2020 Artists
Here are the 2020 performers.
The Whips
Band
The Whips are a party music collective born in the spirit of the Jackson 5, The E street Band, and other historically great ensembles of rock and soul. Rooted in its core members: Multi-instrumentalist Max Indiveri, Vocalist Aidan Connelly, Bassist Quinn Cosgrove, and Drummer Miles Patterson, this group is also no stranger to guest features from some of the best local musicians in Kansas City. Featuring a mix of classic covers, and their own brand of high powered soul, The Whip’s high flying dance fest is a one way trip to getting lost in the groove.
Will Gurley and LIVAGAIN
Band
Will Gurley, the founder and president of the You Matter Festival, is back for his third year on the festival stage. Will has been playing music for as long as he can remember, being raised on the classic rock artists of the ’70s and ’80s. Will began writing his own music at age 14, using it as an outlet for his emotions. Blending genres of classic rock, contemporary pop, and metal, Will Gurley’s music is streaming on Apple Music, Spotify, and all other streaming services. Joining Will is LIVAGAIN, including Jeff Gurley on lead guitar, Olivia Gurley on lead and backup vocals, and Luke Nolkemper on drums. The band delivers an electric performance of old classics, new hits and original music by Will Gurley. Expect an alternative metal album from LIVAGAIN soon.
Holes in Socks
Band
Holes in Socks is a cover band specializing in classic rock, and alternative music of today. The group consists of Jack Hancock (piano), Josh Robinson (drums), Scott Wyatt (guitar), Patrick Schmidt (saxophone, guitar), and Will Hancock (bass/vocals). Holes in Socks is a relatively new band, but quickly found their stride as a premier moms basement, free park concert type of band. Holes in Socks has played everywhere from that one park with that old dude walking, to Josh’s basement. When asked, Josh’s mother said, “I like Joshies other band, but they seem nice.” While they might be newer as a group their playing experience and musical knowledge is vast and extremely experienced for their age. Josh Robinson is a All State percussionist and center snare at BVNW. Patrick Schmidt will be attending Wichita State University for music education, and has been trained in a plethora of different instruments. Jack Hancock got paid like 100 bucks to play at Nebraska Furniture Mart, and was asked to music direct his middle school musical next year. Scott Wyatt made Wind Symphony his freshman year and is an avid athlete. Will Hancock is a three year All State Choir member, and has played and recorded with different bands around the KC area.
Quite Frankly
Band
The dawn of 2016, founding member and bassist Scout Matthews began planning rehearsals out of her garage for her and some musical friends and within a short time, Quite Frankly the Band was born & has been committed to perfecting its sound ever since. Writing their own original music and adding amazing covers from all their favorite artists that span multiple decades and genres– truly something for everyone! This “gotta see” band is incredible, a band holding its own even when opening for national touring acts such as The Greeting Committee, The Darbies, John Corabi, The Jacks, Liliac and even LA Guns! The band members Jolson, Carolyn, Scout, Gavin & Eli have in just a few short years built a very impressive resume. The band is best known in the Kansas City area for providing high energy, crazy-fun, crowd pleasing performances, gaining attention by being the youngest winners of the Nelson Atkins Battle of The Bands 2018 and for being nominated as Pitch's Best in KC three years in a row. They have played shows at favorite local venues such as Made in KC’s First Fridays in the Crossroads, Starlight Theater, The Rino, The KC Royals, Kansas University Athletics official Tailgates, The Record Bar, Lemonade Park, Plaza Art Fair, Camp Leavenworth & so many more. The band has also performed at Kauffman Stadium, appeared at Sprint Center with Big Slick choir and even Nashville & Chicago have come calling.