September 5, 2011 – The final in the 2011 series of KC Cafe Radio Roadshow concerts was held on Saturday, August 27 at Montserrat Vineyards. The series wrapped up featuring two fine mid-Missouri area musicians, Mick Byrd and Jefferson Fox. The event was recorded, and broadcast live over KC Cafe Radio.
Listen to, or download their performances in their entirety here:
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Jefferson Fox was born in Southeast Missouri to Elbert and Jane Fox. The two divorced and Jefferson began his childhood as the step-son of Michael Allen, an Army pilot. At age 6 Jefferson began playing guitar. Other instruments followed and his passion for songwriting was born. Jefferson traveled the world with his family on military duties until 1991 when he graduated high school in Georgia. He then returned to Southeast Missouri and worked as a carpenter while playing music in several rock/alternative bands that he fronted and wrote material for. Jefferson married drummer Sharon Clark in 1994 and had two daughters. After his last band, 'All That Matters' broke up in 2003 Jefferson began performing solo and writing more. He and his family moved to Wyoming for two years during the completion of 'Wait For Words' in 2007 and stayed through the release of 'Animule' in 2008. They then returned to Southeast Missouri where Jefferson bases his operation today.
Music By Jefferson Fox On KC Cafe Radio:
Mick Byrd hails from Vienna, Missouri, a small community near the Lake of the Ozarks. He still teaches and coaches in Vienna, and many of his songs reflect his life experiences there.
Mick calls his music “Americana Roots” because he says, “That gives me the freedom to do what I enjoy and what I hope listeners also enjoy.” Serious music fans are sure to enjoy the depth and imagery these "story" songs offer. From thoughtful social issues to fun filled songs that make you laugh; folk, rock, country or Mick’s own “Ozark blues” are all part of Mick's music repertory that keep you listening.
Mick has won a national songwriting award from Billboard Magazine for his song “Afternoon At The Wall.” His guest performance on National Public Radio's “River City Folk” has been repeated several times. Mick's music has also appeared on NPR's “Car Talk” and he has performed twice on “Writer’s Block” hosted by Karen Reynolds on WDVX in Knoxville, TN, a program devoted to independent artists. Mick has played on the road in 14 states as well as in Ireland. He is a member of the Missouri Arts Council Performing Artists, Mid-America Arts Alliance Touring Roster, Nashville Songwriters Association International and the Americana Music Association.
Music By Mick Byrd On KC Cafe Radio:
Nestled inside the rolling hills of West-Central Missouri, about an hour's drive southeast of Kansas City along Highway 50, sits Montserrat Vineyards. The property was originally an 80-acre farm founded by the Gallaher family in the early 1800s, who also founded the small community of Montserrat nearby.
Over the years, the property was divided and sold, and supported a variety of crops, including a small acerage of grapes in the early 1980s. Grapes eventually became the sole product of the farmland, and in 1998, Montserrat Vineyards became a licensed, bonded Missouri Winery.
Montserrat Vineyards offers a variety of original wines featuring Chambourcin, Sevyal, Catawba, and Concord grapes. A covered pavilion offers a view overlooking the vineyards, along with wine and "basket-style" food selections. Live music is featured most weekends. The vineyards are also a popular venue for private weddings and other social functions, most of which are booked well in advance.