MidFest 2024 Is A Hit In Manhattan, Kansas

REAGAN JOHNSON | Go Venue Magazine

MidFest 2024 took place this October 3rd, 4th, and 5th in Manhattan, Kansas.

Thursday night kicked off at the historic venue, The Wareham Opera House, with Hectic Temps, taking the stage with one member in a lobster costume. I missed this act, but I was filled in on what I had missed when I arrived, and they definitely had the crowd excited for the night.

Next up, and fittingly dressed in aprons, was Delicious Friction. They played some music from their latest album, and band member Paul Hunt told concertgoers the story of how this album was released on the day his father passed. He thanked everyone for showing up to see them, and for listening. Delicious Friction gave us just that. They bring a wonderful, upbeat rock sound to any stage, and the crowd eats it up.

Next up on Thursday night was local Manhattan legend Plastique. Formed in 1978, this band’s sound is as well-aged and refined as you’d expect from such an experienced act. This was only the second time I’ve seen this band live, and they sounded even better than I remembered.

Thursday night’s headliners, The Cavves from Wichita, Kansas, were up next, and the crowd was primed and ready to go. The venue started to fill up with people dropping in to see what all the commotion was about. The Cavves describe their music as “land-locked surf music”. They have a wonderfully raw, indie sound that’s so easy to get lost in. The Cavves captivated concertgoers, and a great time was visibly had by all. They rounded out a successful first night of the festival.

Friday’s MidFest location was the local favorite underground bar, Auntie Mae’s Parlor.

The night was kicked off by Manhattan songwriter Nirvana Hope. Her beautiful vocals and lyrics combine to make for a unique and calming sound. I was unable to make it for her set on Friday, but as someone who’s seen her perform before, I know it was the perfect way to unwind after a long work week and kick off the weekend.

Next up were Manhattan’s The Grateful Dudes. They make their rounds at local venues and are a must-catch act every time. Their setlist was stacked with covers of songs such as Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Lookin’ Out My Backdoor and Steve Earle’s The Devil’s Right Hand. The trio brought a jam-packed and fun set to Mae’s as always.

Crambone was up next. This group delivers more clean cut straight up bluegrass. I’ve seen them a handful of times, and always enjoy their sound. All of the members are clearly very technically skilled, and are in other music groups and projects in the area.

The Tonganoxie Split, I learned Friday night, is named after a myth about a weather phenomenon that is supposedly protecting Kansas City from tornadoes. Their intriguing name aside, the band perfectly blends Americana, folk music, and soulful vocals, which makes for a captivating sound and a smooth set.

Friday’s headliners Pretend Friend from Wichita describe their sound as progressive bluegrass, and that’s a perfect description. The duo delivered an upbeat and fun set, and tossed in a cover of Blind Melon’s “No Rain” which the crowd loved. Both members of the band played barefoot the whole night, adding to the down to earth feel of their music.

Saturday was the big one for MidFest, and the location for the day was back to The Wareham downtown.

First up was Manhattan’s own Terror Tractor. They were the only metal band on the bill for the entire festival, and I was excited to finally catch them live. The band powered their way into their set. Lead singer Clint McAllister kept the crowd engaged between songs with his quick-witted humor, and friends and fans in the crowd gave it right back to him. The band was joined on stage by Mike Eutsey, stage name EMIX, and McAllister announced “Yo, Terror Tractor raps”. The whole set was fun and sounded great from start to finish.

Taking the stage after them, was Lawrence, Kansas’s own LYXE. These guys are everywhere in the local scene and are fan favorites. Bass player AJ Knudson is the outlier in the band, as a Manhattan native. Lead vocalist and guitarist Ryan Wise addressed the venue, calling Manhattan “The Hat”. Knudson joked that beforehand, Wise had to ask him if Manhattan is ever called “The Hat” just to be sure. Knudson then added “Manhappiness”, which is a go-to nickname for the city. They played some of their hits like Itchy Itchy and Ice Cream. The Hat, Manhappiness, The Little Apple, Manhappenin’, whatever, we love LYXE.

Headlight Rivals has to be one of my favorite Manhattan bands right now. They were joined on stage Saturday night by Pink Fuzz’s John Dimitro on guitar. The band gave such an enjoyable and high-energy show, playing all of their best songs. They brought such a strong sound to the stage. I say it every time, but if Headlight Rivals is playing, I’m going to be there. You’ll want to catch them live if you get the chance.

Up next on the bill for the night was Godzillionaire, however, they were unable to attend due to a last-minute family emergency. We hope that all is well with all of the members, and we can’t wait for the next time they come around. One of the members was able to attend the show in support, which was greatly appreciated.

In attendance at the show was Lawrence rapper Pinchgod, also known as Dropjaw, who was able to fill in on short notice. The set sounded really impressive, and you’d have never known it was an impromptu addition. We were all so appreciative for the fill-in, which helped showcase how strong our local scene is.

Keeping up with the rap theme set by Pinchgod, Cash Hollistah was ready to go next. He warmed the crowd up by asking how many hip hop fans were in the building and playing the intros to some classics to weed out the real ones. He led concertgoers into the intro to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and everyone was loving it. His set was upbeat and impressive, and it went over perfectly with fans.

Finally, the night’s Headliner Mac Lethal was up. He’s known for his razor-sharp wit and rapid-fire delivery, Mac Lethal has carved a niche in the rap scene, with people in the crowd discussing how they discovered him and when they had seen him in the past. A lot of spectators were familiar with his work. He connected with the audience, using his trademark blend of humor and introspection. He talked with the crowd, telling them “I’m not saying quit your job” but stressing to not let your 9 to 5 stop you from following your dreams. That sentiment resonated fully with a room full of artists and art lovers alike. The set showcased Mac Lethal’s talent, as well as some of his ideas and thoughts on life. It was a great way to end this year’s MidFest. We hope to see Mac Lethal again soon, as well as all the other acts that preceded him this year.

I want to give a huge thank you and shout out to this year’s venues, The Wareham Hall and Auntie Mae’s. Huge thanks also to Monkey House Productions for the event production at both venues, and everyone else who helped make this event happen. Manhattan has a strong and growing music scene, and I love watching it continue to evolve. Catch MidFest next year for more music and fun!