PERSPECTIVES: Artist Talks with Lavender Studios

Ivory Blue

The extremely talented and hard working singer, songwriter, producer, guitarist and friend of the studio Ivory Blue, stopped by to share some songs and some insight behind some of her favorite hits. Accompanying Ivory is her long time friend and percussionist Bryan Winkert. Ivory's backstory is harrowing and inspiring. From humble beginnings in Washington Indiana to winning a songwriting competition beating out 1800 other bands for a national prize and a recording contract with a major label. High pressure from label execs to put out a different genre than what she wanted, Ivory was dropped from the label and had start out on her own. Ivory became a self-taught audio engineer and producer and started recording her own songs at home. Years later, a polished and well decorated artist with hundreds of thousands of streams Ivory continues to write and perform in the midwest as her songs tackle the airwaves across the globe. Ivory's Website Click here [https://ivorybluemusic.com/] SPOTIFY Click here [https://open.spotify.com/artist/4L3nAI4JOINtelz4tjwah4?si=cOzzPjRDQsuWLV6yc1vGFQ]

November Bullard

We had the absolute pleasure of having Lansing KS artist November Bullard out to the studio to share their story and some of their art with us. TRIGGER WARNING: We go into topics of decay and blood and all kinds of macabre topics that may make you uncomfortable. November has struggled with fitting in and finding their artistic voice for years until they went inward and started to paint based on their inner reflection and society. November was also a Parade of Hearts winner in 2024 and their piece was featured in front of the Belton MO City Hall! Check out their amazing website for more of their work and make sure to send them a follow to so you see where they are off to next! November's Website Click here [https://starlxghtsoldxer.wixsite.com/likenovember]

Michael McQuary

The often mysterious and always entertaining Michael McQuary came by the studio to give us a sneak peak at his upcoming Monsters of Hollywood performance (October 23rd at Englewood Arts) as well as some of his favorite impersonations; from Bela Lugosi, to Betty Davis and from Boris Karloff to Lon Chaney (The Phantom of the Opera). He shared stories about meeting The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, working at a Antique Boutique in New York in the 80's and many more celebrity encounters from that era. Michael invited pianist and musical director Daniel Rangel to accompany him on a very special song, Alone: Together. Afterward, Michael did his famous "Essence in Seconds" with Abbey who was participating at a Lavender event for the very first time! If you would like to follow Michael around town you can follow him on his social media below. We've also provided a link to his IMDB so you can bare witness to all that is McQuary! Instagram Click here [https://www.instagram.com/mmcquary/] Facebook Click here [https://www.facebook.com/michael.mcquary.5] IMDB Click here [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2919512/]

Kadesh Flow

Kadesh stopped by the studio to share his story and his trombone swagger. From RnB singing, to hip hop rapping, to lead trombone, he does it all. Not only does he possess all of these amazing skills, but he does them live in front of tens of thousands and in our case, almost tens of people in a living room! We are grateful he was able to take time out of his busy schedule doing international touring, playing the FIFA Fan Fest, writing, producing, and educating the next generation of hip-hop trombonists to share his story with us. Kadesh Flow is a rapper with an MBA, a trombone Super Saiyan, and a Billboard Charting recording/ performing artist. He brings all of the above together, both on tracks and on stage, in riveting form as he actively blends his jazz and hip hop backgrounds, blending personal, candid lyrical moments and storytelling with call-outs to history, social issues, anime, video games, and anything else that may inspire him at the time. At age 11, 'Desh, as many of his listeners call him, began rapping and playing trombone within two weeks of one another. Now, his playing can be heard on records with hip hop stars like Jidenna and underground stalwarts like Ubiquitous and JL. He also boasts performances supporting artists such as Rakim, Janelle Monae, Dave East, The Revivalists, Tech N9ne, and numerous other prolific acts. Kadesh is a member of the NPC (Nerdy People of Color) Collective, through which he is working with Founding Member Mega Ran and fellow NPCs such as EyeQ and Creative Mind Frame to both collaborate on fun, relevant content and foster a community for underrepresented nerd enthusiasts. He can be found lighting up stages around the U.S., gracing such events as Official SXSW Showcases, MAGFest, PAX, Momocon & Otakon, as well as various other music festivals and venues. Kadesh's Website Click here [https://www.kadeshflow.com/] Instagram Click here [https://www.instagram.com/kadeshflow/]

Micael Elrod

The amazingly creative Micael Elrod swung by the studio and shared her whimsy and her depth of knowledge in art, history, religion, sci-fi, ecology, quantum mechanics and so much more! We dive into this amazing body of work that spans textiles, painting, sculpture, an homage to motherhood and amazing women of the world. We were fascinated with her attention to detail, her ability to add subliminal layers and metaphors, and all the roads that ADHD can take us down. Micael is an artist resident at Overland Park's InterUrban ArtHouse and has had her artwork in many galleries across the city. Check out her new exhibit coming up on Juneteenth and then check out her amazing book recommendations! We think she should host our book club! Enjoy Micael's Website Click here [https://www.micaelelrod.com/] Instagram Click here [https://www.instagram.com/micael_elrod] InterUrban Arthouse Click here [https://www.interurbanarthouse.org/] Some of the amazing authors recommended during this artist talk. NK Jemisin - Broken Earth Robin Wall Kimmerer - Braiding Sweetgrass Angela Davis - Women, Race and Class Monica Sjoo - The Great Cosmic Mother