March 8 , 2010

Class of 2010 inducted into Kansas Music Hall of Fame

    The 2010 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Concert was held on March 6, 2010 at Liberty Hall in Lawrence, Kansas. This was the sixth class inducted into the Hall.

    The Ceremony featured performances by 2010 Inductees Plain Jane, The Moanin' Glories, Morning Dew, Green River Ordinance, Vernon Sandusky, Pott County Pork & Bean Band, and Tree Frog.

    Also inducted were Oleta Adams and Conny & the Bellhops. The late Gary "Igor" Crawford received the Directors' Award, and The Comancheros received the Bob Hapgood Award. And in a surprise announcement, the Board of Directors announced the special directors induction of KMHOF founder and president Bill Lee.

Vernon Sandusky performing at the 2010 Induction Ceremony
[click to enlarge]

 

KMHOF President Bill Lee honored by surprise induction

KMHOF President and 2010 Inductee Bill Lee
[click to enlarge]

Kansas Music Hall of Fame founder and president, Bill Lee, was surprised at this year's induction show when his fellow board members joined him onstage and announced that he was being inducted into the Hall of Fame for all of his efforts on behalf of Kansas music over the years.  Lee spent 25 years as a radio disc jockey and program director; wrote a book about Kansas music in 1999 called Kansas Rockers...the First Generation ; moderates a Yahoo group devoted to discussing old  Kansas and Kansas City music ; and for all he has done with the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.  Congratulations, Bill.
  

More News, Photos and Videos from the 2010 Induction Ceremony

 

February 15, 2010

 

KC's Mutual Musicians Foundation featured in news

Recent events at the Mutual Musicians Foundation in Kansas City have been getting a lot of attention. David Martin has been on top of the story. His excellent coverage  has appeared in The Pitch .  Martin's accompanying editorial provides invaluable context.

 

The Architects updates

One of the top young bands in Kansas City is the Architects , and some photos of their show at Aftershock in Merriam on January 29 have been released by Present magazine. Click here: Present Magazine Kansas City Music - In Focus: Architects/Federation of Horsepower .

The Architects are currently on the road opening for Flogging Molly, and KC's Pitch has posted a link to video of the band performing at the House of Blues in Dallas last week. Click here: Video: the Architects, "New Boots & Truncheons" (live at the House of Blues Dallas) - Kansas City Music ? Wayward.

 

Abandon Kansas returns to Wichita

Wichita 's Abandon Kansas abandoned the road last Friday and returned to play in their hometown. Click here: Abandon Kansas back from road | Wichita and Kansas entertainment | Restaurants, movies, events, recipes | Wichita.

 

The Brew marks 18th year anniversary

Sunday was a big day for Kansas City 's longest running music show as The Brew marked 16 years at the 75 th Street Brewery with a CD release.

KANSAS CITY , MO ? Live music is hard wired into the DNA. It is the most recognizable part of K.C. history. Does the world most associate the president Harry Truman or the sax player Charlie Parker with Kansas City ? You know. The music is the flow of life. There are so many restaurants and bars that have live music. It is how business is done in Kansas City .

75th Street Brewery was opened in 1994 by K.C.HOPPS . It was Kansas City 's first brew pub. They made the beer and cooked the food on site. They added a live music show on Sunday that same year. 16 years later, the show is still filling the house every Sunday.

The band is called The Brew. The members, Mark Valentine, Andy DeWitt, Ray DiMarchi and Terry Swope are some of the busiest musicians in the scene. Presidents Day weekend will be the release of their 10th CD. Mark Valentine, founding member says, "We all play in different bands and venues. I always look forward to having a musical conversation with these cats every Sunday. Somebody will always surprise me."

 

Riverrock celebrates one year since reunion

Another Kansas City band celebrated over the weekend as the reformed Riverrock has been back together for a year. The band marked the occasion with a two-night stand Friday and Saturday at the Longbranch Saloon.

 

The Fabulous Flippers and the Red Dogs to be inducted into South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Congratulations to three of our inductees as The Fabulous Flippers and The Red Dogs will be inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame on April 24 in Sioux Falls . Click here: Welcome to the South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association .

 

The Rising Suns to be inducted into Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Rising Suns are being inducted into the Iowa Hall of Fame Labor Day Weekend. Click here: Iowa Rock n Roll Music Association - www.iowarocknroll.com .

 

More music news ...

Kansas City educator and her sister, New York author Maryann Macdonald, have written a children's book about jazz legend Mary Lou Williams . Click here: Sisters tell the true story of ?The Little Piano Girl,' jazz great Mary Lou Williams - KansasCity.com .

Present has been posting essays by Ahmad Alaadeen 's upcoming autobiography Memoir of a Life in Jazz . Click here: Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Alaadeen: Don't Leave the Porch . Click here: Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Alaadeen: The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost .

Kirsten Paludan is very busy these days. Click here: Sing sing sing: Kirsten Paludan juggles solo project with supporting role in Olympic Size and wedding singer 'day.

A Melissa Etheridge fan has created a wallpaper for your computer's desktop based on the singer's new single. It's available for downloading here: Click here: 4shared.com - photo sharing - download image FearlessLove1024x768.bmp .

Singer-songwriter Dana Cooper is pleased with 2010 so far. He met the goal of having a new album in hand by mid-January. The Conjurer is only available at Cooper's gigs. An official release date is set for March 25 at Cactus Café in Austin , TX . The venue is fighting to keep the doors open beyond August. The KC area native, who now makes his home in Nashville , tours extensively and is working on co-writing some songs with Kim Carnes, Michael Hartmann & Dorthe Gerlach from the Copenhagen band Hush, and producer/performer John Mcvey. He's also writing a lot of songs by himself.

Puddle of Mudd began in Kansas City , but have only one original member in the band now. The band has a song on the new Olympic soundtrack. ?Shook Up the World? will be available only via the iTunes Store and via AT&T wireless devices. All proceeds from the purchase of songs, participating ringtones and answer tones through March 1 will be donated to Team USA .

Kansas City music promoter Jacki Becker spoke with The Pitch recently about the merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation. Click here: Q&A: Jacki Becker on the Ticketmaster/Live Nation merger - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog .

We're looking forward to some upcoming shows.

February 19: Spencer Consort , Topeka 's Grace Cathedral. LINK

February 20: North Texas Faculty Jazz Quintet (featuring KMHOF inductee Mike Steinel on trumpet) , Friends University Jazz Festival in Wichita .

February 28, Backlash , Holton's Jolly Troll. Band is auctioning tickets at gigs on 20 th and 27 th . Also, CD Tradepost has bought tickets and will be doing in-store contests and giveaways.

March 5: Popwreckoning Pre-SXSW Showcase , Kansas City 's Beaumont Club. Click here: Popwreckoning Pre-SXSW Showcase bands announced - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog .

March 14: PAT Bash , Margarita's Cantina in Wichita . Details in next newsletter.

 

January 25, 2010

 

The stars shine at emotional Haiti benefit

Last Wednesday night's Haiti benefit show in Kansas City was truly something special. The Record Bar was packed with standing room only. Bob Walkenhorst and Jeff Porter sounded great as always, but two songs really stood out to one fan. "I was blown away by the emotion in the songs 'Spend it on Love' and 'Stay ahead of the Wolves'." Truly amazing job guys.

Danny Cox was up next. He started and ended his set with "his personal anthem" - "If I Had a Hammer". In between he kept things rocking with some really nice songs from a show he has been working on about the KC Monarchs. At the end of Danny's set, Walkenhosrst announced that he had helped remaster Danny's first two albums to CD, which were available for sale at the show.

After Danny, was Sara Swenson. Her music wasn't as fast as the other performers so there wasn't a crowded dance floor. Many found theselves just relaxing and thinking while she sang. At the end of her set, she announced that she was donating all the proceeds from her CD sales at the show.

The Elders finished the night and their set was as high energy and entertaining as you could imagine. It felt like they were putting the energy from a two hour show into the 45 minutes they had to play. It was truly amazing. Listening to the bar sing "Men of Erin" was as moving and emotional as you would expect under these circumstances.  The first two sets are available for streaming online.  Walkenhorst & Porter Click here: Bob, Norm, & Jeff 01/20/10 05:09PM, Bob, Norm, & Jeff 01/20/10 05:09PM jayinkc on USTREAM. Folk .

For a local KCTV story on the benefit: Click below

After the show Wednesday, Bob Walkenhorst and Jeff Porter played Saturday night in Maryville , MO. Click here: Back where it all began - Maryville, MO - Maryville Daily Forum .

 

Benefit next weekend for Rockin' Daddy's in Wichita

We've just learned that Kent Overaker is organizing a two-day benefit at Rockin' Daddy's in Wichita next Friday & Saturday starting at 8 pm both nights.  All interested musicians contact Kent .  This is a benefit to raise money to keep Rockin' Daddy's open.  It is being held in the memory of Constance Both, Clif Major's girlfriend and helper in running Rockin' Daddy's, who died over the weekend.  She was loved by many.  We need to spread the word.  RD's is a BYOB establishmente with a $5 cover charge for the music.  Again, we want to stress the fact that the purpose of this is to raise money, so come out even of you can only stay long enough to make a donation. And be generous. Put in some extra dough with your $5 cover, or add it to the big red donation barrel.  We need to be especially supportive of Clif during this time. Thank you very much for your support."

 

Performance of Pink Floyd's "The Wall" on February 28 in Holton

Shawn Ames of Topeka 's Backlash hopes everyone can make it to their next performance of Pink Floyd's The Wall February 28 at the Jolly Troll in Holton.

?We still hope that you're all planning to attend THE WALL show in Holton, Ks at The Jolly Troll on February 28. I'd like to share a few details with everyone.

As some of you may or may not know we're playing a "regular" rock show the night before (Saturday February 27) from 9-1 at The Jolly Troll. The next day (Sunday February 28) we'll perform THE WALL in its entirety.

There have been some people who have inquired about attending both shows and if there was somewhere to stay overnight. Good news...Holton has two hotels, each across the highway from each other. The first is the Super 8. Their rooms start at around $70, but through a discount I've set up with them I can get people attending the weekend a rate at around $62 but the reservation has to be set up by me before February 20. Please contact me if you want the discounted rate for this hotel ( backlash_rocks@hotmail.com ) The second hotel is The Red Roof Inn. A regular rate for that hotel is around $50 (with tax around $55). That rate is without a discount through me and you can call or go online to make your reservation.

On the 28th Shawn and Ron are celebrating their b irthdays, so the weekend will be festive for sure!?

 

More music news ...

Martina McBride was back in the area over the weekend. Click here: Country singer Martina McBride keeps shining - KansasCity.com .

The Kansas City Star'sTimothy Finn discussed songs about drinking in his ?Back to Rockville ? blog last week. He asked some area musicians, including Martina McBride, about their favorites. Click here: Back to Rockville: Singin' about drinkin' .

The Max Floyd Celebrity Roast at KC's Uptown is this coming Saturday night, January 30. 2009 inductees Shooting Star will provide the music for the event. Click here: Incoming: The Max Floyd Celebrity Roast at the Uptown, January 30 - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog

Jazz drummer Richie Pratt has released a new album called Olathe , after his hometown. Pratt was a starting lineman on the KU football team back in the sixties, blocking for Gayle Sayers. In his spare time, he played music both on campus and off. In the new album's liner notes, he talks about the KU groups he played with, but fails to mention The Furys, al Lawrence rock band with whom he recorded a single. After living and playing in New York City , Pratt moved to Hawaii , where he still makes his home. Click here: Richie Pratt | Olathe | CD Baby .

Pat Metheny continues to get attention for his Orchestrion album and upcoming tour. Click here: One-man band scores one for jazz guitarist Pat Metheny - KansasCity.com .

Multiple Hall of Fame inductee Dennis Fox Higgins (Soul Express, Spider & The Crabs, The Red Dogs) is busy with a new project. He's written a new song that he is recording with the help of other Hall of Fame inductees, who are recording their parts separately. Dennis will put them together in Albuquerque later this year. Among those contributing are: Don Wierman, Mike Schmidt, Jake Jacoby, Mike Finnigan, Terry Moore, Chris Cruz, Jon Hischke, Beth Scalet and a lead singer to be named later.

Drummer Mike Schmidt (Soul Express & Dinks) recenty retired from working for the state of Kansas , and is getting married! Congratulations, Mike.

Long-time Lawrence and Kansas City musician Andy Curry moved to St. Louis a few years ago. Andy has let us know that one of his original songs was chosen for inclusion on a compilation CD called Havdalah Under The Stars , which will be released next month in St. Louis . Curry notes that he is now the leader of a worship band at his synagogue, where they perform once a month. The band features guitar, bass, trumpet, two violins and four singers. The members include a rabbi and a cantor. They play some of Andy's original material and arrangements.

KC's Riverrock played for the Kansas and Nebraska Fairs Convention showcases. Dan Smith reports that they've already picked up some bookings and hope to get more as a result.

Singer Dillon Devoe played KC's RecordBar with two bands last Saturday night. It was his last appearance with his old band, The Josephine Collective, and his first with his new band, Black Oxygen. Click here: Singer Dillon Devoe rides Josephine Collective into the sunset as he joins Black Oxygen - KansasCity.com .

Friday night Wichita 's singer-songwriter Michelle Monger had a release party for her new CD Ghost Demand at the Artichoke Sandwich Bar. Click here: SINGER-SONGWRITER MONGER PURSUES HER OWN AGENDA | Wichita and Kansas entertainment | Restaurants, movies, events,.

The list of stops on this year's Lilith Fair is long and the closest is St. Louis , but three Kansas City artists are on the tour: Janelle Monae, Julia Othmer and Vedera. This fact might lead to a stop in Kansas City .

Martinez Hilliard is determined to build up Kansas City 's music scene. Click here: Kansas City Music - Martinez Hillard is building Kansas City's music community, one show at a time - page 1 .

Wichita State University's Music Department has received ten new Yamaha pianos with more on the way. Click here: Gift of 21 new pianos to WSU benefits music majors | Top Stories | Wichita Eagle .

 

Reviews ...

Click here: Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Music Review: Kick Kick - Powerplay

Click here: Blogs | Local album review: Stik Figa & D/Will | Ink

Click here: Blogs | Local album review: Bleach Bloodz | Ink

Click here: Kansas City Music - Bleach Bloodz - page 1

Click here: Kansas City Music - The Kansas City Bear Fighters - page 1

 

January 18, 2010

 

Walkenhort & Porter release new album in Norway

A new version of Walkenhorst & Porter 's album No Abandon will be released in Norway on February first. It should be available everywhere in the country, including the major record store chain Platskompaniet, both online and in their shops. Universal Norway will distribute. According to Walkenhorst, the biggest difference is that they've changed the order of the songs. Bob says that they were in kind of a hurry when they finished the American album, and after living with it for seven months, decided to switch a couple of songs around. They also did some very slight remixing on four songs to tighten up the EQ a little bit. To promote the release, Bob Walkenhorst & Jeff Porter will tour Norway for ten days beginning March 10.

Walkenhorst & Porter have been booked onto a national radio show in Norway called ?Herreavdelingen (The Gentlemen's Department)? on March 9, where they will play songs and be interviewed. The show will air at 10pm local time and is supposed to be streamed online.

Bob's old band, the Rainmakers, remain one of the biggest bands of all time in Norway . There are even Rainmakers cover bands there.

 

Haiti benefit in KC on January 20

A concert to benefit Haiti will be held this Wednesday, January 20, in Kansas City at the RecordBar, 1020 Westport Road . Admission is $10, but feel free to donate more. Music will be provided by Bob Walkenhorst & Jeff Porter, KMHOF inductee Danny Cox, Sara Swenson and local Celtic rockers The Elders. The music starts at 6:30 , but if you want to sit down, arrive early as seats are limited and will fill quickly.

 

January 23 benefit for Buhler music teacher Debra Spencer

A chili supper and local talent show will be held January 23 to benefit Buhler Grade School teacher Debra Spencer , who is undergoing treatment for cancer. Money raised will go help pay her medical bills. The event is sponsored by The Old Mill Theater, 111 Old Mill Lane , with doors opening at 5, with chili served from 5-7:30 pm . Local talent will perform during the evening. Donations are also being accepted and can be sent to Farmer's National Bank, Buhler, KS 67522. Many Kansas Music Hall of Fame inductees were first inspired by teachers like Ms. Spencer, and some have gone on to become music teachers themselves.

 

Tickets on sale for this October's Legendary Pacific Rhythm & Blues Cruise

Tickets have gone on sale for the October 17-24 Legendary Pacific Rhythm & Blues Cruise sailing from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta , Cabo San Lucas, and more stops aboard Holland America 's ms. Zaandam . Artists performing on the cruise will include Irma Thomas, Los Lobos, Elvin Bishop, Kim Wilson, Marcia Ball, Coco Montoya, Tommy Castro and KMHOF inductee Kelley Hunt. More information about booking a cabin can be found at www.bluescruise.com .

 

More music news ...

The House of Sight and Sound , a Salina music store serving the area since 1971, is struggling financially so a benefit concert was held last Friday. Click here: salina.com - an online service of the Salina Journal .

Another longtime Kansas institution is moving. KJHK Radio is leaving its home in KU's Sudler House for new digs in the Kansas Union. Click here: Long live the Shack | Kansan.com . Over the years, KJHK Radio has had a big impact on the region's music scene.

This past Friday, January 15, a battle of the bands was held at Kansas City 's Crosstown Station. What made this one different from most is that the bands were all female. The Bliss Battle of the Babes celebrated women while raising funds for the Human Rights Campaign. LINK Click here: Battle of the babe bands celebrates women, raises money for Human Rights Campaign - KansasCity.com .

Over in Topeka on Saturday, the two bands representing the Topeka Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge this year performed. Josh Vowell & The Rumble and The Nick Hern Band played at Uncle Bo's, the blues club on the lower level of the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center.

In Memphis , the Nick Hern Band will be participating in the IBC's youth showcase. Josh Vowell & The Rumble will compete against blues acts from around the world.

The Pat Metheny media blitz is in full swing. The BBC offers a podcast . Metheny's segment begins at the 6:05 mark and ends at 12:45 . An Australian publication marvels at Metheny's new project. Further evidence that the Orchestrion mania is real is the fact that this YouTube preview was viewed over 30,000 times in six days.

There's a young sax player getting a lot of attention in Kansas City , and his name is Matt Chalk. Click here: Plastic Sax: Matt Chalk: The Plastic Sax Interview .

Martina McBride is GAC's Artist of the Month! Click here: Martina McBride Artist Page: Bio, Photo Gallery, Downloads, News, Tours and More . Sharon , KS , musician Darryl Schiff and his daughter Martina on YouTube. Click here: YouTube - MARTINA MCBRIDE SINGING WITH HER DAD

Dana Cooper has a new album, his first since Made of Mud was released four years ago. The new one is called The Conjurer . The official release date will be in late March, but Cooper has made a few songs available on his website, and he'll have copies for sale at his upcoming dates starting this week. A free download is available of the song ? Good Place to Begin? is available at www.danacoopermusic.com . In addition to this track, which Dana made available at Christmastime, he's also posted a live, acoustic version of ?Leave a Little Mark,? another song from the new CD. The only thing he asks is that you join his mailing list.

Michael Brewer , half of Brewer & Shipley, has a new CD called It Is What It Is . It can be purchased at www.villagerecords.com .

The release date for Melissa Etheridge's new single "Fearless Love" has been pushed back from January 26th to February 2nd.  The single will now be available for purchase on the new release date.  http://tinyurl.com/y9mdbq4

The Dead Girls have dropped off Radio City 's Kansas City release show at the RecordBar on February 12. They're being replaced by the Hot Dog Skeletons. The Dead Girls will be across town at the Uptown instead as part of the 5 th Annual Jayrock benefit concert, which also features Thieves and Generationals. Jayrock is a benefit to raise funds for the Jay Doe Free Clinic. Run by students at the KU Medical Center, the clinic is open Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-9:30 pm .

A couple of the more anticipated releases this month include musicians with connections to Lawrence . Click here: New releases include musicians with connections to Lawrence - KansasCity.com .

Lawrence 's Mahoots have made their albums Resurrection Lilly , Sweet Suburban Mothers, and Between the Gluttons available on iTunes, as well as other online music retailers, including Aimee Street , MySpaceMusic, Rhapsody, Limewire, etc. Click here: The Mahoots - Download The Mahoots Music on iTunes .

Spencer Goertz-Giffen teaches guitar at Richard's Music in Lawrence . She and her band The Kinetiks recently released their second album, and they have big plans for the future. LINK Click here: Kinetik Energy: Lawrence's The Kinetiks up the ante and the tempo on second album ?Science Is Magic? / LJWorld.com .

 

Reviews ...

Click here: Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Music Review: The Belated - Belief in the Process

Click here: Blogs | Local album review: thePhantom | Ink

Click here: Pitchfork: Album Reviews: Freedy Johnston: Rain on the City

 

January 11, 2010

 

Marva Whitney suffers stroke in Australia

?Soul Sister #1,? Kansas City r&b singer Marva Whitney , suffered a stroke on December 28 while on tour in Australia . She has returned to her home in Kansas City and has issued a statement to her fans. Click here: Back to Rockville: Marva Whitney: 'I am so thankful' .

 

Kerry Livgren continues recovery

The latest report on Kerry Livgren 's recovery from his stroke is that he's started playing guitar again. He's using a pick and can't play complex riffs, but he's making obvious progress.

 

Kenny Tuna injured in auto acident

Kansas City musician Kenny Tuna , who's known for playing in The Dixie Cadillacs, The Bourbon Cowboys and the Tuna Boat Band, was in a terrible automobile accident in October. He suffered major injuries, spent more than seventy days in the hospital, and, like most musicians, has no health insurance. A benefit concert was held for Kenny in December.

A Kenny Tuna update from Dan Smith's Facebook post: Kenny has suffered a set-back. He had to go back into the hospital. Kenny lost his right leg below the knee and may have to lose more if his infection can't get under control.

 

David Cook teams up for "Extreme Makeover"

David Cook helped out on "Extreme Makeover" recently.  The "American Idol" winner teamed up with rapper Xzbit to auction off pillows and help raise money for a cause close to Cook's heart.  He had emotional words about late brother. Click here: Cancer Fund - 'Extreme Makeover' Video | AOL Television .

 

Lee McBee plans album reissue and special shows

2010 is shaping up to be a big one for Lawrence 's Lee McBee . The KMHOF inductee is planning to reissue his long out-of-print album 44 . Lee's planning on a series of ?15 th Anniversary Performances of 44 , ?which will feature Lee and his band the Confessors playing the album in its entirety. Some special shows are in the works that will include some special guests. This will be the first stateside release of the CD in over ten years.

There is a potential European tour in the works for McBee this summer, and possible dates are being discussed for shows with Mike Morgan & the Crawl and some shows with Anson Funderburgh after the positive feedback from the shows Lee did with both bands last year. Don't forget Lee & the Confessors continue to play every Sunday from 6-9 pm at BB's Lawnside Bar-B-Que in Kansas City .

 

MIke Finigan recording with Curtis Salgado

Mike Finnigan has been recording with blues singer/harp player Curtis Salgado before heading off to join Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band on the latest Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise later this month. Curtis Salgado Official Web Site

 

More music news ...

?Big? John Amaro has let us know that he won't be playing in Kansas City anytime soon, but has a new jam over in Jefferson City , MO. Beginning January 14, he'll be at a new club called The Mission every other Thursday. The jams begin at 8 o'clock .

The Architects will be opening every date of Flogging Molly's Green 17 tour this year. Every year, Flogging Molly plays a series of dates leading up to a big St. Patrick's Day blowout. The dates start in Dallas on February 9, and run thru March 15 in Tulsa . They'll be in Kansas City at the Uptown on March 14. Folk-punker Frank Turner will also be a part of the tour.

Melissa Etheridge 's new single "Fearless Love" will be available from her website January 26.  http://www.melissaetheridge.com/melissa/

 

January 4, 2010

 

2010 Inductee Tom Foltz loses battle to cancer

Tom Foltz of the Pott County Pork & Bean Band passed away the day after Christmas after a battle with cancer. He had hoped to make an appearance at the upcoming Kansas Music Hall of Fame show March 6, when Tom and the rest of the band will be inducted. He will be missed. Click here: Thomas Foltz Obituary: Thomas Foltz's Obituary by the Topeka Capital-Journal. .

 

Mike Finnigan plays the Kremlin

2005 Inductee Mike Finnigan made a whirlwind trip to Moscow last week to play with Joe Cocker at the Kremlin. According to Mike, both President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin were in attendance at the black tie affair. Mike played a rented organ that a guy had built from parts. It supposedly sounded pretty good.

Finnigan has finally opened his online music store. There are a limited number of items available so far, but Mike promises there will be more in the near future Click here: Mike Finnigan Online Store .

 

Pat Metheny on the charts

2008 Inductee Pat Metheny ranks #21 on Billboard 's chart of the 25 best-selling jazz artists of the decade. A Swingin' Christmas, by Tony Bennett and the Count Basie Orchestra, ranks #40 on Billboard 's chart of the best-selling jazz albums of the decade. And Ray Sings, Basie Swings comes in at #47 on the same chart. No other artists with Kansas City ties are listed. It's telling that not a single living purely acoustic jazz instrumentalist made either list.

 

More music news ...

Former Kansas lead singer John Elefante posted the following on Facebook recently: ?Hey guys, I really need your prayer!! I have a pinched nerve in my neck. Very sharp pain down my left arm and and numb fingers. I would so much appreciate a petition to the Lord to remove this nasty distraction. A happy, healthy 2010 to all. John...?

Jam4Dan III , the annual celebration and fund raiser for the late Topeka guitarist and teacher Dan Falley will be held at the Celtic Fox January 16-17. All proceeds go to the Dan Falley Memorial Musician Scholarship Fund. Click here: Jam 4 Dan .

On Wednesday KKFI's ?Wednesday MidDay Medley? will celebrate the birthday of Iris DeMent , who was born on January 5, 1961, in Arkansas. After living briefly in Topeka, she settled in Kansas City, where she played open mike nights. DeMent made her recording debut in 1992 with her album Infamous Angel, which was picked up a year later by Warner Brothers. She did three albums for the label. Her most recent album, 2004's Lifeline , was released independently. The radio show will feature music from all four albums, plus her work with other artists and songs from compilations. The show airs from 10-Noon CST on 90.1 FM in Kansas City or streams online at www.kkfi.org .

Kansas City jazz great Bobby Watson celebrated the new year with a reunion of his band Horizon. The Lawrence native is director of jazz studies at the University of Missouri at Kansas City . Click here: Plastic Sax: Bobby Watson & Horizon Thrill at the Blue Room .

The Count Basie Orchestra is under new management. Here's the press release . There's a vastly superior new site as well.

Another KC jazz legend, Bob Brookmeyer , turned 80 in December. Click here: Secret Society: Spirit Music: Bob Brookmeyer at 80 .

The Plastic Sax, an online guide to jazz in Kansas City , has named trumpeter Herman Mehari its 2009 Person of the Year. Click here: Plastic Sax: Hermon Mehari: The Plastic Sax Person of the Year .

Details continue to come in about the upcoming celebrity roast of former KY-102 disc jockey and program director Max Floyd on Saturday, January 30, at Kansas City 's Uptown Theater. Click here: Max Floyd | KC Confidential.com .

The Pitch , on the other hand, has looked forward by naming five acts to watch in 2010. Click here: Kansas City Music - Five Kansas City acts to watch in 2010 - page 1 .

Topeka 's J.D. Nash & Red Circle had a CD release party at the Jolly Troll in Holton this past Saturday night for the album Get Off My Lawn .

Wichita 's Moreland & Arbuckle have a new album called Flood coming out on Telarc on February 23. The release party will be Saturday, February 27 at the Abode in Wichita . The guys will hit the road by the end of January, and will be touring with Robert Cray and George Thorogood.

Strange Music and Tech N9ne are bringing some heat to the frigid North this winter. Beginning late January 2010, they kick off their winter tour schedule, starting in Kansas City and then hitting Colorado with a vengeance. This winter tour features Tech, Krizz, Kutt and Scoob in a bit more intimate club atmosphere. All you Colorado Technicians and Strange Music fanatics have seen Tech rock Red Rocks and the Fillmore, now see what it's like to get up close and personal with the King Of Darkness... Get even closer than that when you meet Tech N9ne with your VIP ticket, available as part of your Winter Shows VIP Package !

 

December 28, 2009

 

Kerry Livgren shares story of his recent stroke

2005 Inductee Kerry Livgren ("Kansas") has finally written down an account of his ordeal with the stroke he suffered a few months ago. You can read it here: http://www.numavox.com/mystroke.html .

 

Derek Loux dies in auto accident

Kansas City Christian singer Derek Loux died last Wednesday, December 23, on an icy I-80 in Nebraska . Click here: Christian singer killed in I-80 crash in Nebraska | News Updates | Wichita Eagle .

 

Melissa Etheridge news

The second season of Showtime's critically acclaimed series Nurse Jackie is going into a "new gear of gay" when it premieres in March, complete with a big gay love triangle and a musical contribution from out rocker Melissa Etheridge . Click here: "Nurse Jackie" going into a "new gear of gay" in second season | AfterEllen.com .

Melissa's recent appearance at the Lincoln Center as part of the salute to Bruce Springsteen will be televised on CBS tomorrow night, December 29.

 

Mike Finnigan and Joe Cocker head to Moscow

Mike Finnigan is flying out of LAX today (Monday, December 28) to join Joe Cocker in Moscow for a concert. If the weather and hijackers cooperate, they'll be home for New Year's Eve.

 

More music news ...

As he get closer to the release of his latest album, Freedy Johnston was back in Kansas for a couple of shows over the weekend. Click here: Kansas City Music - With his first album in eight years, Freedy Johnston finds home is where it all begins (again) . Click here: Seven years reappear: Former Lawrencian Freedy Johnston resurfaces with ?Rain on the City' / LJWorld.com.

Kansas City songwriter John Nolan and his wife Camille have hit the road to support the release of John's new album Height. Click here: New album, tour find local songwriter at the peak of his game | KCFreePress.com .

The lineup of KC's Sexy Accident has changed again with the recent addition of Camry Ivory. Click here: Kansas City Music - The Sexy Accident gets some lady in the lineup - page 1 .

Bassist Scott Martinez of Alice Sweet Alice recently spoke with The KC Free Press about the band's plans for the new year. Click here: Alice Sweet Alice prepares for first gig, new year | KCFreePress.com .

Songwriter Brian Frame has been playing around Kansas City for a few years, and he with his band, The Blessed Broke , debuted a new self-titled album Sunday night. Click here: The Blessed Broke | KCFreePress.com .

Among the area bands looking ahead to 2010, KC's Architects are also looking back on a very busy 2009. Click here: The Architects: A year of hard rock, sweat and a little danger - KansasCity.com .

Timothy Finn of the Kansas City Star recently recapped the 2009 local music scene in a couple of articles. Click here: Local music: There was plenty to love in 2009 - KansasCity.com . Click here: A year of firsts for pop music in KC - KansasCity.com

As 2009 is about to end, we have a few suggestions for how to spend New Year's Eve in Kansas City, Wichita or Topeka. Since many of the events listed may be sold out or require reservations, please call ahead. Click here: New Year's Eve events - KansasCity.com ; Click here: WICHITA TO HAVE PLENTY OF PARTIES NEW YEAR'S EVE | Wichita and Kansas entertainment | Restaurants, movies, events ; Click here: Nightspots greet new year | CJOnline.com .

According to Randy Raley's Facebook page, Shooting Star will be playing at the upcoming roast of long-time KC radio dj/programmer Max Floyd on January 30. Tickets go on sale through Ticketmaster on January 2.

We mentioned last week that KC's Vedera and Janelle Monde will be performing on the 2010 Lilith Fair. Chanute's Jennifer Knapp will be joining them on the tour.

 

Reviews ...

Click here: CD Review + Show Tonight: thePhantom, Destroy & Rebuild - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog .

Click here: Photos from Last Night: Destroy & Rebuild party at the Scion Lab - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog .

Click here: Video: Ultimate Fakebook, "Little Apple Girl" (live in Chicago) - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog

Click here: Concert Review: Vedera at the Beaumont - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog

Click here: Kansas City Music - The Belated - page 1

Click here: Kansas City Music - American Low Life - page 1

 

December 21, 2009

 

Hall of Fame member Danny Cox will be featured in Christmas Eve service

Celebrate the season Christmas Eve at Pilgrim Chapel in Kansas City at 7:30 pm at a service of communion and candles featuring the music of Danny Cox, Joe Miquelon and Bob Walkenhorst . Pilgrim Chapel, formerly Pilgrim Lutheran Church for the Deaf, is a public chapel open to people of all faiths. The chapel, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located in the Hyde Park Historic District of Kansas City-- east of the Country Club Plaza. The Chapel is located at 3801 Gillham Road , Kansas City , MO.  Danny Cox was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2009.

 

Few tickets remain for Kelley Hunt's New Year's Eve benefit gala

A limited number of hotel room and ticket packages are now available for Kelley Hunt 's New Year's Eve concert at Liberty Hall to benefit ECKAN/Just Food.  Kelley and the historic Eldridge House Hotel have teamed up this year, offering two floor reserved seats and a deluxe room at the Eldridge, a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries for $210.  The same package with general admission concert tickets is $190.  Call the Eldridge at 785-843-1200 and ask for the "Kelley Hunt New Year's Eve Package" to reserve.  The Eldridge is a recently restored and renovated historic hotel downtown that is listed on the National Historic Register.  It's located just across the intersection of 7th & Massachusetts from Liberty Hall, so it's within walking distance of the show.  Since packages are limited, call today. Kelley Hunt was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

 

Melissa Etheridge talks about upcoming new album Melissa Etheridge will release her new album on March 30, 2010 .  Speaking to Rolling Stone about Fearless Love , Etheridge said, ?I told [producer John Shanks] that I wanted to make a record that's a hundred miles an hour all the time ? unabashedly drawing from my all of my influences,? she says. ?What we've done rocks harder than I've rocked in years. There's a couple of ballads on it, but the majority of it is just really slamming.? Click here: Melissa Etheridge Returns to Rock on 'Fearless Love' - Spinner . Melissa Etheridge was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

 

MIke Finnigan plans new website Singer and B3 legend Mike Finnigan will be launching his own website soon. www.mikefinniganmusic.com  will be devoted to selling the music Mike has made over the past forty plus years. A lot of different projects will be available?group records, solo records, unreleased studio material and live concert recordings. Not everything will be immediately available. We'll let you know when the site is up. Mike Finnigan was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2005.

 

Chet Nichols tops New Age charts Chet Nichols' instrumental compositions, "Earth River" and "Serengeti Rain" have held a tight grip on the #1 and #2 slots at Broadjam's New Age Contemporary for 3 months straight, and another composition, "The Night Train" has been locked in the #4 slot for over 2 months. Some tracks from Chet's newest album Tangled Up In You  are now available at www.broadjam.com/chetnichols .  Chet Nichols was inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

 

More music news ...

Danielle Schnebelen from TUF (Trampled Under Foot), Janet Jameson & Dennis Laffoon from Shooting Star and Mike Doss from Broomstick were special guests at Sunday's Christmas Concert for the Animals featuring the Jeff Scheetz Band.

Another KC benefit that drew media attention and a good crowd was the effort to raise funds for Kenny Tuna , a longtime Kansas City singer and guitarist who was seriously injured this fall in a car wreck and was hospitalized for more than two months. The show at RG's Lounge included music from Riverrock, Camp Harlow , Midnight Review, The Dan Doran Band , Loose Change, Nate Dean, Unfinished Business and Carl Butler & Friends.

Five years after the release of the critcally acclaimed Made of Mud, Dana Cooper 's new CD, The Conjurer is ready to deliver new musical magic. If you're already a Dana Cooper fan -- that is, if you're on his e-mail list -- you can listen to or download a free copy of ? A Good Place to Begin .? If you're not already on Dana's mailing list, you can get on board at his website www.danacoopermusic.com .

Yucca Roots , a Lawrence-based reggae act, will be opening for Bunny Wailer on New Year's Eve. Click here: YucaRoots opening for Bunny Wailer on New Year's Eve - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog .

In February Topeka 's Backlash will be performing Pink Floyd's The Wall live at The Jolly Troll in Holton. The show is scheduled to Sunday, February 28 at 7 pm .

The Lilith Fair returns in 2010, and a couple of Kansas City acts will be a part of the tour. Click here: Vedera, Janelle Monáe perform with this year's Lilith Fair - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog .

The fact that the music industry has been going through major changes lately should come as no surprise. Kansas City duo Biarchy is among the bands that are marketing their own music instead of depending on signing with a major label to find success. Click here: Kansas City Music - Two-man band Biarchy works with filmmakers to show Strength in Numbers - page 1 .

Oriole Post plays the second of two shows in Kansas City tonight, December 21, to promote the band's debut album Silver City . Click here: Kansas City Music - Oriole Post releases debut album of twangy folk, breaks up fights .

Kansas City 's Elders had a great 2009 and are looking forward to 2010.  Here are some of the Celtic rockers highlights of the year past...

• The Elders released critically acclaimed " Gael Day ." see reviews here
• The Elders voted Kansas City 's best band by readers of KC Magazine
• Singer Ian Byrne raised his right hand and became a US citizen
• The Elders voted the best in the region by readers of Ingram's Magazine for their Best of Business, Kansas City Awards
• The Elders sing national anthem at Royals vs. Red Sox game - and KC won!
• Canada's Contemporary Celtic Radio show, "Celt In A Twist" proclaimed " Only Good News " the #1 song of 2009   http://bit.ly/5NMuYD

 

Reviews ...

Click here: Back to Rockville: Review: Vedera

Click here: Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Music Review: Alice Sweet Alice - Moloko and Ultraviolence

Click here: Review: Metal band's album ?Xenophobia' anything but cacophony / LJWorld.com

Click here: Review: "Science is Magic," by The Kinetiks | Lawrence.com

Click here: Blogs | Local album review: Shay Estes & Trio ALL | Ink

Click here: Blogs | Local EP review: Ghosty | Ink

Click here: Kansas City Music - Rondoe - page 1

 

December 14, 2009

 

Good news for Kerry Livgren and Kansas

There was great news from Hall of Fame inductee Kerry Livgren last week on Facebook: ?Graduation Day. I have finished the re-hab program at Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital .? Kerry continues to recover from a stroke he had earlier this year.

A release date of February 23, 2010 has been announced for the film The Imposter , which features Kerry Livgren. It was made two years ago and has been showing in churches and private screenings. There is a new version of "Carry on Wayward Son" with Kevin Max singing the vocals. There are two Kerry Livgren songs in the movie from his solo work. Kerry is an important part of the movie. Click here: EMI CMG Distribution .

In the US it appears  Kansas ' There's Know Place Like Home  has been released as a single CD, a single DVD, and blue-ray.  In Europe it appears to have been released as a double CD, single DVD, and "Deluxe Edition" with 2 CD's and 1 DVD.

 

Melissa Etheridge video news

Earlier this year, Universal Music Group (which owns Island Records, Melissa Etheridge 's record label) announced that it was creating a new premium video service called VEVO along with other record companies in partnership with YouTube (see the press release at http://new.umusic.com/News.aspx?NewsId=772 )..
VEVO launched last week with a splashy premiere party in New York City . You can watch videos of the launch at their home page. Here's MLE's page at VEVO: http://tinyurl.com/ygy538w .
All of Etheridge's official videos have been renamed by adding VEVO to her name.  Here's her VEVO channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MelissaEtheridgeVEVO .  You can watch the videos on either VEVO or YouTube. VEVO has a lyrics option which seems to work on the older videos.

 

Chuck Mead joins Opry Country Classics Cruise

In January, Chuck Mead will be joining country legends Larry Gatlin, Jeannie Seely, Gene Watson and Jim Ed Brown for the 2010 Opry Country Classics Cruise.  The cruise departs from  Miami with stops in Grand Cayman , Isla Roatan , Belize and Cozumel . On board, you will get loads of classic country music, karaoke, guitar pulls, and with Jeannie Seely along, some great Nashville stories.  The cruise takes place from January 24 ? 31 and Chuck will be performing with the fabulous Opry band, singing his favorite classic country songs. For more information or to book a cruise, call 866-653-OPRY or visit www.oprycruise.com .

 

Kansas City Blues Caravan sets January tour dates

The Kansas City Blues Caravan will showcase top blues artists from the Kansas City area, with shows at venues in Kansas City, Columbia , MO , St. Louis , MO , before finishing as part of the "Blues Weekend" slate of blues events in Chicago , IL , on January 15, featuring sets from the Samantha Fish Band, and Lewis Cordrey.

The schedule of shows :

• Tuesday, Jan. 12 - Trouser Mouse Bar & Grill, 625 Northwest Mock Avenue , Chicago , IL , 816-220-1222, $5
• Wednesday, Jan. 13 - Mojos, 1013 Park Avenue , Columbia , MO , 573-875-0588, $6
• Thursday, Jan. 14 - BB's Jazz Blues and Soups, 700 S Broadway, Chicago , IL , 314-436-5222, $10
• Friday, Jan. 15 - Rosa 's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage, Chicago , IL , 773-342-0452, $10
• Saturday Jan. 16 - Special Guests at venue TBA, Chicago , IL
• Sunday Jan. 17 - TBA

Blues fans can join in on the caravan by reserving a package that includes transportation and lodging at the official website, http://www.kcbluescaravan.com . Tickets for individual shows are available by contacting the venues. The "Blues Weekend" in Chicago ( www.chicagobluesweekend.com) includes a " Real Guitar Heroes " autograph session at the Congress Plaza Hotel on Saturday, January 16, which will include Caravan artists Lewis Cowdrey and Samantha Fish.

Lewis Cowdrey became a fixture on the Austin , Texas blues circuit where he released a critically-acclaimed CD, "It's Lewis" before migrating to Wichita in 1999. The Samantha Fish Band has built a strong following in Kansas City , with regular gigs at BB's Lawnside BBQ, Longbranch Saloon, and radio play on KKFI 90.1 FM radio station. This will mark the debut appearance in columbia and st. louis for Lewis Cowdrey and Samantha Fish. It will also mark the debut performance in Chicago of Samantha Fish and the reappearance of Lewis Cowdrey in Chicago after a four years absence.

 

More music news ...

The former lead singer with Wichita's 60's surf band The Breakers , Charles Comley, passed away last Monday, December 7, in Arizona. Click here: Charles Comley Death Notice: Charles Comley's Obituary by the Wichita Eagle.

Congratulations to Lawrence 's Dead Girls , who won an online contest by KC radio station 101 the Fox to open for Kiss this past Thursday at the Sprint Center . Other bands competing for votes were: The Isaac James Band, Xavier Sun, The Tommy Lee Flood Project and Under the Influence.

KKFI Radio's Holiday Online Auction in underway. Bidding is now open.  Check it out at www.kkfi.cmarket.com .  New items are added daily.  KKFI is Kansas City 's all-volunteer community radio station.

Freedy Johnston will play a Christmas Day show at Wichita 's Blue Lounge promoting his soon-to-be released album. He'll be backed by the Honky Tonk Devils. The show will start around 9:30 pm , and admission is $5.00 at the door.

Freedy's new CD is coming out on Razor and Tie Records on February 23, and he'll be playing a release party on that evening at New York City 's Highline Ballroom. His friend Johnny Dickinson will open the show. This gig will be the beginning of a national tour which should bring him back to Kansas for a few dates.

One of the musical highlights of this past weekend was Mark Lowrey 's tribute to Radiohead at the RecordBar in KC's Westport district. Click here: Tribute Friday gives a new sound to Radiohead - KansasCity.com .

KC's Capybara celebrated the release of their debut album Try Brother by being a part of the Record Machine Holiday Showcase at the Czar Bar last Friday. Click here: Kansas City Music - Capybara lets its ?sunmusic? shine on debut album, Try Brother - page 1 .

Vedera returns to Kansas City to headline at the Beaumont Club on Saturday, December 19. They've been giving away tickets to the show and will continue to do so this week. Click here: Back to Rockville: Tweet some KC love, win Vedera tix .

Another of Kansas City 's ex-patriots has returned for a performance. Jazz singer and composer Carol Duboc celebrated the release of her new album of Burt Bacharach songs with a show at the Folly Theater on Saturday, December 12. Click here: Carol Duboc releases a CD of Burt Bacharach tunes - KansasCity.com .

The opera world has lost a singer, but Kansas City has gained a minister in the process. Mic McClure recently opened Living Water Methodist Church at 300 W. 115 th Street . Click here: Opera singer hears, heeds call / LJWorld.com .

 

Reviews ...

Click here: Blogs | Local album review: H Stewart | Ink

Click here: Blogs | Local album review: Deep Thinkers | Ink

Click here: "Ad Astra Arkestra" by I Heart Local Music | Lawrence.com

Click here: Kansas City Music - Stik Figa and D/Will - page 1

Click here: Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Music Review: Jillian Riscoe - eleven:eleven

Click here: Concert Review: Murder Ballad Ball at Crosstown Station - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog

 

December 7, 2009

 

2010 Induction Ceremony update

    So far we have confirmations from The Green River Ordinance, The Moanin' Glories, The Morning Dew, Plain Jane, Vernon Sandusky and Tree Frog that they will perform at the induction ceremony in March. We're still waiting to hear from Oleta Adams and The Pott County Pork and Bean Band.

    TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW.  They can be ordered by phone or in person from the Liberty Hall Box Office at 644 Massachusetts Street or 785-749-1972, or from Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com .

 

Martina McBride tour news

    Marina McBride was back in Kansas recently and spoke with the Wichita Eagle about her latest album and the direction her music is going these days. Click here: McBride still shines | Music | Wichita Eagle .

    Due to a scheduling conflict, Martina McBride's ?Shine All Night Tour? has rescheduled the following three stops:

• Greensboro , NC on Thursday, December 10, has been rescheduled for Friday, April 30.
• Columbia , SC on Friday, December 11, has been rescheduled for Sunday, May 2.
• Duluth , GA on Saturday, December 12, has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 1.

The lineup for the new shows will be Martina, Blake Shelton, and a third act to be named later. Tickets already purchased for the December dates will be honored for the re-scheduled dates.

 

Melissa Etheridge honors Springsteen at Kennedy Center     Last night Melissa Etheridge was part of the tribute to Bruce Springsteen at the Kennedy Center in Washington , DC . Click here: Melissa Etheridge Covering Bruce Springsteen's 'Born to Run' at Kennedy Center Honors - Spinner ;      Click here: Obama salutes jazz great Brubeck at Kennedy Center - Yahoo! News .

 

More music news ...

    Five Kansas City-area jazz stars were in Topeka yesterday, December 6, to perform the fifth concert of the 2009-10 Topeka Jazz Workshop Inc. Concert Series.  Singer Kathleen Holman, who also plays piano and trombone, and sax player Bobby Watson joined the PBT Trio ? pianist Paul Smith, bassist Bob Bowman and drummer Tim Cambron ? to perform in the Regency Ballroom of the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center. Click here: Series brings KC jazz to Topeka | CJOnline.com .

    The 6 th Annual Holiday Hoedown was one of many holiday celebrations in Lawrence over this past weekend. Click here: Ho-Ho-Hoedown: Lawrence old-time and bluegrass bands throw holiday party for the whole family / LJWorld.com

    Kansas City jazz singer Shay Estes is getting a lot of attention for her new CD and her live performances. Click here: Jazz singer Shay Estes' first CD shows she's here to stay - KansasCity.com ; Click here: Articles | Shay Estes and Trio ALL release album | Ink .

    Ever since the band Stella Linda went on hiatus in 2006, its members have become better known for what they've done since then, but they insist the original band never broke up. Click here: KC supergroup Stella Link is making music again - KansasCity.com .

    Kansas City 's Pitch is looking for a music editor. If you have writing experience and an interest in covering the area's music scene full-time, they're taking applications. Click here: Pitch Music Editor: The Search for Rock - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog .

    Two local music acts are offering download specials of some stellar new music. The indie-band Ghosty is letting fans name their price for its three-song "O Foolish Pride " EP. And local rappers/producers  D/Will & Stik Figa are offering a free download of the hip-hop project "hellogoodbye." Click here: Free LP: Stik Figa & D/Will's Hellogoodbye - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog .

    An even bigger story about the KC hip hop scene concerns that fact that local rappers are frustrated with the little attention paid to local efforts by ?Hot 103? KPRS Radio. Click here: Kansas City Music - Kansas City's hip-hop wants a piece of Hot 103 - page 1 .

    If you are in the KC area on Dec 12th - Jeff Scheetz will be playing with a Tommy Bolin band reunion show at the Crosstown Station. Tommy's original drummer Bobby Berge who played on "Teaser" and "Private Eyes", along with keyboardist Tommy Stephenson from his first band Zephyr and Tommy's brother Johnnie along with some others will be playing Bolin tunes from his solo days and others including the killer tunes from the Billy Cobham record "Spectrum". This should be a fun show with tons of extended fusion jamming just like Tommy would have liked it! Tommy Bolin passed away in 1976 after a brief but fiery solo career and stints with the James Gang and Deep Purple.

    The Wichita Blues Society's 12th Annual Blues Ball is set for Saturday, January 16. Doors will open at 7:00 pm .  The show starts at 8:00 . Tickets are $12 in advance at Select-a-seat.  The headliner this year is Blues Masters of Wichita featuring Berry Harris, Ray Drew, Henry Walker, Rudy Love, D.D. Dunn and Mr. Lee. Big Clyde Sheedy and Rib Bone are backing them up. The WBS Blues Challenge winners Rachelle Coba and Jimmy Lewin & The Kingtones will also perform.

 

Reviews ...

Click here: Kansas City Music - Radio City - page 1

Click here: Kansas City Music - Skiem Hiem & Killa Tay - page 1

Click here: CD Review: Fountains of Folly compilation - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog

 

 

December 1, 2009

 

2010 Induction Ceremony update

    So far we have confirmations from The Green River Ordinance, The Moanin' Glories, The Morning Dew, Plain Jane, Vernon Sandusky and Tree Frog that they will perform at the induction ceremony in March. Sandusky has indicated that he'll be doing songs from when he led the Chartbusters. We've also learned that two of the members of Conny & The Bellhops who were thought to have passed away are alive, and we hope they will be able to attend. Conny Conrad's widow Maxine has confirmed that she will be at the show.

    Tickets to the 2010 Kansas Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony and concert go on sale this Thursday, December 3.  They can be ordered by phone or in person from the Liberty Hall Box Office at 644 Massachusetts Street or 785-749-1972, or from Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com .

 

The Morning Dew launch website     2010 Inductees The Morning Dew have a new website: Click here: Topeka's Own Morning Dew.

 

Holiday shows by The Wilders, Jeff Scheetz and Kelley Hunt

There are a lot of special shows this time of year, many benefiting worthy causes. The Wilders will host their 6 th Annual Holiday Hoedown this Friday at Liberty Hall in Lawrence . Click here: Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Preview: The Wilders 6th Annual Holiday Hoedown .     KC guitarist Jeff Scheetz hosts his 6 th annual Christmas Concert for the Animals on Monday, December 21at KC' Uptown Theater. Click here: Christmas Concert for the Animals 2009     Hall of Fame inductee Kelley Hunt will be at Liberty Hall again with a special New Year's Eve show to benefit ECKAN/Just Food. Click here: Kelley Hunt .

 

Holiday offerings from Danny Cox and Chet Nichols
	When shopping for gifts this year, there are many musical offerings to choose from. In addition to all of the new releases we've mentioned over the past months, Danny Cox has reissued his first two albums on CD for the first time. His first album Sunny and his second, the self-titled effort he did for ABC/Dunhill in 1971 are available at www.villagerecords.com . Chet Nichols has all of his albums, his book Last Riders on Route 66 and his newest project, Honorary Doctorates of Rock and Roll for sale. Click here: Chet Nichols Flash Intro Page .

 

More music news ...

    For the holidays, the new eponymous Backlash CD can be bought for a discounted price exclusively at CD Baby for only $5.99.  This included the physical album and/or digital download, with individual tracks priced at 50 cents each!  Go to www.cdbaby.com/backlashrock . This is a limited time offer from the longtime Topeka rockers, and will only last until December 25th!

    Among the younger acts in Kansas and Kansas City with new releases are Danny Pound ( Click here: Pound by Pound: Danny Pound confronts his 'existential angst,' emerges with intimate second solo album / LJWorld.c ), Rooftop Vigilantes ( Click here: Kansas City Music - Lawrence's Rooftop Vigilantes record second album with rock-star producer J. Robbins - page 1 ) and Queens Club ( Click here: Kansas City Music - Queens Club strikes a deal with Tooth & Nail and hammers the social media - page 1 ) .

    Longtime UMKC music teacher Richard Cass has died at the age of 78. Click here: Richard Cass, influential KC musician and teacher, dies at 78 - KansasCity.com .

 

Reviews ...

Click here: Kansas City Music - The Liquid Kids - page 1

Click here: Kansas City Music - Waiting for Signal - page 1

Click here: Kansas City Music - The Deep Thinkers - page 1

Click here: Blogs | Local EP review: Greg Enemy | Ink

Click here: Blogs | Local EP review: Thieves | Ink

Click here: New Mac Lethal Video: "Speak Low" - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog

 

November 23, 2009

Pat Metheny is subject of new book     Hall of Fame inductee Pat Metheny is the subject of a new book by Richard Niles.     Click here: Book on hometown hero Pat Metheny does it right - KansasCity.com .

Martina McBride update     Tune in the week of November 27th to GAC's Top 20 Countdown when Nan Kelly travels to Minneapolis to join Martina McBride  and Trace Adkins on their "Shine All Night" tour.  Also tune in to see who will lay claim to the coveted #1 spot on the countdown!  Click Here for more info.     Martina has been nominated for GAC's Top 50 Videos of 2009, and there is still time for fans to vote for their favorite videos between now and November 30th.  Once the votes are in the countdown will premiere on GAC on December 28th at 8PM Eastern.  Click Here to vote.

More music news ...

    The Kansas song "Point of Know Return" is garnering a lot of attention in a new commercial from State Farm. Click here: YouTube - State Farm® - "Being Cool" Commercial .

    Curtis Prosser and Maggie Robinson perform as the acoustic duo Canyon Zepher . They played the Celtic Fox in Topeka last Friday night. Click here: Catch the Canyon Zephyr | CJOnline.com .

    It was a busy weekend in Wichita , with "Rhythm & Blues for Christmas" featuring music by The Macy Brothers and RKO at Mosley Street Melodrama. This was a benefit for the Maude Carpenter Children's Home and Henlock Price Boys Ranch.

    Nikki Moddelmog had a CD release party for her new album Revolve at Abode Home.

    Generation Bluegrass , a band made up of the Yoder brothers Isaac (age 10 on fiddle), Adam (age14 on fiddle and mandolin) and Chris (age 19 on guitar) played the Artichoke on Friday.

    Richard Gintowt's current band Hidden Pictures played at the KJHK Farmers Ball over the weekend. A part of the area music scene for more than a decade, he writes for the website www.Lawrence.com and Kansas City 's Pitch . Click here: After 10 years, Richard Gintowt still gets a thrill out of the music and perks such as free beer - KansasCity.co .

    One of Gintowt's former bands, Ghosty , released its second digital mini-EP online last week. Click here: Ghosty drops second name-your-price digital EP - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog .

    A variety of jazz numbers will be performed by the Kansas Wesleyan University Jazz Ensemble at 7:30 p.m.  tonight, November 23, in Sams Chapel.  The concert is free and open to the public.

    Three jazz bands and some talented soloists will highlight the fall jazz concert tomorrow night, November 24, at Hutchinson Community College . Click here: The Hutchinson News Online Edition .

    Tuesday night will also see the return of 2001 Sterling High School graduate Erin Kruse , who'll present a recital called "Musical Stage" in Culbertson Auditorium on the Sterling College campus. Click here: Sterling native to perform at college .

    Hume Music has closed its Lawrence store, but will still operate stores in Topeka , Lenexa and Overland Park . The company will continue to serve Lawrence schools and will have a road representative. Lawrence customers can call 785-843-2644 for more information about the closing and future assistance. CEO Bill Vance says they can also call the Lenexa store at 816-474-1960.

 

Reviews ...

Click here: Review | Tech N9ne at the Independence Events Center - KansasCity.com

Click here: Articles | Local EP review: Ghosty | Ink

Click here: Articles | Local album review: Moonshine Romance | Ink

Click here: Kansas City Music - The Runaway Sons - page 1

Click here: Kansas City Music - Capybara - page 1

Click here: Kansas City Music - The Beatbox: Ron Ron - page 1

 

 

November 16, 2009

Kerry Livgren offers guitar collection     Kerry Livgren is selling off his guitar collection, and has provided a link to this eBay auction: http://bit.ly/2N4sEB .  The eBay listing mentions that he is selling it off due to his stroke back in September.

David Cook interview     Kansas City 's American Idol winner David Cook was interviewed recently by the McClatchy Newspaper chain. He continues to tour, while working on songs for his second solo album. Click here: David Cook understands the pressure of winning | Music | Wichita Eagle .

More music news ...

    Aaron Newton returned to Wichita for a performance Saturday at the Riverside Perk to promote his new EP Two Rivers . Click here: Many rivers to cross | Wichita Entertainment - Restaurants, Movie Theaters.

    Jeremy and Kaci Neely came home to Kansas over the weekend, too. The couple from Bennington played songs from their new CD at the Ramada Hotel & Convention Center in Salina . Click here: salina.com - an online service of the Salina Journal .

    In Kansas City Friday night, The Throttlers played their farewell show at Davey's Uptown. Click here: Tonight: The Throttlers' Farewell Show at Davey's - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog .

    KC's Riot Room was the scene for a release party by hip hoppers Deep Thinkers . Click here: Deep Thinkers release Make It Quake - Kansas City Music Wayward.

    Another Kansas City band, The Grisly Hand , is hard at work on their debut recording, which they hope to have finished by the end of the year. Click here: Kansas City Music - Brand-new KC band the Grisly Hand wants to lead you onto the dance floor - page 1.

    A video by Pittsburg singer/songwriter Dustin Treiber has made it to the third round of CMT's "Music City Madness." Click here: Video by Pittsburg musician in third round of CMT voting - Pittsburg, KS.

    John Elefante 's new record is now available for downloading from the former Kansas lead singer's new and improved website www.JohnElefante.com . The site has a new music player that will allow you to hear the entire record before buying. You'll also find some rare video footage of John with Kansas in 1982

    Karl Berkebile 's new CD Merry Christmas, Baby is now available from his website at www.karlberkebile.com .  It's a blues Christmas solo piano and vocal effort at $10 plus $3 S&H. You can pay through Paypal or send a check.

 

REVIEWS ...

Click here: Kansas City Music - Tech N9ne - page 1

Click here: Kansas City Music - Angela Hagenbach - page 1

Click here: Kansas City Music - Kick Kick - page 1

Click here: Articles | Local album review: Mouth | Ink

Click here: Articles | Local album review: Echo of the Elms | Ink

Click here: Articles | Local album review: Mixed Method | Ink

Click here: Local album review: Sam Billen

 

November 9, 2009

 

2010 Inductees are announced

     The results of the recent voting are that the following will be inducted into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame on March 6, 2010 at Liberty Hall in Lawrence , Kansas :

• Oleta Adams , Kansas City
• Conny & The Bellhops, Pittsburg
• Green River Ordinance, Emporia
• Moanin' Glories, Wichita
• Morning Dew, Topeka
• Plain Jane, Manhattan
• Pott County Pork & Bean Band, St. Marys
• Vernon Sandusky , Edna
• Tree Frog, Lawrence

    Every act that was on the ballot received votes, and one write-in received enough votes to be guaranteed a spot on next year's ballot. For the first time in Hall of Fame history, each inductee is from a different city. We hope most of the inductees will be able to attend the ceremony and will perform. Next week's newsletter will contain the names of the acts that received enough votes to be on the ballot for 2011. The board of directors will announce the Directors Award and Bob Hapgood Award inductees later this month.

    Congratulations to all of the new inductees!

 

Upcoming TV apearances by Martina McBride

Martina McBride will perform on The 43 rd Annual CMA Awards on November 11 broadcast live on ABC Television from the Sommet Center in Nashville . For more visit www.cmaawards.com .     You'll also want to check out Martina in the hour-long special In The Spotlight with Robin Roberts: Bright Lights, Big Stars, All Access Nashville airing Tuesday, November 10 on ABC as Good Morning America 's Robin Roberts dons her cowboy boots in Nashville for a peek inside the homes and private lives of country music's hottest stars.

 

New releases by area musicians

    Kansas City 's Angela Hagenbach has been making waves on the local music scene for 20 years, but now her new album is opening up new possibilities. Click here: Angela Hagenbach's new CD is making waves nationwide - KansasCity.com .

    Several other area musicians have new releases of interest. They include Barclay Martin , Click here: CD and film tell story of KC musician Barclay Martin's trips to Philippines - KansasCity.com ; Spoon , Click here: Incoming + new album: Spoon - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog ; and Topeka native Dave Stuckey. To promote his new EP, Stuckey recently reunited with Deke Dickerson for a set at the Goofin' Records 25 th anniversary party in Helsinki , Finland .

    Tech N9ne 's latest, K.O.D. , has debuted at #1 on Billboard 's Independent Albums chart.

    Area acts getting attention in the local papers include KC's Sons of Great Dane Click here: Kansas City Music - KC's Sons of Great Dane represents a new breed of alt-country rock - page 1 and 2007 KU grad Rusty Scott Click here: Stage Presence: Rusty Scott | Kansan.com .

 

Join The Elders on Irish Festival Cruise

    Make plans now to join The Elders on the 19 th Annual Irish Festival Cruise, January 23-30. It's a week of Irish music, dance, storytelling, humor and conviviality. From Fort Lauderdale , you'll sail the Caribbean for a week-long hooley, stopping in San Juan , St. Maarten, Tortola and Nassau . Rates are $1099 per person. Get details at www.irishtours.com or 1-800-441-4277.

 

More music news ...

    The Young Raiders' Chris "Capt" Shafer, had heart surgery in Wichita last Monday, November 2. We all wish him a speedy recovery.

    The competitors for Farmers Ball , KJHK's annual battle of the bands, have been announced. They are: Cloud Dog, Burger Kingdom , Dutch Newman, Katlyn Conroy, Hidden Pictures, The California Craisins, Eagle Us Pets and DJ Avi. This year's competition will differ from the past. Rather than have two nights of competition, whith two finalists from each nigh moving on to a third night of finals, this year will feature "a UFC-style cage match with eight bands in a frentic single night of preliminary competition." Preliminaries are November 20 at the Jackpot in Lawrence , and finals are November 21 at the Bottleneck

    Cicadelic Records of Tucson has a new retrospective album by 2010 inductees The Morning Dew available. This is the same label that put out the double CD set by the Blue Things that is available through the Hall of Fame. www.cicadelic.com .

 

November 2 , 2009

 

Apocalypse Meow benefit Nov 6-7     Apocalypse Meow is an annual event held by the nonprofit organization Midwest Music Foundation to help raise funds for a Musicians Health Care Fund for Artists living and working in Kansas City and the surrounding areas. The MMF aims to create mechanisms where Musicians, Live Sound Engineers, Music Club Employees, and Recording Engineers can gain affordable access to health care.       The Apocalypse Meow Fund was created in 2008 when local Musician Abigail Henderson was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her friends and community rallied around her and raised money to help get her over some daunting financial hurdles. The aim of this year's event is to help build a reserve fund and begin looking towards other health care options for the collective music community.       For more information about Midwest Music Foundation please visit http://www.midwestmusicfound.org .

 

First single released from new Puddle of Mudd album     The first single from Puddle of Mudd 's next album is now available for downloading at iTunes and Amazon. The band has also revealed the album's cover.

 

More music news ...

    Last week we mentioned that the new Kansas DVD, There's Know Place Like Home , debuted at number five on Billboard 's Top DVDs chart. It's no surprise then, that the DVD has met with good reviews. The DVD was recorded at Washburn University back in February. Click here: Review: Kansas concert DVD rocks | CJOnline.com .

    The Topeka band That Damn Sasquatch had a CD release party for their new album About Damn Time last Friday. Click here: It's 'About Damn Time' | CJOnline.com .

    Friends University in Wichita will present their newly reformed Jazz Vocal Ensemble, under the direction of Craig Curry, this Wednesday evening, November 4, in Sebits Auditorium at 7:30 .  Joining the vocalists, will be one song from each of the four jazz combos (directed by Lisa Hittle, David Lord, Beau Jarvis and Jeff Gordon).  Tickets will be available at the door or by calling (316) 295-5537.  Tickets prices are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, and ALL STUDENTS GET IN FREE! 

    Two Wichita musicians, Craig "Twister" Steward and Rochelle Coba working together in a new group called Bluesette Boogie. Coba will be representing the Wichita Blues Society in Memphis in the Single category at the upcoming competition in Memphis.

    Leslie Mangrum is an assistant professor of music at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina . One of the things that attracted her to the job was the school's opera program. Click here: salina.com - an online service of the Salina Journal .

    Three women from Kansas and one from Oklahoma make up the Sweet Adelines group Zing! The foursome won the title "Queens of Harmony" at the recent championship in Nashville . Click here: Ives crowned singing queen again | CJOnline.com .

 

October 26, 2009

Wichita Museum features guitar heroes

    The “Guitar Heroes of Wichita” exhibit at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum celebrates electric guitar players in the city where the instrument was first introduced to the world on Halloween 1932. This temporary exhibit, which opened October 17, runs through November 13. Wichita's “guitar heroes” celebrated include Gage Brewer (who introduced the electric guitar to the world), Floyd Dalrymple, Bud Victory, KMHOF inductee Jerry Hahn, Barry Harris, Clif Major, Pat McJimsey, Mark “Shark” Shelton, and the Embarrassment's Bill Goffrier.

    Friday November 6 th from 7:00 to 10:00 pm there will be a musical performance and demonstration with the electric guitar by internationally known guitarist and music historian Deke Dickerson. On Saturday, November 7th at 1:00 pm , at the Historical Museum , there will be a presentation by Dickerson, who will speak on the culture and origin of the electric guitar and guitar heroes.

 

Mick McTell of the Soulful Seven passes away

    One of the top bands in Hays back in the sixties was the Soulful Seven. The band recorded a single for MGM that is now a highly sought collectable among “Northern Soul” fans. The band's lead guitarist Mick McTell died Monday, October 19, in Rapid City , SD. Click here: Obituaries for Wednesday, October 21, 2009 .

 

The Get Up Kids schedule November benefit for the Anne Winter fund

    The Get Up Kids  have announced via Twitter that they will donate all the money from their upcoming Record Bar shows on November 20 and 21 to the Anne Winter Fund. Click here: Anne Winter, 1964-2009 - Kansas City Music - Wayward Blog .

 

New Kansas DVD in Billboard's top five

    The new Kansas DVD There's Know Place Like Home has debuted in the top five on Billboard 's DVD top sales chart. Featuring guest appearances by former members Kerry Livgren and Steve Morse, spectacular lighting, and songs not previously recorded with an orchestra, this High Definition video and Surround Sound audio experience has become the highest charting Kansas DVD. For more information, visit www.starchityrecording.com or www.kansasband.com .

 

Musician and artist Bob Walkenhorst profiled

    In addition to music, painting is a big part of the life of former Rainmaker Bob Walkenhorst . Click here: Painting history: Forsyth House is subject of new downtown mural - Maryville, MO - Maryville Daily Forum

 

More music news ...

    Former KU student Mandy Patinkin will be guest starring in an episode of the CBS series “Three Rivers.” The network says that the former “Criminal Minds” star will play an aspiring organ donor. Patinkin has personally received corneal implants, donated by the families of a 13-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy, to correct a disease that distorts the shape of the cornea and severely impairs vision. The 56-year-old actor, who attended the University of Kansas in the early seventies, asked to be released from his role as FBI profiler Jason Gideon on CBS' “Criminal Minds” in 2007, citing creative differences. “Three Rivers” airs on Sundays.

    Josh Vowell & The Rumble will be representing the Topeka Blues Society at the upcoming International Blues Challenge in Memphis January 20-23. Until then, they'll be making several appearances around their hometown and nearby cities to raise funds for their trip. Click here: Rumbling the blues scene | CJOnline.com .

    Another Kansas act that will be hitting the road in January is Wichita 's Tony Ngo and his band. The band has been working on a seven-song EP that will be released in late November. Click here: Road next step in musical journey | Wichita Entertainment - Restaurants, Movie Theaters | Wichita Eagle .

    Chris Crisci, frontman for Lawrence's Appleseed Cast and The Old Canes, has been busy of late. In addition to playing at a recent Appleseed Cast reunion, he's been playing with The Old Canes and released a second Canes album Feral Harmonic on October 20. Will all that's he's still found time to build himself a new guitar. Click here: Kansas City Music - Family man Chris Crisci finds time to carve out Old Canes' second album - page 1 .

    Vedera 's second album for Epic Records, Stages, was released this month on the same day they appeared on TV's “The Hills.” Click here: Kansas City Music - Vedera vies for the limelight with major-label debut LP - page 1 .

    BCR (Black Crack Review), a Kansas City afro, nuclear, wavabilly, funk, swing, reggae, turska band, bill perform its unique brand of music at a benefit concert for KKFI Radio October 30 at The R Bar and Restaurant in Kansas City , MO. Admission is $7.00 at the door.

    A Tommy Bolin reunion concert with members of Tommy's legendary bands Energy and Zephyr plus Kansas City guitarists Jeff Scheetz and Fast Johnny Ricker will take place at Crosstown Station on Saturday, December 12. Shannon & The Rhythm Kings will open the night's music. Tickets are $10, and this is a benefit for KC's community radio station KKFI. Among the Energy alums appearing is Kansas Music Hall of Fame nominee Tommy Stephenson from Ottawa , KS .

    Chet Nichols reports that his song “Kilimanjaro Moondance” won the Broadjam September 2009 “Best Exercise Song of the Month” honors. The song can be heard at www.broadjam.com/chetnichols .

    Inductee Martina McBride 's performance at the Texas State Fair aired on “Oprah” Monday, October 26.

 

October 12, 2009

 

Melissa Etheridge updates

    The Chicken Soup for the Soul series will visit music in the book due out in November. Among the stories behind the songs, Melissa Etheridge tells about the writing of her hit single, "Come to My Window." Click here: Melissa Etheridge on writing 'Come to My Window': Exclusive 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' excerpt | EW.com .

    Melissa's new album Fearless Love , which is due out in March, and she says it will rock out a lot harder than her last few have. Click here: Melissa Etheridge Returns to "Slamming" Rock on March LP "Fearless Love" : Rolling Stone : Rock and Roll Daily .

    Etheridge will be a phone-in guest on two SIRIUS Satellite Radio shows this week: Tune in on Wed, Oct 14 at 1:00pm ET to Dr Radio: Oncology Show. The show is hosted by Dr. Abraham Chachoua, a lung cancer specialist, and Dr. Silvia Formenti whose specialty is breast cancer. Listeners can call in with questions/comments.  Dr. Radio .  Melissa will also be a guest on SIRIUS Satellite's Jane Pratt Radio Show on Oct 16 (6:15pm ET).  Jane Radio . 

 

Kelley Hunt news

    Kelley Hunt returns to the Blue Room in KC October 15-16 for three shows. Kelley's Blue Room reprise follows a sold-out first-time November 2008 duet performance. For these  neew shows she'll bring an outstanding trio with herself on acoustic piano and acoustic and electric guitars along with LA. drummer/percussionist Bryan Head and Nashville bassist Kenny Ames. Although some material will be common to all three shows, she plans to give each one it's own unique identity.

    "Last November we learned just how much fun we could have exploring new ideas and formats at The Blue Room. I'm expanding my thinking in these three shows - trying some new material out, looking over all parts of my catalog, new arrangements and hopefully some spontaneous sparks of inspiration with these other two great players. Last year's show was so energizing for me. We're going to take things further, see what we can get away with," said Kelley.

    Expect a new look and new sound at Kelley's live appearances. She is now an artist/endorser of Tree House Custom Drums. This outstanding high-end boutique custom drum maker based in Topeka has made a drum kit to Kelley's custom specs in consultation with her and the drummers who are part of her touring band.

   "We had one of their kits as a backline rental not long ago. I remember Bryan Head cranking up with that kit in sound check the first time - you should have seen all the heads turn that direction. That motivated us to investigate further. They've made us a great custom kit - warm sound, punchy, lot's of personality. Something our drummers can really dig in with and our production people absolutely love. It's a pleasure to make a Tree House kit part of our on-stage sound," said Kelley.

 

More music news ...

    More women are finding a home in Wichita 's music scene. Click here: Band of sisters | Music | Wichita Eagle .

    KC's Spencer Brown and his San Francisco based acapella group, the Kinsey Sicks, were in town over the weekend for two shows. Click here: Kansas City Music - The Kinsey Report: KC homegirl Daisy Bucket drags all over the country with the Kinsey Sicks - .

    Also back in town Saturday was jazz pianist Eldar , who spent his teen years in Kansas City , learning his craft and getting his career started. He showcased music from his new album, Virtue , his sixth overall and fourth for Sony. LINK

    We've mentioned former Rainmaker Bob Walkenhorst and his Wednesday night gigs in Westport before, but he recently shared his thought on them with Tim Finn. Click here: Former Rainmaker Bob Walkenhorst's weekly gig gives songs room to grow - Kansas City Star#Comments_Container .

    The trials of two men accused of killing Lawrence rapper Anthony Vital have been delayed until May of next year. Click here: Murder defendants' trial dates coordinated / LJWorld.com .

    A month after the release of their debut album Moon Phases , Everyday/Everynight is enjoying the success of record sales, online merchandise sales and show bookings. Click here: Kansas City Music - Everyday/Everynight launches Moon Phases - page 1 .

    Fans of Celtic rock music have a lot to enjoy from the Elders these days as the Kansas City band is finding success with their latest album Gael Day , their seeming non-top touring, a cruise coming up in January ( www.irishtours.com ) and their annual tour of Ireland next summer. Check it all out at www.eldersmusic.com .

    Topeka 's Bath House Players fundraising Battle of the Bands was supposed to be held Saturday, but weather forced a postponement until October 17 at Gage Park . Tickets will be sold at the gate for $6.00. Bands playing are The Antics, Don't Mention the Massacre, Part Deus, The Pudd'n Poos and Telegram for a Cute Girl.

    KC's Neon Blue continues to get favorable reviews for Stories, Grooves & Melodies . The latest appeared in this week's Pitch . Click here: Kansas City Music - Neon Blue - page 1 .

    The new 5,800 seat Independence Events Center is going to hose more than minor league hockey. It's also signing up concerts, including Tech N9ne on November 23 and Martina McBride and Trace Adkins on January 23. It's nice to have another venue in the KC area with live music.

    On Saturday, October 17, the Delano District of Wichita will be alive with bikes, blues and food. The first "Blues in Delano " music and food crawl in the 500-1700 blocks of West Douglas will take place from 1-10 pm. Admission is free with a non-perishable food item to any of the venues. All donations will be given to the Kansas Food Bank.

    Kansas University will be hosting the 18 th annual Heart of America Marching Festival on October 17 at Memorial Stadium. Twenty high school marching bands from Kansas , Missouri and Nebraska will perform starting at 11 am. The top ten scoring bands will move on to the finals at 6:30 pm, which will be followed by the awards ceremony at 9:45. The KU Marching Jayhawks will perform at 9:30. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and senior. Preschoolers get in free.

    Sunday, November 1 at 7:30 pm, the Lied Center on KU's West Campus will host the first ever indoor concert by the Kansas Marching Jayhawks , conducted by David Clemmer. In addition to "Sunflower Song" and "I'm a Jayhawk," the band will play Saturday morning cartoon favorites, the music of Blood, Sweat & Tears, and a Latin jazz tribute. Hank Booth with serve as emcee.

    Time is approaching for the annual KJHK Farmer's Ball , but there is still time for bands to submit entries. Local bands, rappers and musicians need to submit 2-3 songs by October 23. Send submissions by email to the radio station at kjhkliveevents@gmail.com or mail them to:
    KJHK 90.7FM Live Events
    c/o Center for Campus Life
    Kansas Union
    1301 Jayhawk Boulevard , Room 427
    Lawrence , KS 66045
All email submissions should contain a link to the artist's MySpace, and it is preferred that songs are sent via YouSendIt or similar file sharing service.

    Stan Ellman's final Stan's Kansas City Area Record & CD Show of 2009 will be Sunday, October 18 from 9am to 3:30 pm in the Convention Center at The Crowne Plaza (formerly Radisson Hote) at 95 th and I-35 in Lenexa . Admission is $3 at the door. For more info, call Stan at 913-492-1058.

 

October 5, 2009

 

Gordon Parks Celebration in Fort Scott this week

    The Gordon Parks Celebration begins this Wednesday, October 7, at Fort Scott Community College and honors the work and creativity of Fort Scott 's most famous native son, the extraordinary photographer, writer, poet, musician and filmmaker who died in 2006 at age 93.

• Click here: Gordon Parks Celebration in Fort Scott
• Click here: Gordon Parks Center for Culture and Diversity
• Click here: Black History biography of Gordon Parks
• Click here: The Gordon Parks Foundation

 

2010 KMHOF Nominees announced

    Voting is currently underway to select the 2010 inductees into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.   Voting by the prior inductees and all dues paying members of the Hall of Fame will continue until midnight October 31.  The induction ceremony will be held on March 6, 2010, in Lawrence at Liberty Hall.  The results of the voting will be announced in early November, and tickets to the show will go on sale in December.  The ballot contains the names of thirty (30) nominated acts, but write-ins are accepted and encouraged.  The names on this year's ballot are:

•    Oleta Adams , Kansas City
•     Bloodstone, Kansas City
•     The Bygones, Kansas City
•     Conny & The Bellhops, Pittsburg
•     The Devastating Dinks, Salina
•     The Embarrassment, Wichita
•     James Gadson, Kansas City
•     The Green River Ordinance, Emporia
•     Junkyard Jazz, Lawrence
•     Rudy Love, Wichita
•     Kevin Mahogany, Kansas City
•     The Moanin' Glories, Wichita
•     The Morning Dew, Topeka
•     The Mystic Number National Bank, Kansas City
•     Plain Jane, Manhattan
•     The Playmate Blues Band, Hays
•     The Pott County Pork & Bean Band, St. Mary's
•     Samuel Ramey, Colby
•      Vernon Sandusky , Edna
•     The Scamps, Kansas City
•     Stanley Sheldon & Tommy Stephenson, Ottawa
•     Craig "Twister" Steward, Wichita
•     Tony Teebo, Fort Scott
•     Tree Frog, Lawrence
•     Roger Walls, Rose Hill
•     Bobby Watson, Kansas City
•     Johnny Western, Wichita
•      Wichita Linemen, Wichita
•     The Wizards From Kansas , Lawrence
•     Chely Wright, Wellsville

    Congratulations to all of the 2010 nominees.

 

Melissa Etheridge in the news for breast cancer awareness     Melissa Etheridge is busy this month at the forefront of the annual effort to raise awareness and support for the fight against breast cancer. As a cancer survivor herself, she is making personal appearances and granting numerous interviews.
Click here: Melissa Etheridge rocks out in midair for a good cause - USATODAY.com , Click here: GREEN & GLOVER: Democrat defecting"  Washington Times , Click here: Melissa Etheridge's Health Is Better Than Ever - Health, Melissa Etheridge : People.com , Click here: Alana B. Elias Kornfeld: Celebrating Breast Cancer Month On A Pink Plane With Melissa Etheridge (PHOTOS, VIDEO) , Click here: Live review: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum benefit at Club Nokia | Pop & Hiss | Los Angeles Times , Click here: Melissa Etheridge opens up about her 'happy' life after breast cancer

 

Kerry Livgren posts after suffering stroke

Kerry Livgren has posted for something on Facebook for the first time since suffering a stroke last month:  " Well..the unlikely event has happened. On Sept 1st I suffered a stoke. I have partial right side use, partial speech, and various other. I can play a little piano but no guitar. Thanks to all of you for the prayers. His will be done."     It's great to hear directly from Kerry, and we look forward to his continued recovery.

 

Martina McBride and Trace Adkins join up for tour

Martina McBride and Trace Adkins have announced a joint tour. The “Shine All Night Tour” will be sponsored by Sunny D and GAC. It starts November 20, visiting forty cities into the spring of 2010. Martina has newly revamped website  martinamcbride.com  which features a new look as well as many new features. Click here: SHINE ALL NIGHT TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT : Martina McBride .
To help encourage families to make the most of dinnertime, Martina has teamed up with Barilla and renowned chef Mario Batali to launch "Share the Table: The Barilla Family Dinner Project" and is inviting all of you to make a promise to enhance your dinnertime experiences at www.ShareTheTable.com . Check out Martina's tips here .

 

October 18 benefit for Mike Roark

    A six-hour benefit is being held at Unity on the Plaza Sunday, October 18 for Mike Roark , the Rain Dog's piano player, who is undergoing treatment for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. There will be two stages of entertainment, a silent auction, BBQ meals and a bake sale. Among Mike's friends who will be performing are Kelley Hunt, The Rain Dogs, The Retro Rangers, Fabulous Freddy & The Doo Wops, The Bluegrass Tornados & Uncle Baccey Juice and Graybill, Gruenbaum & McSpadden.

    Click here: Mike Roark Benefit Against Cancer .

 

More music news ...

    13 bands are set to “Wake the Dead” October 10 at the Bison Arena on the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson . The rock and metal music starts at noon and runs until midnight. The headliner will be Seasons After. The five-piece band from Wichita has been on the Warped Tour twice and on the Taste of Chaos tour. Tickets are $10. Visit www.kansasstatefair.tix.com or call (800) 362-3247.

    Jason Harper of The Pitch in Kansas City recently checked out the local singer-songwriter scene, and liked what he heard. Click here: Kansas City Music - Towers of Song: Three new singer-songwriter showcases prove our local bards ain't slouchin' -.