Thanks from the Rundstrom Family
by the curtain (computer geek of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA)
{04.14.07}
Recently we got a thank you card from the Rundstroms for the memorial flowers. I scanned it in and here it is.- A Moment of Silence -
The Wichita Eagle Guest Book for Richard 'Kirk' Rundstrom
lawrence.com
the chicagoist.com
the Kansas City Star
---------------
R.I.P. Kirk Rundstrom
by the curtain (computer geek of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA)
{02.24.07}
Kirk Rundstrom brought the vast majority of us together. Either directly or in a roundabout way Stage7, the Greater Konza Swamp Association and all the people who are a part of that extended family have been touched by Kirk. His music and lyrics, his friendliness and sense of humor, his energy and his passion, his power and gentleness have impacted everyone that came in contact with him. The outpouring of love, grief and sharing are evidence of how much Kirk meant to people. Go to The Wichita Eagle Guest Book for Richard 'Kirk' Rundstrom or do a google search for Kirk and note how different the stories are and in how many ways this incredible person impacted people. Kirk lived life and told us all about it in his music. He gave everything to his performances and his fans. He inspired so many bands, musicians, and people and brought together great groups of friends through the GKSA, Stage7 and the Walnut Valley Festival.hey - a holiday update from KSP
by Senor KonzaswamPete (president and ceo of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA)
{11.16.06}
Here is an update on the Kirk Rundstrom Fund benefits that Stage 7 is producing throughout Kansas in December. These are DJ sets where our fearless leader, konzaswampete, will play the best recordings of Stage 7 2002-2006. There will be pickers in between sets at some of these benefits, so it will be just like Winfield!a post festival rant from our very own boy of October - Konzaswampete
by Senor KonzaswamPete (president and ceo of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA)
{10.03.06}
Looks like lawrence.com has some great photos from our beloved stage 7 (warning-these are big photos!) Here is a highlight - KSP calls it 'my American Idol' - this is the small version of this image. the full sized version can be found in the group of photos linked above.a celebratory post-2006 WVFest Rant
by Senor KonzaswamPete (president and ceo of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA)
{09.28.06}
Ciao-dee Computer Campers.The final pre-2006 WVFest Rant by our beloved and glorious leader
by Senor KonzaswamPete (president and ceo of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA)
{09.08.06}
Ladies and Chad,Pre Spring Rant
by Senor KonzaswamPete (president and ceo of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA)
{3.11.06}
Well Hello again computer campers. Been a long stretch since last we rant. What's going on in the world of Stage 7 you ask? Well I'll tell ya. We at the Northern States GKSA Headquarters in Wicker Park, Chicago, America are reeling over a few things. First the diagnosis of Stage 7 friend Kirk Rundstrom, next the marriage of a former Little Apple Brewery Manager and GKSA friend, Eric "Hambone" Burris, and finally the fire bombing of the official garage of the GKSA Northern States Headquarters. The front facade torched early this morning at 3am causing damage to the garage, but no damage to the Silver Obile Raveler Jr. It was the SWAMP, BLOODSHOT RECORDS, and ZEBRA JUNCTION stickers combined on the bumper that shielded Jr from the blaze. The Official KSP Pecan Grove Tent and other random supplies stored in the official garage of the GKSA Northern States HQ made it out OK so we can all stop worrying about that. From what I can deduce from the neighbors descriptions of the blast (since I was heavily sleeping the official GKSA Northern States HQ sleep of champions), a automobile was left in front of the official garage of the GKSA Northern States HQ and someone torched it - most likely molotov coctail style on the rib tips.the rant
by Senor KonzaswamPete (president and ceo of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA)
{delivered on 10.01.05 - posted 10.21.05}
To all who were at Stage 7 this year at one point or another, I salute you. Thanks for another banner year. It was filled with rain, sun, heat, mosquitos, chiggers, and quite a few smiles. It's good to know that amidst all the woes throughout the world presently, we were able to slow down a bit and feel the pace of Winfield once again - regenerate the soul, perhaps.On the cusp of another year
by Senor KonzaswamPete (president and ceo of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA)
{posted 08.26.05}
Good morrow Computer Campers,
I Rant, I'm going to WINFIELD!!! by Senor KonzaswamPete (president and ceo of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA) {posted 07.06.05}
Hope all is well in your neck o' da virtual Pecan. I have been told that the WVFest is changing the name of the P-Grove to just Grove. I guess the P was getting in the way - whatever that means. Maybe we should ask Ditty (artist formerly known as P-ditty, formerly known as Puff Daddy, formerly known as Sean Puffy Combs, formerly known as a good recording artist). Anywho, As the fingers type this message of luve and respek, there are only a few weeks left until the Festival begins. What festival you ask? If you don't know, then get off this website!!
The plans have been set - Stage 7 will once again rise from the murky underworld of the Grove and entertain the folky masses - rumor has it that the stage has been working out regularly and is bigger and better than ever! (without steroids even! take that MLB and Lance Armstrong!!). Poppa Pete will be arriving to claim our campground on Landrush day, Sept. 8, 2005. The mighty KSP (that be me) will arrive the following day as well as a few others. So there will be plenty of GKSA members to help keep the riff-raff from spoiling our site and our good times. The Reverend will also be there early to christen the site with a prayer and a "yeeehaw!". And in true Altamont fashion, we have taken the liberty to hire the Jolly Rogers camp as our Security this year. Tweekers beware!
If you received the email concerning pre-order T-shirts for this year, then consider yourself among the cool clique. If not, then you need to do some buttering-up this festival season. I like Miller High-Life and carrot sticks (hint, hint). There will be official Stage 7 '05 T-shirts for the masses this year as well. Of course, like all good things, you need to know who to ask once you get your ars to the Grove.
We GKSA members are excited as Michael Jackson at a Pre-School Field Day for the upcoming year's festivities. 2005 is Stage 7's seventh year and we plan on making it a good one. I'm sure the usual suspects will be back to entertain (Jeff & Vida, Truckstop Honeymoon, the Black Ale Sinners, Kasey Rausch, Drakkar Sauna and of course the KonzaSwamp Band) and each year new people arrive that surprise and delight with their musical prowress. So come on by the Grove's sout side during the Walnut Valley Festival and sign yourself up for a slot or just slip by for some good tunes, good times, and great company. See you all in a few short weeks.
GKSA out.
Now to the binezz at hand. WINFIELD '05!!! We will be erecting 4x4's, 2x6's, 2x4's, and stretching plywood over it all yet again. This will be Stage 7's Seventh year. Can you believe that? If you need a refresher on how it all began, go to the History of Stage 7 on this here website and read all about it. It's hard to believe we've been at this for an entire High School Career (or at least mine). Yep, Seven is definitely the magic number this year. As it is, dare I say, every year in the Pecan Grove. The great Patriarch, Poppa Pete will once again stake the claim for our spot on Landrush Thursday and I will be following right behind this year. So look for our smiling faces. Talks with the WVFest HQ concerning our spot never got past the initial inquiry from us, so.....we will pay for our space again, willingly, and with a smile. Them's the rules and we shall abide. So, if you plan to camp at ol' Stage 7, we will be taking a small collection ($5-$10 a person) to pay for the spot. We will buy 4-6 stakes as we arrive and hopefully not get harrassed over it. If you want to contribute beforehand, that'd be great. Email me at the address stated earlier and I will give you directions on doing so. If you know someone coming early (or earlier than you), give them your contribution and possibly your camping gear and we'll get you a spot in our forest of thieves.
Where have all the good times gone? by Senor KonzaswamPete (president and ceo of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA) {posted 04.02.05}
Once again there will be Stage 7 shirts this year. The glad hands at Hand Graphyk will be letting me know their procedure on pre-ordering and I will have goodle Curtain post it righ'cheer. So be on the look out.
Get mentally prepared and grab some wood screws, cause we're gonna blow the doors off the Pecan Grove in September. BE THERE!!!
GKSAout.....end transmission
Good Morrow to you all Computer Campers. And a Happy whatever-you-believe-in. Now that that's out of the way, let's get down to binezz. All stated below is true and is not in fact a hoax of any kind. Do not let the date fool you.
A lot has happened since the last Rant. Winfield memories were suckled, real-world related events numbed the mind and kept the heartbeat racing, Idiots gained capital, Musicians were interviewed, Capitols gained more Idiots, War rages on, we found out what the meaning of "live" Live meant, babies have arrived, and…what!?! It's the end of the year already? So it wasn't a heart attack?! What do you mean more snow!? Who killed the judge(s family)? Billie Jean is not my neighbor's kid…Federer finally lost a Grand Slam tournament…What do you mean more cold, it's officially SPRING?!….The fighting Illini…whatyatalk? the Pope will be around forever.. Whew! So much to cram in 6 months, but it all happened. Or was it a terrible hallucination and I'm still in the Pecan Grove and I'll wake up and it will only be Thursday and two more days to go and……*&^%&^&!!!$#%&*!(denotes colorful string of expletives)
So now we must give thanks (oh dern, that was back in November) or raise a toast to Winfield '04 once again. Old lang blah and all that (double dern that was January). We here at Stage 7 Enterprises, LLC, incorporated, government rated for extra goodness (our official business name, of course) or Stage 7 for short, have devised yet another series of CDs that will take you back to the big W of '04 last. And even earlier! The Live on Stage 7 - 2004 series and compilations will be unleashed upon your very…cd tray. Volume One is complete. Volume Two is almost done. Somewhere on this very website will soon be a list of the fine field recordings we here at Stage 7 hath collected (as of this typing the location of said list has not been decided ). If'n you fancy yoself a copy simply email the fine folks of Stage 7 Enterprises, LLC, incorporated, government rated for extra goodness at konzaswampete@stage7winfield.com and type a street address to send the bad biscuits to. Please be kind in remembering that we are a teeny-tiny division of a major global corporation, so patience on delivery is always appreciated - there are so few hands and so many good tunes. Twould be nice to provide for shipping back (a whopping 3$) but is not mandatory. What is mandatory is this: listen to the music that the people of Pecan Grove Propah let loose on our plywood. Must be done.
And on a completely different note, Mike West has a lot to talk about. So do Jeff and Vida. The Wilders are freeeeakin' Crazy! Goto the link and find these wonderful interviews from a few of our favorite Stage 7 musical acquaintances. See what they have to say in response to the questions that you and other fine GKSA members had to ask. Do it, do it.
Audio bits of delectability should be available shortly. The great curtain assured me in our annual trans-global conference lovingly hosted in the Windy City that mp3's posted on our website should be available soon. He is a man of many talents, so please give him your undying appreciation the next time you see or hear from him. He deserves it. He works hard for the money, you best bet treat him right chil'.
With that I will crawl back into my hibernation station and only come out when my shadow reaches the egg nog stains from '02 or my medication runs out. Toodles. Oh, wait…. It's the two weeks of spring here in Chicago, so that means!!!! WINFIELD IS LESS THAN HALF A YEAR AWAY!!!!!!!
Let the countdown begin. Hibernation over. End transmission.
Howdy Hi computer campers...
by Senor KonzaswamPete (president and ceo of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA)
{posted 10.14.04}
It's October again and time to wonder how long 11 months really takes. In years past it was a bleak time. For instance, I would usually get all caught up in work, but still have a small bit of winfield thru memories, pictures, and the mini-discs. By the time Christmas rolled around (less than 80 days away I might add....yikes) I would be completely involved in other "real world" things. Boohoo. But this year is different. How? you ask. Cause we gots da website and what's turning out to be a kick ars Message Board (to be hereafter refered to as MB) that has even Schmidty back in the current swing of things. It's like winfield all year long! CYBER STELLLLAAAAA! (it just takes longer to get an email reply from this yelp)
News and updates {posted 10.12.04}
If you haven't checked out the MB, there are some great Topics. There's the General Discussion dealing mostly with random Winfield minutia (like that one Boor?) and Stage 7 goodness. There is also the Upcoming Music Events where you can find out about possible shows near you, or post one that you know of. Then there is the fledgling idea of a Definitions/Encyclopedia topic that will eventually become a full formed page once we have enough input on what Winfield and/or Stage 7 Definitions or Encycolpedic Material we can all come up with. Check it out to get a better idea. It's fun (but not too fun) and creative (but not too creative, c'mon it's an election year - you can't be going around speaking your true feelings knowing that the whole nation might judge you upon them, geece. Remember, vote Quimby).
And finally we will be posting a topic that will probably also become a separate entity : the Stage 7 interview Heaven. It's being sparked by the likes of our first official Stage 7 Productions interviewer Steve (aka the Instigator, Quarterback, Schmidty, GKSA Glue, Eli's dad) "Scoop" Schmidt. He has arranged to interview Mike West and Katie Euliss (affectionately known as Truckstop Honeymoon to us in the know) in Lafayette, LA right before their upcoming show on October 28th-ish. He is asking everyone to post questions on the MB for him to ask Mike and Katie. Hopefully this will catch on. For instance, if you are going to attend a show of a Winfield performer (outside of Winfield...gasp!...I know, but it does happen), then by all means see if they would be up for an interview beforehand and either get questions from everyone thru the MB or submit an interview you might have moderated. It would be best if the interview was recorded and then we could post it on the site for all to listen. But if not, we'll take whatever format you can dish up. Look for the Truckstop Honeymoon Question topic on the MB.
Derned if this isn't going from a rant to a manifesto....And Lastly (comes after finally in my book) Schmidty has written a beautiful recollection of the history of the GKSA from a worm's-eye-view. Look for it soon under the 'History of the GKSA' page. It truly shows why he is the glue that kept all things GKSA and Stage 7 from falling apart before it began. Here's to Instigation; The Q.B.; Eli's dad; and the best claw-hammer picker to come out of any sugar cane plantation.
Post script: Keep the '04 pictures comin'. Email to curtain@stage7winfield.com (and give him a big hee-hawr saaaalute while you're at it). And we hope to have soundbytes from past years' performances up soon.
that is all
well, it is all over
by curtain
{posted 09.20.04}
it was a fine event again this year and lots of fun was had by all. send me your pictures, your rants, your ideas, your contact information so you can get emails from konzaswamPete about really important and interesting stuff
Good people of Stage 7...
by Senor KonzaswamPete (president and ceo of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA)
{posted 09.13.04}
I come to implore you this last request before succumbing to the sweet abyss that is another Winfield. But first some history.... state of Stage 7 on Sat. the 11th by curtain {posted 09.12.04}
PART ONE: On Saturday, September 11th, 2004 security in the Pecan Grove began to get more strict on the existing rules of camping. Poppa Pete
claimed the land for Stage 7 on Land Rush day - but only paid camping
fees for himself. WVSecurity has been enforcing the security laws for
anyone who sets up camp and ropes off more area than is deemed necessary
for one person's camp, that person will pay for the amount of space they
are roping off, or give up the land. Rightfully so. The rules clearly
state this and it shall be. So Poppa Pete has legally purchased
'stakes' for the area of the stage and audience for roughly $240
american dollars. It has been decided that we will have to raise the
money to cover these expenses. Each night of Stage 7 occupancy, we will
be giving away recordings from 2003 and perhaps some other prizes to a
raffle of audience members that donate money (preferably one or two
american dollars) to help support the continuous wellbeing of Stage 7.
We only wish to cover the expense of 'staking' off the stage and
audience area. Once the $240 is met, we will discontinue taking
donations. If the entire amount is not met, then I will cover the
remaining amount to repay Poppa Pete for his dutiful services.
PART TWO: Poppa Pete and the GKSA have been trying to become
"recognized" as a stage for the Pecan Grove similar to that of Stage 5
for the past couple of years. Because of WVSecurity enforcing the
camping fees regulations, it has sparked dialogue with the WVFest
powers-that-be that will hopefully be putting Stage 7 on the path of
recognition. Which I believe to be a great thing. We will attempt to
be able to set roots in a particular spot and pay the appropriate fee or
do whatever arrangements that are necessary to accomplish a permanent
home for Stage 7. We have been told that after this festival, we will
be able to begin corporate negotiations with the Senior Officials of the
WVFest - starting in February (when planning for the following festival
begins). Poppa Pete has made it clear to the WVFest that we will
cooperate and abide by the regulations set forth by the powers-that-be
and want nothing more than to have a great and lasting relationship, as
well as set up the stage and let the pickers from the depths of the
campsites entertain us all from hereafter. If you are going to be
visiting our little stage of love this third weekend of September,
please take the time to thank Poppa Pete for all his hard work of
claiming the land, setting up the stage and beginning the negotiation
process this past week.
Now let's go out there and have a great Winfield 2004!
Ready.....BREAK!
Got to winfield on friday, sept. 10th this year to get our camp claimed. took these pictures to give everyone an idea of the location. Poppa Peterson has planted the flag and claimed the area of Stage 7 for the glory and honor of the crown. There is a series of pictures that are a panarama standing on the road in front of the stage as well as some other shots.
take a look at the pictures here..
updates are coming fast as time grows short by curtain {posted 09.02.04}
the Otto Ranch has sent some really excellent photos from 2001-2002. Click here to see the pix!.
yet another amazing update by curtain (computer geek of Stage 7 enterprises) {posted 09.02.04}
check it- 2 cool updates by curtain (computer geek of Stage 7 enterprises) {posted 09.01.04}
The amazing konzaswamPete has uncovered hereto unknown images of the new Splitlip Rayfield album due out next month. Check out the sneak pics here, here and here.
howdy my winfield how i luv u by Senor KonzaswamPete (president and ceo of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA) {posted 08.30.04}
i added new pictures to 'the konzaswamPete collection' from our leader himself. give em a look-see in the images section. i also added a new video clip that i pulled from a Family Guy dvd. A little cartoon bluegrass comedy for ya. check it out
please send any pictures, rants, music, ideas or anything else that grabs your fancy to me and i will put it up on the website. it's you chance to be famous... internet famous!
and hey, remember kids, you can use the 'your 2 cents' section above to make travel & campin' plans with all your swampy friends, leave wacky comments, or hassle people anonymously... internet anonymously!
Howdy all!!!!!
Roughly two m'f'n weeks and we all be in da Pecan, chillin', swillin', and fillin' our ears wit da sweet ole sounds of the acoustic underground. Can you dig it? I am constantly closing my eyes and daydreaming of the smell of the campfires, the crisp morning dew, the call for "ICE".
Nuttin new to report cept that I'm ready right now! It's been cooling down here already and it's makin me itchy for one last summer week. Specially after watching the Olympics and wondering if NYC will turn into Chicago '68 this week. I need a week off!
Everyone look for Bev at our usual spot and the Obile Raveler trailer of doom. It should be another great year. Hope everyone is ready!
Oh.... there is a message board on the stage 7 website labed "Your 2 cents!", so look for it and type away. May be the easiest way for all to communicate during these next couple weeks til sweet release! peace on you all
It's my rant and I can if I want to
by Senor KonzaswamPete (president and ceo of Stage 7 enterprises - member GKSA)
{posted 08.04.04}
It's that time of year again. I'm getting that funny feeling down in the boiler. Soon enough we's bein n da Pecan (grove that is) hearing the far-off cries of "Stella!" and doing the late night street jam stumble.
This year we are having a new rule at Stage 7. NO ACOUSTIC MUSIC ALLOWED! Only House Music and Fashion shows from Milan. We'll have electricity and bright lights with thumping bass and skinny stupor models. And if you fall for that crap then there is a position in Bush's Cabinet waiting for you! It's called 'Head of the National Dumbass Committee on Duping the Nation'….oh wait, that position is already taken. Anywho…it is an election year, but I'll save my thoughts on that for the stage J. But, no matter what you think of our fearful leader, please support the troops that are doing his dirty work. And let's hope they come home soon….and alive.
On a lighter note, has anyone seen mine? I lost it last year at Winfield. It has 'bic' written on the side. No? Oh well. Since I quit smoking, I doubt I'll need it. I'll stop being a wise-acre and get to the point.
This year is Stage 7's 6th year entertaining the masses of Pecan Grove. Someone told me last year that it's the "People's Stage". People's Stage my ars!! The sole purpose of the stage is for my entertainment alone. That's right, I said it. So my portly body don't have to trek all the way to the festival grounds. The music comes to me! And who wouldn't want that? But seriously, if y'all want to think it's the Peeps Stage then that's fine. I can see that, actually. It's old time entertainment the way it used to be. Just performer and audience. No amps, no backing tracks, no nuthin. Just human natural talent….Fingers, feet, vocal chords and smiles. That's what Stage 7 is really all about. And this year will be no different. So if you are coming to Winfield and attending the festival, then head on down to the Pecan. Down by the Walnut River. It's like the festival's back porch. And y'all are welcome….anytime.
I would like to thank curtain for all his hard work making this website super keen. Raise that PBR one time…two times…three times…(oh, who are we kidding. Chug that mutha-hunka!)
So What is This About?
by curtain (computer geek of Stage 7 enterprises)
{posted 08.01.04}
Today, we must clear the mind of past practices and begin a winfield state of mind. enlightenment can be achieved thanks to the tireless efforts of many fine folk, music, camping and fun.
The greater konza swamp association invites you to relax and meditate on the important lessons of the masters. Begin to see with clarity. Learn to use the (yet to be) time-honored techniques in new and invigorating fashion. Become one with the swamp.
stage 7 aims to excite, inspire, and encourage participation. join us for some pickin, some grinnin, some drinkin, some eatin and a whole lot of fun...and you just might learn something before its done.
