Originally from the Seattle area, Byrd relocated to Denver as a youth, and eventually ended up in Texas, where he now calls Denton, Texas home.  Byrd’s unique style of songwriting comes out of his experience living in diverse parts of the country, as well as inspiration from his family and his observations and musings on life.

We invite you to relive this fun and entertaining evening with J.R. Byrd here!

Listen To The Entire Performance Here:

Music By J.R. Byrd On KC Cafe Radio:

Fisher hails from Austin, Texas, however life as the son of a Naval Flight Officer meant a lot of moving from place-to-place, including California, Washington State, Ohio, Virginia and Florida.  Eventually he would return to Austin to attend the University of Texas, where he would earn a Broadcasting And Film degree, while performing at local bars and coffeehouses.  Following college, he moved to Los Angeles, where he would become involved in television and film production, scriptwriting, announcing, and education.  Through it all, however, Fisher had his "roots" firmly planted in music. "I have one foot firmly in fiction, the other in screenwriting and my heart in music."

His latest album, Notes For A Novel, is not only a demonstration of how various aspects of Robert Morgan Fisher's talents come together, it is also a window into the musician himself.  And he has no problem sharing with you his own view out that window, onto the world.

Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste spoke with Fisher via Skype about his career.  They talk at length about the people that have influenced his life and career, and that unique connection that exists between his writing and his music.  He shares the stories behind making albums like Notes For A Novel, and how being in the right place at the right time can really make a difference.  You will also hear him talk about attending the 2012 Hollywood Music In Media Awards ceremony.  A few days following the recording of our interview, Fischer's album Notes For A Novel was awarded Best Folk/Acoustic Category at that event.

Along with the main interview are two "bonus" clips.  In the first clip recorded prior to the interview, Robert introduces Kathy to his 1985 Martin D28S3 Guitar.  The second clip, recorded after the interview, Robert talks about his work with LA's Writer's Boot Camp.

Listen To The Interview Here:

Music By Robert Morgan Fisher On KC Cafe Radio:

Today, that inspiration comes to life in Lucy's second album, No Other Road.  In it, we discover a storyteller like no other, delivered in a way that allows her memories to become connected to our own.  In it, you will discover genuine friendships in songs like "My Caballo," and a rather unique perspective on her father in "Daddy's Last Drive."

In a recent conversation with Lucy via Skype, KC Cafe Music Director Kathy Forste asked her about her years growing up with ranching and music.  They also talked about No Other Road, and her work with producer John Jennings, and her plans for her next album, to be released next summer.

Listen To The Interview Here:

Music By Lucy Billings On KC Cafe Radio:

His mother, a New Zealand native, and father of Canadian descent, made sure that Mark was surrounded by creativity.  His mother was an avid painter, and encouraged her son to express himself visually.  His grandfathers on both sides of the family were musically inclined.  Somehow, through it all, the concepts of visual expression and music became intertwined in Mark's mind, which is the hallmark of the creativity we enjoy in his latest album.

Funhouse Of Your Mind is best described as a "visually musical" experience, where all elements that ignite the imagination come together in one place.  It begins with the illustrations Mark created for the album's liner notes, and extends into your own visual interpretations of the music as you listen.  It is an opportunity to not only glimpse into Mark's creative world, but to discover your own as well.

Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste talked with Mark via Skype from his home in Los Angeles.  They talked about his artistically diverse upbringing, his musical influences, and how all of that led to the development of "Funhouse."  They also talk about his approach to creating music, and his unique approach to connecting music with visual imagery.

Listen To The Interview:

Music By Mark Cote On KC Cafe Radio:

Rausch shared such personal favorites as "Live How You Love," and "Turpentine," along with a few new tunes, some created just a few days ago.  Her clear, pure voice combined with a superb guitar treatment of the music helped to personalize the experience for everyone in attendance.

Listen To The Entire Performance Here:

Here is a video of Kasey Rausch performing "Heavy Fog":

Music By Kasey Rausch On KC Cafe Radio:

Featuring music from their latest self-titled album, The Stray Birds performed such original tunes as "Dream In Blue," "Railroad Man," "25 to Life," and "No Part of Nothin'," along with a few folk favorites such as "St. Anne's Reel."

Listen To The Entire Performance Here:

Here is a video of The Stray Birds performing "St. Anne's Reel:"

Music By The Stray Birds On KC Cafe Radio:

And now, with 5 albums behind him, Clark tackles his most ambitious project yet – telling the story of Jesus from perhaps one of the most unique of perspectives one could imagine – his own.  The result is his 6th and newest album, titled His Story, My Story, which most appropriately launched during this Easter holiday season.  By connecting his own life journey to that of Jesus, Clark has put together a collection of poignant songs that we can all relate to, as we reflect on our own life's journey.

Clark is also quite the entertainer, as was demonstrated during his KC Cafe House Concert (listen in here), on a recent visit to Kansas City.  There, we had the chance to experience first-hand the unique connection between story and song.

Recently, KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste had the chance to catch up with Kerry via Skype.  They talked about what inspired him to produce such an ambitious album.  They also talked about the House Concert, and we get some insight and great advice from a masterful performer and storyteller on how to relate to an audience and draw a crowd in to your performance.

Listen To The Interview:

Music By Kerry Patrick Clark On KC Cafe Radio:

A West Texas native now living in the Pacific Northwest, Beth has been performing her unique "troubadour-style" modern folk music, featuring acoustic guitar, and occasionally, when available on her tours, piano.  Her website describes her performances as "soulful, organic, intelligent, barefoot, high-energy communication of joy."

Beth's latest album is titled "The Weather Inside," which she describes as "a case study in contrast… embracing strength and tenderness, the polished and the well-worn, the broken and the hopeful heart."

Beth Wood performed music from her new album and more, during this intimate gathering of friends in Olathe, Kansas (that's oh-LAY-the!) 

Listen To Beth's Performance Here:

Music By Beth Wood On KC Cafe Radio:

Show Info:

• Artist: Beth Wood
• KC Cafe House Concert
• Date: Friday, June 1st 2012
• Time: 6:30pm
• City: Beth Wood in Olathe, KS
• Venue: House Concert
• Country: United States
• Admission: $15 donation suggested
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Zat describes himself as "a singer, songwriter, fiddler, and guitar picker,"  He plays both classic American roots, folk, country and bluegrass standards, and also original songs.  It's the original songs where Zat's talent really shines brightly.  "I like songs that lift spirits, brighten hopes, make us laugh, and maybe cry a little," he says.  "I want to celebrate love, mourn loss, ponder mystery, and especially have fun!"

Zat started playing guitar and singing in High School.  He took up fiddling shortly afterward, and began writing music in his early twenties.  His work has garnered the attention of the likes of music legends Caroline Herring and Kate Wolf, who recorded his words to "Midnight On The Water" in her second album.

Zat’s newest music endeavor are two albums.  The first is simply titled Solo, and features Zat playing and singing all his music. The second is an album that is 10 years in making, aptly titled Collaborations.  It features Zat playing his music with other musicians .

Recently KC Cafe Radio Music Director Kathy Forste spoke with Zat.  They talked about his long career, how he got started playing guitar and fiddle, his musical influences and how he chooses the traditional songs he loves to play.

Listen To The Interview:

Music By John Roy Zat On KC Cafe Radio:

Batdorf has also been a music writer and director for several television series, including Touched By An Angel, Promised Land and Darkwing Duck. His musical voice has appeared in several television commercials.

His most recent album is called One Last Wish.

Batdorf not only shared with us his original music, but spoke with us candidly about his career, the people that have influenced his life, and how those influences translated into the music he performs today.  It was nothing short of a unique, intimate evening with an outstanding person and musician.

Listen to John's performance here:

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Music By John Batdorf On KC Cafe Radio: