Local Music
Music Monday Local Spotlight
Scott Hrabko's music is equal parts folk, swing, blues and country with a twist that's unique to Kansas City. His second album and his first with his backing band The Rabbits, Biscuits and Gravity, was released in early 2015 to great acclaim. Working in a musical vein similar to such luminaries as Loudon Wainwright III, Randy Newman and Lyle Lovett, Hrabko describes in his interview how he learned to "trust my own ears" with his own style.
Father-Daughter Music Monday Local Spotlight
The musical pairing of father-daughter folk duo Bob and Una Walkenhorst is a real treat for fans of harmony-rich, socially conscious folk music. A member of The Rainmakers since 1983, Bob Walkenhorst is an accomplished musician, songwriter and painter. Una is a recognized artist in her own right, releasing her debut album Scars in 2015. The duo released their acclaimed debut album For Tomorrow in late 2018.
Dreamy Music Monday Local Music
With a sound inspired by 80s synthpop, surf and dreampop, Dreamgirl's self-titled debut album is an affirmation of the potential shown on their previous two EPs. Led by singer Lacey Hopkins, the band's music is the product of a true collaboration between the members. We are lucky to bring you an interview with Hopkins about their debut album, songwriting process and what inspires them about music in Kansas City.
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Projecting Some Laziness Into Your Music Monday
Lazy Projector's lead singer and songwriter Aaron Shinn describes the band's music as indie rock "with an affinity for folk." While listeners may find their tunes more danceable and hooky than folk-based, Shinn's description isn't too far off the map. After all, the songs for the band's upcoming debut album evoco began as "acoustic-based folk songs". Descriptors aside, Lazy Projector small handful of recent singles point toward an album that promises to be your higher caliber indie pop.
Local Music Monday Spotlight
It is a pleasure to share an exclusive interview with celebrated Kansas City jazz trombonist, composer, arranger and educator Brian Scarborough. In addition to leading his own group, Scarborough is member of several noteworthy jazz ensembles, including The People's Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City, the Boulevard Big Band, and the Brandon Draper Group.
Music Monday Local Music Spotlight
Lily B Moonflower has been a performer and songwriter since the age of ten and her music has strong Kansas roots. She recorded and self-produced her upcoming debut album, Moonflower, at a coffee house in her hometown of De Soto while also working as a kitchen cabinet refinisher. Moonflower describes her creative journey as: "I do all my work through my own visions and I follow my own creative compass." We are excited to share an interview with the artist about her music and new album.
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Music Monday: Ernest Melton
Ernest Melton is one of Kansas City top jazz performers. Originally from Goldsboro, North Carolina, Melton has been refining his musical craft ever since moving to KC at age 10. Melton is a widely respected tenor saxophonist and composer whose new album, The Time of the Slave Is Over, was recorded live in one session. We are extremely fortunate to share an interview with this young and rising jazz talent.
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Introduce yourself and describe your music for new listeners.
Kelly Hunt
Kelly Hunt makes the kind of music that will strike you as instantly familiar yet strangely new and vital. Her voice and banjo are perfectly suited for her stunning brand of Americana/roots music.
Natalie Bates Quartet
Arising out of UMKC's Conservatory Jazz Studies Program, all four members of the Natalie Bates Quartet (Aryana Nemati, Alyssa Murray, Carly Atwood and Natalie Bates) are masters of their craft. Led by drummer, artist and entrepreneur Bates, the group continues to hone their skills at regular gigs at Kansas City's Green Lady Lounge and Tom's Town Distillery, where you can hear them perform original compositions. We're fortunate to share with you an interview with Natalie Bates about the Quartet's origins, how they write and how playing to different audiences challenges them. Enjoy!
Library Lets Loose Music Preview!
Look and Listen! Black Mariah Theater
Here are some great photos of one of our Library Lets Loose featured musical guests Black Mariah Theater. Get a sample of what's to come at:
Library Lets Loose!
Saturday, Sept. 29
6 - 10 pm
Central Resource Library
Cocktail attire
$75 ticket price**$50 for Teachers, Educators and Librarians
Sample their sound! An excellent performance recorded live at the Leawood Pioneer Library can be heard on our podcast: Did you hear? Ep. 12: BLACK MARIAH THEATER. Who are they? Sophia and Analiese Motta are twins who share a deep love of jazz, blues and all things Jack White. They comprise the band Black Mariah Theater! We're so excited they'll be joining Jessica Paige and Katy Guillen & the Girls to complete our stellar lineup of live music for the party of the year!