KCUR's spotlight for Kansas City musicians on the rise, as heard on Up To Date. Got a suggestion for who we should spotlight next? Send us a text at 816-601-4777.
Up To Date airs weekdays at 9 a.m. on KCUR 89.3 and is available wherever you get podcasts.
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The percussion quartet serves as faculty and ensemble-in-residence at the UMKC Conservatory. Playing on wine glasses and an empty bourbon bottle (in addition to a vibraphones and drums), Sandbox Percussion recently performed a dynamic Tiny Desk Concert at NPR. -
Fritz Hutchison, leader of the band Fritz and Sons, knows his way around the Kansas City music scene. The multi-instrumental singer-songwriter said his "hunger" for music led him to be versatile. -
A creative collaboration between a Lawrence high schooler named Flora and her dad, Flora From Kansas dropped its debut EP, "Homesick," on March 14. Flora says the musical project has made her feel less alone. -
After years as one-third of the Kansas City indie rock/hip hop trio BLACKSTARKIDS, TheBabeGabe is going solo. Her new mixtape "HONEYPOP" aims to re-introduce her to the world. -
Malek Azrael's new EP "Feels Like..." channels the angsty, pop-punk sound of the 2000s. He's out to reclaim rock music for Black musicians in Kansas City. -
The singer-songwriter from Kansas City, Kansas, ruminates on life, family and relationships in the "The Great Conjunction," a new album released Feb. 7. Daniel Gum is playing an album release show this Friday at The Ship. -
After 20 years, veteran jazz performer Tim Whitmer is out with a new album. Recorded live at the Black Dolphin, the two-disc record captures the sound and energy of Kansas City jazz. -
The Kansas City-based band released their debut EP, "saturn return," this year. Led by Makayla Scott, the group says they want to make music that feels honest and authentic. -
Vincent Orsolini's genre-blending, collaborative sound is highlighted in a new EP, "It's About Time," released last month. -
The Salvation Choir started as a church choir for Congolese and Tanzanian immigrants in Kansas City. Now, it's a band with over 40 members that brings its infectious Rumba sound to shows and festivals across the region. -
Irv Da PHENOM!’s song “Red and Yellow” has been a Kansas City anthem since its release in 2010. Now, the song has been given a second life after being picked up by Marvel for the soundtrack of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” -
Formed in 2018, Sass-a-Brass is Kansas City's only LGBTQ+ street parade brass band, bringing an "infectious joy" to festivals, Pride events and other festivities. The group will host the second annual "People's Pride" on June 23.
