The Elders on KRFC 88.9FM Live@Lunch with Cindy Reich of KRFC’s Celtic show, The Long Acre

“Take a group of fine Kansas City musicians with a passion for Celtic music, an Irishman with a love of all things American, and you get a cross-pollination that is high octane and progressive yet rooted in tradition.

What The Elders have created is something unaffected by fads, trends and the giant maw of mind-numbing commercialism – Celtic rhythms and melodies augmented with amped-up roots rock, blazing instrumentals and powerful vocals. But what sets this band apart is their top-notch songwriting. Their original songs are authentic, catchy and durable, while transcending the stereotypical notion of Celtic music.

Brian Baker of PASTE Magazine says it best, “The key to the band’s success is in its flawless blending of the Celtic storytelling tradition with contemporary instrumentation and, perhaps more importantly, their ability to write original songs that sound as timeless and authentic as the ancient jigs and reels that have inspired them.”

In the tradition of folklore that is passed down through the generations, The Elders’ songs tell us stories of people, places and events – some recent, some distant, some real and some imagined. The songs are mystical, comical, political and cultural, while covering a wide variety of topics such as poverty, civil war, family bonds, spirituality, love and friendship.

Since forming in 1998, The Elders have brought their musical mix to pubs, theaters & festivals across the globe. Their fan base is ever-expanding, consisting of people from all walks of life and of all ages. Many of their fans follow the band from gig to gig, sometimes driving for hundreds of miles to see their energetic performances. The band is familiar to many television viewers, thanks to the more than 130 PBS stations across the country that have aired their “Live at the Gem Theater” Concert Special.”

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Drew Jostad (Sound) with Jim Abraham, Vi Wickam , Brent Hawley and Malini Bartels (Host)

The Vi Wickam Trio is Vi on Fiddle and Vocals, Brent Hawley on Guitar and Mandolin and Jim Abraham on Electric Bass.

Vi  writes,  “Music is in my blood. Every note I play is nourishment.

I came from a musical family; some of my ancestors even have a claim to fame. My Great Grandpa Joseph Wickam was a professional violinist, published composer and teacher. He used popular music of the day to keep the kids interested and inspired. My Great X 3 Uncle George R. Poulton wrote the music to Aura Lea. It’s the melody of Elvis’s Love Me Tender and of Army Blue, still sung at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

I’ve been performing and writing music since before I could read. I began studying composition and arranging in Junior High. Along with my brothers and my dad, The Wickam Family Band even performed regularly on Blinky’s Fun Club, a nationally syndicated TV program shown in 23 states.

My fiddle playing can be heard on a half dozen CD recordings, including two of my own. I’ve played with many different bands throughout the United States, and even briefly in England. I’ve won the Colorado State Championship twice, and been a finalist four times at the Grand Masters’ Fiddler Championship. I’ve also directed the Indiana State Fiddle Contest for the past three years.

My musical tastes span bluegrass to classical to jazz, rock and old-time fiddle. I play guitar, mandolin, bass, and viola, but my main instrument is the fiddle. Regardless of the style of music I am playing, or the instrument, the music is in me, and I am thoroughly in the music.”

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“Hickman is best known for co-founding the band Cracker. His fiery lead guitar sound and spirited co-writing gave flavor to that band’s alternative radio hits, including Teen Angst, Low, Get Off This, and Eurotrash Girl. Cracker, founded in 1991 with childhood friend David Lowery, has eight full-length releases to date. Kerosene Hat (1994) remains an alternative music collection staple. Lowery and Hickman together are seen as godfathers of the alternative music scene, who turned gently away from plaid-clad grunge in the 1990s with more countrified and bluesy stylings. Their collaboration with the jam-band Leftover Salmon in 2003 further proved that no one genre could contain them. Prior to his tenure in Cracker, Hickman toured as a solo/folk acoustic performer, had a brief stint in the Unforgiven (a tongue-in-cheek-Western guitar rock band), and co-founded the Inland Empire (California) cult band the Dangers. Influenced by punk rock, surf guitar, and true Bakersfield country, Hickman’s sound is often imitated but never perfected by anyone but he and his signature 1978 Les Paul. Occasionally, Hickman ventures away from solo work and Cracker to spearhead side projects, such as All Thumbs Trio (with moe. guitarist Chuck Garvey, and East Coast guitarist Gibb Droll), and Crazysloth, an Arizona-based band. Film and TV work to date include one full film score for the independent River Red, as well as the placement of Lowery/Hickman songs in several popular films.” ~excerpt from Johnny’s “official” bio for the Palmhenge release, courtesy ReviewNetMedia.

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Jan Garrett and JD Martin are multi award-winning independent singer-songwriters who live and create their music in the heart of the Colorado Rockies near Aspen.  Their music is described as “Rich and intelligent…..a velvet-hammer wake-up call as satisfying to the soul as it is to the ear….. Brilliantly crafted songs to open the heart and refresh the spirit.”

Both Jan and JD are seasoned professional performers, keynote concert presenters, and wise teachers of “Authentic Voice,” “The Soul of Songwriting”, and “Tuning Your Life to the Heart of Harmony.”  Their recordings consistently receive wildly enthusiastic reviews.  In live performance Jan & JD are deeply inspiring, fiery and funny, a compelling blend of luscious vocals, good humor, and masterful lyrics inspired from a broad spiritual perspective. This is soulful feel-good music with depth and integrity, audience satisfaction guaranteed.

Both Garrett & Martin won New Thought Songwriter Tribute Awards in 2006 and 2007.  In 2008 they were awarded top honors in the Indie International Songwriting Competition (in the World category) and also won a Posi Songwriter Award from emPOWER Music & Arts.
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JD Martin is an acclaimed songwriter of 5 Number One and 10 Top Ten country and pop hit singles.  His songs have been recorded by such luminaries as Reba McEntire, Terri Clark, B.J. Thomas, Peter Cetera (from the band Chicago), and the Oak Ridge Boys.  A native of Virginia, JD is a deep heart who knows that the music IS the message.  He has won over 15 ASCAP awards for excellence in songwriting in Nashville and LA.

Jan Garrett is a jazz singer, master vocal coach, poet, wilderness vision quester, meditation student, and (yes) certified laughing instructor who has toured with John Denver, Steve Martin and the Dirt Band, and has appeared on the Tonight Show.  She is listed in the Rolling Stone Who’s Who in Rock & Roll.  A self-proclaimed Alchemedian and mother of identical twin daughters, she believes that “The chance of a lifetime is to be yourself.”

They are joined in the KRFC studio with Gayan Gregory Long on percussion (+storytelling) & Marcy Baruch singing harmony.

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Rock, Rhythm, Blues and a Whole Lotta Soul out of Fort Colins, Colorado. Mama Lenny & the Remedy vocals start off nice and soft, and then we finish nice and rough. With reviews like “The Soul! My God the Soul!” and “A sound unlike anyone else’s”; How can you go wrong! If you’re into kick ass vocals, soul stirring lyrics, face melting guitar solos, or pretty girls in sequins, we’ve got you covered. If you’ve got a fever, we’ve got the Remedy!

Laniece Micek-Schleicher “Mama Lenny” – Lead vocals
Ben Prytherch – Bass
Ken Monks – Guitar
Jeff Blayney – Drums
Thalia Stevenson- Keyboard / Vocals
Greta Cornett – Trumpet
Amanda Hofer-Ernst – Vocals
Kelly Keeler – Vocals

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Andrew Schneider, Marty Rein, Brian Hull & Drew Jostad at KRFC with Spenser the dog after the radio show -Photo courtesy of Angel Mountain Media

Brian Hull has been performing music professionally for the past few decades. You may have enjoyed his vocal stylings with Mark Sloniker at Jay’s Bistro or with one of his bands at other venues around town. In the early 90′s he moved from Texas to Fort Collins with his band Ezra’s Poundcake. In ’97 he founded the popular funk/soul/and jazz band Meadowlark Jivin’. Currently working on mixing their third CD,  Meadowlark Jvin’ has two CDs out , “Have you ever seen Meadowlark Jivin?” and “It’s the Groove”. Both CDs are in the KRFC library and receive regular spins on various DJ shows. In recent years, Brian has done a lot of solo gigs and he enjoys the variety of playing in a solo or duet format in addition to with the full band. “Playing solo has challenged me to really get my act together and know my songs like the back of my hand.”, Brian explains.   With Marty Rein (bassist-Liz Barnez, 3 Twins, Escape Goats)  accompanying him, Brian performs original music you won’t hear with the band, an a capella song based on a Rumi poem and a few other popular tunes that Brian puts his own spin on.

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Chimney Choir at KRFC. From left - Carl Sorensen, David Rynhart, Kris Drickey & Kevin Larkin

“Since forming in December of 2010, Chimney Choir has released two EPs and embarked on four tours in the US. Although steeped in American and World folk music, the trio is not afraid to experiment – embracing psychedelic synths, performance art, and found percussion (including a Samsonite suitcase, ladder, and a typewriter). Chimney Choir is a true collaboration – members change instruments, blend their voices in harmony, and share lead vocal and songwriting. The critically acclaimed (feather) EP was recorded in an architectural antique warehouse, which gives a hint at the unique character of their sound. Their second EP, (turtle), was released only 3 months later. The new live album, (ladder), was recorded in front of an audience in an old pipe organ chapel and will be released on February 25. The band will be touring throughout the States and Europe in the coming months.”

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(From left) Tony Furtado , Luke Price (violin,guitar & vocals), Keith Brush (bass) & Russ Kleiner (drums, vocals) at KRFC after the radio show.

“If you’ve followed Tony Furtado’s prolific music career at all you won’t be surprised to know that his 15th album, Golden, is loaded with several impressive firsts. For the first time, he has self-produced and penned every track. It is also the first time his own artwork- a sculpture of a two-headed rabbit- has been featured on the cover. However, on what is arguably his most engaging, masterful recording to date, one first marks this album more than any other. After 20 years of recording, touring basically living on the road, it is the first time Furtado has ever recorded an album in the town that he calls home.

Recorded, mixed and co-produced by friend and engineer Rob Stroup at 8-Ball Studio in Portland, OR, Golden, is the product of Furtado surrounded by the comforts of home, weaving his way through the diverse cultural fabric of a city rich with music, art and talent. In classic Furtado fashion, he explores the hills and valleys of familiar and new musical territory ranging from Americana, Celtic and folk to indie rock and pop. And while his award-winning playing and unforgettable leads are present throughout, it is his vocal presence, diverse arrangements and songwriting that take center stage on Golden.”

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John Beacher

“John Beacher is a gifted contemporary singer-songwriter, performer, and an original artist from New Hope, PA (formerly of Boulder, CO). He has the knack of drawing listeners into his provocative world of song and then astounding them with his vocal improvisations. His extraordinary ability to scat and vocalize in a jazzy, soulful, funky, rap-like style puts him in a category of those who have gone onto national success. His acoustic guitar playing is uniquely percussive and deeply rooted in rhythm. Within his performances there is something for everyone as he weaves in and out of musical genres with ease and cohesion. Lyrically, Beacher takes his listener on a poetic musical journey as he incorporates songs of spirituality, love, and humanity. As a live performer, Beacher has been invited to many music festivals where he was the only solo artist, chosen for his incredible stage presence and ability to captivate his audiences. In more intimate settings you can see and f eel the emotions running through his entire performance. John Beacher is simply a magnetic performer whose attraction to the listener is undeniable and powerful. John Beacher has opened up for the following internationally known musicians including: The Marshall Tucker Band, Leon Russell, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. He has also shared a stage with these up-and-coming and established artists including: Danielia Cotton, Fuzz (of Deep Banana Blackout), Paper Bird, and Elephant Revival. John Beacher is often compared to the following contemporary mainstream artists: Dave Matthews, John Legend, John Mayer, Citizen Cope and Jason Mraz. John Beacher currently is host to a popular weekly open mic night called The Beacher Community Stage. He has recently released a 12 song self-released CD which was recorded at the Cutting Room Studios in NYC. His plans are for extensive touring from coast to coast in the next few years using New Hope and Boulder as his home bases.”

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Snow falling on Erin McGrane and Jeff Freling of Victor & Penny at KRFC

“Victor & Penny is a Chicago and KC based duo singing music they call Antique Pop on ukulele and a lovely old guitar. Playing vintage instruments with modern sensibility, they bring a fresh twist to music of the early twentieth century and unique arrangements of modern tunes with characteristic charm and good humor. Victor & Penny are touring the USA in 2012.

Victor & Penny is Jeff Freling and Erin McGrane.

Erin has been an active performing artist in the KC arts and music scene for many years. She currently divides her time equally between Chicago and Kansas City, but calls KC home. Erin is a film, theater and commercial actress; a musician and songwriter; and one of the co-hosts of the new TV program CINEMAKC. Most notably, Erin appeared in the Emmy-winning web series THE UNREAL HOUSEWIVES OF KANSAS CITY and in the Oscar-nominated film, UP IN THE AIR alongside George Clooney. Look for Erin this year in the soon-to-be-released thriller feature film NAILBITER. As chanteuse Ruby Falls, she fronts the cabaret act Alacartoona who was awarded a 2009 Inspiration Grant from the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City. She is proud to say she mis-spent her youth singing in a rock band and was named Kansas City’s sexiest musician in the Pitch Magazine’s “Best of KC 2005”.

Cindy Schneider (Host), Bill Vickerstaff (Sound), Erin McGrane (Penny), Jeff Freling (Victor) and Drew Jostad (Sound) after the radio show

Jeff, originally from Kansas City, calls Chicago home most of the time where he performs regularly with Blue Man Group, Tributosaurus, Mar Caribe, the Tom Waits tribute band B1G T1ME, and has performed alongside Doug Gillard (Guided By Voices). He began furiously studying the guitar at the age of 10 when he first heard Jimmy Page’s guitar solo on “Whole Lotta Love” and has considered himself a guitar geek ever since. In the late 80s and early 90s Jeff was the guitarist and co-songwriter for two of KCs favorite bands: The Mongol Beach Party and Grumpy. He studied at the Conservatory at UMKC and at the Berklee School of music in Boston.”

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