Over the last several weeks we’ve been pushing ourselves to branch out and expose ourselves to different live music scenes here in Kansas City. Although both Stephanie and I are as likely to put on a glitch-tech twelve-inch as we are a twee-folk tape, I will fully admit that I often get stuck in my comfort zone, resulting in being far more likely to opt for the indie band at the Record Bar than the noise band at the Pistol or a hardcore show at the Anchor.

However, as I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, we are working on a plan to somehow start doing shows in the city with more variety and cross-scene attractiveness, and so this obviously requires research into just how other scenes in the city operate. We were both familiar with Reach’s work, and even though it was a late decision to head to the Record Bar, it ended up as a great way to spend a Saturday night.

We arrived to catch the last few songs of Wichita-based FeelsGood, which featured a live drummer, two keyboardists, guitar, and bass doing acid jazz-tinged soul and funk that wouldn’t sound out of place on the Naked Music label. The band sounded like it would be just as comfortable at a hip hop showcase like tonight’s as it would be at a jam band festival.

Reach’s own Soul Providers crew was up next, with each member doing a feature song. The group’s rhymes ranged from the abstract to socially conscious lyrics to battle raps, but all held a sense of unforced positivity. The crowd quickly got into the beats and began dancing as the stage filled with member after member of the local crew. Soul Providers made it clear that they have a lot of pride in what they do and respect for each other and hip hop in general, which resulted in a great but brief set.

Last up were two special guests in town from Los Angeles, No Alias and Menacin Johnson, who, along with the absent The EMS, are two-thirds of the Lepht. As much fun as we had up to this point, these two guys ended up being the real highlight of the night. No Alias (aka N/A) serves as producer for the group, and was no slouch on the mic either. Menacin Johnson functioned as the perfect support man when needed, and was more than willing to step out to the forefront when it was his turn as well. When people reference Native Tongues groups like Tribe Called Quest or De la Soul, it’s often easy to focus on the . . . preachier . . . aspects of that movement, but No Alias and Johnson brought back the street realness with songs about having to ride public transportation in Los Angeles and Johnson’s great freestyle about classic video games (did he just drop the Adventures of Lolo?). N/A also referenced another producer, Mr. Dibiase, who had provided many of the beats for the Lepht and for the show that night as well – this guy has got something going on, and is absolutely worth checking out.

All in all, we couldn’t have asked for a better experience to come out of a last-minute decision like this. The room was full of high energy and it was clear that everyone in attendance had come together to not only celebrate the birthday of one of the better and most long-standing MC in the city, but to enjoy and appreciate the artform of hip hop as well.