House shows are a critical part of any DIY scene. Unfortunately, Wichita has been without a steady house show spot for a over a year, that is, until Cesspool came around. Like any DIY spot, it has its own idiosyncrasies. The prominent visual identity and the ticket are two notable traits. Rather than trying to explain the vibe that Cesspool is trying to achieve, I invited Winnie, owner / operator to introduce herself, the space, and give the low down.
Last week, friend of the blog Skyler Marshall released Bury It which is the latest installment of his project Match Made in Heaven, of which I am a huge fan. I sat down with Skyler to discuss this release and the project as whole.
Yesterday when Aubrey and I were out and about we crossed paths on the highway with a guy driving a surplus H1 Hummer, flying both the American Flag and the Betsy Ross flag. While it's not possible for us to know what was in this dude's heart, I think it's likely he was some cosplaying civilian who likely implicitly, if not explicitly, understands the racist associations with the flag with only 13 stars on it.
Any respectable veteran I know wouldn't be driving around an H1 Hummer (terrible car with horrible fuel economy) nor would they be flying any sort of "modified" or otherwise non standard flag.
Our country has a history rooted in genocide, racism, and the continued exploitation of marginalized groups. Collectively, we've struggled for 250 years to reconcile the ideals and aspirations we espouse with the reality that this history has earned us.
I choose to acknowledge and celebrate our obligation and duty to fight for a more perfect union- one in which justice and equality prevails for all- one where our unalienable rights as human beings are protected.
These rights and core values are under threat by a very few oligarchs who have coopted and manipulated a populist movement to consolidate and seize power from the people and their elected representatives. The weapon they yield against the silent majority? Apathy- Apathy in the form of economic oppression, social engineering, and substance abuse, to name a few.
We owe it to ourselves, our friends, our families, and our countrymen to stay engaged and to do better. We have to *vote* and encourage others to vote while we still can.
I say "while we still can" because the August 4 ballot initiative vote is coming up soon. If you don't know what I'm talking about, I wrote about it on the blog. The outcome of this ballot initiative will likely impact voting rights in Kansas for decades to come. We need to defeat this initiative and vote "No" on August 4.
The deadline to register to vote is July 14. Between then and now, let's see how many people we can engage. Low turnout is exactly what proponents of this referendum are counting on to succeed.
Let's show up and show them who we really are and what we stand for.
When I started this blog I didn't have the intention of covering politics. It's not a subject that I think I have a particular expertise in, but as it turns out, the conservative majority in the Kansas legislature is bringing a hugely consequential constitutional amendment up for a voter referendum on primary election day, August 4.
Welp, if you were on socials the last few weeks then you heard about the drama surrounding Balmora *esaxperated sigh* I know they will **NOT** be coming to Wichita, or anywhere for that matter, BUT DO NOT WORRY! There are PLENTY of sick shows coming up and a few new ones I just added. Head on over to the SHOWS page for the latest!
It's been a long time since there's been a Wichita music event with as much buzz as the upcoming Wichita Forever Fest. It's evoking the same emotions I remember as having The Flaming Lips at Riverfest in 2017 or the grand opening of WAVE in 2018. It feels like a big moment...
Also, I added FIVE new shows. Check them out HERE.
NEWS 2026-05-28 JSIMP
SHOWS - I lost count of how many shows I added...
I was out for a solid 2.5 weeks. I think I'm caught up now though. Go check out the SHOWS page for the latest.
NEWS 2026-05-21 JSIMP
SHOWS - Two new shows, updated 1
Even more things are happening in May. First, the Nightosphere lineup got confirmed, then a couple of more shows were officially announced. Virgins is playing again with Mensa. There are still more shows TBA. For now, go to SHOWS for what's been confirmed.
NEWS 2026-04-30 JSIMP
SHOWS - I just added 5 new shows, updated 2
Yeah, go pop on to SHOWS to see what's what. So much going on it's hard to keep up!
NEWS 2026-04-27 JSIMP
SHOWS - TRACKHOUSE SHOWS RETURN!
Not one, but TWO new SHOWS were announced semi-recently for the Trackhouse here in town. Trackhouse is a really cool mixed use art space, and shows there are low key and low key realy good. Also, Harbingers from Great Bend is coming to the furnace.
Today Yours Faithfully Lewellen released their first EP Anthology to the Late Fear. I chat with drummer Laken Ward, look back on our friendship, listen to the EP, and offer my thoughts.
This is about as close as I will get to a review. Spoiler alert- it's good and I like it.
There is a LOT going on in the coming weeks, not just just at the Furnace and not just in Wichita! Check out SHOWS for more details.
Also, if you happen to have been trolling around on IG, you may have seen a flyer or two for some new house show venues. I love house shows, but I'm not going to advertise them on here until I do a personal inspection / vibe check.
NEWS 2026-03-31 JSIMP
NEWS - "Figurine" from Wichita band Figurine, singles from upcoming Geo-Joe full length out now!
I love self-titled releases, and Figurine's latest is no exception. It's five songs, five minutes total. It's more of the great fast hardcore punk we've come to know and love. I felt like I couldn't blink listening to it.
The local indie experimental pop duo Geo-Joe announced their latest release "Where Did We Go So Wrong" this past week. Due out April 3, the two lead singles could be the perfect antidote if you're burnt out on the likes of all the fast hardcore. Geo-Joe continues to put out beautiful, lush, well produced music.
In other news, three more loud and heavy shows added. Check them out HERE.
NEWS 2026-03-15 JSIMP
NEWS - Show Updates!
While we're still assessing the bodycount from the Haywire show last Saturday, new show added for 3/21 at the Furnace and locals updated for the SEX MEX show on 3/11.
More content on the way!
NEWS 2026-03-03 JSIMP
NEWS - New Local/Regional Releases!
First up, friend of the blog Emily Judson released a brand new single Endlessly. I'm not usually into folk, singer-songwriter, americana music, but I've been a fan of hers since the fantastic Riverside album that released back in 2023. Her songs convey a strong sense of place, a sound that's distinctively Kansas, while employing distinctive elements that have continually kept me engaged.
This latest single, recorded and engineered by AM Namee at Zeptepland studios in Wichita, employs lush layers and polish, without the stereotypical overproduction heard in so much pop music. It's warm, inviting, and I want more.
Next on the docket is the first single from LFK metalcore outfit Bleeding Kansas, Salvation. As far as metalcore goes, this is bang on. Good riff, solid rhythm. What more could you ask for? More, actually, and according to Avery, lead guitarist of the band, this is the first track in an upcoming EP. Looking forward to hearing more!
Lastly, a shoutout to beloved Wichita expat Connor Eaves' latest solo project release Seeing Dumb. For fans of his work, it'll be right up your alley. Heavy on the guitars. Heavy on the emotions. It's big and loud and I like it.
In other news, two more shows have been added for March! Also, don't forget about the Haywire show this Saturday! I hear that one's gonna be a real barn burner! Be safe!
NEWS 2026-02-22 JSIMP
NEWS - Valentines Day at the Lumber Yard! Show updates!
Looking for a fun thing on the Friday before Valentine's day? Check out the extremely cool event at the Lumber Yard. Winnie's put a TON of work into organizing something really special you don't see often enough around here. Be sure to check out the SHOWS page for more info.
In other news, Ivory Daze and Act With Empathy (A.W.E.) are coming back to Wichita and joining some already stacked bills.
NEWS 2026-02-11 JSIMP
NEWS - Three new killer shows added! New (old) blog post!
Three really big Furnace shows were recently announced.
Saturday, 2/28 - HAYWIRE
Wednesday, 3/11 - SEX MEX
Wednesday, 3/18 - PRIMITIVE RAGE and xGAARGOYLEx
Locals support has been established for the Haywire show, but TBD for the others. See the shows page for updates and details.
A new blog has been posted about guitar setup. This was originally published in Oi! Bones! earlier this year.
Today the "official" Instagram account for the Furnace went dark, causing a minor panic amongst bands, showgoers, and DIY enthusiasts in Wichita. I knew a new account was going to be in the works, as Ethan Benson and I had talked about the transition of Furnace leadership to him from Clayton and Sav, but it then occurred to me how opaque the behind the scenes can be. In order to shed some light on the situation and assure the public that all was in order, I decided to call Ethan, and we had a great chat about his new role and his vision for the scene.
I've updated the Blog page to have links to all the blog / news posts I've done so far. I also wrote a piece about my friend John Ross McEwen! Read about it on the blog page!
Okay, so I've updated shows for The Furance, Lumber Yard, Hyde Out, Harvester Arts. Also, the Friday 1/23/2026 show with Teazers has been cancelled (sad face) due to a winter weather advisory. Knob fest lineup has been confirmed.
NEWS 2026-01-22 JSIMP
Bandcamp Bans AI Generated Music, Secures Spot in Heaven
Bandcamp announced today via their blog that it would ban music and audio that is "generated wholly or in substantial part by AI" on its platform.
"With this policy, we're putting human creativity first." The post goes on to say that the organization reserves the right to remove any content suspected of being AI generated.
Knob Fest Rules. If you're into weird Jazz stuff, then this is one you won't want to miss. Acts TBA. Also, if you decided to hit the FWR release show or were at the Lumber Yard on 1/10/2026, Granule is coming back to town and I DEFINITELY recommend checking them out.
Knob Fest goes from Thursday January 29 through Saturday January 31
Granule will be at the Furance on Sunday, February 22 w/ locals NOTHING // SPECIAL, Ferris Wheel Regulars, and Yours Faithfully Lewellen
"...this record is essential listening for anyone making music in the indie scene here in Wichita, not because it's good- it is, but because of what it represents.
Saturday, December 27 2026 @ Lumber Yard - Local Year End Bash
Friday, January 2 2026 @ Wichita City Skatepark - Mega Scoliosis & Lockjaw
Friday, January 23 2026 @ Lumber Yard - Teazers (KC) & Locals
