Kansas City amusement parks were often the site of rock concerts in the 1960s, '70s and '80s. The tradition of "School's Out" concerts at Fairyland sponsored by Top 40 radio station WHB goes back farther than I realized in my earlier "World's Happiest Broadcasters" post. Those events took place in the early 1970s. I have since found a newspaper ad (above) from June 1965 touting such a show with Len Barry of "1-2-3" fame as the headliner. That song came out the following month on Decca Records … [Read more...] about Carney Rock
People
The passion of Stan Plesser
Stan Plesser, who died Sept. 1 at age 79, arguably did more to foster the pop music scene in Kansas City than any other single person. From 1963 to 1971, his Vanguard Coffeehouse, 4305 Main St., brought the stars and semi-stars of the folk movement to midtown. His subsequent (1971-74) Cowtown Ballroom, 3101 Gillham Plaza, and Good Karma Productions not only brought rock’s brightest stars to shine on local kids like me, but they gave Kansas City such gravitational pull that artists from … [Read more...] about The passion of Stan Plesser
The Day of the Locusts
Thirty-seven years ago this week, more than 100,000 young rock music fans descended on Sedalia, Mo., (population 22,000) for three days and nights of debauchery known as the Ozark Music Festival. The event held at the state fair grounds July 19-21, 1974, has been called the height -- or the nadir -- of decadence in a decadent era. The 22-act bill included several destined to become Rock Hall of Famers (Eagles, Skynyrd, Seger) performing at their peak. Yet critics called it a disaster, … [Read more...] about The Day of the Locusts
The bands
Sure, some acts have come close, like Brewer and Shipley and the Rainmakers. And some natives, like Byrd Gene Clark and James Brown protege Marva Whitney, have gone on the star with top-flight groups. But no rock superstar has yet emerged directly from the Kansas City area. Still, many fine groups have risen and fallen over the years. Who are/were your favorites? … [Read more...] about The bands
The shows
Kansas City has seen some legendary rock concerts, including the Beatles' appearance in 1964 at Municipal Stadium, the Who at Shawnee Mission South High School in 1967 and the Jacksons' Victory Tour kickoff at Arrowhead Stadium in 1986. Who out there was at these shows? What do you remember? Please comment below. Do you have photos, tickets or memorabilia to share? Contact rick@kcrockhistory.com … [Read more...] about The shows
The places
The KC Rock History Project is documenting the places where local rock history was made -- the clubs and concert halls. Some of the names -- like Cowtown Ballroom and the Grand Emporium -- are still well known. Others, less so. What memories do you have of Coya's Castle, the Soc Hop, the Downliner and others? Share them here. I am avidly seeking photos of the places mentioned above and more, particularly including one short-lived yet influential rock venue -- Freedom Palace on Main … [Read more...] about The places