Kansas 250 Bookshelf - Author Conversation

State Library Of Kansas 

Step into Kansas music history through two powerful, story-driven books. Patrick O’Connor’s "Wichita Blues" brings the sound and soul of Wichita to life, revealing how music shaped the city through the voices of African American musicians and the rich history of Black communities in early Kansas. Celebrate the spirit of community with Seth Bate’s "Winfield’s Walnut Valley Festival," a vibrant look at the festival’s beginnings, unforgettable moments, and the small town that grew into a renowned gathering place for music lovers.

Patrick O'Connor is a native of Kansas, a blues pianist with a Master's in communications and had a keen interest in people's stories. In 1989 Seth Bate fell in love with a farm girl and a festival in Kansas, then never left. He holds a Master's degree in community and local history.

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