Kristie Stemel, Stephanie Hewett, Julia Peterson, Post Orgasmic Trauma
Zone Benefit Show
Grand Emporium
Monday, 12.18.2000

Zone Mondays at the Grand Emporium typically feature rock music. December 18th, however, will be dedicated to some of the finest acoustic talent the city has to offer. The Zone is proud to present the following line-up:

Kristie Stremel
As scores of fans in the Kansas City area and in pockets throughout the country can testify, Kristie Stremel is a special kind of artist. Her work speaks to the specifics of her loves, ambitions, disappointments and triumphs in dramatic, universal ways. Anywhere she is known, fans crowd the stage, singing along with every word from her two cd releases, as if each song is their very own. Kristie Stremel's solo material is a logical step forward from the work that she did with Exit 159, emphasizing the growing sophistication of her songwriting and delving more deeply into her personal struggles. Her first demo is an acoustic set, featuring inspired backing by drummer Beth Robinson (of regional guitar hero Fast Johnny Ricker's band), guitarist Chris Meck (formerly of Monkey Boy) and bassist Jason Magierowski (formerly with the nationally-known Lawrence, Kansas band Paw). The control exhibited in this new music is a sign of the maturity of an exceptionally-talented artist, and it offers listeners a glimpse of the versatility and subtlety of Stremel's voice, which draws on both her country roots and her rock background to offer an unusually soulful, personal sound. Kristie will be playing an acoustic set with guitarist Chris Meck for this show on December 18th. To learn more about Kristie, Chris, and the rest of the band, check out their website at http://www.kristiestremel.com.

Stephanie Hewett
Stephanie Hewett will probably be classified a folk singer in some media and listeners’ minds, but this is an unfair and inaccurate classification. The stereotypical folk singer is plain, brooding, and more relaxing than exciting; when Steph performs, her energy can neither be contained nor ignored. She dances, plays with full intensity, and projects her bold voice in a dynamic display of expression which is not matched by the average distortion-laden rock band. Her rock, gospel, blues, and spiritual influences have led her to an extraordinary amount of variety in her live set. Recently, Steph completed a nationwide living room tour to support her upcoming debut album. KJHK has featured her on their "Lawn Chair Review" and "Route 66" shows. She has opened for Shannon Curfman, Niko Case, and Tina and the B-Sides and appears annually in the International Winfield Bluegrass festival.

Julia Peterson
Singer/songwriter Julia Peterson has a lot on her plate these days. Not only is she preparing to release her debut solo CD entitled "Broken Highway", but this former member of Minx has also just co-founded Lone Yucca Entertainment, which houses the label that will be releasing it. Inspired by such classic songwriters as Neil Young, Carly Simon, and The Beatles, as well as new-comers and fellow entrepreneurs like Ani DiFranco, Julia continues the tradition of having storytelling lyrics at the heart of her performance. Check out this Lawrence-based talent solo-acoustic while you can; she's currently building a full band and preparing to embark on a tour for the new album after the first of the year. Find out more information about Julia and her work at http://www.juliapeterson.com/ or hear some tunes at http://www.mp3.com/julia.

Post Orgasmic Trauma
Dana Detrick-Clark and Paul Clark began playing off and on together for nearly 10 years. Recently, they have been playing acoustic gigs around town (their current project, Post Orgasmic Trauma, is searching for a new drummer). Their sound is a mix of mod, 70's glam, and current britpop, yet they also cite acts like David Bowie, Lou Reed, and Elton John as their main influences. Some current acts that their sound reflects include Radiohead, Catatonia, Suede, and Travis. Before the year's end, POT will be releasing an EP on their label, Serious Vanity Music (www.seriousvanity.com), as well as taking part in the compilation "Bangs...sounds of the '80's" which benefits the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network. To learn more, check out the POT website on MP3.com at http://www.mp3.com/postorgasmictrauma.