I LOVE KC MUSIC

Kelly Hunt and Stas' played the second show in The Mark Music Shows concert series this year. This music series has been host to some incredible music and this night was no different. Kelly had the crowd hanging on every word. Kelly's music has this way of transporting you into the exact moment of the song. Kelly with the voice of a sweet song bird paired with the soft melodies picked on the guitar and the strings bowed on Stas' violin make magic that mesmorized the crowd

Willi and Tyler are two men who have a way with words and boy did they create a night of feelings at the Westport Saloon on March 6. Willi kicked of the night with a mix of old folk tunes made new and his brilliant originals. Through humor, poetry, and a little magic, Willi takes everyday moments and turns them into folk art masterpieces with a dash of activism. Weather Willi was singing or telling stories in between songs, he had the crowd hanging on every word. His record

Magic has been happening at Rural Grit Happy Hour for twenty years now. Kimmy of I Love KC Music asked people who have been playing and attending what Rural Grit means to them. Here are their responses. Kelly Hunt: When I first showed up at Rural Grit four years ago, I was brand new to Kansas City. I hardly knew anyone and had only just begun playing my songs for people. Being embraced and uplifted by the Rural Grit community gave me the confidence and support that I needed

This past Monday Rural Grit celebrated twenty years of Monday nights at The Brick. It's been twenty years of music and community. Twenty years of growth and partnership. Twenty years of roots music and growth. Monday the community came out to celebrate dresses in the best to play, cherish the work of Kim Stanton, the woman who has done so much for Rural Grit, and all those moments that have sparkled over the years at Rural Grit. Monday night was memorable moment after mom

Wednesday night felt like being in tundra land, but the fiddles were playing hot at The Westport Saloon with Betse & Clark (Kansas City) and the Urban Pioneers (Albany, TX). It’s always a special night at the Saloon with the Urban Pioneers come to town. These shows feel like a mini Westport Roots festival with the roots family coming in for the music. Betse & Clark started with classic bluegrass. Betse being a fan of The Clash, a few of their songs were covered; they even m

On a beautiful August night Under the Big Oak Tree released their latest album, The Ark into the world. Kimmy sat down with the band moments before the show started, we sat on the back patio of Mike Kelly's Westsider. We talked about the band and the new album to the soundtrack of summer night insects. The first band started playing so we headed into the venue for a night music. I still had a few burning questions and we were out of time so they sent me the rest of the questi

Photos and write up from Day Two of the Westport Roots Fest

Day one of the festival really felt like day two after having attending the Westport Roots Festival Pre-Party. Each stage was packed with great roots music from near and far. The sun was high in the sky at noon when the festival started. After a late night at the Pre-Party, brunch is an order. The Breakfast Sides (Springfield, MO) kicked things off on the outdoor stage. Normally when you see The Breakfast Sides it's the talented duo - Betsey and Chad or Biscuits and Gravy

It was a night of opposites, of light and sweet and dark and heavy. At first I was a little surprised to see Abandoned Bells on the same bill as Claire Adams. They may seem like an unlikely pair, but their contrasting styles felt just right. Teri reminded the audience that once upon a crowded stage, Claire and Teri actually played in the same band. Abandoned Bells started off the night playing nightmaricana with dark and twisty themes. This trio makes magic happen on stage

Tuesdays are wonderful because at the Westport Saloon it's Writes on the Rocks day. This year's first Writers on the Rocks featured Brooke Blance and Billy Don Burns. Brooke's music has a melancholy that will sooth the aches in your soul. Brooke's deep gravelly voice filled the room with beauty. When I think of classuc country, Brooke Blance's music to comes to mind with the heartache and his playing. Billy Don Burns also fits into the classic country feels. His music is