Sitting at his bar and smiling up from his cup of coffee at 11am on a Wednesday, Dave Stough, the owner of one of Wichita’s oldest bars, The Shamrock, tells the story of how “The Tornado Bait Party” began. In the spring of 1983, Jerry Wood, a local musician, and Wes Race, the creator of the party, were sitting at a softball game together. Jerry asked Wes, “Why do tornados always hit trailer parks?” Wes responded, “Because they’re Tornado Bait,” and with that came the idea to create one of the longest running local music festivals.

Wes Race took his idea to Jim Young, who was then the current owner of Wichita’s famous blues establishment called The Spot. The Spot was located on the southwest corner of Douglas and Hydraulic. The Tornado Bait Party began in 1983, as an excuse to celebrate live, local music. In 1986, 24 years ago, Jim sold The Spot to Dave Strough who then began working with the local music scene to continue the party.

After The Spot closed in the 1990s, the Tornado Bait Party had a few short runs in venues such as Rivers Edge. However in 2002, Dave Strough bought The Shamrock and rejuvenated the party, and the historical building was the perfect place to do so. The building was constructed in 1927, and after the Prohibition on alcohol in 1933, the building was sold and turned into a Bar & Grill by T. C. Geselle, a reported bootlegger. Geselle’s Bar & Grill was open until 1949, when the building was sold and The Shamrock was opened. Today many pictures of the original bar are still hanging on its walls. This year The Shamrock is going to enjoy its 8^th annual Tornado Bait Party. Past parties at The Shamrock have celebrated the glamour of trailer park life, the glory of tornados, and the gift of live, local music.

In 1986, the door cover was $5 per person and each band was paid only $25. This year the bands are paid a little bit more, but the door cover is still $5. However, the cover charge now includes a free pig roast, an $100 costume contest prize, and prizes for the best pool and shuffleboard players. Tournament prizes for pool and shuffleboard are $100, as well as reimbursing entry fees. In past years, The Shamrock has been dressed for destruction with police cars, fire trucks, and EMS vehicles in front of the bar with their lights flashing and sirens blaring. Inside the bar, trash and devastation were the theme, and past parties have been decorated to look like a tornado blew through the building wrecking everything in its path.

Prairie Fire Production Co. is organizing and providing the musical line up. This year Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy is one of the most anticipated groups at the Tornado Bait Party. Their toe tappin’, stand-up-rockin’ bluegrass style has allowed them to quickly become the most popular upcoming sensation since Split Lip Rayfield. Another local favorite is the Dub/Reggae/Ska sounds of Flatland Dub Club. Flatland Dub Club, or FDC, mostly plays completely original songs, but they have been known to pay homage to music greats by redoing songs in the traditional dub style. The Fast Food Junkies will be headlining the 8^th annual Tornado Bait Party. The Junkies have a hard-hitting, progressive, bluegrass style that has been a local favorite for years. Other musical guests include the alternative sounds of Somber Solutions, the acoustic music of Jenny Wood, and the blues music from Ruby White and the Blues.

Later in the evening, Dave will award a $100 prize for the best costume. Past costume winners have included Tornados, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, EMS workers, and Joe Dirt type characters. Trailer park costumes and redneck jokes are common favorites for this party.

Show up at The Shamrock around noon on Saturday, May 22^nd to join Dave Strough for the 8^th annual Tornado Bait Party. We will celebrate some of the best local groups Wichita has to offer, along with great food and great people. Show up in costume or with some skills and you might win $100. “Test Your Fate” at the 8^th annual Tornado Bait Party.

Download: Standard Resolution Version

photos > DUSTIN CRAIG

video > ADAM WILLIAMSON & DUSTIN CRAIG

I’ve been very fortunate to work in the music business/industry for over 25 years.  I have watched bands play the local and regional circuits, make a CD or two, and even be signed by national recording labels.  I have to admit however, that very few of these bands have impressed me as much, as the Terry Quiett Band.

When Carrie of NakedCity asked me to do a video interview with these guys, I was more excited about the video aspect of the project, than I was about interviewing a band that I’d never heard of.  Carrie also mentioned that Producer, Jim Gaines was coming to Wichita to produce an album with the guys…okay, now my curiosity was peaked.

Who is Jim Gaines you ask?  Jim Gaines has produced multi-platinum albums for artists like Journey, Steve Miller Band, Huey Lewis and the News, Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and many more.  There had to be something very special about these childhood buds from Winfield, for someone like Jim to take notice and travel to Wichita.  I had to find out what it was.  Between Facebook and MySpace, I saw what Jim saw, and heard; a diamond in the rough.

I admit, days before my interview with Terry, I found myself listening to his music over, and over.  I found myself falling deeper and deeper into this unique, yet familiar sound of the Terry Quiett Band.  I was drenched in extreme soul, rhythmic blues; mixed with the classic rock guitar of someone like Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughn.  The guys have created a groove that forces even “whitest of boys” to move with a little more rhythm.  LMAO (I’m sorry if I have offended anyone with that last line…”and we’re walkin’,”) now, I’m impressed, and I had to have more.

I met Terry (lead vocals, guitar), Aaron (vocals, bass), and Rod (Drums), at the Cotillion while they prepared to open for Tab Benoit.  Terry’s shoulder length, dark blonde, wavy hair, caught my attention first, but it was the sincerity in those green eyes, that made me realize he could be the real deal.  Terry is very personable, with the charm and manners, only a Kansas boy can have.  Conversation came easy and we became fast friends…well, as fast as you can in 30 minutes, which includes the interview. Keeping within the realm of the NakedCity style, I wanted to keep this interview relaxed and down to earth.  I wanted to really try and catch a glimpse of what might be so special about these guys, about Terry.  With our cameraman, Adam Williamson almost ready (so we thought,) Terry and I settled in on the couch, unaware the camera was already rolling and the mic was hot.  I plead the 5th.  LOL

It was a good, solid, fun interview.  Terry was more than happy to answer any question I had, spilling his guts to me at every turn (that’s a good thing.)  He talked of the bands excitement to be recording an album produced by the legendary Jim Gaines.  I was pretty pumped too, since my interview with him was next on my agenda.

Entering the Brickhouse Studios, yes, right here in Wichita, I was once again, very impressed.  It’s a class act facility, with first-rate equipment and software, which explained why Jim agreed to work here on the album.  Already on day two, Jim took a moment away from the Terry Quiett Band to sit and talk with me about why he was in Wichita, producing this local band.

His answers were simple and real, just like him.  Entering the room, Jim seemed to put everyone at ease, but I’m sure had he said, “jump,” we would have all asked “how high?”  During our interview, the entire room seemed in a trance while Jim shared another story about life in the studio.  Unfortunately, time was up and it was back to work for Jim and the Terry Quiett Band.

I want to wish Terry, Aaron, and Rod, the very best of luck…guys, you have my support.

I encourage everyone to embrace our local artists; you just never know what you might find.  It doesn’t matter if they’re headed for national recognition or not.  Wichita is full of talented artists, regardless of the art form, and they deserve our support.  Get out and watch a play, see sculptures and other works of art.  Catch a local band or dance troupe, the list is endless and it’s right here in our own backyard.

photos > ALEXANDER EASTMAN

Powerlifter didn’t get started because a few guys got together and wanted to try and “make it” in Wichita’s music scene. No, Powerlifter didn’t get together because they saw an emerging market and wanted to capitalize on it. Powerlifter didn’t even get together to try and make back some of the money they’ve spent on equipment.

Powerlifter got together because they wanted to party.

Only officially together since last October, Powerlifter consists of longtime friends Martin Swiggart and Mathew Weisman, while Kevin Wildt (of
polarOPPOSITEbear) often provides backup support on lights, smoke, and media. Last year they were sitting around and showing off their latest musical creations when Martin showed Mathew some music that he had made with computer software a few years ago – music that sounded like it was coming out of a Game Boy – and Mathew saw that they were on to something. They quickly moved away from making their music on computers, and Martin began writing songs with a special cartridge on his actual Game Boy. Mathew writes lyrics and provides vocals for the tracks that are filtered through a vocal pedal, giving him a somewhat distorted, electric sounding voice.

While this genre of music (made with old video game systems) is actually called chiptune, the guys of Powerlifter prefer to label themselves as “party music.” “This stuff is accessible, but I still feel like we’re pushing down a
few boundaries.”

It’s an amazing thing seeing Powerlifter play a live show. Martin and Mathew’s life motto (and song title) F#ck life, party time! oozes a
Friday night sort of charm that infects their audience and has them moving to the music and downing their drinks. It helps that the pair has years of performance and band experience behind them, not to mention have very little equipment, meaning they’re often able to set up and tear down in just ten minutes or less. “We’re the most efficient band I’ve ever seen. We could tour in a car!”

Having just finished recording their first full-length album, the party-loving duo is already eager to get the next one to the presses. “If we stay at this pace, we’ll be able to put out a new record every season,” says Mathew.

Powerlifter’s first album should be finalized at the time of this printing and will be available both for free online and for purchase on cassette tape at their shows. Yes, on cassette tape. They recorded their album at Ping-Pong on Wheels studio here in Wichita and are working with the 5nakefork tape label to get their physical media out.

When I asked Powerlifter to describe what they sound like to someone off off the street, they had two responses. The first – Katy Perry. And, as much as I’d like to leave you with that, their second and only slightly more serious response is much more informative:

“It’s like the best video game you’ve ever played with all of your friends over. And you can get completely drunk and it’s still fun. You’re at the best party ever.”

Follow Powerlifter on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Powerlifterband, where you’ll find the link to their MySpace site.

POWERLIFTER – “BUFFALO” MUSIC VIDEO from Kevin Wildt on Vimeo.

There’s always that one random, hand-drawn, photocopied flier for a show hanging in the window of some coffee shop or bar, with an address you did not know existed, at a place you have never heard of. Is it at some church or someone’s living room? And sometimes the answers are yes and yes. Where there is a need for a place for people to see live music and for musicians to play, sometimes the best solution is in your own home.

House shows are really nothing new, but when people are willing to open their homes for something more than just some kegger and a cover band, it becomes something a little more special. Sometimes the best and most intimate performances are the ones with just a handful of kids in someone’s front room by a band on tour that just need a place to stay and a chance to play before they are off to the next town. Georgia and Torin Andersen are a young couple in a long list of open minded and hospitable folks who want to help give people of all ages a place to experience and see music, and the unique layout of their home makes it quite easy.

The Track House, as it is called, is an old church/halfway house set in a mixed zoned neighborhood, right next to a machine shop. The house is non-descript and tucked away, giving them the opportunity to make nice with their neighbors and still create an environment for audible experience. The shows that have taken place have been in the basement, which must have been the church hall in its past life. Torin, who plays guitar in Spirit Of The Stairs, uses it for rehearsal space the rest of the time, and Georgia admits to forgetting that they even have a basement until it’s laundry day.

Now to be clear, this isn’t some place to come and party every weekend. Don’t even think to find or approach them about having your super-sweet Creed cover band play there either, brah! The Andersens aren’t looking to have this place turn into a venue. Keeping the shows somewhat infrequent, and for bands they know or people in need, makes it unique and keeps it exciting without turning into a chore and losing its luster. It’s self-policed and there is no toleration for smoking, exploring the home, or consumption of alcohol by anyone in attendance. You walk in, put some bills in the donation jar, and go downstairs. It’s 100% about the music — in the sense of it being a private party of 15 to 50 people where you can help donate to some bands on tour and have a good time.

So when you are out and about, keep your eyes and ears open. There are opportunities for music and unique experiences all over this town, not just in this one home. You just have to stay aware.

If you knew Kirk Rundstrom, you were one of the lucky ones. A local musician and creative force, Kirk was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2006 at a time when he was without insurance. As medical bills mounted, his fellow musicians, together with their families and friends, searched for ways to help however they could. And in the summer of 2006, the first String Break was born on a rainy, dreary day at the Hinz Farm in rural Kansas.

Artists from all around Wichita donated their work to be auctioned and bands played all day long. At the end of the day, some 300 people had gathered to celebrate Kirk’s life and ended up raising more than $10,000 to help pay for his medical bills.

Sadly for all of us, Kirk lost his battle with cancer the following year in February. And in May, the bands gathered again to honor his life in support of his family – what has become a String Break tradition.

Rain or shine, ten local and regional bands will take the stage on Saturday, May 1, at Hinz, the farm of David and Karen Eaton, which is just east of Newton. The benefit in Kirk’s honor will go towards the Rundstrom, Tureen, Bennett Cancer Fund, Inc., the Rundstrom Girls’ Trust Fund, and the American Cancer Society-Relay for Life.

Good Question will start the day followed by Tiny Horse, Highwater String Band, The Deedles, StateLine, The iii’s, Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy, Kit Craig & Softie, The Palpitaters, and ending with Kirk’s own Split Lip Rayfield.

Artisans, crafters, and local merchants have once again donated items for raffles, auctions, and purchase.

For those who want the full String Break experience, free overnight camping (rough) is available. Concessions will be offered throughout the day. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. Children 16 and under are admitted free with an adult. Check out stringbreak.net for details and a list of supporters.

Other sites related to String Break or Kirk and his music include:

www.kirkrundstrom.com
www.rtbcancerfund.org
www.splitliprayfield.com

Bejeweled in balls—red, blue, yellow, and green. Empowerment, they hope you’ll glean.

Their upbeat sound has shades of punk, peppered with psychedelic funk.

While Kansas City they call their home, the larger world they aim to roam.

They once were in the ICT, their aura got the best of me.

When Kick Kick takes a sonic stroll, the masses unite—that is their goal.

And if your life is at a loss, their music might make you the boss!

That’s my Seussical summary of Kick Kick. This is a good month to profile them, because more than any other area ensemble, they unwittingly encompass the matchless spirit of the good Doctor.  They’re a colorful group, with a definite message. They never take themselves too seriously and are always up for a bit of ironic fun.

Last summer I was blown away by their First Friday performance at Rock Island Live. Jackets sporting colorful playpen balls caught my attention. Blaring ballads with a buoyant message kept me on the edge of my seat. To be at a Kick Kick show is to take a futuristic leap in time to a day when adversity has been transcended and you are the unassailable boss.

I could describe their style as a mixture of punk and psychedelic rock, but “boss” is the word the band might choose. “It’s like a state of mind. It’s an attitude of empowerment. Its music that makes you feel you can put a hole through the wall. It’s saying that you can do it,” says member J.B. Kick.

Kick Kick hopes their optimism will serve as a force for unifying the masses. Though their music was created in a suburban Kansas City cellar, they hope to engulf the world with their sound. “Boppers, hipsters, burnouts, valedictorians, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers—they’re all invited to the same party, all dancing, all free,” says J.B. “Our fans definitely have a sense of humor and understand irony.”

So far that party has been regional, but the band plans to expand their appeal in the near future. In the meantime, they have released, Powerplay, a 12-track album with their bossy style on full display. Having the audacity to be yourself and chase your dreams is one of life’s greatest challenges.  Through his writing, Dr. Seuss found jesting ways to reinforce the importance of those ambitions. That’s what Kick Kick does with their music. When they take to the stage, they take command of it. In doing so, they are telling all of us to take charge of our own stage—whatever that may be.

Kick Kick hopes to return to the ICT soon, so be on the lookout for bright colored balls attached to suit jackets!

You can visit kickkickmusic.com to learn more about the band. Their album is available for purchase on their website and for download on iTunes, Amazon, and Rhapsody.

Every year, local musicians join together for a night of music, to raise money to help other local musicians.  The PAT Bash is a celebration of the life of Pat McJimsey, who played music in Wichita for many years.

Who was he?  Every now and then comes a musician who touches so many peoples lives—that was Pat McJimsey. He was always the first to offer his service to help out other players in need of help. He was a Wichita institution, beloved by many—with many R&B bands over the years, like The Velvet Honey, Bear Valley Blues with Clif Major, The Entire British Navy, his famous horn band, and Four Brothers. I spent many a Thursday night at My Brother’s Place with my friend Flip, listening to the horn band with Rick Meyer and Hank Elder.  There wasn’t a large crowd attending, but the music was always good.

The PAT Fund’s mission is to offer financial aid, in a timely and practical manner, to any deserving area musician (or their immediate survivors). The fund was created to help musicians whose ability to support themselves and their families, is disrupted by illness, injury, or death.

Although the PAT Fund is administered by the Wichita Blues Society, all area musicians are eligible. His widow, Barb Pearce McJimsey, established the fund after McJimsey’s memorial service in 2004.

“Pat understood the needs of so many musicians who struggle to survive without health insurance or savings—especially when a hardship interrupts their ability to play for pay,” she explained. “When adversity affects a musician’s ability to keep gigging, the struggle can become a crisis.”

This year the PAT Bash will be held at Margaritas Cantina.  Many former members of McJimsey’s past bands will be there.  The line-up includes Drake Macy, Marc & Monty Westerman, Jenny Detra & Good Cookin’, Rachelle Coba, Ray Murray, Paul Chavez, Dr. Bob Hartley, John Salem, Danny Martinez, and Lotus.  There will sets of 30 minutes, some featuring several of McJimsey’s tunes.   During the evening there will be raffles, with really great, donated prizes to help raise needed dollars.  Be sure to get there early for this sure-to-sell-out show.

The three previous years have been well attended, and the audience loved what they heard. It’s like the ‘90s all over again. McJimsey fans have returned to this event time and again. How to explain Pat McJimsey—he cared more about the fans then himself.

PAT Bash at Margarita Cantina, 3109 E. Douglas, March 14. Show starts at 6:00 pm.

Contributions and memorial gifts sustain the PAT Fund. To make a donation at any time, send your contribution to The PAT Fund, c/o The Wichita Blues Society, PO Box 8273 – Munger Station, Wichita, KS 67208. WBS is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 Kansas corporation. For more information and applications, visit wichitablues.org.

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