NOTE! This FAQ list has recently been updated! Please read BEFORE you send us any email!

Here we have listed some of the most common frequently asked questions sent to the Zone. It would be greatly appreciate if you read them all before you sent us any e-mail.

Click here to read our most common FAQ
Click here for the submission FAQ to add your band to the Zone
Click here for FAQ on how you can promote your band on the Zone for free
Click here to report a broken link
Click here to join our mailing list

Q. What is the Zone?

A. The Zone is a non-profit organization that began in May of 1997 as a mailing list with one goal: To encourage more people to support their local musicians. Today, the Zone has expanded that goal to provide the Kansas City/Lawrence area with local music and entertainment information, as well as give the musicians a place to promote themselves for free.

Q. Are you affiliated with the radio station?

A. No, ARS (now a Westinghouse/CBS company) took over 102.1 in September of 1997 after the Zone.org was created in May of 1997. We are in no way affiliated with 102.1 KOZN. As of January 1999, 102.1 the Zone became "Star102" playing adult contemporary. The previous format lasted only a year and a half and that station is NO LONGER around.

Q. Who runs the Zone?

A. And the line-up for the Zone All-Stars: *drum roll*

  • Danielle Nelsen - creator/editor/designer
  • Danny Alexander - contributing writer/columnist
  • Mark Cuthbertson - staff writer
  • Aaron Riffel - staff photographer

    Q. What's new and exciting at the Zone?

    A. Most recently, the Zone has been collaborating with local publications. Every month, The Zone makes a large contribution to the Kansas City Edition of the Entertainer with 3 CD reviews, a full concert calendar, and commentary. The Entertainer is available at most newsstands around the Kansas City area. In addition, the Zone also features a "Band in the Spotlight" every month in the Bug Magazine. The Bug is also available at most newsstands and also has a website at http://www.thebug.com.

    Q. Why do you run the Zone?

    A. Musicians and money do not go hand in hand. We know this because we are musicians. The phrase "struggling artist" holds all too well when you're a musician. We provide free services to the bands because we want to help relieve some of the financial stress related with promotion and because we want more people in the community to show their support for local music. Music is an important part to any community and we feel that we all should do our part in supporting it.

    Q. Do you get paid for maintaining the Zone?

    A. Unfortunately, no. All staff members have other full time jobs and contribute their work to the Zone on a voluntary basis. Financial concerns/questions should be directed to Danielle Nelsen.

    Q. Who maintains the Zone and how often is it updated?

    A. The Zone is primarily maintained by Danielle and is usually updated here and there on a daily basis. If you feel we are behind on some news or information, please let us know so we can do our best to update the site. Please remember that in addition to the Zone, we both work full times jobs and have personal lives so it's not always easy to keep the Zone updated as often as we like. Any concerns or suggestions should be sent to Danielle.

    Q. What services do you provide for local bands?

    A. Our most common services are reviews, interviews, and photography, but we have also done artwork, websites and graphics for posters and CD covers. We also list bands in our database for people to access when they want to learn more information about a band. All of these services help promote local musicians as well as providing information for the community. And did I mention that it's free?

    Q. Is it really for free?

    A. Yep, but Danielle accepts all donations of peanut butter m&m's.

    Q. Is the Zone for rock and alternative bands only?

    A. No! ANY local musician from the Kansas City/Lawrence/Manhattan area has the opportunity to promote themselves FOR FREE on the Zone, no matter what genre of music they play.

    Q. Why can't I find the band I like on the Zone? Are you excluding some bands?

    A. First of all, no, we never exclude any bands from the Zone. As long as they're local, they can get listed. If you have searched for a band you like and couldn't find it, it is probably because we have not received information on that band. Before we can create a page for a band, we must first have information on them. If you have information on a band that is not listed, or you know how to get in contact with them, please e-mail us.

    Q. How can I contribute to the Zone?

    A. We would love for you to contribute your reviews, interviews, or photographs to be featured on the Zone. Please check out our joblist or contact Danielle for other opportunities at the Zone. You will receive full credit for anything you contribute, and we hope you encourage others to contribute as well. Peanut butter m&m's can be contributed to Danielle. She won't mind. ;)

    Q. I am interested in sponsoring the Zone, where can I find that information?

    A. Please contact Danielle for more information.

    Q. How can I get my band on the Zone?

    A. Your band WILL NOT be added until you read the Submission FAQ. Please read it and make our lives a little easier.

    Q. How can I promote my band on the Zone?

    A. Please click here for FAQ specifically for bands!