Kansas City Playlist: Flexing On County Fair

Well . . . It turns out Kansas City's semi-daily newspaper still has enough "power" to influence the decisions of funnel cake purveyors. 

Tonight's late night song list is actually a follow-up thanks to our BEST & BRIGHTEST TKC READERS. 

Remember . . . The newspaper came out guns blazing after a non-binary performer endured a bit of social media push back and a threat to her EPIC rural county fair debt. 

I know . . . It's not exactly groundbreaking stuff.  

However . . . Thanks to a scathing editorial and online advocacy . . . Rural Kansas remains safe for synth-pop or whatever kind of music this person plays.

Check the aftermath . . .

The controversy began when disparaging comments regarding Gromala’s performance surfaced on the event's facebook page. The board wanted to have a meeting to discuss concerns raised over the performance and determine whether or not Gromala would be allowed to perform.

An attorney for the fair said they welcome the performance, and in speaking with Gromala after the meeting, they said it was cordial and productive.

And so . . .

This small achievement for humanity inspires our www.TonysKansasCity.com playlist on the topic county fair life, festivals an all manner of small celebrations for the plebs seeking a brief respite from culture war. 

Take a listen . . .

We should probably start with a glimpse at the controversial performer . . . Here's what might be the best performance which still desecrates a really good song from Annie Lennox that has been tragically turned into elevator music . . . Posted only to remind everyone that we're NOT REALLY fighting about artistic merit next to the whack-a-mole game.

Caravan performed by Van Morrison provides a nice palate cleanser. This clip comes from the greatest concert movie ever filmed: The Last Waltz. Moreover, most concert footage looks a certain way because Martin Scorsese taught moviemakers how to do it . . .

Kasey Musgraves is one of our low key favorites and her song Merry Go Round speak to small town desperation under the surface of county fair good times.

Carnival by Natalie Merchant is just a bit of 90s nostalgia that's true to form for TKC Saturday nights . . . Even better, the song has also provides a bit of low-key context for all manner of culture war hysteria.

Somehow . . . This whole blog might be nothing more than a tribute to the lesser known career of Roger Miller. His take on the memories of the county fair seems apropos to conclude our playlist tonight . . .

As always, thanks for reading this week and have a safe & fun Saturday night.