WHERE THERE'S ROOM FOR EVERYONE.

Studio with @thebengipson • Co-founder of @undergroundhomies • “In 2021, a few friends and I were sitting in a coffee shop, chatting about the state of local music in KC and how there are so many great unknown, local artists who just never have the chance to be seen, heard, or discovered. We joked about making a name for the “little guys”, for the “underground homies” and having the city support them. After releasing my first single and playing my first two KC shows with some great musician friends, we realized that there was a need- a need for a network of local artists from all genres and experiences that have the opportunity to showcase their work. There are a few local record labels or niched collectives that are looking to do this on a small scale but not one that is for all artists, all people. Beyond music though, we know that artists of all types- photographers, videographers, visual artists, poets, etc.- thrive on connectivity and opportunities to grow their craft.” - Ben with @voyagekcmag

I met Keelon Vann at an open mic a few weeks ago. Honestly the flair pants set pretty high expectations for his performance… but it’s safe to say that he exceeded every single one of them. The thing about performers who allow their emotions to guide them, is that they give the audience total permission to feel along with them. Keelon is completely unapologetic in the way he releases on stage. There is such clear freedom in his facial expressions and how he lets his guitar journey him through his feelings. I remember one night after open mic, some of us were talking about how we work through getting out of our heads during a performance. “Just feel it. That’s it. Just let your emotions guide you. Don’t even think about it.” he said. It couldn’t be more obvious that allowing his heart to be the guiding force as he plays is what makes watching Keelon as incredibly intoxicating as it is healing.

“I wrote good things after my first date with my now wife. It’s about continuing to trust that even after past relationships failed, whether It ended on good or bad terms, it’s still possible for good things to come along. It’s a reminder that just because one thing ended, there are far better things ahead and to trust that they will come.” -Madisen Thomas from Mads & Co. Official Video for “Good Things” by Mads & Co. Listen to & Download “Good Things” out now: https://open.spotify.com/track/6JefeaEARTAqIcndHlKdGk?si=6d4036864ffd4253 https://music.apple.com/us/album/good-things/1612309861?i=1612309865 Director: Clotilda DeMauro & Danny Stayton Producer: Clotilda DeMauro & Danny Stayton Editor: Clotilda DeMauro Prod Co: BIGCOUCH Connect with Mads & Co. Site: https://linktr.ee/madsandco Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Mads-Co/100063777206263/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsandco_/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mads_and_co_ I’ve got a past, that makes me believe good things don’t last. You’ve got a smile, that makes forget about the bad times. I know we just met, I’m thinking that I could make you mine, sometime. No need to rush, I don’t think this crush is going away, it’s here to stay. I’m so tired of running From good things That come my way. Do you know you’re stunning? In more than just a physical way. Life’s moving fast, I should slow down and make It last. Would you hop in my car, I wanna be anywhere you are, you are. I’m so tired of running From good things That come my way. Do you know you’re stunning? In more than just a physical way. I’ve got a past, that makes me believe good things don’t last. Now that you’re here, I’m wondering dear if I’ve been wrong, this whole time.

"Radical self-love. Not just self-love. Radical. It means there’s literally no exceptions.” That’s what @smashleigh_paige answered with when I asked her how she copes with distracted audience members. She told me she learned to start each show by playing her favorites so she could connect with herself first before doing any crowd pleasers. “Then you’re really in your own energy. And that’s what’s going to inevitably draw people in anyway.” Regardless, she said, it doesn’t matter - she’s up there to have fun and because singing is what she loves. While her talent is absolutely undeniable, it’s the joy she exudes while performing that make it difficult to take your eyes off of her. Her sheer vitality and love for live is ferociously contagious. Watching her was as incredibly healing as it was both phenomenal and entertaining. You can watch Ashleigh perform every Tuesday night at @uptownloungekc

I really didn’t start going to jam sessions until I moved to Kansas City around a year ago. It wasn’t until going to The Combine that I was introduced to these jams being way more about a celebration of life than they were just one person performing after another. Jo Blaq does so much more than just introduce and transition each artist. He creates an inclusive space where the audience is encouraged to sing along, dance, laugh, and to really just enjoy being in the company of one another - performing or not. I am so grateful to this city for continuously showing me more and more of what it means to be part of not just a community, but truly, a family. Come be a part of it too every Tuesday night at 6 P.M. on the rooftop of The Combine.

If you talk to anyone in Kansas City, you will probably hear them all use the same phrase to describe Ismael Rojo: “the best”. Those are truly the only words that could come even somewhat close to accurately representing him. In the almost year and a half that I have known Ish, I’ve almost never seen him turn down someone in need. He fully embodies what it means to live presently and in total abundance. To not worry how something might affect his day or leave him with less time. He engages with his environment 100% everywhere he goes, and always with the biggest smile on his face. This is a human who walks through life with contagious levels of ease. I know it hasn’t come without its struggles, and I am so grateful to have such a good example of what it means to live with a kind and open heart. Thank you for all you do for this city Ish. Kansas City loves you! Ismael's socials: Main: @ismael__rojo Photoghraphy: @grizz_photo Real Estate: @realtorrojo