Wichita’s Elsewhere Fest & Conference Announces Programming Including A Keynote By Killer Mike

The inaugural Elsewhere Fest & Conference will make its debut in Wichita, Kansas, June 21-22 with a lineup topped by Killer Mike, Lane 8, Steve Aoki and Vince Staples. Organizers have unveiled the programming for the conference portion of the not-for-profit, community-centered event, featuring speakers from City Winery, Stand Together, Union Stage, Music Managers Forum, Marauder and more. 

Elsewhere was created and produced by Wichita-based artist and music-worker collective Midtopia, which is described as a non-profit artist and music-worker collective striving to build new models for the music industry.

In addition to his headlining performance on Friday, June 21, Killer Mike will take part in the conference earlier in the day. The Grammy Award-winning rapper and half of Run The Jewels will discuss the importance of freedom of expression during a one-on-one conversation with Rudy Love Jr., Wichita-based recording artist and member of Midtopia’s Board of Directors. 

The performances will be held at multiple independent venues along a three-block stretch of St. Francis Street in downtown Wichita on the edge of the city’s entertainment district including Wave, Norton’s Brewing Company, Barleycorn’s and Naftzger Park. The conference portion of the event will be held at Norton’s Brewing Company and Greater Wichita Partnership.

The programming for the conference includes one-on-one speed meetings where attendees are matched with other members of the music community, along with panel topics that include “There’s No Place Like Home to Start Your Music Career” and “Finding your Own Path in the Industry” and workshops such as “Building a Partnership Proposal.”

The event will also feature cutting-edge projections, street art, installations, murals, dance performances, and more, with the visual and immersive artist lineup curated by Wichita nonprofit Harvester Arts. 

Plus, Elsewhere is working with a number of social change partners including nonprofit Café Momentum, a nonprofit restaurant and training program that supports justice-involved youth through paid internships. Special events of note include a pop-up dinner that will go toward the Wichita youth program School Halls Not Prison Walls and a block party hosted by The Phoenix, a community-driven program that supports sobriety and recovery. 

“As a not-for-profit music event, Elsewhere is reimagining the accessibility of conferences and festivals, both for those attending and those performing,” Jessie Harke, director of Midtopia, said in a statement. “This is being done by providing globally significant artists and industry leaders at an accessible price point not available in traditional music spaces. Uplifting artists, music workers, and our local community has been a priority from the start. We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with many local and national organizations committed to social change, and hope that Elsewhere has a lasting impact not only on our local community, but also the greater music community. Elsewhere started as a dream and this full schedule across two days is that very dream come to life. We’re excited to welcome everyone to Wichita and show off all that this wonderful city has to offer.”

Tickets for the festival start at $59 for a single-day general admission pass and $99 for a two-day GA pass. VIP options are available. A two-day pass to the conference is only $25. 

Visit https://elsewherefest.com/ for more information and check out the conference programming below.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMMING

Friday, June 21:

At Greater Wichita Partnership:

One-on-One Meetings
Speed meetings where attendees are matched with other members in the music community in a curated setting. (advance sign-up encouraged for better matchmaking opportunities) 

At Norton’s Brewery:

Finding your Own Path in the Industry
With Eric McLellan (Yo Peep This), Alyse Velturo (Pronoun/The Orchard), and Gooding (independent artist)

Support your Local Music Factory
With Christina Long (Create Campaign), Julia Heath (Mayor’s Office of Nighttime Economy, City of New Orleans), and more

One-on-One with Killer Mike
In conversation with Rudy Love Jr.

Creating a Fanbase out of Virality
With Blake Loggans (FLAKE) Michael Palmisano (@guitargate), Michael Hardesty (Content Creator Strategist), and Ulf Oesterle (Aux Records/@seventypoint3

Balancing Yourself in an Unbalanced Industry
With Zach Ulrich (WAVE), Nicole Blonder (Nicole Blonder Coaching), and Scott Strode (The Phoenix)

Saturday, June 22:

At Greater Wichita Partnership:

Workshop: Building a Partnership Proposal
Led by Marauder with Jen Sullivan (MemBrain), Gary Fortune (Mondo.NYC) and Kristin Owen (DoStuff)

Workshop: How to Talk About Yourself and Not Feel Weird Doing So
Led by Marauder with Lior Philips (Author & Journalist), Laina Dawes Ph.D. (Case Western Reserve University), and Hilary Saunders (No Depression)

At Norton’s Brewery:

Utilizing your Platform for Change
With Colette Weintraub (Stand Together), Hilary Saunders (No Depression), Chad Houser (Café Momentum) and Shell Love (Midtopia / artist)

Going on Your First Tour?
With Grace Blake (City Winery), Jake Diamond (Union Stage), Tobi Parks (xBk/DTour/NIVA), and Logan Bush (Social Cinema/Midtopia)

Will Work for Music
With Sharon Tapper (Music Managers Forum), Will Helms (The Joy of Violent Movement), Jim Weatherson (Left Seat Management)

There’s No Place Like Home to Start your Music Career
With Rev. Moose (Marauder), Jessie Hartke (Midtopia), and more

View full conference schedule at elsewherefest.com

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Friday, June 21:

Wave Outdoor:
Killer Mike
Snow Tha Product
D Smoke
Josue Estrada Presents: Volcan ICT feat: Angelo Tomas, June.MP3, Jai37, F.Y.I, Marrice Anthony, Shvkxir, Rail G, James Porter Jr, Jet Lattimore, Shocker Sound Machine

Wave Indoor:
Rudy Love & The Encore
Marcey Yates
Soothsayerz
Paris Jane

WherElse:
Steve Aoki
TOKiMONSTA
NOTD
Massane
Goaty the Kid

Norton’s:
A Place To Bury Strangers
Jesus Christ Taxi Driver
Kiss The Tiger
Yae

The Phoenix:
Zach Crow

Barleycorn’s:
Mambo Sauce
TF Bundy
Vehicles
Flake
Unknown Venus
The Macks
Breeding Brainbow
Mx Vx Railroad industry
Phantom Black
Los Narwhals

Naftzger Park (Free):
Blu DeTiger
Sunflower Bean
The Motet
French Cassettes
DJ Carbon
 

Saturday, June 22:

Wave Outdoor:
Vince Staples
BADBADNOTGOOD
Sudan Archives
The Encore with: XC, Miss V, Chris Barnett, Sir Charles, Cash Hollister

Wave Indoor:
Josue Estrada Band
Mambo Sauce
Keo & Them
The Whips

WherElse:
Lane 8
Sultan + Shepard (DJ Set)
Le Youth
QRTR

Norton’s:
Oh He Dead
Jigsaw Youth
Curl
Delirium

Barleycorn’s:
Chew
Glass Age
Gildahouse
Horse Bitch
Buddy Crimes
JACK
The Travel Guide
Milkwave
Apathy Unit

Naftzger Park (Free Stage):
PUP
Thick
King Youngblood
Social Cinema
Ferris Wheel Regulars
DJ Carbon