(Photo by Todd Zimmer)
The Midwest Music Foundation staff constantly works behind the scenes at live music events you have likely attended. They’re the ones who search for facilities, supply entertainment, coordinate with vendors, and generally ensure that your live music experience will be a good one. They’re also the ones that get the word out about musicians’ health care and other educational resources for musicians, filling a vital gap in the community.
Before the advent of the sixth annual Apocalypse Meow benefit, we hear back from some of the staff to find out what they do and why they do it. Now we’ll turn the tables on Michelle Bacon, editor of The Deli KC and Promotions Assistant/Social Media Coordinator for MMF.
The Deli: When and how did you first get involved with MMF?
Michelle: Michael Byars asked me to help with some of the web admin stuff for The Mailbox (his now unfortunately defunct podcast). I had been interested in the organization since hearing about its mission; I started blogging a bit on the website and volunteered at events. Then last year at MidCoast Takeover, The Deli was so impressed by the showcase that they asked if MMF would be involved in expanding its local music publication to KC, making it 1 of only 11 cities in the nation represented. Rhonda [Lyne] asked me to head up the publication, and I was more than honored to do so.
The Deli: What is your current role with the organization?
Michelle: I’m the editor of The Deli KC, which you are feasting your eyeballs on right this very moment. I hope you dig it. I also help maintain MMF’s social media presence and sometimes help with show promotion and booking and such. And I’ll edit anything you send me, because it would drive me crazy not to.
The Deli: Why is MMF such an important cause to you? What do you hope it will accomplish in the future?
Michelle: The music community has provided me with just that—a sense of community and belonging and likemindedness. Having MMF in this city provides all of us local musicians with a commonality: our devotion to what we do and an understanding of why we do it. And I want to do as much as I can to get the word out about MMF in as many ways as I can. I hope that we continue to grow, and hope The Deli can be a catalyst to bring more attention to KC music.
The Deli: Who are some of your favorite local artists?
Michelle: I would tell you, but then I’d have to add more hyperlinks to this post. Darn.
The Deli: Do you have a favorite memory of a past Meow?
Michelle: I’m still the new kid on the block. Meow 4 was my first time in attendance, and I barely knew anyone there. Last year was Meow 5, and I had the honor of performing as well as volunteering for the first time. The overall experience was wonderful; I interviewed Abby shortly before the event, and seeing the show executed so well made it even more affirming of how much of an accomplishment it was.
The Deli: What are you most looking forward to about this year’s Meow?
Michelle: This weekend is going to be amazing for a number of reasons. I think everyone’s simultaneously excited and nervous, because it’s a big year—our first without Abby. It’s obviously going to be tough for many. I think the music will expose a lot of emotions, both for audience and musician. But this community has grown and will continue to grow together with these experiences; these are the kinds of things that push people to make astounding strides. I really think it’ll be beautiful, and I can’t wait to be a part of it. I’m honored to play again as well with an amazing group of folks in The Philistines.
Michelle will be at Apocalypse Meow all weekend, volunteering and playing bass with The Philistines on Saturday night. The event starts tomorrow, November 1 at The Midwestern Musical Co. and Saturday at Knuckleheads. Doors open at 6 pm both nights. Friday’s show is free and all ages, Saturday’s show is $10, 21+. Visit http://www.apocalypsemeow.net for a full lineup and schedule. Ticket link. Facebook event page. To find out more about MMF, visit http://midwestmusicfound.org, and learn about Abby’s Fund for musicians’ health care.