High Hopes
2006 was a good year, but it’s bloody well over, innit? So, over the Christmas break, I collected some New Year’s wishes, predictions, fears and general future-oriented blather from people in and around the scene. Post your own at www.pitch.com/blogs.
But first, me.
As local venues go, the Hurricane and the Brick should be more competitive in their booking. Mike’s Tavern needs to get in touch with the local scene or give up and just be the cool bar that it is. Davey’s should continue to do fine (though earlier show times would be nice), and the Record Bar will keep the strongest hand at the table for the foreseeable future — especially if it ever gets that 3 a.m. license. Nobody should fear booking DJs; live music fans love to dance, too. And does anyone still work at the Madrid?
I’d like to see our top hometown artists work with local labels such as Minnow, Oxblood and the Record Machine to produce high-quality, full-length albums to get their music on the national spectrum and draw attention from bigger labels —assuming the labels are willing to be stepping stones. They should, because we’re all in this together.
To newcomers: Bands do not battle — they book.
I wish City Hall would quit undermining efforts to make Kansas City cool and interesting. For God’s sake, save the Mutual Musicians Foundation before that debacle becomes even more embarrassing. Lighten up on outdoor festivals, too. Give a huge grant to the Crossroads Music Festival so that it can get top-drawing local acts during the day and buzzworthy touring bands at night.
Now my co-stars, in alphabetical order.
Bill Brownlee, HappyinBag.blog spot.com: “When I frequent jazz clubs and concerts in Kansas City, I’m usually one of the youngest people in the room. And my hair is graying. I ardently wish for a youth movement among Kansas City jazz fans and musicians.”
Scott Burnett, owner of Minnow Records: Hopes: “The Foundation reclaims its coveted liquor permit; Motorhead returns to KC for its only U.S. date once again in ’07; the Record Bar opens a patio on the roof; the Hurricane kills the Bud Light neon signs; the Drop installs a stripper pole, announces new Monday ‘theme’ night.” Fears: “Ryan Mattes solo project; Daybirds reunion.”
Jauqui, Diana and Max the Dog, www. argumentmachine.com/saddogblog: “A Cretin 66 reunion show; long-awaited recordings by Federation of Horsepower, Whiskey Boots and Pendergast; free instruments for everyone; more cowbell; a rock-and-roll dog park; good health to Kirk Rundstrom; peace, love and rock and roll for everyone!”
John Kreicbergs, Patchchord.com: “I’m hoping that the opening of the Sprint Center spells the end of arena shows in KC that are drenched in muddy bass and that decades-old-shit stench of Kemper.”
Brent Scholz, DJ: “I predict somebody drunk will come up to the DJ booth and insist I play hip-hop or ‘something with words.'”
Cat Simpson, booker and promoter for the Beaumont Club, the Grand Emporium and Karma: “All I Want for ’07: Operation Cluster F*ck, Pt. 2 with the Architects, Roman Numerals and a reunited Doris Henson. Last Xmas the Nooms, DH and the Golden Republic did a round-robin show at the Hurricane where each band played three songs and then rotated. I’ve never stood in front of one local stage for so long without a break. It all culminated with an all-star, partially shirtless jam of ‘Louie Louie.'”
Bill Sundahl, Spice of Life Productions, Crossroads Music Fest: “I wish that the citizens of KC would realize how lucky they are to have artists of every kind all around them and support them in any way they see fit. Trust me, it’s gratifying.”
Steve Tulipana, Record Bar co-owner, Roman Numerals bassist: “I wish Doris Henson would get back together. I predict the Rich Boys will dominate the KC rawk scene. I fear that This Is My Condition will not become a worldwide superstar. I hope that KC will continue to have the diverse, interesting, creative and fully entertaining underground music scene that rivals that of most cities I’ve seen on tour.”
Hell, that ain’t too much to ask, now, is it?
