Jane Barnette is an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Kansas, where she teaches courses in dramaturgy, theatre history, script analysis, and seminars in theatrical adaptation and the performance of gender and sexuality. Her book Adapturgy: The Dramaturg’s Art and Theatrical Adaptation explores the powerful alchemy of dramaturgically-savvy adaptations for the stage, and her forthcoming book analyzes depictions of Witchy characters onstage as well as in popular culture. Jane writes and adapts for the stage, performs, and is a professional dramaturg. Her recent directing credits include the regional premiere of Sycorax at KU and The Book Club Play for Kansas Repertory Theatre in Lawrence.

Maria Vasquez Boyd is producer/host, of ARTSPEAK RADIO, a weekly live program on 90.1FM KKFI Kansas City Community Radio that features the visual and literary arts community around the country. She is a founding member of the Latino Writers Collective, a storyteller, poet, artist, painter, who exhibits her work across the country. A graduate from the Kansas City Art Institute, Boyd returned to teach in the Design and Illustration Department at KCAI, taught at the Nelson Atkins Museum, worked for Hallmark Cards, and served as gallery coordinator for the Writers Place, Guadalupe Center, and the Mexican Museum in Chicago.

Nathan Louis Jackson is an alum of Kansas City Kansas Community College and Kansas State University. He received the Lila Acheson Wallace fellowship and did his graduate work at The Juilliard School. His plays include Broke-ology (KCRep in 2010), When I Come to Die (Lincoln Center in 2011), The Mancerhios, and The Last Black Play. He has received commissions from Lincoln Center, The Roundabout Theater Company, and Manhattan Theatre Club. He has twice won the Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award, is the recipient of the Mark Twain Comedy Playwriting Award, and was awarded the Kennedy Center’s Gold Medallion. His work for television incldues Southland (NBC), Shameless (Showtime), and Resurrection (ABC) and Luke Cage (Netflix).

Kris Bruders has been a part of the Kansas City music community for over 15 years. He is a self taught musician and writer with over 10 releases with such bands as Cadillac Flambe’ (Blues/Rock), GASCAN (Rock/Punk), and Freight Train Rabbit Killer (Doom Blues) He also works with his wife Jazz singer Havilah Bruders in Havilah and Kris (Americana Duo) and Copper Threading (Folk) He is also a co-founder of the weekly musicians appreciation showcase “Here’s to the Roots” that started in 2014 and also co-founder of the former annual Murder Ballad Ball started in 2009 (a benefit for musicians health care) With 2 European and many nation wide tours, festivals,and special events music is and has been his life.

After forming a band in northwest Missouri, Mark Smeltzer moved to Kansas City to pursue music and make art in the late 80’s. A decade later he was a founding member of the Rural Grit Happy Hour, a weekly showcase of American musical roots that still goes on weekly after 20 plus years. In 2006 Smeltzer formed Experimental Instrument Orchestra (E.I.O.) that combined construction of instruments and musical storytelling. Currently he tours at home and abroad with Freight Train Rabbit Killer, a band he co-founded with Kris Bruders in 2013. He lives in midtown Kansas City with his wife and son.

Adee Dancy was born and raised in the Kansas City area, and has spent all of her career working in the music and theatre community within the city. She has been a music director, a director, an actress, a singer, a pit orchestra cellist, an orchestral cellist, a songwriter, a teacher, and an arranger, each inspiring her in a different way! She has worked with ensembles, artists and organizations such as Faust Theatre, Artist Community Project, The Arts Asylum, MikiP and the Swallowtails,True Lions, Lily B Moonflower, Fathers, “HANNAH”, Shawnee Mission Theatre in the Park, Harmony Project KC, Music Theatre Kansas City, Musical Theatre Heritage, and the Midwest Chamber Ensemble. Music is her love and her passion, and she feels lucky to be able to do it for her career!

Voted Kansas City’s Best Vocalist (Pitch 2018), Jessica Paige is a master storyteller, translating personal experience into Americana Pop music that is sophisticated, diverse in its influences, and instantly relatable. Her upcoming EP Oh, Mister is scheduled for release Fall of 2020. Jessica has been an American Idol semi-finalist, showcase artist of Folk Alliance International, featured vocalist with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, has opened for international recording artist Corinne Bailey Ray, toured nationally and self released her first album, Sweet Nothings. A staple in the Kansas City music community playing an average of 200 shows a year, she has played nearly every venue in Kansas City from Ca Va to Kauffman Stadium. Jessica is an advocate for women in music, mentoring, teaching and encouraging women to pursue careers in the industry. She was the private guitar instructor for the Barstow School and now teaches voice and guitar virtually and in her studio.

Madisen Ward is one half of the mother-son folk duo called Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear. Madisen and his Mother Ruth Ward performed in coffeehouses in Independence, MO for many years before reaching national recognition. They've now toured all throughout North America, as well as overseas. Performing original folk and Americana style music, rooted in their own organically raw delivery. They've opened for artists such as B.B. King, Sufjan Stevens, Old Crow Medicine Show, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Pixies and more. They've been featured on Live with Jools Holland, The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning and The David Letterman Show.

The delicate pairing of Sam Wells’ fiery voice and enchanting baritone ukulele could steal your heart. It is with open arms Kansas City has embraced her – from offering musical residencies at local hotspots Repeal 18th and Bar K – to a spot in what would’ve been (pre-Covid) the 2020 line up at Boulevardia. Through the use of her looper pedal, Sam graduates the traditionally light and beachy instrument into a Blues-Americana force with ease. The versatility of Sam Wells’ artistry is best highlighted between her first two singles, evolving through every song, leading you on a journey of self-discovery alongside her own.