Martina McBride sang the National Anthem at the 2013 Kentucky Derby.

 

Gary Winston Apple spent last Wednesday at Markosa Studio as Joe Miquelon added keyboard parts to the three new songs that were just added to Apple's current project and a few bonus parts on some tracks that were previously recorded. Winston is a solidly mediocre keyboardist, secure, if not content, in his limitations, but watching Joe tickle the ivories, he was hit with a serious case of pianist envy.

 

Howard Iceberg and the Titanics, the Dylan-esque, 'Rock Shaman of Kansas City' appeared at the Uptown Arts Bar on Friday, May 10. Howard Iceberg (also known as Howard Eisberg, attorney), started writing and performing songs around the age of 30. He has written over 800 songs, and though he usually performs with core band mates Gary Paredes (lead guitar), Doug Osburn (bass), and Pat Tomek (drums and alter ego), Howard is well known and loved in Kansas City and plays with many local musicians. You never know who might show up, but be certain you will hear some of the finest folk/rock to be found with emphasis on original work presented unjuried and uncensored

The Uptown Arts Bar is a community bar which celebrates the performing arts with emphasis on theater, dance, comedy, original prose/poetry, storytelling, the spoken word, music, political discourse, puppetry, as well as cultural groups and the historic urban core community.

 

Bob Walkenhorst helps organize the Hyde Park Children's Film Fest this June, and he's looking for a high school/early college rock or folk band to play for an hour before the movies. Dates are June 7, 14, 21, 28. If you know of any good young bands, put them in touch with Bob at bobwalkenhorst@gmail.com.

 

 

            KKFI's third and final Beatles Tribute will be held Saturday, June 1 at Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City. Advance tickets are already on sale.

 

            From Stovepipe Perkins:

"The CD release of Gimme Some Biscuit was such a huge success I can't really figure out how to express my gratefulness and awe at the outpouring of love and support. What a great collection of quality people that came out to party and also to those who supported and backed our Kickstarter project. There were times when I would look out and see 100's of people laughing and smiling back.... it returns energy and propels the band and the night upwards...Thank you for coming and secondly for staying.... It was nearly midnight when I saw a conga line coming down the south side of BB's.... The aisles on both sides were full of people rockin and dancing. I would look to the back by the bar and see people locked on to Jake, Jemmie or Jerry doing their thing...Thank you again for the birthday wishes and the picture and gifts looked sort of like an Irish wake. hahhahahhaha and Cyndi is amazing. I'm just rambling here but what a great night and I wanted you to know how much we appreciate the support. We will keep doing our thing and hope to see you out again."

 

KC pop band Phil Neal & Wornalls give 50% of their sales on Reverbnation to the charity Fender Music Foundation.

 

KMHOF inductee Steve Thomas of Shooting Star keeps busy when the band takes time off  by teaching youngsters to play. Click here: With an emphasis on community, students learn music the Music House way - KansasCity.com.

 

The Rhythm Wranglers recorded a demo of "Night Life" over the weekend at Rob Nold's studio in Raytown. The band includes Jeff Elsloo, steel; Jim Kent, URB; and Tom Lenehan, drums. It will be remixed and two more songs will be recorded. Next up, a photo session, and then they're about ready to book gigs. http://electrocoustic.com/new%20tunes/Night%20Life.

 

GARAGE SALE PRICING!!!! 25 cents, 50 cents, $1.00!

We have 1000's of LP's ( All Genres,Color Vinyl, Picture Discs,Promos,etc.), 45's, Music Related Books & Magazines, Videos, Concert Shirts, Toys & More!! ALMOST EVERYTHING $1 OR LESS!!!!!!

Also, anything that is not bolted down is FOR SALE & Negotiable! Including: Shelving, Display Cases, Record Crates ( Both Wooden & Plastic), Stereo Equipment, Posters & other unique items.

Only a couple weeks left! Come Diggin' while you still can.

EVERYTHING MUST GO! All Reasonable offers considered, Bulk buying encouraged and rewarded!

Earwaxx Records

6410 N Oak

Gladstone,MO

M-Sat NOON to 6:30

(816)436 9299

 

You can purchase the new John Elefante record at one of these online stores or visit your local Christian bookstore! Enjoy

iTunes   

Amazon MP3 store 

Best Buy 

Christian Book.com

Johnelefante.com

 

 

Dave Steele, esquire, legendary Wichita drummer for Lotus, Square 1 and the Vic Dana show, has joined the Soul Project raising the back line bar up yet another level. You can hear Dave with the Soul Project August 16 at the KEYN Waterwalk Concert Series.

 

 David Powell in Oklahoma City is recording the tracks/arrangements for a collaboration song. Eric Lemmons in Denver wrote the music, and Tony Teebo wrote the lyrics. Kim Parent (Brooks & Dunn, etc.) will do the vocals in Nashville. The song is called "Invisible."

 

Release you inner party animal at Jazzoo 2013 on June 7. This year the Kansas City Zoo is excited to celebrate the upcoming arrival of the new penguin habitat. More than 4,500 Kansas Citians will enjoy the evening of unlimited food, drink and music while making a positive impact on your community zoo.

Jazzoo funds help provide a special diet for more than 1,100 animals and support the Zoo Learning Fund, which creates educational programs for more than 48,000 area children a year.

Details about this year's event:

Date:                Friday, June 7

Time:                6:30-7:30 pm - Patron Entrance

                        7:30-midnight - Jazzoo

Place:               Kansas City Zoo, located in Swope Park near Starlight Theatre

Attire:               Creative black tie. No jeans, please.

Parking:            Valet parking will be provided for guests presenting a VIP parking pass. Limousines are directed to guest drop-pickup and

parking areas.

Transportation:   Guests are encourage to use the "Official Transportation Partner,

Custom Limousine

Getting Around  Every guest is provided with a food and drink tray with a map of Jazzoo.

 

Jazzoo 2013 features these highlights:

Special Jazzoo cocktails served at designated specialty bars.

Local and Regional entertainment on three different stages.

Over 65 restaurants serving delicious bites.         

 

Entertainment:   Guests can enjoy music throughout the event and stop to dance under

the stars to live bands on the stages.

                                                Victor & Penny

                                                Dueling Pianos

                                                Patrick Lentz

                                                Zeros

                                                Disco Dick & Mirrorballs

                                                Drew Six

                                                Samantha Fish

                                                Sell Out

                                                Calypso Bluz

                                                Boler

 

Cuisine:            The area's finest restaurants keep everyone full with complimentary delectables.

Beverages:        Complimentary nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages will be served at 10 full and specialty bars.

Tickets: Tickets for Jazzoo 2013 are on sale now. Click here: The Kansas City Zoo. 

 

The prolific Scott Yanow has outdone even himself with his book, The Great Jazz Guitarists: The Ultimate Guide, most comprehensive guide to jazz guitarists ever published. With hundreds of dossiers and discographies on every major (and not so major) jazz guitar player of note arranged in encyclopedia fashion, this is the final stop on anyone's tour of six-string wizards working the swinging side of the street. From Django Reinhardt and Charlie Christian to KMHOF inductees Pat Metheny and Jerry Hahn, John McLaughlin and even Les Paul to Jeff Beck and beyond (not to mention Wes and Barney and everyone in between) The Great Jazz Guitar Players hits every note, never sharp or flat, and always with the combination of edge, sensitivity, and awe-inspiring depth of knowledge that has made author Yanow is one of the most widely read and respected critics and historians in jazz history. Click here: The Great Jazz Guitarists: The Ultimate Guide: Scott Yanow: 9781617130236: Amazon.com: Books

 

At a time when speed and efficiency are paramount in the music industry, the five members of Red Line Chemistry have had to exercise patience. Click here: KC rockers get a lesson in discipline - KansasCity.com.

 

Jernard Burks, a 1990 graduate of Kansas Wesleyan University, who now lives in Los Angles and works as a professional actor, began eight years ago to develop a one-man show about legendary blues singer/guitarist B.B. King. Click here: World Wide Web.

 

Joe Dimino posted new interviews with Jeff Harshbarger and Clint Ashlock at Neon Jazz. Click here: World Wide Web.

 

KCJazzLark alerts his readers to a BBC report about Herb Jeffries and shares a vintage photograph of the Mutual Musicians Foundation. Click here: kcjazzlark: This 'n That 'n History

 

From Rob Scheps: Early Notice: The Rob Scheps / Jim O'Connor Quintet- Rob Scheps - tenor sax, Jim O'Connor - trumpet/ flugelhorn, Roger Wilder - piano, Bob "Dwight" Bowman - bass, Brian Steever - drums, makes its Kansas Debut in these shows: Thursday October 3, 2013- Jazz On The Lake, Kansas City Kansas Community College, 12 pm - 1 pm.  Friday October 11, 2013- Take Five Coffee Bar, 7 pm - 10 pm. Jim O'Connor is one of the greatest jazz trumpeters I've ever heard.

 

Reviews

Click here: Listen | Soft Reeds: "Funny Patterns" (Premiere)

Click here: Album review: Tiny Horse - Darkly Sparkly (EP)

Click here: Review: Kansas City Blues, Cheltenham Jazz Festival | This is Gloucestershire

 

 

           National Record Day is an industry-made holiday to make people xcited about records. Celebrated this year on April 20, it was Love Garden Sounds' busiest day of the year by about five times. Click here: National Record Day increases interest in vinyl | The University Daily Kansan.

 

The resurgent Appleseed Cast had a curveball thrown into their 2013 last Wednesday when their tour van and trailer were run off the road. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt, but they've suffered some expensive damage to their equipment. Graveface Records founder Ryan Graveface writes that their "trailer was completely destroyed, there are damages to their tour van, and many pieces of their gear were wrecked". They estimate the damage total to be around $8,000.

The band's tour dates in support of their new album Illumination Ritual may need to be canceled if they can't raise the money. Anyone who donates $15 or more gets a copy of the band's new album. Click here: Appleseed Cast Raising Money Following Van Crash | News | Pitchfork

 

View photos from last Monday night's Night at the Pier, where Melissa Etheridge and Linda Wallem presented an award to honoree Dan Bucatinsky. Click here: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailymail.co.uk%2Ftvshowbiz%2Farticle-2316923%2FChristina-Ricci-a.

            Etheridge will play the Telluride Blues & Brews on Sunday, September 15. There will be no fan club tickets.

 

            Jack Mack is back! Jack Mack & The Heart Attack Horns are the L.A. based and critically acclaimed the world over as "The Hardest Working Band in Show Business." The band s led by KC native sax player Bill Bergman. They recently signed with SuperStar Records and recently released the EP Lookin' Up. Click here: Grammy Winning Team Signs the Hardest Working Band in Soul Business; Click here: LOOKIN' UP - Official Jack Mack Video - YouTube.

 

The Sucka Free Producer's Showcase was hosted by Sephiroth, featuring Dan Matic, Wandering Mayor, Topp Boom and Leonard Dstroy Thursday, May 2 at KC's RecordBar. Click here: Talking with Sephiroth about the Sucka Free Producer's Showcase | Interview | The Pitch

 

There was a Buttermilk Boys CD release party at Mike Kelley's Westsider Friday night with the Frankowskis. Members of the band are Scott Stanton , Travis Huffines, Kasey Rausch & Fernanado Achucarro. Click here: Buttermilk Boys.

 

            A bill of local acts anchored by Molly Picture Club, a likeable dance-pop group that worships at the altar of David Byrne played at the Brick in KC on Saturday. MPC was celebrating the release of its new EP I'm My Own Time Machine. Joining in was Back of a Black Caar, which also traffics in new wave, and the bright-eyed garage-pop act Rev Gusto.

 

            From Kelley Hunt last Thursday: "I'm very sorry to announce that for the first time in many years, we've had to cancel both shows this weekend. I've been dealing with a nasty respiratory thing since last week which turned into full blown laryngitis, but after doing everything possible to recover I'm following doctor's orders and staying put. We're going to reschedule the performances as soon as possible and I will be back, stronger than ever, soon. It was a hard decision to make, especially for me, for many reasons. Any positive vibes are welcomed & appreciated!"

            The cancelled dates were in Bettendorf, IA and St. Louis, MO.

 

Tomorrow evening, Tuesday May 7, the Lawrence Arts Center presents Kinks Kollective, a program of music written by Kinks Ray and Dave Davies, from very early to very late in the Kinks' career, plus a Davies-inspired original song and a Sanskrit translation of a 60's hit single. Performers are Sebastian Alfie, Maria Anthony, John Cutler, Bryan Foster, Debbie Goldberg, Megan Hurt, Darrell Lea, Clark Jamison and more. Intro by Iain Ellis, author of Brit Wits: A History of British Rock Humor.

 

            Billy Spears and the Beer Belles and the Twang Daddies are whippin' it out for the "Johnny's Tavern 60^th Birthday Celebration Week." Get to Johnny's on Friday May 10 from 7-11 pm. First the Beer Bellies will get the place rollin', then the Twang Daddies will lay down a ferocious layer of birthday twang.

 

Flashback will perform at the Granada Theater in Lawrence May 19 at 7 pm. The event is called Cover Wars and it is a battle of the bands. Flashback will also be playing at the Celtic Fox in Topeka on May 31. That's the first Friday after Memorial Day.

 

            Another Saturday night jam (above) is coming June 1 at Cutters Smokehouse and Catering in Eudora by the Hall of Famers (Johnny Isom, Jimmy Wilson, Paul Miller, with David Spritzer). We've heard that the phenomenal B3 player Mark Broderson is planning to be there, too. These guys are all amazing musicians. There will be a sign-up sheet. If you're a musician, vocalist, etc and want to jam, please speak to the band when you arrive.

 

            The Kansas City Songwriters Scene is a group of Kansas City area musicians who gather every Monday at Davey's Uptown Rambler's Club starting at 7::30. Feel free to click on the KCSS link to get more information and get an idea of what the evening is like. Open mic sign-up starts at 7:15. Jonathan Theobald hosts the weekly gathering.

 

In addition to a very active solo career, KC's Shay Estes fronts the band Fado Novato.Click here: Kansas City's Fado Novato Dares to Dig Into Rich Tradition of Portuguese Fado | @ pritheworld

           

The new album from former Kansas vocalist John Elefante, due out tomorrow, can be pre-ordered from Best Buy today. Click here: On My Way To The Sun - CD - John Elefante.

 

            The Architects met their goal of raising $10K to finance their next album with hours to spare. Click here: Architects set to give their fans a multi-media gift - KansasCity.com.

 

            Kelly Finnigan & Monophonics will be among the acts on next January's Jam Cruise 12. Click here: Jam Cruise - JC12 Lineup.

 

The Prairie Village People will be rocking Lawrence on May 11.

           

 

Collapse and The Sibyl advanced from the first round of Metal Wars Friday night at KC's All Star Bar.

 

Kilroy presents Cover Wars at the Granada Theater in Lawrence Sunday, May 19.

 

HEADS UP MIDWEST FRIENDS...BERNHARD LANGER FREE GOLF CLINIC WITH PAUL CLARK MODERATING / MEMORIAL DAY, MAY 27TH / LEAWOOD, KS./ IRONHORSE GOLF COURSE 5PM.

Bernhard Langer, 2 Time Master's Champion, will be giving a free golf clinic and sharing personal stories of his life on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th, at Ironhorse Golf Course, 15400 Mission Road, Leawood. To honor the holiday, and give ample time for family gatherings, this unique and inspiring event will begin at 5 pm. Besides winning the Master's twice, a few of the multiple achievements in his four decades of professional golf include membership into the World Golf Hall of Fame, Victorious Ryder Cup Captain, 10 time European Ryder Cup player with 89 victories worldwide and a former Number One ranked golfer in the World.

At 55, with 18 PGA Champions Tour victories, the current Number One Ranked Player and Charles Schwab Cup Points leader, is on pace to collect his 5th Arnold Palmer Award. Hear exhilarating stories ranging from his father settling in Bavaria after jumping from a prisoner of war train bound for Sibera, to surviving childhood health problems, turning pro at 15 and the incredible journey he has experienced the last 40 years, as well as receive golf instruction from his insightful perspective. Moderating, and joining Langer in the fun, will be his friend, Leawood native, Paul Clark. With 18 recordings to his credit, over a four decade trajectory similar to Langer, Clark, a founding pioneer of Contemporary Christian Music, has been in Nashville this spring, finishing number 19 due for release this summer. (www.paulclarkmusic.com).

In addition to the event, there will be a silent auction area with highly prized, unique golf memorabilia, (i.e.. Official Master's Tournament Pin Flags personally signed by Bernhard to winning bidder), and other items, such as golf packages, etc.. Proceeds from the auction will be distributed to Anchor of Hope, a registered 501C Not-For-Profit Corporation dedicated to bringing hope to the hopeless and the Greater Kansas City First Tee program. Winning bids will receive a tax deductible donation. This exciting inaugural event is designed to be an evening of fun, inspiration and instruction. Golf enthusiast, or not, come out and make this a Memorial Day you, your friends and family won't forget! Please partner with us in welcoming Bernhard to Kansas City by posting this announcement to all of your social media outlets. I have enclosed an electronic poster that you can use for an e-blast in your media connections. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your interest and support. Paul Clark

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jeff Thomasson, General Manager at Ironhorse Golf Course, (913) 685-4643 jefft@ironhorsegolf.com.

 

            Receive two tickets with two meet and greets to a 2013 Martina McBride show plus an autographed Eleven CD and photo. Click here: charitybuzz | You and a Guest Can See Martina McBride in Concert Plus a Meet & Greet.

 

            The Swinging Dicks morphed into Lawrence's Ricky Dean Sinatra. The Dicks were Charles Brown on cowbell, Todd Newman on lead guitar, Mark Roseberry aka Dewey Mantini on bass, Alan Murphy aka Ricky Dean on lead vocals, Lori Wray on snare drum, and Jade Gurss on drums.  Click here: the swinging dicks (early ricky dean sinatra) "head in the wind" - YouTube.

 

             There is a rumor that Bill Gladden and the Demon Dogs from KC will tour this summer.

 

            Every Tuesday is Betty's Tuesday Night Blues Jam in Wichita. The jammers hope you'll join them, cheer them on, and help this to be a fun, friendly jam for everyone. There has been some great talent showing up.

            Betty's Runway Lounge has great service, food and prices along with a covered patio for smokers. There is no cover charge. They get going around 8 and jam until 11 unless they just can't stop.

            The Mo'Betta band hosts:

            Aaron Underwood - vocals, bass    

             and drums

            Mitch King - guitar, drums and

             vocals

            Lynn Avants - guitar, keyboards

             and vocals

            Big Man Dan Carmichael - bass

 

The Jam4Dan Trustees are eager to review a second round of scholarship applications for 2013. Jam4Dan 6 was a great success on all counts, and thanks to the generosity of the sponsors and the hundreds of people who attended, they'll be able to award up to $5,500 in scholarships. More funds need more applicants, therefore a "second chance to dance." Deadline for submission is May 18. Click here: http://www.jam4dan.com/scholarship/j4d6_2ndchance.pdf.

 

KMHOF inductee B. Scott Nelson of Ann Brewer & Flames is putting out the word in search of a new housemate. He's looking for somebody to move in by July 1st. Scott will have two bedrooms available, $750 and $550 respectively...and that includes all utilities: gas, electricity, water, cable, and internet, but not personal phone. The rooms come furnished with house cleaning once a month.

            Amenities include washer/dryer, in-room air conditioning, two refrigerators,
maybe even a band or two...and status as the co-host of the next GroundHearts Day, the best party in Kansas City 28 years running.

            If you'd like to share Scott's lovely authentic Tudor home...in the best neighborhood in KC, Historic Roanoke...just north of the Country Club Plaza…with the best neighbors on the planet, contact Scott ASAP.
B. Scott Nelson
Nelson Creative Works!
827 Valentine Road
Kansas City, MO
64111
Phone:  816.753.0071
Cell:   816.590.7209
"At the corner of Valentine & Madison Avenue, Where Advertising has a Heart."

 

            The U.S. Air Guitar Championships will once again be holding a regional qualifier in Kansas City. And, this year, Kansas City will crown a new local faux guitar hero.

Under the competition's new rules, last year's regional champions receive byes and are automatically entered into the semifinals. So Eric "Mean" Melin's local reign terror is over. Will it be the year of local weirdo Peter "Stiff" Dickens? Will The CorpAIRation finally buy a win? Will "Thunderball" Nielsen Nacis live up to his name - he was named after Cheap Trick guitarist Rick Nielsen - make the competition surrender? We'll find out Friday, June 7, at RecordBar. Winners go on to the regional semifinals (likely the Metro in Chicago). Click here: US Air Guitar - 2013 Qualifier - Kansas City - Eventbrite.

 

For the past few years, 26-year-old Kansas Citian David Bennett has been recording homemade demos as Akkilles, which he posts online. Click here: The warped, artful folks of David Bennett's Akkilles | Around Hear | The Pitch

 

            Any bands out there looking to have your music mixed and mastered to a full quality and sound? Smoke Signal Productions in Goddard is currently willing to produce your music FOR FREE! Onsite recording is not currently available, but will be in the near future. Get in touch to talk business. Email Andrew Clapp at 1andrewc3@gmail.com or contact him on Facebook.

 

            Which Kansan will be the next big country music star? Jason Callahan is on a very short list. Click here: Jason Callahan Music, Lyrics, Songs, and Videos

 

            An episode of American Blues Brews and BBQ is being filmed at Knuckleheads Saloon in KC July 5-7.

 

            Kansas City's community radio station is all about local music and performances, so they are sharing their on-air and party space for a CD release party for not one but four bands on May 23. Join the fun. Click here: CD Release Party Times Four: Live Music by Two Headed Cow, Kan Eyed, Arm the Poor and Not a Planet | KKFI 90.1 FM

 

            Chris Aytes & The Good Ambition from Topeka will be at the Jackpot in Lawrence on Sunday, May 12.

 

Reviews

Click here: Plastic Sax: Album Review: Matt Kane Trio- Suit Up!

Click here: Cathartic verses for her great love, the late jazz great Ahmad Alaadeen - KansasCity.com

 

 

            As most of you know, back in September the Kansas City Blues Society had an event for Tom Hall at Knucklehead's Saloon. Five bands were auctioned. Of those, Dave Hays, Fast Johnny, and Trampled Under Fish had wowed crowds with their performances of last week. This past Saturday night Levee Town rocked the house at Llewelyn's Pub. 

 

            The Coyote Boogie Band had a CD release party at Quasimodo's April 27 from 5:30-8:30 pm for the self-financed, self-produced album Super Happy Good Time Fun Factory.

 

The 3rd annual Kansas City Jazz Summit took place April 24-26 on the campus of Kansas City Kansas Community College. It featured 34 bands from 5 colleges and 29 middle and high schools from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Performances began daily at 8:30 am and concluded at 5:00 pm. Highlights included Wednesday night with a Big Band extravaganza featuring  the KCKCC Jazz Ensemble and the New Vintage Big Band. Donations were accepted in the KCKCC PAC. Thursday included the Kansas City Jazz Heritage "Basically Basie" competition.  The competing bands chose three Count Basie tunes and tried to replicate the sound, style and the joy of the Basie band.

 

A bunch of punk bands performed at an outdoor BBQ in Hillsdale on Saturday night. Police shut it down for a bit, but let it continues as long as the bands used no more curse worlds. A great time was had by all.

 

 

            This week Eric Bikales is doing his third session at Wildwood Recording Studio in Franklin, TN. He's working on a solo piano album that will hopefully be ready to go by the beginning of summer. The piano at Wildwood is absolutely world-class, as is the studio itself with Brendan Harkin at the controls. Sherry Carlisle-Smith was there for moral support at Eric's second session and snapped a couple of pictures. Eric hopes to post them online soon. He'll keep everyone posted as to progress and when the CD will become available. For those in the Nashville area, Bikales will be playing some songs from the session at Miller Piano Specialties' "Writers Night" coming up this Thursday. Check out the details on the Miller website. The evening will feature guitar wonder Larry Knight, and Eric & Larry will be playing some tunes together. There will be an after party and open jam at Wild Wings next door.

 

            It's official! Keith Mitchell is once again fronting KC/s Shooting Star. The band played on Friday night.

 

In a small KC apartment recently, a group of musicians gathered. Click here: Kansas City Star : KC ensemble to deliver Beck's 'Song Reader'

 

            This is one last reminder of this year's Merle Jam Blues Night on Saturday, May 4, at Knucklehead's Saloon in Kansas City. Two-time Grammy winner Delbert McClinton will be joined by Samantha Fish, Kris Lager Band, Stacy Mitchhart, Amanda Wish and The Back Porch Blues Band. It is a celebration that showcases the success of organ donation. New proceeds from the event help heart transplant recipients with uncovered medical expenses. There is a chance of rain this year.

 

            Megan Birdsall has her first jazz show in a couple of months coming up on Saturday, May 4 from 8-10 pm at Take Five Bar & Cafe in Leawood. It will feature TJ Martley on piano, Bob Bowman on bass and Tim Cambron on drums.

 

            Join Jimmy Dee & Fabulous Destinations May 4 in Sharon Springs for the tenth annual Wallace County Cruisers Car & Bike Show.

Kent Downing reports that he's all sold out of the first batch of the Bike Power Problems Are Cool EP. He will be making some more in the next week or so, complete with bar codes for the record stores. Kent is also thrilled about recording a new EP with Woody Records during the rest of May so he will have both at Bike Power shows this summer and beyond.

 

A remastered version of Chris Burnett's 1999 album Time Flies is now available. Click here: World Wide Web.

 

            The Bark N Blues Festival / 5K Run & 1 Mile Dog Walk is coming June 8 to Franklin Park in Prairie Village. This free concert will feature five musical acts. It's a fundraiser for Animal Rescue & Foster Groups. Take a lawn chair and some loose change. Unleashed pets are welcome. There is no admission, donations only. This is a great day to spend with your pet while helping others.

 

            Sober Overdose is back, releasing their debut album Nothing to Lose. The release party June 13 at Aftershock Live Music Venue in Merriam includes performances from Sober Overdose, Saliva, Southern Pain, Unwritten Rulz, and Haunting Shies.

 

There will be a gathering of old musicians June 27 at Shawnee Lake in Topeka, shelter house #3 from 5-11 pm. BYOB. Play with old friends from the Jerms, Echo Cliff, etc.

            The last such gathering was attended by Bill Ingram, Eve Keenen, Jake Jacoby, Mike Doyle, Tom Chapman and many others.

            Artisthead Music presents the official re-release of the cult classic Topper album At Last after 36 years, including two previously unreleased songs. Originally released in 1977, with only 5000 copies printed, At Last quickly became a sought-after item and a rare find indeed. A must-have for collectors who've been seeking quality copies of this classic 70's album for decades. Buy it now from www.ow.ly/kgah1.

            Read an interview with Jim Hodges and Rudy Passonno here: www.artisthead.com/artistead-music-re-releases-the-cult-classic-1977-topper-album-at-last-after-36-years/.

 

            The Piano Placement Program in Kansas City donates pianos to low-income families, churches, schools or community centers that could not otherwise afford a piano. Piano moving and tuning expenses are also donated by Keys 4/4 Kids. Most recipients are referred by their collaborative partner MusicLink or based on a recommendation from a music teacher.

To apply for the Piano Placement program, please provide the following information and send to this email keys44kids@gmail.com:

-Letter of recommendation from a musical mentor to demonstrate musical scholarship

-Statement from the applicant to demonstrate musical aspiration

-One of the following to demonstrate financial need:

     (1) most recent IRS tax return

     (2) free or reduced price school lunch enrollment

     (3) paystubs from last 2 months.

Selected applicants for the program are chosen based on financial need and quality of application. Info will be reviewed, and group will respond with Piano Placement Program updates.

 

            Greg Mackender has composed many scores for KC's Unicorn Theatre over the years. Thanks to the internet, his brother Gary was able to contribute the accordion parts for the current show, My Name is Asher Lev.           

 

            Kathryn Lorenzen has returned from Nashville, where she sat in on the mastering of her long-in-the-works new album. She sends thanks out to Kelley Hunt & Al Berman for recommending Eric Conn at Independent Mastering. Fallin' showcases songs co-written with Beth Scalet and features great artists including Kelley, Laura Lynch, Pat Tomek, Chad Watson, Brad Swanson, Sebastian Alfie, Terry Swope, Julie Major, and a bunch more. Stay tuned for news of a big ol' honkin' release party in a couple of months.

 

            Inspired by the victims of Boston's recent bombings, former Topeka musician Jade Gurss was compelled to tell his own story of being an amputee. You can find the two-part story at this link: Click here: the jade gurss blog.

 

             Four years ago, Grisly Hand was a very different band. Click here: Patience pays off for Grisly Hand on new album, 'Country Singles' - KansasCity.com.

 

            Mike Shanin interviewed Tommy Ruskin and Julie Turner for KCPT. Click here: World Wide Web

 

KCPT, Kansas City's public television station, is acquiring radio station KTBG. The report in The Kansas City Star indicates that KCPT intends to retain the current music format. Even so, a bit of specialty programming doesn't seem unlikely. Click here: World Wide Web.

 

            Trumpeter/bandleader Roger Walls moved from Wichita to Montreal years ago. He has been a major player on the Montreal scene ever since. He's preparing for the upcoming Jazz Fest while continuing his regular gigs. He has been playing at the House of Jazz the first Tuesday every month for three years. You can also catch him at Montreal Blues & Jazz with his 40 year long time piano friend Timmy Jackson. He also does Saturday night shows with other bands. He has a Jewish big band that he directs for charity hospital concerts. Walls put out a CD awhile back that was number one up there for a few month, but he doesn't have it on the net yet except for wallsofsound/reverbnation.com or rogerwalls.com.

Shooting Star's set list from Saturday night is posted above.

 

Apparently Cole Tuckey had such a good time at last year's KMHOF induction ceremony & concert the they got together again in May and recoded four songs in Kansas City. They had some delays, but the songs were finally finished recently. Allen Weiss set up a web site for the songs, and they can now be found at www.coletuckey.com.

 

Reviews

Click here: Many Moods of Dad - "The Consequence of Trying" | I Heart Local Music

Click here: Album review: Soft Reeds - Blank City

Click here: Album review: Fourth of July - Empty Moon

Click here: Album review: Cowboy Indian Bear - Live Old, Die Young

 

Beginning with their regular gig in the Plantation Grill at Kansas City's Muehlebach Hotel, the Coon-Sanders Nighthawk Orchestra in the 1920s took the Midwest, and then the entire nation, by storm. UMKC jazz expert Chuck Haddix followed the rise and fall of the band that had hit recordings like "Yes Sir, That's My Baby," "When You're Smiling," "The Flippity Flop," "Kansas City Kitty," "I Ain't Got Nobody," "Harlem Madness," and "What A Girl! What A Night!"  Sunday, April 21 at Central Library.

 

It's been three years since Lawrence's Fourth of July put out new music. They had a CD release party at The Brick in KC last Friday night. The band talks with David Hudnall about their new album. Click here: Lawrence lifers Fourth of July on their new album, Empty Moon | Bonus Tracks | The Pitch

 

            Lawrence bands Quiet Corral and Brain Food played at KC's RecordBar Friday night. Brain Food also participated in semifinals of KJHK's Farmer's Ball at the Bottleneck in Lawrence.

 

            Dead Voices celebrated the release of its self-titled EP with two performances over the weekend. Click here: On debut EP, Dead Voices displays a cosmic web of sounds and influences - KansasCity.com.

 

            The Kansas City Blues Society thanks everyone at the 4^th Annual Muddy Waters Celebration on Saturday. Thanks to all the special guests, John Stuerke (Junebug), Tony Anderson, Karen Baum, Penelope, Jimmy Tasoulas (Taz), Sean McDonnell, and all the rest. To Susan Barrett & Rick Cooper for all their work…to Sherlock's Underground for the great service and being supporters of live music…and to Alex Boyd who played drums all night, and Coyote Bill (Bartelt) for lining up the guests and playing all night. To the Blues Sistas, the Bluesicas, and to everyone who bought CDs, T-shirts and other merchandise.

 

            Van McLain says he had a great time in Topeka Saturday night as a judge for the battle of the bands. It was a very tough decision picking who will open for Shooting Star Saturday, April 27 at TPAC. All the bands had their own unique thing going and were worthy. Congratss to the winners, Slow You Roll, Chris Aytes, and The Good Ambition.

 

Tate Stevens performs tonight to wrap up a two night stand at the Midland in Kansas City before the release of his debut album. Click here: On debut album, Tate Stevens sells working-class country life - KansasCity.com

 

            Check out The Deli Magazine's interview with Lawrence's Black on Black. They'll be releasing their EP Let's Get Cynical on April 23 at the Replay Lounge.  Click here: Band Spotlight: Black on Black.

 

            Soft Reeds has a new album out this week called Blank City. Release date is April 23, but you can go to Amazon.com and listen to samples of all the tracks. www.amzn.co/15efcxE.

 

            Cowboy Indian Bear will have an album release party at Davey's Uptown Rambler's Club in Kansas City Thursday, April 25 at 6:00 pm.

 

Sometimes, all you want out of a Friday night are the basics: a couple of gritty Americana acts at a local venue and, let's say, nine domestic beers. That is actually what we want every Friday night, and this week Davey's Uptown Rambler Club delivers it. Howard Iceberg's sad-eyed lit-rock tunes have earned him a kind of living-saint status in the Kansas City music community. He sets the stage for the Sawyers, a medium-gruff folk-rock act led by songwriter John Greiner with Bonnie Montgomery.

 

            The House Jumpers (featuring Marvin & Cathy Hunt) will be on KKFI April 27 for the band auction. They will spin some recordings from their new album Sure Footed Baby on House Rent Records. The show is The Blues Kitchen, and the Hunts start at 9:30 am. Go to www.housejumpersband.com for more info.

            Other bands on the radio station's auction schedule include:

            Tuesday, April 23

                        4:30 pm Out of the Blue

                        5:00 pm Mark Montgomery

                        5:30 pm Underhouse Dogs

            Thursday, April 25

                        7:30 am Groondale

            Friday, April 26

                        9:30 am Jake and Adrianna

                        10:00 am Two Headed Cow

                        10:30 am The Depth & The Whisper

                        11:30 am 'Dolls on Fire

                        5 pm Stovepipe and Jazzy Jazz

                        7:30 pm Trublood

            Saturday, April 27

                        8:30 am Briar

                        9:00 am Rich Berry

                        10:00 am Brody Buster Band

                        10:30 am Wild Women of Kansas City

            Sunday, April 28

                        10:00 am Colin Goodwin

                        10:30 am Christopher Macnee

                        11:00 am Whiskey for the Lady

                        11:30 am The Politickers

                        12:00 pm KC Ukesters

            EVERYBODY WINS! Non-profit community radi station receives the finds. The band receives exposure on a 100,000 watt FM station. And the winning bidder receives a concert by talented local musicians. KKFI's diverst broadcast schedule is reflected by the genres of the participating bands: blues bands, jazz bands, reggae bands, alt-rock and country bands, folk bands and eclectic.

                       

            The latest in the Sonic Spectrum Tribute Series at the RecordBar in Kansas City will be a salute to glam rock Sunday, April 28 featuring the Vi Tran Band, Gliterdick (members of Drew Black & Dirty Electric, the Quivers and Bad Wheels) and Soft Reeds. This is an 18+ show. Tickets are $10, and doors open at 7.

 

            The Healers (above) are returning to Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City for a CD/DVD release party Monday, April 29 at 8 pm. Jimmy Hall, Reese Wynans, Samantha Fish, Danielle & Kris Schnebelen and Kate Moss will be together again for on night only. Admission is $12. If you don't have the CD/DVD yet, get a copy at the show. If you already have a copy take it with you to get it autographed.

 

Some of Kansas City's finest musicians will tackle the newest offering from recording artist, Beck. In lieu of an album, CD or digital download, Beck has released twenty new songs strictly in sheet music format. It is up to the performer to read, learn and interpret the music. Beck will not be recording or releasing these songs. The following musicians will be performing Song Reader. Mark Lowrey, Shay Estes, Jeff Harshbarger, Matt Leifer, Jeff Stocks, Dominique Sanders, Ryan Heinlein, Clint Ashlock, Brett Jackson and Bill McKemy.  Mark Lowrey & The Project H Present: Song Reader, 20 New Songs by Beck with special guests Shay Estes and Jeff Harshbarger.  Friday, May 3rd.  Record Bar. $10 cover, ages 18+.  The Project H 10:30 pm.  Song Reader 11:30 pm.

Knock Kneed Sally has wrapped up the recording of their 3rd CD Gimme Some Biscuit with CD release on May 3  A successful Kickstarter campaign helped to fund the mixing and mastering.  The CD release and Kickstarter backers party is at BB's Lawnside BBQ in Kansas City. The all original CD is a mix of hot uptempo blues and searing emotional lyrics that the band hopes will connect with friends and fans. The 13 songs are a work of love and will be birthed May 3.

 

The American Jazz Museum is pleased to announce the debut performance of internationally renowned jazz great, Bobby Watson's new "I Have A Dream Band" project in residence at the Blue Room on the corner of historic 18th & Vine in Downtown Kansas City.  Watson's new band performrf both, Friday, May 17th and Saturday, May 18th in the Blue Room. Bobby Watson's "I Have A Dream Band" features the artistry of Glenn North (spoken word); Hermon Mehari (trumpet/flugel horn); Curtis Lundy (bass); Richard Johnson (piano); Eric Kennedy (drums); and, alto saxophonist, Watson.

 

            The Bark N Blues Festival will be June 8 from 8:30 am until 7 pm in Franklin Park, 87^th & Roe, in Prairie Village. Featured performers will be Samantha Fish, Jeremy Butcher & the Bail Jumpers, the Josh Vowell Band, June Bug & the Porch Lights and Taylor Kline. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

 

St. Joe's Dolewite stands apart. Click here: Dolewite sells it on the weekend | Interview | The Pitch

 

Artopia, the annual Pitch-sponsored party at Screenland Crossroads, is a reliably weird cele­bration of art, fashion, food and, yes, music. In addition to burlesque performances, live painting and free shit from Accurso's Italian Restaurant, the Melting Pot, Grace's Best Cookies, Tallgrass Brewing and Smirnoff, $25 ($30 day of event) gets you a nice smattering of local music. Slated to perform: heartland rockers John Velghe and the Prodigal Sons, singer-songwriter Vi Tran, and DJs Brad Ireland and Joc Max.

 

            Mike Brewer & Tom Shipley (above), who both celebrated birthdays earlier this month spent their special days on the road.

            Listen to a Rockford, IL's radio interview with Michael Brewer online. Click here: 104.9 The X Rocks WXRX Interviews - Podcast with.

 

            Kerwin Young of Public Enemy is studying music composition at the KMKC Conservatory and Music and Dance. Click here: Rock hall inductee Kerwin Young of Public Enemy attends UMKC - KansasCity.com.

 

The Olathe FREE Summer Concert series began in 2000. Each year it showcases top quality, cutting edge artists featuring a variety of family friendly genres of music. Thanks to the support from the population at large and our generous sponsors, we are accomplishing that goal. Over the past 13 years the Olathe Parks and Recreation Department has presented local, regional, national and international performers. Some of these artists are in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, have won numerous Grammy Awards, have written #1hits on the Billboard charts, won Blues Music Awards, Country Music Awards and are in the Kansas Music Hall of Fame.

            The series brings not only music to Olathe, but community giving. Each show a local charity is recognized and concert goers are encouraged to make donations. In the last 8 years more than $127,000 has been given back by the more than 15,000 a year attendees

            June 7 - Sam Bush and Monsters ink

June 14 - Exile and Selby/Mills/LeMaire

June 28 - Mike Zito and Samantha Fish

July 19 - Mingo Fishtrap and The Band Of Heathens

July 26 - Liverpool

                                                                                  

 

            The Pedaljets, the vintage underground rock act from Kansas, has reunited and will be releasing their first new album in 23 years. What's In Between is due out June 25, but The A.V. Club is streaming the record's first single, "Terra Nova," exclusively now.

            The Pedaljets launched in Lawrence in 1984 and opened for Husker Du, The Flaming Lips, The Replacements, and The Meat Puppets before breaking up in 1990, shortly after the release of their disappointing second record, which the band says was rushed out by the label before it was ready. Back in 2006, the band started hanging out again and re-recorded that self-titled second record, making it into something they could actually tolerate. Since that went well, the band started working on the new material that is now coming out as What's In Between.

            The record was mixed by John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr., Sonic Youth, Hold Steady) and features art by The Sea And Cake's Archer Prewitt.

 

            Jason Peverett, son of the late Lonesome Dave of Savoy Brown and Foghat fame, writes a blog called "The Peverett Phile: and often interviews musicians. He did an interesting one with KMHOF multiple inductee Mike Finnigan four years ago. Click here: The Peverett Phile: The Peverett Phile Interviews: Mike Finnigan.

 

            Jerry's Bait Shop in Lee's Summit has been sold and is closing for remodeling until about May 6. At that point, the new name will be Konrad's Kitchen & Tap Room. Show s already scheduled there are still on.

 

Reviews

Click here: Album review: The Silver Maggies - My Pale Horse

 

                       

           

The above is what’s left of the Oak Lodge near the old Baldwin Junction on US 59 south of Lawrence. The Runabouts and the Continentals were just two of the bands that often played there.

 

            Ronni Ward is recovering from major breast cancer surgery last week. Following a 5.7 hour surgery, she is home in Tonganoxie with her husband Ted, who is in charge of TLC.

 

            KKFI’s 25^th Anniversary 2013 Band Auction has begun. Here’s how it works: KKFI will showcase local solo acts and bands for 30 minutes on the station’s music programs. Listeners call in to bid. High bidder during that 30 minutes gets the band or solo perfomer for a two hour gig. It’s a great way to book live music for your birthday, anniversary, graduation, block, company or just for-the-heck-of-it party. Link to the Spring_2013_Band_Auction schedule.

            Among the musicians taking part in the KKFI auction is KMHOF lifetime member and inductee is Riverrock leader Dan Smith. He’ll do a 45 minute solo set for the high bidder Tuesday between 6:30-7:00 am.

 

Last Friday Topeka jazz fans could find it throughout the day on the stage of White Concert Hall as Washburn University hosted its 26th annual Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival, which saw 18 local and regional, college, high school and middle school jazz ensembles perform for nationally recognized jazz educators who critiqued their performances.

A free jazz concert capped the festival. It featured  pianist Sean Parsons, who teaches jazz at Marshall University, performing with the Washburn University Jazz Ensemble I. Also playing were saxophonists Arthur White, from the University of Missouri; Todd Wilkinson, Ottawa University; and Washburn’s own Craig Treinen. The Kansas City-based Bill Crain Group headlined the concert.

 

The sixth annual “Music ... Just What the Doctor Ordered” was held Sunday afternoon at Topeka’s First United Methodist Church, featuring local health professionals performing in a fundraiser for Marian Clinic and HealthAccess, which both offer medical and dental services to the low-income uninsured.

           A freewill offering was gathered at the concert, performers at which included: Dr. James Hamilton Trio, Dr. Grace Morrison, Dr. Kurt Knappenberger, The Rip Chords, Dr. Scott Teeter, Dr. Paul Kindling, Dr. Steve Crouch, Dr. Craig Yorke and Dr. Joseph Sargent.

 

Mosh Pit raises money for groups that help pit bulls that need rescue and sheler. A fundraiser on Saturday had a diverse lineup with some of the best bands and musicians in Kansas City. In order of appearance: Grand Marquis; Anthony Ladesich & the Johnstown Flood; Filthy Thirteen; Gentlemen Savage; the Pedaljets; and Dolls on Fire.

 

In April 2005 Melissa Etheridge (left) was named one of Time Magazine’s “Most Influential People” for her inspirational life and career. The Leavenworth native has been an inspiration to many.

 

            Robin Macy sings from her heart and from the heartland on a collection of songs that blend sophisticated musicality, lyrics rooted in the black Kansas soil and brilliant accompaniment by an all-star cast. Songs from the Garden, Robin's first solo effort, draws on all of the forces at her disposal: her strong, other-era voice, gifted songwriting, network of exceptional musician friends and inspiration from Bartlett Arboretum, the bountiful patch of nature she calls home.

Musicians from Nashville to Austin to Portland – Kentucky White, Darol Anger, Chris Searles, Stuart Duncan, Sara Hickman, Monica Taylor and others – stepped forward to help with this project. From the first track's salute to simplicity to the last song's testament to the healing power of digging in the earth, this collection is a tribute to the importance of finding your own roots and following your heart.

Original cover and booklet design by Jo and Craig Tomson perfectly capture Robin's spirit, and that of the music – making this one album that's as visually entrancing as it is musically engaging. Proceeds exclusively benefit Bartlett Arboretum.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Songs From the Garden may be purchased in the Wichita area at Johnson's Garden Centers. If you prefer, send $18 check or money order to:
Bartlett Arboretum
Post Office Box 871
Belle Plaine, Kansas 67013

Also Available via iTunes and Amazon MP3.

 

KC SuperStar auditions are coming up in just 3 weeks. DON'T MISS THIS! KC SuperStar is a unique opportunity for any high school singers you may know. Now in its 4th year, KC SuperStar is an American Idol style singing competition for high school students in the Kansas City area. There is no fee to participate, and the winner receives a $7500 scholarship. 2nd and 3rd place receive $2500 and $1000.

            Auditions are Sunday, April 21 1-5 pm at Union Station and Sunday, April 28 1-5 pm at the Jewish Community Campus is Overland Park. The Semifinals are Monday, June 3, and the finals are Sunday, August 25.

            Previous winners are Erick Patrick, 2012 from Olathe; Michaelah Burns, 2011 from Blue Springs, and Stephen Baldwin, 2010 from Lee’s Summit.

 

            Amy Farrand & the Gospel Sensation and The Phillistines (Kimberely Queen, Cody Wyoming, Amy Farrand and Natural E.) will be playing Thursday, April 18 at the Brick in Kansas City. Early show at 9 pm.

 

            Fast Johnny Ricker returns to the Trouser Mouse in Blue Springs Friday, April 19.

 

            The sixth annual Beyond the Blues fundraiser takes place 6-10 pm Saturday, April 20, at the Armacost Museum in Grandview, MO. This event is to raise money for Mental Health America of the Heartland (MHAH) with BBQ, a cash bar, dancing, auctions, raffles and lindy hop dancers. The Blues Notions w/Joe Miquelon & Todd Wilkinson, plus Millie Edwards will be joined be the Lindy Hop Dancers and local star emcees.

            Kansas City’s Gentlemen of Jump are making a rare appearance (Tom “Trashmouth” Baker, Tim Osburn, Cardy Quintero, Professor David Creaigton, and Bill Dye for Karl Angerer). The Blues Notions exemplify the KC tradition from the Count Basie/Jay McShann/Big Joe Turner era and also are partial to Chicago style blues. They represented Kansas City three times at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, taking third pace in 1991.

            The Notions will be joined by saxmen Joe Miquelon (the Elders) and Dr. Todd Wilkinson (Ottawa University professor, former Boko Maru band leader), plus special guest Millie Edwards, a Wild Woman with a big voice and even bigger heart, who has made tremendous contributions to the KC jazz and blues scenes.

            For tickets, contact www.beyondtheblueskc.org or 913-281-2221. No tickets will be sold at the door, only advance sales. $40 tickets are limited to 250 adults. Address will be given at the time of ticket purchase. Free parking will be provided.

 

            A new weekly blues jam, “Blues Brews & BBQ,” begins April 21 at Thirsty Ernie’s in Raymore, MO. It’s on Sundays from 4-8 pm.

 

The Healers DVDs arrived last week and were shipped to those who pre-ordered them.

 

            If you preorder The Terror from the Flaming Lips online store, you can get an added bonus. You’ll now receive an instant download of the Lipss’ verson of “All You Need Is Love,” the Beatles classic. Click here: The Flaming Lips Official Store - Music, CDs, T-Shirts, Merchandise.

 

Emmy award winning composer and performer Connie Dover will join Bukeka Shoals, a nationally recognized singer, songwriter and speaker in a moving evening open to the public to benefit a meaningful and powerful cause. LoveLight is inspiring South African children, through Unity and Ubuntu, to express their fullest potential. Find out how important these children are and how their parents are dying of HIV/AIDS pandemic. Learn about the unemployment and poverty and how these children through amazing hope and resilience are showing us how to be lights in this world. The concert is at the Unity Church of Overland Park April 27 at 7 pm. There will be a reception at 6:30.

Connie Dover is an American singer-songwriter who primarily writes and performs Celtic music and American folk music. Born in Arkansas and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, she started her career playing bluegrass before joining Celtic band Scartaglen in the early 1980s. In the 1990s, she began a solo career and has released four solo albums since 1991's Somebody, all on the Taylor Park Music label, with noted Scottish musician Phil Cunningham of Silly Wizard serving as producer. She completed recording a CD of traditional Christmas songs and carols with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, entitled The Holly and the Ivy, which was released in 2008.

 

            On May 25 at 10pm, KC’s Riot Room will welcome, from New York City, the godfather of Kansas City DJ culture, Ray Velasquez for a rare return engagement. The man who defined and refined the soundtrack of Kansas City nightlife in clubs, on radio, and in print from 1983 to 1999 with iconic nights at Eyes, The Beat Cave, Krypton, Mondo Disco, Deep and Goove Indigo; provocative music and culture criticism as a columnist for Pitch Weekly and The Note; and of course, with his long running, ground breaking electronic music radio program, Nocturnal Transmission, presents ISabotage!, an incendiary fusion of indie-dance, avant-pop, classic and contemporary electronic block rockin’ beats. 26 years after first performing alternative dance music on the Riot Room’s deck.

 

            Topekans will get to relive the 80s this summer when Tracer returns. The popular party band will have a reunion June 8 at the Boobie Trap Bar. Tracer will return with Les Roediger, Jeff Peyton, Jon Blake and special guest bassist James Drewlow (of Head First fame). RPS will be appearing also with all four of the original members: Chuck Higgins, Todd Kroker, Bob Brown and Robbie Cairns. Steel Child 202, featuring Shawn Thompson of Steelplated, Chip Janda of Rothchild, and Todd Breckenridge of Code 202. The frontman for the group is under wraps for now. Another act is being sought.

 

            The Miami County Arts Coalition is sponsoring an appearance by Listen Mister June 15 on the Paola Park Square. The show starts at 7 pm.

 

Contemporary Christian recording artists and band Grandeur is based out of Blue Springsi. They are currently in the studio under the guidance of recording engineer and producer Robert Rebeck along with legendary mastering engineer David Donnelly at DNA Mastering Studios in Woodland Hills, California. Both Robert and David bring a wealth of music production and major label experience. The 12 song debut album is scheduled to be released in June 2013 on Purge Records. Their single “That’s Why” has been released already.

 

            Bonnie Raitt and her band, which includes Mike Finnigan (left), have finished their South Pacific tour and will be touring the US & Canada in Oct/Nov/Dec. The first of these shows to be announced is October 6 at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA. Pre-sale and benefit tickets go on sale April 17.

 

Wichita’s Catfish Cowboys, a working country band, is looking for a drummer. This is a permanent position. Call Woody at 316-209-6643 if you’re interested.

 

            Wichita musician Cody Harmor is looking to form a brass quartet. Instrumentation isn’t important, meaning it can be two trumpets , a trombone and tube; it can be tuba, euphonium, French horn and trumpet, etc. Cody is looking for three others to perform at weddings and other events. He’s planning on weekly practices. Contact Cody at 316-765-5307 or on Facebook.

            Awhile back, about 50 music friends of Howard Iceberg put on a show for him, covering songs he’s written. A video has been mixed down and can be seen on YouTube. Look for “Howard Iceberg Tribute Show.” There are 19 videos available.

 

            This month’s singer-songwriter night at the Longbranch Saloon in Lenexa Thursday, April 25, will feature special guest Jonathan Theobald (left). The music starts at 7:30.

 

            Drew Black & Dirty Electric have a CD release show with The Caves, The Sluts and Knife Crime at the Riot Room in KC Saturday, April 27 at 8 pm. Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door. The album what KC journalist David Hudnall calls “a new contender for the worst song I have ever heard in my life.”

 

           The 2013 lineup for the Jazz in the Woods festival in Kansas City has been announced. Greg Adams and East Bay soul, Tony DeSare and Marc Antoine will perform on Friday, June 14. Peter White, Julian Vaughn, the David Wells/Chris Geith Project and Vincent Ingals will perform on Saturday, June 15.

 

One of the competitors on the current season of the NBC music reality show The Voice is a former KU student. 18-year-old Caroline Glaser withdrew from KU to shoot for a music career. She sang Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" on the show. 

 

Members of the KC based, super band Dead Voices will be on KKFI’s Wednesday MidDay Medley April 17, 10-noon, to talk about and share music from their new six-song EP that will be released April 20. Band members are David Regrier, Jason Beers, Matt Richey, Michael Stover, and sometimes Marco Pasconlini & Lauren Krum. For Dead Voices music, check out www.myspace.com/deadvoiceskc.

            Ben Grimes of Soft Reeds will also be on the next Wednesday MidDay Medley on KKFI. He’ll talk about his band’s upcoming release Blank City from The Record Machine. Soft Reeds will have an album release party at the Riot Room on April 26.

 

2013 Irish Gala - Kansas City, Thursday, April 18

There are still a few tickets available for the Irish Gala at Union Station. The evening includes a cocktail reception, Irish-inspired dinner, and a concert by The Elders. Pat O'Neill, Chief Creative Officer for O'Neill Marketing and Event Management, will be honored at the event with the John J. Sullivan, Jr. Foundation Humanitarian Award.  Event time 6:00-10:00pm

Click here for complete details http://www.irishcenterkc.org/events-2-2/irish-gala/.

 

Three days, 45 bands, free jazz performances are coming April 18-20 in Kansas City. Click here: 18th & Vine / MCC Penn Valley Jazz Festival Schedules | American Jazz Museum

 

Vinyl Renaissance, Kansas City's largest music and audio stores, has moved its Kansas store to Downtown Overland Park. VR has opened its new store in the Historic Ford Building at 7932 Santa Fe Dr. The Missouri store remains at 1415 West 39 St. In addition to 50,000 new and used records & CDs, VR is an authorized dealer of quality

 

Those whose tastes run to bluegrass and old-time country songs can take in “Bluegrass and Apple Jam,” the revival of a musical revue the Karen Hastings Players presented over a decade ago at the Dale Easton Barn Theatre at Apple Valley Farm. The cast includes Rick Bixler, Jared Caudle, Shirley Gorman, Judd Mason, Teri Walton and Ceci Yager.

“Bluegrass and Apple Jam” will be offered as dinner theater Fridays and Saturdays through April 27 at the Break Room, 911 S. Kansas Avenue in Topeka. Doors open at 6 pm. Tickets, which include a choice of entree, are $37.89. Call 380-SHOW or go to www.breakroomdowntown.com for reservations.

 

Every second Wednesday, the Hall of Famers Jam takes place at Cutters in Eudora. Hosts are KMHOF inductees Jimmy "Sweet Lips" Wilson, Johnny Isom and Paul Miller, with Chris Beilman. If you're a musician and/or singer and would like to participate in the jam, take your gear and talk to the host band when you arrive. Drum set and bass amp are provided, otherwise take your own instruments and amps.

 

Chris Aytes, his wife Reelle Aytes and Josh Hartranft form the band Chris Aytes & The Good Ambition, which participated in the Breakthrough House Battle of the Bands fundraiser on Friday night at Tailgators. Click here: Chris Aytes/Good Ambition releases second 'debut' album | CJOnline.com

 

The People’s Liberation Big Band played the RecordBar in Kansas City yesterday. They are as unique as they are inventive: No one in town takes music into other orbits and galaxies like the freewheeling People’s Liberation Big Band. This collective of jzz musicians, according to blog Kcjazzlark, “takes chances, sometimes outrageous ones. And sometimes those chances don’t work. But when the work, the results can be spectacular.’ Either way, it’s always fun to go along for the ride.

 

After almost two years of hosting Sunday jams around Kansas City, Crosseyed Cat held its last Sunday jam at Groove Station yesterday. Groove Station is carrying on, but the Cats are going to start spending Sundays with family, yard work, bike rides, and maybe even possibly jamming around town for fun! If you haven't been to the Groove Station's Sunday jam come on out for the Great Food, Big Screens, Pool Tables, Buckets of Beer, Big Dance Floor and of course all the Blues you can handle!

 

Help Alice Sweet Alice “go global.” Click here: HELP ALICE SWEET ALICE ‘GO GLOBAL’!!!! | Day To Day ASA

 

 

Bill Lynch sponsored an event for the Ms. Foundation for Women at his house last week. Gloria Steinem (above) flew out from New York City to speak. She posed for this photo in Bill’s studio.

 

Reviews

Click here: Middle of the Map gives our local scene the spotlight it deserves - KansasCity.com

Click here: What's good and what sucks among recent local releases | CD Reviews | The Pitch

Click here: Kauffman swings to Benny Goodman tribute - KansasCity.com

 

                       

            The band lineup for The Ray Charles Project at The Kuumbwa in Santa Cruz, CA tonight (April 8) is Chris Cain, Glenn Walters, Dave Mathews, Dwayne Pate, Deszon Claiborne and Tony Lindsay.

 

We're looking forward to the Spring Music Festival, 6 to 7 pm Tuesdays, April 9 and 16, in Manhattan Town Center, downtown Manhattan. Open to youth in grades K-12 who want to perform onstage and compete for prizes in vocal, instrumental and dance categories. Registration: www.manhattantowncenter.com.

 

Alaturka will play at the Kansas City Academy, 7933 Main Street, on Friday, April 12 at 7 pm. The band members are Beau Bledsoe (guitar), Rich Wheeler (tenor sax), Jeff Harshbarger (bass) and Brandon Draper (percussion). General admission tickets are $10. Preferred seating is $15.

 

Saturday, April 13 hear Jennifer Collier & Jennifer Bassett, Passive Takeover, Camry Ivory, The Old Crows, and Dollar Fox at the MMUN Fundraiser, a fundraiser for Border Star Montessori. It's an all-ages afternoon show (noon-5) at KC's RecordBar. Help send a pack of KC sixth-graders to NYC.

 

Kansas City singer-songwriter Laura Lisbeth has expanded her act to become a trio with the addition of Gerry Monks on acoustic lead guitar and Gregory Canseco on acoustic bass. Their next performance will be Saturday, April 13 at 4:00 pm, at Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery, where they perform on the patio to celebrate the winery's 4th Anniversary.

 

            Lee McBee joins Mike Morgan & the Crawl Friday April 19 at Uncle Bo's in Topeka.

 

            Al Meeker, one of The Roadmaster drummers for over 20 years and the drummer with RocknRick's Boogie Leggin' Blues Band, has stage four cancer. He returned home from the hospital last week with the news that his stomach has a lot of tumors, and he has started his chemo. . He is a father as well as a grandfather and works at the Kansas City Art Institute as a maintenance painter. Please attend The Al Meeker Benefit at the Trouser Mouse in Blue Springs Sunday, April 14 from 2-10 pm. There will be a drum circle at the closing so take congas, bongos, and whatever percussion you care to so you can be apart of Al's fundraiser!  You can mail donations to KCBPS (Kansas City Blues Preservation Services) in care of Al Meeker Benefit Fund, PO Box 480682, Kansas City, MO 64148.  Donations go directly to Al and his family. Checks should be made out to Al Meeker.

 

April is a busy month for Moreland & Arbuckle with shows in IA, IN, IL, LA, KS, MO & CO, including a show back home in Wichita. In other news, things are moving along beautifully with their new album. 7 Cities is slated for early release in Europe on May 17. It will be available here in North America on July 30.

 

            The Monophonics, who were in Lawrence last week, will have a new Cover EP this summer. It will include songs by artists and groups like Lee Moses, The Invincibles, Black Merda, Cane & Able, Nu People and Curtis Mayfield.

 

            Blue Things fans have talked for years about getting together, and Val Stecklein's sister Marti Herring is trying to get something organized in Hays this summer. She could use some help, so if you are in that area and want to get involved, please contact her on Facebook or Bill Lee, who will get you in touch with her.

            One of Val's sons (Sean Green) has posted an unreleased song by Val online. It's a rough sixty second mixdown from the master tape. It's called "Let's Talk it Over in the Morning." He is working on restoring some old tapes, so we can expect more. Click here: Val Stecklein

 

            Betty's Runway in Wichita is now hosting a blues jam every Tuesday night from 8-11 pm. After many requests for this they hope it is supported. Once a month was simply not enough.

            Take your voice, your harp, your guitar, your bass, your sticks, your horn, or whatever instrument you use to play those lowdown dirty blues. 

 

            KSHB-TV turned the spotlight on Kansas City legend Mama Ray last week. Click here: Musical group Mama Ray combines jazz and blues - KCLive.tv.

One of Kansas City's best known and most popular pianists, Tim Whitmer, headlined the last in the 2012-13 "Jazz by the Lake" series at Kansas City Kansas Community College last  Thursday, April 4. The director of the "Spirituality and All That Jazz" programs at Unity on the Plaza, Whitmer  performed from noon-1 pm in Conference Center adjacent to the Campus Lake on the KCKCC campus at 7250 State Avenue.  Whitmer was joined by Grammy-nominated guitarist Rod Fleeman and James Albright on bass. The performance was open to the public without charge.

 

KC's Janelle Monae is on the cover of the new May issue of Essence, which hit the stands on April 5.

 

            Seventh Son Brewing in Columbus, OH, kicks off a musical series on April 13 with an early evening show featuring a set by Karlee and Bill Goffrier (the latter of Big Dipper and Kansas legends The Embarrassment). All ages are welcome. If it's warm enough, they'll open the garage doors to let in the evening air.

 

            The 3 Legged Dawgs will debut their song "More That A Flag," a tribute to all past and present military. The band will be playing at 3 pm on Penn Avenue in downtown Independence, KS.

 

            Titan Records, The Vinyl Market, and RecordBar present the spring edition of the Pop-Up Record Store Sale. Several Midwestern vinyl dealers will be present to sell you all the music you've waited through the long, hard winter to buy. The RecordBar will be there for your food and drink needs. Don't miss this one afternoon only sale. Please invite anyone you know who loves music, too. Admission is free. All of the available dealer slots have been filled.

 

Rachel Black has been asked to sing at thee first ever Holocaust Commemoration event at KU on April 10 for Yom HaShoah, hosted by the LKCC and KU Hill. She is a third generation holocaust survivor and it means a lot to her and her family to be included. The event will be held at Alderson Auditorium at the Kansas Union at 7 pm. It will include a candle lighting by KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little and Lawrence mayor Bob Schumm.

 

            Wichita sax player Lisa Hittle (left) is featured in the April issue of Women's Focus.

 

            Shooting Star April 26 at the Buffalo Bar in St. Joe and April 27 at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. Sounds like a tour!

 

One of Coyote Bill (Bartelt)'s songs was chosen for Big City Blues Magazine's latest sampler CD. Now it's in the running for "Coolest Blues Song of 2013." You can vote, but only one vote per computer. Click here: Untitled Document

 

            A passion for music united the musicians who make up On the Shoulders of Giants, a Topeka metal core band that, from a young age, has gained popularity throughout the surrounding area. Click here: Local band rises On the Shoulders of Giants | CJOnline.com.

 

Washboard Chaz moved to New Orleans from Kansas City twelve years ago. He was recently interviewed there. Click here: Washboard Chaz on New Orleans — GoNOLA.com

 

The Kansas City Kansas Street Blues Festval is coming back to KCK in June but at the Old Quindaro Museum site. Check out the museum and grounds.

 

Joseph Fulgenzi won't be buying Jardine's jazz club…he's going to prison. This is devastating news for the people who still care about Kansas City jazz. There are a few more KC jazz clubs that have sprung up in the aftermath of Jardine's closing, but they're mostly half empty.

And so, Kansas City's signature art form continues "The Long Goodnight" as jazz becomes just another dead language they teach at UMKC, like Latin or American Literature.

 

On KKFI's Wednesday MidDay Nedket, Mark Manning will welcome as his co-host Marioon Merritt. They will talk with Paul & Brandon Draper, who will discusss Paul's new album, The Paul Draper Band, and their father and son concert April 13 at the Blue Room at the American Jazz Museum. The April 13 concert will include Paul Draper on Hammond B3, Rhodes, Clavinet, Wurlitzer and vocals; Brandon Draper on drums, percussion and vocals; Luke Polipnick on guitars; Ben Leifer on bass; Rich Wheeler on saxophone; and Hermon Mehari on trumpet.

 

It's a busy time for KMHOF inductee Bobby Watson. He and his 18^th & Vine Big Band performed Saturday evening at the Blue Room, and tonight his UMKC Consevatory Jazz Band plays at 7:30 this evening in White Recital Hall at UMKC. The UMKC 11 O'Clock Jazz Band, directed by Dan Thomas, is also on tonight's bill. Tickets ar $8, $6 for seniors, free for students.

 

            Pat Metheny's recording of John Zorn's "Tap: The Book of Angels, Vol. 20" will be released May 21. Click here: Nonesuch and Tzadik Simultaneously Release Pat Metheny's Recording of John Zorn's "Tap: The Book of Angels, Vol. 2

 

Eldar's recent activities are looked at by Pamela Espeland. Click here: Eldar breaks through with a new "Point of View" | bebopified

 

From a press release: Since her emergence onto the adult contemporary/urban jazz scene in the early 2000s, Carol Duboc has generously shared her wisdom and insight about love and romance in song-via both compelling original material and uniquely stylized covers of pop classics, as on her most recent recordings Songs For Lovers (2008) and Burt Bacharach Songbook (2009).  On her multi-faceted new album Smile, the sultry singer and songwriter-who penned songs for top pop/R&B artists like Patti Labelle, Chante Moore, Stephanie Mills and Jade before emerging as a solo artist-goes deeper emotionally than ever before…  Duboc co-produced Smile (and co-wrote all but one of its songs) with GRAMMY® nominated keyboardist, recording artist, composer and producer Jeff Lorber.

 

KKFI volunteers, staff and listeners acknowledge with regret Nilufar Movahedi's decision to resign as host of Saba (3:00 pm CT) and Sayeh (4:00 pm CT), Persian music and Farsi language programs that fit wonderfully into our Sunday afternoon schedule. During Nilufar's tenure, these shows brought to KKFI's listeners the best in Iranian music, along with news and other information aimed at educating us about the society and politics in this important region of the world. She did parts of her programs in English and parts in Farsi, but even those of us who don't understand a word of Farsi enjoyed all of her programming - it's been said of Nilufar truthfully that you could listen to her read the telephone book and enjoy it for hours. And the music and poetry....what a window into the soul of this part of our shared globe! We're happy that Nilufar will remain associated with the station, and wish her all the best in whatever new endeavors she takes on. But we hope to get her back on the air, at least intermittently, for the joy that would give us all. -- Mark Andruss, KKFI Programming Committee Chair

 

Britt Small of Festival has moved from Iowa to Key West, FL.

 

Reviews

Click here: Phil Neal & The Wornalls

Click here: Rounding up some releases from Middle of the Map performers | CD Reviews | The Pitch

Click here: Lost in the Stacks: 2012 music I'm getting around to now, pt. I | Three Imaginary Girls

Click here: Album review: Claire and the Crowded Stage - Technicolor (EP)

 

 

            KKFI in Kansas City needs bands to donate their time for the station's band auction. Each band will get a 30 minute interview on the radio including playing some of their music. Then the band volunteers to perform a two hour show for the highest bidder. If interested, contact Bill Claus at 816-994-7869.

           

            Al Meeker (below), drummer with KC's Boogie Leggin' Blues Band and also a Roadmaster informed us through RocknRick last week that he got home from the hospital with some really bad news. His stomach has a lot of tumors and chemo treatment is to start immediately. Al is a musician and has worked at the Kansas City Art Institute as a maintenance painter. A benefit will be held to help out.

 

            Musicians in need will benefit from a stellar line up that donated their performances for the PAT Bash at the Abode in Wichita on Sunday, March 24. Performing this year were Square One, The Sleep Truckers, Jenny Wood and the Watchers and the Jamie Quick Band. The PAT Fund was named in honor of Pat, one of Wichita's most beloved musicians, who passed away in 2004.

            The Pat Fund is a nonprofit resource for working area musicians unable to gig due to major illness, accident or medical emergency, or for their immediate survivors to address final expenses. Applications for assistance are reviewed by the PAT Fun Committee and acted upon in keeping with the urgency of the request.

            Contributions and memorial gifts sustain the PAT Fund. To make a donation at any time send your contributions to: The PAT Fund, c/o The Wichita Blues Society, PO Box 8272, Munger Station, Wichita, KS 67208. WBS is a nonprofit, 501©3 Kansas Corporation. Click here: Pat Bash 2013 Ball and Chain - YouTube.

 

            The trustees of the Dan Falley Memorial Fund and Scholarships are pleased to announce ten Shawnee County youth have been awarded Jam4Dan music scholarships ranging from $150 to $300. A special award this year is presented to Forrest Evans, a former Jam4Dan scholarship recipient. He has been named the Shirley Renner Memorial Scholar, which carries a stipend of $500. Ms. Renner, who passed away just before the event, supported the Jam4Dan effort from its inception.

            The ten students awarded scholarships, along with their instructors, are:

            Savannah Guy (Eric Olberg)

            Garrison Vernon (Shawn O'Trimble)

            Sophie Arvizu, Justin Carswell, and James Hensley (Chip Janda)

            Eric Smith, Michael Mendoza, and Tommy Stokes (Forrest Evans)

            Joel Wright and Alex Pferifer (Dave Schaffer)

            Scholarship applications contained three parts: a statement of need; the student's reflection on what his or her instrument/instruction means; and a teacher recommendation. With these awards, Jam4Dan has awarded nearly $12,000 since it began offering the scholarships in 2009. The proceeds from the inaugural event were used to help defray funeral costs of Dan Falley.

            The scholarships directly to the instructors and will provide from two to five months of free music lessons to the recipients.

            The trustees have not awarded all the scholarship dollars generated at this year's event, so look for upcoming announcements for a second opportunity to apply for a scholarship. The trustees have also discussed possibilities of using the remaining funds to sponsor 2013 scholarship renewals and/or outreach events at local elementary schools to raise musical awareness among the students.

            The 2013 Jam4Dan Trustees are: Mike Fox, Joel Edison, Tom Krebs, Danl Blackwood, J.C. Bloomar, Chris Aytes and Ed Carmona.

            For more info, visit www.jam4dan.com/scholarship.html.

 

            Billy Greer of the band Kansas has posted some clips from his forthcoming album Seventh Key on his website. Check them out at www.billygreer.com.

 

            Former Backlash bassist Danny Tallent is getting married this morning (April 1) at 9:30 in the Nemaha County Courthouse in Seneca. Congratulations, Danny!

            Eddie Lowery, of the band Esoneree, will appear on this week's Wednesday MidDay Medley with Alicia Dressman and Megan Zander from 10-noon of KKFI to talk about Jamnesty: Sights and Sounds to benefit Amensty International, Friday, April 5, 6-10 pm, at The Next Space Gallery in Kansas City's Crossroads.

            Lowery spent ten years in a Kansas prison on a wrongful conviction. He was exonerated in 203. He played music while in prison, but it wasn't until about a year after his release that he began to write hi own songs. In 2010, he helped form the band Exoneree with Darby Tillis, William Michael Dillon,, Raymond Towler and Antoine Day. All of these men were exonerated form prison after being wrongfully convicted. Organizations like Amnesty International and Innocence Project work to exonerate innocent people through DNA testing and reform the criminal justice system to prevent injustice.

            The benefit will include: Dennis Fritz and Eddie Lowery, who will talk about their experiences. A documentary about Lowery will be shown. The benefit will also include music from Dream Wolf and art by Chico San. Hector Casanova, Tyson Schroeder and Rob Tapley Bustamante will also appear, along with Mark Manning, the host of Wednesday MidDay Medley.

 

            B. Scott Nelson has updated us on his upcoming GroundHearts Day party April 13. He's added Everette DeVan to the entertainment roster this year. Everette is a monster keyboard guy and a Kansas City legend. He'll bring his trio, with Matt Hopper on guitar and Danny Gomez on drums. And, those lovely ladies of song that are always featured at his regular Tuesday night jam at the Phoenix, Dionne Jereau and Eboni Fondren, will be there, too. Some of the regular jammers will show up, including saxophonist Ian Corbett. And there are rumors that other KC legends will put in at least a cameo appearance: Lonnie McFadden, Max Groove, and the inimitable Jazzbo. Everett et al are a major addition to this year's GroundHearts and Scott is excited to have these additions to the evening's musical lineup.

 

            Wichita Blues guitarists, here's your chance to win a CMG guitar. Johnson Music Center is sponsoring their 2^nd annual contest for blues guitarists. Each contestant will get two minutes to play lead over a two minute track or their choosing. The final round will be in the old blues style of cuttin' heads. All three finalists will be on stage at the same time, plugged in, tuned up and ready to go. Sound system for the tracks and for the MC, also 3 amps for the guitarists and a bass amp in case of bass accompaniment are provided.

            Finals are April 13, 11 am, at the Hub Community Center, 211 East Third Street, Hutchinson.

            First place will receive a CGM guitar - Second place will receive a $100 Johnson Music gift certificate - Third place will receive a $50 gift certificate. There will also be swag for all of the contestants: strings, T-shirts, etc. Judges are Chris Mitchell of CMG Guitars and DevilCat amps, Adam Alexander, last year's winner, and Riley Withrow, Third place finisher last year.

            Contact Shayne Pearman for complete details. Deadline to enter is April 10 by 6 pm. Enter in person at the store, or, if you are outside of Hutchinson, enter by phone: 620-662-0821 (work) or 620-200-3113 (cell).

 

            The Lake Elsinore Storm Professional Baseball Team has announced that Kansas will be performing at The Diamond on Sunday, April 14 following the team's game at 2:05 pm. All fans in attendance for the Storm game will be allowed to stay for the concert at no additional cost.

            The concert, set to begin approximately 30 minutes after the game, will be held in celebration of Storm owner Gary Jacobs' birthday. Kansas is scheduled to perform a 90 minute set on a stage placed behind second base.

            "We always try to bring in extra entertainment for our fans," said Vice President/General Manager Chris Jones. "We are looking forward to this event and our entire schedule for the 2013 season."

            Tickets to the game and concert start at $10 if purchased in advance and can be purchased online at www.stormbaseball.com. Tickets to this event and the other Storm home games in 2013 are available for sale by phone at 951-245-4487, online and at the box office.

 

            Chet Nichols has 7 of the top 10 songs on Broadjam's page for Illinois this week. Click here: Top 10 Songs - Best Indie Music, List Top Indie Music: Illinois.

 

            Trampled Under Foot has a new album called Badlands coming out soon. They let BOB-FM in Sedalia, MO play a few of the songs recently.

Click here: An Interview with Danielle, Kris and Nick Schnebelen of Trampled Under Foot, a new Blues dynasty rising - Blues.Gr.

 

            It's possible you're familiar with Kansas City rapper Gee Watts. He's released some solid mixtapes and albums in recent years, and he's delivered some blistering live performances, but has flown under the radar even within KC's hip-hop scene. Watts' powder-keg of potential looks like it might be set to erupt. He just released a song with arguable the hottest rapper on the planet.

            Last week, Watts dropped Watts R.I.O.T. - featuring Kendrick Lamar - onto the internet, and it was quickly picked up by hip-hop blogs like Nah Right, Hip Hop DX and 2Dope Boyz. The track will appear on Watts' mixtape Watts Up, due out April 7.

            A former Kansas farm girl left the "big skies" of Kansas to explore her musical talents. Lisa Engelken (left) was that singer. She is an independent artist in every sense of the word. She books her own flights, hotels and venues. She runs her website, personally writes her newsletter and sends out hand written thank you cards to people after she performs in their towns. In addition to all of that, she creates and performs her own music. Her first album Caravan is a classic in every sense of the word.

            Lisa needs help to finish up her second album Little Warrior which is the perfect description of the petite singer with the big pipes. Recently, she started a campaign to raise funds to complete this album You can donate at www.igg.me/at/littlewarror. If you go, that link will explain more about who she is and what the donation will do. For as little as $15 you get an advance download of the album before its general release date. Donating to her campaign showcases your love of the arts, gets you a new album and helps keep an independent artist independent. Lisa is more that 75% of the way to her goal. For more information, go to www.lisaengelken.com. 

 

            Congratulations to The Silver Maggies on their forthcoming album My Pale Horse. The CD release party was held at KC's Coda Bar & Grill last Thursday night.

            To celebrate his new album Breakthrough being available for pre-order on iTunes, Eldar Djangirov is giving away the track "Point of View Redux" free. Click on this link to download the song and pre-order Breakthrough. Click here: (68) Eldar.

 

            Nica's 320 in Kansas City presented a "World Music Summit" evening last Friday, March 29, with Broken String, Kevin Hiatt & John Currey, and Nada Brahma. These three KC based musical groups traverse various world music styles ranging from Bossa Nova/Samba and jazz, to American fingerstyle guitar and classical Indian raga.

            Broken String consists of guitarists Michael McClintock and Jarrod Stephenson along with percussionist John Currrey, wombining the sounds of contemporary jazz with the traditions of flamenco and South American styles from Brazil.

            Composer and guitarist Kevin Hiatt performs his instrumentals and songs on 6,7,12 string and baritone guitars. His playing has been compared to that of Leo Kottke with other influences ranging from Americana to post new age minimalism. Percussionist John Currey will join Hiatt on various hand drums to provide extra rhythmic energy to Hiatt's eclectic musical material. Closing out the evening will be Nada Brahma, a duo with Brian Frantz on 12 string guitar and sitar with Ron Mckorkle on flute. Their repertoire consists of original compositions and traditional Indian classical ragas.

            The performances took place in the Red Room of Nica's 320, which features a full menu of world culture inspired food and drink to complement the musical performances.

 

            Alice Sweet Alice will be releasing the first single from their new album Ribbons & Stone on Friday, April 5. It is called "M.I.A."

 

            The Flaming Lips have a new album coming out April 16 in the US, April 1 in the UK. Pre-order The Terror now. Click here: iTunes - Music - The Terror by The Flaming Lips.

 

            Sam Billen scored a short documentary film called Preserving the Past about a historic movie theater in Topeka a couple of years ago. That soundtrack is now available to download for free at www.sambillen.bandcamp.com/album/preserving-the-past-topeka-jayhawk-theatre-original-soundtrack.

 

            There's something old fashioned about many of the albums released by the Salina label Acoustic Sounds. Click here: A sonic boom from Salina: the LP | Interview | The Pitch.

 

            Lawrence.com is posting a series of articles looking back at past winners of KJHK' Farmer's Ball, retelling the artists' memories of winning and their musical endeavors since. This years' Farmer's Ball will take place April 20 & 27 at the Bottleneck. The first article features rapper Stik Figa. Click here: Rapper Stik Figa looks back on Farmer's Ball win | Loud and Local | Lawrence.com.

            This year's voting is underway and ends a 11:45 pm April 5. http://kjhk.org/web/2013/03/26/fb-online-voting/.

 

            Mouth has posted another song online from the band's all improv jam at Lawrence's Jazzhaus on March 8. The band is still working on finalizing the tracks, names, etc. Click here: Mouth Madness Preview (Friday Night Preview) by theneweraoffunk on SoundCloud - Hear the world's sounds.

 

            MTV is sending a representative to Ink's Middle of the Map Fest to blog/instagram the fest, celebrating the fest and to pay homage to the days of watching MTV for hours on end, let's pause to remember those "good old days.". 

Chris Hazelton's Boogaloo 7 will be making it's debut at the Kill Devil Club on April 12 from 10pm-1am.  The group will be focusing on funky dance grooves popular in the late 60's and 70's a la Lou Donaldson, Grant Green, Lonnie Smith, and will have some original compositions and arrangements of recent pop tunes, too. As of now, the entire repertoire is different from Chris' trio except for one tune.  Here is the lineup: Nick Howell - Trumpet, Nick Rowland - Tenor Sax, Brett Jackson - Baritone Sax, Matt Hopper - Guitar, Kevin Frazee - Drums, Gary Helm - Congas & Percussion, Chris Hazelton - Hammond B-3 Organ.

 

            Last Friday marked the release of "If You Say So," the first single from Country Singles. This is available for download on Grisly Hand's Bandcamp site (www.music.thegrislyhand.com). The band sold download cards at the Brick in Kansas City. Everyone who buys the single will get a free gift.

 

The Truman Heritage Festival May 2-4 in Grandview, MO will feature area bands Four Fried Chickens and a Coke, Right on Red, Rattle & Hum and Revelation. Josh Gracin will headline May 4.

 

A preliminary stage schedule of the Kansas Sampler Festival has been posted. The Kansas Sampler Festival is in Liberal at Light Park on May 4-5. Click here: Entertainers 2013 | Kansas Sampler Festival

 

            Check out Tech N9ne's interview with Vice. Click here: The Karmic Concepts of Tech N9ne | VICE United States.

 

            Interviewer Brian Pace really did his homework before talking with Karrin Allyson. Click here: The Pace Report: "Allyson In Vocaland" The Karrin Allyson Interview on Vimeo .

 

            WestChase Grille, a Leawood restaurant that regularly featured live music has closed.  Click here: WestChase Grille

 

            According to Mark Ballard, the Kansas City School of Rock will be opening for Heart and Jason Bonham at Starlight August 18. Tickets are already on sale.

 

            Does Melissa Etheridge wear her leather stage pants to the grocery store? You'll have to listen for her answer. Click here: Tour Wardrobe by meradioshow on SoundCloud - Hear the world's sounds.

 

            Topeka musician Joe Schoonover entertains customers at the Classic Bean with jazz every other Thursday. Click here: Local guitarist leads jazz night at the Bean | CJOnline.com.

 

            At last check, Coffeyville native Donnie Miller is number 18 on the ReverbNation Blues chart for the US, #33 globally, # 1 for local Nashville, with 29,403 song plays, 6,903 video plays, 8576 views with 1306 fans.

 

            Howard Iceberg recorded four songs on Saturday with Betse Ellis, Kyle Dahlquist and Gary Parades. They had a lot of fun. Howard says he's ready to cut loose with a whole bunch of new stuff.

 

            Ken Tucker, formerly of Terre Haute, IN, is the new guitarist for Chanute's 3 Legged Dawgs.

 

Reviews

Click here: MOTORCITYBLOG: Big Dipper - Bottom Lounge, Chicago, March 23rd

Click here: MUSIC | Paraphilia Magazine

Click here: Wizards from Kansas (self-titled) 1970 | Rising Storm Review

 

Zoe McKinley of Zoe & the Mofoes and other bands passed away in her sleep January 18.  Her obituary has finally been posted online. Zoe was well known on the Kansas City jazz and blues scene.  Click here: ZOE ELAINE BURNS MCKINLEY Obituary: View ZOE MCKINLEY's Obituary by Kansas City Star.

 

Charlie & the Stingrays have lost a past band mate and good friend Danny Meyer. Dan the Man was the Stingrays bass player for 11 years, from 1990 to 2001. He will be sadly missed by those who knew him. Please keep his widow Jackie in your thoughts.

 

            We have an update on Roger Calkins. He is regressing. He has gone from vegetable, to speaking one word, to speaking a few words, and now he is back to no words or one word/response for every 30 questions he is asked. He is getting occupation, physical and speed therapy daily which should be helping him. Shelly Willey has hired someone to "engage" him for 3 hours each day, 5 days a week, for one month. She is hoping this intensive engagement will get him going. She is going to arm his 'companion" with Silvertones/Holidays stuff from the internet. If anyone has great links with stories, then please email them to lovlwilley@gmail.com. Shelly will be tapping into Mike Weaver's website www.soc-hop-stories.blogspot.com.

 

            Someone broke into the apartment of KC musician Shane Borth (Shooting Star,  Flanigan's Right Hook & Quixotic) and stole the following equipment:

            Pedaltrain PT-3 Pedalboard with hard case and wheels regular H77036 03 (left) Sennheiser Wireless Instrument Transmitter and Receiver  - Model XSW72A, Serial # 0142130040

Audio-Technica Wireless in-ear monitor receiver and transmitter Model M2T 08370291

T.C. Eletronic ND-1 Nova Delay serial number - (21)8627775

Ibanez TS9DX Turbo Tube Screamer - no serial number

Boss TU 2 Chromatic Tuner - no serial number

Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb - no serial number

L.R. Baggs Para-Acoustic DI serial number - 404038

Shure earbuds SE425

Let's see if we can help Shane get his stuff back.

 

            This seems to be the week for missing equipment. A Topeka musician is missing his white Epiphone Les Paul guitar (left). We don't have the serial number, but hope to soon and we'll post it when we get it. The guitar was in a rectangular case covered in fake fur. It was last seen with three or more large Rubbermaid tubs full of old punk rock records, a couple of mic stands, a couple of old metal light trees, a bunch of DVDs and CDs, and a yellow 10-speed bicycle.

 

Kansas City blues man Stovepipe Perkins of Knock Kneed Sally performed for the Kansas City Songwriters Scene last Monday night at Davey's Uptown Ramble's Club. Stovepipe was followed by KC's open mic dedicated to original music and songwriters hosted by Jonathan Theobaldt.

 

            For those who have never watched TV's Dancing With the Stars, take it from the guys of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at KU. You should be watching. The show's new season began last week with two competitors with Kansas ties. The Sig Eps are rooting for their buddy, boxer Victor Ortiz, a native of Garden City.

            Sean Lowe, a former K-State football player who just found his true love on ABC's other hit reality show, The Bachelor, is competing alongside Ortiz and other celebs. Ortiz became a friend of the KU frat through one of his childhood friends, a former frat president. He's been known to vacation at the house in Lawrence and once even brought his WBC title belt to show his "adopted" brothers.

            In Touch Weekly has noted the friendly behind-the-scenes rivalry, posting a story "Is Bachelor Sean Lowe Already Fighting the Stars?" The story ran with a Twitter picture of the two faux fighting. "Just knocked the camp out!" joked Lowe.

 

            Looking back to March 21,1995… Melissa Etheridge & Bruce Springsteen teamed up on MTV's Unplugged. Melissa has cited the duet with Springsteen on "Thunder Road" as one of the highlights of her career. Recorded at Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn, NY. Click here: Bruce & Melissa - Thunder Road Live! - YouTube.

 

            The Architects have decided to go big or go home. Border Wars is a concept album and comic book in five episodes, and they need help to finish it. Click here: The Architects: Border Wars Concept Album & Comic Book! | Indiegogo.

 

            The Lawrence band Olassa has released two videos they shot in Salina. Click here: Watch two Olassa videos, shot in the Salina Masonic temple | Wayward Blog.

 

            Tool fans were disappointed to say the least when singer Maynard James Keenan announced that there would be no release from the band this year. The modern experimental legends have been working on a new album for some time, and drummer Danny Carey (a Lawrence, KS native) says, along with a bunch of other news, that a 2013 release is still planned.

            When it comes to the upcoming Tool album, Carey sated that it is still planned to drop in 2013. "Sometime this year…that's all I can say," Carey told TheRockFM about the record. We're working on it everyday but you an never predict it, honestly. We're really excited about it so I hope all the fans will be too."

Carey also told the radio station that he plays drums on the Superman film Man of Steel. In addition, he added that Tool has a massive amount of live material that may be released on CD or DVD form in the future.

            Finally, Carey revealed that he was, in fact, the mystery Tool member that sustained injuries from what was reported as a Vespa accident. He cracked four ribs in the mishap.

 

            Half of the Top 10: Illinois songs at Broadjam.com are by KMHOF inductee Chet Nichols!

 

            Anja McCloskey proved yesterday in Salina that accordions are not just for polka. Click here: salina.com - an online service of the Salina Journal.

 

            Soft Reeds have finished their new album, Blank City, but they need help getting it out to the public. Click here: Soft Reeds Are Pregnant With Music. | Indiegogo.

 

            It's been awhile since we've mentioned Mike Chapman's custom guitar business. The former Blue Thing is semi-disabled and retired, but turns out some awesome instruments. Click here: Deep Woods Custom Guitars.

            Fellow Blue Thing Richard Scott keeps busy in his home studio, where he has four albums in the can.

 

            We have an example of the music from the March 16 benefit for BoJohns at Freddy T's in Olathe.. http://www.reverbnation.com/controller/audio_player/download_song/16615492?utm_campaign=FacebookSharing_v3&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=music&utm_content=artist_1082581

 

L-R above: Joe Sherick, Jason Vivone, Stovepipe Perkins, Jeff Reeder & Jalee Kolvisto       

 

            Jim Kilroy kicked off the Spring Club Wars last Thursday night at the Granada in Lawrence. The weather sucked, but the turnout was good. Two bands advance from the first round. They are Sweet Ascent and Suckertrain.

            Kilroy's Cover Wars Final is April 19 at the All Star Bar in KCMO. The bands competing are American Slim, The Cheap Dates, Rainbow Rising and The Breeze. Show starts at 9 pm. Tickets are available for $7 in advance. They will be $10 at the door. All ages admitted.

            For the first time, Kilroy and Club Wars present Blues Wars, the battle of the blues bands. Bands from around the Kansas City area will take part in Blues Wars beginning soon. A grand prize of $500, 10 hours at Chapman Recording and 36 custom T-shirts from Brown Bear Printing will be awarded.

            Austin, TX based guitarist, singer and songwriter Guy Forsyth made his Topeka debut when he performed last Friday night at Uncle Bo's, the blues nightspot on the lower level of the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center. Forsyth is a Kansas City native. Click here: KC-born, Austin-based Forsyth to perform | CJOnline.com.

 

KC's Private Stock had never played in a bar until this past Saturday, when they appeared at the new Juicy's at Zona Rosa. That's the space that used to be Tomfooleries. Andrew Hambleton, Mark Marek, Lisa Marek, Bill Hoffman and Greg Mackender had a great time and so did the crowd.

 

            Young talent was on display this past weekend at a Topeka church. The Topeka City Mission Union's 2012 scholarship recipients from Shiloh Baptist Church and Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church made their keyboard presentations Saturday at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. The program theme was "Nurturing Our Youth by Giving Praises to God Through Musical Instruments."

 

            Alice Sweet Alice is a 4-piece alternative rock band based in Kansas City. Members of the band include Ali Kat on vocals/keys, Scott Martinez on bass/vocals, Ron Bales on guitar and Bill Brown on drums. They are working on their fourth album. It's called Ribbons & Stone, which is a collection of dynamically captivating tracks with catchy riffs and melodies. The expected release for Ribbons & Stone is this May. Like many other bands, they have a Kickstarter program to raise funds for this project. Click here: Alice Sweet Alice - Incredible New Album "Ribbons & Stone" by ALLISON RUHNKE — Kickstarter.

 

            Strange Music has thrived in the music industry for 14 years without following trends. The Kansas City label started by Tech N9ne and Travis O'Guin has sold over a million units of Tech's catalog, not to mention charting successes from Krizz Kaliko, Jay Rock, Brotha Lynch Hung and Mayday. However, with their biggest release calendar in history (11 projects altogether), the label decided to buck trends one step further, and take a page from the music industry's promotional strategy when the getting' was good - CD samplers. More than that, the label is "shipping gold" with thses physical items, pressing a staggering 500,000 units to give out on the label's current tour, Independent Powerhouse.

            This Tuesday, March 26, Strange Music will release Ces Cru's full-length studio debut, Constant Energy Struggles.

 

            The Topeka Blues Society's Blues Review is at Uncle Bo's March 29, a show you don't want to miss. Bands include Back Porch Blues Band, Josh Vowell Band (JVB), Rachelle Coba, special guest on the organ Doug Renbarger and more. They will be recording in the Uncle Bo's the week leading up to the event and then recording a live version the night of the show. The Topeka Blues Society will offer the CD/DVD combo later as a package for sale, allowing you to be a part of history. Live recorded music starts at 8:30. Get there early because this show will sell out.

 

            The Blue Riddim Band has been hard at work in the studio recording a new album of all original material. Haven't got an official release date, but it should be around mid-June. They will announce the date within a few weeks, but they wanted to let everyone to know what's been going on.  

 

Billy Greer of the band Kansas has a new solo album called Seventh Key coming out this year. So far, a September release date is scheduled.

 

            Shooting Star and Vandelyn Kross will headline the second annual Rock 4 Charity event Saturday, April 27 at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. This is a fundraiser for Breakthrough

House. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster. Click here: Shooting Star Tickets | Shooting Star Concert Tickets & Tour Dates | Ticketmaster.com

 

.           A benefit for Meet Me at the Table will be held at Danny's Big Easy, 18^th & Vine in Kansas City April 7 from 4-9 pm. Elise Smith will open up the fun. She is a 19-yea-old guitar wiz/singer and cute as a button. Adam & the Fellows out of Topeka go on next. Lonnie Ray takes the stage from 7-8. Then the living musical legend Mary Moore will grace the stage from 8-9:30 with a special guest appearance from KC's own Ida McBeth. The energy these women will bring is worth anything you can donate.

 

The Kansas City Rock and Comic-Con returns on Saturday, June 22. The event will again be held at Aftershock Music Venue in Merriam. This time the event features Star Wars tribute band Darkside of the Force as headliner. Other loca/regional rock bands will be announced.

            The 8 pm costume contest is a big part of Rock & Comic-Con. A wide array of characters from the pop culture cosmos will compete for the first place trophy. The vendor village will feature comics, records, CDs, T-shirts, jewelry and art. Local/regional comic book artists, writers and more will be in attendance. Tickets are available through stubwire.com for $5 in advance. It will cost $10 at the door. Anyone in costume will get in for half price when paying at the door.

Download the above article on pages 17 & 19. Click here: http://www.cfpmidweek.com/weeks/IssuePDFs/vo11i05web.pdf

 

            Barry Lee of KKFI says that the upcoming June 1 Beatles tribute benefit will be his last. Music will be provided by the Heebie Jeebies, Victor & Penny and the Dead Girls at Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City on Saturday, June 1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

Click here: Review: Kansas City quintet smiles and swings | CJOnline.com

Click here: Hometown heroes the Elders prove to be a class act - KansasCity.com

 

 

             At a news conference March 14 at the Great Overland Station in Topeka, the band Kansas was announced as being inducted into the Kansas Hall of Fame this year. Other inductees are Superman (who grew up in Smallville, KS); James Naismith; CF, Karl & Will Menninger; and the 1^st Kansas Colored Infantry.

 

The Devastating Dinks performing "Heat Wave" at this year's KMHOF inductions. Click here: The Devastating Dinks - Heat Wave - YouTube

 

Colby native Sam Ramey is one of the top opera singers in the world. A three-time Grammy winner, he has come close to being voted into the KMHOF, but always seems to fall a few votes short. He recently returned to his home state to spend six weeks working with students at WSU. Click here: Opera star Samuel Ramey to perform, showcase WSU students' talents | Wichita Eagle.

 

Millionaire at Midnight made it on FX's show The Americans last week. "Coit Tower" was played during a scene at the bar about 35 minutes into the show.

 

A woodwind quintet performance set for yesterday at the Topeka and Shawnee County Library was cancelled.

            The Konza Winds, a five-member woodwind group didn't play its scheduled show. The library didn't specify a reason for the cancellation.

            "While we hope to reschedule these talented musicians in the fall, those plans haven't yet firmed up," said a news release.

 

            The Elders hosted their annual hoolie over the weekend. Until an upstart act manages to knock the veteran band off its perch, the Elders will remain the most popular rock band in Kansas City. The Elders' annual Hoolie concert serves as a validation of their ongoing appeal. Saturday's event marked the eleventh time the band has hosted the celebratory Irish-themed party. The band never fails to wholeheartedly engage its loyal audience. A daunting task faces all would-be challengers of the Elder's elite status. The band's stout material — equal parts traditional Irish folk and wholesome heartland rock — just gets better with time.

 

            We want to remind you that Kansas City Blues Preservation Services will present the "In Memory of Memorial Benefit Fundraiser" for a headstone for LC "Speedy" Huggins and honoring Charles "BoJohns" Johnson taking place at Trouser Mouse Bar & Grill in Blue Springs. The benefit will be March 24 from 11 am to 11 pm.

 

Chris Burnett Quartet will be at the Take Five Coffee Bar performing originals and select works by other composers on March 30. Two sets at 8:00 and 9:00.

Chris Burnett - alto saxophone

Roger Wilder - piano

Seth Lee - bass

Julian Goff - drums

 

            Fulton Calvery has a new song called "This is That.". He has posted a sample online. It will appear on the upcoming album Silvertone. Click here: https://dl.dropbox.com/u/71077916/This%20is%20That%20sample.mp3.

 

            Congratulations to Jeremy Butcher & The Bail Jumpers, the first band to make it into the final of Jim Kilroy's Blues Wars.

            An Endless Chapter has dropped off the upcoming Metal Wars show. They've been replaced by One For The Ages.

 

            B. Scott Nelson informs us that the 28^th annual GroundHearts Day, called by some "the best party in Kansas City,' will be at Scott's home, 827 Valentine Road, KCMO Saturday, April 13. This is just a few blocks north of the Country Club Plaza. Performers will include Danny Cox, Rock Paper Scissors, and some surprise guests. Riverrock was going to play but can't get out of a prior commitment until late. Food will be prepared by neighbor and French chef Erick Salnave. As usual, a good time will be had by all.

 

            The American Jazz Museum invites you to P.E.E.R. into the future April 22 from 11:30 to 1:00 pm. Learn about the legacy and vision of the museum and enjoy performances from notable Kansas City jazz artists. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Seating is limited so reserve your place by emailing jrezac@kcjazz.org or by calling 816-474-5035. Please RSVP by Friday, April 12. This annual fundraising event supports operations at the American Jazz Museum.

 

            The last time Tate Stevens was in Kansas City, he was auditioning for the second season of X Factor at the Sprint Center. His return will be at a slightly smaller venue, but he won't have to share the stage. The season two winner will be back in town Wednesday, April 17 for a 7 o'clock show at the Midland. His self-titled album hits stores six days later. The first single "Power of a Love Song," is just beginning to get airplay. Tickets cost $25 and include a copy of his album.

 

            Friday, May 17 at the Blue Room in KC's American Jazz Museum Bobby Watson's I Have A Dream Band will perform. Watson is a KMHOF inductee.

A Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator, Bobby Watson trained formally at the University of Miami and then earned his "doctorate" as musical director of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, the ultimate "postgraduate school" for ambitious young players. Along the way, he worked with notable jazz artists Max Roach, Louis Hayes, George Coleman, Sam Rivers, and Wynton and Branford Marsalis, as well as vocalists Joe Williams, Dianne Reeves, Lou Rawls, Betty Carter, and Carmen Lundy. Later, in association with bassist Curtis Lundy and drummer Victor Lewis, Watson launched the first edition of Horizon, his acoustic quintet. He has also led the High Court of Swing (a tribute to the music of Johnny Hodges), The Tailor-Made Big Band and is a founding member of the highly acclaimed 29th Street Saxophone Quartet. Watson also wrote original music for the soundtrack of Robert De Niro's directorial debut A Bronx Tale. He has recorded 26 records as a leader and appears on over 80 recordings to date. He has over 100 compositions recorded, and his long time publisher, Second Floor Music, publishes many of his original combo and big band arrangements. His recent recordings, available on Palmetto records, are From the Heart, Live and Learn, and Horizon Reassembled.

            Bobby was a member of the adjunct faculty and taught private saxophone at William Patterson University (1985-86) and Manhattan School of Music (1996-99). In 2000 Mr. Watson was awarded the first William and Mary Grant/Missouri Professor of Jazz, an endowed professorship in jazz and serves as the director of jazz studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance.

 

            We've received a letter from entertainer Roy Clark congratulating Sherman Halsey on his induction into the KMHOF March 2.

 

            Samantha Fish (left) is featured in the new Premier Guitar Magazine with a photo of her playing her Delaney guitar.

 

            Former Eric & the Norsemen drummer & University of Oregon law professor Jim Kocher is celebrating his retirement in Zermatt, Switzerland, skiing in the shadow of the Matterhorn.

 

Tickets go on sale Saturday for this year's Symphony in the Flint Hills, which - in a departure from years past - will be performed amid the historic buildings at Fort Riley instead of a remote prairie. Generall admission tickets are $75 for adults and $43 for children under 12 and can be purchased online at www.kcsymphony.org or by phone at 816-471-0400. Premium packages are available by calling 620-273-8955. The event has sold out each year since its debut in 2006.

This year's sunset concert, performed by the Kansas City Symphony, is set for June 15 on Fort Riley's Historic Main Post. Gates open at 1 pm, and there will be activities until the 90-minute concert begins at 6:45 pm. For details, see www.symphonyintheflinthills.org.

 

Jake Jacoby and his wife (left) celebrated their 42^nd wedding anniversary recently at Mama's Fish House in Maui. Congratulations!!!

 

            Blogger KCJazzLark suggests that the People's Liberation Big Band is squarely in the tradition of Count Basie's bands. Click here: kcjazzlark: This 'n That 'n Uncommon Similarities.

 

Howard University has presented KMHOF inductee Bobby Watson with the Benny Golson Jazz Masster Award. Click here: Bobby Watson Earns Prestigious Jazz Award | UMKC Today

 

Jeff Black is headed back to his old stomping grounds with a very special stop in Kansas City to celebrate KKFI's and The Coffee House Radio Program's 25^th birthday. This Midwest micro-tour is made possible solely by Jeff Black supporters. Check out the list of house concerts in the calendar section of this newsletter. Some are private, but you can always request an invite.

 

Kansas native Lisa Engelken is seeking funding for her forthcoming Little Warrior album. Click here: Little Warrior CD Project | Indiegogo

 

Merlejam raffle tickets are available at $20 each. The winner will be announced at MerleJam 2013 on Saturday, May 4. This includes roundtrip airfare, a suite for 3 nights at the Rio Hotel & Casino and admission to the Sin City Soul and Blues Revival for 3 day on September 15-17. Net proceeds donated to the MerleJam Transplant Fund to assist heart recipient with uncovered medical expenses.

Feeling lucky? Sin City Soul and Blues Revival raffle tickets can be bought online via PayPal. You will get an instant receipt from KC Chapter of TRIO, a 501c3 organization for donation and the ticket will be mailed to you. Click here: MerleJam Heart Transplant Fund.

 

Janelle Monae (left) is featured in Complex Magazine's "10 Women Who Are Style Icons For Men" list.

"Not only does Janelle Monae make awesome music, she also knows her way around a suit and tie. Hova and JT could even take some pointers from Monae's tailored style. Rarely seen in anything other than menswear, Monae can rock blazers, saddle shoes, and ties (with tie-clips) that might give Frank Sinatra a run for his money. Ok, maybe not that far, but Monae just doesn't wear ill-fitting men's clothes as a gimmick, take a look at her tailored game, and tell us you're not impressed."

 

Reviews

            From the new Blues Blast Magazine: "The Kansas City Blues Society is probably very happy to have Jason Vivone and The Blue Bats representing them. After all, these guys do stick to the dusty blueprints set down decades ago by the musical forebears they love and admire. So they come out with their own independent release that sees them paying homage to the visionaries instrumental n their artistic vision of how the blues should be approached."

Click here: Review: Wichita Symphony's take on Mahler and Mozart is energetic and expressive | Wichita Eagle

Click here: Album review: Pilot For A Day - Better AIr

Click here: Marilyn Maye at 54 Below - NYTimes.com

Click here: newEar chronicles the "strangely familiar" | KCMETROPOLIS.org - Kansas City's Online Journal of the Arts

Click here: SXSW Music - Review: The Flaming Lips, Jim James - Music - The Austin Chronicle

 

             

The Devastating Dinks reflect on their KMHOF induction.  Click here: salina.com - an online service of the Salina Journal

 

            According to KMHOF 2013 inductee Ray Hildebrand, the Texas Historical Commission has just designated a Texas Historical Marker on the Howard Payne University campus in Brownwood, TX, to Paul & Paula and the song 'Hey Paula' where it all began in 1962,

 

            We've received bad news from Chick Willis. His cancer has returned so his doctor has decided to use a drug called Topotecan. Willis points out that he's lost a round, but not the war.

 

Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City is adding to the Sunday afternoon jam. From 1-5 pm every week, alongside the Levee Town jam, they are having the Sunday Roots Jam in the Gospel Lounge. All sessions will be recorded and will be available for purchase if you want evidence. Plus, there will be more room for everyone to jam. They're kicking off the first one this coming Sunday, March 10. Be there or be square, kids.

 

            Ray Stein apologized recently for the delay in the release of his new CD that should have been completed as promised at the end of February. His mother had a serious stroke/family issues month ago, so Ray had to give her some quality time. The new album is pretty much done. It's currently in the mastering stages of getting ready for release.

 

            The Healers' CD/DVD set is available for pre-order online. It features music by some of the best musicians in KC. You'll learn more about the Blue Star Connection. Net proceeds benefit the Blue Star Connection, giving the gift of music since 2005. Pre-order here: www.bluestarconnection.org/the-healers-live-at-knuckleheads-cd-dvd/.

 

            Alice Sweet Alice presents a new song from their forthcoming album Ribbons & Stone. It was performed live on March 2 at Aftershock Live Music Venue in KC. The song is about the Wounded Warrior Project. Click here: See ASA Live & Support Our Wounded Warriors!

 

Maye-den Voyage, Marilyn Maye's new show opened in New York City last week. Click here: CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE BLOG: NYC: MARILYN MAYE PREMIERES "MAYE-DEN VOYAGE" AT 54 BELOW CELEBRATING MARCH IS CABARE.

 

There was a full house on hand March 6, at KC's RecordBar to help Bob Walkenhorst, Jeff Porter and Norm Dahlor celebrate the 10^th anniversary of their weekly Wednesday night gig Molly's/The Record Bar. The décor for this celebration might have topped any previous Wednesday night celebrations as there were a couple of banners, lots of flowers, and several old photos at the front of the stage. Everyone was also well-covered in the sweets department with a sheet cake, cupcakes, and even some salty snacks like Cheez-Its.

It was a great show with lots of reminiscing and stories between songs. There were classics like 'Information' and 'Johnny Reb' and new favorites such as 'Given Time,' 'Turpentine,' and 'Like Dogs.' Bob also talked about the inspiration for writing 'Like Dogs. There were also Walkenhorst and Porter songs like 'No Abandon' and 'Overland Hill.' Jeff also treated the crowd to 'Still She Waits,' 'There's A Little White Trash In Us All,' 'The Road Behind Me,' and 'Hey Bird.' Norm also got to shine on bass on songs like 'Width of a Line' and 'Rockin at the T-Dance.' Bob performed a solo set on his new smaller guitar that he travels with for house concerts.

The evening ended with a full dance floor still wanting more, so the guys played an encore of 'Not Fade Away' and 'The Race Is On.' It was a great evening full of music, friends and lots of memories. Bob said the guys are looking forward to doing it for another ten years.

 

The Wires performed a CD release show Saturday at the RecordBar in KC. Violinist Laurel Morgan, who also plays in Tree and In the Pines was asked by Ink what she's been listening to. Click here: What are you listening to, Laurel Morgan? | Ink

 

A 15-year-old Burlingame dancer-rapper rubbed elbows with music insiders Saturday night at the Avalon Theater in Hollywood. Billy Fridley recorded the song 'SWURQ' last fall. Click here: Burlingame teen to debut first single | CJOnline.com.

 

When the Elmont Opry took the stage over the weekend it was with a few new faces among the cast of the 42-year-old country music revue. Fiddler Mark Monell, lead guitarist Lloyd McDonald and steel guitarist Stan Tichenor joined the band regulars Friday and Saturday in Fellowship Hall of the Elmont United Methodist Church.

 

Blogger KCJazzLark quotes jazz giants recalling Kansas City's illustrious music past. Click here: kcjazzlark: Built in Kansas City

 

Mike Finnigan was working on a Joe Walsh album last week. The only contributors

missing from the photo below are Dr. John and Bettye Lavette. L to R: Keb Mo, Don Was, Mick Jagger, Tal Wilkenfeld, MF, Joe Walsh, Ringo Starr and Jim Keltner.

 

            Melissa Etheridge (left) performed 'I'm The Only One' at the 19^th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards Gala benefiting the Desert AIDS Project. Click here: Melissa Etheridge Performs at the 2013 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards gala - YouTube

 

American NOISE: the Smart Studios Story is currently IN PRODUCTION. Want to submit something? Please send photos, video, stories, etc. to, Wendy Schneider via email: info@american-noise.com LIKE and SHARE page for project updates and release information!

Description

Tons of music... Interviews with members of - Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Killdozer, L7, Die Kreuzen, Tar Babies, Mecht Mensch, Poopshovel, Appliances, Spooner, DCFC, Garbage, Freedy Johnston, Ivory Library, Go Motion, Singing Irishman and more !

Plot Outline

Co-owned by Butch Vig and Steve Marker and established in 1983 in part as an outlet for Butch's band Spooner, the original partnership between the two Midwestern audiophiles began in Steve's basement. Their first studio space quickly attracted the attention of bands which infused Madison's diverse live music scene with hardcore energy, punk rock politic and a DIY approach to making music. Madison ...typified the 'satellite' scenes which defined early 80s independent music.

American NOISE covers the post-hardcore Midwest scene, early relationships with indie labels (Touch and Go, Caroline, Frontier, Sub Pop, Slash), the circulation and broadcast of local music and how producers Butch and Steve helped promote the bands and their shows with local radio and cassette compilations which paralleled other regional disseminators of indie music like the Seattle-based Sub Pop Singles Club.

The Explosion!

The connection of Killdozer's monumental Twelve Point Buck to Sub Pop founder Jonathan Poneman and Seattle bands The Fluid and TAD eventually connected Butch Vig to Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins. And with the success of Gish and Nevermind Smart became the epicenter of the post-grunge explosion.

The 90s refocused on Butch and Steve's band Garbage, combining the emerging technology of sampling, looping, and layering with Smart's long history of analog experimentation. Garbage's records defined the cutting edge of the rock and pop scenes. The Midwest sound had come a long way from home.

American NOISE sketches a portrait of a space which weathered, literally, fires, flood and the foibles of a generation of rock and rollers. It's a montage of reflections on what the space meant to the people who worked there, and a celebration of the confluence of energy, material, musicians, and the times that, in the words of an interviewee who grew up in Singapore, made Smart 'hallowed ground.'

 

            There was a great show on Smokey Hills Public Broadcasting about Jimmy Dee & the Fabulous Destinations.

 

            Cowtown Ballroom…Sweet Jesus was broadcast on Topeka's KTWU as part of their pledge drive.

 

            There's a new big band in KC, with the goal of reanimating the classic Kansas City sound of the '30s. The Vine Street Rumble band, an intergenerational project led by Kent Rausch, says it is dedicated to giving accurate and swinging performances of music by Count Basie, Mary Lou Williams, Bennie Moten, Jay McShann, and others. The band gives its first public performance at 8 pm tonight at Californos.

 

            Freedy Johnston (left) is a 1990s one-hit wonder ('Bad Reputation') who deserves far better than he has received from the music industry. The Kinsley native and KU dropout is a singer-songwriter with a terrific ear for pop melody, and all his albums are solid. Rain on the City, from 2010, is his most recent, an unassuming finely tuned mix of alt-country, folk-pop and rock songs. He'll be at the Czar in KC tomorrow night.

 

In hobo culture, as men hop trains bound for other parts, there are a few brave souls - known as the home guard - who stay behing to protect the camp.

The HomeGuard Festival March 14-16 is a 3-day celebration of KC music and culture. Sponsored by Folk Alliance International and The Pitch, HomeGuard brings Sam Baker to town on March 14, features a local music showcase on March 15, and special guests on March 16. Learn more at www.homeguardfewtival.com.

 

            Sly-Ridge (left) will be playing a benefit dance Friday, March 15, at the VFW in Russell. It's for Brittni Hayes who has an auto-immune disease. Dinner starts at 7 pm followed by an auction and raffle. Dinner is catered by Meridy's Restaurant. The dance starts at 9 pm. Tickets are $10.

            Sly-Ridge has been a well received act at the last two KMHOF Unplugged shows.

 

            The 11^th Annual Elders Hoolie will be held Saturday, March 16, at the Uptown Theater in KC with music, dancing, beers and wholesome fun. Join in for a bio-acoustic theatrical experience. Special guests are the O'Riada-McCartty-manning Academy of Irish Dance. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8 pm. Elders take the stage at 8:45. Purchase tickets at Ticketmaster, Uptown Box Office or by phone at 800-745-3000. GA tickets can also be purchased at Sheehan's Irish Imports or Brown's Irish Market.

 

            The schedule for the BoJohns tribute show on March 24 has been adjusted. This is how it looks now:

            11:00-11:30 - Tenkillers Bow

            11;45-12:15 Boogie Leggin' Blues Band

            12:30-1:00 Bluz Benderz

            1:15-1:45 Listen Mister

            2:00-2:30 The Mike Vande Band

            2:45-3:15 RailDog

            3:30-4:00 Klear Ambition

            4:15-4:45 Lonnie Ray Band

            5:00-5:30 Scott Moyer Band

            5:45-6:15 Clever/New Kold Krew

            6:30-7:00 Peacemakers Unplugged (Tom Hall, Dave Patmore, Rick Gibson)

            7:15-7:45 Cadillac Flambe

            8:00-8:30 Crosseyed Cat

            8:45-9:15 Levee Town

 

            Otis Heat, a funky grunge-rock trio from Portland, OR, (featuring KC local, Mike Warner) formed by virtue of a car accident, rescued by a drifter named Otis Heat, tour the US for their fourth time this spring. Impassioned vocals and driving rhythms - imagine Primus meets the Black Keys - they'll have you both dancing and head banging to well-crafted songs. Touring with their 2012, The Ugly EP, and their 2011album, Yoon, the band embarks on their tour this March & April hitting 30 cities in 5 weeks (March 15-April 20). They'll stop at The Brick in KC March 29.        

 

Cowboy Indian Bear's latest record is coming out April 23. A limited edition run on white vinyl in addition to the regular version. The album can be pre-ordered at www.therecordmachine.net; Click here: 'Live Old, Die Young' With Cowboy Indian Bear | The Vignette

 

            Tickets have gone on sale for the Kansas 40^th Anniversary Show & Wheatfest 15 in Pittsburgh, PA, Saturday, August 17. VIP ticket packages were gone almost immediately. Click here: Music One Live.

 

            The Board of Directors of the Kansas City Blues Society has voted to partner with Todd Abrams to help promote and participate in the Mike Shannon Memorial Golf Tournament to be held May 1 at the Hillcrest Golf & Country Club in KC. Proceeds from the tournament will go to the Hart Foundation which provides funds for musicians in need from medical issues.

            Everyone should consider participating in this event by playing in the tournament, volunteering your time or donating to the worthy cause. It will be a full day of fu and music in honor of Mike Shannon. You can go to www.mikeshannoonclassic.com for more information. Last year's inaugural tournament was a huge success.

           

J4D6 set record attendance; Scholarship resources:

Some attending Jam4Dan6 might claim the best part of the three days was the amazing music, including performances by four bands in the LMI Youth Showcase. There are certainly those who will point out the record dollars raised for music scholarships was the highlight. Many will claim, if not of Woodstock proportion, the camaraderie, kindness and sense of community that underpinned the three days of the event was the most outstanding component. Regardless of any one take, the simple fact was this: J4D6 was an overwhelming success, thanks to the many sponsors who donated goods and services; the 100+ musicians who gave of their time and talents to perform; and the 1000+ plus folks who came through the doors of The Celtic Fox to support Topeka's signature music event.

Jam4Dan was first held in January 2008 to support the family of Topeka musician Dan Falley after his untimely death in an auto accident. Every year since, the goal has been to Honor Dan Falley, Raise money for the youth music scholarship that bears his name and Provide Topeka's musicians a unique opportunity to come together to share their love of music.

 Highlights of this year's version of the event included:

¦A third night of entertainment, which brought more solo artists to the program as well as a number of bands that were more jazz influenced than ones that have traditionally been on the bill;

¦An incredible display of talent that kicked off the Saturday portion that showcased almost two dozen students at the Live Music Institute who performed in four different bands;

¦An amazing turnout of people on Saturday that kept The Fox absolutely packed through the entire evening and featured bands with personnel who had played with Dan over the last three decades to ones staffed with players who were young enough to be his kids;

¦A Sunday that started with some hard hitting rock, moved through five sets of covers and blues bands, mellowed out with two solo performances, then finished with a polished set prepared by the Josh Vowell Band in preparation of their journey to Memphis to represent the Topeka Blues Society at the 30th International Blues Challenge; and

¦A hot jam session hosted by JVB that featured three of the J4D trustees, members of the sound crew and a number of other talented local Topeka musicians. At one point, two guitar players each had a J. Edison Custom guitar, and boy, did they sound great!

The record-setting crowd was not only in attendance to hear some great music, they were looking to be the lucky one to win the beautifully crafted, Joel Edison guitar that was the grand prize in this year's drawing. A raffle ticket was given with each admission ticket, which made donating the $5 a no-brainer. At 9:00 p.m. Sunday a ticket was drawn that named Valentina Mallari, Topeka, as the lucky winner of both the guitar and an amp that had been owned by Dan.

As is custom, the final tear-down started Monday morning after another short evening for the sound crew and some J4D trustees. It was easy work as the conversation essentially rehashed the many highlights and the few snafus that occurred over the three days. After reviewing the program, some amazing numbers were noted: 33 acts and a two-hour jam filling 33+ hours spread over three days.

J4D6 was in the books, but like all the others that preceded it, it set a new standard for the next year's event. We'll get to work on it!

Jam4Dan is held the Martin Luther King weekend. Dates for Jam4Dan Seven are January 17-19, 2014.

* The Dan Falley Memorial Fund & Scholarships Trustees for 2013 are:

Mike Fox - president

Joel Edison - vice president

Tom Krebs - secretary/treasurer

Danl Blackwood - media coordinator

JD Bloomar - volunteer coordinator

Chris Aytes - concert coordinator

Ed Carmona - community outreach

 

At Aftershock following the KC St. Patrick's Day Parade, there will food and drink specials, and there will be acoustic performances by some of some of KC's finest acts. There's no cover charge until 5:00. After 5:00 it is only $7 and will feature performances by:

Star City Meltdown

Years Past

Throwing Gravity

9 Volt Junkie

Sober Overdose

All ages, all day!

            The free acoustic performances from 3-5 are by:

            Adam Fetters

            Sean Thibodeaux of Second Signal

            Austin Williams and Steve Bell of Ten Thousand One

            Brandon Fenton of Years Past

David Merschbrock and Spanky from Razing Paradise

 

The Top City Ramblers (Willie Madl, Aymen Ghali, David Liston and Zach Carr) will play from 6-9 pm March 16 at Quinton's Bar and Deli in Topeka to kick off St. Patrick's Day weekend. Click here: Nightlife: Ramblers ready to celebrate | CJOnline.com.

 

            The University of Kansas Wind Ensemble will premier 'In the Shadow of the Towers' at 8 pm March 26 at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Click here: Big impact, big stage: KU Wind Ensemble to perform world premiere of weighty work at Carnegie Hall | Lawrence.com.

 

            Karla Bauer's CD release party for Totally Gone will be Saturday, April 20 at 8 pm at Barley's Brewhaus. Join Karla for this very special event. She'll be there for a meet & greet and CD signing. The show starts at 9:30 and is expected to run until 1 am. Arla wilbe performing songs from her new blues CD and some great favorites from  Adele, Norah Jones, John Mayer and many more.

 

            White Clover veteran Bill Fast says the time has come for him to hang up his spurs at the Channel Nine Ranch. After 41 years in broadcasting and 31 years at KCTS9-Seattle, he's due for a change. He still plans to take on freelance projects and possibly consult, but it's goodbye to the 9 to 5 for Bill. There will, no doubt, be a party. Bill will wait until July or August for that, so stay tuned. His last day at KCTS will be Friday, April 5, and at that point he'll be signing off.

 

Rev. Jimmie Bratcher is having a CD release party in the Goppert Theatre at Avila University in KCMO. The Goppert is a 450 seat performing arts venue, and Bratcher will rock it with song from Secretly Famous and many of his other songs. The night is being sponsored by KC Life Church. Admission is free.

 

The Missouri Blues Caravan is on the way to Memphis next month. The new generation of blues artists storm the state April 25 thru April 27. Jason Vivone & the Billy Bats, The Mojo Roots and the The Bottom Up Blues Gang will perform Thursday, the 25^th at Knuckleheads in KC, Friday the 26^th at Mojos in Columbia and Saturday the 27^th at BB's Blues Jazz and Soups in St. Louis.

 

Chris Aytes & The Good Ambition, the rock trio of Chris Aytres, Josh Hartranft and Renelle Aytes, celebrated the release of their album, Just Wanna Rock 'N Roll, with a party at Topeka's Celtic Fox on Friday.. The Traits also performed. Check out the album at www.chrisaytes.bandcamp.com.

 

Billy Ebeling & the Late For Dinner Band is holding a CD release party May 11 at Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City beginning at 8 pm. It should be a fun night.

 

Through Brave Voice, Kansas Poet Laureate Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg and singer-songwriter Kelley Hunt offer collaborative writing and singing workshops, retreats, consultations and performances, all rooted in the premise that finding, developing and sharing voices - on the page or out loud - also brings greater vision to lives and communities.

There are still a few openings for the 8^th annual Brave Voice May 12-17 in Council Grove. Register now before the openings are all gone.

 

            Surprise guest vocalists have shown up to work on Kerry Livgren's Cantata. Steve Walsh, Rich Williams and Dave Hope from Kansas have all sung since the first of the year.

 

Reviews

Click here: Plastic Sax: Review: Alaturka- Yalniz

Click here: Paul Rudy's 'Martian Chronicles' premiere highlights newEar concert - KansasCity.com

 

2013 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Inductees

 

Devastating Dinks, Salina

Exceptions, Topeka

Ray Hildebrand, Prairie Village

Kerry Livgren, Berryton/Topeka

Chuck Mead, Lawrence

Mystic Number National Bank, Kansas City

Playmate Blues Band, Hays

Tempests, Hays

Steve Werner, Kansas City

Wizards from Kansas, Lawrence

Sherman Halsey, Independence (Directors Award)

Clyde Bysom and Junkyard Jazz, Lawrence (Directors Award)

Larry Emmett & Sliders, DeSoto (Bob Hapgood Award)

 

Congratulations to our new inductees. We look forward to the ceremony and concert at Liberty Hall in Lawrence on March 2, 2013. The Devastating Dinks, Exceptions, Ray Hildebrand, Chuck Mead, Tempests and Clyde Bysom & Junkyard Jazz will be performing. Doors will open at 6:30; the show starts at 7:00. Tickets are on sale from the Liberty Hall box office (785-749-1972), Ticketmaster outlets, & www.ticketmaster.com. All tickets are general admission and cost $30 each. Liberty Hall is unable to accept credit card payments. It's important that we pack the place, so please spread the word about the show and make plans to attend.

 

The performance schedule looks like this:

Junkyard Jazz

Exceptions

Ray Hildebrand

Intermission

Tempests

Devastating Dinks

Chuck Mead

 

            Our annual free "UnPlugged Event" musical meet and greet will be Friday, March 1, at Paddy O'Quigley's Pub & Grill in the Lawrence Holiday Inn & Convention Center. Scheduled performances will be from 7-9 pm, and an open jam will run from 9 until they make us stop. We usually close the bar.

            How to sign up to play: Acoustic acts (defined as an individual, duo or group up to 4 pieces) will be signed up on a first-come first-served basis. Acts can email reservations to KMHOF VP Allen Blasco through the GenOneRockers yahoo group. A maximum of 7 acts will be accepted via on-line sign ups. In addition, up to 3 acts will be added "in person" on the day of the event. Those who want to sign up in person should contact Allen beginning at 6 pm. The first 7 acts scheduled will be announced as soon as they are selected. Please include full contact info in your email to Allen. A cell phone number you'll have on the day of the show will be VERY helpful. Allen will also need to know the number of performers in your act, what instruments they'll be playing, any special technical requirements, etc.

The Rules: 1) NO HARD CORE PROFANITY!

2) No drum kits, drum machines or pre-recorded backing tracks of any kind are permitted. However, standard percussion instruments (tambourines, congas, washboards, etc.) are OK.

3) Performance time is limited to 15 minutes, including set-up time. Please keep this in mind so the acts following you are not inconvenienced.

4) Although this is an "unplugged" event, there will be a professional quality bass amplifier and acoustic guitar amplifier provided for those who need them. Let us know in advance if your acoustic instrument does not have a pickup, and needs to be miked.

5) Four members maximum per act, but we'll try to be flexible on this.

6) Be aware of your order of performance. While one act is performing, we'll be staging the next. If you aren't ready, you'll lose your place in line.

7) The whole idea of this event is to keep things loose, spontaneous and fun. Even if you're not on the schedule, we want you to participate in the jam. We've had a great time every year, and expect to this year, too.

 

            If you did not get a room reserved at the Lawrence Holiday Inn/Convention Center reserved before the deadline, the hotel says it will still honor the $75 rate if rooms are available. You will have to contact Sales Manager Kristen Westpfahl directly at 785-749-8924.

 

Kansas City trumpet player Myron Brimm has passed away. He performed with the KC bands Karma, the Louis Neal Big Band and the nationally known R&B group Lo Key along with many more groups. Click here: MYRON A. BRIMM Obituary: View MYRON BRIMM's Obituary by Kansas City Star.

 

            KKFI's Steve Peters passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, February 20. He was a long-time KKFI 90.1 FM folk music programmer and founding member. Services will be Saturday, March 2, 1:30 pm at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1300 N. 18^th Street in Kansas City, KS. People are encouraged to stay after the service to visit with Steve's family and friends, to share food, and for those who want, to sing a song, play a tune or tell a story in celebration of Steve's life.

 

            Chick Willis has updated us on his health: "I am doing better as the days come and go that's not saying things is easy but easier. I am still geing grateful for you guy's prayers and well wishes. It seem like a year since I did my last gig. It seemed so long that I forgot when my last gig was so I had to look aback in my 2012 calendar to refresh my memory because I was thinking my last gig was April or May but it was not that long ago. My last gig before the big C got me was 09/02/2012 with the King Bees in NC. I am still taking the Xgeva shots for my bones. I will soon be visiting my ENT Dr to work on my vocal cords as toon as the DR give me the ok I will be back out there with you guys so thank you and keep the prayers coming and going. I love your guys.

The Little Old Blues Man Chick Willis"

 

A major snow storm hit Kansas last week. As a result many shows were cancelled. Many areas received over a foot of the white stuff. A second storm is underway so we expect cancellations this week, too.

 

            Topeka organizers expected this year's Jam4Dan to have brought in more than a thousand people. Click here: Topeka festival, fundraiser Jam4Dan draws record crowd | CJOnline.com.

 

JJ's, a Country Club Plaza area restaurant in KC that regularly featured live music, was destroyed by a natural gas explosion last week The Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association, all Restaurant Week participating restaurants and many other restaurants from around KC sponsored a one night only event on February 23. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the staff, employees and victims of the tragic explosion and fire at JJ's.

Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and

co-workers of Megan Cramer, 46, a server at JJ's who lost her life in the fire. She was a UMKC Law School grad. She worked to establish the first Lesbian and Gay student group chapter at the university. Click here: 'Like an earthquake,' explosion rocks the Plaza - KansasCity.com

 

Monophonics was on the road over 200 days last year and will be even busier this year. They have created a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds so they can buy a safer, more comfortable and fuel efficient bus. This will insure a dependable way to travel all over the country and help bring their live shows to all of their fans. Not to mention, it will save a lot of $$ on fuel and repairs. The band hopes you can help out with any amount can while earning some cool rewards. Click here: Monophonics Need a New Bus! by Monophonics — Kickstarter.

 

            After her 85 city tour of the US and an appearance on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Bonnie Raitt is headed to Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii. Mike Finnigan will continue to play in her band. Click here: [HD] Bonnie Raitt - Not Cause I Wanted To - Craig Ferguson - YouTube.

 

           A celebration of the late Myra Taylor's birthday was held at Knuckleheads Saloon in KC yesterday, Sunday February 24.

 

The Vine Street Rumble Jazz Orchestra will perform a free concert at Californors tonight (February 25). The multi-generational tradition-minded band includes heavy hitters like Rod Fleeman, Steve Lambert and Lonnie McFadden. The Benny Carter composition that gave the ensemble its name is almost certainly in its repertoire.

 

The ACB's will appear live at 10:30 on KKFI's Wednesday MidDay Medley. Konnor Ervin, Bryan McGuire, Andrew Connor and Kyle Rausch will talk about their new full length release, Little Leaves from High Dive Records. Their songs have been featured on MTV's The Inbetweeners and on Daytrotter. The lead single, "Ocean," was released in late 2012, prompting Popmatters to declare the ACB's as one of its "Best Hopes to Break Out in 2013." The ACB's play a record release show on Friday, March 1, at 7 pm, at the RecordBar with the Fourth of July. The ACB's also play Vinyl Renaissance on Saturday, March 8 at 1 pm.

 

The Icons tour starring Rakim comes to Kansas City Wednesday, March 6 n the Riot Room at 8pm. Cost is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Hosted by Ben Ammi with KC's own legend DJ Fresh spinning hip hop hits from the 80s & 90s. Featuring performances by The Popper, L.E.L. of High Class, Oobergeek, King Kihei of Kingpen Coalition.

 

If you think that Macklemore is the first rapper to put on a theatrical live performance then you should go see Tech N9n. Click here: If you think Macklemore is the first rapper to put on a theatrical live performance then you should go see: Tech N.

 

Congrats to KC's Riot Room on its 5^th anniversary. Last Friday's anniversary show featured Ben Kweller, Sons of Great Dane and She's A Keeper. Ink takes a look back at its growth. Click here: Riot Room owners celebrate their transition to craft beer and better music | Ink.

The Pitch also covered the anniversary. Click here: The Brothers Gutschenritter celebrate five years at the Riot Room | Interview | The Pitch.

 

Melissa Etheridge (left) attended the grand opening for the Historical Society of Long Beach, CA's LGBT History Project. Click here: Melissa Etheridge To Attend Feb. 23 Ribbon Cutting/Gala Opening For Historical Society of Long Beach.

 

            The Great Gatsby told through music and spoken word was presented Saturday afternoon at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library by KC jazz vocalist Angela Hagenbach, a trio of musicians and some actors. Click here: Hagenbach presents 'Gatsby' in music, words | CJOnline.com. 

 

You will see Sleepy Truckers, The Watchers (with Jenny Wood), Square One and Jamie Quick performing at this year's PAT Bash in Wichita Sunday, March 24 at Abode. Make sure you put it on your calendar. More details will come.

 

Many fans of the band Kansas miss original violinist Robby Steinhardt, but his replacement, David Ragsdale, has fit right in. Click here: David Ragsdale from Kansas Using the Studio Channel - YouTube.

Kansas has teased fans about an upcoming announcement. Click here: KANSAS has a secret - Long Island Live Music | Examiner.com

 

Cowtown Ballroom…Sweet Jesus is going to be broadcast on KTWU-TV on Monday, March 11 at 7 pm. Click here: cowbr.com.

A new era begins March 13 for Donnie Miller's Thursday night jam as it moves to the Rusty Nail in Hermitage, TN. Miller is looking forward to the new venue. He says it's a great room, food and staff.

 

Steamroller Boogie is back for round three at the Kickstand on Truman Road in Independence, MO on Saturday, March 16 at 9 pm. If you aren't familiar with this powerhouse trio, check out their page on Facebook, www.facebook.com/steamrollerboogie.

 

Here's tantalizing footage of a rehearsal for Bobby Watson's recent collaboration with the Kansas City Symphony. Click here: Dress Rehearsal with Bobby Watson and His All-Star Big Band - YouTube.

 

Brandon Draper's February 16 set at Take Five Coffee + Bar is available as a free download at Bandcamp. Currently Draper is on the music faculty at KU, percussion director at Shawnee Mission West High School and music director at Kansas City Academy. Click here: Brandon Draper.

 

The Kansas City jazz rock group Jorge Arana Trio visited Lawrence's KJHK January 28 a performed five songs.

 

Prior to Kenny Garrett's recent performance, Gale Tallis, Executive Director of the Folly Theater, announced that Stan Kessler and Matt Otto will perform with Matthew Rybicki at the bassist's concert on Marck 9.

 

From Kent Rausch: "Roarin' Out Of KC! Kansas City's Vine Street Rumble Jazz Orchestra was formed to honor the legacy of the "golden era" of our city's world renowned jazz history. The band exclusively performs the same outrageously exciting music that made Kansas City THE place to be in the 30's and 40's, dedicated to taking the audience back to the wildly famous "jam sessions" and concert performances that literally changed the jazz world and influenced musicians from coast to coast and beyond… Saxophone: Mike Herrera, Steve Lambert, Brett Jackson, Carl Bender; Trumpet: Jay Sollenberger, Barry Springer, Al Pearson; Trombone: Jason Goudeau, Dan Strom; Piano: Walter Bryant; Guitar: Rod Fleeman; Bass: Zach Beeson; Drums: Jurgen Welge; Vocals: Lonnie McFadden. When: Monday Feb. 25, 2013  8:00-9:30pm.  Where:  Californos.  Cost: Free!"

 

Stephen Gunn of the Lawrence band Mouth has designed this year's poster for the show

March 2 at Liberty Hall. It'll be great seeing them around town. Any that are left over will be offered for sale on the merchandise table at the show.

 

A large part of the funds raised for the Tom Hall event back in September came from the hearts of local KC artists. The bands that were auctioned off were Justin Murray, Levee Town, Fast Johnny Ricker, Trampled Under Foot and the Dave Hays Band. Many more offered, but the effort had to stop somewhere. Saturday night the Dave Hays band played the 25^th anniversary for a happy couple who were lucky enough to "win" them. Kansas City is rich in talent and truly blessed to have musicians such as these.

 

KC's Caves had an LP release party Saturday night. Click here: Oklahoma Gazette Music: The Caves.

 

Tom Page has been an integral part of the Wichita music scene for more than 20 years. Click here: A Musical Life: Tom Page | KMUW.

 

Junkyard Jazz is getting good local press. Two members of the band appeared on KLWN Radio this morning along with KMHOF President Bill Lee. Click here: Not your average junkyard dogs: Jazz jam band keeps dance scene spry | Lawrence.com

 

A few years ago someone at Washburn University wrote a tale of life on the road with the Green River Ordinance. Here's a link to the story. Click here: http://www.washburn.edu/reference/cks/newsltrs/F2010.pdf

 

Puddle of Mudd's Wes Scantlin is in trouble with the law according to TMZ. The site reports that his ex-wife alleges that she woke up February 18 and noticed that her Honda Pilot was gone, and she suspected that Wes had taken it because she says the former KC resident has done so before.

Jessica told TMZ that she texted Wes' manager to demand that the singer return the vehicle, and six hours later, the manager texted back the exact location of her wheels. But, she claims the manager texted, "Wes didn't take your car."

It's unclear then how the manager knew where the car was, but according to Jessica cops impounded the car to have it tested for prints. She's sure West took it since the windows weren't broken, and she says he has a spare key. The car was given to her following the divorce.

Although the windows weren't broken, the car had damage to the bumpers and a side view mirror was missing.

Besides the missing car, she also claims she got threatening texts from Wes during the incident. She alleges that one read, "Learn" and another said "You can't hide. I hope you have a shovel."

TMZ reports that Jessica filed a legal request to have Wes held in contempt of court for making the alleged threats and for taking the car.

 

Reviews

Click here: Jazz takes center stage as Bobby Watson performs with KC Symphony - KansasCity.com

Click here: Caught in the Carousel - Big Dipper Album Review

Click here: Trike's Trax

Click here: kcjazzlark: Friday Night and the Green Lady Lounge

 

 

2013 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Inductees

 

Devastating Dinks, Salina

Exceptions, Topeka

Ray Hildebrand, Prairie Village

Kerry Livgren, Berryton/Topeka

Chuck Mead, Lawrence

Mystic Number National Bank, Kansas City

Playmate Blues Band, Hays

Tempests, Hays

Steve Werner, Kansas City

Wizards from Kansas, Lawrence

Sherman Halsey, Independence (Directors Award)

Clyde Bysom and Junkyard Jazz, Lawrence (Directors Award)

Larry Emmett & Sliders, DeSoto (Bob Hapgood Award)

 

Congratulations to our new inductees. We look forward to the ceremony and concert at Liberty Hall in Lawrence on March 2, 2013. The Devastating Dinks, Exceptions, Ray Hildebrand, Chuck Mead, Playmate Blues Band, Tempests and Clyde Bysom & Junkyard Jazz will be performing. Doors will open at 6:30; the show starts at 7:00. Tickets are on sale from the Liberty Hall box office (785-749-1972), Ticketmaster outlets, & www.ticketmaster.com. All tickets are general admission and cost $30 each. Liberty Hall is unable to accept credit card payments. It's important that we pack the place, so please spread the word about the show and make plans to attend.

 

            Our annual free "UnPlugged Event" musical meet and greet will be Friday, March 1, at Paddy O'Quigley's Pub & Grill in the Lawrence Holiday Inn & Convention Center. Scheduled performances will be from 7-9 pm, and an open jam will run from 9 until they make us stop. We usually close the bar.

            How to sign up to play: Acoustic acts (defined as an individual, duo or group up to 4 pieces) will be signed up on a first-come first-served basis. Acts can email reservations directly to KMHOF VP Allen Blasco through the GenOneRockers Yahoo group. A maximum of 7 acts will be accepted via on-line sign ups. In addition, up to 3 acts will be added "in person" on the day of the event. Those who want to sign up in person should contact Allen beginning at 6 pm. The first 7 acts scheduled will be announced as soon as they are selected. Please include full contact info in your email to Allen. A cell phone number you'll have on the day of the show will be VERY helpful. Allen will also need to know the number of performers in your act, what instruments they'll be playing, any special technical requirements, etc.

The Rules: 1) NO HARD CORE PROFANITY!

2) No drum kits, drum machines or pre-recorded backing tracks of any kind are permitted. However, standard percussion instruments (tambourines, congas, washboards, etc.) are OK.

3) Performance time is limited to 15 minutes, including set-up time. Please keep this in mind so the acts following you are not inconvenienced.

4) Although this is an "unplugged" event, there will be a professional quality bass amplifier and acoustic guitar amplifier provided for those who need them. Let us know in advance if your acoustic instrument does not have a pickup, and needs to be miked.

5) Four members maximum per act, but we'll try to be flexible on this.

6) Be aware of your order of performance. While one act is performing, we'll be staging the next. If you aren't ready, you'll lose your place in line.

7) The whole idea of this event is to keep things loose, spontaneous and fun. Even if you're not on the schedule, we want you to participate in the jam. We've had a great time every year, and expect to this year, too.

 

Shelby Lewis, a KU freshman from Kansas City was one of a handful of student musicians selected to attend this year's Grammy Awards show on an all-expenses-paid trip. Click here: University student awarded all-expenses-paid trip to 2013 Grammy Awards | The University Daily Kansan

Rick Faris didn't return home to Topeka with an award, but it didn't stop him and his band mates from enjoying their time in the spotlight at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Click here: Despite not winning a Grammy, Topekan Rick Faris enjoys festivities | CJOnline.com.

The performance of the song "We Are Young" by the New York band Fun featured touring bassist Nate Harold of Lawrence, and the band's touring drummer Will Moon was playing a kit made by C&C Custom Drums of Gladstone.

Fun went on to win two Grammys, bst new artist and song of the year for "W Are Young," the recording of which features Janell Monae of Kansas City, KS.

Nate Harold's parents are proud of his success with Fun. Click here: Son's role in band Fun has Kansas parents 'proud as punch' - KansasCity.com.

Pat Metheny won his twentieth Grammy when his Unity Band was named Best Jazz Instrumental Album. Metheny spoke to his hometown newspaper last month. Click here: LS born and bred, New York City fed.

Additionally, the audio version of Metheny's The Orchestrion Project was released last week.

Roger Calkins went home to his nursing home last Monday. They say he will remain on oxygen, will eat through a feeding tube, and they can do no more for him. He still cannot talk, move, eat or anything else. The rehab will be his family's responsibility, if it is even possible. A "rahab doctor" was requested, but was denied. His family is convinced that he is "in there." Roger's family will do their best to bring him out and give him some quality of life. For now, his quality of life is pretty low. At least he has his music 24/7. He has his many friends and fans. At least Roger is alive. At his nursing facility he will be with a consistent staff that knows him.

 

There were several interesting music events over the weekend in Kansas City. Click here: KC musicians will pay tribute to Amy Winehouse - KansasCity.com.

 

In the midst of a seemingly endless dry spell of successful music artists in the Midwest, a movement is brewing that is shedding some light on the often overlooked talent pool right in the middle of the country. With artists like the Beautiful Bodies, Maps for Travelers, and Cherokee Rock Rifle gaining popularity, KC progressive rockers David Hasselhoff on Acid plan to hit 2013 with their own brand of destruction.

After nearly eight years and numerous lineup changes, DHOA have had their fair share of struggles. However, through determination, persistence, and the help of a devoted following, DHOA have crafted themselves into a tightly organized progressive rock band who plan to take 2013 by the horns.

DHOA will be playing this year's Midcoast Takeover at the South By Southwest music festival, as well as plans to hit the road in the Summer/Fall in support of their new album Eudaimonia, which is due to hit stores in May. The album is being produced by Brandon Barnesberger, and will include 7 tracks total.

There was a MidCoast Takeover show this past Saturday at The Brick featuring DHOA, Rev Gusto, Cherokee Rock Rifle and Not A Planet.

DHOA will be launching a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to complete and reproduce the album. All donations will receive a "produced by" credit on the album as well as various other prizes depending upon the amount donated. Visit www.facebook.com/dhoamusic for information.

 

The Esquire Band played at the Blue Room in KC on Friday night. Charles Williams and his group featured singer Ron Gutierrrez and singer/sax man Eddie Charles. Bassist James Ward's band with singer Andrrea Tribitt followed on Saturday. Drummer Brad Williams is in charge of the venue's regular Monday jam tonight.

 

There's nobody better to represent present-day Kansas City jazz than KMHOF inductee Bobby Watson. The alto saxophonist performed with the Kansas City Symphony and also with a hand-picked big band featuring many of KC's finest players over the weekend.

The concerts, Friday and Saturday, featured old favorites including some Duke Ellington masterpieces, and original music. It was a family deal - wife Pamela Baskin-Watson contributed to the arrangements - and it was a chance to hear the hometown jazz great in a different and distinctive setting.

Watson, the big band and the Symphony performed Friday and Saturday at Helzberg Hall in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Watson hosted a free, public jazz master class on Saturday in Helzberg Hall.

 

The Topeka Jazz Workshop Band shared the stage with its high school and middle school bands at the annual Topeka Youth Jazz Scholarships Awards Concert on Saturday afternoon in White Concert Hall on the campus of Washburn University.

 

Country Legends 106.9's house band, The Wild Hayride (left), played a benefit concert Saturday at the 4-H Building on the Leavenworth County Fairgrounds in Tonganoxie. It was a benefilt for Chistopher - who was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma. There was a raffle for great prizes and a chili & hot dogs dinner, too. All funds raised benefit the family.

Saturday night at Nica's on SW Boulevard in KC Phil Neal & Wornalls (Phil Neal, Doug Gunn, Bruce Sidener, Danko Loftus & Ruck Huyett) played their second show. They have funding for their second CD. They played a lot of that material as well as material from their newly released Lonely Tonight.

 

Tom Hall rehearsed with Rick Gibson of the Peacemakers on Saturday, and things are looking up for Tom to rejoining the band. Keep an eye out for bookings down the road.

 

The Blue Riddim Band was in the studio over the weekend working on their newest album. It's nearly done!

 

Christopher Kelts, music director of the Kansas City Civic Orchestra and director of orchestras at Washburn University took his turn as a candidate for conductor of the Topeka Symphony Orchestra when he led it at a Saturday evening concert featuring guest violinist Brian Lewis. Click here: Kelts' 'tryout' concert features violinist Lewis | CJOnline.com.

 

Good news from Jason Vivone…#1 on ReverbNation, #2 on Mo Roots Music Report and he and his band have entered the Living Blues Top 25.

 

Happy 50^th anniversary to a true KC music power couple, singer Julie Turner and drummer Tommy Ruskin, who celebrated their 50^th recently. Watch for a segment featuring them on KCPT's The Local Show in coming weeks.

 

The Crayons will be rockin' the RecordBar again tomorrow night, February 19, 7-9 pm. They're planning to do 40 songs in 2 hours. This will be their 4^th gig since reforming, and it's all starting to come back to them.

 

Bonnie Raitt and her band (left, with Mike Finnigan) return to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno tomorrow night (Tuesday, February 19) to perform music from her Grammy-winning album, Slipstream. They'll be on Craig Ferguson's show on Wednesday.

 

Recent highlights at KC's Green Lady Lounge included pianist Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle last Friday and the stride piano matinee with Bram Wijnands on Sunday. Coming up Wednesday will be the duo Passport, with guitarist Beau Bledsoe and trumpeter Stan Plesser.

The Wires are an alternative exploration in string sound. Hailing from Kansas City, The Wires compose and perform original music for violin and cello. Inspired by a myriad of genres and eclectic sounds, The Wires are not your typical strings group. The project encompasses a blend of wide-ranging styles, from tango to gypsy, jazz to rock and infused with the precision of classical form. Created composed and performed by Laurel Morgan (violin) and Sascha Groschang (cello). The Wires will be on KKFI's Wednesday MidDay Medley on February 20 from 10-noon.

 

The current issue of Keyboard has a nice article about former KC musician Joe "Guido" Welsh. Click here: KeyboardMag: Joe "Guido" Welsh

 

What is KC pianist Eddie Moore listening to? Click here: What are you listening to? Eddie Moore | Ink.

How about Isaac Flynn of Quiet Corral? Click here: Music | Ink.

 

Join Karl Berkebile, Richard Theisen and Joe Kozera for the taping of their Alley Cats Dueling Pianos video on Sunday, February 24, at the Arlington Improv in Arlington, TX. Possible special guests and happy hour prices with no cover charge.

 

Contemporary music meets contemporary art on March 1-2 for the third concert of newEar's 20^th anniversary season. They begin the evening at All Souls UCC with the works of four stellar composers: Anna Clyne's fits+starts (2003) for cellos and electronics; Still Sorrowing (1992) by Thomas Ades a piano solo; Cong Kee Yong's Metamorhosis 2, "Snow River" (2003) for flute and percussion; and We Speak Etruscan(1992) for bass clarinet and baritone saxophone by Lee Hyla.

Then they step across the street to the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art for the world premier of Martian Chronicles (2012) by Paul Rudy, featuring guest artist Mark Southerland - scored for solo jazz tenor (and bastard horns), flute, clarinet, soprano sax, percussion, cello and fixed media.

Purchase tickets at www.newear.org or call Central Ticket Office 816-235-6222 or toll-free at 888-286-4849. Tickets for Strangely Familiar are $20 and $10 for students with ID.

 

The Kansas City Blues Preservation Service honors Charles "Bojohns KC" Johnson for his contributions to the Kansas City blues music family on March 24 at the Trouser Mouse in Blues Springs from 11 am-11 pm. If you want to help with the benefit/fundraiser that helps finance services that help finance services such as in this case Bojohn's cremation, and other services such as LC "Speedy" Huggins' headstone, musical instruments for individuals in need, working on setting up scholarship assistance for advancement in education, please contact RocknRick Patterson or Patricia Garder (They're both on Facebook) if you are a band friend of Bojohns' and want to donate a set. Please indicate your am or pm availability.

 

The Kansas Acoustic Arts Association has been around for at least 16 years and is a member supported promoter of acoustic music throughout the state of Kansas. In addition to  sponsoring the Acoustic Arts in the Park Summer Concert Series, they also raise money for Guitars for Kids. This years they gave away 121 guitars: 6 to Salvations Army, 3 to Wichita Children's Home and 3 to Chisholm Trails Life Skills Center for their autistic children. It is a worthwhile organization , deserving of your support. We are happy to promote them and their activities.

 

For the first time, Kilroy & Club Wars present Blues Wars, the battle of the blues bands. Bands from around the Kansas City area will take part beginning in March 2013. Grand prize will be $500, 10 hours at Chapman Recording and 36 custom T-shirts from Brown Bear Printing. Blues Wars start on March 12 at Jerry's Bait Shop in Lee's Summit, MO, with the Scott Moyer Band, Alexander Roman, Jeremy Butcher & Bail Jumpers and Brian St. Charles. More dates and locations will be announced. For details and info, contact: Jim Kilroy, 913-709-1367 or jim@jimkilroy.com.

 

Melissa Etheridge's fan club members recently held an exclusive Q&A with the Leavenworth native on the theme of wellness, nutrition & fitness. Here's an excerpt: Q: I Run For Life inspired me to take up running and I have lost a significant amount of weight. I sunning something you do yourself as a part of your fitness regime? - Jolene W.

ME: I used to run until I got old enough to have the knee problems. Running is really hard on my knees so I just walk. I have been convinced that hiking and walking is just as good as running and I hike trails and go uphill so there is lots of cardio in that. But if you are younger and your knees can handle it, running is awesome. I always wanted to know if somebody was inspired by I Run For Life by literally running. Awesome!

Here's the link for fan club members or anyone wanting to become one: Click here: Melissa Etheridge Information Network | Melissa Etheridge.

In 2010 the Eco-Friendly Street Team interviewed two employees who worked at Ken's By George, the restaurant and lounge Melissa performed at during her days at Berklee College of Music in Boston. The Eco-Friendly Street Team recently interviewd another Ken's By George employee, a bartender. Click here: Eco-Friendly Street Team: Reminiscing About Melissa Etheridge in Boston, Part Three.

In 2011, guitarist Yogi Lonich played with Etheridge for a few shows. The Eco-Friendly Street Team interviewed Yogi about his experiences playing with MLE. Click here: Eco-Friendly Street Team: Eco-Friendly Street Team Interview with Yogi Lonich, Guitarist.

 

After numerous months of compiling and editing photographs and video footage, Jimmy Dee & Fabulous Destinations has announced plans to officially release a DVD biography of the band in conjunction with a fundraiser for a young boy diagnosed with a rare liver cancer.

Kayden Tiernan (above, left), the two-year-old son of Kerry and April (Weber) Tiernan, was diagnosed in September 2012 with hepatoblastoma, a childhood cancer that affects one in 1.2 million infants and children. According to Kayden's grandmother, Julie Weber, a large tumor was found on his liver shortly after celebrating his second birthday. After several months of chemo treatment at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Kayden is now on a list awaiting a liver transplant.

The band has decided to sell the biography and donate the proceeds to Kayden's Kampaign. They feel this is a perfect choice for the money because they are all from Victoria and grew up with Kayden's grandparents, Julie (Brungardt) and Mitch Weber.

To add an extra incentive to purchase the biography, anybody who buys a viedo for $15 will be given one ticket to a Jimmy Dee performance at the Fanchon Ballroom on March 2 from 8-11:30 pm.

Chances for a Traeger grill and other door prizes will be available during the performance as a means to generate ore donations for the family.

DVDs are available at the following locations; Hays - Cerv's; Victoria - Sunflower Bank, Gorham State Bank and Victoria Food & Variety; Russell - Woelk's House of Diamonds, Jagged Edge and D Palma & Co. Feel will donations will serve as entry the night of the dance.

 

Patricia Gardner is the new bass player for Klear Ambition.

 

A great live performance CD/DVD from Knuckleheads with The Healers, aka Kate Moss, Danielle Schnebele, Samantha Fish, Jimmy Hall, Reese Wynans and Kris Schnebelen is available for pre-order. The best part is the proceeds benefit Blue Star Connection. Click here: The Healers CD/DVD Now Available for Pre-Order! - YouTube

This summer Wichita's Fulton Calvery will be releasing six songs on an EP. The working title is Silvertone.

 

            Kansas (left) has begun to offer concert packages at two levels:

VIP Package includes:

Great ticket to the show (or GA where applicable)

Meet & Greet with Kansas

Exclusive Kansas T-Shirt

Autographed Kansas Photo

Exclusive VIP Laminate

Dust in the Wind 35^th Anniversary Gift Book

There' Know Place Like Home DVD

 

Premium Package includes:

Great ticket to the show (or GA where applicable)

Exclusive Kansas T-Shirt

Dust in the Wind 35^th Anniversary Gift Book

There's Know Place Like Home DVD

Autographed Kansas Photo

 

Chely Wright was recently interviewed on Canadian radio about her music and her marriage. Click here: Home | Q with Jian Ghomeshi | CBC Radio.

 

After rebuilding their house, Danny Cox and Mona can finally afford to look for a second car. He's looking for something used, looks don't matter, but must be mechanically sound. If you can help him out, please get in touch with Danny.

 

The Liquor Buddies (left) make their Kansas City debut at the RecordBar on Wednesday, March 6, at 10 pm. The Lawrence band is excited. Hotdog Skeletons follow them sometime after 11 pm. It will be an evening of brash rock and roll. Click here: Liquor Buddies - Free in My Mind - YouTube.

 

            The Flannigan's Right Hook album is finally done after a year's work. It will be released in about a month.

 

In its third year, Ink's Middle of the Map Fest, curated by The Record Machine, returns to Kansas City this spring with an expanded line-up over three weekends featuring music, the forum and film. Ink's Middle of the Map Fest celebrates the convergence of art at creativity in the heartland of the United States.

Ink's Middle of the Map Fest is the brainchild of Nathan Reusch of The Record Machine. He saw the Music Fest as an opportunity to promote community within the KC music scenes. That concept has now grown to include artists from around the globe brought together for three days in KC's Westport entertainment district. This year's Music Fest will take place April 4-6 and will feature local, national, international and emerging talent, including Grizzly Bear, The Joy Formidable, Deerhoof, Tennis and many more.

Venues for the Music Fest include Record Bar, Riot Room, The Uptown Theater, Union, Gusto Lounge and Westport Coffeehouse.

Returning to the Fest for the second year, the Forum features compelling speakers, technological and cultural panel dialogues, collaborative performances at a kickoff party on April 17, and a city wide exhibition of installation art. Speakers and topics will be announced in coming weeks. The presentation and dialogues will take place on April 18-19 at OfficePort in the Crossroads Arts District. Missouri Bank is the title sponsor of the Forum.

The festival expands this year to include its first Film Fest taking place May 1-5 at the Alamo Drafthouse in downtown Kansas City. The Film Fest will be screening a diverse cross section of curated films. N between the screenings will be shorts from the 45-second film open call that started last week. Special guests and fanfare parties will also be hosted throughout the event. Chipotle is the title sponsor of The Film Fest.

Tickets ae available for purchase online at www.middleofthemapfest.com.

Music Fest $45 per person for a three-day pass.

Arts, Culture and tech Forum $50 per person for a three-day pass

Film Fest $25 per person for a five-day pass

All-Access Pass $100 per person for access to all music, forum and film events

 

Video of KMHOF inductee Dawayne Bailey playing music at home in 1980 has been posted online. Click here: Dawayne Bailey at home, 1980 on Vimeo.

 

            Diverse appears in a new music video for Reach's How to Fish. Click here: "How To Fish" Reach, Diverse and Julia Haile - YouTube.

 

Chris Burnett suggests that Kansas City's jazz veterans including Bob Bowman, Deborah Brown, Rod Fleeman and Will Matthews are unfairly overlooked by taste-makers. Click here: Musings In Cb.

 

MerleJam Transplant Fund helps heart transplant recipients in the Kansas City area with uncovered medical expenses. The event also helps increase awareness in the community about the success of organ donation and the need for more registered donors.

A two-day benefit concert is held at Knuckleads Saloon in Kansas City. Net proceeds from the show provide assistance to pre- and post-op heart transplant patients and their families. This will be the 7^th year of the concerts. The concert and fundraiser was started by heart recipient Merle Zuel in 2007.

 

The lineup for the Olathe Free Summer Concert Series has been announced:

June 7 - Sam Bush and Monsters Ink

June 14 - Exile with Juice Newton and Selby/Mills/LeMaire

June 2, - Mike Zito and Samantha Fish

July 19 - Mingo Fishtrap and Teresa James & Rhythm Tramps

July 26 - Liverpool

Click here: Olathe FREE Summer Concert Series | Parks & Rec 2012

 

Lonnie McFadden has proudly informed us about his daughters. Justin Bieber's producer Kuk Harrell has announced his top 20 choices for unsigned artist, and Chloe and Gina McFadden are on the list. Definitely a "proud daddy" moment. Click here: Who's Next? TOP 20 - Mobile Announcement - YouTube.

 

There's a bit of news in Cowboy Indian Bear land. If anyone is interested, the single they released a couple of weeks ago is now available on iTunes. You can also, however, still get in as a free download from www.cowboyindianbear.com. It's free, so let some friends know. The band played at KC's Uptown Theater last Friday with thief friends Quiet Corral. It was their first time at the Uptown.

 

Joe "Guido" Welsh and Mike Poole have successfully finished mixing the new album Up The Action. They'll master it on February 25. After that, who knows? Besides Guido making his "legit" piano debut) on guitar, piano and keyboards, the record features Dave King of The Bad Plus on drums, the very fabulous Viktor Krauss on electric & acoustic upright bass, Steve King on piano & keyboards, Stan Kessler on trumpet, Jim Hoke & Randy Leago on saxes and Roy Agee on trombone, Chris Rodriquez n guitar and Guido's longtime co-conspirator Jim Riley plays durms on a very special arrangement of "Aqualung."

Here's a track listing, should you care:

Side One

1.       Smashing Adam

2.       Her Majesty

3.       Mahendra's Jig

4.       Regardless Of Intent

5.       Bounce Pass

 

Side Two

6.       Surf Down Here

7.       New Morning

8.       Blue Scissors

9.       To The Contrary

10.   Aqualung

 

This is a very different style for Guido. Elements of jazz, prog, rock and a lot of interesting time signatures. As always a bit of tongue & cheekiness here and there. He's very happy with how this turned out. He'll post preview tracks once this has been mastered.

 

The Delta Saints include a couple of Kansans in their lineup, bassist David Supica of Olathe and drummer Ben Azzi of Overland Park. The band released a full-length album last month and will be playing in Lawrence soon. Click here: Roots of Southern rock-blues band Delta Saints extend to Kansas | Lawrence.com.

 

 

Reviews

The Beautiful Bodes were part of a Valentine's Day-themed concert at the Midland sponsored by radio station KRBZ (96.5 FM) - known as "the Buzz." There were four featured acts, but only one was local.

            "The Beautiful Bodies have long been recognized as one of Kansas City's most energetic live acts. The commanding stage presence of vocalist Alicia Solombrino and the kinetic motion of her band mates thrilled the youthful audience. She proudly explained that her band recently won the national Ernie Ball's Battle of the Bands for Warped Tour competition. The strength of the punk-inspired bnad's new material like 'Invincible' surely played a role in their success. The Beautiful Bodies' riveting performand for hundreds of people who'd never seen the band was a genuine star-making tour."

            Bill Brownlee, Special to the Star.

 

Click here: Plastic Sax: Review: Voyage

Click here: Musings In Cb

Click here: BIG DIPPER & THE ZAMBONIS (MIDDLE EAST DOWNSTAIRS 2/2) - Allston Pudding

Click here: Potholes In My Blog » Eddie Moore & The Outer Circle - The Freedom Of Expression [Album]

 

 

2013 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Inductees

 

Devastating Dinks, Salina

Exceptions, Topeka

Ray Hildebrand, Prairie Village

Kerry Livgren, Berryton/Topeka

Chuck Mead, Lawrence

Mystic Number National Bank, Kansas City

Playmate Blues Band, Hays

Tempests, Hays

Steve Werner, Kansas City

Wizards from Kansas, Lawrence

Sherman Halsey, Independence (Directors Award)

Clyde Bysom and Junkyard Jazz, Lawrence (Directors Award)

Larry Emmett & Sliders, DeSoto (Bob Hapgood Award)

 

Congratulations to our new inductees. We look forward to the ceremony and concert at Liberty Hall in Lawrence on March 2, 2013. The Devastating Dinks, Exceptions, Ray Hildebrand, Chuck Mead, Playmate Blues Band, Tempests and Clyde Bysom & Junkyard Jazz will be performing. Doors will open at 6:30; the show starts at 7:00. Tickets are on sale from the Liberty Hall box office (785-749-1972), Ticketmaster outlets, & www.ticketmaster.com. All tickets are general admission and cost $30 each. Liberty Hall is unable to accept credit card payments. It's important that we pack the place, so please spread the word about the show and make plans to attend.

 

            Our annual free "UnPlugged Event" musical meet and greet will be Friday, March 1, at Paddy O'Quigley's Pub & Grill in the Lawrence Holiday Inn & Convention Center. Scheduled performances will be from 7-9 pm, and an open jam will run from 9 until they make us stop. We usually close the bar.

            How to sign up to play: Acoustic acts (defined as an individual, duo or group up to 4 pieces) will be signed up on a first-come first-served basis. Acts can email reservations directly to KMHOF VP Allen Blasco through the GenOneRockers Yahoo group. A maximum of 7 acts will be accepted via on-line sign ups. In addition, up to 3 acts will be added "in person" on the day of the event. Those who want to sign up in person should contact Allen beginning at 6 pm. The first 7 acts scheduled will be announced as soon as they are selected. Please include full contact info in your email to Allen. A cell phone number you'll have on the day of the show will be VERY helpful. Allen will also need to know the number of performers in your act, what instruments they'll be playing, any special technical requirements, etc.

The Rules: 1) NO HARD CORE PROFANITY!

2) No drum kits, drum machines or pre-recorded backing tracks of any kind are permitted. However, standard percussion instruments (tambourines, congas, washboards, etc.) are OK.

3) Performance time is limited to 15 minutes, including set-up time. Please keep this in mind so the acts following you are not inconvenienced.

4) Although this is an "unplugged" event, there will be a professional quality bass amplifier and acoustic guitar amplifier provided for those who need them. Let us know in advance if your acoustic instrument does not have a pickup, and needs to be miked.

5) Four members maximum per act, but we'll try to be flexible on this.

6) Be aware of your order of performance. While one act is performing, we'll be staging the next. If you aren't ready, you'll lose your place in line.

7) The whole idea of this event is to keep things loose, spontaneous and fun. Even if you're not on the schedule, we want you to participate in the jam. We've had a great time every year, and expect to this year, too.

Roger Calkins' daughter Shelly Willey has updated us on Roger's medical condition. Roger's brain won't let him speak. His heart is beating; his oxygen levels are nearly fine; but he cannot communicate. He seems like a vegetable. He has not been approved for feedings because he cannot eat/swallow. He just lies there. The irony is that the only response he has made in the last few days is laughter when Shelly put his music headphones on him. Shelly has reluctantly approved a permanent feeding tube.

Roger can barely move his limbs. There is nearly zero quality of life. The doctor's latest diagnosis is encephalopathy, a blanket term for disease or disorder of the brain. After they put in the tube, they have decided to move him back to his nursing home this coming Wednesday.

 

Pat Metheny Unity Band won a Grammy Sunday night for Best Instrumental Jazz Album. That's Pat's 20^th Grammy! Congratulations to Pat, Antonio, Chris and Ben.

Charles Bruffy and the Kansas City Chorale won the Grammy for Choral Performance.

 

Even if he isn't well known, guitarist Wes Blackman has been an R&B mainstay since the 70s, in KC and on the West Coast. He anchored the backup band for the Whispers for some years, and you can find him on the 1975 album Don Cornelius Presents the Soul Train Gang. More recently he has been involved with the group Bloodstone. Last Thursday at the Blue Room he had a reunion party with his old KC band 'Round Midnight.

 

Last Friday, February 8, The Sunflower Colonels recorded their set at Lucky's Everyday in Wichita. It should result in a great live album.

 

Sometimes the solution to a mission is looking right at you, or sitting right next to you. That's what a group of parents of students at Académie Lafayette figured out.

"Several of us were sitting around at a scouting event last year and realized that there were a lot of parents at the school who played in bands, and figured this would be a really cool way to raise money for the school," said Gregg Todt, whose son attends the public charter/French immersion school. Todt is a member of the rock band Federation of Horsepower.

"It gives us, as parents and musicians, a way to support our kids' educations while doing something we're good at, and it gives the other parents an excuse to get out, see some great live music and have a good time, too," he said. "And, for me, it's great playing with bands that we don't normally get to share the stage with."

Friday night, four bands featuring at least one parent of an Académie Lafayette student performed at the RecordBar: Federation of Horsepower, the Hillary Watts Riot, the Sexy Accident and the Quivers.

The event was billed as Vive the Rock. Commemorative T-shirts were sold, as well as raffle tickets for prizes. All proceeds go to the Académie Lafayette general fund, which pays for music and arts education and other academic programs.

 

Bassist Jeff Harshbarger made an all-too-rare outing as a quartet leader over the weekend with tenor saxophonist Rich Wheeler, pianist Roger Wilder and drummer Mike Warren at Take Five.

Harshbarger is the bassist for Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey and a member of several KC jazz groups, including the People's Liberation Big Band. He's headed to Europe this month. His first stop is Paris for a week of mentoring from Francois Rabbath. Then, he's off to Switzerland for the Jazzwerkstatt Jazz Festival in Bern.

 

Jim Kocher (left), KMHOF inductee as the  drummer of Eric & Norsemen, took second place in his age group in Eugene, OR's 2-mile Truffle Shuffle. A medal and a double dark chocolate truffle were waiting at the finish line.

 

Eric Bikales begins teaching an online music theory course today for the Academy of Art, San Francisco.

 

Drummer Ryan Lee, whose development over the past year or so has secured him a place for him in the top ranks of Kansas City drummers, gets a chance to lead the Blue Room's jam session tonight at 7 pm.

At the Blue Room tomorrow (Tuesday), the Necessity Brass Band gets to put a KC spin on Mardi Gras with some of the town's finest musicians. Meanwhile, over at Harling's Upstairs, the New Jazz Order big band will be playing. They've been holding down a regular gig there for five years.

 

On KKFI 90.1 FM's Wednesday MidDay Medley Mark Manning will play the 13 best recordings of 2013…so far.

 

The 24^th annual Kansas Bluegrass Association Winter Bluegrass Festival is February 15 & 16 at the Marriott Hotel in Wichita. This year's lineup features the Gibson Brothers (Friday only), Special Consensus (Saturday only), Triple L Band (Friday & Saturday), Jeff Scroggins & Colorado (Friday & Saturday), Shadow Ridge (Friday & Saturday) and the Greenhorns (Saturday only). Click here: Kansas Bluegrass Association.

 

KJHK is accepting submissions for this year's Farmer's Ball. Deadline is March 1. Click here: KJHK is accepting Farmer's Ball submissions, was featured on mtvU | Wayward Blog.

 

Doug "Chappie" Chapman of the Devastating Dinks recently posted on Facebook the list of members who will be playing at the KMHOF show on March 2 and the anticipated set list. The band got together over the weekend for a practice. Chappie will be joined at the show by Tom Olsen, Ron Webster, Alan Brown and John Bolton.

            They'll be playing "Higher and Higher," "Heat Wave," "Mustang Sally," "Midnight Hour," and "Shotgun" if they have time.

 

KC's Victor & Penny (AKA Jeff Freling and Erin McGrane) are in Florida for a four week residency called "Escape to Create." Click here: Victor and Penny head south to reap benefits of a year of hard work - KansasCity.com.

 

In keeping with tradition, Knuckleheads Saloon is hosting the annual birthday party for Myra Taylor on February 24 from 2-4 pm. An open jam will be hosted by Levee Town. Details are on the website www.knuckleheadskc.com, or you can call 816-483-1456 for more information.

 

Organizers of Ink's Middle of the Map Fest have announced 60 of the 100-plus bands that will perform April 4-6 at venues in and near the Westport area of Kansas City. Click here: Middle of the Map Fest; Click here: Back to Rockville: Snapshots: Middle of the Map headliners.

 

Robin Roberts & Billie Preston are playing at the Emma Chase Café in Cottonwood Falls on February 16. Dinner is at 6 pm, and by reservation only, so get your spot saved soon. Billie can't wait to have the catfish and pie. At Emma says, "Pie fixes everything!"

 

Danny Cox has a couple of plays coming up at the Theater for Young America in KC's Union Station.

Here's the schedule for "Anansi":

February 16, 2 pm

February 19, 10 am

February 20, 10 am

February 21, 10 am & noon

February 22, 1 am, 10 am & noon

February 23, 2 pm

 

Here's the schedule for "Chicken Little":

March 5, 10 am

March 6, 10 am

March 7, 10 am & noon

March 8, 10 am & noon

March 9, 2 pm

March 12, 10 am

March 13, 10 am

March 14, 10 am & noon

March 15, 10 am & noon

March 16, 2 pm

March 19, 10 am & 1 pm

March 20, 10 am

March 21, 10 am & noon

March 22, 10 am, noon & 7 pm

March 23, 2 pm

March 26, 10 am & 1 pm

March 27, 10 am

March 28, 10 am & noon

March 29, 10 am & noon

March 30, 2 pm

April 2, 10 am

April 3, 10 am

April 4, 10 am & noon

April 5, 10 am & noon

April 6, 2 pm

April 9, 10 am

April 10, 10 am

April 11, 10 am & noon

April 12, 10 am & noon

April 13, 2 pm

 

Glenn Walters has updated us on the Mystic Number National Bank members. "Russ died of an aneurism after becoming an internationally known expert on restoring WWII submarines (go figure!?). He was in charge of restoring the Pampano at the SF Maritime Museum. Don't know exactly what happened to Dave as I lost contact with him over 40 years ago. Bob Sebbo is still writing songs and doing his fabulous artwork. Anyone who cares to know what I've been doing can go to my website, www.glennwalters.com, or www.hoodoorhythmdevils.com."

 

The 6^th annual Beyond the Blues fundraiser for Mental Health of America of the Heartland (MHAH) is on April 20. The Blues Notions will be joined by Bill Dye, Todd Wilkinson, Joe Miquelon and special guest Millie Edwards.

 

Guests at KC's Gaslight Grill will be treated to a full schedule of jazz during 2013 according to owner Dick Hawk. Lynn Zimmer & Jazz Band will continue to play scintillating New Orleans jazz and mellow traditional favorites in Gaslight Grill's Back Room five nights (Wednesday through Sunday) every week. In addition, Zimmer periodically will be joined by special guest performers.

Guest performances already scheduled for February and March include Talya Groves on February 15 and the New Red Onion Jazz Babies on March 4. Plus, they will offer special event menus for Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day.

 

The KC-based radio show 12^th Street Jump has released their schedule for the rest of February and for March. The show is aired locally on KCUR at midnight on Saturdays.

Featured Artist               Special Guests              Broadcast Date

Wycliffe Gordon Tribute Show                             February 16

Nancy Wilson                                                    February 23

Dexter Gordon               Jim Mair                        March 2

Wes Montgomery          Danny Embrey               March 9

Nat King Cole                                                    March 16

Randy Brecker Tribute Show                               March 23

Thad Jones                    Stan Kessler                 March 30

 

Kevin Mahogany will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the release of his debut album, Double Rainbow on Enja Records.. He has some great gigs lined up this year. He released three albums last year, and he plans to put out another three in 2013. He'll be in Las Vegas this month to sing with the Basie Orchestra. He has a rare appearance in Miami ("I live there, but I don't work there.") with T.S. Monk. March 12-16 he'll be at Birdland in New York City. That'll be followed by his return to his alma mater as artist in residence at Baker University in Baldwin City from April 29 to May 3. Except for the residency at Baker, Kevin does not yet have a Kansas City date on his anniversary tour. He knows what he wants to do, though. He wants to share the stage with his old KC friends, wants them to be a part of the celebration. After all, as he says, "no matter where I roam, Kansas City is my home"

 

Ever wonder what Tech N9ne (left) looked like when he was 17? Viewers of MTV2's When I Was 17 found out yesterday.

 

Logan Richardson tells The Revivalist about the role he plays in the forthcoming album by the Next Collective. Click here: NEXT Collective: Logan Richardson (Alto Sax) - The Revivalist.

 

KCJazzLark's provocative commentary on the size and scope of Kansas City's jazz audience is fascinating. Click here: kcjazzlark: The Good, the Bad and the Not So Ugly.

 

Diverse made a portion of a recent Michael Jackson tribute performance available as a free download. Click here: "Remember The Time" Live At The Bottleneck - Diversejazz

 

The Prairie Village Post reports that a professional fundraier may be utilized by the Prairie Village Jazz Festival. Click here: Prairie Village approves bringing in professional fundraiser for 2013 JazzFest at Prairie Village Post - Neighborh.

 

            Jim Stringer was on Songwriters Across Texas yesterday morning on KNVA-TV. He played with Nick Cannolly, Redd Volkaert, Billy Horton and Wes Starr.

 

Reviews

John Elefante album review for On My Way to the Sun by Mike Schlote, broadcaster and programmer for over 20 years:

"Something special happened in the creation of this new John Elefante album. It's not just that Kansas fans will be treated to outstanding orchestral rock riffs throughout the project, or that Mastedon lovers have been given candy for their ears as well, or that John continues to set the bar of vocal excellence and production prowess, but there's more. There is something 'extra' inside. It seems that while allowing the listener full access to his thoughts, John found a way to sing the thoughts of my mind as I battle through life on this broken planet. A message of grace-filled conviction for a world to abandon God; a message of simpler days gone by; a message of powerful love; and a simple message to change lives forever. I am honored to have been given access to John's heart while taken on this outstanding musical journey. It's a journey that makes this my favorite Elefante record to date. There is a reason John Elefante fans plead with him to create more music. It's because his music is just that good."

Click here: Rock Star Journalist » Blog Archive » The Dead Girls / The Depth & The Whisper at the Replay, 2/1/13 - music for s

Click here: Fade In/Fade Out by THE DEAD GIRLS on Blurt Online

Click here: Jason Vivone and the Billy Bats - Lather Rinse Repeat

Click here: Jason Vivone - Lather Rinse Repeat (hecho con Spreaker) - YouTube

 

2013 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Inductees

 

Devastating Dinks, Salina

Exceptions, Topeka

Ray Hildebrand, Prairie Village

Kerry Livgren, Berryton/Topeka

Chuck Mead, Lawrence

Mystic Number National Bank, Kansas City

Playmate Blues Band, Hays

Tempests, Hays

Steve Werner, Kansas City

Wizards from Kansas, Lawrence

Sherman Halsey, Independence (Directors Award)

Clyde Bysom and Junkyard Jazz, Lawrence (Directors Award)

Larry Emmett & Sliders, DeSoto (Bob Hapgood Award)

 

Congratulations to our new inductees. We look forward to the ceremony and concert at Liberty Hall in Lawrence on March 2, 2013. The Devastating Dinks, Exceptions, Ray Hildebrand, Chuck Mead, Playmate Blues Band, Tempests and Clyde Bysom & Junkyard Jazz will be performing. Doors will open at 6:30; the show starts at 7:00. Tickets are on sale from the Liberty Hall box office (785-749-1972), Ticketmaster outlets, & www.ticketmaster.com. All tickets are general admission and cost $30 each. Liberty Hall is unable to accept credit card payments. It's important that we pack the place, so please spread the word about the show and make plans to attend.

 

            Our annual free "UnPlugged Event" musical meet and greet will be Friday, March 1, at Paddy O'Quigley's Pub & Grill in the Lawrence Holiday Inn & Convention Center. Scheduled performances will be from 7-9 pm, and an open jam will run from 9 until they make us stop. We usually close the bar.

            How to sign up to play: Acoustic acts (defined as an individual, duo or group up to 4 pieces) will be signed up on a first-come first-served basis. Acts can email reservations directly to KMHOF VP Allen Blasco through the GenOneRockers Yahoo group. A maximum of 7 acts will be accepted via on-line sign ups. In addition, up to 3 acts will be added "in person" on the day of the event. Those who want to sign up in person should contact Allen beginning at 6 pm. The first 7 acts scheduled will be announced as soon as they are selected. Please include full contact info in your email to Allen. A cell phone number you'll have on the day of the show will be VERY helpful. Allen will also need to know the number of performers in your act, what instruments they'll be playing, any special technical requirements, etc.

The Rules: 1) NO HARD CORE PROFANITY!

2) No drum kits, drum machines or pre-recorded backing tracks of any kind are permitted. However, standard percussion instruments (tambourines, congas, washboards, etc.) are OK.

3) Performance time is limited to 15 minutes, including set-up time. Please keep this in mind so the acts following you are not inconvenienced.

4) Although this is an "unplugged" event, there will be a professional quality bass amplifier and acoustic guitar amplifier provided for those who need them. Let us know in advance if your acoustic instrument does not have a pickup, and needs to be miked.

5) Four members maximum per act, but we'll try to be flexible on this.

6) Be aware of your order of performance. While one act is performing, we'll be staging the next. If you aren't ready, you'll lose your place in line.

7) The whole idea of this event is to keep things loose, spontaneous and fun. Even if you're not on the schedule, we want you to participate in the jam. We've had a great time every year, and expect to this year, too.

 

Country music legend Chely Wright and wife, Sony Music Executive Lauren Blitzer-Wright have talked about married life and what they are expecting this summer. Click here: Gwissues: Chely Wright & Lauren Blitzer-Wright - YouTube.

 

The first MidCoast Takeover was a huge success, and it appears that the second one was, too. Click here: (77) MidCoast Takeover Fundraiser #2: Jorge Arana Trio / Eyelit / Tiny Horse / The Latenight Callers

 

The Dead Girls' new album is now available online. The band recently played at Lawrence's Replay Lounge and at KC's RecordBar.

 

Outstanding high school musicians participating in this year's Prairie Winds Festival culminated at a weekend of instruction with a free performance for the public. The concert was at KU's Lied Center. The festival is put on by the Kansas University School of Music drew more than 100 wind and percussion musicians from Kansas and eight other states. Students participated in master classes, clinics, chamber ensembles and performances in select wind ensembles led by KU's faculty musicians.

 

Kansas drummer and manager Phil Ehart appeared on CNBC's Squawk Box on February 1. Click here: Squawk 'N Roll With Kansas' Phil Ehart.

Kansas fan Susan Perry is in the process of coordinating a Wheathead meeting at a future Kansas show sometime this year, probably in late summer. The most ardent Kansas fans call themselves Wheatheads. If you are interested in participating, let Susan know, and tell her how far you are willing to travel. Contact her at www.facebook.com/DeppHead. The event is open to all Kansas fans.

Two current members of the band Kansas, David Ragsdale and Rich Williams, perform on the opening track of former member John Elefante's upcoming new album On My Way To The Sun. The song is called "This Is How The Story Goes."

In other Kansas news, Kerry Livgren has said that Steve Walsh, Rich Williams and Dave Hope will sing on Kerry's Cantata project. Does this mean that he's nearing completion of this epic?

 

The Blues Foundation has been inducting individuals, recordings and literature into the Blues Hall of Fame each year since 1980 at a gala induction dinner. The Blues Hall of Fame became virtual in the internet age. Now, it will soon have its own museum. The Blues Foundation purchased the physical space in December 2010, developing plans in 2011 and is now embarked on a $3.5 million campaign to raise the funds necessary to create the exhibits and build out the space to accommodate tens of thousands of visitors. To date they have secured $1.35 million in pledges and donations. Kansas City, Wichita and Topeka all have blues societies which hope you will join the cause. For more information, go to: www.blues.org/capitalcampaign.

The KMHOF was formed in 1994, and we look forward to the day when we will be able to establish a physical museum. Your membership fees and donations will someday make it possible.

 

Mandolin player and vocalist Rick Faris of Topeka is a member of Special Consensus, a Chicago-based bluegrass band nominated for a Grammy Award. Click here: Topekan nominated for Grammy Award | CJOnline.com

 

Years from now when your grandchildren ask you, "Were you really at the debut performance of Winston Apple and the Two Tones? We want you to be able to look them in the eye and say, "Yes, I was there. And I was filled with the urge to dance."

The band's debut performance was at KC's RecordBar. We hope you were there. After all, you don't want to lie to your grandchildren, do you?

 

There will be a great show at Topeka's Boobie Trap February 15. It begins with a debut performance from Infinite Resistance followed by the smooth sounds of Present Day Man. Photo Atlas from Denver will be playing, then Sixteen Penny will off the night with some foot stomping rock and roll.

 

Mal Robinson of Topeka's Morning Dew was recently interviewed by a magazine in Slovenia about the band. Click here: It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine: Morning Dew story by Mal Robinson.

 

Jim Kocher (left), former drummer with Eric & the Norsemen and KMHOF's first webmaster, has retired from teaching law at the University of Oregon.

 

James Higdon, the Dane and Polly Bales Professor of Organ and Director of the Division of Organ and Church Music at the University of Kansas, talks about the pipe organ at the Bales Recital Hall in the Lied Center on the Lawrence campus. Click here: Pipe organs play notes of change - KansasCity.com.

 

A minor milestone in the evolution of Kansas City's jazz scene transpired on February 1. Diverse played a hip-hop show at the RecordBar. Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle performed jazz inspired by hip-hop during its record release party at the Blue Room. Forward-thinking pianist Mark Lowrey and drummer Brad Williams entertained at the Green Lady Lounge. The Jorge Arana Trio participated n a rock-oriented show at the Czar.

Audiences were just as likely to hear covers of songs by J Dilla, Michael Jackson and Radiohead as material by Count Basie and Charlie Parker. The younger musicians who participated in these shows aren't necessarily superior to their elder counterparts. They mearly have a different perspective than the jazsz artists who worked elsewhere that night.

These four events signal an unofficial changing of the guard. The KC music calendar will increasingly resemble nights like February 1.

 

The Blue Riddim Band has been in the studio working on new material for an upcoming release.

 

The ACBs' new album, Little Leaves, is out in March via new local label High Dive Records (also on High Dive's roster are Ghosty, Shy Boys and Fourth of July). We've already heard one of the singles, "Ocean." Now, another song from the album as trickled out onto MTV Hive. It's called "Record Store," and you'll probably recognize it if you've seen the band live anytime in the past couple of years. It has falsettos, harmonies and an earworm of a chorus. Click here: The ACBs Explore Hiding Out in Record Stores on "Record Store" | MTV Hive

 

Knock Kneed Sally's third album is coming out soon. This fun autobiography of tunes will showcase the band's ne3 song ideas and capture the raw energy that fans say they love about the band's live shows. This CD promises to be a time stamp of where Knock Kneed Sally is as a band in history and a chance to create something that will last and be relevant into the future.

They will be using Cipher Studios in Kansas City as their recording venue. The studio has killer equipment and a very good vibe. The many Grammy's they have displayed on the wall don't hurt either. The digital download will be available weeks before the physical CD. The band has a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the recording.

Knock Kneed Sally includes the creative talents of Stovepipe Perkins on guitar and vocals, Jemmie Hill on bass, Jerry Riccardi on drums, and Maggie Pruitt on violin.

 

Started in 1988, KKFI has been the Kansas City area's independent, non-commercial community radio station from 25 years. The staff seeks to stimulate, educate and entertain their audience, to reflect the diversity of the local and world community, and to provide a channel for individuals and groups, issues and music that have been overlooked, suppressed or under-represented by other media. No other radio station in the area plays as much local music.

 

After marrying a Brit, Lawrence's Sara Swenson has moved to Northern Ireland. You can keep up with Sara on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and www.saraswenson.com. She recently posted a blog about the music scene there. Click here: Sara Swenson | And music! We're living in Belfast, Northern...

 

Over the past year and a half, KC trio Bloodbirds has released a handful of EPs, the common denominator being a dark, psych-tinged post-punk sound. The group is led by Mike Tuley, who has brought the same unhinged quality to the Bloodbirds that he did to his former band, Ad Astra Per Aspera. Bloodbirds' new album, Psychic Surgery, is available online; the vinyl, which you can order at the band's show next Tuesday, February 12, at the RecordBar, will be available in April.

 

KC singer Lee Langston organizes an evening of neo-soul tributes on Saturday at 7 pm. Former Fugee Lauryn Hill gets the cover treatment from Natasha Ria El-Scari, ShavonQuee, MC Storm and others. At 9:00, Langston, Chosen Voice, Mike James, Kevin "Churchboxi" Johnson and Les Izmore tackle the songbook of D'Angelo.

 

12-year-old Daniel Mangiaracino of Topeka was the winner in the junior division of the 2013 Ovation Young Artist Piano Competition in Kansas City last month. He also received the Artistic Performance Award. Daniel has been studying piano since he was 6. Since August 2011, Daniel has studied with KU professor McBride Smith. Click here: Topeka boy gaining recognition as classical pianist | CJOnline.com.

 

Kansas City's Soul Providers Crew is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. The crew, established in 2003, is an integral part of the KC hip hop scene. The current Soul Pro roster includes: Reach, Lies Izmore, Milkdrop, Dutch Newman, Hozey T, Show, Gage (formerly Headfella), and DJ Skeme. The crew's Soul Providers Present series took off in September, 2012. Three successful shows in an effort to re-brand their good name may not be the best time for a respite, but the Soul Providers are confident in their plans. The next installment, titled "Burn," will take place on Saturday, March 2 at the RecordBar. The four hour dance party will begin promptly at 10 pm. Male patrons 21 years of age or older will be admitted for $7. Women will be admitted, free of charge, throughout the evening.

The Soul Providers are currently hard at work on a crew album project. Their first single, "Worth the Wait." was released in mid-January. The crew is currently filming a video for the song to be released at a later time. Soul Pro is also ramping up their efforts to re-invent their annual block party in April. After a recent appearance on the cover of The Pitch, the crew has its sights set on bigger and better things to continue its yearlong anniversary celebration.

 

Reviews

Click here: Opening night of Jazz Winterlude is elegantly electrifying - KansasCity.com

Click here: REVIEW - Jorge Arana Trio: 'Mapache' album, 2012 ("a lean, strutting pirouette along a jagged line") « Misfit City

Click here: Crashes on the Platinum Planet | Manic Pop Thrills

Click here: Jams Plus Album Reviews

Click here: Plastic Sax: Review: Stan Kessler and Beau Bledsoe's Passport

Click here: Quality Hill revue offers laughs, fine music and honest sentiment - KansasCity.com

 

2013 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Inductees

 

Devastating Dinks, Salina

Exceptions, Topeka

Ray Hildebrand, Prairie Village

Kerry Livgren, Berryton/Topeka

Chuck Mead, Lawrence

Mystic Number National Bank, Kansas City

Playmate Blues Band, Hays

Tempests, Hays

Steve Werner, Kansas City

Wizards from Kansas, Lawrence

Sherman Halsey, Independence (Directors Award)

Clyde Bysom and Junkyard Jazz, Lawrence (Directors Award)

Larry Emmett & Sliders, DeSoto (Bob Hapgood Award)

 

Congratulations to our new inductees. We look forward to the ceremony and concert at Liberty Hall in Lawrence on March 2, 2013. The Devastating Dinks, Exceptions, Ray Hildebrand, Playmate Blues Band, Tempests and Clyde Bysom & Junkyard Jazz will be performing. Doors will open at 6:30; the show starts at 7:00. Tickets are on sale from the Liberty Hall box office (785-749-1972), Ticketmaster outlets, & www.ticketmaster.com. All tickets are general admission and cost $30 each. Liberty Hall is unable to accept credit card payments. It's important that we pack the place, so please spread the word about the show and make plans to attend.

 

As in years past, we have set up a special rate ($75) at the Lawrence Holiday Inn & Convention Center, 200 McDonald Drive (2 blocks south of Exit 202 on Interstate 70), for February 28-March 3. Room choices are either a king-sized bed or two doubles. All rooms are non-smoking. Reservations may be made by calling 785-749-8932. Reservations can also be made online. Click here: Room rates and packages.

 

            Our annual free "musical meet and greet" will be Friday, March 1, at Paddy O'Quigley's Pub & Grill in the Holiday Inn & Convention Center. Details about signing up for the guitar pull and jam will be forthcoming from KMHOF Executive

Vice President Allen Blasco.

 

            The Tempests have one member who has passed away. The group made contact with his sister, and learned that Jim Colyer's younger brother is the current Lt. Governor of Kansas, Jeff Colyer, who will be attending our ceremony on March 2.

            At the ceremony, Lt. Governor Colyer will be making two proclamations - one in the Tempests' name and one in the name of the KMHOF.

 

The KC blues community is in mourning. Bojohn's brother Paul says that Bojohns (Charles Johnson) passed away last Wednesday afternoon at 3:45 at Topeka's Midland Care Hospice House. RocknRick Patterson is looking to start up a benefit to help raise funds to assist with medical expenses. Bojohns was a true blues lover that supported the Kansas City blues scene who wrote for various publications. He brought it to the table that Annetta "Cotton Candy" Washington deserved a headstone. This led to the beginning of the Kansas City Preservation Service. Click here: Dirty Lowdown Crime - YouTube

           

It wasn't long ago that a regular event in KC spotlighting local producers would've seemed laughable, but the solid turnout of bodies on the floor at the first Sucka Free Producer's Showcase at RecordBar in October proved that there is an audience for strange beats in Kansas City.

            Experimental beat producers need to be ever-evolving creatures. With MIDI controllers and such becoming more affordable for novice beat producers in recent years, it was only a matter of time before hip-hop-rooted musicians began straying from the bulk and hassle of turntables. Four such minds were spotlighted Saturday night, when local MC and producer Sephroth hosted the second edition of the Sucka Free Producer's Showcase, also at RecordBar.

 

            Alaturka, KC's foremost Turkish jazz ensemble, performed twice on Saturday, January 18. The ensemble played in the afternoon at the Jazz Winterlude Festival and at 10:30 pm at Take Five Coffee + Bar.

 

The Pedaljets were indie-rock contemporaries of R.E.M. in the 1980s, so the idea of their playing a tribute show to the band seems a little strange at first. Then the brilliance of the enterprise becomes evident. They rocked out at the RecordBar Sunday, murdering a variety of Stipe and company's songs. Thom Hoskins, Kimberly Queen and the Cody Wyoming Deal rounded out yesterday's bill.

 

KC musician Mark Lowrey's music is utilized in "A Pairing of Cocktail & Song." Click here: "The Pendergast" & Mark Lowrey's "133w" - MusicMixed: Cocktail & Song - YouTube

 

The People's Cathedral of Wavelength is a new EP by Kansas City's The Great Vehicle. It's recommended to fans of Steve Morse, Guitar Hero and Joe Satriani. Click here: The Great Vehicle

 

The Band of OZ will perform at the Port of Wichita on February 1. Sondra LaVon, Ed Macy and Terry Hacker will be joined by special guest Gary Heitz on guitar.

 

"Classic Hits & Jazz Standards by Bram Wijnands, Piano & Laura Glaeser, Vocals" will be hosted by Tim Whitmer & The Consort Band Wednesday, February 6. Bram Wijnands began playing piano at an early age in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. In July 1991, Bram made his debut on the KC jazz scene at the City Light Jazz Club with KC's own Richard Ross. A lifelong resident of Kansas City, Laura Glaeserr attended the UMKC Conservatory of music, where she studied Vocal Performance for 6 years. Her heart belongs to jazz, and she jumps at every chance to perform it. Spirituality & All That Jazz is the first Wednesday of every month - 7:00 pm at Unity Temple on the Plaza Tickets at the door are only $7.00. Children under 16 get in free.

 

Three programs of fine cuisine and exceptional music are planned during February as part of a series of lunch programs being offered by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District's 50 Plus Department. The cost for each two-hour program, including lunch and a show, is $12 per ticket. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling Shawnee Heartland Assisted Living at 90103-248-6688.

The events are called "Love in the Afternoon." All programs begin at noon. The first will tke place on Monday, February 9 at Shawnee Town Hall. Another will take place on Wednesday, February 13 at Atonement Lutheran Church, and the third will be on Monday, February 19 at Colonial Presbyterian Church. For updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com.

 

            The KAAA has been giving instruments to Chisolm Trail Life Skill Center for the autism program. If you or anyone you know has any acoustic instruments that are just gathering dust, consider donating them to this very worthwhile cause. Contact Kat Travis on Facebook with the infol

 

Wednesday MidDay Medley runs from 10-noon on KKFI, 90.1 FM, Kansas City Community Radio, Produced and hosted by Mark Manning. On Wednesday, January 30, Mark will play new and local releases from Dollar Fox, Eyelit, Jorge Arana Trio, My Brothers & Sisters, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Olassa, The Quivers, Maps For Travelers, The Hillary Watts Riot, Six Percent and more.

At 10:30 Michael Grayman of Spinning Tree Theatre stops by to talk about the KC premier of Shipwerecked! An Entertainment - The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (As told by Himself) by Donald Marglies, starring Charles Fugate, Jennie Greenberrry and Bob Linebarger. The show runs February 1-17 at Paul Mesner Puppet Studio in KCMO. For more info visit, www.spinningtreetheatre.com or call 816-569-5277.

At 11:15 Mark talks with KC native Deanna Hurst, who has worked as a professional actor, singer, voice over artist for over 25 years. Deanna moved to L.A. in 1990, where she does her work and where she formed the band Wildwood Highway with two friends. Mark will play songs from Wildwood Highway's 2012 self-titled release, produced with Bill Payne fo Little Feat. More info is available at www.wildwoodhighway.us.

KKFI streams online at www.kkfi.org.

 

KC flugelhornist Mike Metheny made an all-too-rare appearance last Friday night at Leawood's Take Five Coffee + Bar in a top-flight quartet with pianist T.J. Martley, bassist Gerald Spaits and drummer Brian Steever.

 

Although representatives of the South by Southwest music festival extend official invitations to hundreds of bands, thousands of additional musicians barnstorm Austin every March looking for a piece of the action. That's where the Midwest Music Foundation comes in. The organization's Midcoast Takeover provides an opportunity for artists based in Kansas City, Lawrence and throughout the Midwest to perform at an unofficial showcase, which Ink sponsors. The ambitious effort takes money. Saturday's show was the first in a series of fundraisers for the effort. It featured the crafty pop of Antennas Up, the dance rock of Molly Picture Club, the insinuating glam rock of Drew Black & the Dirty Electric and folk-based favorites She's a Keeper.

            Here's a list of the first round of bands selected to play at MidCoast Takeover at SXSW this year. This includes some information about the showcase as well as links to all of the artists' websites and music. We'll have more details on MidCoast as they come in. Click here: MidCoast Takeover: First Round of Bands Selected

 

I Love You, Come Back To Me, a six-song EP by Lawrence's Olassa, possesses a roughhewn charm. The folk band's delightfully unassuming recording was officially released Saturday at the Replay Lounge. Three acoustic-based acts from the area with decidedly rowdier sensibilities helped Olassa celebrate. The Kansas City Bear Fighters play fancifully moth-eaten folk. The Calamity Cubes, a self-described "thrashicana" ensemble, and Alex Law of Deadman Flats carry on the alternative bluegrass tradition of the influential Kansas band Split Lip Rayfield.

 

Tonight's Blue Monday Jam in the Blue Room at the American Jazz Museum will be hosted by the Brothers Leifer featuring all original compositions by the band members. Members are Matt Leifer (drums), Ben Leifer (bass), Clint Ashlock (trumpet), Nick Rowland (saxophone) and Andrew Ouellette (piano). Last week the venue hosted tenor saxophonist Matt Otto's group on Wednesday; tenor saxophonist Bill Crain's group Friday; and organist Everette DeVan's Wild Men of Kansas City Saturday.

 

Maggie Pruitt is joining KC's Knock Kneed Sally. Maggie is an amazing player and person. The band is happy to have her throw in with such a bunch of hooligans.

Maggie's bio looks something like this: She will know if you are cursing at her in Portugese. Maggie makes the best gumbo on the planet. Maggie also plays violin.

 

Gerald Graves, formerly of the Clocks, has joined the British Invasion cover band Across the Pond. He and his new band played at RD's County Line Bar & Grill in Mulvane on Saturday.

 

Coffeyville native Donnie Miller is in his 13^th year of jamming every Thursday night at Jimmy's Bar in Lebanon, TN, mere minutes from the heart of Nashville. If you're ever in the area, drop by and sit in.

 

Lawrence's Mouth reports that their beloved sound man and fourth member of the band, Dan, is recovering from al collapse lung. He's been with Mouth since the beginning and is responsible for the extremely high quality and consistent recordings the band has served up over the past four years. Everyone is hoping that he'll be find and twisting knobs again in a few days.

Mouth returns to the Jazzhaus March 8 & 9 with special guestss Linear Symmetry (Blue Martin Tribe side project) on Friday the 8^th and 3 Son Green on Saturday the 9^th.

Bad news from Skip Schlyer of the Tempests is that his mom, Tootsie, is not doing well. More than a week ago she was diagnosed with having lung cancer, and last week she possibly suffered a stroke and became unresponsive. She is under hospice care at home. It also appears that her kidneys are shutting down. As you can imagine, Skip's dad is not taking this well. Please keep them all in your thoughts.

 

The Flaming Lips are constantly up to new tricks, but they haven't released a proper studio album since 2009's Embryonic. That'll change on April 2 (April 1 in Europe), when they put out The Terror through Bella Union and Warner Brothers. This is the band's 13^th album.

The nine-track album was produced by Dave Fridmann and the Lips. The non-album track "Sun Blows Up Today" will be released on January 29, when the digital pre-order for the album will begin. "Sun Blows Up Today" will be featured in a commercial that will air during the Super Bowl that stars the Flaming Lips. (No word as to what the commercial is for just yet.)

Drummer Kliph Scurlock of the Lips lives in Lawrence.

 

The Second Annual Classic Rock Radio Reunion was held earlier this month in St. Louis. Members of Poco, Missouri, Head East and the local group SuperJam performed. Guitarist Lane Turner was the only original member of Missouri who showed up. Click here: Poco, Missouri and Head East with SuperJam - YouTube

 

Mike Finnigan recently posted this on Facebook:

"In Tortola today. Internmet (sic) virtually useless. Posting is light, but Blues Cruise fun at maximum! Played with Mavis Staples on ML King's birthday. What an honor to be able to call someone who marched with him and provided much of the soundtrack for the Civil Rights movement, a friend. The Phantom Blues Band played a show with Taj Mahal on Sunday night.   We did our own show Tuesday afternoon, and I played at the 'Gospel Brunch.' Also sat in with old friend Kelley Hunt. Elvin Bishop's gonna sit in with us tomorrow, and I'll sit in with him later in the week. Lots of old friends and good music…"

 

A Kansas City duo aiming to prove that "two (Hip Hop) heads are better than one" celebrates the release of their debut album. The tandem has always been central to Hip Hop, especially where they're configured with distinct roles. The "emcee" and "producer" dynamic has produced iconic pairing in the past. Les Izmore (emcee) and D/Will (producer), collectively know, have taken their place as on e of the newest flash points along that historical trajectory as Heartfelt Anarchy. The pair will celebrate the release of their self-titled debut album on Friday, February 1 at the RecordBar. The album release party will feature supporting act Diverse and an opening set from SoulNice. Patrons 18 and older will get in for $10 (which will include a copy of the album). There's a $2 surcharge for minors. Tickets may be purchased in advance through www.holdmyticket.com/event/129274.

 

January 31 on Australian radio program Junkyard they'll be featuring the Boston based band Big Dipper. They'll be covering the band's musical history as well as playing tracks from their discography, including their new album, as well as the bands that they were formed from - the Embarrassment and Volcano Suns. It should be a lot of fun. Click here: Big Dipper Special!!! | PBS 106.7FM. Click here: Up Close And Personal With: Big Dipper's Gary Waleik - Boston rock music | Examiner.com.

Topeka Blues Society leader Suki Willison has been chosen to judge the International Band Challenge Finals in Memphis. That is a terrific honor and recognition of her contributions to blues music. TBS has another board member selected as an IBC judge this year. Stacy Jeffress! Congratulations to both.

 

Samantha Fish, two words that have become synonymous with the best in blues, will be one of the featured performers on Saturday, May 4, at the Merle Jam Transplant Fun Concert. Proudly hailing from the KC area, Samantha has take the world by storm over the past few years. Truly a gifted performer, Samantha has earned industry recognition such as her 2012 BMS for best debut album, a slew of other local awards, great press and high demand for performances. She recently played with Buddy Guy at his Chicago club, considered quite an honor in the blues world. She is not just a pretty face, but a gritty player with a real feel for tone and style that comes through in both her playing and her singing.

 

Tom Hall made his return to the KC music scene Saturday night with a show at the Levee. It was standing room only.

 

Yesterday morning at First Lutheran Church (6400 Stateline Road) was the first of what will be a series of jazz services this year With the exceptions of March and October, First Lutheran will have a jazz service the last Sunday every month Musicians will include Tom DeMasters, Wayne Hawkins, Harold Steinhardt, Keith Mallory, Tom Anderson, Mike Derby and Rick Huyett.

 

`           KC quartet Alice Sweet Alice is interviewed in current Rockvolt. Click here: INTERVIEW: ALICE SWEET ALICE | ROCK REVOLT

 

Reviews

Click here: Opening night of Jazz Winterlude is elegantly electrifying - KansasCity.com

Click here: REVIEW - Jorge Arana Trio: 'Mapache' album, 2012 ("a lean, strutting pirouette along a jagged line") « Misfit City

Click here: Crashes on the Platinum Planet | Manic Pop Thrills

 

 

2013 Kansas Music Hall of Fame Inductees

 

Devastating Dinks, Salina

Exceptions, Topeka

Ray Hildebrand, Prairie Village

Kerry Livgren, Berryton/Topeka

Chuck Mead, Lawrence

Mystic Number National Bank, Kansas City

Playmate Blues Band, Hays

Tempests, Hays

Steve Werner, Kansas City

Wizards from Kansas, Lawrence

Sherman Halsey, Independence (Directors Award)

Clyde Bysom and Junkyard Jazz, Lawrence (Directors Award)

Larry Emmett & Sliders, DeSoto (Bob Hapgood Award)

 

Congratulations to our new inductees. We look forward to the ceremony and concert at Liberty Hall in Lawrence on March 2, 2013. The Devastating Dinks, Exceptions, Ray Hildebrand, Playmate Blues Band, Tempests and Clyde Bysom & Junkyard Jazz will be performing. Doors will open at 6:30; the show starts at 7:00. Tickets are on sale from the Liberty Hall box office (785-749-1972), Ticketmaster outlets, & www.ticketmaster.com. All tickets are general admission and cost $30 each. Liberty Hall is unable to accept credit card payments. It's important that we pack the place, so please spread the word about the show and make plans to attend.

 

As in years past, we have set up a special rate ($75) at the Lawrence Holiday Inn & Convention Center, 200 McDonald Drive (2 blocks south of Exit 202 on Interstate 70), for February 28-March 3. Room choices are either a king-sized bed or two doubles. All rooms are non-smoking. Reservations may be made by calling 785-749-8932. Reservations can also be made online. Click here: Room rates and packages.

 

            Our annual free "musical meet and greet" will be Friday, March 1, at Paddy O'Quigley's Pub & Grill in the Holiday Inn & Convention Center. Details about signing up for the guitar pull and jam will be forthcoming from KMHOF Executive Vice President Allen Blasco.

Kansas has been taking part in the Rock Legends Cruise II. They'll dock today in Fort Lauderdale.

 

Former Kansas member John Elefante's new album On My Way To The Sun is finally complete. He just needs to finish the cover, credits, manufacturing and that last minute stuff that always takes a little time. He's excited for everyone to hear it.

 

            Former KC bluesman Chick Willis reports that he had his fourth chemo session last week. Out thoughts are with him in his battle with cancer.

Jim Kilroy held his annual Banzai Awards show recently in Kansas City. The Clique (left) received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

Van McLain of Shooting Star was recently asked to do some comments on the band's songs and what equipment he used to record the songs. His replies:

1) "Hang on for Your Life"  "On this track we went at it the way I usually went at it. A 1978 jmp Marshall with a 4x12 cabinet cranked to 11. We put a Shure sm57 on one speaker and a Neuman u87 on another speaker. The only effect used was an eventide harmonizer set on -8 pitch shift. We were recording through a Trident A range board with some light compression. I used my black Les Paul custom with Seymour Duncan pickups. I think they were called super distortion pickups. Nothing fancy but sometimes it all comes together. I think that is my favorite guitar sound I ever got."

?2) "Last Chance".

"One of the things we wondered about when we chose Gus Dudgeon to produce our first album was how he would handle guitar sounds. Gus was known for his work with Elton John. His stuff sounded incredible but was not very guitar oriented.

Stuart Epps was Gus main engineer and he seemed to get into a... little heavier guitar sound. Once again we used my 78 50 watt JMP Marshall with a 4x12 cabinet. Gus used Neuman u87s on everything. Steve was terrified because Gus had 8 brand new 87s on all the Toms and Steve had to avoid smacking these 3000 dollar mics when he played.

We put an 87 up close and an 87 about 3 feet back in a very good sounding room. Stewart ran the mics in stereo through Gus main effects box which was an AMS box that I can not remember the specific name.

Gus had 4 different actual reverb plates that did all of the verb.

I used my Black Firebird 1 for the main rhythm track. Gus always had me double all of the rhythm parts. I then used a Fender stock strat for the funny whammy bar parts in the middle of the song. This part had the heavy AMS effect. The singing guitar stuff in the middle and on the end were my Black Les Paul custom.

I never have used any pedals of any kind on any of the Shooting Star recordings. I never understood putting a crapy 100 dollar pedal in front of an incredible sounding amp but that's just me. Lots of my friends get great sounds using pedals but that just never worked for me. My theory is the less crap between my amp a guitar seems to be the purest tone.

'Last Chance' was pretty much recorded live without too many overdubs.

It took us a couple of days to get a final take. Then I would double the rhythm track and add whatever solo I didn't play live. Stewart and Gus did an Epic mix and the rest is history!"

 

On Friday, February 1, the brand new album from The Dead Girls, Fade In/Fade Out, will be released digitally on Bandcamp as a pay-what-you-will download. The celebrate, the band will be playing the album in its entirety at Lawrence's Replay Lounge. The Depth and the Whisper from KC will be opening. A free download of the album's first single, "Never Erased," is available here: www.soundcloud.com/the-dead-girls/01-never-erased/s-Srh4c.

 

            Bureman & O'Rourke will be performing at KC's EBT Restaurant on Friday, January 18, from 6-10 pm. Remember, the bar is small, so arrive early if you want a table in the bar, or make a reservation (816-942-8870) and enjoy a great dinner in the restaurant. They hope you can join them for some music, food and fun.

www.jam4dancom/jam.html

www.facebook.com/jam4dan

www.twitter.com/jam4dan 

 

The Wichita Blues Society's annual Blues Ball will be held at the Cotillion Ballroom on January 19. Click here: Wichita Blues Society 15th Annual Blues Ball -- kwch.com#pl-62806076.

 

            The Kansas Bluegrass Association will be holding their 24^th Annual Winter Bluegrass Festival at the Marriot in Wichita on February 15. It gets underway at 6 pm.

 

 

 

 

The Trinity Jazz Ensemble is having a reunion. Twenty years ago, some of the best players in Kansas City got together as a group and played every denomination of church around Kansas City and the Midwest you could think of, letting people know Jazz is Alright! Welcome back Mike Parkinson on trumpet (Ohio University), Doug Talley on sax (Shawnee Mission Northwest), Wayne Hawkins on piano (University of Kansas) Tim Brewer on bass, and Sam Platt on drums. From modern jazz to old time gospel. Featuring the music of Duke Ellington, Dave Brubeck, Hank Mobley, Donald Byrd, Tim Brewer and Brian Harman, a reunion of these players will gather on Wednesday February 20, 7 pm at Hillcrest Covenant Church in Prairie Village.

 

            We mentioned earlier that ,B Scott Nelson's annual Groundheart's Day party is scheduled for April 13 at his home north of the Country Club Plaza in KC this year. Entertainment will be provided by Danny Cox, Rock/Paper/Scissors and Riverrock. There may be some surprises, too.

 

            Kelly Finnigan's studio has been very busy lately. He had Xcel from Blackalicious in doing some dope stuff. He just sent off an epic remix for the new AM & Shawn Lee record. The OG Mike James Kirkland has cut some more tracks. And, all this while, Kelly's been at work on the new Monophonics album and a special little something for the fans. The VINYL Brothers were in to discuss their new record. The Monophonics head back to Europe in May for a great festival in Holland called the Moulin Blues Ospel.

 

 

            Why Don't We Duet in the Road is a show dedicated to this particular art form on Friday, January 18 at 7:30 at the Artichoke in Wichita. Featured acts include:

            Nikki Moddelmog & Shane Marler

            Karen & Shan Marler

            Robin Macy & Ken White

            Megan & Eric Nelson

            Shalen Scheltgen & Mark Horton

 

Winston Apple's new band The Two Tones is the largest ensemble he has ever played with and the first ever with a horn section. He's really looking forward to his upcoming gig with BCR on February 2. The show is supposed to be a CD release party, but the CD may not be pressed in time. Pre-production copies will be available in that event. The album features reggae and ska version of a mix of his songs and cover songs. It's an all-ages show. Winston and his band will open the show at 7 pm and be followed by Black Crack Review.

Winston recently watched the movie Hubble and was awed by the footage from the Hubble telescope. He was able to access some of the images from the Hubble Telescope through a stock footage commany, and he put it to some music he wrote back in 2003. The result is a video called Deep Space Interlude, which Apple has posted on YouTube. Click here: Deep Space Interlude - Winston Apple - YouTube.

 

            The line-up is finalizing fo the next and last KC Beatles tribute on June 1. KKFI's Barry Lee is waiting on one more response, but here's who has committed so far: the band from last year is back, with one exception, Pat Tomek will play drums, Alan Wellman returns on bass, Dan Mesh on guitar, Nate Holt on keyboards, and Darrell Lea on guitar. Victor & Penny will play a special set. The Dead Girls will recreate an entire Beaqtles setlist from whatever year they choose. Fast Johnny Ricker will do a set with the band. Also singing with the band this year are Joey Skidmore, Steve Wilson, Elaine McMillan, Dave Tanner, and possible Barry Lee himself. The Heebie Jeebies from Lawrence will open the show. More surprises are to come. We think tickets are already available at Knuckleheads Saloon.

 

The evening's proceeds will be donated to the Lord's Diner. There will be $5.00 cover charge.

 

            Alice Sweet Alice from Kansas City has entered to compete in Hard Rock Rising 2013. Voting begins January 28. Click here: (82) Hard Rock Cafe St. Louis.

            Alice Sweet Alice had an interesting idea for the new song they wrote called "Around The World" They want to get fans involved by including them in the video. The Lawrence band is asking fans to send video footage of fans partying in their home towns and countries. Click here: Want to be in ASA's Next Video? « Day To Day ASA

 

Cowboy Indian Bear will release a new single January 14. ""Does Anybody See You Out?" will be available as a free download at wwwcowboyindianbear.com. The EP artwork was done by the band's good friend Nathan Reusch.

 

            KMHOF inductee James Gadson will be playing drums for the Old School New Shoes show Friday, January 18 at H.O.M.E. in Beverly Hills, CA. He'll be part of the International Jazz Quartet + 1. It's an exhibition of sound color and feeling featuring these masterful musicians playing the compositions of Larry Nash.

 

            Cutter's Smokehouse in Eudora has announced at new jam. The second Wednesday of each month a jam will be hosted by KMHOF inductees Jimmy Wilson, Johnny Isom and Paul Miller, along with Top Ten recording artist Chris Beilman.

            The third Wednesday of each month a jam will be hosted by the Mike Vande Band. Joining the blues & rock guitarist/vocalist this month are Mike Goldman on drums and Dean Landsberg on bass, guitar & vocals.

            Cutter's has live music every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday with no cover charge.

 

Can't keep track of your busy schedule? Didn't get that cool calendar you were hoping for from Santa? The perfect solution might be the Melissa Etheridge 2013 calendar, which is now 40% off. Click here: 2013 4th Street Feeling Calendar.

 Finally itunes posted this performance/Q & A by Melissa Etheridge. Enjoy some of her new songs with her first time performing "4th Street Feeling" and a rocking revised "I'm The Only One."  The post features great commentary about the new CD and questions asked by fans. It's free! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/melissa-etheridge-meet-musician/id586323246.

 

KMHOF inductee Max Carl (Gronenthal) played at the state of the art, small, intimate 300-seat theater at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. He spent the evening playing Keyboard, hi-hat, accordion, mandolin, harmonica, electric (ESP) guitar, acoustic (Takamine 12 string) guitar, African drum, djembe, wooden fife. He told his life story as he played many different styles of songs and discussed the history of the styles of music. The audience seemed to love the back stories behind each song. After the show, he sat onstage for at least and additional half hour doing a Q&A. He discussed his 12 years with GFR, the years with .38 Special, Jack Mack & the Heart Attack, Big Dance, as well as his associations with James Brown, Joe Cocker, Othat Turner, recording with Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Timothy B. Schmitt of the
Eagles, writing the soundtrack for Pinks and songs in quite a few movies. He also signed several autographs. Max has said that he's up for another show with the Red Dogs. He wants to sing "This is a Man's World" with them.

 

            Here are the results of the Kansas City Blues Society elections for 2013:

Joe Sherrick - President

Anthony Arnold - Vice-President

Danny Powell - Treasurer

Shiela Wikas - Secretary

Judy Abraham

Steve Ashton

Jessia Donahoe

Ed Linnebur

Patrick O'Malley

Curt Straub

Tom Tipton

 

Isy Martin, Jr. has a new website. http://www.isymartinjr.com/. Isy learned to play guitar and sing at the age of nine in Coffeyville. In the last two years of high school he toured a four-state area with the Rising Suns.The band later toured nationally. After moving to California, he became a member of Motown's Undisputed Truth, which had several top ten hits in the seventies including "Smiling Faces Sometimes" and "Sun Shine." He's performed on more than a dozen albums, two of which were Grammy winners: the Car Wash soundtrack and Richard Pryor's Which Way Is Up. His group Mamatapee had two albums in the late seventies and early eighties. His new inspirational album It's About Time will be released this year. The first single from that album was our mp3 attachment last week.

 

The Darkness (left) is still a band that plays shows, and the classic-rock group was scheduled to play the Beaumont Club on Wednesday, January 30. Unfortunately the Beaumont Club officially closed less than two weeks ago, which meant the Darkness was either going to cancel of find a new KC venue for its Let Them Eat Cakes 2013 tour. The Uptown has stepped up; same date, same time, all Beaumont-purchased tickets honored. Let's all eat cakes!

             

Bob Walkenhorst is going to be doing a private solo house concert in Phoenix, AZ on Saturday, February 9. He's looking for a gig somewhere within driving distance of Phoenix for Friday, February 8. If you would be interested in hosting Bob for a private show in you house for 40 or so friends, please contact Bob ASAP so you can discuss it. He's also looking for house concert opportunities in the Atlanta area February 16, 22 or 23. Contact Bob at bobwalkenhorst@gmail.com.

Walkenhorst is available for house concerts anywhere in the U.S. If you haven't experienced a house concert, it's basically an intimate solo acoustic show in someone's home.

two 45 minutes sets of music, with a social hour before and after, an opportunity for artist and audience to spend some time together. And typically, hosts provide a night's lodging and a couple of meals.  Bob looks for a guarantee of $800 - that's 40 friends at $20 each, or some similar equation.  But price is negotiable, depending on other performance opportunities in the area.

A fan gave Bob an album of photos from the weekly shows he has done at the RecordBar with Jeff Porter and Norm Dahlor since 2003. The album covers 2004-2012. It is available for viewing online. Click here: Bob-Jeff-Norm Photos by Ellen,

 

Saunders Street Records is taking a poll to identify KC's favorite female vocalist. Click here: Of these great KC female vocalists, which is your favorite?. 

 

A production of Pink Floyd's The Wall will be performed live by School of Rock Wichita Saturday, January 26 at the Orpheum Theatre, 200 North Broadway, at 7 pm. General admission tickets are available for purchase online: http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?orgid=37328&venue_val=207563. 

Kansas City's School of Rock has a show called "I Love the 80s" the same night at Aftershock in Shawnee. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. It's at 6 pm with a matinee the following afternoon at 3:30.

 

Kansas City's dance punk band The Beautiful Bodies won the Ernie Ball's Warped Tour Battle of the Bands, "the world's largest and longest running Battle of the Bands." The contest featured 32,000 bands. The Beautiful Bodies made it past the first round last summer when they were one of 164 bands chosen to play their hometown date of the Warped Tour concert. Four of these bands were selected to play the at Hollywood's House of Blues January 7 with ska band Reel Big Fish. Each band played roughly a 30 minute set before the packed house, and a panel of judges, which included veteran producers, label representatives, and agents, crowned The Beautiful Bodies as the winners. The band's prize: tens of thousands of dollars of music equipment, an Ernie Ball instrument endorsement, a 3-song EP recorded by a multi-platinum producer, and a slot on next summer's Warped Tour.

 

            Mike McCrary has created a Facebook group called MO-Kan Music Gear Buy/Sell/Trade to help facilitate the buying, selling and trading musical gear such as guitars, drums, basses, keyboards, PA gear and other pro audio. It is not intended for anything else. Click here: (67) Mo-Kan Music Gear Buy/Sell/Trade.

 

The release of Live in Los Angeles last October served as confirmations that the Architects remain one of Kansas City's most potent live acts. The band's sweat-infused performances serve as an imposing benchmark every time another punk-based act steps onto a KC stage. The Architects played the Riot Room last Saturday. They were joined by two up-and-coming local acts. Appropriate Grammar adds a hint of county twang to its convincing indie rock. The gothic but gritty sound of Drew Blanc & Dirty Electirc is reminiscent of the Velvet Underground.

 

            With the closing of the Beaumont Club, the 2013 Midwest Rock Awards will be at Aftershock Live Music Venue, 5240 Merriam Drive, Merriam, KS on March 23. Buy tickets here: www.stubwire.com/event/projectbackstge2013midwestrockawards/aftershock/merriam/4502/.

            Performers (not in order of performance):

            The Strive (CD release) www.facebook.com/thestrive

            Second Signal www.facebook.com/SecondSignal

            Alice Sweet Alice www.facebook.com/alicesweetalice

            The Broken Divide www.facebook.com/thebrokendivide

            Sicadis www.facebook.com/sicadis

            Burning Tide (CD release) www.facebook.com/BurningTide

            The Liars Scene (CD release) www.facebook.com/TheLiarsScene

            **Bands noted with 'CD release" will be releasing a new CD at the show.**

During the event there will also be a tribute to the women of rock in KC with a stagewear fashion show with Karma Jade from American Trash Clothing.

Event host/emcee TBA

            Award Presenters:

            Paul Chandler - KC Local Artists Radio and Alice 102.1 FM

            Calvin Cotton - High Voltage Radio Show on 90.1 KKFI

            Jim Kilroy - Kilroy Presents

            Cory O'Meara - Stratgazer Entertainment

            Karma Jade - American Trash Clothing

            More to be announced

Doors: 5:30 pm

Event: 6:00 pm

This event will be updated with information as it is released. Tickets are on sale through all performing bands. General Admission tickets are $10 in advance, $13 at the door. All ages, $2 venue minor surcharge for those under 21.

 

            Stik Figa titled his 2012 mixtape Choosy Moms Choose Stik. Choosy hip-hop fans have been partial to the Topeka-based rapper for several years. Brandishing a laid-back Southern disposition even as he acknowledges urban anxiety, Stik Figa possesses a unique sensibility. His tagline -"Stik Figa, mayne" - is one of the best in hip-hopo. Along with KC rapper BBP, Stik Figa opened for the Soul Providers on Saturday at the RecordBar. The conscious Kansas City based crew is celebrating its 10^th anniversary in 2013. The collective features hip-hop luminaries including Reach, Milk Drop and Dutch Newman.

 

            Jason Vivone & the Billy Bats (left) will be following in the footsteps of Trampled Under Foot when the ensemble travels to Memphis later this month to represent the Kansas City Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge. Local favorites Trampled Under Foot won the competition in 2008. Based on the strength on their 2012 album, Lather, Rinse, Repeat, Vivone and the Billy Bats are formidable contenders in this year's contest. Last Friday's show at BB's Lawnside BBQ was an opportunity to wish the members of the band luck before they make their potentially career-altering appearance in Memphis.

            Vivone's song "Baby Fat" appears on the new promotional compilation from Blind Raccoon of Nashville.

 

Heartfelt Anarchy will have a10 pm album release party at the RecordBar on Friday, February 1. The $10 cover includes a copy of the album. Diverse is also on the bill, plus Soulnice with a DJ set. Click here: KillemwiththeFLOW by Heartfelt Anarchy on SoundCloud - Hear the world's sounds.

"Diverse Plays Michael Jackson" is back in 2013 and excited to take the show out of Kansas City. The special project will be at the Bourbon Theatre in Lincoln, NE on Friday, January 25 and the Bottleneck in Lawrence on Saturday, January 26. Once again these shows will feature the Kansas City singers Lee Langston, Julia Hail and Anthony Saunders.

 

            Years ago Roger Bain held a job at a Chicago area corporation that was riddled with nepotism and ass kissers. He found the situation befuddling. Why would anyone wish to spend his only time on the planet in such a groveling way? What did Roger do about it? He did what he usually does. He composed a song to summarize his feelings. His kids were young at the time and often the entire neighborhood would march about the Bain home as pounded the tune out on the piano. Have a listen to "I'm A Yes Man From Yesco." Wacky guitar and engineering are by Mitch Rosenow. Click here: Yes Man From Yesco | Rogerdaybain.

 

            The kids at KC's School of Rock are at it again with their recreation of Nirvana's Nevermind January 18-19 at Aftershock in Shawnee. Expect some extra tasty tunes both nights. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. It's an all ages show.

 

             Kansas City Youth Jazz organizers in collaboration with Take 5 Coffee Bar have announced a Jazz Vocal Summit to be held January 20 at 3-6 pm inside Take Five Coffee Bar in Leawood,. The concert will last three hours. Participating in the event will be Angela Hagenbach, Wild Women of Jazz, Eddie Goss, Millie Nottingham, Laura Chalk, Bryan Hicks, Shay Estes and Joe Athon.  This will be a showcase of some of Kansas City's finest vocalists performing solo vignettes, duets and other configurations.  Proceeds will benefit Kansas City Youth Jazz… Tickets can be reserved in advance for $25 by calling 913-991-8225 or by emailing jathon@hotmail.com and for $35 at the door the day of the show. Seating is limited and advance purchase is strongly recommended.

 

Chris Burnett plans to remaster his 1999 debut album. Click here: Musings In Cb.

 

Eddie Moore and the Outer Circle's The Freedom of Expression is slated for release this month. Click here: Eddie Moore and The Outer Circle.

 

Michael Pagán lists eight jazz venues in the Kansas City area. Click here: Jazz Beat - The Most Popular Venues - The Record KC | The Record KC

 

How does Bill "Jazzbo" Hargrave prepare for his weekly gig at KC's midtown Jazz Louisiana Kitchen? He ties bells to his shoes, straps himself to his chair, licks his fingers and loads his popgun full of streamers. "He's very charismatic. The kids love him," says Monday-night bartender, Tonya Hague. Jazzbo, the one-man band (or "junk band" as he likes to call it), has been gracing the corner stage at the Cajun-themed institution for the past four and a half years with his understated versions of the Star Wars and Pink Panther themes, classic waltzes and jazz standards (Billy Strayhorn's "Take the 'A-Train' " is a favorite) along with an occasional dash of Bartok. From 6 to 9 pm, Jazzbo offers up dinner music that pairs well with this night's special: 2 pounds of boiled crawfish and two domestic drafts for $14.99. See www.jazzkitchens.com.

 

Kasey Rausch will start recording a new full-length album this Spring. She'll be working with Sam Platt out of Lawrence. She's put the finishing touches on the new Buttermilk Boys album and celebrated 10 years of buttery goodness. The Buttermilk Boys are Scott Stanton, Travis Huffhines, Fernando Achucharro and Kasey.

           

VIBE hit the road with Tech N9ne as he embarked on the record-breaking Hostile Takeover Tour -- conquering 96 shows in 100 days of 2012. The opening acts featured Strange Music artists Prozak, Stevie Stone, Mayday, Krizz Kaliko and Bad Boy's Wild Boy Machine Gun Kelly.

Every Tuesday, VIBE TV will drop a feature on an artist from the tour as apart of their new series Road Warriors, the series full of crazy tour moments, never-before-seen concert footage, artist blogs and backstage shenanigans. Be sure to tune in to the first episode of Road Warriors premiering on January 14. Click here: Tech N9Ne, MGK, MAYDAY & More Star in VIBE's New Webseries "Road Warriors" | Vibe

 

After years on the road as a musician, Topeka's Teddy Vale serves as a minister at a small church. Click here: Musical minister seeks funds for outreach building | CJOnline.com

 

            Changes come with each new year. Last Thursday at Double T's Roadhouse in Kansas City, KS, Patricia Gardner, who was leading the RocknRick band (Rick took the night off the be with his mother on her birthday) was informed after the first set that the venue could no longer pay the musicians. Gardner said, "Well, we don't work for free." J The band will be exploring other options.

 

Reviews

Click here: Review: David Basse Orchestra jazzin' with a danceable beat | CJOnline.com

Click here: Plastic Sax: Review: Mark Lowrey- Tangos For 18th Street

Click here: kcjazzlark: In Lieu of 1000 Words: Parallax at Take Five