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, November 4, 2026

Sondra Freeman & Mark Vick on Apocalypse Meow 19 + John McCrite & “Still Here” + Seth Andrew Davis

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

2. Alabama Shakes – “I Feel Hope Coming”
   from: I Must Be Dreaming / Alabama Shakes – ATO Records / August 28, 2026
   [Formed in Athens, Alabama in 2009. The band currently consists of lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard, guitarist Heath Fogg, bassist Zac Cockrell, keyboard player Ben Tanner, and drummer Steve Johnson. The group rose to prominence from virtual obscurity in the early 2010s with their distinctive and soulful roots rock sound. The band began their career touring and performing at bars and clubs around the Southeast for two years while honing their sound and writing music. They recorded their debut album, Boys & Girls, themselves in Nashville while still unsigned. Online acclaim led ATO Records to sign the band, which released Boys & Girls in 2012 to acclaim. The album had a hit single, “Hold On,” and was nominated for three Grammy Awards. After a long touring cycle, the band recorded their sophomore record, Sound & Color, which was released in 2015 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200. Brittany Howard’s solo releases are fabulous.Alabama Shakes released Sound & Color on April 21, 2015 ]

3. Margaret Glaspy – “Martin Luther King Jr.”
   from: I Am Both / ATO Records / August 7, 2026
   [The New York-based singer/songwriter discovered a clarity of mind and creative momentum as she recon-nected with her songwriting. Produced by 3-time GRAMMY-winner Joe Henry (Aimee Mann, Joan Baez), the album finds Glaspy embracing complexity, clarity and emotional directness in equal measure. // I Am Both ultimately stands as a striking new statement from one of the modern music canon’s most formidable song-writers.// Her 4th full-length album, I Am Both emerged from live sessions at NYC’s Reservoir Studios alongside drummer/percussionist Jay Bellerose (Bonnie Raitt, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss), keyboardist Patrick Warren (Tracy Chapman, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen), and bassist Ross Gallagher (Paula Cole, Grails). Written largely in longhand and later refined on a typewriter, I Am Both Glaspy offers an ardent refusal of any outside pressure to compromise her multidimensionality. “I wrote the title track a while ago; the story is based on a female character that I look up to deeply—a woman who contains multitudes while seeing reality very clearly,” says Glaspy. “It can feel safer to try to fit myself into a category, but I find that embracing my own complexity is much healthier for me.” That embrace of complexity runs throughout the album’s eleven tracks. // “Speaking of transfixing voices: Margaret Glaspy’s passionate croak is haunted by the past” – The New York Times // “A thoughtful singer-songwriter record with adept, minimalist instrumental backing and a powerhouse vocalist… remarkably inventive” – Pitchfork // “Perfecting an expansive sort of minimal-ism: she writes sharp little songs that gesture at decades of influences, from coffee-shop folk to 78-r.p.m. jazz.” – The New Yorker // “No matter how specific Glaspy’s lyrics become, these songs speak for everyone.” – Consequence // “There’s a brutish honesty in the songs of Margaret Glaspy that at once seems cold and at the same time comes from the heart… That wit and wisdom packs a punch and conveys confidence, as does her guitar playing” – NPR // “Her language is essential, and listening to how she constructs a story is as much a journey as it is a reward.” – Paste]

[Margaret Glaspy plays The Bottleneck 737 New Hampshire St., Lawrence KS., on Thursday, November 5, doors at 7:00pm shoe at 8:00pm with Olive Klug.]

4. Huascar Medina, Ezgi Karakus, José Faus, Nick Carswell – “New American”
   from: “New American” – Single / Nick Carswell / October 30, 2026
   [Words by Huascar Medina. Piano and electronics by Nick Carswell. Cello by Ezgi Karakus. Recorded live at Lawrence Arts Center, September 18th, 2026. // Sharing Home was a collaborative project offering an intimate, multidisciplinary exploration of the immigrant experience, addressing the complex emotional and cultural landscapes of living between origins and new places of belonging. The performance weaves together original musical compositions and evocative spoken word pieces created by Lawrence and Kansas City based artists. New American is a compelling new single from the Sharing Home project. New American was recorded live at the inaugural Sharing Home performance on September 18th at Lawrence Arts Center, as part of the Downtown Underground concert series. Huascar Medina delivers his stirring words against a backdrop of piano, cello and electronic music in the new track available on Bandcamp and YouTube. // The Sharing Home project features a collaborative ensemble including Irish-born musician Nick Carswell, Turkish cellist Ezgi Karakus, multidisciplinary artist and writer José Faus originally from Columbia, and former Poet Laureate of Kansas with Panamanian and Puerto Rican heritage, Huascar Medina. Together, the artists weave together evocative storytelling and acoustic arrangements to offer an intimate look into the complex emotional and cultural landscapes of the immigrant experience. // “This project is the culmination of many conversations and shared perspectives of being an immigrant,” says Carswell. “It’s a privilege to collaborate with these amazing artists on something so close to our hearts: the idea of belonging and ‘home’”. // “Home is not a place for me, it’s a people,” adds collaborating poet Huascar Medina. “I live in-between places—places where my parents left from, and places where I’m trying to belong”. // Huascar Medina (Poetry): Poet, author, and former Poet Laureate of Kansas. Nick Carswell (Music): Songwriter, musician, and arts organizer based in Lawrence, KS. Ezgi Karakus (Music): Acclaimed cellist and performer. José Faus (Poetry): Multidisciplinary visual artist, writer, and performer.]

5. Joy Oladokun – “Easy Company”
   from: Hope Is A Heavy Thing / Feed The Family – Concord / September 25, 2026
   [Produced by Oladokun with additional contributions from Nigerian producer Spellz, the new 12-track project marks a bold new chapter, expanding Oladokun’s sound while continuing to prove her ability to not only bend genres but also to bridge cultures. Across the album, Oladokun explores identity, connection and self-discovery with the emotional honesty that has become a hallmark of her songwriting. In addition to “Kind” and the previously shared track “Zombie,” the album features a collaboration with Nigerian artist Adekunle Gold. // “‘To understand your future you have to confront your past.’ This is the driving theme behind Hope Is A Heavy Thing,” shares Oladokun. “It’s a collection of 12 songs that I wrote to help myself find my light again after burning out. Produced in Nashville, New York, and the back of a speeding tour bus, this album is sonically an homage to all of the music that inspires me. On this record you’ll find music that nods the brilliance of the Soulquarians, the rawness of Bob Dylan, the rhythms of afrobeats, and the sampling prowess of J Dilla. Not to mention a callback to the Ronettes and a few songs that find inspiration in rock and roll protest music of the 60’s and 70’s. You’ll also find me at the most authentic I’ve been able to be as an artist. It is a record I wrote for anyone who finds themselves wondering how to hope in these times. Sometimes it means looking back and digging through the muck to find what’s worth fighting for again.” // This fall, Oladokun will embark on her extensive “The Heavy Things Tour,” with newly confirmed stops at Austin’s Scoot Inn, Los Angeles’ The Bellwether, Seattle’s Moore Theatre, Denver’s Paramount Theatre, Chicago’s The Vic Theatre, Washington D.C.’s Howard Theatre and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, among many others. See below for complete tour itinerary. // Hope Is A Heavy Thing follows Oladokun’s critically acclaimed albums in defense of my own happiness (2021), Proof of Life (2023) and Observations From A Crowded Room (2024), which led NPR Music to call Oladokun “one of the great singer-songwriters pushing beyond roots or conventional singer-songwriter music today.” Additionally, The New York Times praised, “her songs are conversational and confessional, and her hooky but profound melodies turn her lyrics into mantras,” while Consequence declared, “One of the most refreshing voices coming out of Nashville…there’s a deeply honest quality to her music that makes her hard to shake.” // Oladokun is one of today’s most compelling genre-defying voices, using deeply vulnerable songwriting to seamlessly connect folk, soul, pop and rock with striking emotional clarity. A queer Black musician and daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Oladokun has become a vital cultural voice, writing songs that explore identity, faith, mental health, and social justice with honesty and restraint. She earned a nomination for Americana Artist of the Year and her protest anthem, “i see america,” was a finalist for the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Award for Best Song for Social Change. Oladokun has performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CBS Saturday Morning’s “Saturday Sessions,” TODAY, PBS’ Austin City Limits and NPR Music’s “Tiny Desk (Home) Concert” series. Widely respected by her peers, Oladokun has collaborated with artists such as Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Maxo Kream, Jack Antonoff, Jason Isbell and Noah Kahan and has joined Isbell, Kahan, John Mayer, Hozier, My Morning Jacket, Tyler Childers, Pink Sweat$, Leon Bridges and Manchester Orchestra on the road. Joy Oladokun released Observations From A Crowded Room on Oct. 18, 2024. // Joy Iladokun released Proof of Life her 4th studio album on April 28, 2023. The album was supported by five singles released throughout 2022 & 2023. The album features guest appearances from Mt. Joy, Manchester Orchestra, Chris Stapleton, Maxo Kream, and Noah Kahan. In a press release about the album, Oladokun said that she intended for the songs on Proof of Life to be “helpful anthems” and to resonate with “anybody who feels normal and needs a little musical boost to get through the day”. The first single, “Keeping the Light On”, was released on January 21, 2022. The second single, “Sweet Symphony” (featuring Chris Stapleton), was released on September 23, 2022. Of the song, Oladokun said that the song was about “the vulnerability, the fear, and the ups and downs that come from loving someone.” The third single, “Changes”, was released on February 17, 2023, simultaneously with the album announcement. The fourth single, “We’re All Gonna Die” (with Noah Kahan), was released March 17, 2023. The 5th and final single, “Taking Things for Granted”, was released on April 21, 2023. // Joy Oladokun was born April 6, 1992, she is an American singer-songwriter. Oladokun’s music spans the genres of folk, R&B, rock, and pop and is influenced by her identity as a queer woman of color. Oladokun grew up in Casa Grande, Arizona, listening to country and folk music, as well as Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill. Both of her parents are Nigerian immigrants to the United States. Her family regularly attended a Christian church, where Oladokun was chosen to lead worship. Later, Oladokun left the church because it limited her creativity. // When Oladokun was 10, a video of Tracy Chapman inspired her to learn guitar.// After college, at a friend’s suggestion, Oladokun moved to Los Angeles to pursue her music career. She later moved to East Nashville, where she signed with Prescription Songs. She has released three studio albums. In 2015, Joy Oladokun self-released her debut EP Cathedrals. Her debut studio album, Carry Me was funded by Kickstarter and released on April 29, 2016 through Well Records. // Oladokun released the single “Sunday” in 2019, saying “‘Sunday’ is the song that 12-year-old Joy, seated in the back of church youth group, needed to hear. She needed to hear that you can be queer and happy. Queer and healthy. Queer and holy. She needed to see married women kissing and playing with their kids.” The music video highlights people in LGBTQ relation-ships and has a predominantly queer cast. // Oladokun’s song “Mercy” follows in the same theme, describing her experience as a Black person in the United States, while the single “I See America” criticizes systemic racism. NPR listed “I See America” on its 100 Best Songs of 2020. // On July 17, 2020, Oladokun released her 2nd studio album, In Defense of My Own Happiness (Vol. 1). Billboard described the album as a “stunningly emotional collection.” Mitch Mosk, editor-in-chief of Atwood Mag., called it a “a sweeping, soaring, and stunning sophomore record oozing heart and soul.” // In 2021, Oladokun received a grant from YouTube’s “#YouTubeBlack Voices Fund”. The same year she signed with Amigo Records, Verve Forecast Records, & Republics. http://www.joyoladokun.com Oladokun played The Truman on Sept. 12, 2024.]

[Joy Oladokun: Heavy Things Tour plays The Granada Theater, 1020 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS., Friday, November 6, at 8:00pm.]

6. Pieta Brown – “Someday Someday”
   from: Dreamin’ Of / Righteous Babe Records / August 21, 2026
   [Pieta Brown was born in 1973. She is an American singer-songwriter, artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who has released eight albums and five EPs. She is considered a folk/indie singer-songwriter, with Brown also naming country blues and jazz as strong influences on her musical style. // Brown was born in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. Her early “bohemian” upbringing was in rural Iowa in a house with no running water, heat, or indoor bathroom. There, Brown was exposed to traditional and rural folk music through her father, singer-songwriter Greg Brown. Brown’s parents separated when she was very young and at age 8 she moved to Birmingham, Alabama with her mother. Pieta spent her childhood living in 17 different residences between Iowa and Alabama with a short time in St. Paul, Minnesota. While living with her mother in Alabama, Brown began writing poetry and composing instrumental songs on piano. // Pieta released her self-titled debut record in 2002, co-produced with Bo Ramsey, which NPR Music heralded as “a ghostly collection of largely melancholy songs rooted in the blues.” Her 2005 follow-up In The Cool was named one of the year’s best by Amazon Music who called it “calming, hypnotic, and seductive.” Her next album, Remember The Sun, was released in 2007 and was cited as one of the year’s best by The Wall Street Journal. In 2009, Brown released an EP called Shimmer, which was produced by Don Was after hearing her on his car radio in a live solo performance. // In 2010, Brown signed with Red House Records and released One and All. She joined Mark Knopfler’s North American tour later that year, had a string of performance dates with John Prine, participated in a full orchestral show with Brandi Carlile, and embarked on her own performance tour in Australia. It was followed by the 2011 release of Mercury which held the #1 position on the American Folk Radio Chart for 5 months, was included in iTunes’ Great Americana Albums of 2011, and landed at #26 in American Songwriter’s Top 50 Albums of 2011.[8] All Music Guide called it “terrific,” while Exclaim! named it “not just a beautiful album, but an essential one.” // Brown released her sixth studio album Paradise Outlaw in 2014. It was her most critically successful album to date, with praise from NPR’s Weekend Edition, Bust Magazine, Folk Alley, and American Songwriter. It was recorded and mixed by BJ Burton at April Base Studio and features guests Amos Lee, Mark Knopfler, and studio owner Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. Vernon would later cite this as his “favorite album recorded at April Base.” // In 2017, Pieta went independent and self-released Postcards. The album explores the role of distance and isolation through collaboration as Brown enlisted special guest artists for each track through the mail. She described the process as “musical postcards,” consisting of her original stripped-down, acoustic shells of the song that each artist would then add their parts to and mail back. The list of collaborators included Mark Knopfler, Calexico, Mason Jennings, Mike Lewis, David Lindley, and Carrie Rodriguez. Postcards was praised by puiblications including Billboard, Chicago Tribune, Guitar World, and American Songwriter, who stated, “Brown sounds committed and melancholy throughout, a natural extension of the solitary circumstances that created this moving, emotional music.” // Pieta’s full-length album Freeway was released on September 20, 2019 through Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records. It was co-produced with S. Carey of Bon Iver and recorded at Justin Vernon’s April Base Studios. In addition to Carey, who also plays on the album, it features bassist Mike Lewis (Bon Iver, Andrew Bird) and guitarist Jeremy Ylvisaker (Andrew Bird, Alpha Consumer). Freeway was recorded mostly live over the course of just three days with Carey, Lewis, and Ylvisaker hearing the songs for the first time on the spot in the studio while recording. Of the experimental process, Pieta said “it allowed them to rely on their gut instincts and to react to the tunes (and each other) in real time.” Freeway was met with widespread critical acclaim from NPR Music, Stereogum, Paste, Billboard, Flood Magazine, and American Songwriter among others. Don Was also participated by writing the liner notes for the album. // In 2020, Pieta released the collaborative EP We Are Not Machines via the artist collective label 37d03d. The 3-track release centers around the single “We Are Not Machines” which features Ani DiFranco and S. Carey. It was originally recorded in November 2019 at Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner’s annual HIVER Festival in Eaux Claires, WI. The other two tracks on the EP expand on the single’s original theme, featuring contributions from William Brittelle, Holland Andrews, Jenn Wasner, The Metropolis Ensemble, knotahaiku, Limit Infrared, and Grammy-nominated visual artist Eric Timothy Carlson. // In 2017, Pieta performed in the leading role of the feminist/indie Swiss film (in French) Autour de Luisa (“Around Luisa”). Brown also co-wrote several original songs that were featured in the film with French pop singer-songwriter Bertrand Belin, who also appeared in the film. This debut led to an invitation to appear in the underground experimental zombie short film The Bride, directed by Vincent Parronaud featuring the music of Thomas De Pourquery and Supersonic.]

Discography
Studio albums
2002: Pieta Brown (Trailer Records)
2005: In the Cool (Valley Entertainment)[31]
2007: Remember the Sun (One Little Independent)
2010: One and All (Red House)
2011: Mercury (Red House)
2014: Paradise Outlaw (Red House)
2017: Postcards (Lustre)
2019: Freeway (Righteous Babe)
2026: Dreamin’ Of (Righteous Babe)

Singles and EPs
2003: I Never Told You (T Records)
2007: “This Land Is Your Land” featuring Calexico
2008: Flight Time (T Records)
2009: Shimmer (Red House)
2015: Drifters (Lustre)
2020: We Are Not Machines (37d03d)

Compilations and contributions
2002: Going Driftless: An Artist’s Tribute to Greg Brown (Red House Records) – “Ella Mae”
2006: A Case For Case: A Tribute to the Songs of Peter Case (Hungry For Music) – “Spell of Wheels”
2007: Just One More: A Tribute To Larry Brown (Bloodshot) – “Another Place in Time”
2008: Before The Goldrush: A Project to Benefit Teach For America – “Birds”
2010: Think Out Loud – “King Of My Heart”[32]
2011: A Nod to Bob 2 (Red House) – “Dirt Road Blues”
2013: Fall to Rise (Little Secret Records) – “Love Over Gold (with Lucie Thorne)”

Guest Artist
2004: Greg Brown – Honey in the Lion’s Head (Trailer)
2006: Bo Ramsey – Stranger Blues – co-producer
2008: Bo Ramsey – Fragile (Continental Song City) – co-producer
2008: Calexico – Carried to Dust (Quarterstick)
2008: The Wood Brothers – Loaded (Blue Note)
2009: Chad Elliot – Redemption Man
2011: Amos Lee – Mission Bell (Blue Note)
2012: Greg Brown – Hymns For What Is Left
2012: Calexico – Algiers (Anti-)
2013: Mason Jennings – Always Been
2015: Calexico – Edge of the Sun (Quarterstick)
2015: Iris DeMent – The Trackless Woods (Flariella)
2015: Lucie Thorne – Everything Sings Tonight
2016: The Pines – Above The Prairie (Red House)
2018: Jeffrey Foucalt – Blood Brothers
2021: The Colorist Orchestra & Howe Gelb ft. Pieta Brown – “Not On The Map”
2023: Iris DeMent – Workin’ on a World (Flariella)

[Pieta Brown plays Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, Illinoise, Friday, Nov. 6 at 8:00pm.]

7. The Creepy Jingles – “You Don’t Trend”
   from: AGAINST ALL OPPS – EP / Enigmatic Brunch Records / August 28, 2026.
   [Jocelyn Nixon on vocals, rhythm guitar, & songwriter; Andrew Woody on bass; Brian Hurtgen on drums, Joseph Peaks on lead guitar. For this EP Gailen Gillespie played synthesizers and was Master Engineer and Mixed the record. Josh Thomas was a Recording Engineer. This follows The Creepy Jingles album WASHED UP, released May 22, 2026, through Enigmatic Brunch Records. The Creepy Jingles are led by Jocelyn Nixon, a transgender wordsmith who charms with razor wit and dazzles with her lyrical acrobatics. Earlier this year Jocelyn Olivia Nixon shared with us the unreleased single “fight for your say” for our March 4, 2026 radio show. // Last year Jocelyn Olivia Nixon released the single, “YOU AIN’T RIGHT! YOU MUST BE WRONG!” on May 2, 2025. // The Creepy Jingles released a series of 4 new singles in 2024 including “When Things Go Wrong” on February 23, 2024. // The Creepy Jingles are a Kansas City based, rock and roll band that both honors and defies convention. The Creepy Jingles released their album, TAKE ME AT MY WORDPLAY on March 25, 2022 through High Dive Records. Paired up with lyrics centering on themes of identity, strained relationships, social media madness, meme magic, pandemic paranoia, paid off political pundits, backyard bullies and barking up the wrong tree. Everything and the kitchen sink or swim. No stoner left unturned. The Creepy Jingles released their Debut EP on High Dive Records on May 3, 2019. The release was in the top ten of WMM’s 119 Best Recordings of 2019. ]

[Jocelyn Olivia Nixon plays solo at Gigantic Records , 1614 Westport Road, KCMO, Friday, November 6 with closed quarters (solo), Eggs on mars (solo) and Foxlin(solo) – Holiday Food Drve bring non-perishable items]

11:30 – Underwriting

10:32 – Interview with John McCrite

Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley. A new documentary titled “Still Here” tells the story of Bruce Winter, better known as Melinda Ryder – Kansas City’s original redhead and a drag legend for 50 years. From an era when performing in drag could lead to arrest, through the AIDS crisis and the fight for marriage equality, Bruce witnessed a community and a country transform. Along the way, he survived cancer three times, raised over a million dollars for charity, and became a beloved Kansas City institution. Still Here is the story of the little boy who loved trying on dresses – and grew up to become a legend. There is a “Still Here” — Invited Sneak Preview on Sunday, November 8, at 3:30pm at Screenland Armour, 408 Armour Rd., North Kansas City.

The director of this new documentary is Kansas City native John McCrite, an award-winning filmmaker and theater director. He studied acting at Webster University, pursued graduate work in directing at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, and studied film at UCLA Extension.

He made his theater directing debut with The Normal Heart at Unity Temple on the Plaza in Kansas City and later adapted and directed Dorian Gray at Chicago’s Bailiwick Theatre. His first film, Little Boy Blues, starring Malcolm Gets, screened at Kansas City’s Out Here Now Festival and Outfest in Los Angeles and was released on Boys Briefs 3.

His documentary Pink Belt earned awards at 17 film festivals, including a Best Director honor at India’s Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival.

His latest documentary, Still Here, brings him home to Kansas City to tell the story of beloved drag performer Bruce Winter, known as Melinda Ryder, and his husband, Kirk Nelson. Filmed from March 2023 through June 2026, the documentary celebrates love, resilience, and Melinda’s extraordinary legacy of performance and kindness.

There is a “Still Here” — Invited Sneak Preview on Sunday, November 8, at 3:30pm at Screenland Armour, 408 Armour Rd., North Kansas City. www.screenland.com

John McCrite, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

JOhn’s Friend Jesse was working at North Kansas City Hospital and had a picture of her favorite vragqueen on her refrigerator, john recognized Melinda Ryder and it sparked his interest to get to know Bruce Winter, known as Melinda Ryder.

Melinda Ryder was a drag legend for 50 years. Melinda lived through – from an era when performing in drag could lead to arrest, through the AIDS crisis and the fight for marriage equality, Bruce witnessed a community and a country transform. Along the way, he survived cancer three times, raised over a million dollars for charity, and became a beloved Kansas City institution.

Yesterday Americans voted in the midterm elections, throughout the last few election cycles one particular political party has decided to make LGBTQIA Americans, especially Trans Americans the scapegoat for their own lack of any political policies or achievements. Drag Queens and Drag Queen Story hours were also part of the political hate campaigns. John was thinking are we going backwards? Melinda having lived through all of this offered an opportunity to tell an important part of our history.

The film focuses on Bruce Winter, known as Melinda Ryder, and his husband, Kirk Nelson. Kirk was instrumental in the hair and make-up and dresses of Melinda Ryder.

Filmed from March 2023 through June 2026, the documentary celebrates love, resilience, and Melinda’s extraordinary legacy of performance and kindness.

John asked us to play Cheryl Lynn’s “Star Love” for this segment, because John remembers Melinda performing this song back in the late 1980s, and reminded us how much of a dancer Melinda was on stage.

John McCrite, Thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley.

There is a “Still Here” — Invited Sneak Preview on Sunday, November 8, at 3:30pm at Screenland Armour, 408 Armour Rd., North Kansas City. www.screenland.com

10:48

8. Cheryl Lynn – “Star Love”
   from: Cheryl Lynn / Columbia Records / October 13, 1978
   [Cheryl Lynn is the debut studio album by American singer Cheryl Lynn. It was released by Columbia Records on October 13, 1978, in the United States. The album reached number 23 on the US Billboard 200 chart and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 23, 1979. The album includes Lynn’s first single and biggest hit “Got to Be Real” (1978). // Cheryl Lynn (born Lynda Cheryl Smith; March 11, 1957) is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She is best known for her songs during the late 1970s through the mid-1980s, including the 1978 R&B/disco song “Got to Be Real” from her album Cheryl Lynn. // Cheryl Lynn’s singing career began with her church choir when she was a young girl. She appeared on an episode of The Gong Show, a daytime entertainment TV show in June 1976, performing Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful”. Soon after, she was hired as a backing vocalist for the national touring company of the musical drama The Wiz. Eventually, she obtained the role of Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West during the six-month national tour. // After her performance on The Gong Show, Ahmed Ertegun of Atlantic Records was unable to attend an initial meeting with Lynn, with the result that she was contracted with Columbia Records. She released her first and best-known song, “Got to Be Real”, which was composed by Lynn alongside keyboardist David Paich (of the band Toto) and David Foster. The song peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Rhythm & Blues chart The success of the single prompted her debut album, Cheryl Lynn, which was produced by Paich and Marty Paich. It sold more than a million copies and hit No. 5 on Billboard magazine’s R&B albums chart and No. 23 on the Billboard 200. The next single from the album, written by Judy Wieder and John Footman, “Star Love”, also became a success. // Wieder and Footman joined songwriting forces with the artist for her second album, In Love. The first single, “I’ve Got Faith in You”, was a moderate hit on the R&B chart. The follow-up single, “Keep It Hot”, was a club hit. During this time, members of the rock music group Toto were producing their debut album Toto. During the production Lynn was asked to provide the female backing vocal for one of the album’s singles, “Georgy Porgy”. The single scored No. 48 on Billboard’s popular music chart. Although Toto would go on to chart more than a dozen pop and rock songs throughout the years, Lynn’s vocal was credited for the group’s charting their only R&B (No. 18) and dance (No. 80) hit on the Billboard chart. // In 1981, Ray Parker Jr. was called in to produce Lynn’s third album, In the Night. It featured the dance and R&B single, “Shake It Up Tonight”. The next year, Luther Vandross was asked to produce Lynn’s fourth album, Instant Love. The second single from the album, “If This World Were Mine”, a 1982 duet with Vandross that was a cover version of a previous Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell song. For her fifth album, Preppie, Lynn produced most of the tracks, with the exception of the single “Encore”, which was written and produced by the Minneapolis funk music duo, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. It became Lynn’s second No. 1 single on the R&B charts. // Lynn also recorded soundtracks for feature films, including a song written by Michael Bolton entitled “At Last You’re Mine” for the 1985 film Heavenly Bodies, and the track “Steppin’ Into the Night” for the 1986 feature film Armed and Dangerous. The song and the film’s soundtrack were produced by Maurice White. // In 1989, Lynn released the top 10 single “Every Time I Try to Say Goodbye”, from her eighth album, Whatever It Takes. // She began the 1990s without a record contract. She did mostly session work for Richard Marx albums, Rush Street (1991) and Paid Vacation (1994), as well as Luther Vandross’ 1996 Your Secret Love album. During 1995, after a six-year hiatus from recording her own material, Lynn teamed with producer/songwriter Teddy Riley (formerly of the new jack swing music group Guy), to record her ninth album, Good Time. It was released in Japan and the UK, and later in the United States as an imported CD. // In 1996, Sony Records/Legacy released Got to Be Real – The Best of Cheryl Lynn, which included Lynn’s most successful recordings from her years with Columbia Records. This was followed soon by another compilation CD, The Real Thing, which featured other recordings from Lynn’s first six albums. // Two years later, she performed on HBO’s Sinbad’s Summer Soul Jam 4 (1998), hosted by comedian Sinbad. // During the new millennium, Lynn toured Japan and did an occasional gig in the United States, performing at charity events in her hometown of Los Angeles. In 2000, she worked with hip-hop musician Jay Supreme on his single “Your Love (Encore)”, which was an updated version of “Encore.” She performed on ABC’s The Disco Ball… A 30-Year Celebration, broadcast during January 2003. In 2004, she recorded the song “Sweet Kind of Life,” which was also written and produced by Jam & Lewis, for the soundtrack to the 2004 film Shark Tale. In 2005, Lynn’s song “Got to Be Real” was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. On May 23, 2006, Collectables Records re-released her 1981 album In the Night and 1982’s Instant Love, in a double CD package form. It was the first time ever that either album was released as a CD in the United States. // Lynn is considered an influence on some of today’s R&B female singers,[citation needed] including Mary J. Blige, who, alongside Will Smith, covered and remixed Lynn’s song “Got to Be Real”, also for Shark Tale. Japanese pop singer Kumi Koda covered the song for her 2010 single album Gossip Candy. // In April 2010, “Got to Be Real” charted for the first time in the UK, peaking at number 70 on the UK Singles Chart.]

9. Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul – “Googoo Gaga”
   from: Mainland Madinina / DEEWEE – Because / February 5, 2027
   [Pupul & Adigéry released their debut album Topical Dancer on March 4, 2022 under the label Deewee. It was part of WMM’s 120 Best Recordings of 2022. // Pupul & 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. //.Charlotte Adigéry and Bolis Pupul played the Empty Bottle in Chicago on Sept. 19 at 8:00 PM.]

10. Tank and the Bangas – “Move (feat. Lucky Daye)”
    from: The Last Balloon / Verve Forecast / May 15, 2026
    [Tank and the Bangas are Tarriona “Tank” Ball on lead vocal, Norman Spencer II on multi-
    instrumentals, with new accompanying members: CJ Knowles Jr on drums, Matthew MSkillz on bass, Rob Kellner on keyboards, and Etienne Stoufflet on saxophone. // GRAMMY-Award winning band Tank and the Bangas confirm their new album, The Last Balloon, is set for release May 15 on Verve Forecast. The Last Balloon follows acclaimed albums Green Balloon (2019) and Red Balloon (2022), and marks both the closing chapter of the trilogy, and the beginning of a bold new era for Tank and the Bangas. // “I called the album The Last Balloon because I didn’t want anyone asking us, ‘When’s Purple Balloon coming?’” says Tarriona “Tank” Ball. “It’s the end of the balloons; we’re moving into a new space now.” // Executive-produced by frequent collaborator Austin Brown and recorded primarily at The Complex Studios in Los Angeles, the album features collaborations including the multi-faceted musician Iman Omari, pianist/producer Tane Runo and soul singers Ledisi and Jelly Joseph. The Last Balloon finds the band expanding their sound and exploring themes of frustration, resilience and self-realization. Balancing moments of raw vulnerability with bursts of joyful energy, the album moves between emotional catharsis and communal uplift, designed with the group’s dynamic live performances in mind. // “We’re working with new people and cultivating new sounds, and it feels like we’re more open than we’ve ever been,” Ball details on stepping into this new chapter. “What we’ve learned over the years is that even though people can’t always categorize our sound, they’re always able to describe how the music makes them feel. So, we’re gonna keep on changing and evolving, but we’re always gonna give you that same feeling of joy.” // Additionally, the band is expanding their summer and fall tour dates, including stops in New York, Asheville, Boston, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Los Angeles and more. See below for a complete list of dates. // In 2024, Tank and the Bangas released their three-part spoken word project, The Heart, The Mind, The Soul, which won the band a GRAMMY Award for “Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.” Each chapter of the album found Tank working with a different producer: The Soul with Robert Glasper as well as Austin Brown and Brian London, The Heart with James Poyser and The Mind with Iman Omari. // New Orleans-based Tank and the Bangas rose to prominence in 2017 following their unanimous NPR Music Tiny Desk Contest victory. Bringing their blend of poetry, R&B, gospel, and pop to a worldwide stage, Tank and the Bangas have been praised as one of the “best live bands in America” by NPR Music. In 2019, the band released their major label debut, Green Balloon, on Verve Forecast to widespread critical praise earning the band a Best New Artist nomination at that years, GRAMMY Awards. Their latest third studio album Red Balloon received a nomination for “Best Progressive R&B Album” at the 2023 GRAMMY Awards. Throughout their career the group has performed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” Austin City Limits,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “The Today Show.” They have consistently sold-out venues both stateside and abroad, with festival appearances at Coachella, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo and the Newport Jazz Festival.]

[Tank and the Bangas play The Truman 601 East Truman Rd., KCMO, on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 8:00pm with Zeus and Ariel J opening]

11:00 – Station ID

11. Seth Andrew Davis / Weasel Walter – “There Are No New Gods Left, To Tear Our Home Asunder”
    from: There Must Come A Time When The Old Gods Die / ugEXPLODE 98 / October 2, 2026
    [Seth Andrew Davis – guitar, laptop/electronics. Weasel Walter – drums, percussion. Recorded by Ryan Wasoba at Bird Cloud Recording, Edwardsville, IL on March 15, 2026. Mixed and mastered by Weasel Walter. // Art and layout by Weasel Walter (full art on physical release only!). // Two epic tracks of dense interplay featuring Seth Andrew Davis and Weasel Walter. On the opening salvo, Davis is featured on live processed guitar, revealing complex layers of mutated activity against the hailstorm detail of Walter’s manic percussion onslaught. The second part is pure guitar/drums momentum and intensity harboring the ghost of Coltrane and Ali’s legendary “Interstellar Space” duo, a sustained explosion of ideas, speed and communication. Prepare for the deluge!]

[This group will tour the East Coast in March 2027.]

11:03 – Interview with Seth Andrew Davis

Seth Andrew Davis a music instrumentalist and co-founder of the Extemporaneous Music & Arts Society (EMAS) shares two new releases and details on the very last performance of EMAS. Seth Andrew Davis released, There Must Come A Time When The Old Gods Die, on October 2, 2026. Recorded in collaboration with Weasel Walter of Chicago as a duo album of electric guitar, electronics and drums free improvisation. This group will tour the East Coast in March 2027. On December 4, 2026, EMAS will release, The Center Is Not In Space featuring an EMAS collaboration with legendary drummer, composer, & improviser Ra Kalam Bob Moses. Recorded live at Charlotte Street with Ra Kalam Bob Moses on drums/percussion, Seth Andrew Davis on electric guitar, & laptop/electronics, Kevin Cheli on drums, percussion & vibraphone, Evan Verploegh on drums, Krista Kopper on upright bass, Aaron Osborne on electro-acoustic percussion, Drew Williams on tenor saxophone, and encore guest Music Research Strategies on drums. And…after 5 years, EMAS will be present their final show on December 2, 7:30 to 9:30pm, at Charlotte Street Stern Theater, 3333 Wyoming St., KCMO. www.charlottestreet.org

Seth Andrew Davis thanks for being with us on WMM.
Seth Andrew Davis is a performer, composer, improviser, technologist, scholar and educator from the Kansas City area. Davis graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance in Kansas City, Mo. in 2019 with a BM in Music Composition. Davis has studied with Jim Mobberley, Paul Rudy, Zhou Long, Chen Yi, Mara Gibson and Michael Miller. In 2023, Davis graduated with an MA in Music with an emphasis in Music Technology from the University of Central Missouri where he studied with Jeff Kaiser. // Davis is involved in the improvised music/free improvisation, experimental, and electronic music scenes in Kansas City. Davis’ music runs the gamut of compositions for orchestral and chamber ensembles, performances with free-jazz/free improvised music ensembles and large groups, solo performance, collaborations with dancers and video artists, and the design and collaboration of autonomous and interactive artificial life agents and 3D environments.

Seth Davis has performed and has had his music performed in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico and Indonesia. Davis has had his work performed at various conferences and festivals including the New York City Electro-Acoustic Music Festival, KC Performing Media Festival, Kansas City Contemporary Music Festival, NASA Regional IV Conference, Electronic Music Midwest, Exchange of Midwest Collegiate Composers, the International Navy Saxophone Symposium, National Flute Association Convention, Making Moves Dance Festival, MoxSonic, Experiments in Electronic Sound at CalArts, Omaha NoiseFest, New Interfaces For Musical Expression (NIME), SPLICE Festival, & the International Computer Music Conference (ICMC).

Davis has had pieces performed by the Mnemosyne Quartet, Project C4, Dionysus, Second Nature Ensemble, Chi Him Chik, Sputter Box, Apply Triangle, loadbang, EMAS, No Treble Low String Trio, UCM New Technologies Ensemble, newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, & the Symbiotique Nonet and has either performed, recorded and/or collaborated with Alexander Adams, Ishmael Ali, Ben Baker, Ben Baker Billington, T.J. Borden, Lucas Brode, Claire De Brunner, Bob Bucko Jr, Lisa Cameron, Kevin Cheli, Craig Chin, Dan Clucas, Brennan Connors, Brandon Cooper, Alex Cunningham, Tim Daisy, Alvaro Domene, Michael Eaton, Douglas R. Ewart, Sandy Ewen, Kelley Gant, Vinny Golia, Enrique Haneine, Lathan Hardy, Jakob Heinemann, Zachary Hickerson, Zoots Houston, Kyle Hutchins, Molly Jones, Max Johnson, Jeff Kaiser, Reid Karris, Krista Kopper, Max Kutner, Tom Law, Scott R. Looney, Thollem McDonas, Adam Minkoff, Federico Musso, Spencer Perkins, Kyle Quass, Alberto Racanati, Aoki Satoru, Adam Shead, Patrick Shiroishi, Damon Smith, Mike Stover, Scott Dean Taylor, Evan Verploegh, Eli Wallace, Weasel Walter, Alex Williams, Drew Williams, David James Witter, & Will Yager. Davis has performed with groups such as newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble, Mnemosyne Quartet, Project C4, & the UMKC IMP Ensemble. Davis’s music has been featured and released on labels such as EMAS Records, Lurker Bias, Neuma Records, Mother Brain Records, Personal Archives, Ramble Records, and Relay Recordings.

Davis’ composition & performance style has been described as “brutalist maximalism” , a “workmanlike Renaissance Soundman” (KC Studio Magazine). Davis’ playing has been described as “moving from bubbling liquid mercury and emotive string speculation to surgical-edged metallics and everything in between” (Brad Rose, Foxy Digitalis) and has been called a “master of pedals/effects” (Bruce Lee Gallanter, Downtown Music Gallery). Davis’ music has been described as “confrontational” (Bill Brownlee, There Stands The Glass), “engaging…thoughtfully composed” (Aaron Grant, DiaKCritcal), “fascinating and foreboding, eerie music that challenges and rewards with repeated listens’ ‘ (Bryan Voell, Listen Local) & “futuristic bubbling soundscapes that teem with sonic life” (Brad Rose, Foxy Digitalis). Davis was featured as an “Artist to Watch” by KC Studio in 2023 and along with Evan Verploegh as 2022’s “Plastic Sax” blog’s “People Of The Year.”

As an artist, Davis works closely with performers and collaborators to create pieces, installations, and works that are unique to that partnership. Davis is an avid collaborator, having worked with choreographers, video artists, animators, playwrights etc. Davis’s artistic influences run the gamut from popular music, free-jazz, hip-hop, electronic music, film, literature, visual art, contemporary culture and from this Davis wishes to blur the lines between genres, composer and performer, and various artistic mediums. Davis is also a co-founder of Second Nature, a free jazz/new music/math-rock ensemble, was the guitarist in the new music ensemble Project C4 (2018-2020), and is a founding member of EMAS: Extemporaneous Music & Arts Society. Davis is also an active concert organizer in the Kansas City music scene as the Vice President of KcEMA (KC Electronic Music Alliance) and as Production Coordinator of newEar Contemporary Chamber Ensemble. In 2020, Davis co-founded Mother Brain Records with saxophonist & composer Michael Eaton. Mother Brain Records is a Midwest based label focused on releasing the works of artists in the experimental & improvised music scenes. From 2019-2022, Davis was an artist resident with Charlotte Street Foundation. In 2021, Davis co-founded EMAS with Evan Verploegh. EMAS is an improvised music & arts collective based in Kansas City that is dedicated to advancing creative work in Kansas City. Davis currently is an adjunct instructor at the University of Central Missouri teaching Applied Music Technology and the KC Art Institute teaching music technology courses.

11:13

12. Seth Andrew Davis / Weasel Walter –”We Have Ships To Sail, No Gods No Masters
    from: There Must Come A Time When The Old Gods Die / ugEXPLODE 98 / October 2, 2026
    [Seth Andrew Davis – guitar, laptop/electronics. Weasel Walter – drums, percussion. Recorded by Ryan Wasoba at Bird Cloud Recording, Edwardsville, IL on March 15, 2026. Mixed and mastered by Weasel Walter. // Art and layout by Weasel Walter (full art on physical release only!). // Two epic tracks of dense interplay featuring Seth Andrew Davis and Weasel Walter. On the opening salvo, Davis is featured on live processed guitar, revealing complex layers of mutated activity against the hailstorm detail of Walter’s manic percussion onslaught. The second part is pure guitar/drums momentum and intensity harboring the ghost of Coltrane and Ali’s legendary “Interstellar Space” duo, a sustained explosion of ideas, speed and communication. Prepare for the deluge!]

[This group will tour the East Coast in March 2027.]

11:17 – More interview with Seth Andrew Davis

Seth Andrew Davis a music instrumentalist and co-founder of the Extemporaneous Music & Arts Society (EMAS) shares two new releases and details on the very last performance of EMAS. Seth Andrew Davis released, There Must Come A Time When The Old Gods Die, on October 2, 2026. Recorded in collaboration with Weasel Walter of Chicago as a duo album of electric guitar, electronics and drums free improvisation. This group will tour the East Coast in March 2027. On December 4, 2026, EMAS will release, The Center Is Not In Space featuring an EMAS collaboration with legendary drummer, composer, & improviser Ra Kalam Bob Moses. Recorded live at Charlotte Street with Ra Kalam Bob Moses on drums/percussion, Seth Andrew Davis on electric guitar, & laptop/electronics, Kevin Cheli on drums, percussion & vibraphone, Evan Verploegh on drums, Krista Kopper on upright bass, Aaron Osborne on electro-acoustic percussion, Drew Williams on tenor saxophone, and encore guest Music Research Strategies on drums. And…after 5 years, EMAS will be present their final show on December 2, 7:30 to 9:30pm, at Charlotte Street Stern Theater, 3333 Wyoming St., KCMO. www.charlottestreet.org

Seth Andrew Davis thanks for being with us on WMM.

Extemporaneous Music and Arts Society was founded in 2021 and is a free improvisation / contemporary music and arts collective & ensemble based in Kansas City. The mission of the group is to help grow and facilitate an improvised/experimental arts scene in Kansas City through performances, a record label, and multidisciplinary collaborations. EMAS presented a concert series at MiniBar, 3810 Broadway Boulevard, highlighting local and touring improvising and experimental music artists. This series serves as an opportunity to support artists who have committed to underground art and bold exploration in their craft. More info at www.emaskansascity.com

Members of Extemporaneous Music & Arts Society joined us on WMM on March 12, 2025. Seth Davis (founder), Evan Verploegh (co-founder), Shanté Clair, Benjamin Baker. // The Center Is Not In Space is an upcoming album featuring a collaboration between members of the Extemporaneous Music & Arts Society (EMAS) and legendary drummer, composer, and improviser Ra Kalam Bob Moses. Recorded live at Charlotte Street Foundation in Kansas City, MO in April 2024, this recording features Ra Kalam Bob Moses (drums/percussion), Seth Andrew Davis (electric guitar, laptop/electronics), Kevin Cheli (drums/percussion, vibraphone), Evan Verploegh (drums), Krista Kopper (upright bass), Aaron Osborne (electro-acoustic percussion), Drew Williams (tenor saxophone), and special encore guest Music Research Strategies (drums).

This concert was such a special evening for the Kansas City Jazz and Improvised music communities and we are excited to document this concert in this upcoming release.

releases December 4, 2026

Personnel:
Seth Andrew Davis (electric guitar, laptop/electronics)
Ra Kalam Bob Moses (drums/percussion)
Kevin Cheli (drums/percussion, vibraphone)
Evan Verploegh (drums)
Krista Kopper (upright bass)
Aaron Osborne (electro-acoustic percussion)
Drew Williams (tenor saxophone)
Music Research Strategies (drums)

Engineering, Mix, and Master by Chad Meise
Album artwork & design by Seth Andrew Davis
Layout by Kevin Cheli
Photography by Monty Davis & Lilah Powlas
Recorded live at Charlotte Street Foundation – April 17th, 2024

Seth Andrew Davis thanks for being with us on WMM.

EMAS will be present their final show on December 2, 7:30 to 9:30pm, at Charlotte Street Stern Theater, 3333 Wyoming St., KCMO. www.charlottestreet.org

11:25

13. Davis/Moses/Cheli/Osborne/Kopper/Verploegh/Williams/MRS – “Not Entirely Alone”
    from: The Center Is Not In Space / Mother Brain Records / December 4, 2026
    [The Center Is Not In Space is an upcoming album featuring a collaboration between members of the Extemporaneous Music & Arts Society (EMAS) and legendary drummer, composer, and improviser Ra Kalam Bob Moses. Recorded live at Charlotte Street Foundation in Kansas City, MO in April 2024, this recording features Ra Kalam Bob Moses (drums/percussion), Seth Andrew Davis (electric guitar, laptop/electronics), Kevin Cheli (drums/percussion, vibraphone), Evan Verploegh (drums), Krista Kopper (upright bass), Aaron Osborne (electro-acoustic percussion), Drew Williams (tenor saxophone), and special encore guest Music Research Strategies (drums). // This concert was such a special evening for the Kansas City Jazz and Improvised music communities and we are excited to document this concert in this upcoming release. // Engineering, Mix, and Master by Chad Meise. Album artwork & design by Seth Andrew Davis. Layout by Kevin Cheli. Photography by Monty Davis & Lilah Powlas. Recorded live at Charlotte Street Foundation – April 17th, 2024.]

Personnel:
Seth Andrew Davis (electric guitar, laptop/electronics)
Ra Kalam Bob Moses (drums/percussion)
Kevin Cheli (drums/percussion, vibraphone)
Evan Verploegh (drums)
Krista Kopper (upright bass)
Aaron Osborne (electro-acoustic percussion)
Drew Williams (tenor saxophone)
Music Research Strategies (drums)]

[EMAS will be present their final show on December 2, 7:30 to 9:30pm, at Charlotte Street Stern Theater, 3333 Wyoming St., KCMO. www.charlottestreet.org]

11:28 – Underwriting

14. Jamogi – “HollaBack (feat. Les Izmore)”
    from: J’DAY / Jam Tunes / June 12, 2026
    [J’Day is a celebration of growth, creativity, and self discovery. Three years in the making, the album represents the culmination of Jamogi’s journey through a wide range of genres, influences, and sonic landscapes. The result is a body of work that not only showcases his musical versatility but also reveals the many facets of his personality. // Produced alongside OceanLife Gianni, J’Day captures the energy, emotion, and moments that make life memorable. From the horn driven fanfare of “Go Big or Go Home” to the flirtatious blend of West Coast, Midwest, and Southern influences on “Back N’ Forth,” Jamogi demonstrates a clear understanding of both his sound and his audience. Tracks like “Do It to Me” transport listeners through different eras and musical inspirations, while songs such as “Storybook,” “Treasure,” and “Georgia Peach” reveal his romantic side through storytelling, heartfelt lyricism, and poetic imagery. // The album also features collaborations with a talented lineup of friends and fellow artists on tracks including “What’s It Gonna Be?” and “HOLLABACK,” adding even more personality and perspective to the project. // More than just a collection of songs, J’Day marks a defining moment in Jamogi’s artistic journey. It is a bold statement of who he is today and a testament to the creative vision he has spent years refining. Rich with personality, versatility, and heart, the project positions Jamogi for his next era and leaves listeners wondering where he’ll take them next. // Jamogi is also know as Byron Hyde a Kanas City based singer, songwriter, MC, producer, originally from Los Angeles, California.// Jamogi released the single “Georgia Peach (feat. Burgandy)” on September 5, 2025. Jamogi released Jamogi & The Jammers: Live at Flew The Coop Sessions (Flew The Coop Live) through Jam Tunes on April 11, 2025. // Jamogi released the single “Do It To Me” on March 28, 2025. // Jamogi released the single “Go Big or Go Home” on August 30, 2024, Jamogi released the single “Hot Block” on May 30, 2024. Jamogi released the EP, Star-Crossed Lover on March 3, 2023. Jamogi then released a “Star-Crossed Lover GALACTIC REMIX (feat. Watchman)” single on June 9, 2023.Jamogi previously released the AGE OF AQUARIUS EP on March 3, 2023, and the single “Celebration” on Dec. 9, 2022, and the single “Anymore” on May 6, 2022. // Jamogi played the ROCK IS BLACK—a celebration of Black artists in rock music, happening February 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM at the Zhou B Art Center, 1801 E 18th Street, KCMO. Rock is Black features: Malek Azrael & The Vibez, Jamogi and The Jammers, Stephonne, and Frankie Shorez & Mercy Fire. Kamogi and the Jammers played Boulevardia 2025]

[Jamogi & The Jammers play The 19th annual Apocalypse Meow on Saturday, November 7th, Doors at 6pm, Show at 7pm, at recordBar, featuring live music from: ROMAN NUMERALS, JAMOGI & THE JAMMERS, PHAZE II, and STUBBLEFIELD. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s main fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which provides local musicians and music workers with essential health care resources. In addition the RockDocs will be on site to offer flu shots and COVID boosters provided by the KC Indian Center, as well as discuss screenings, wellness programs, health conditions and concerns, and arrange follow-ups. We’ll also have live raffles that feature an assortment of items donated by local businesses at AM19, and an online auction running the month of November. ]

11:34 – Interview with Sondra Freeman and Mark Vick

Mark Vick is a guitarist and vocalist with the band Phaze II a Kansas City based band founded by their lead vocalist and drummer Harris Green. They have been “making it funky” with soul music and classic cuts for a little over two decades in Kansas City. Their covers and re-workings of songs from Motown to N.W.A make for a very dancer friendly environment. They perform original songs as well. Phaze II includes: Harris Green– Lead Vocals, Percussion; Rachel Christia – Vocals, Percussion; Adam Hale– Bass, Vocals; Cole Harvey– Drums, Vocals; Matt Davis– Percussion; John Johnson – Guitar, Vocals; and Mark Vick – Guitar, Vocals.

Mark Vick, thanks for being with us on WMM

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. After meeting Executive Director, Rhonda Lyne, while buying raffle tickets at an MMF function, Sondra was immediately interested in the organization’s mission and quickly became an active volunteer. Sondra’s extensive fundraising background and her lifelong love of music made her an immediate asset. Her duties have grown, and she functions as a band liaison by managing booking, promotions and many other aspects of event planning. Sondra has owned and operated Big Mac’s Fireworks South for over 15 years.

Sondra Freeman thanks for being with us again on WMM.

The 19th annual Apocalypse Meow on Saturday, November 7, 7:00pm, at recordBar, 1510 Broadway Blvd. KCMO, featuring live music from: ROMAN NUMERALS, JAMOGI & THE JAMMERS, PHAZE II, and STUBBLEFIELD. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s main fund-raiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, providing local musicians and music workers with essential health care resources.

In addition to live music, the RockDocs will be on site to offer flu shots and COVID boosters (provided by the Kansas City Indian Center), screenings, wellness programs, opportunities to discuss health conditions and concerns, and arrange follow-ups. They will also have live raffles that feature an assortment of items donated by local businesses, and an online auction running throughout November: www.32auctions.com/AM18

Apocalypse Meow started in 2008, when Abigail Henderson faced daunting financial hurdles after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Abigail was in the band The Gaslights. Friends rallied to her side, holding the first Apocalypse Meow concert to cover her medical expenses. To pay this forward to her community, Abigail co-founded MMF. Since its inception, Apocalypse Meow has become the central fundraising event for Abby’s Fund for Musicians’ Health Care.

After she passed away in 2013, MMF established Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which has given out over $770,000 in health care assistance grants and free health clinic opportunites to local musicians. Abigail Henderson Meck’s mission continues — MMF provides financial resources, educational programs, health clinics and events throughout the year. Abby’s Fund dispenses emergency health care grants to KC-area musicians. More information about Apocalypse Meow 19 and MMF can be found at midwestmusicfoundation.org.

The demand for grants continues to grow each year, MMF needs help to make Apocalypse Meow a huge success to replenish Abby’s Fund. WMMF has given out over $77,000 in Abby’s Fund grants so far this year!

RockDoc (Dr. Allen Greiner) will be available from 6:00 – 10:00 pm with FREE flu shots, COVID boosters. Thank you to the KC Indian Center for supplying the covid and flu vaccines available at our Apocalypse Meow on Nov. 4th at the recordBar.

MMF has given out over $70,000 in grants from Abby’s Fund for Musicians’ Health Care so far this year. Over $790,000 total since inception of the fund.

FREE flu shots and COVID boosters available from 6-10 pm. Thank you to Kansas City Indian Center for supplying the vaccines and the RockDocs/volunteers helping.

Major Sponsors (full list of sponsors on MMF website)
recordBar (hosting)-thank staff and tip those bartenders
NTDF grant (Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund)
Kissick Construction
Wagstaff & Cartmell
Tito’s
Seen Merch (merch for sale in back)
Bridge
KKFI
recordBurger (serving hamburgers from kitchen window)
Boulevard (donated beer for bands/volunteers)
Sarpino’s (donated food for bands/volunteers)

32.auctions.com/AM19
(Auction runs through November)

RESOURCES AND ASSISTANCE THROUGH ABBY’S FUND

If you or a family member needs healthcare assistance, please apply for an Abby’s Fund grant. This resource is available to active KC area musicians and music personnel. LEARN MORE AND APPLY at: www.midwestmusicfoundation.org Please email Executive Director, Rhonda Lyne, for more information. rhonda@midwestmusicfound.org

Midwest Music Foundation offers the following services:
-Mental Health Grants to assist with counseling and treatment
-Free Dental Screenings at the UMKC School of Dentistry
-Free COVID-19 Tests
-Mammogram Grants

11:42

15. Roman Numerals – “My Life After Death Pt. II”
    from: Roman Numerals / Anodyne Records / September 5, 2006
    [#1 on our list of The 60 Best Recordings of 2006. William Smith on vocals, guitar, stylophone; Steven Tulipana on vocals, bass, guitars, synth; Shawn Sherrill on synth, bass; Pete LaPorte on drums, electronics. Music by Roman Numerals. Lyrics by William Smith and Steve Tulipana. Produced by Paul Malinowski and Roman Numerals. Recorded and Mixed by Paul Malinowski. Recorded at Great Western Record Recorders. Mixed at Rax Trax Studios, Chicago, IL and Westend Studios. Mastered by Doug Henderson. “Deep Loft:” vocals by Matthew Dunehoo. Backing vocals on “Known” by Kenneth Earl Jankowski Jr.] [Bill Brownlee wrote about Roman Numerals on October 18, 2017 for KCUR Radio. // One of the region’s most notable indie-rock bands a decade ago, Roman Numerals were Shawn Sherrill on keyboards and bass, Billy Smith on guitars and vocals, and Steve Tulipana on bass, guitars and vocals, Ryan Shank who replaced Pete LaPorte on drums. // Tulipana and Sherrill went on to open the highly successful RecordBar in Westport. Their band’s last recent performance was the penultimate show at the venue’s original site on January 1, 2016. RecordBar has since re-opened at 1520 Grand Boulevard, which is where Roman Numerals reunited on Saturday, September 27, 2026 Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of recordBar. // Roman Numerals peaked at a time when like-minded bands including Interpol were also mining the new wave and post-punk sounds of the 1980s. The revivalist aesthetic was an appealing exercise in wistfulness when its self-titled album was released in 2006, a conceit that makes Saturday’s reunion a double-dip of nostalgia. // The band describes its approach as a “high-powered hybrid” that “forms a sturdy bridge between indie-rock’s angular approach and the underground club scene’s throbbing tempos.” A good example is “Rule of Five,” a gloom-laden blend of synth-pop and post-punk from that 2006 record: // “‘Rule of Five’ was recorded in Chicago the week we signed our lease on the original RecordBar via fax-machine,” Tulipana says. “We somehow managed to get the club open and do several U.S. tours that same year of 2005. We like to get together every year or so these days to revisit these old songs to help inspire us on the other newer projects we stay involved with.” // Roman Numerals, played the grand opening at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City on Saturday, October 21, 2017 with Olympic Size, opening. // Bill Brownlee blogs about Kansas City’s jazz scene at Plastic Sax.]

[Roman Numerals celebrated the 20th Anniversary of their debut album at The Warehouse on Broadway, 3951 Broadway Blvd., KCMO, in a special show on Saturday, March 28, with Emmaline Twist, The Sluts, and Pimp Magic Guts.]

[Roman Numerals play The 19th annual Apocalypse Meow on Saturday, November 7th, Doors at 6pm, Show at 7pm, at recordBar, featuring live music from: ROMAN NUMERALS, JAMOGI & THE JAMMERS, PHAZE II, and STUBBLEFIELD. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s main fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which provides local musicians and music workers with essential health care resources. In addition the RockDocs will be on site to offer flu shots and COVID boosters provided by the KC Indian Center, as well as discuss screenings, wellness programs, health conditions and concerns, and arrange follow-ups. We’ll also have live raffles that feature an assortment of items donated by local businesses at AM19, and an online auction running the month of November.]

10:44 – More Interview with Sondra Freeman and Mark Vick

We are talking with Mark Vick and Sondra Freeman about The 19th annual Apocalypse Meow on Saturday, November 7, 7:00pm, at recordBar, 1510 Broadway Blvd. KCMO, featuring live music from: ROMAN NUMERALS, JAMOGI & THE JAMMERS, PHAZE II, and STUBBLEFIELD. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s main fund-raiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, providing local musicians and music workers with essential health care resources.

Mark Vick and Sondra Freeman thanks for being with us again on WMM.

In addition to live music, the RockDocs will be on site to offer flu shots and COVID boosters (provided by the Kansas City Indian Center), screenings, wellness programs, opportunities to discuss health conditions and concerns, and arrange follow-ups. We’ll also have live raffles that feature an assortment of items donated by local businesses, and an online auction running through November: www.32auctions.com/AM18

More info at www.midwestmusicfoundation.org

The event features live performances by notable Kansas City-area bands as a donation of their time and talents to their community; local businesses and artisans donate products and services to the event for auction. All monies raised during Apocalypse Meow go directly to Abby’s Fund for Musician’s Health Care and the production costs of Apocalypse Meow. Performances, business donations, and services are purely voluntary.

“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 singer 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?”

Apocalypse Meow is the primary event for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care — providing area musicians and industry workers with essential health care grants.

Midwest Music Foundation Staff
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
Eddie Moore, Musician
Sonia Hall, President & CEO BioKansas
Skeet Hanks, Marketing Chair Web Administrator

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.

Sondra Freeman and Mark Vick thanks for being with us again on WMM.

The 19th annual Apocalypse Meow on Saturday, November 7, 7:00pm, at recordBar, 1510 Broadway Blvd. KCMO, featuring live music from: ROMAN NUMERALS, JAMOGI & THE JAMMERS, PHAZE II, and STUBBLEFIELD. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s main fund-raiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, providing local musicians and music workers with essential health care resources. // RockDocs will be on site to offer flu shots & COVID boosters (provided by KC Indian Center), screenings, wellness programs, opportunities to discuss health conditions and concerns, and arrange follow-ups and live raffles that feature items donated by local businesses, and an online auction running through November: www.32auctions.com/AM18
More info: midwestmusicfoundation.org

For Sondra Freeman, Mark Vick, Seth Andrew Davis, and John McCrite I’m Mark Manning. Thanks for listening!

11:54

16. Roman Numerals – “Can We Trust Your Architect?”
    from: Roman Numerals / Anodyne Records / September 5, 2006
    [#1 on our list of The 60 Best Recordings of 2006. William Smith on vocals, guitar, stylophone; Steven Tulipana on vocals, bass, guitars, synth; Shawn Sherrill on synth, bass; Pete LaPorte on drums, electronics. Music by Roman Numerals. Lyrics by William Smith and Steve Tulipana. Produced by Paul Malinowski and Roman Numerals. Recorded and Mixed by Paul Malinowski. Recorded at Great Western Record Recorders. Mixed at Rax Trax Studios, Chicago, IL and Westend Studios. Mastered by Doug Henderson. “Deep Loft:” vocals by Matthew Dunehoo. Backing vocals on “Known” by Kenneth Earl Jankowski Jr.] [Bill Brownlee wrote about Roman Numerals on October 18, 2017 for KCUR Radio. // One of the region’s most notable indie-rock bands a decade ago, Roman Numerals were Shawn Sherrill on keyboards and bass, Billy Smith on guitars and vocals, and Steve Tulipana on bass, guitars and vocals, Ryan Shank who replaced Pete LaPorte on drums. // Tulipana and Sherrill went on to open the highly successful RecordBar in Westport. Their band’s last recent performance was the penultimate show at the venue’s original site on January 1, 2016. RecordBar has since re-opened at 1520 Grand Boulevard, which is where Roman Numerals reunited on Saturday, September 27, 2026 Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of recordBar. // Roman Numerals peaked at a time when like-minded bands including Interpol were also mining the new wave and post-punk sounds of the 1980s. The revivalist aesthetic was an appealing exercise in wistfulness when its self-titled album was released in 2006, a conceit that makes Saturday’s reunion a double-dip of nostalgia. // The band describes its approach as a “high-powered hybrid” that “forms a sturdy bridge between indie-rock’s angular approach and the underground club scene’s throbbing tempos.” A good example is “Rule of Five,” a gloom-laden blend of synth-pop and post-punk from that 2006 record: // “‘Rule of Five’ was recorded in Chicago the week we signed our lease on the original RecordBar via fax-machine,” Tulipana says. “We somehow managed to get the club open and do several U.S. tours that same year of 2005. We like to get together every year or so these days to revisit these old songs to help inspire us on the other newer projects we stay involved with.” // Roman Numerals, played the grand opening at RecordBar, 1520 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City on Saturday, October 21, 2017 with Olympic Size, opening. // Bill Brownlee blogs about Kansas City’s jazz scene at Plastic Sax.]

[Roman Numerals celebrated the 20th Anniversary of their debut album at The Warehouse on Broadway, 3951 Broadway Blvd., KCMO, in a special show on Saturday, March 28, with Emmaline Twist, The Sluts, and Pimp Magic Guts.]

[Roman Numerals play The 19th annual Apocalypse Meow on Saturday, November 7th, Doors at 6pm, Show at 7pm, at recordBar, featuring live music from: ROMAN NUMERALS, JAMOGI & THE JAMMERS, PHAZE II, and STUBBLEFIELD. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s main fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which provides local musicians and music workers with essential health care resources. In addition the RockDocs will be on site to offer flu shots and COVID boosters provided by the KC Indian Center, as well as discuss screenings, wellness programs, health conditions and concerns, and arrange follow-ups. We’ll also have live raffles that feature an assortment of items donated by local businesses at AM19, and an online auction running the month of November.]

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

NEXT WEEK, on November 11 we welcome special guest musician ALBER who shares details about his second multimedia show “Maletas: an Immigrant Story” on November 14th, 2026, at Greenwood Social Hall, in Kansas City, Missouri. Maletas is the latest work by Alberto, a multimedia production featuring a live original soundtrack for four musicians, poetry, and live visuals. // we will also talk with Daniel Masada an instructor at the most iconic, famous clown school, located in France called Ecole Philippe Gaulier who is coming to Kansas City to do his solo show Be Good With Paulette, teach a Clowning workshop, and also make some appearances at NED’s Fright-Hole Live November 7, 12, and 13 at the Warwick Theatre. // We will also have a live performance in our studios from Maddie Lai and Ben Wendt, and we will talk with musician Brent Kinder about his musical project Angie Fights Crime.

You can find our playlists at: www.wednesdaymiddaymedley.org & www.kkfi.org
www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
www.instagram.wednesday_midday_medley

Thank you to KKFI Staff: Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein-Huff, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, and Office Manager Book Keeper – Shaina Littler.

THANK YOU to everyone who donated to KKFI’s Fall Fund Drive during WMM we had a total of 39 people donate a total of $4703.50!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. It is a collective spirit of hundreds of people, setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the goal of keeping our airwaves, non-commercial, and open! Thank you to programmers who create content for over 85 locally produced radio shows & volunteers who made extra effort to keep our station alive.

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

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
http://www.kkfi.org
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org
http://www.instagram.com/wednesday_midday_medley
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
https://www.soundcloud.com/wednesdaymiddaymedley
http://www.bandcamp.com/wednesdaymiddaymedley

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

Show #1172

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, October 14, 2026

Ned’s Fright-Hole Cabaret + Eboni Fondren + Truck Stop Love + Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain

1. “It’s Showtime Folks”
   from: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to All That Jazz / 1980
   [WMM’s theme song]

2. Micronotz – “Blonde-Haired Ghost”
   from: No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 / Black Site / October 16, 2026
   [Originally recorded for Micronotz 1982 album The Mortal Micronotz, with Dean Lubensky on vocals; John Harper on guitar; David Dale on bass; and Steve Eddy on drums. Written by The Mortal Micronotz. Produced by Bill Rich and James Grauerholz. Recorded by Karl Hoffmann, Kelley Mascher. Graphic Design by Frank Loose and The Mortal Micronotz. // The Micronotz, also known as the Mortal Micronotz, were an American punk rock/alternative rock quartet formed in 1980 in Lawrence, Kansas, that, along with bands like The Embarrassment and Get Smart!, were prominent on the local music scene in Lawrence in the early 80s. // The band formed in 1980 when all the members were still teenagers. The Embarrassment were looking for an opening band for a show they had booked on December 12, 1980 at the “Off The Wall Hall” (now known as “The Bottleneck”). The Embarrassment knew John Harper and knew that he was putting a band together, so they asked him if his band could open the show, but the band hadn’t actually formed yet. At this point, the band just consisted of John Harper on guitar and David Dale on bass, so a drummer and singer needed to be recruited. Dean Lubensky and Graham Reece were recruited as vocalist and drummer. Dean was a good fit and became the permanent singer, and Steve Eddy replaced Reece as the drummer. // The band soon came to the attention of local music promoter, Bill Rich, who wrote about them for his “Talk Talk” magazine and then signed them to his Fresh Sounds record label. Their first release for Fresh Sounds was the 4-band split cassette Fresh Sounds From Middle America (vol 1) in December 1981, just one year after the band formed. The “Fresh Sounds” compilation series was organized by Bill Rich as a way to promote regional bands nationally. // When the band discovered that Bill Rich was an acquaintance of William S. Burroughs they asked for an introduction and Burroughs would end up giving them some lyrics for a song (“Old Lady Sloan” from the Mortal Micronotz album). // Lead singer Dean Lubensky left the band sometime after the 1984 Live Recording of the Video Soundtrack EP. He was replaced by Jay Hauptli, who would remain the band’s vocalist throughout the rest of their career and subsequent reunions. // After releasing three albums and two EPs, the band broke up in 1986. Bassist David Dale committed suicide on Sunday, January 31, 1993. The surviving band members reunited for a memorial show which was held at the Outhouse on February 6, 1993. // Renewed interest in the band lead Fresh Sounds to release two Micronotz compilations, called Complete Recordings Volume I and II where the first volume covered the Dean Lubensky recordings and the second covered the Jay Hauptli recordings. A tribute album was also put together featuring William S. Burroughs and various other artists. The band still does the occasional reunion show, with Matt Kesler, formerly of the Pedaljets, playing bass. // In 2016 the Bar/None label digitally reissued the band’s entire catalog. // The Outhouse was a popular venue in Lawrence for punk shows, the Micronotz helped get the venue into shape ready to have concerts. In 1984, the band built the stage, painted the walls and cleared the brush outside. // “these guys have your standard ’70s Ameri-punk moves down cold — sort of a sub-Dead Boys, but tighter” (Jack Partain, Trouser Press) // “Fueled by blazing electricity, right-angle tempo changes, chop-socky guitar riffs, and a vocalist who gargles glass and the leading shoe polish remover, the Micronotz go the distance to buy a metal sandwich at the ‘Psychodeli'” (Judge I-Rankin, Spin, 1987) // “Midwest teenage snot- rock at the outset, the trebly, tin-can production on early records actually worked to the bands ragged charm. The spanking riffs and barbed hooks served as a perfect backdrop for original singer Dean Lubensky’s caterwaul, sounding to all the world like Janis Joplin’s horny, pubescent, punked out suburban little brother.” (Oliver Hunt, SuperStarcastic.com, 2006)]
   The Micronotz Discography

Albums:
1982 The Mortal Micronotz – Mortal Micronotz – Fresh Sounds
1985 The Beast That Devoured Itself – Micronotz – Fresh Sounds
1985 40 Fingers – Micronotz – Homestead
1995 Complete Recordings Volume I (1981–1984) – Micronotz – Fresh Sounds
1995 Complete Recordings Volume II (1985–1986) – Micronotz – Fresh Sounds

EPs
1983 Smash! – Micronotz – 12″, 8 songs – Fresh Sounds
1984 Live Recording of the Video Soundtrack EP – Mortal Micronotz – 7″, 4 song, live EP Fresh Sounds

Compilations
1981 Fresh Sounds From Middle America (vol 1) – Mortal Micronotz – 4-band split with Get Smart!, the Embarrassment and the Yard Apes – Fresh Sounds
1985 We Got Power No. 2:Party Animal Micronotz – includes track “Born to Kick Ass” – Mystic Records
1986 Fresh Sounds From Middle America (vol 3) – Micronotz- includes track “Gimme Some Skin” – Fresh Sounds
1995 The Mortal Micronotz Tribute – various artists William S. Burroughs/Eudoras, Stick, Kill Creek, Shower Trick, Cher UK, etc. Iconoclastic Pop!

Members

1981-1984
Dean Lubensky – vocals
John Harper – guitar
David Dale – bass
Steve Eddy – drums

1985-1986
Jay Hauptli – vocals
John Harper – guitar
David Dale – bass (died Jan. 31, 1993)
Steve Eddy – drums

2006-present
Jay Hauptli – vocals
John Harper – guitar
Matt Kessler – bass
Steve Eddy – drums

10:05

3. “Ned’s Night Hole Theme”

10:06 – Interview with Alec Nicholas

Direct from sold out shows at The Emerald, and The Black Box in the West Bottoms, from critcally acclaimed shows at KC Fringe Fest 2 years in a row, and performances at Edinburgh Festival in Scotland, performances in New York and Los Angeles, and their sold out epic NED’s Friend-Hole Cabaret last May 16, 2026, at The Warwick Theater. Ned Stacie and the Nighthole LIVE! Gang are back with a new show… NED’s Fright-Hole Cabaret, and three performances on November 7, 12, and 13, with doors at 7:00pm, and showtime at 8:00pm, at The Warwick Theater, 3927 Main Street, KCMO, presented by The Emerald.

Alec Nicholas thanks for being on WMM.

NED’s Fright-Hole Cabaret! A spooky comedy cabaret, featuring NED and his infamous Night-Hole cast, Kansas City’s craziest variety performers, and even some special guests.

Ned Stacie, Francois, Peter Pain joined us on May 6, 2026 to share details of their show: NED’s Friend-Hole Cabaret LIVE- a brilliantly bizarre live fever dream of comedy, chaos, clown logic, clever stupidity, and sincere nonsense, last May 16, at The Warwick Theater.

NED’s Fright-Hole Cabaret: and three performances on November 7, 12, and 13, with doors at 7:00pm, and showtime at 8:00pm, at The Warwick Theater, 3927 Main Street, KCMO, presented by The Emerald.

More info at: www.eventbrite.com/e/neds-fright-hole-cabaret

More info at: https://linktr.ee/theemeraldkc

10:27:30

4. “Ned’s Night Hole Theme”

10:28 – Underwriting

10:30 – Station ID

5. Eboni Fondren – “Ain’t Nobody Like My Baby”
   from: Eboni Fondren, The Journey: To Kansas City with Love / Miss Wardine Records / July 23, ’24
   [Eboni Fondren is a dynamic vocalist who captivates audiences with her passionate performances and unmatched energy on stage. Known for her precise interpretations of jazz standards, beautifully infused with a touch of R&B, Eboni lights up every room she steps into. Her smooth, sultry vocals and lyrical storytelling leave listeners entranced, craving more with every note. // A graduate of the Everette DeVan School of Groove in 2012, Eboni has since risen to become one of Kansas City’s premier jazz vocalists. Whether fronting her own projects, such as Eboni and the Ivories, lending her talents to Lost Wax Band, or collaborating with the city’s finest musicians, Eboni is a staple of the Kansas City jazz scene, entertaining audiences with her soulful swing at top venues around town. // Her accolades speak volumes about her talent and impact. Eboni was named Favorite Jazz Vocalist by the KC Jazz Ambassadors for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023) and Favorite Vocalist in The Pitch Best 2024. She was recognized as a “Woman to Watch” by Her Life Magazine and proudly represents Kansas City Jazz as part of VisitKC’s initiatives. Most notably, she represented the United States at the 2023 G20 Summit in Varanasi, India—a testament to her extraordinary artistry. // Eboni’s recent creative ventures include the release of her debut album, The Journey: To Kansas City with Love, in July 2024, and An American in Paris, recorded in Paris, France, with the Laurent Marode Orchestra, released in October 2024. With each project, she not only honors her jazz roots but also redefines what it means to be a modern-day jazz performer. // From Kansas City to international stages, Eboni Fondren continues to inspire with her passion, elegance, and infectious love for music.

10:35 – Interview with Eboni Fondren

Eboni Fondren is a powerhouse American singer, actress, and bandleader whose career spans over two decades. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Eboni grew up surrounded by music—a passion heavily influenced by her father and talented aunts, all accomplished singers in their own right. // From a young age, Eboni’s natural talents for singing, acting, and dance were undeniable. She developed her skills through various community productions, middle and high school performances, and competitive talent shows. Immersing herself in choir, voice lessons, and music programs, Eboni knew she was destined for the stage. However, it wasn’t until college that she fell deeply in love with jazz. // During this time, Eboni studied under the legendary Hammond B-3 organist and bandleader Everette DeVan, who taught her the art of showmanship and leadership while performing with jazz ensembles.// After earning a double degree in Business Communications and Broadcast Management, Eboni returned to Kansas City with big dreams and a steadfast determination to succeed. Her career blossomed as she became one of the most sought-after jazz vocalists in the region. Eboni was named Favorite Jazz Vocalist by the KC Jazz Ambassadors for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023) and Favorite Vocalist in The Pitch Best 2024. She was recognized as a “Woman to Watch” by Her Life Magazine and proudly represents Kansas City Jazz as part of VisitKC’s initiatives. Most notably, she represented the United States at the 2023 G20 Summit in Varanasi, India—a testament to her extraordinary artistry. Eboni’s recent creative ventures include the release of her debut album, The Journey: To Kansas City with Love, in July 2024, and An American in Paris, recorded in Paris, France, with the Laurent Marode Orchestra, released in October 2024

Eboni Fondren thank you for being our guest on WMM

Eboni Wardine Fondren is a powerhouse American singer, actress, and bandleader whose career spans over two decades. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Eboni grew up surrounded by music—a passion heavily influenced by her father and talented aunts, all accomplished singers in their own right. Her parents’ record collection—featuring the timeless voices of Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, and Nancy Wilson—sparked an early love for old-school soul, classic R&B, and jazz that continues to shape her artistry to this day.

from Ebonofondrenmusic.com: A Lifelong Love of Music and Performance – From a young age, Eboni’s natural talents for singing, acting, and dance were undeniable. She developed her skills through various community productions, middle and high school performances, and competitive talent shows. Immersing herself in choir, voice lessons, and music programs, Eboni knew she was destined for the stage. However, it wasn’t until college that she fell deeply in love with jazz. During this time, Eboni studied under the legendary Hammond B-3 organist and bandleader Everette DeVan, who taught her the art of showmanship and leadership while performing with jazz ensembles. These formative years shaped Eboni’s signature style—an enchanting blend of precise jazz standards and R&B influences.

Creating a Legacy in Kansas City and Beyond – After earning a double degree in Business Communications and Broadcast Management, Eboni returned to Kansas City with big dreams and a steadfast determination to succeed. Her career blossomed as she became one of the most sought-after jazz vocalists in the region. Her captivating performances have led her to collaborate with top-tier musicians and bands, including the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra – Eboni’s influence extends far beyond Kansas City. Her exceptional talent has earned her recognition not only within the jazz community but also on the global stage. In a remarkable testament to her artistry, she was invited to represent America as a jazz ambassador at the G20 Summit in India in 2023. This prestigious invitation acknowledges her profound impact as a musician and her ability to transcend borders with her captivating performances. It is a remarkable honor that further solidifies Eboni’s status as a true ambassador of jazz, spreading its rich cultural heritage and universal language to audiences worldwide.

A Multifaceted Performer – Eboni’s talent isn’t limited to music. She has also carved out an impressive acting career. Her theater credits include standout roles such as Joanne in RENT, Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors, and Medda Larkin in Newsies. Her onstage charisma and versatility bring an unforgettable energy to every show she joins. In addition to her solo performances, Eboni has taken on the role of bandleader with the esteemed Lost Wax Band based in Kansas City. As the frontwoman of this talented group of musicians, she showcases her exceptional musicality. She brings a unique blend of jazz, soul, and funk to the vibrant Kansas City music scene. Together, they captivate audiences with their electrifying performances and ability to blend genres seamlessly. Eboni’s leadership and collaboration with the Lost Wax Band add another dimension to her already diverse and dynamic career in the music industry.

A Dynamic Entertainer with a Vision for the Future – Known for her smooth, sultry voice and magnetic performances, Eboni has been compared to jazz icons like Nancy Wilson and Ella Fitzgerald. Every song she sings is brought to life with passionate interpretation and the ability to connect deeply with her audience. Throughout her career, Eboni has honed her skills not only as a singer and actress but also as a songwriter and vocal coach, sharing her knowledge and passion with aspiring artists on their creative journeys. With her relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to her art, Eboni continues to captivate audiences with her extraordinary talent and inspire the next generation of performers. As she looks to the future, Eboni envisions pushing boundaries, exploring new artistic collaborations, and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment.

Paris: A Musical Journey – Eboni’s musical journey has taken her across the globe, including three transformative trips to the enchanting city of Paris. Immersed in the vibrant jazz scene of this iconic city, she has made a name for herself with her soulful performances and captivating stage presence. During her time in Paris, Eboni had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned local musicians, further expanding her artistic horizons. Eboni’s career continues to evolve. In a testament to her international acclaim, she recorded a critically acclaimed album during her time in Paris, capturing the essence of her musical prowess and the rich cultural fusion of jazz. Building upon her success, Eboni is set to embark on a thrilling tour in 2025, captivating audiences worldwide with her unique blend of musical artistry and magnetic stage presence. One thing is sure: wherever she performs—Eboni captivates her audience and leaves them wanting more.

Let’s Connect – Are you ready to experience the enchantment of Eboni Fondren live? Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast, festival organizer, or club owner, Eboni’s dynamic performances promise to uplift and inspire. Contact us today to book Eboni for your next event or explore her upcoming tour dates.

Based: Kansas City, MO
Genre: Jazz, Blues, Soul
Years Active: 2012 – Present
Official Websites: ebonifondrenmusic.com
jukeboxxmedia.com/eboni-fondren
@jzzylady – Instagram
@ebonifondrenmusic – Facebook
Email: eboni@ebonifondrenmusic.com
Eboni Fondren –
Vocalist. Entertainer. Storyteller.

​Eboni Fondren is a dynamic vocalist who captivates audiences with her passionate performances and unmatched energy on stage. Known for her precise interpretations of jazz standards, beautifully infused with a touch of R&B, Eboni lights up every room she steps into. Her smooth, sultry vocals and lyrical storytelling leave listeners entranced, craving more with every note.

A graduate of the Everette DeVan School of Groove in 2012, Eboni has since risen to become one of Kansas City’s premier jazz vocalists. Whether fronting her own projects, such as Eboni and the Ivories, lending her talents to Lost Wax Band, or collaborating with the city’s finest musicians, Eboni is a staple of the Kansas City jazz scene, entertaining audiences with her soulful swing at top venues around town.

Her accolades speak volumes about her talent and impact. Eboni was named Favorite Jazz Vocalist by the KC Jazz Ambassadors for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023) and Favorite Vocalist in The Pitch Best 2024. She was recognized as a “Woman to Watch” by Her Life Magazine and proudly represents Kansas City Jazz as part of VisitKC’s initiatives. Most notably, she represented the United States at the 2023 G20 Summit in Varanasi, India—a testament to her extraordinary artistry.

Eboni’s One WomanShow – In Jazz: The Women Who Shaped Me, internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Eboni Fondren steps into the spotlight to honor the iconic voices that paved the way—not just in jazz, but in womanhood, artistry, and fearless expression.
This one-woman performance is a profoundly personal musical tribute woven from the legacies of seven extraordinary trailblazers: Julia Lee, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Etta James, and Nancy Wilson. Through storytelling, powerful narration, vintage visuals, and her dynamic vocal stylings, Eboni breathes life into their struggles, celebrates their triumphs, and unveils the impact they’ve had on her journey as a Black woman and an artist.

Spanning the roaring resilience of Bessie Smith, the tender pain and protest of Billie Holiday, the effortless joy of Ella Fitzgerald, the operatic brilliance of Sarah Vaughan, the raw fire of Etta James, the sophisticated charm of Nancy Wilson, and the cheeky, commanding sass of Kansas City’s own Julia Lee, this show is a symphonic tapestry of soul, swing, and spirit.// Each segment is voiced by Eboni herself in poetic narration that plays over video montages, blending historic footage, artistic visuals, and ambient underscoring to bring each woman’s story to vivid life. Between scenes, 2–3-minute interludes allow for costume transformations that visually echo the eras and energy of each legend. These intermissions become breathers—moments for the audience to reflect and prepare for the next wave of brilliance.

More than a concert. More than a biography. Jazz: The Women Who Shaped Me is a call-and-response across generations. Eboni not only tells their stories—she sings them forward. Her original songs and contemporary interpretations are not imitations, but evolutions born of their influence, shaped by her voice, and rooted in her lived experience.
​At the heart of this performance lies a love letter. A thank you. A declaration: “I am because they were.” Eboni brings a modern reverence to these icons, illuminating how their legacies carved out space for voices like hers to thrive, and how their echoes continue to guide her artistry today. Elegant yet raw, nostalgic yet timely, this show is a stirring celebration of jazz womanhood in all its pain, playfulness, passion, and poise.

Eboni’s recent creative ventures include the release of her debut album, The Journey: To Kansas City with Love, in July 2024, and An American in Paris, recorded in Paris, France, with the Laurent Marode Orchestra, released in October 2024.

Upcoming Shows:

03 Nov – 38 Riv Paris, France
19 Nov – Le Melville Paris, France
20 Nov – Le M. – Restaurant du Musée du Vin Paris, France
21 Nov – Sunset-Sunside Paris, France

Eboni Fondren thank you for being our guest on WMM

Ebonofondrenmusic.com

10:50

6. Eboni Fondren – “I’m Afraid the Masquerade is Over”
   from: Eboni Fondren, The Journey: To Kansas City with Love / Miss Wardine Records / July 23, ’24
   [Eboni Fondren is a dynamic vocalist who captivates audiences with her passionate performances and unmatched energy on stage. Known for her precise interpretations of jazz standards, beautifully infused with a touch of R&B, Eboni lights up every room she steps into. Her smooth, sultry vocals and lyrical storytelling leave listeners entranced, craving more with every note. // A graduate of the Everette DeVan School of Groove in 2012, Eboni has since risen to become one of Kansas City’s premier jazz vocalists. Whether fronting her own projects, such as Eboni and the Ivories, lending her talents to Lost Wax Band, or collaborating with the city’s finest musicians, Eboni is a staple of the Kansas City jazz scene, entertaining audiences with her soulful swing at top venues around town. // Her accolades speak volumes about her talent and impact. Eboni was named Favorite Jazz Vocalist by the KC Jazz Ambassadors for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023) and Favorite Vocalist in The Pitch Best 2024. She was recognized as a “Woman to Watch” by Her Life Magazine and proudly represents Kansas City Jazz as part of VisitKC’s initiatives. Most notably, she represented the United States at the 2023 G20 Summit in Varanasi, India—a testament to her extraordinary artistry. // Eboni’s recent creative ventures include the release of her debut album, The Journey: To Kansas City with Love, in July 2024, and An American in Paris, recorded in Paris, France, with the Laurent Marode Orchestra, released in October 2024. With each project, she not only honors her jazz roots but also redefines what it means to be a modern-day jazz performer. // From Kansas City to international stages, Eboni Fondren continues to inspire with her passion, elegance, and infectious love for music.]

The 19th Annual Apocalypse Meow

The 19th annual Apocalypse Meow on Saturday, November 7th, Doors at 6pm, Show at 7pm, at recordBar, featuring live music from: ROMAN NUMERALS, JAMOGI & THE JAMMERS, PHAZE II, and STUBBLEFIELD. Apocalypse Meow is MMF’s main fundraiser for Abby’s Fund For Musicians’ Health Care, which provides local musicians and music workers with essential health care resources. In addition to live music, the RockDocs will be on site to offer flu shots and COVID boosters provided by the KC Indian Center, as well as discuss screenings, wellness programs, health conditions and concerns, and arrange follow-ups. We’ll also have live raffles that feature an assortment of items donated by local businesses at AM19, and an online auction running the month of November. // We are seeking donations for our annual Apocalypse Meow silent auction and fundraiser! Advertise your business or band while supporting our mission to provide healthcare grants to music professionals in the Kansas City area! Items like merchandise, music, classes, gift certificates, experiences, and art are greatly appreciated. // If you would like to donate or know of someone who can, please email Rhonda Lyne at rhonda@midwestmusicfound.org. // In 2008, Apocalypse Meow was established to raise medical funds for local musician Abigail Henderson, who had been diagnosed with cancer. Compelled to give back to the community, she co-founded MMF to provide musicians with health care assistance. Though she passed away in 2013, Abigail’s mission continues — MMF provides financial resources, educational programs, health clinics and events throughout the year. Abby’s Fund dispenses emergency health care grants to KC-area musicians, having contributed more than $780,000 since its inception. // Midwest Music Foundation provides grants to musicians faced with urgent health care expenses and preventative health care services through Abby’s Fund for Musicians’ Health Care. This assistance is available to active KC area musicians and music personnel. LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE or email our Executive Director, Rhonda Lyne, for more information at rhonda@midwestmusicfound.org.]

11:00 – Station ID

7. The Embarrassment – “Wellsville”
   from: No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 / Black Site / October 16, 2026
   [The Embarrassment was an American rock band formed in 1979 in Wichita, Kansas, that was initially active from 1979 to 1983 and has reunited several times since then. The band consisted of guitarist Bill Goffrier, lead singer and organist John Nichols, bassist Ron Klaus, and drummer Brent Giessmann. After the band broke up, Giessmann played for the Del Fuegos and Goffrier formed Big Dipper. The band was considered a prominent part of the music scene in Lawrence, Kansas, in the early 1980s. // Although some considered the band punk rock, the band described themselves as “Blister Pop”. The Village Voice’s long-time chief music critic Robert Christgau called them a “great lost American band”. Along with bands like Get Smart! and the Mortal Micronotz, the Embarrassment were prominent in the Lawrence punk scene of the early 1980s and they would regularly play at venues like the Lawrence Opera House (now called Liberty Hall) and the Off the Wall Hall (later called Cogburn’s, now called the Bottleneck). // The Embarrassment stopped performing when two of the members moved to Boston, Massachusetts. Giessmann drummed for the Del Fuegos, and Goffrier formed the band Big Dipper with former members of the Volcano Suns. Several of the Embarrassment’s unreleased songs were recorded by Big Dipper, including “Faith Healer”, which was later covered by the Japanese all-girl group Shonen Knife. // The Embarrassment played a reunion show on New Year’s Eve in 1985 at Cogburn’s in Lawrence. Geissmann was unable to participate, as he was on tour with the Del Fuegos. // They played the following New Year’s Eve at Cogburn’s, with all four original members participating. Also on the bill was another Kansas band, the Micronotz. In 1988–1989, they converged again for three reunion shows: one on New Year’s at Big Dog Studio in Wichita and the next two at the Bottleneck on January 5 and 6. The Moving Van Goghs opened the show on January 5, and the Sin City Disciples opened the show on January 6. // The Embarrassment played a few reunion shows in 2006, first at the Roadhouse in Wichita, with Local Band on August 18 and the Sluggos on August 19. On August 20, the band performed at Liberty Hall, with special guests Kill Creek and the Micronotz. The Embarrassment performed an acoustic concert on August 30, 2008, at John Barleycorn’s in Wichita. The performance was opened by Giessmann solo on electric piano for a few songs, then the local group the Sluggos. The original trio of Goffrier, Nichols, and Giessmann then took the stage with Eric Cale (cover artist for the 1983 Death Travels West album) on upright bass and Freedy Johnston on additional guitar and backing vocals. Some new or previously unperformed work was presented, including the song “Carpshoot”, written by Ron Klaus, who was not able to attend. Johnston closed the night with his solo work. // Following a screening of We Were Famous, You Don’t Remember: The Embarrassment, on June 30, 2023, Goffrier and Nichols reunited for an 18-song set at Liberty Hall. The duo was joined by Britt Rosencutter on drums and Cale on bass. // Kansas-born political writer Thomas Frank quoted lyrics from their song “Sex Drive” in his bestselling 2004 book What’s the Matter with Kansas?. // A feature-length documentary about the band, titled We Were Famous, You Don’t Remember: The Embarrassment, premiered at the 2022 Tallgrass Film Festival in Wichita, Kansas. The film was named the best music documentary of 2023 in Spin by Bob Guccione Jr., founder of Spin. // “In the early 1980s, Wichita, Kansas’s Embarrassment secretly set a template for American indie-rock: edgy, rocking tunes full of clever wordplay and subtle wit, as played by four guys in thick glasses. They fell somewhere between the Feelies’ perpetual nervousness and the Replacements’ inebriated garage-rock; it’s hard to think of many other peers from their era.”—Mike Appelstein, // “From exotic Wichita, with a gift for hookily hypnotic guitar lines that need a haircut… Now that I’ve finally gotten the message, a year and a half after this great lost American band dispersed into the wilds of Wichita, I still can’t repeat it back to you.”—Robert Christgau, The Village Voice // “Before they broke up in 1983, this quartet from Wichita, Kansas rocked furiously, with less brittle/more melodious guitar than the Scottish new wave pop bands Orange Juice and Joseph K to whom the Embos were sometimes compared.”—Jim Green/Ira Robbins/Jack Partain, Trouser Press // “The group’s eclectic yet distinctive sound wrapped a post-punk approach and a deadpan sense of humor around pop, country, disco, and metal elements, crafting songs that rivaled the work of better-known contemporaries like Gang of Four, Mission of Burma, and the Feelies.”—Heather Phares, AllMusic // “They played tight, blistering pop songs when overproduced stadium-rock anthems and repetitive disco tracks were the norm… The Embarrassment continues to foster a national reputation as ‘The best band you never heard of.'”—Jon Niccum, Lawrence Journal-World]

Discography

Singles/EPs
1980: “Sex Drive”/”Patio Set” (Big Time – 7-inch)[22]
1981: The Embarrassment 5-song EP (Cynykyl Records – 12-inch 45 rpm)[22]
1981: Fresh Sounds from Middle America (vol 1) 5-song EP (Fresh Sounds – cassette)
1989: “Beautiful Day” (Bar/None promo CD single, from God Help Us album)

Albums
1983: Death Travels West (Fresh Sounds – mini LP)
1990: God Help Us (Bar/None – LP and CD)[23][24]
2001: Blister Pop (My Pal God – CD)[25][26]

Compilation albums
1984: The Embarrassment Retrospective (Fresh Sounds – cassette)
1987: The Embarrassment (Time to Develop – LP)[27][28]
1995: Heyday 1979–83 (Bar/None – double CD)[29]

Compilation appearances
1981: Battle of the Garages (Bomp! Records – LP)
1981: Sub Pop 5 (Sub Pop – cassette)
1982: Sub Pop 7 (Sub Pop – cassette)
1988: Human Music (Homestead – LP, CD, cassette)
1989: Time for a Change: Bar/None Sampler No. Two (Bar/None – CD, cassette)

[The Embarrassmen play both No Choice but Action Release Shows: Fri, Oct. 16, 8:00pm at Barleycorn’s, 608 East Douglas, Wichita, KS. W/ the Blivets, Freedy Johnston & the Heidi Gluck Band.]

[AND, No Choice but Action Release Show: Saturday, October 17, at 7:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire st. Lawrence, KS with Other Geese, Get Smart!, and Truck Stop Love. ]

11:03 – Interview with Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain

Shawn Saving is the founder of Black Site Records a record label cooperative created by Kansas City musicians interested in supporting regional punk and rock bands release their recordings on a physical medium. Part of their mission reads: Only WE can create the world we want to live in. Reciprocity and solidarity are the cornerstones of building long lasting, self-sustaining community power that pushes back against the commodification of culture. Music is not a business; Punk is not a brand, and DIY is not a lifestyle to be consumed. This is a way of life, and if we don’t hang together, we’ll surely hang alone.

Shawn plays under the moniker L. Ron Drunkard. As The Pitch reported in 2017, “He comes from a union family; his parents, his aunt and his sister were all teachers’- union members at one time. Two of his uncles were Teamsters. And his grandparents were Kansas farmers — the kind of good, solid progressives made in the mold of the pioneers who first claimed this hunk of prairie. So there’s an ethical code embedded in Drunkard’s music and in his life, and to him that code is unassailable. That means eschewing corporate influence in favor of industry built locally, by those who actually craft the art. As the old saying goes: It’s DIY or die.”

Dr. Francis X. Connor is Chair and Associate Professor in Department of English at Wichita State University. He is Co-Director, Robert L. Cattoi Book Technologies Lab. Though Shakespeare and seventeenth-century publishers remain closest to his heart, his main scholarly project these days is a book, written in collaboration with Wichita State University’s own Dr Darren DeFrain, titled No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution, under contract with the University Press of Kansas. Their book aims to recover Kansas’ oft-overlooked contributions to American independent and alternative music; it will tell the stories of legendary and should-be-legendary bands such as The Embarrassment, Get Smart!, Micronotz, Start, Short-Term Memory, The Mumbles, The New Wave Brothers, Schloss Tegal, and Abuse, along with others from Wichita, Lawrence, and elsewhere; and it will, among other things, explain why it matters that Ron Klaus wrecked his house.

Dr. Darren DeFrain is the author of numerous short stories, essays, and screenplays, as well as the story collection Inside & Out (MSR Press) and the cult novel The Salt Palace (New Issues Press). Both books are available online through Dzanc Books. He is a graduate of the University of Utah (B.A. in English, B.S. in Psychology, minor in Italian), Kansas State University (M.A.), Texas State University’s M.F.A. program and Western Michigan University, where he received his Ph.D. in creative writing in 2000. He lives in Wichita, Kansas with his wife Melinda and is the Director of the Writing Program at Wichita State University. He’s currently completing a collection of essays, A Moveable Bar-B-Q.

Shawn Saving of Black Site Records with Francis X. Connor & Darren DeFrain join us to talk about: No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 a new Black Site double album featuring twenty-four tracks highlighting the evolution of the DIY music scene in the heart of “flyover country” from its punk roots in the late 1970s to the alternative rock era of the early 1990s. Produced in collaboration with Wichita State University, this record is the essential audio companion to the book from University Press of Kansas, No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution, by Francis X. Connor and Darren DeFrain.

No Choice but Action Release Shows are: Friday, October 16, at 8:00pm at Barleycorn’s, 608 East Douglas, Wichita, KS. with The Embarrassmen, the Blivets, and Freedy Johnston & the Heidi Gluck Band.

AND, Saturday, October 17, at 7:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire st. Lawrence, KS with Other Geese, Get Smart!, The Embarrassmen, and Truck Stop Love.

Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain join us to talk about – No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 and the book: from University Press of Kansas, No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution

Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain thanks for being with us on WMM.

Francis Connor please explain why it matters that Ron Klaus wrecked his house.

We started with The Embarrassment, a Wichita area band.

From Lawrence to Wichita, bands like The Embarrassment, Get Smart!, Micronotz, Pedaljets and Truck Stop Love built a decentralized, grassroots network fueled by basement venues, cassette culture, zines, and pure creative urgency, without the backing of major labels. This cultural history challenges everything we think we know about where music revolutions begin, revealing how Kansas became an unlikely but influential center of the American postpunk movement.

No Choice But Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution
by Darren DeFrain and Francis Connor Sales Date: September 2026
368 Pages, 6.00 × 9.00 in PAPERBACK 9780700643028

Flyover Country? Fly over THIS. This is the story of how postpunk crashed into the Midwest and rewrote the rules.

When most people think postpunk, they picture London or Manchester—The Cure, PiL, Joy Division—or the coasts, from Minutemen in California to Bush Tetras in New York. But far from the major labels and media spotlights, a different kind of revolution was taking shape in the American heartland. No Choice but Action uncovers the wildly inventive, fiercely independent postpunk movement that erupted across Kansas between 1978 and 1994—and changed Midwestern music forever.

The Embarrassment. Get Smart!. The Moving Van Goghs. Micronotz. Truck Stop Love. These weren’t outliers. They were the beating heart of a vibrant, self-sustaining cultural ecosystem pulsing through Lawrence, Manhattan, Topeka, and Wichita. With no industry infrastructure to lean on, musicians built their own: basements turned into venues, cassette culture fueled DIY distribution, photocopied zines became lifelines, and word-of-mouth grew into a network strong enough to launch bands onto national stages.

With the fervor of lifelong insiders and the rigor of scholars, authors Frances Connor and Darren DeFrain take readers inside this scene with unparalleled access and insight. They capture the personalities, the makeshift platforms, the electrifying shows, and the pure creative urgency that kept the music alive long before email, social media, or streaming. Their chronicle is as kinetic and unpolished as the era itself.

More than a regional history, No Choice but Action argues for Kansas postpunk as a crucial, overlooked chapter in American independent music—one whose influence can still be felt in today’s DIY culture. Kansas wasn’t a footnote to postpunk. It was a force that helped define the possibilities of American independent music.

Postpunk didn’t just happen in the Midwest. It exploded there.
A companion double LP album, No Choice But Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978–1994, will also be released by Black Site, a Kansas City record label cooperative, with support from Wichita State University. Featuring twenty-four tracks ranging from basement cassette recordings to professional studio sessions, the album serves as the essential audio companion to the book, allowing audiences to experience the music that fueled Kansas’s groundbreaking postpunk revolution. The album can be purchased through Black Site.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

No Choice but Action at Barleycorn’s
Friday. October 16, 2026 | 8:00 pm
608 East Douglas Wichita, KS 67202

No Choice but Action at The Bottleneck
Saturday. October 17, 2026 | 7:00 pm
737 New Hampshire Street Lawrence, KS 66044

Truck Stop Love Farewell Peformance at Auntie May’s
Sunday. October 18, 2026 | 6:00 pm
Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 North 12th Street Manhattan, KS 66502

No Choice but Action Authors at Kirby’s Beer Store
Saturday. November 7, 2026 | 6:00 pm
3227 East 17th Street N Wichita, KS 67208

No Choice but Action at Watkins Museum of History
Saturday. November 14, 2026 | 7:00 pm
1047 Massachusetts Street Lawrence, KS 66044

11:14

8. Get Smart – “Berlin on the Plains”
   from: No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 / Black Site / October 16, 2026
   [Get Smart! is a three-piece post-punk band formed in Lawrence, Kansas, in 1980 consisting of Marcus Koch, Lisa Wertman Crowe and Frank Loose. The band released 2 studio albums along with some singles and EPs over a 10-year career. The band re-united in 2020. // The band formed while at University of Kansas in 1980 and, along with bands like the Embarrassment, and the Mortal Micronotz, they were prominent in the alternative music scene in Lawrence. They released their first record in 1981, which was a flexi disc released with “Talk Talk” magazine. This was followed by a self-released 4-track EP called Words Move. They had 5 songs on the four band split cassette, released by Fresh Sounds Records, called Fresh Sounds From Middle America (vol 1) (the four bands being Get Smart!, the Embarrassment, the Yard Apes and the Mortal Micronotz). In 1982 they relocated to Chicago, Illinois. The group were signed by Colin Camerer to his Fever Records label (an independent label in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) and released their first album, Action Reaction in 1984. Their second album, Swimming with Sharks, was released in 1986 on Enigma Records’ “Restless Records” imprint. // The band received considerable coverage in Nebraska’s Capitol Punishment fanzine. / In 1987 Bob Lara, from the band Reaction, was added as a second guitarist. Shortly afterwards, Frank Loose left the band. He was originally replaced in 1988 by Ric Menck. Menck only stayed with the band for a short time. He was replaced by Jay Sebastian (a.k.a. “Redd Klaats”). Sebastian left the band after about a year, at which they continued as an acoustic trio until they disbanded in 1990. // Lisa Wertman continued performing with Bob Lara as “The Lisa and Bob Show” for about a year. Then she joined the band Dolly Varden as a founding member.[8] Later she would perform with the Nora O’Connor Band, the Honeybees and Jeanie B and the Jelly Beans, and now plays in Damaged Gods, a Gang of Four tribute.
   Marcus Koch moved back to Lawrence and currently plays in the country band “Cryin’ Out Loud”. Bob Lara has played in many local Chicago bands and has participated in several re-unions of his old band “Reaction”. // Ric Menck went on to form Velvet Crush. // Jay Sebastian went on to form the “Twang Bang” duo. // On February 5, 2020, the band announced via its Facebook page that they would be reuniting, with the original line-up, for a 40th anniversary show, to take place at the Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS on November 7, 2020. The band’s first concert was on October 31, 1980.The reunion concern was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and took place on November 6, 2021. // “one of the few seriously innovative bands in the Lawrence-Kansas City-Topeka area” (Blake Gumprecht; University Daily Kansan; Dec 15, 1980) // “original, simple, clean material and an energized, tight performance” (Karen Barber; KLZR 106; June 20, 1981) // “their music has a beat and a fundamentally aggressive quality that is extremely satisfying” (John Korst; Jet Lag; Feb 1983) // “This is what happened to Midwestern bar bands when they heard the Sex Pistols. Lots of beat and jangle; it’s raw and rocking” (Barbara Nellis; Playboy; March 1985) // “the band has a truly impressive knack for three-piece writing and arranging. Their new LP, Swimming With Sharks, is full of tense, carefully crafted miniatures that meld unvarnished noise with unexpected pretty vocal harmonies” (Renaldo Migaldi; Chicago Reader; 1986) // “Dense minimalist rock featuring choppy guitars, a tight rhythmic thrust, and passionate, often eerie vocals, with stream-of-consciousness lyrics” (Jeff Silberman; Rock It; Fall 1986) // “Get Smart! has emerged as one of Chicago’s most respected (and nationally renowned) underground bands” (Moira McCormick; Illinois Entertainer; September 1986) // “Warm pop melodicism competes with punky bluntness and jagged noise tendencies” (Ira Robbins; Trouser Press; 1986) // Swimming With Sharks blends “aggressive dance-punk a la Gang of Four and Pylon with classique-moderne action reminiscent of X and The Embarrassment” (Joseph Neff, The Vinyl District, Oct 5, 2021)]

Band members
Marcus Koch – guitar, lead vocals (1980–1990, 2020)
Lisa Wertman Crowe – bass, lead vocals (1980–1990, 2020)
Frank Loose – drums, lead vocals (1980–1987, 2020)

Past members
Ric Menck – drums (1988)
Jay Sebastian (a.k.a. “Redd Klaats”) – drums (1988–1989)
Bob Lara – guitar, vocals (1988–1990)

Discography
Frank Loose, Lisa Wertman Crowe and Marcus Koch circa 1980, Lawrence, KS

Singles and EPs
“Numbers and Colours” / “Ankle Deep In Mud” (1981 flexi, Fresh Sounds) (w/ “Talk Talk” magazine, 1981-05-13)
Words Move (4 song EP, Syntax, 1981-12-08)
Fresh Sounds from Middle America (vol 1) (split/cassette, Fresh Sounds, 1981-12-12)
“Back Into The Future” / “World Without End” (1985 live, Fever/Enigma)
“Gold To Rust” (1987 45, Enigma Europe)
“Oh Yeah No” (6 song EP, Capitol Punishment, 2020-11-17)

Albums
Get Smart! (1981, 11 song demo tape)
Action Reaction (1984, 12 song LP, Fever/Enigma)
Swimming with Sharks (1986, 10 song LP, Restless/Enigma)

Compilation appearances
Inspiration Series No. 1 (German cassette) – included “On And On” (different version)
Sub Pop No. 5 – included “Eat, Sleep A Go-Go” (from the “Words Move” EP)
Sub Pop No. 7 – included “Black Mirror” (different version)
Enigma Variations – included “Just For The Moment” (from Action Reaction)
Restless Variations – included “Back Into The Future” (from Swimming with Sharks)
Heat From The Wind Chill Factory — included “What It Is We Fear” (acoustic version)

[Get Smart! Play the No Choice but Action Release Show: Sat, October 17, at 7:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire st. Lawrence, KS with The Embarrassmen, Other Geese, and Truck Stop Love. ]

11:17 – Interview with Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain

We are talking with Shawn Saving is the founder of Black Site Records, Dr. Francis X. Connor is Chair and Associate Professor in Department of English at Wichita State University. Dr. Darren DeFrain Director of the Writing Program at Wichita State University co-writers of No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution, from the University Press of Kansas.

No Choice but Action Release Shows are: Friday, October 16, at 8:00pm at Barleycorn’s, 608 East Douglas, Wichita, KS. with The Embarrassmen, the Blivets, and Freedy Johnston & the Heidi Gluck Band.

AND, Saturday, October 17, at 7:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire st. Lawrence, KS with Other Geese, Get Smart!, The Embarrassmen, and Truck Stop Love.

Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain thanks for being with us on WMM.

No Choice but Action Authors at Kirby’s Beer Store Saturday. November 7, 2026 | 6:00 pm
3227 East 17th Street N Wichita, KS 67208

No Choice but Action at Watkins Museum of History Saturday. November 14, 2026 | 7:00 pm 1047 Massachusetts Street Lawrence, KS 66044

Black Site record announces the release of No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994. Featuring 24 tracks ranging from basement tape demos to professional studio recordings, this double LP highlights the evolution of the DIY music scene in the heart of “flyover country” from its nascent punk roots in the late 1970s to the alternative rock era of the early 1990s. Produced in collaboration w/ Wichita State University, this record is the essential audio companion to the book from University Press of Kansas, No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution, by Francis X. Connor and Darren DeFrain.

While the history of punk has mostly focused on the coastal cities of the US, a fiercely independent music scene was thriving across Kansas in the late 1970s and 1980s. From Lawrence to Wichita, bands like The Embarrassment, Get Smart!, Micronotz, Pedaljets and Truck Stop Love built a decentralized, grassroots network fueled by basement venues, cassette culture, zines, and pure creative urgency—without the backing of major labels or industry infrastructure. This electrifying cultural history challenges everything we think we know about where music revolutions begin, revealing howKansas became an unlikely but influential center of the American postpunk movement.

“As much as the words tell the story, it was the music that brought it all to life. The idea of pairing the book with a vinyl record felt inevitable. Postpunk isn’t just read—it’s felt,” says DeFrain. “This record is more than an accompaniment to the book. It’s a revival of the sound and attitude that made Kansas punk unforgettable.”

No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 is not just a “greatest hits” of the Sunflower State’s biggest names in punk rock, like those mentioned above. It digs deeper to expose the roots of the Kansas DIY scene giving many of these tracks their first ever appearance on vinyl. Some songs have never before been released, while many others were only ever available on early self-made cassettes.

The comp includes tracks from lesser known late 1970s punk acts such as Topeka’s The Clean, Lawrence’s Smart Pills, and Wichita’s Aagarnes and Bradfords (the band playing the night “Ron Klaus Wrecked His House” – IYKYK). There’s also 1980s power pop from Lawrence’s Thumbs and Other Geese, Manhattan’s Moving van Goghs, and Wichita’s Bampots and The Blivets. Even Kansas’ experimental/industrial synth scene is not overlooked with tracks from Lawrence’s Schloss Tegal and Start, Shawnee Mission’s Short-Term Memory, and Wichita’s Buckthrusters and New Wave Brothers. Rounding out the comp are late 80s/early 90s rockers Vitreous Humor from Topeka plus 2-Mile Death Plunge, Kill Creek, Kill Whitey, and Zoom from Lawrence.

No Choice but Action, the first ever chronicle of the Kansas punk/postpunk movement, challenges traditional narratives by reframing “flyover country” as a powerful, contemporaneous creative engine that didn’t just echo independent music culture of the coasts—it helped define it from the ground up. Kansas wasn’t a footnote—it was a force. And its influence still echoes in DIY culture today.

The 368-page paperback book No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution is available from University Press of Kansas – https://kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700643028/

The double LP No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 is available from Black Site – https://link.black-site.org/NCBA

Shawn Saving performs with his band Red Kate under the moniker L. Ron Drunkard. As The Pitch reported in 2017, “He comes from a union family; his parents, his aunt and his sister were all teachers’- union members at one time. Two of his uncles were Teamsters. And his grandparents were Kansas farmers — the kind of good, solid progressives made in the mold of the pioneers who first claimed this hunk of prairie. So there’s an ethical code embedded in Drunkard’s music and in his life, and to him that code is unassailable. That means eschewing corporate influence in favor of industry built locally, by those who actually craft the art. As the old saying goes: It’s DIY or die.”

BLACK SITE RELEASES

No Choice But Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 – Various Artists
How I Spent My Summer Vacation – Truck Stop Love
Into the Maze – Madman
Home for the Incurable – Labretta Suede & the Motel 6
The Tycoon – Madman
Exit Strategy – Red Kate
Underneath Scum Light – Hummin’ Bird
TimeThief – Frogpond
Town Without Soul – Fred Wickham Caravan
You’re Lucky I Like You – Chess Club
Lovely Gary – Knife Crime
Submerger – No Thanks
Mattson – Headlight Rivals
Gutter Glitter – Hummin’ Bird
Brother’s Milk – Faultfinder
Evil Fire – Madman
Libations – Libations
Lost in the Sauce – Liquor Beats Winter
Hit the Ball – Chess Club
Are You Ready? – Rich Yarges & the Pop Mechanics
Dissimulation – Emmaline Twist
Can’t Hear It: 1991-1994 – Truck Stop Love
Not Enough EP -Wick and the Tricks
Traveling Today on Yesterday’s Maps – Pizzasaurus Rex
Split 7” – Red Kate / Stiff Middle Fingers
unamerican activities – Red Kate

BLACK SITE is a record label cooperative created by Kansas City musicians interested in supporting regional punk and rock bands release their recordings on a physical medium. With the world around us becoming a deluge of digital l’s and 0’s, transient as a trust fund crust punk on a cross country excursion, tangible art is critical to maintaining connections to our past, our sense of place, and who we are as a people. Only WE can create the world we want to live in. Reciprocity and solidarity are the cornerstones of building long lasting, self-sustaining community power that pushes back against the commodification of culture.

After Replay Records put out Red Kate’s first full-length, 2013’s When the Trouble Comes, the band began searching for the next step. BLACK SITE was created to release Red Kate’s 2016 album unamerican activities.

Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain thanks for being with us on WMM.

No Choice but Action Release Shows are:

Friday, October 16, at 8:00pm at Barleycorn’s, 608 East Douglas, Wichita, KS. with The Embarrassmen, the Blivets, and Freedy Johnston & the Heidi Gluck Band.

AND, Saturday, October 17, at 7:00pm at The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire st. Lawrence, KS with Other Geese, Get Smart!, The Embarrassmen, and Truck Stop Love.

Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain join us to talk about the double album: from Black Site Records – No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 and the book: from University Press of Kansas, No Choice but Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution

Shawn Saving, Francis Connor & Darren Defrain thanks for being with us on WMM.

No Choice but Action Authors at Kirby’s Beer Store Saturday. November 7, 2026 | 6:00 pm 3227 East 17th Street N Wichita, KS 67208

No Choice but Action at Watkins Museum of History Saturday. November 14, 2026 | 7:00 pm 1047 Massachusetts Street Lawrence, KS 66044

11:27

9. Pedaljeta – “Liking You”
   from: No Choice but Action: Kansas Postpunk 1978-1994 / Black Site / October 16, 2026
   [Pedaljets is an American alternative rock band, founded in 1984 in Lawrence, Kansas. Taking their name from a line of 1950s tricycles, the group’s founding members—Mike Allmayer (guitarist), Matt Kesler (bassist), and Rob Morrow (drummer)—met while attending the University of Kansas in 1983. Their current lineup includes a second guitarist, Cody Wyoming. The band has toured with and been favorably compared to Hüsker Dü and The Replacements, and has also been called a “missing link” between The Replacements and Nirvana in the chronology of alternative rock. // After formation in 1984, the band toured extensively before releasing their debut album, Today Today, in 1988. Allmayer referred to this period as a “test of fire” in an interview with the Chicago Tribune in 1987: “I hate using that phrase; it sounds really stupid. But we thought we should go out on the road and prove ourselves, and if we could stay together and do well, then it’d be worth putting out an album. A lot of bands put out albums and don’t have any following anywhere.” After meeting lukewarm success with their sophomore, self-titled album, Pedaljets, in 1990, the band took a twenty-three year hiatus, during which they re-recorded and re-released a version of their eponymous second album in 2008 with which they were more satisfied. Pedaljets released their first album of new material, What’s In Between, in 2013 which is described as a “reintroduction to the band’s Midwestern college rock.” Their fourth original album, Twist The Lens, will be released in 2020. Allmayer described the recording of Twist The Lens as being indebted to the band’s experiences and longstanding collaboration, “When I demo a song, I always have ideas for arrangements and all the other parts. But then once the band gets to work on it, I’m like, ‘Well this is going in a totally different direction, but it’s great.’ That’s the beauty of working with these guys for thirty-five years. Some of the directions we’d take with these songs took me outside of my comfort zone at first, but we decided to follow them down that road and it always led to something better.” ]

Members
Current members:
Mike Allmayer – guitar, lead vocals
Matt Kesler – bass
Rob Morrow – drums
Cody Wyoming – guitar
Former members:
Paul Malinowski – guitar
Phil Wade – guitar

Discography
Today Today (1988) Pedaljets (1990)
Pedaljets (2008)
What’s In Between (2013)
Twist The Lens (2020)

11:30 – Underwriting

10. Truck Stop Love – “You Owe”
    from: How I Spent My Summer Vacation / Black Site / October 15, 2026 Reissued on vinyl
    [Produced by Jody Stephens and Jeff Powell. Recorded and mixed by Jeff Powell at Ardent Studios, Memphis, TN. Additional overdubbing by Jeffrey Reed. Asst. engineers were Jeffrey Reed and Matt Martone. A&R: Michael Roth. Digitally remastered by Kliph Scurlock. Vinyl mastering by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl, Memphis, TN. Art Direction by Doug Haverty. LP art adaptation by L. Ron Drunkard, Lydia MJ and Brad Huhmann. Jackets printed by AtoZ Media. Pressed by Independent Record Pressing, Bordentown, NJ. // BS-27 Black Site, Kansas City, MO black-site.org. // Eric Melin plays drums, Brad Huhmann plays bass and sings, Matt Mozier plays guitars and sings, Rich Yarges plays guitars and sings. // Pedal steel played by John Whittemore. Mandolin and banjo played by John Crooke. Tambourine played by Jody Stephens // Arthur Dodge sings a few back-ups, Jody Stephens does too. All these songs were written by Truck Stop Love. They are published by AllAmSongs/ValueBrand Music (BMI)]

[Truck Stop Love will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese. ]

[Truck Stop Love will play their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, October 18, 6:00 to 8:00pm, at Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 North 12th St. Manhattan KS]

11:35 – Interview Rich Yarges of Truck Stop Love

Rich Yarges of Truck Stop Love joins us to talk about the re-release of their 1995 debut album, HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION, on vinyl for the first time. Guitarist/vocalist Rich Yarges and drummer Eric Melin formed the band in 1990, but it wasn’t until guitarist/vocalist Matt Mozier and bassist/vocalist Brad Huhmann joined Truck Stop Love in 1991, that the band solidified their aggressive, fuzzed-out rock sound. HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION, was produced at Memphis’ legendary Ardent Studios by Big Star drummer Jody Stephens and Jeff Powell (Afghan Whigs, Primal Scream), the album is a dizzying mix of TSL’s wide influences.

Truck Stop Love will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese.

Truck Stop Love will play their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, October 18, 6:00 to 8:00pm, at Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 North 12th St. Manhattan KS.

Rich Yarges thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

TRUCK STOP LOVE RE-RELEASES 1995 DEBUT ALBUM, HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION, ON VINYL FOR THE FIRST TIME

Truck Stop Love play the No Choice But Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution release show on Sat., Oct. 17, 2026at the Bottleneck, Lawrence, KS w/ The Embarrassmen(sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese

Truck Stop Love play HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION, ON VINYL Release show on Sun., Oct 18, 2026 at Auntie Mae’s, Manhattan, KS – LAST SHOW EVER!

Kansas City, MO – Thirty-one years after its initial CD-only release, Truck Stop Love’s genre-busting 1995 debut album can now finally be heard as it was intended–on vinyl! How I Spent My Summer Vacation captures the band in the prime of its songwriting, musicianship and production, fusing punk, rock and country into a new form of cowpunk that defined Midwestern punk twang during the alternative rock era. Digitally remastered by Kliph Scurlock, and mastered for vinyl by original co-producer, Jeff Powell, HISMV sounds better than ever.

“The fact that the genre of No Depression/alt country/punk/twangy power pop/whatever-you-wanna-call-it has endured so much since 1995 is proof that we were onto something 30 years ago. I’m so proud of this LP and hope it gets the recognition it deserves this time around!” said drummer, Eric Melin.

Singer/guitarist, Rich Yarges added, “We always wanted this to be a record, but it was the CD era. We were nobodies, and even though we may have acted like we were somebodies, we were in no position to demand what format it came out on. We were just happy to get to record it the way we wanted to, and in the same studio as Big Star.”

Ardent Studios in Memphis was that hallowed ground, the place where not only Big Star, but Booker T., Led Zeppelin, and the Replacements also banged out classic records. Producers Jody Stephens and Jeff Powell took the band under wing, grounding the boys in the history of the place and guiding their energies into focus to create the purest, rawest expression of music they had in them. Recorded on analog tape, the record vibrates to the exact frequency of Memphis humidity. (There’s much more to the story of this recording session, but if you want to know about The Replacements’ vomit, spaghetti as a vegetable, an inspirational R.L. Burnside show, or Jerry Lee Lewis’s “meat ass”, you’ll have to read the liner notes.)

11:42

11. Truck Stop Love – “Whiskey Waltz”
    from: How I Spent My Summer Vacation / Black Site / October 15, 2026 Reissued on vinyl
    [Produced by Jody Stephens and Jeff Powell. Recorded and mixed by Jeff Powell at Ardent Studios, Memphis, TN. Additional overdubbing by Jeffrey Reed. Asst. engineers were Jeffrey Reed and Matt Martone. A&R: Michael Roth. Digitally remastered by Kliph Scurlock. Vinyl mastering by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl, Memphis, TN. Art Direction by Doug Haverty. LP art adaptation by L. Ron Drunkard, Lydia MJ and Brad Huhmann. Jackets printed by AtoZ Media. Pressed by Independent Record Pressing, Bordentown, NJ. // BS-27 Black Site, Kansas City, MO black-site.org. // Eric Melin plays drums, Brad Huhmann plays bass and sings, Matt Mozier plays guitars and sings, Rich Yarges plays guitars and sings. // Pedal steel played by John Whittemore. Mandolin and banjo played by John Crooke. Tambourine played by Jody Stephens // Arthur Dodge sings a few back-ups, Jody Stephens does too. All these songs were written by Truck Stop Love. They are published by AllAmSongs/ValueBrand Music (BMI)]

[Truck Stop Love will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese.]

[Truck Stop Love will play their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, October 18, 6:00 to 8:00pm, at Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 North 12th St. Manhattan KS]

11:45 – Interview Rich Yarges of Truck Stop Love

Rich Yarges of Truck Stop Love joins us to talk about the re-release of their 1995 debut album, HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION, on vinyl for the first time. Guitarist/vocalist Rich Yarges and drummer Eric Melin formed the band in 1990, but it wasn’t until guitarist/vocalist Matt Mozier and bassist/vocalist Brad Huhmann joined Truck Stop Love in 1991, that the band solidified their aggressive, fuzzed-out rock sound. HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION, was produced at Memphis’ legendary Ardent Studios by Big Star drummer Jody Stephens and Jeff Powell (Afghan Whigs, Primal Scream), the album is a dizzying mix of TSL’s wide influences.

Truck Stop Love will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese.

Truck Stop Love will play their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, October 18, 6 to 8:00pm, at Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 N. 12th St. Manhattan KS.

Rich Yarges thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

After the success of the band’s first vinyl release on Black Site in 2017, Can’t Hear It: 1991-1994–a collection of demos, outtakes from the Summer Vacation sessions, and previously unreleased recordings–the band asked the Kansas City record label cooperative to see if they wanted to team up again on a vinyl release of How I Spent My Summer Vacation. Plans were laid for a 25th anniversary edition, until a global pandemic got in the way and the idea got placed on the back burner.

But when Darren DeFrain, co-author of the forthcoming book on Kansas postpunk history, No Choice But Action: The Kansas Postpunk Revolution, approached Black Site about releasing a companion LP to the book (which would include a never-before-released track from Truck Stop Love), the band decided it was time to bring the project back to the front burner. And now it’s here, fully stewed. But, as tasty as this record is, there is a bittersweet side to the story; the upcoming two shows will be the bands’ last.

So, join us in celebrating one of the best bands to come out of the Great State of Kansas one (or two) last time(s). They will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese. And they bid their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, October 18 at Auntie Mae’s.

One last note: No AI was utilized (or harmed) in the creation of this project, not the album, not the art, and certainly not this press release. This project was created entirely by, and for, humans and their “meat asses”.

BLACK SITE is a record label cooperative created by Kansas City musicians interested in supporting regional punk and rock bands release their recordings on a physical medium. With the world around us becoming a deluge of digital l’s and 0’s, transient as a trust fund crust punk on a cross country excursion, tangible art is critical to maintaining connections to our past, our sense of place, and who we are as a people. Only WE can create the world we want to live in. Reciprocity and solidarity are the cornerstones of building long lasting, self-sustaining community power that pushes back against the commodification of culture. Music is not a business; Punk is not a brand, and DIY is not a lifestyle to be consumed. This is a way of life, and if we don’t hang together, we’ll surely hang alone.

Rich Yarges thanks for being with us on Wednesday MidDay Medley

Truck Stop Love will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese.

Truck Stop Love will play their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, Oct 18, 6:00 to 8:00pm, at Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 North 12th St. Manhattan KS

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

11:53

12. Truck Stop Love – “Bitter Boy”
    from: How I Spent My Summer Vacation / Black Site / October 15, 2026 Reissued on vinyl
    [Produced by Jody Stephens and Jeff Powell. Recorded and mixed by Jeff Powell at Ardent Studios, Memphis, TN. Additional overdubbing by Jeffrey Reed. Asst. engineers were Jeffrey Reed and Matt Martone. A&R: Michael Roth. Digitally remastered by Kliph Scurlock. Vinyl mastering by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl, Memphis, TN. Art Direction by Doug Haverty. LP art adaptation by L. Ron Drunkard, Lydia MJ and Brad Huhmann. Jackets printed by AtoZ Media. Pressed by Independent Record Pressing, Bordentown, NJ // BS-27 Black Site, Kansas City, MO black-site.org. // Eric Melin plays drums, Brad Huhmann plays bass and sings, Matt Mozier plays guitars and sings, Rich Yarges plays guitars and sings. // Pedal steel played by John Whittemore. Mandolin and banjo played by John Crooke. Tambourine played by Jody Stephens // Arthur Dodge sings a few back-ups, Jody Stephens does too. All these songs were written by Truck Stop Love. They are published by AllAmSongs/ValueBrand Music (BMI)]

[Truck Stop Love will headline the No Choice But Action Book and LP release party Saturday, October 17 at The Bottleneck in Lawrence, KS with The Embarassmen (sic), Get Smart! and Other Geese. ]

[Truck Stop Love will play their final farewell in their hometown of Manhattan, KS on Sunday, October 18, 6:00 to 8:00pm, at Auntie Mae’s Parlor 616 North 12th St. Manhattan KS]

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

Next week, on Wednesday, October 21, Claire Adams will play LIVE in our 90.1 FM Studios.

Also joining me as special co-hosts for the entire show are:

Betse Ellis is originally from Fayetteville, Arkansas, Betse received her Bachelors of Arts in Music and a Bachelors of Arts in English, from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. For nearly 50 years Betse has been playing the violin and fiddle professionally and also working as a teacher of music. Betse was a founding member of the acclaimed internationally known band, The Wilders who released 10 albums. Betse has released two acclaimed solo records, she has recently recorded & performed with the bands Little Miss Dynamite, and The Starhaven Rounders and with her husband, multi-instrumentalist Clarke Wyatt, as the internationally known, Betse & Clarke. Betse has also performed and recorded with Beau Bledsoe, Earnest James Zydeco, Jeff Harshbarger, The Band That Fell To Earth, Howard Iceberg, Rural Grit All Stars, Blue Museum

Mará Rose Williams is The Kansas City Star’s Senior Opinion Columnist. She previously was assistant managing editor for race & equity issues, a member of the Star’s Editorial Board and 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 and racism on university campuses. She was a writer on The Star’s 2020 “Truth in Black and White” project and the recipient of the 2021 Eleanor McClatchy Award for exemplary leadership skills and transformative journalism.

Eddie Moore is the recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene. Eddie relocated to KC to study under Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-KC where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies. He was 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Circle was nominated for an Indie Music Award for “007”. His music has been featured commercially for Sprint, Netflix’s “Queer Eye”, and Morgan Cooper’s short film “Room Tone”. Moore has shared the stage and recordings with Bobby Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Erykah Badu, Mosdef, Bilal, Ledisi, Chantae Cann, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, Various Blonde, Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, Marcus Lewis Big Band.

Betse, Mará and Eddie join usfor our On Air Fall Fund Drive to encourage YOU to please call us at 888-931-0901 or www.kkfi.org and support Cpmmunity Radio

You can find our playlists at: www.wednesdaymiddaymedley.org & www.kkfi.org
www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.1FM
www.instagram.wednesday_midday_medley

Thank you to KKFI Staff: Executive Director – Bess Wallerstein-Huff, Chief Operator – Chad Brothers, Director of Development & Communications – J Kelly Dougherty, Volunteer Coordinator – Darryl Oliver, and Office Manager Book Keeper – Shaina Littler.

THANK YOU to everyone who donated to KKFI’s Summer Fund Drive during WMM we had a total of 33 people donate a total of $3513.50. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

This radio station is more than the individual hosts of each individual radio show. It is a collective spirit of hundreds of people, setting aside ego, to work for the greater good of community building and the goal of keeping our airwaves, non-commercial, and open! Thank you to programmers who create content for over 85 locally produced radio shows & volunteers who made extra effort to keep our station alive.

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

Wednesday MidDay Medley in on the web:
http://www.kkfi.org,
http://www.WednesdayMidDayMedley.org,
http://www.facebook.com/WednesdayMidDayMedleyon90.121

Show #1169