Midwestern Musical Co

I’ve been here a couple times on First Fridays, and this is a stellar place to see a show.
I like the space because there’s a ton of things to look at – you can’t take in every detail in just a couple visits. You can tell Midwestern has lived on this corner for quite some time to gather as many souvenirs as it has. My favorite quirk is the «instrument ceiling» — when you look up, you see guitars, cases, and instruments laying above you.
Last night we saw the Caves and the Conquerors — it was a free show, with free sangria and PBR. The sound was mixed well, and the show was intimate. Small venues are my favorite because everyone crams in and you’re right up close to the music, maximizing the artist-​audience relationship.
Beware of the long line for the loo: there’s only one for men and women (or as the door says: M/​F/​other). It’s a spacious bathroom with lots of framed photos on the walls. Pro tip: if you look up, there’s a shark hanging from the ceiling.
It’s a great stop on First Fridays. I highly recommend checking out a show here if possible, one of my favorite small KC venues so far!

Part of being a musician is understanding and appreciating the history of music. Not just what music came before you, to influence you as a player and as a listener to what becomes your own musical history, but the history of the equipment that makes the music. Just like the nostalgia and appreciation people have for old cars, vintage clothing, or historical architecture, the best musical gear is «the old stuff». Like any musician, it SHOULD get better with age.
Midwestern Musical Company gets this, inherently. It’s in an old building, in an old part of Kansas City, and it specializes in old gear: guitars, amps, keyboards, etc. It’s sign is old and weathered, and the shop itself feels as comfortable and worn-​in as a vintage pair of cowboy boots.
The charm of a place like MWMC is that the folks who run the place know what goes into making a place feel «historic» without it being «untouchable». It’s not a museum; but it’s certainly reverential of the past, and the shop welcomes you to become part of that timeline; whether you’re looking to purchase a vintage amplifier or instrument, or just appreciate the magic that is the history of making music.
And speaking of making music: MWMC is famous on First Fridays for opening their doors as a place to see and hear music performed by some of the best acts in town, and it’s one of the most popular places on those nights to stop and hang out with other like-​minded appreciators, in essence becoming it’s own living gallery, the art of music there to share.
MWMC is a Kansas City treasure, and every musician I know who passes through town, I make sure to recommend stopping by to. Local musicians already know what a great place it is to get your strings changed, pick up a new Jayco Strap, or finally indulge in that ’60’s Ampeg stack. I’m sure I’ll see you down there on First Friday’s, too, being part of what makes the Kansas City Music Scene so great. Thank you, MWMC, for doing what you do.

Yet another Kansas City establishment that is both unclassifiable and thoroughly effing awesome!
Part guitar store, part curio shop, part venue, part art gallery… this is a First Friday MUST MUST MUST as in addition to art, they also have a fabulous reception with food/​drink *and* live musical performances.
This past Friday, they had an opening for a local photographer whose subject is musician’s feet outfitted in an array of boots, shoes and sneakers, including the glorious Ms. Sharon Jone’s t-​strapped-​tootsies!
I was also happy to see that Midwestern Music Co. embraces Kitschmas as they had a tiny silver tree outfitted with vintagy knee-​hugging elves and santas. The aesthetic of this store is so up my alley!
DO NOT MISS bathroom if you have a thing for taxidermied White Sharks.

If store can be a dive, then I would classify Midwestern musical Co. as such. I went there to see one of my favorite local bands, American Catastrophe. I got there a bit early, and looked around. It is hard to explain the curiosities inside this building.
From Elvis napkins to old guitars, cases, strings, picks, music, and decorations, it’s there, in this store. It’s a smaller selection than, say, Guitar Center, but, yet, it’s a bit more interesting. It reminded me a bit of the old Music Exchange in Westport. (There is a real turn table, with a real LP on it inside Midwestern. Guitars and cases are on the ceiling, as if packed.) I like places that have a beat feeling, and this little shop certainly does. I’m drawn to places like that.
They have an area large enough for bands to play. It got crowded quick, and it was a bit hot, but we were free to go outside, and come back in. Downtown residents need a place like this. It kind of matches the same feeling that Grinders has. I didn’t see the prices, but they sell used instruments, so it’s worth checking into if you’re in need. the staff is great. Parking, it was First Friday, and I parked behind the store. There is also street parking.