Original image by There Stands the Glass.
I recently suggested in a piece for KCUR that Boulevardia is “Kansas City’s biggest multigenre music festival.” Music, not beer, is my priority, and much of Boulevardia’s programming isn’t to my taste.
Yet I found plenty to enjoy at Boulevard Brewing Company’s two-day festival. The sound, lighting and layout were superlative. Thoughtful details like free yard games and a small army of volunteers produced a cheerful atmosphere.
The scheduling on five stages forced difficult choices- I missed another chance to see Post Sex Nachos- but I’m very pleased with my experience. I caught at least 15 minutes of more than two dozen sets. Here’s a ranking of my ten* favorite performances.
1. Cimafunk
Nonplussed by Cimafunk’s recordings, I harbored low expectations for the band. What a stunning surprise! Every member of the Afro-Cuban artist’s electrifying ensemble possessed as much charisma as their leader. Cimafunk is the best show band I’ve encountered this millennium.
2. Steddy P
I’ve known the man who raps as Steddy P for 15 years. Just as our relationship has had its ups and downs, his set at Boulevardia was a study in extremes. The creative entertainer overcame sound issues to win over everyone present.
3. Big Freedia
Nice for what! My face still hurts from broadly smiling throughout Big Freedia’s over-the-top spectacle.
4. The Salvation Choir
The Salvation Choir, my favorite band in Kansas City, were relatively subdued.
5. Peter Schlamb’s Electric Tinks
Peter Shlamb, arguably Kansas City’s most exciting musician, was joined by saxophonist Matt Otto, keyboardist Matt Villinger and drummer Ryan J. Lee.
6. The Beths
The Beths were the festival’s primary draw for many of my friends and associates. The New Zealand band’s straightforward indie-rock isn’t my thing, but the quartet’s endearingly goofy banter won me over.
7. Kat King
The fizzy indie-pop of Kansas City’s Kat King is radio-ready.
8. The Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra
Pablo Sanhueza’s Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra thrived in direct sunlight.
9. Katy Guillen & The Drive
Katy Guillen & The Drive’s roots-rock exemplifies the Boulevardia aesthetic.
10. Grand Marquis
I’ve been taking Kansas City’s Grand Marquis for granted. The longstanding bar band plays hearty jump blues with heaping helpings of Dixieland and vintage soul on the side.
*Where’s Jason Isbell? Isbell is the equal of John Mellencamp, Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen in their primes. Yet unwilling to tear myself away from Cimafunk’s set, I didn’t secure a spot at the front for Friday’s headliner. Even after pushing my way into the middle of the throng, I couldn’t escape the intolerable bellowing of people flush with ignorant oil. Frustrated, I headed home thirty minutes into Isbell’s set.