(Photo by Todd Zimmer; L-Kris Bruders, R-Dutch Humphrey)
On the eve of the Murder Ballad Ball, songs about violence and revenge are being polished like a stainless steel revolver. Blood-colored lipstick is being purchased. Inventive facial hair is being coiffed.
We also get a chance to talk with Dutch Humphrey, one of the co-founders of this event, which is entering its fourth year. Humphrey (of The Penny Sheets and Cherokee Rock Rifle) and Kris Bruders began in 2009 what has become an annual tradition ever since.
Humphrey attributes the genesis of the Murder Ballad Ball to Bruders, frontman of Cadillac Flambé. “Kris and his band had this dream to bill a show based on solely murder ballads. I immediately fell in love with the idea and put some people in touch with some other people and… well, what do ya know? It went down like a gallows trap door!”
Murder Ballad Ball was born at the now-defunct Crosstown Station in 2009 with an array of local entertainers, many of whom have performed each year since. The show has become known for theatrical elements and songs from the point of view of murderers and victims—tales of retribution and gorily detailed narratives of bloodshed. Each year, the event centers around a specific theme of an individual murder ballad. This year’s show centers around the story of “The Sisters Twa,” a murder ballad that originated in the 17th century and tells a tale of a girl drowned by her sister. Musician and filmmaker Anthony Ladesich’s short film Two Sisters is also based on this tale, and will be shown on Saturday.
Looking back on Murder Ballad Balls past, Humphrey recalls powerful performances. “I have loved them all. Abigail Henderson had me in tears the first year surely, though she’s good at that. Anthony Ladesich has always been one of my favorites, and his song ‘In the Cut’ totally gets me. It’s a modern story, but told brilliantly and is locally interesting.”
Not only an organizer, Humphrey also takes part in the event as a performer, playing guitar and singing in The Penny Sheets, a project that includes members of Sons of Great Dane and Hotdog Skeletons. “I’ve personally had the most fun just covering some of my favorites. ‘I Hung My Head’ (originally by Sting, but notably recorded by Johnny Cash for the American series) was a lot of fun to play. Last year, I co-sang a Decemberists’ tune called ‘Shankhill Butchers’ that I still thoroughly enjoy.” Performers are also encouraged to write their own material for the event, and Humphrey reveals that he will be among those playing a few originals.
For the first time, this year’s production will take place at Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club, where two stages will hold the performers. On the bar side: Partners in Glory, Victor & Penny, The Penny Sheets, Rural Grit All-Stars, and The Silver Maggies. On the venue side: Richard Alwyn, Cody Wyoming, Vi Tran Band, Anthony Ladesich and The Secret Liquor Cure, Cadillac Flambé, Adam Lee, and The Blue Boot Heelers. “We have always tried to bring in some newer or less familiar acts as well as inviting many back to perform year after year,” notes Humphrey.
Though Humphrey looks forward to Saturday, he’s already thinking about next year’s event. “We’ve been talking about really going all out next year for the five-year mark and making this a two-day affair, with hopes to involve even more local musicians and perhaps some theatre involvements.”
Murder Ballad Ball kicks off this Saturday, December 8, at Davey’s Uptown. Doors open at 6 pm and the show starts at 7 pm; tickets are $10 at the door. Murder Ballad Ball is an event that benefits the musician’s emergency health care fund through Midwest Music Foundation. Several donated items will be raffled or auctioned off at the event. For more information and a schedule of performances, visit the Facebook event page here.
–Michelle Bacon
| Michelle is editor of The Deli Magazine – Kansas City and plays drums in Deco Auto, Drew Black & Dirty Electric, and drums/bass in Dolls on Fire. She’s a medical editor by day, a musician by night, and a full-time dreamer. |