Wichita, Kansas
by Billie Fredholm


"Isn't that where Dorothy comes from?"

"Do you have running water out there?"

"Is it like Little House on the Prairie?"

When I moved to Massachusetts back in the late seventies, those were the questions I was asked repeatedly when I told new acquaintances I was from Wichita, Kansas. Yes, Wichita is in the middle of the Midwest. Yes, it is in the area of the country known as "tornado alley." So yes, what we have here is a lot of land and sky.

When you grow up in Wichita though, you understand it is a thriving metropolis. The majority of the world's aircraft are made here. This is the home of Boeing, Cessna, Bombardier (formerly Lear Jet), and Raytheon (formerly Beech Aircraft). McConnell Air Force Base is here as well- all in a city of 355,000 people.

Being in the heart of the heartland, oftentimes the assumption is that, musically, this city is as country-lovin' as Texas. True, Wichita is the birthplace of country legend, Marvin Rainwater. But rock legend, Joe Walsh, was born and raised here too. So was Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American to win an academy award (for her role as Mammy in Gone With the Wind). Rock and blues icon Rudy Love still plays and lives here. Being in the middle of the nation provides a great place for musicians to live and thrive, so a wide variety of styles are very well represented. Residents and visitors alike have a wealth of variety and substance to choose from when looking for guitar-specific music.

John Francis is the director of the Wichita Guitar Society, celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year. The society's inception was the work of Irma Wassall, who gathered together a small group of guitar players and induced her teacher, Maestro Rey de la Torre, to perform a concert here in 1956. In those days the organization was called the Wichita Society of Classical Guitar. In the words of the society's web site:

Today, that same spirit continues with a broader scope. The Wichita Guitar Society, as the group is now known, embraces all styles of music. It actively promotes quality performances in the Wichita area. WGS meets once a month to exchange ideas, perform for each other, and plan rehearsals, concerts, etc. The meetings include informal recitals and are free to everyone.

This year, John has put together a concert series featuring Ricardo Cobo, Edgar Cruz, Charles King, Jérome Ducharme, Rosa Hywon Lee, and Michael Chapdelaine. All concerts are presented at the Wichita Art Museum, and the tickets are available in four-, six-, or eight-concert packages, or you can buy a single concert ticket for $15.00. The Wichita Guitar Society's web site is http://www.wichitaguitar.com

Jerry Hahn

Outside of Kansas City, one might assume it unlikely to find even mediocre jazz in the Midwest, but jazz guitar great and Mel Bay author Jerry Hahn is a resident of Wichita, teaches at WSU, and plays three times a week in different venues here. Jerry wasn't born in Wichita, but he made his way to Wichita State University after making a name for himself out west. He became a full-time member of the Wichita State University faculty in 1972, and established the degree program there in jazz guitar.

Jerry says this is a great place for him. He has ample opportunities to perform, he is close to his family, and still enjoys teaching at Wichita State. Jazz fans can see Jerry's solo performances on Thursday evenings at Bella Luna Café in east Wichita, The Jerry Hahn Trio performs every Friday at Chelsea's, and Saturday evenings Jerry plays solo at the identically named Bella Luna Café in west Wichita. Complete information about Jerry and his schedule can be found at http://www.jerryhahn.com.

Bryan Masters

Now, what about the acoustic guitar world?
There are several places in town where acoustic music is showcased. Weekly and monthly jams, circles, and open mics are a popular attraction for local musicians. On a regular basis, acoustic music can be found in and around what is known as "Old Town." Check out the resources at http://www.oldtownwichita.com . There are several venues interspersed around the city which feature acoustic music as well.

Bryan Masters, Stage 3, Winfield

I had the opportunity to talk with Bryan Masters, a singer/songwriter, and contest winner in two categories at the famous (or infamous) Walnut Valley Festival held in Winfield, Kansas every September. Bryan is host of "The Songwriters Circle," held at the Artichoke Sandwich Bar, on the first Wednesday of every month. Very simply, the Songwriter's Circle is just that. People come in, bring their guitars, sit in a circle and share their songs. On any given circle night, there can be two or twenty players.

Bryan has been living in Wichita for a number of years, and has been playing out for a couple of decades. His perspective is enlightening and encouraging, especially to acoustic singer/songwriters:

Wichita is gradually expanding its palette of experienced performers - and listeners. Not too long ago, you couldn't find a live band playing in Old Town, and those you could find were cover bands. There was plenty of great original music in town, but venues wouldn't book it. It's encouraging to now find bands, like Las Pistoles, with band-members in their twenties, playing original compositions for a crowd of people.

Dulcie Guinty, president of the Kansas Acoustic Arts Association, speaks highly of the acoustic music world in Wichita, as well. Recently she wrote:

The Artichoke Sandwich Bar has long been a steadfast supporter of acoustic music/musicians, and of Kansas Acoustic Arts Association. The acoustic music scene, though small, is full of talented songwriters, singers and pickers spanning several decades in age.

The Bows Arts Trio with Billie Preston(Fredholm) at the Artichoke Sandwich Bar

Other acoustic venues in Wichita include:
Kelly's Irish Pub and Kirby's Beer Store

The Beat	Off the Grid

One recent addition to the guitar world in Wichita is the Kansas Music Heritage Center. The founder, Jim McCann, is a multi-talented musician who plays several instruments, including guitar, and is hosting what he's calling "The Big Show." This benefit performance will premiere December 2 at Midnight Blue (the former Marple Theatre) at 417 E. Douglas, and will feature four groups: The Beat (the British invasion of Wichita), Off the Grid (original bluegrass and swing stylists), Fragmented Minds and the Rubies. Also on tap is musician and songwriter Robin Roberts.

Fragmented Minds	Robin Roberts

Wichita Kansas may not be the biggest star on the map, but if you're ever in town, a trip to Old Town or any of the other venues I mentioned will provide a very enjoyable musical experience.

Best holiday greetings,
Billie Fredholm

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About the Author

Billie Fredholm began a Bachelor's of Music Education degree at Wichita State University in 1976 and completed it at Gordon College in Wenham, MA in 1994. She also holds a Master's degree in Vocal Music Performance and Choral Conducting from Wichita State University and conducted the Wichita Choral Society in its 2000/2001 season. She also taught Music Appreciation, Voice, and Women's Choir at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, KS.

Billie is the founder of a tax-exempt, nonprofit corporation called People Who GET It, Inc. with the stated mission: "to foster and promote choral and acoustic music in North America, and to strengthen and advance organizational and individual initiatives in music through education, networking, advocacy, and professional and field development."

Obviously a strong participant and advocate for the arts, Billie acted as composer/guitarist/Mel Bay author Stephen Bennett's manager in 2005 and 2006 and currently manages the acoustic duo Fistful of Nickels. She is also the co-host of open mic night at the Artichoke Sandwich Bar in Wichita, KS.

Billie has also worked in the page layout field for approximately twenty years including contributions to The Serendipity Study Bible for Zondervan Publishing House, Appleseed's women's clothing catalog, and the Wichita Business Journal.

For more information about the creative world of Billie Fredholm please visit:
http://www.myspace.com/pwgi