The final in the KC Cafe Radio Road Show series of summer 2009 concerts celebrated fine music, and fine wines, with an appearance at Montserrat Vineyards on Sunday, September 27.
The music was provided by a sampling from some of Missouri's finest musicians, including Forrest Whitlow, Kevin Hiatt, and Mick Byrd. The wines also represented a sampling of some of Missouri's finest, provided by our host for the event, Montserrat Vineyards.
Video Performances from the event:
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 Forrest Whitlow |
 Kevin Hiatt |
Audio recordings from the event:
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Featured Performers Included:
Forrest Whitlow is one of Kansas City’s best known and loved singer/songwriters. He has written and recorded seven albums as a solo artist and with his band The Crash. His newest album, appropriately titled 7, is his best of the bunch, so far… Songs ranging from rock to folk and espousing a variety of topics that only Forrest can write and sing about. His music and style have been described as David Lynch meets Neil Young. He has a strong sense of who he is and it comes across in his strong musical performances. Forrest has a devoted following and plays consistently at coffeehouses, bars and bookshops around Kansas City.
Music By Forrest Whitlow On KC Cafe Radio:
Kevin Hiatt grew up in Kansas City, attended the Conservatory Of Music and later earned a doctorate in Music Composition from the University of Miami.
He has written over 80 works of music including chamber music, electronic music and orchestral pieces. His compositions have been performed in the United States and in Europe.
In 1996, Hiatt returned to playing steel string guitar. He performs on six, seven, and twelve string guitars employing a variety of altered tunings and unconventional playing techniques. He has composed a large and eclectic body of music for the six, seven, and twelve string guitars. His latest album release showcases his inventive playing style and original compositions.
Music By Kevin Hiatt 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.