Kansas City’s Middle of the Map has announced its lineup for the film portion of the festival and it features classics with a twist and plenty of new up-and-comers.

Over 25 films will be shown during this $25 five day festival. Some of the more established films such as “Labyrinth” and”Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” feature live bands in the theater. Other films such as “The Equation,” “Save the Date” and “We Are Superman” will have the directors present for Q&As. There’s even free Chipotle associated with one of the films. The full list of films and their showtimes is available below.

The film fest runs Wednesday, May 1, to Sunday, May 5 and is hosted at the Alamo Drafthouse on 14th & Main. The Alamo does require patrons to be 18+ or be accompanied by a parent. Parking is available at the Cosentino’s Garage.

In addition to a $25 fest pass, individual tickets to films will also be available for $10 at the box office. Fest passes can be purchased in advance at  www.middleofthemapfest.com.

Middle of the Map Fest – Film Lineup

A BAND CALLED DEATH
SHOWTIMES: Saturday, May 4 at 8PM and Sunday, May 5 at 2:15PM

ANDREW BIRD: FEVER YEAR
SHOWTIMES: Thursday, May 2 at 8PM

ANOTHER VERSION OF THE TRUTH – NINE INCH NAILS
SHOWTIMES: Sunday, May 5 at 3PM

AWFUL NICE
SHOWTIMES: Saturday, May 4 at 5:45PM and Sunday, May 5 at 3PM

CORPORATE FM – a Q&A with the director will follow the screening of the film
SHOWTIMES: Saturday, May 4 at 5:45PM with Q&A after the film

EATING ALABAMA – FREE screening presented by CHIPOTLE, FREE food at Chipotle at 14th & Walnut after the film
SHOWTIMES: Saturday, May 4 at 4PM

EFTERKLANG: THE GHOST OF PIRAMIDA
SHOWTIMES: Sunday, May 5 at 12:45PM

THE EQUATION – a Q&A with the director will follow the screening of the film
SHOWTIMES: Sunday, May 5 at 12:45PM(w/Ghost of Piramida)

GREETINGS FROM TIM BUCKLEY
SHOWTIMES: Friday, May 3 at 10:15PM and Saturday, May 4 at 10:15PM
I DECLARE WAR
SHOWTIMES: Thursday, May 2 at 10:45PM and Friday, May 3 at 6:15PM

KANSAS CITY ART INSTITUTE COLLECTION OF SHORTS
SHOWTIMES: Sunday, May 5 at 1PM

LABYRINTH and an in-theater performance by Soft Reeds playing a set of David Bowie songs
SHOWTIMES: Wednesday, May 1 at 8PM Soft Reeds is playing a cover set of David Bowie tunes. Film starts at 9PM.

MIAMI CONNECTION
SHOWTIMES: Thursday, May 2 at 10:15PM and Saturday, May 4 at 10PM

MINECRAFT: STORY OF MOJANG
SHOWTIMES: Saturday, May 4 at 1:45PM and Sunday, May 5 at 5:15PM

PICTURE DAY
SHOWTIMES: Thursday, May 2 at 6:15PM and Saturday, May 4 at 4:15PM

SAVE THE DATE – Meet the Director
SHOWTIMES: Friday, May 3 at 8PM

SCOTT PILGRIM vs. THE WORLD – Closing party with band in theater playing as SEX-BA-BOMB from the film
SHOWTIMES: Sunday, May 5 at 7:30PM Sex-Ba-Bomb playing a set in the theater. Film starts at 8PM – THIS IS THE CLOSING PARTY, RAGE.

SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME
SHOWTIMES: Thursday, May 2 at 8:30PM and Saturday, May 4 at 11:45AM

THE FRAMES: IN THE DEEP SHADE
SHOWTIMES: Friday, May 3 at 6PM and Saturday, May 4 at 6:30PM

THE HISTORY OF FUTURE FOLK
SHOWTIMES: Friday, May 3 at 8:15PM and Saturday, May 4 at 3:30PM

THE KITCHEN
SHOWTIMES: Friday, May 3 at 10:30PM and Saturday, May 4 at 7:45PM

THE LESSER BLESSED
SHOWTIMES: Thursday, May 2 at 10:30PM and Sunday, May 5 at Noon

THE REP
SHOWTIMES: Saturday, May 4 at 1:45PM and Sunday, May 5 at 6PM

THIS IS MARTIN BONNER
SHOWTIMES: Thursday, May 2 at 8:15PM and Friday, May 3 at 4:45PM

UMKC COLLECTION OF SHORTS
SHOWTIMES: Saturday, May 4 at 11:30AM

VANUARY
SHOWTIMES: Friday, May 3 at 10:30PM and Saturday, May 4 at 11PM

WAR WITCH
SHOWTIMES: Friday, May 3 at 8:15PM and Saturday, May 4 at 11:15AM

WE ARE SUPERMAN – a Q&A with the director will follow the screening of the film
SHOWTIMES: Saturday, May 4 at 1:15PM with Q&A after film

WHERE THE TRAIL ENDS
SHOWTIMES: Saturday, May 4 at 8:45PM and Sunday, May 5 at 4:45PM

Bethany Smith

I'm a geek; I love music, technology and grammar.

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On April 15, 1947 Jackie Robinson made his debut for the Brooklyn Dodgers becoming the first African-American to play baseball in the Major Leagues in 60 years. He endured more abuse to do his job than you or I could even fathom. Through it all he maintained such an extraordinary level of integrity, humility and excellence that his number 42 is the only number retired by the entire MLB. 42 tells the extraordinary tale of the hardships that faced one of the game’s greatest and tries to show what it was like to be a symbol of racial integration.

After a dishonorable discharge, Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) is playing for the Negro Leagues’ Kansas City Monarchs when he catches the eye of the Brooklyn Dodgers’ General Manager, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford). Rickey decides that change is coming, and the Dodgers might as well be at the front of it, there IS money to be made after all. After playing with a Dodgers’ minor league affiliate, Rickey decides to give Jackie a shot at the Big Show. Not everyone is happy, including several of Jackie’s own teammates. Through racism, verbal abuse and even death threats Jackie must learn how to sell not only his own talents, but prove that blacks and whites can, and should play together.

Relative newcomer Boseman is surrounded by a hugely recognizable cast but manages to stand out. Capturing icons is often difficult work, especially when you not only have to be recognizable but convincing as an athlete. Ford delivers one of the best performances of his recent career as Rickey and it was great watching him play a different role than what we’ve become used to from him. In fact, this performance has made me kind of excited about the rest of his career as he transitions from leading man to elder statesman and I will be curious to see him take on more supporting roles instead of leads.

Sports movies often have a problem filling out the cast with people who are good athletes but can also act, but this is one of the biggest strengths of 42. It helps that in 1947, with a lack of black and Latino players the sport wasn’t quite filled with the same level of exceptional athletes that it is today, but the cast members look at ease on the ball diamond. The baseball scenes are really good and deliver thrills that sometimes even a baseball game can not provide.

The biggest problem I have with 42 is the problem that I have with most sports movies. Instead of showing real people facing real problems and not always overcoming them, 42 often settles for cloying music playing while the camera captures a character giving a watery-eyed stare as some point is made about racism. The music in the film especially bothered me as it wasn’t even remotely subtle in what you as an audience member should be feeling. I often found myself rolling my eyes at the corniness on-screen.

Capturing a man as larger-than-life is a difficult challenge and 42 doesn’t entirely deliver. Jackie remains somewhat aloof and mythical to the viewer and only rarely is his psyche explored. Instead of showing how Jackie reacted to hatred the movie too often is satisfied in just presenting the abuse. I came in to this a casual baseball fan and I would say that I was pretty familiar with Robinson’s story but sadly I can’t say my love of baseball has grown or I know anything more about the ballplayer. The movie is still enjoyable and I would recommend it for anyone who loves baseball or is completely unfamiliar with Jackie’s story as the movie hits the high points. I just wish it was a home run.

Nathan

Nathan enjoys film, music, sports and most of all, speaking in the third person.

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The last time Scottish rockers Garbage tried to perform in Kansas City, they weren’t graced with the most cooperative weather. This time, they opted for an indoor performance at Harrah’s Voodoo Lounge. Without the threat of weather grumping up their crowd, Garbage was free to really rock out.

Singer Shirley Manson seemed extra into this performance and bantered with the audience. At one point she quipped that she got the band back together after hanging out at Coachella and thinking the bands were all horrible. She called Butch Vig and Garbage was back together.

Photographer Scott Spychalski was at the performance and shares the following photos from the event. IO Echo opened for Garbage.

Midcoast Station

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Caitlin Dean for Middle of the Map (c/o Ink Magazine) and Midcoast Station

Radkey

75 and sunny with fluffy clouds sailing lackadaisically across an azure sky. An all-access wristband, my trusty Moleskine in my bag, and a thirst to be satisfied only with some Jameson neat. My kind of wonderful. This is my Middle of the Map.

I spent Saturday traipsing Westport with near and dear friends, my only instructions to experience the buzz of the festival and later, bring it to life for readers. I obliged. MOTM swept me off my feet, cradling me with saucy whiskey, hours of dancing, and and a wonderful new appreciation for everything Kansas City offers, particularly the widespread drive to share art and let it live loudly. Does this sound like a love letter? It is. I love you, Kansas City.

I indulged in local acts. First thing, Hearts of Darkness had me dancing on my tiptoes at Buzzard Beach’s outdoor stage, laughing and smiling unashamedly, even if most of Kansas City refuses to do much more than bob its collective head slightly at shows. I sneaked a few peeks across the crowd and was pleased to see a handful of others moved by the music. I chased the white rabbit bus down at a stoplight, jumped aboard, and bumped over to RecordBar where Y(our) Fri(end), a standard solo act accompanied by a drummer buddy for the day, left my heart aching and yearning in the most beautiful, haunting way. I eavesdropped on The Sluts drummer analyzing Catch-22 (and its decidedly poorly written sequel) with a concert-goer, felt like a dick for pulling out a leather notebook to scribble thoughts in a bar, and bought a round of shots for friends.

Back at the outdoor stage, a friend insisted I see his friend’s cousin’s (…) band, Radkey. Comprised of all-under-20 brothers, this St. Joseph trio commanded the stage with the excellence of a much older and experienced band. Big instrumentals and even bigger vocals burst forth from this impressively seasoned family. Lead vocalist Dee teased the crowd into titters when he explained that the next song would be about “the first time [he] saw boobs.” Keep an eye on this punk band. You’ll be hearing more from them.

A hop, skip, and a jump transported me back to RecordBar to catch just a few songs by Grand Rapids natives the Soil & the Sun, a self-described amalgam of “experiential spiritual folk-rock/New Mexican space music.” Mmm. the Soil & the Sun blended oboe, violin, guitars, accordion, percussion, piano, and vocals to deliver sweet melodies saturated with emotion and a certain je ne sais quoi that left me refreshed and newly awakened with life. This was easily my favorite performance of the festival, and I’m sorely sorry that I couldn’t soak up more of their set.

The rest of the evening disappeared in a blur of Freebirds burritos, rocking with Lawrence’s (by way of Chicago) The Noise FM, nodding appreciatively to Kansas City’s own Soft Reeds while an older man danced with his hands in the air outside the venue gates, and, impressively, enjoying heavy rockers Maps For Travelers (I don’t normally care much for music that involves any kind of screaming). I decided to call it a (very successful) night after my gal pals lost track of me and broke into a bathroom using a debit card, concerned I’d passed out on the floor. I was actually down the hall, sitting in an office cuddling a puppy and piecing together my notes from the day. I was exhausted. Bedtime.

Soft Reeds

I missed Thursday and Friday evenings. I missed everything after 10:00 Saturday night. But what I did take in was an incredible reminder of how tightly knit, dedicated, and talented the Kansas City music scene is. These bands self-promote year-round, working endlessly to be heard and connected. In only its third year, the Middle of the Map Festival brought together top-notch acts from all over the country, while still retaining its vital focus on KC’s greatest musicians and making them the true focus of the weekend. This was a wonderfully orchestrated festival, and I look forward to seeing it grow in the coming years.

See a gallery featuring Friday & Saturday artists here.

Caitlin

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Last time Alt-J visited Kansas City, they were simply an opening act at a radio show. They were even missing a member due to illness. But they must have made an impression because when they announced that they’d be back for a headlining gig at the Midland Theater, the April show almost immediately sold out.

Now with the full band in attendance, the British indie rockers continued to woo Kansas City with their unique tunes and multi-part harmonies. Tunes like “Breezeblocks,” “Fitzpleasure” and more made for a night of memorable music and the guarantee that Alt-J would continue to be welcome in Kansas City anytime.

Photographer Erica Bortolan-Cassella shares these photos from the concert:

Midcoast Station

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Kanrocksas has revealed its 2013 lineup. Kendrick Lamar, Tiesto & Avett Brothers had previously been announced, but now Yeah Yeah Yeahs, fun., MGMT, Passion Pit & more join the 60+ lineup.

Eminem and Muse headlined the festival in its inaugural year. Instead of dishing out for a budget breaking headliner, the festival opted go for a more affordable and diverse lineup this year. The festival is June 28 and 29 at the Kansas Speedway. Tickets are $175 and an additional $25 for a camping pass. These prices will rise to $190 and $50.

The full lineup features: Tiesto, Fun, MGMT, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Passion Pit, Kendrick Lamar, the Avett Brothers, Pretty Lights, Imagine Dragons, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, She & Him, Miguel, Empire of the Sun, Sublime with Rome, T-Pain, Dropkick Murphys, Machine Gun Kelly, Zeds Dead, Hopsin, Borgore, Grimes, Baauer, Yeasayer, Rusko, A-Trak, Grouplove, ZZ Ward, Camera Obscura, Flosstradamus, Savoy, Danny Brown, the Descendents, Action Bronson, Aer, Trinidad James, Mimosa, Twenty One Pilots, Delta Rae, the Knocks, Polyphonic Spree, Son Volt, Killer Mike, Langhorne Slim, Three Loco, Destructo, Churchill, Robert DeLong, LowRiderz, Blondfire, Anna Lunoe, Air Dubai, Caitlin Rose, Empires, the Floozies, Beautiful Bodies, Congorock, Quiet Corral, Crookers.

Here’s the lineup reveal video:

Visit kanrocksas.com for more information.

Bethany Smith

I'm a geek; I love music, technology and grammar.

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Marquee Events and Sporting Club announced last Friday (2/8) that Flatlands Country Music Festival, a new country music and camping festival, will be hosted at Sporting Park in Kansas City, KS on September 12-14, 2013.The festival will feature performances from several of the most popular artists in country music over three days including headliners Toby Keith and Luke Bryan. The 24,000 expected to be in attendance will have the opportunity to camp in nearby areas and enjoy all amenities associated with the state-of-the-art venue.

Flatlands Country Music Festival Line up:

Toby Keith
Luke Bryan
Darius Rucker
Thompson Square
Love and Theft
Rodney Atkins
JT Hodges
Kevin Fowler
The Charlie Daniels Band

Tickets and camping passes for the first annual Flatlands Country Music Festival go on sale Friday, February 15 at 10:00am CST.  Tickets start at only $99 for the entire music festival. Passes for camping and parking may also be purchased immediately.

Andrew

Avid movie goer, music aficionado and Netflix junkie. I also strive to quote Jurassic Park on a daily basis and I sing like no one is listening when in the car.

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Each year, 96.5 the Buzz treats Kansas City to a free Valentine’s concert dubbed VD Party. Playing off the ‘VD’ name, this party is filled with gimmicks such as spin the bottle tables and ‘cock ring’ toss. However, despite the gimmicks, at the heart of this event is a concert that always features some great bands and these artists are the whole reason to turn up (of course, the free price tag is a big perk). This year, 96.5 the Buzz brought Shiny Toy Guns to headline their party. Opening were Willy Moon, Iamdynamite and local act the Beautiful Bodies.

The venue quickly hit capacity before 9, so if you weren’t one of the smart ones that showed up for the openers, you missed out on some of the main events. Iamdynamite’s show was an explosion of fun sounds and wild lights. Though they were lesser known, this act blew many away. Local band the Beautiful Bodies is known for their always memorable stage antics and this evening’s performance was no difference. Throngs of people crowd surfed to their rock in a sea of balloons.

The act that really took me by surprise was Willy Moon. The New Zealand-English musician is getting a lot of airplay of single “Yeah Yeah,” which was first featured in an iPod commercial. I must admit, that this song was pretty much why I had initially written this band off. It’s a little repetitive (I mean, look at the title…I bet you can guess a majority of the song’s lyrics) and it is already vastly overplayed. So I was surprised when this band became one of my favorite acts of the night. Willy Moon (William Sinclair) came out suited up and popped some suave dance moves over his even smoother numbers. His other songs have a greater depth and variety than what his single displays, so if you’re like me and had written him off for “that one Apple commercial song,” then definitely give Willy Moon a second chance. You won’t regret it.

Headliners Shiny Toy Guns have been long overdue for a return visit to Kansas City. I don’t believe they’ve been here since the lineup featuring original singer Carah Faye Charnow was restored, but I’m glad she’s back. The charismatic singer had wonderful chemistry not only with co-singer/guitarist Gregori Chad Petree, but also with the audience. She had everyone hanging on to her every move. The band played several hits from their debut release, We Are Pilots, which Carah helped record, but she also deftly handled a few tracks (“Ricochet” and “Ghost Town”) from Season of Poison, which she was absent for. I loved the wild energy of the newer tracks, “Somewhere to Hide” and “Speaking Japanese”, which were off last year’s III release. With strobing lights, big drum beats and synth lines that were impossible not to move to, Shiny Toy Guns were a perfect cap to the evening. Hopefully, they won’t stay away for such a long time again because Kansas City loved them. I’ve never seen a KC crowd move that much and that enthusiastically. It’s safe to say, this band was well-loved here.

Shiny Toy Guns Set List:
Wait For Me
Ghost Town
Somewhere to Hide
If I Lose You
Stripped
Le Disko
Speaking Japanese
Ricochet
Major Tom
Rainy Monday
Don’t Cry Out
Rocketship
//
Fading Listening
You Are the One

Bethany Smith

I'm a geek; I love music, technology and grammar.

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INK’s 3rd annual Middle of the Map Music Fest has unveiled its lineup and its a doozey.

Over 60 bands are playing this year’s Middle of the Map festival. Alongside Kansas City local veterans such as The Appleseed Cast and the Casket Lottery are national acts Grizzly Bear, The Joy Formidable, Tennis, Deerhoof, JEFF the Brotherhood and more.

This year’s festival spans 10 venues and 12 stages over a 3 day period. It is set for April 4-6, 2013 in the Westport area of Kansas City. Venues include: The Uptown Theater, recordBar, The Riot Room (2 stages), The Union (2 stages), Gusto Lounge, Conspiracy Room at The Uptown Theater, Nowhere Bar at The Uptown Theater, Westport Coffeehouse, Open FIre Pizza and more TBA.

In addition to as music portion of the festival, Middle of the Map is hosting a forum (April 17-19) and film fest (May 1-5).

Here’s the announced lineup:
Grizzly Bear
The Joy Formidable
Tennis
Deerhoof
JEFF the Brotherhood
Kids These Days
Iceage
The Whigs
Wovenhand
The Appleseed Cast
The Casket Lottery
White Lung
People Get Ready
Denison Witmer
Kitten
Guards
Cowboy Indian Bear
Soft Reeds
Palace
Making Movies
Détective
Owen Pallett
Mister Lies
The Last Bison
Pujol
Joe Pug
La Guerre
Spirit is the Spirit
My Gold Mask
Dots Not Feather
Smoker
The Soil & The Sun
Trouper
Little Legend
Maps For Travelers
She’s A Keeper
Bloodbirds
Quiet Corral
Akkilles
Radkey
Steddy P & DJ Mahf
Thee Water Moccasins
The ACB’s
Shy Boys
Fourth of July
Ghosty
Shadow Paint
The Slowdown
Cherokee Rock Rifle
Clairaudients
White Girl
Attennas Up
Heartfelt Anarchy
Six Percent
Regrets
The Belles
The Noise FM

Tickets are onsale now at middleofthemapfest.com.

Bethany Smith

I'm a geek; I love music, technology and grammar.

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