Bryan Stalder
Contributor

Kansas City’s annual Manor Fest has returned for its eighth year this month, bringing dozens of local bands to venues across the metro — and one of the featured stops will be PH Coffee (2200 Lexington Ave) in the Historic Northeast.

The neighborhood coffee shop announced it will host performances by local artists Maddie Lai, Jacob E.Chord Grüp and Henry Scamurra on Thursday, May 28 as part of the multi-night music festival.

Organized by Manor Records Foundation, Manor Fest spans two weekends and features approximately 60 bands performing at 20 venues throughout Kansas City. The festival serves as a fundraiser supporting local musicians and independent music initiatives.

Maddie Lai

Among the featured performers is Maddie Lai, an Overland Park-based singer-songwriter known for blending original material with carefully selected covers. Lai has performed throughout the metro at community events, concerts and festivals, including Mireya Ramos’ “Ladies Rock!” concert in 2023 and the Plaza Art Fair in 2022.

A former Art As Mentorship student, Lai has also spent the last four years teaching private music lessons while continuing to develop her own songwriting voice. Her performances are often marked by intimate storytelling, soft yet expressive vocals and emotionally reflective lyrics exploring themes of hardship, hope and uncertainty.

PH Coffee previously praised Lai following an earlier appearance at the café, describing her as “a fantastic lyricist, musician and vocalist” whose warm tone and storytelling ability connected deeply with audiences.

Jacob E.Chord Grüp

Also taking the stage is Jacob E.Chord Grüp, an emerging local act whose music has begun circulating through Kansas City’s independent music scene. The artist’s growing social media presence and inclusion in Manor Fest’s lineup reflects the festival’s emphasis on spotlighting rising local talent.

Henry Scamurra

Rounding out the lineup is Henry Scamurra, another local musician building a following through live performances. Scamurra’s work leans into the singer-songwriter tradition while drawing from indie and alternative influences, creating a style that fits naturally within Manor Fest’s eclectic mix of artists.

Festival organizers say the event is designed not only to celebrate local music, but also to encourage audiences to explore neighborhood venues and community spaces throughout Kansas City.

Weekend two of Manor Fest runs May 27-30 at venues across the metro, including PH Coffee’s May 28 showcase. Wristbands and festival information are available at https://www.manorrecords.com/