History began on the glamorous opening night of December 7th 1960. With valet parking, tuxedo doormen, and dancing to the enticing tunes of the Ted Weems orchestra, guests were welcomed like royalty. As time went on, so did the well-rounded Cotillion, which effortlessly rolled into a new generation of Rock n Roll fans with such acts as Ted Nugent and Bonnie Raitt. Followed by various Country artists in the likes of Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Jr and Willie Nelson (who’s still known to make appearances along with many modern artist from diverse genres today at The Cotillion). Though The famous Cotillion is more than well known in Wichita, its reputation doesn’t stop at the local level when attracting guests. Its not uncommon for many in the outskirts of western Kansas, Oklahoma and even as far as Texas to drive hours to take in a show at the historical hot-spot. But The Cotillion is not only famous for the stars and memories it holds, its also known for its unique fun shape.

Thanks to Jad Wolf, local Realtor, the concept of building The Cotillion was thrust into motion after he connected a group of 21 investors. Built in 1960, The Cotillion stands 28,500 square feet with a maximum concert capacity of 2000 persons. The unique circular design of the building is supported by large wooden beams which hold a 24 foot high domed ceiling over an 11,000 square foot floating hard-wood, dance-floor and a stage that features a distinctive neon lit band shell.

The Cotillion offers a full and fast service bar which serves mixed drinks, beer and wine. All ages are more than welcome at various events, (unless otherwise stated. Also all persons purchasing or consuming alcoholic beverages must be 21 & older). Snack items such as hot dogs, nachos, pizza & popcorn are also sold at the concession stands. After all, you just might want to keep up with the high energy of an entertaining night. Depending on the size of the event, most doors open to the public 1 to 1 1/2 hours prior to the start of the show. (Handicapped persons are welcome to enter the building a few minutes prior to the opening of the doors to the general public. Also, Handicapped parking is available adjacent to the front door). Obviously, The Cotillion has a little something for everyone.

If you’re curious about upcoming acts and events or even renting The famous Cotillion for your own special event go to

http://www.thecotillion.com/

“Electronic music is more of a culture in the UK but more of a culture shock here in the states.” Kevin stated

When asked what inspired him to become a DJ he simply said “Music… I would play with programs like Fruity Loops by clicking around and reading brief tutorials. I never really took any classes for Audio. In high school I was in full digital mode. I spent extra time helping friends edit videos and create banners for local bands. In 2007, I started messing with tracking programs like Renoise, and Reason. I never really took any of my productions seriously until around 2008 when I started the project of Narteck. By then, my sounds evolved to have an eclectic feel.”

Influenced by many, a few of the artists Kevin listed as his favorites are as follows Deadmau5, Crystal Castles, Passion Pit, Vitalic, Phoenix, Computer Club, Kap Bambino, Soulwax, Alex Metric, High Contrast, Justice, Daft Punk, MSTRKFT True Pseudo, Yelle, and Los Campensinos

He is currently toying with the idea of collaborating with other local singers and songwriters in hopes to create an indie electronic Nu Disco project. Upon hearing this I wasn’t surprised, since Nu Disco is most popular in Europe, UK, and Australia. This specific genre is slowly making its appearance within mainstream US and Asian music markets, yet seems especially slow in Kansas. However, Kevin is one of the few, who could bring a successful sound together because of his love of computers, artistic nature, and progressive like demeanor (I can see why Kevin was drawn to electronic music rather than a guitar).

It’s been said “Electronic music is supposed to open new horizons towards musical structures that are not limited by physical properties
of natural instruments and its musicians.” Speaking of “Horizonz”, Kevin has been a regular for the last three years. If anyone is interested in underground electronic music, Horizonz is a must. Horizonz is an eclectic EDM event held at the Lizards Lounge every second Saturday of the month at 9:00 pm found on 300 S. Greenwich in Wichita.

You can see many of Kevin’s talents and interests at http://blog.kevinheckart.com

Colton and Zara’s style seems influenced by many including three of my favorites: Eisley, Iorn and Wine, and John Mayer. Colton and Zara grasp a whimsical lyrical style in some songs (using friendship code words and phrases that spark certain memories among Zara and her best friends). Simple melodies, bring to life sing-a-long harmonies which wrap up the reason and message for their music, Love and purity. They sing about deep things in comforting and light-hearted ways. Beauty, friends, passion, justice, and integrity are just some of the subjects that influence them.

Colton and zara were home-schooled, met at a young age in 4H, then later played in a band for their youth group. A band with a story like many others, they were on the verge of getting signed then broke up. After that devastating point, Colton and Zara decided to hit the road themselves. Austin Cook (The head of BWAM) took notice of their unique style, offered a development deal and Colton and Zara headed to Nashville in February to record their first EP at Studio One studios in Franklin TN. However, before the EP was to be released they were signed with Indevo Records!

Colton and Zara play in wichita often at places such as The Riverside Perk, Frida’s Mexican Grill, and Meads Corner. For more information on Colton and Zara check out http://www.myspace.com/coltonandzara

In late November of 2009, lead singer and Livy High founder, Jason Carroll, made the decision to work with Prestigious Films after tediously shopping the market for the kind of company that could give him the quality and craftsmanship one could expect from any top ranked film crew. “We were lucky enough to find the right people here in my own backyard.” said Carroll. “I knew as soon as soon I saw previous work they did with another band, that we were going to work with them.”

“That’s a wrap! Time for location two!” said director Nicholas Barton of Prestigious Films in a rather hurried fashion. (Prestigious Films is a video production company located right here in Wichita. which specializes in several areas including indie films, television commercials, weddings, web commercials and have even had their works featured on national networks such as A&E and CMT). Without delay, about twenty people spring to their feet and began the process of “striking” or tearing down the set. The amount of teamwork involved in this phase of production was inspiring to witness. People of all kinds, initially strangers to one another, worked side by side, tirelessly, to move the thousands of pounds of equipment from a gymnasium, through a parking lot and a seemingly endless labyrinth of hallways to finally arrive at a thousand seat auditorium located on the second level of the East High facility.

“The video crew was awesome and the production of the video was one of the most professionally coordinated events I’ve ever scene. Nicholas Barton of Prestigious Films really had his work cut out for him and he came through like you’d expect a pro to do. To film three different scenes in different parts of a HUGE high school and to do it on-schedule was quite remarkable. Props to those guys.” stated front man Jason Carroll

I had a chance to sit down with Nick and his colleague Wesley Nott during the post production phase of Livy High’s shoot for their single “No Angel.” Nick and Wesley both had some interesting points to make about just what being an “up and coming” production company means and why it takes more than just hard work and focus to make such an enormous undertaking come to fruitition.

“Finding the right team of people to do the job was a key factor in bringing my company together.” said Barton, “I know that my people are gonna come in and be punctual and focused every single time, for every single shot.” Wesley went on to say that it also takes a great deal of budgeting as well. “There’s no need to buy a five-thousand dollar roll cart for your camera when you can build the very same cart with your own materials for not even a tenth the cost.”

It’s true that saving money and staying focused are two very big factors in film making, but there were many more elements present than that while standing on the set built in the gymnasium of Wichita East High School. It also took a crew of twelve, over a hundred thousand dollars worth of musical, lighting and filming equipment, hundreds of dollars worth of vinyl graphics, one lonely fog machine, and people willing to help out. Like a dedicated East High teacher whose passion for educating his students showed by the long hours he contributed to the project on his day off, Derrick Gronewald. “Mr. Gronewald was the first one there and the last one to leave” stated Director Barton who went on to say. “East High has an amazing theater department and I believe its because of that man. He cares and it shows.”

There’s something about being surrounded by hardworking and giving people and though Livy high were the rock-stars of the event, their egos were put aside and their fancy sleeves rolled up like everyone else there. Livy High did not retire to some air conditioned trailer for rest, but instead worked every bit as hard as their crew, friends, family and even East High student volunteers. Livy High won my admiration not because they are talented, nor by the fact they donated cd sales to East Highs Theater Department and then went above and beyond by donating more of their own money, but its because they have truly set themselves apart with focus, heart, discipline, and talent combined.

He was a member of the band “Adelitas Way,” an up and coming rock group who’s on tour with Breaking Benjamin and will soon be on tour with Theory of a Deadman. We continued walking through the crowd of the sold out show that night at the Cotillion where numerous people stopped him for autographs, pics, small talk, and the occasional flash.

He went on to say “You would be surprised at some of the offers we’ve had. For example, fathers hinting that their daughters are eighteen, or guys wanting us to make out with their girlfriends. It’s disturbing yet flattering…its crazy.” He said with a puzzled look on his face.

Wanting to interview Breaking Benjamin, I studied up on the headlining act as much as possible. But, when I entered the venue that evening, I caught myself intrigued by Adelitas Way. The energy, and overall sound they threw around the room was filtered through hundreds of rock fists before fighting through the constant roar of cheers, resting perfectly on my ears. Many felt the inescapable liveliness at the sold
out show. Adelitas Way rendered the most vigor of all the bands that night.

Agreeing to an interview, I waited and watched as the lead singer greeted each approaching fan at the merch booth, making a genuine connection. It seems after spending eleven months in a tour VAN, keeping the passion to connect like that would be difficult. But, not for the front man and founder Rick. I learned he is quite a strong soul with more than enough heart for people and music.

“We can talk in the dressing room where its quiet” Rick said. I was offered chips, gum, and one member even let me take a stab at fixing his mullet…I failed, but he seemed a good sport about it. They also showed me a video of a band member getting kicked in the nards (I haven’t used that word since grade school) sound effects, slow motion and all. The laughter died down.

“So what do you think of Wichita?” I asked Front man and founder of the group jumped in. “The crowd,” he said, “Its good to see a big rock crowd. People really seem to like rock here. You rarely find this kind of passion in other places.”

I sat back for a second “Your right…This is a sold out show. If Wichita is packed full of rock lovers, why does this enthusiasm not show at a local music level? Where the heck do the rock fans hide? There are some awesome, extremely talented local bands here in town like Barrelbright, whose style falls under the mainstream rock sound. Although they do have a growing fan base the people who would really be into this band aren’t paying attention at a local level, therefore missing out on a really great band right here in their home town. “

Rick jumped in saying that in his experience unless a song is heard on radio especially in the rock genre, your not going to be given the time of day. I knew he spoke the truth due to my own experience as well.

I pondered why the prideful, independent , hardworking, and passionate rock fan would allow a filter like radio to tell them what was cool and what wasn’t. The typical rock fan seems to be full of heart and a bit rebellious. Therefore, leading me to think the last thing they would buy into is radio hype. So maybe its not so much about radio hyping up bands and the rock fan buying into that, Maybe the rock fan is the work-hard-play-harder yet underpaid type. The type that does not have time to sort through mountains of “crappy” music due to life’s demands. Therefore, they trust the radio station to play the music that made it through the filtering process. I believe one point of view from a rock fan is; “If you’re on radio you cant suck that bad, and you’ve earned a few seconds of my irreplaceable time.”

After leaving the room, I walked with a member of the band to the other side of the Cotillion where a few admirers stopped him in his tracks. I stood by the rail and watched as Breaking Benjamin took the stage. The voice of the crowd seemed to vibrate my chest as the roar gradually grew louder. I found guitarist and co-writer Brad Heagler of Barrelbright standing with some of his friends. We made our way to the center of the floor. Many men wearing backwards hats and shirts that showed off their gym born muscles stood tall holding their petite girlfriends safely away from the pushing and swaying of the aggressive mob. Suddenly, I was hit in the back. I turned around with a “WTF” look and became tickled to see an older woman in slacks and a hand painted holiday sweatshirt give me glare. I laughed. She squinted harder as if she had razor sharp laser beams shooting out of her eyes, I hurriedly edged around the muscle men in front of me and watched as Breaking Benjamin let their songs carry them through the show. I finally surfed my way out of the tight ocean of sweaty bodies I landed safely on my feet. I threw one last rock fist to the band who stood a few feet away only to meet a security guard, followed by a beautiful young woman dressed in a skimpy Santa’s helper out-fit. She tried to high five me for my awesome surfing skills…I guess…we missed hands.

Ben of Breaking Benjamin yelled out to the crowd. “This next song is for all of you who were with us from the start… THANK YOU!”

I want to give you a chance to be one of those people who knew about a band before they broke big. So when that band you full on supported in the beginning comes back to Wichita to play the cotillion instead of the smaller venue you all use to hang out at, and the front man screams out “This is for the fans who supported us from the start!” You can have that overwhelming sense of pride, especially later when you talk to the band in front of your friends after the show and the band members know you by name.

Below is a list of some really awesome local rock bands. Not only will you be shocked that this talent is in Wichita, supporting local bands is easy on the wallet. Take your sweetheart out to a show. Or, for one weekend give up your normal routine of going to the same bar. Instead, I challenge you to escape your comfort zone and drag your friends out for a night of Rock, inspiration, a few good drinks, and the chance to become acquainted with up and coming Rock-Stars.

Signum AD-modern rock

http://www.myspace.com/signumad

Wichita based band currently on tour with a song edging to break into the top of the charts. Be sure to catch their show as they stop back through Wichita Dec 9th, 8:00 at Americas Pub

Barrelbright-rock
www.myspace.com/barrelbright
Check out their song “Search for Life” and their show Dec 9th 2009 at Americas Pub

Dialin Watts-progressive/ rock/ shoegaze

http://www.myspace.com/dialinwatts

Americas Pub Dec 11th 8:00

Black Gasoline-rock/ classic-rock/ neo-soul
reverbnation.com/blackgasoline
Dec 25th 10:00 at Americas Pub

Catch these Handsome guys at rock island live Dec 18th at 9:30 with Mobilization, Jenny Wood, and Japanese Game Show.

After turning the wrong way on a one way street, and becoming familiar with a few rough looking parking lots, I finally found the artichoke. Upon entering the small establishment, I noticed a circle of men and one young woman taking turns playing original material in the center
of the room. Quickly my attention was drawn to her. She had dark hair wore flowing clothes, played guitar well and gave a continuous smile. She joined in on others songs, and gave full attention and support to everyone in the circle. Her turn to play came quickly, I heard hints of Ani DiFranco and Norah Jones in her voice which broke through the soft rumble of conversations scattered throughout the dim lit room. Her lyrics were put together well. I sat two chairs down from her and took everything in. A whirlwind of fear crept up and interrupted her beautiful song. I realized I would soon be playing in front of many people not just one. My hands shook, I started sweating, applause filled the room as her last note rang out. “Great!”, I thought, “I have to follow her?!” I started thinking of excuses to not go through with it. “Please god if you ever wanted to zap me with a lightning bolt now’s your chance.” I prayed. The young woman looked my direction and quietly said “its OK we’re all very supportive here and have been in your shoes. You’ll do fine… its not a performance, its just a circle of friends sharing songs.” Her words were comforting. I closed my eyes and barely made it through my first song.

Afterward I struck up a conversation with the young woman and thanked her for her support. She said her name was Nikki Moddelmog. I then learned she had just released a CD. By this time I was more than impressed with her. I pulled out my last 10 dollars and bought a CD sacrificing my coffee money to get home (something I normally would not do). It was well worth the sacrifice.

Now 3 years later, I’m told that she had just released another album and that I should consider writing about it, so of course I jumped on that assignment, and cant wait to share one of my favorite local singer/songwriters with all my NakedCity friends.

An Engineer once said that there are two kinds of music, boring and interesting. I’ll have to add to that and say music is also something you relate to or not. Nikki Moddelmog’s music is not only interesting it’s easy to relate to. She seems to tell stories so familiar to your own thus leaving you with a feeling that you had just spent a full hour with an inspiring friend who understands your heartache. Nikki inspires by having the courage to call it like it is. She puts the heart-breaker in your life in his or her place with her angelic voice, wit, and compassion.

“Again and Again” captures a feel good vibe. The piano on this song and throughout the cd captures my attention, again and again. If you like this song, you will also like “Why”, “Tricks and Treasures”, and “The Good Life” (a great two-steppin’ song). “Gone”, song number two on the album, is sobering yet calming as is “Refined”, song number nine. My favorite is number three “Juniper Coat” for three reasons: the style is chill, perfectly combining a bit of jazz and folk; second, the lyrics (“greeting truth and bull and introducing them to shock”); and finally the title, “Juniper coat” The name struck my curiosity.

“Better Mistake”, “Forgive and Forget”, “You and Me”, and “Philosophy” all fall between the feel good and the calming categories. Though the last track “Reprise” is a short jam, I did wish for it to go a full three to four minutes longer. However, it is the perfect length for Nikki’s album because it doesn’t take away from the common theme making it a nice focused package. Speaking of packaging, the art-work, pics and over all design of not only Nikki’s CD but her website as well is the best I’ve seen in a long time.

Overall this album is a great mix of folk, jazz, and contemporary styles held seamlessly together by Nikki’s strong, and insightful lyrics and comforting style. Listen to it over a cup of coffee, or when you feel the need to talk with a friend who understands heartache and gives inspiration.