Monday, March 1, 2010 – KC Cafe Radio announces the addition of Michael Gaither's "Songs And Stories" podcast series to its programming lineup.  The program will air Saturdays at 9 a.m., and Sundays at 6 p.m. Eastern Time beginning March 6th.

The series, which recently celebrated its third anniversary, stems from Gaither's past as a journalist.  "I used to be a journalist for the local paper, the Santa Cruz Sentinental." Gaither said.  "I've always done writing, and I have been a songwriter for about 8 years.  When I started my website about five years ago, it seemed awfully narcissistic.  So, I put a blog on the front page and I talked about songs I was working on.  Then I started reviewing other CDs.  After my first CD came out, someone suggested I do a podcast."

It didn't take long for Gaither's journalistic roots to take hold, which assisted him in developing his new podcast.  "I did a few episodes where I picked apart a few of my songs, told the stories behind them." he said.  "Then I thought, I used to interview other performers for the newspaper, and now that I am a performer, maybe I can give a different spin on it.  So, I went around and interviewed a few local people that I knew so I could get comfortable with it.  And then when somebody rolled through town that I liked I would contact them, and it went from there."

It was during this experimental phase in podcasting, when Gaither came up with the series title.   "At first it was mostly interviews," he said.  "Then it became 'well, while you're here, play us a couple of songs, tell us the stories behind them,' and that became 'Songs And Stories'."

With more than 85 episodes under his belt, Gaither has acquired quite a bit of experience, both as an interviewer and producer of his podcast.  Still, according to Gaither, the best plan for his show is to not necessarily have a plan at all.  "Usually I have no questions prepared," he suggested.  "If I don't know the person at all I may have one opening question, and then we just go from there.  So it's really an informal chat between a couple of songwriters."

John Dutton, Operations Director for KC Cafe radio said the addition of "Songs And Stories" to the station's lineup is a perfect fit.  "It really makes sense if you think about it," Dutton said.  "Since the beginning, almost two years ago, we have always been about discovering unique, original, never-before-heard music.  Many of the musicians Michael has interviewed are already playing on the station, and we are looking forward to discovering even more new music through the show."

The series begins running on KC Cafe Radio beginning March 6th with the most recent episode in the series.  Since the show is produced on a bi-weekly basis, broadcast of the program will then alternate between the most recent program, and an archive selection for the following weeks.

The entire series of podcasts are also available from Gaither's website, www.michaelgaither.com.

Recently, John Dutton talked with Michael Gaither about the podcast series, and his music:

Listen To The Interview Here (20:52):

Download The Interview Here (19.1 MB)

Music By Michael Gaither On KC Cafe Radio:

Batdorf & McLean: Don't You Know

• Pop/Folk

Batdorf & Rodney: Still Burnin'

• Folk

Delvek: Dec-O-Dents

• Jazz/Fusion/Rock

Hans York: Young Amelia

• Americana/Folk

Hans York: Inside Out

• Modern Folk

Matt Muldoon: Hoolymungo

• Folk/Easy Listening

Martin Gangl: Conjuring The Muse

• Solo Guitar

Rich O'Brien: Under The Kansas Sky

• Americana

Glenn Butterhorn: Sugar In My Coffee Ooh

• Traditional Folk

Terry Holder: Colored Rooms

• New Folk

Terry Holder: Am I Here Is This Me

• New Folk

Red Reyne: Moment That Will Do

• Americana

Thej CSL Jr. Band: Voice Of The Heart

• Rock/Blues

Romeo Soler: Over And Over

• Soul

Lee Tyler Post: Emancipate

• Acoustic Soul/Americana

Callel: Body Discovery

• Alternative

Butch And Sundance

]]> http://kccaferadio.com/radio/new-music-on-kc-cafe-radio-february-23-2010/feed 0 http://kccaferadio.com/radio/kc-cafe-performing-artist-appears-in-oscar-nominated-film http://kccaferadio.com/radio/kc-cafe-performing-artist-appears-in-oscar-nominated-film#comments Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:02:11 +0000 KC Cafe http://kccaferadio.com/radio/?p=2813 Tuesday February 2, 2010 – The Oscar-nominated film Up In The Air starring George Clooney includes an appearance from a rather unique individual, that at first glance, may not be all that familiar with KC Cafe Radio fans.

However, if we were to tell you that this talented individual appears as "Ruby Falls" in the KC Cafe Radio Performing Artist band Alacartoona, the connection becomes a little more clear.

Actually, Erin McGrane considers herself as much a singer as she does an actor.  And her work with Alacartoona features a unique combination of both.  She calls her appearances with the group (which includes McGrane, Christian Hankel, Kyle Dahlquist and Gregg Jackson) "theatrical music," which takes the form of a cabaret-style performance.

For the movie, McGrane plays the role of a former love interest of Clooney's character, Ryan Bingham.  In the scene, which lasts a total of about 40 seconds, McGrane's character enters Bingham's Omaha apartment, apparently to drop off some mail, but takes advantage of the opportunity to inform Bingham that she is now seeing someone else, which elicits very little reaction from Bingham.  It may be a brief appearance, however the scene is a significant character building moment in the film.

A 1990 graduate of the University of Missouri Kansas City Theater program, McGrane has also appeared in several independent film projects, and most recently in a You Tube series called "Unreal Housewives of KC."

McGrane says she is looking forward to continuing her work in both film, and theatrically through Alacartoona.  She doesn't rule out the possibility of travel in her future however, and says she would be open to working with artists all over the world.

Music By Alacartoona on KC Cafe Radio:

Kathy Forste, Music Director

	Rick Kokan: Those Golden Dreams Folk/Americana
	Rick Kokan: Fire's Burning Folk/Americana
	Rick Kokan: Rodeo Boy Folk/Americana
	The Naked Truth: The Gathering Folk
	Rick Lally: Acoustic Dreams Folk
	Chris Steven Tomchak: Memories Of An Axeman Rock
	Bill West: Thanks For Listening Alternative Pop/Rock
	Bill West: Whiskey (single) Americana
	Michael Gaither: Dogspeed Folk/Americana
	The Wieners: Dogs In Heat Rock/Blues
	Romeo Soler: Lady Be Mine R&B
	Sig Paulson: Movies And Magazines Americana/Folk
	Sig Paulson: Totem Pole Americana/Folk
	Sig Paulson: Tangled In My Roots Americana/Folk
	Teri Wilder: Magical Moment Pop/Spiritual
	Bukeka Newby Shoals: Spirit Is Alive Pop/R&B/Spiritual
	CB Nalley Country
	Terry Lewsader Pop/Roots Americana
	Bittersweet Rock
	Friends Of Emmet: Coming Apart Rock/Alternative
	Ben Treffer: What Would You Do Country/Americana

On January 12, a series of earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 6.5 to 7.3 devastated Haiti. The American Red Cross is working with its partners in the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network, including the Haitian Red Cross, and other partners to assist those affected by this disaster.

Please click here or on the logo above to contribute to the American Red Cross and their recovery effort.

Abrazos 2009

Jamie Lynn Noon announces Abrazos 2009, an album benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, is now available on iTunes.  It features an unreleased, alternate version of her song, "'Til Ya Make It."

"Abrazos is a truly wonderful benefit put together by the most kindhearted and good-willed," Noon said in making the announcement.  "I am so thankful to be a part of such an awesome album, for such a meaningful cause."

Kansas City: Haitian Relief Benefit Concert

Award-winning Kansas City songwriter Sara Swenson will be the special guest in a concert designed to raise funds for the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti.

Also featuring Kansas City music icons The Elders, Danny Cox, and Walkenhorst & Porter, the concert will be held on Wednesday, January 20 beginning at 6:30PM at The Record Bar.

Tickets are $10 at the door, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief Effort.  More information on the event is available here.

Online donations to support this effort may also be made directly to the American Red Cross here.

Thanks to KC Cafe Radio Performing Artist Kaye Johnston for informing us about this worthy event.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to work within a community of creative songwriters and musicians," she said.  "KC Cafe Radio represents a unique collaboration of media, technology and talent, and I am looking forward to enjoying the 'front row seat' at this show."

Having spent much of her life in the Midwest, Kathleen recently moved to the Boston Massachusetts community, and is looking forward to the opportunity of recruiting east-coast talent into The Cafe.

Kathleen has always loved the arts and enjoyed growing up singing with her best friend. Before going to college at Central Missouri State University to major in Graphic Arts, she had aspired to be a musician. But as life happens, priorities change and she found her true calling in the customer service arena.

With over 20 years of customer service experience with companies such as Ozarks Public Television, Sprint PCS, and Girl Scouts USA, Kathleen looks forward to putting this experience to use working with KC Cafe Radio.

Whether you have shared your music with us as a KC Cafe Radio Performing Artist, helped "spread the word" about what we're doing here, or have been an avid listener, we appreciate your commitment to this unique community, and pledge to continue to bring you even more new original music in the coming year and beyond!

Happy Holidays!

Here are the new musicians and groups we have added over the past month.  We have also recently added new holiday music, and we will share more on that with you soon.

Enjoy the music!

	Jane Ellen: Following My Heart SoloPiano
	Kristina Sablan: A Prayer Folk
	Helen Brown: Harley Baby Traditional Country
	Helen Brown: Wake Up America Traditional Country
	Ryan Sheeler: A Light In The Rain Christian Pop/Rock
	Lucy Billings: Open Air Americana
	Billie Rainbird: Catch The Sky Rock/Pop
	Kirsten DeHaan: Thorns On A Crown Alternative/Pop Folk
	Plain & Simple: Acousticueticals Folk – Singer/Songwriter
	Paolo I – The Pale Blue Sky Sessions Americana
	Leanne Weatherly: Go And Find Jazz
	Amy Meyers: Strange & Beautiful Folk/Rock
	Amy Meyers: Open Road Folk/Rock
	Amy Meyers: Lucky Folk/Americana
	Brett Goldsmith: Ordinary Life Pop/Rock – Adult Alternative
	Mike Smith & Friends: A Little Slice Of Heaven Blues/Jazz
	Mike Smith & Friends: A Hole In The Ground Blues/Jazz
	Mike Smith & Friends: Collateral Jammage Blues/Jazz
	Ron McManaman Featuring Mick Kovar: Big Country II Country
	Terry Holder: Ticket To The Moment Folk/Rock
	The Suit Inc.: Digital Hipster Techno
	Ratcliff Bailey: New Singles Blues/Rock
	Michael Downing: New Singles 80s Pop

Jane Ellen releases new albums, wins awards

Pianist Jane Ellen recently released "Following My Heart,"  the final musical chapter in her trilogy of "heart" themed albums.  This album features fourteen new compositions performed by Ellen, along with a complement of special guest. artists, including percussionist Ken Battat.

Just in time for the holiday season, Ellen has also re-released in limited edition her popular holiday album, "Flowers In Winter."  The album features twelve tracks, including a combination of traditional Christmas songs and  original compositions.

Jane Ellen also recently received her 12th-consecutive  PLUS award from the American Society of Composers and Performers (ASCAP).  According to the ASCAP website, the PLUS award "…is for writer members of any genre whose performances are primarily in venues not surveyed; and/or writer members whose catalogs have prestige value for which they would not otherwise be compensated."

Tracy Newman working on new albums, featured in article

Musician Tracy Newman is also working on two new albums.  One is a childrens album called "I Can Swing Forever," which is a collaborative effort with producer Edward Auslender, and several Los Angeles area musicians.

Another, yet-to-be-named album will feature more of the kind of music Tracy Newman fans expect from this talented musician.  One song, "Table Nine," is a tribute to Merle Haggard.  According to Newman, "It’s from the point of view of a young waitress at a diner, who always waits on this grizzled old guy, and… well, maybe you should hear it."

Another song, according to Newman, describes "…the horrors of driving teenage girls in a carpool." as well as two songs inspired by the television show "The Office."  This album is being produced by Travis Allen Childress of MYRecordLabel fame.

Both albums should be available sometime in early 2010.

Newman was also recently featured on the "Music After 50" website.  You can read the complete feature article here.

Stacie Nicole Pawlan competition finalist, sings National Anthem

Kansas City R&B musician Stacie Nicole Pawlan had a rather busy summer season.

In May, Pawlan was one of ten finalists in the "97.5 The Buzz Big Break" competition.  She performed two of her original songs at the finals event, held at The Mall of the Great Plains in Olathe, KS.

Pawlan also performed the National Anthem at the Kansas City Wizards soccer game on August 16 (see video here), and again at  the ARCA RE/MAX Series race at the Kansas Speedway October 1st.