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Emily Wheeler
Editorial Assistant
Knobtown Skiffle Band brought its unique blend of old-timey tunes to the stage July 12. Its concert was the second of Kansas City Museum’s Summer concert on the East Lawn series.
The Knobtown Skiffle Band has become a staple in Kansas City’s music scene. This year marks its debut at this concert series. Chris Azevedo, lead vocalist, guitar, banjo and kazoo player for the band, describes its music in three words: “Old-timey, blues and ragtime.” This trio also includes Isaac Neal on the washboard and Jennifer Miller on the upright bass.
Formed 13 years ago, the band initially focused on covering songs from the 1920s and 1930s. Over time, it has incorporated a significant amount of original material into its performances. “About 70% of our set is original music,” said Azevedo.
Currently, the band is working to integrate new songs into its repertoire. Azevedo explained, “Part of writing is producing a lot of songs only to find just a few good enough to perform.”
Azevedo, who writes most of the group’s music, said he has no problem writing in the style of 1920s to ‘30s ragtime. “For me, it’s not hard. I grew up listening to old stuff; it comes naturally. Sometimes, I forget that not everyone is familiar with the terminology we use in our songs.”
Kansas City’s history, culture and people have significantly influenced the band’s sound. “Jazz and blues musicians who moved to Kansas City in the ‘20s and ‘30s created a very active music scene,” said Azevedo. “If I need inspiration, I look to Kansas City. If I need a street name, I’ll use local street names like Vine Street.”
Maintaining its passion for music and performing hasn’t always been easy. “Keeping a band together is tough,” Azevedo admitted. While the band used to play every weekend, it has eased up on its performance schedule “We’ve found that playing less frequently helps us enjoy each show more and avoid burnout,” said Azevedo.
One of the band’s unique elements is its use of kazoos and a washboard. “Not many have the guts to work in a kazoo, but too much kazoo can certainly be a bad thing,” said Azevedo. Patented in the 1800s, the kazoo comes in hundreds of varieties.
“It’s not just any kazoo; it’s one people have never seen before.” Rather than using the plastic kazoo many think of, Azevedo’s kazoos are reproductions of antique, wooden varieties of the instrument.
The third concert of this series will feature Jump Jive & Swing Aug. 9. The concert will start at 7 p.m. on the east lawn of the Kansas City Museum (3218 Gladstone Blvd). Tickets are $7 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets or lawn chairs. Outside alcohol is not permitted.
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