Arts & Life

KC Currents

Sundays at 5pmRebroadcast Mondays at 8pm Host: Susan B. Wilson Producer & Co-Host: Sylvia Maria Gross Assistant Producer: Alex Smith Contact: kccurrents@kcur.org or 816.235.6696Follow our Tweets: www.twitter.com/kccurrents For a weekly reminder of what's coming up on KC Currents, send an email to kccurrents@kcur.orgThe Latest From KC CurrentsPlanting New Grocery Stores In Rural Food Deserts Rural America is losing its grocery stores. Fewer people are living in the countryside, and mom-and-pop markets can't compete with big chains. But as KCUR's Sylvia Maria Gross reports, some small towns are finding creative ways to buck the trend. K-State Program Supports Rural Groceries With grocery stores in rural Kansas closing at record speed, having access to healthy food is a growing issue. Sylvia Maria Gross interviews K-State Professor David Proctor about what options are available for small town groceries.

Jazz Singer Megan Birdsall

KCUR | By Alex Smith

Published July 13, 2008 at 1:21 PM CDT

Singer Megan Birdsall grew up in Kansas City, but in this last year, she has really come to understand what being a part of the local jazz community is all about.

By Alex Smith

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/national/local-national-730481.mp3

Kansas City, MO – Last summer, Megan Birdsall was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening jaw disease. She didn't have insurance that would cover the expensive surgery, but local musicians and fans rallied to help pay the cost. Now, Megan Birdsall is back on the stage and has just release a new CD. It's called Little Jazz Bird - interesting, because Megan is known for her big voice and dramatic style. She talked to KCUR's Alex Smith about developing her theatrical approach.

This story was produced for KC Currents. To listen on your own schedule, subscribe to the KC Currents Podcast .