Stephen Sanchez was a blast from the past with vintage radio show framing at The Midland

October 1, 2024

Haley Mullenix,

Steven Sanchez & The Moon Crests. // photo by Haley Mullenix

Friday night, the fine folks of Kansas City pulled out their best dresses, slacks, and hairdos and made their way to The Midland Theatre where Steven Sanchez & The Moon Crests, along with support from The Brook & The Bluff, set the stage for a night of revelry.

The whole night took place within the “Connie Co Show,” a vintage style talk show where host, Connie Co aka Austin Cain introduced us to each act.

First up was The Brook & The Bluff from Birmingham, Alabama. Their easy Sunday morning vibes set a chill tone through the crowd, which was nice considering the concert was entirely selected seating.

At one point, they asked the crowd to stand so they could teach them a little dance from back home. Following suit, the crowd stepped back and forth with a little kick, swaying side to side while the band took it away.

“Bad Bad News,” the band’s latest single, was released earlier this month. It showcases an almost funk-inspired track with silky vocals and a catchy hook. The group brought the smooth grooves, even giving their own rendition of some Creedence Clearwater Revival. Soon, Connie Co came over the speakers to encourage the crowd to take an intermission, check out the merch, and refill their drinks before Stephen took the stage.

As the lights finally dimmed, Connie Co took to the stage as a rotating platform turned to reveal in thin font, “The Connie Co Show.” There he began his introduction to Stephen Sanchez.

“A troubadour. From California to Nashville, to right here in Kansas City…” The spotlight moved back to the revolving platform to reveal Sanchez clad in a black suit and rings on just about every finger. The crowd stood from their seats with applause as he broke out into the first song. Throughout the show, Connie would reemerge intermittently to do short “segments” with Sanchez. Sitting now at a desk, he invited Stephen to sit and answer a couple of questions about his writing process.

Following up they played a game. Picking from two bowls, one of which held different song titles, and the other holding different characters and celebrities, then combining the two to make a mashup of sorts. Tonight they pulled “Sweet Caroline” and Kermit The Frog. Stephen then proceeded to break out a surprisingly good impression of Kermit as he encouraged the crowd to sing along with him. Stephen then played an acoustic song before the platform rotated again, ending the segment.

A few songs later Stephen asked the crowd, “You mind if I join you down there?” before jumping off the stage to walk through the crowd singing “Put Your Head On My Shoulder” By Paul Anka. Serenading the crowd up close and personal, offering hugs and even a few kisses to lucky fans’ hands! I won’t give the rest of the talk show segments away but overall the show was a blast.

The stage production was beautiful, and the crowd really showed out fitting the whole aesthetic of the tour.

All photos by Haley Mullenix

Steven Sanchez & The Moon Crests