The Mailbox, Show #7
A little show with a big goal.
Michael Byars shares the sounds of Black Moth Super Rainbow, Why?, James McMurtry, Evan Watson, and more.
October 19, 2009
Squirrels in Washington Bury ACORN...
...but Gobble Up Corporate Nuts with No Qualms
Gasps
of shock and incredulity abounded when employees of ACORN were caught
on camera counseling two Republican activists, disguised as a
prostitute and pimp, on how to run a human trafficking scheme under the
radar.
October 19, 2009
Review: Brian Weber - Songs for the Caged Bird in All of Us...
Acoustic Indie-Folk Album Exhibits Skill and Limitations
Songs for the Caged Bird in All of Us…and the Cat,
Brian Weber’s debut release, is a snapshot of a stripped-down, acoustic
indie-folk style relying heavily on his voice, mellifluous guitar, and
idiosyncratic lyrics. Weber wrote, produced, recorded, and played all
instruments on the ten tracks of this indie project.
October 19, 2009
The Ultimate Germ Carrier
Colorful Thoughts
Nearly
seven years into having mini-humans run around our house, my husband
and I are still astonished at how two sweet little girls can so
continually and regularly knock us out of commission with the clouds of
germs that follow them home. Fortunately we love our germ carriers very
much so we keep them around.
October 19, 2009
Song of the Day - Lisbon by Hush Arbors
Listen In
With a full band in tow, Hush Arbors (Virginian turned Londoner Keith Wood) unleashes a masterful album, Yankee Reality,
full of urgent, electrified '60s folk bolstered by the eloquent
heartbreak and sun-brushed dreaminess of 90s indie pop. The production
and guitar finesse of J Mascis further strenghtens this aching,
gorgeous material.
The PresentMagazine.com Song of the Day reflects songs we like
from a local, national, or international artist. We might pluck a song
out of our archives or feature a fresh track from a recent release.
October 19, 2009
Tasting Notes: Schlafly Pumpkin Ale, Baltika №8 Wheat beer
Conversation-starting Beers
Two
conversation-starting beers that taste great, a special release pumpkin
ale from Schlafly Beer in St. Louis and Baltika №8 Wheat beer from St.
Petersburg, Russia.
October 19, 2009
Call for Wedding Vendors - KC Wedding Hive
Sponsored Feature
Artistic. Creative. Beyond Expected. Custom. Uncommon. Indie. Eclectic. Vintage. Inspired.
If you own a wedding-related business and the above descriptors
personify your business to the magnitude that it makes you weak in the
knees; you¹ve found kin in the Wedding Hive! You¹re the honey to our
honey pot, sweet as sugar. And we¹re looking for you!
October 18, 2009
Sonic Spectrum Podcast 96
Host Robert Moore features music by The Replacements, The The, Syd Barrett, The Nerves, Dolly Parton and more.
The
Sonic Spectrum podcast is proudly sponsored by
Temple Slug,
The Roasterie Cafe, and
KCPT.
October 16, 2009
Song of the Day - And We Became Sunshine by The Uglysuit
Listen In
"And
We Became Sunshine" by The Uglysuit is a hopeful, infectious pop song
that feels like saying extended goodbyes to a friend when you don't
want to part with their company. It shimmers and glows with promise
much like the rest of the self-titled EP from this band of six guys
from Oklahoma City.
The PresentMagazine.com Song of the Day reflects songs we like
from a local, national, or international artist. We might pluck a song
out of our archives or feature a fresh track from a recent release.
October 16, 2009
Film Review: The Invention of Lying
A Challenging Comedy
The Invention of Lying sounds
like one of those perfect high-concept scripts: In a society where
everyone tells the truth, one man learns how to lie and takes full
advantage of it. But there’s so much more going on in the new movie
from Ricky Gervais (star and creator of the original British The Office and HBO’s Extras.
October 16, 2009
Flamenco Guitarist Beau Bledsoe in Carmen
Bledsoe's Music Enhances Flamenco Feel of KC Ballet
Classical guitarist Beau Bledsoe takes part in the Kansas City Ballet's production of Carmen
at the Lyric Theatre on October 15-18, 2009. He will perform short solo
guitar interludes between scenes and accompany the Flamenco dancer when
she is on stage. Before opening night, Bledsoe shared some background
on his role and the production.
October 15, 2009
Song of the Day - Ex-boyfriends Are the Bane of My Life
By The Jack Stafford Foundation
The
Jack Stafford Foundation is actually a man who is a musician rather
than a charitable foundation. Stafford, from Suffolk, England and now
based in Amsterdam, still has a mission: Perform over 50 shows solo
over nine weeks in his first United States tour. Stafford's satirical,
wry observations are evident in songs like "Ex-boyfriends Are the Bane
of My Life." He appears at recordBar on Monday, October 19 after The
Night Owls and Sissy Wish.
The PresentMagazine.com Song of the Day reflects songs we like
from a local, national, or international artist. We might pluck a song
out of our archives or feature a fresh track from a recent release.
October 15, 2009
The alacartoona Letters - Bachelor Calwood
Night is the Mirror
It
seems that Sir Randall Cockrum, devoted fan of alacartoona, has begun
to grasp at straws based on his latest letter to the band. His pleas to
Bachelor Calwood reek of desperation, perhaps hint at absolution, and
suggest some resolution at the band's film debut, Night is the Mirror, on October 17, 2009 at Screenland in the Crossroads.
October 15, 2009
PLAY: Go. See. Do.
October 7-13, 2009
October 14, 2009
Jammin at the Gem 2009-2010 Series
Annual Concert Series at 18th & Vine Features Six World-Class Concerts
Now
in its 13th year, the American Jazz Museum’s “Jammin’ at the Gem”
concert series is set to return this fall with six shows at the
historic Gem Theater at 18th & Vine. Beginning on October 17th
with a 50th Anniversary Celebration of the landmark jazz recording Kind of Blue, this season’s lineup features a wide range of world-class artists that represent the equally diverse sounds heard within jazz.
October 14, 2009
Tasting Notes: 3400 Phinney Chai Tea Milk Chocolate
Insanely Good Organic, Fair Trade Chocolate
Tucked
temptingly by the display of chocolate bars by the checkout counter at
McGonigle's, our willpower relented quickly. We gladly traded a few
bucks for a 2-oz. bar of milk chocolate with the flavors of chai tea.
Discovering that 3400 Phinney Chocolate Factory, produced by Theo
Chocolate out of Seattle, Washington, was produced using certified Fair
Trade organic chocolate was a feel-good footnote to the chocolate
afterglow.
October 14, 2009
Tasting Notes - Wines on the Cheap from Spain and Argentina
Tempranillo and Garnacha
With
autumn and cooler weather in place, our palate has shifted from zippy,
citrus-centric white wines to fruit-forward, berry-and-spice-oriented
red wine. It's right in step with switching out the summer wardrobe for
warmer, cozier fall/winter clothing. Picking up some value-priced,
fruity Spanish and Argentine wines is one way to transition to red vino
before delving into more complex Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and other
varietals.
October 14, 2009
Beer Events Abound for Autumn
Mark the Calendar, Make Reservations
The
Kansas City beer scene is buzzing these days, and several upcoming
events provide plenty of opportunities to try new and different beer.
Get out your calendar and read on…
October 14, 2009
Song of the Day - Claude Jones by Pokey LaFarge & The South City Three
Listen In
The
name alone – Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three – suggests an
old-timey feel straight out of the silent movie era where gangsters and
no-goods thrilled audiences. Pokey and company do make fine music with
an old-time sound, but they're decent fellas from St. Louis with the
adventuresome spirit of back road ramblers. Listen to "Claude Jones"
from the forthcoming album Riverboat Soul for a sample. Bonus
track: "Josephine." The band performs at Davey's Uptown on October 22
with The Hooten Hallers and The Grisly Hand.
The PresentMagazine.com Song of the Day reflects songs we like
from a local, national, or international artist. We might pluck a song
out of our archives or feature a fresh track from a recent release.
October 14, 2009
The Brick: Selected Images by Todd Zimmer
Slideshow: 2002-2009
The
Brick, one of the best places in downtown Kansas City that serves up
good live music/entertainment, food, and booze, celebrates its 10th
year in business during October 2009. Independently owned by Sheri
Parr, she prefers to think of the occasion as a birthday rather than an
anniversary. Photographer Todd Zimmer shares selected photographs from
2002-2009 of some of the many bands that have performed at The Brick.
October 13, 2009
The Brick: Selected Images by Mat Slimm Adkins
Slideshow
Photographer
Mat "Slimm" Adkins shares selected photographs of some of the many
bands that have performed at The Brick, one of the best places in
downtown Kansas City that serves up good live music/entertainment,
food, and booze. Independently owned by Sheri Parr, The Brick
celebrates its 10th year in business during October 2009.
October 13, 2009
Blind Spots
A Purdy Tale
Maybe with judging, like most activities, practice makes perfect.
October 13, 2009
Angler: The Cheney Vice Presidency by Barton Gellman
Book Review
Reading Barton Gellman’s book Angler
(the term refers to former Vice President Dick Cheney’s secret service
code name) will reward them with a significant number of answers about
this secretive, enigmatic, powerful political figure.
October 13, 2009
The Brick: Selected Images by Paul Andrews
Slideshow
Photographer
Paul Andrews shares selected photographs of some of the many bands and
lively personalities that frequent The Brick. Independently owned by
Sheri Parr, The Brick celebrates its 10th year in business during
October 2009. Many of Andrews' photographs document the musicians that
participate in Rural Grit Happy Hour, a weekly gathering on Monday
nights that typifies the active community among musicians, artists, and
patrons that makes The Brick another home away from home.
October 13, 2009
Presenting: The Brick - 10 Years in Business
Owner Sheri Parr Celebrates Major Milestone
Sheri
Parr prefers to think that the month of October 2009––marking The
Brick’s 10th year in business––is a birthday rather than an
anniversary. “Anniversary makes it sound like we’re old and done for,”
says the venue’s owner. The lively music venue, bar, and restaurant is
hardly on its last legs. Under Parr’s management, The Brick has gained
a loyal following, become a linchpin in the downtown community, and
faced up to competition from the Power and Light District ever since
she bought the building at 1727 McGee a decade ago.
October 13, 2009