowtails YouTube page in support of the EP, the live session was filmed at West Bottoms Whiskey Co. // Swallowtails will be featuring the new EP at the Folk Alliance International Conference February 21st-25th. Both Miki & Rachel have earned scholarships to attend the conference. // Swallowtails embark on their 4th year entering NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest featuring a song off the EP, called “I’m on Fire” posted to NPR’s official contest site. // The Swallowtails have recently been approved as part of KCAIC Touring Artists Roster, through the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. // On May 22, 2023 The Swallowtails released their 7-track EP THE WORLD STILL SPINS from Rachel Lovelace on bassoon, Adee Dancy on cello & vocals, and Miki P on guitar & lead vocals. Miki P is a self-taught musician/multi-instrumentalist & songwriter driving the Swallowtails into a creative collaboration like any other. Miki P was born in Kansas City, KS. Miki P started playing guitar in middle school. She taught herself to play the drums, while listening to Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon and Ringo Starr. Miki P performed “She Loves You” at her 7th grade talent show. In 9th grade she joined a teen-band called American Slim as drummer & vocalist, and she wrote songs for their full-length album Irreplaceable released in 2017, followed by a single “Queen of Hearts” released April 11, 2018. Miki P has played Middle of the Map Fest, Crossroads Music Fest, Kauffman Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium, and The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art before officially ending in 2018. As a teen she played drums for various groups including American Slim. At 21, Miki P began work on her debut solo-record, DOME OF SWALLOWS, that was released August 2, 2018. She then formed Miki P and the Swallowtails who released their first EP, Swallowtail in 2019, In 2021 Miki P released the 6-song EP, DON’T LOSE HOPE, created in covid isolation, in Miki P’s home space. Sitting & working from Miki’s computer, she composed and recorded 80% of the EP, working through the music like a journal entry, creating each song from her internal hurricane of emotions. All songs written, recorded, played, & mixed by Miki P. Recorded & Mixed with Emma Klien & Jake Hilger. Mastered by Joel Nanos. Miki P released her single “Your Love” on June 24, 2022. Miki P’s released the single “Peter Parker!” on March 18, 2022. // More info at: http://www.mikipmusic.com]
[Miki P plays Lyrical Belles Songwriters’ Round 3 with Kirra Alexis, Miki P & Lily B. Moonflower on Thursday, March 14, 2024 , 8:00 pm CST at Knuckleheads 2715 Rochester Avenue, KCMO.]
Noel Coward – “The Party’s Over Now” from: Noel Coward in New York / drg / 2003 [orig. 1957]
Next week on Wednesday, March 20 we are doing a special show about radio with special guest Sarah Bradshaw of 90.9 The Bridge, and Michael Byars of 89.3 KCUR and Chris haghirian of Eight One Sixty on 90.9 The Bridge.
THANK YOU to our incredible KKFI Staff; Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers.
This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. Instead it is about a collective spirit of hundreds of hardworking people, unselfishly setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the gigantic goal of keeping our airwaves free, non-commercial, and open to all! Congratulations and thank you to all programmers & volunteers who went the extra effort to keep our station alive.
Our Script/Playlist is a “cut and paste” of information. Sources for notes: artist’s websites, bios, wikipedia.org
Wednesday MidDay Medley 