The Knobtown Skiffle Band played old-fashioned tunes during the concert series at the KC Museum

Photo courtesy of Kansas City Museum

Emily Wheeler
Editorial Assistant

The Knobtown Skiffle Band brought their unique blend of old-fashioned tunes to the stage on July 12. Their concert was the second in the Kansas City Museum’s summer concert series on the East Lawn.

The Knobtown Skiffle Band has become a staple of the Kansas City music scene. This year marks their debut at the concert series. Chris Azevedo, the band’s lead singer and guitarist, banjo and kazoo player, describes their music in three words: “Old-timey, blues and ragtime.” The trio also includes Isaac Neal on washboard and Jennifer Miller on upright bass.

Formed 13 years ago, the band initially focused on covers of songs from the 1920s and 1930s. Over time, it has incorporated a significant amount of original material into its performances. “About 70% of our set is original music,” Azevedo said.

The band is currently working on adding new songs to their repertoire. Azevedo explains: “When you write songs, you produce a lot, but then you only find a few that are good enough to perform.”

Azevedo, who writes most of the group’s music, said he has no problem writing in the style of 1920s-1930s ragtime. “For me, it’s not hard. I grew up with old stuff; it comes naturally. Sometimes I forget that not everyone is familiar with the terminology we use in our songs.”

The history, culture and people of Kansas City have had a significant influence on the band’s sound. “Jazz and blues musicians who moved to Kansas City in the ’20s and ’30s created a very active music scene,” Azevedo said. “When I need inspiration, I look to Kansas City. When I need a street name, I use local street names like Vine Street.”

Maintaining a passion for music and performing hasn’t always been easy. “Keeping a band together is hard,” Azevedo admitted. While the band used to play every weekend, they have loosened up their performance schedule. “We’ve found that if we play less, we can enjoy the shows more and avoid burnout,” Azevedo said.

A unique element of the band is the use of kazoos and a washboard. “Not many have the courage to work with a kazoo, but too much kazoo can be harmful,” said Azevedo. The kazoo was patented in the 19th century and is available in hundreds of variations.

“It’s not just any kazoo, it’s one that people have never seen before.” Instead of the plastic kazoo that many people think of, Azevedo’s kazoos are reproductions of antique, wooden versions of the instrument.

The third concert in the series will be held on August 9th with Jump Jive & Swing. The concert begins at 7 p.m. on the East Lawn of the Kansas City Museum (3218 Gladstone Blvd). Tickets are $7 for adults and free for children under 12. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets or lawn chairs. Outside alcohol is not permitted.