double the beard ///∆\\\ double the weird

MK Ultra (est. 2021) is a unique collaboration of Ben Miller (Ben Miller Band) and Pat Kay (The Kay Brothers) born out of the great pandemic. You see…here’s what happens when two fellas like this spend too much time in their shops and start playing “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.” Miller & Kay, both renowned torchbearers for Ozark mountain music tradition heretofore, have basically built themselves some kind of jangle-stomp-time machine.  And in it, together, have embarked on a journey exploring hillbilly music from a distant future.  Banjos meet Synthesizers... Dulcimers meet Wobble... Strange flashing lights… Unexplained phenomena… These industrious builders of cobbled homemade instruments showcase some of their most bizarre implements & soundscapes. The future of the past is here, and it’s only weird the first time.

1.6 ------- COLUMBIA, MO ------------------ The Blue Note

1.7 ------- KANSAS CITY, MO  Knuckleheads {SOLD OUT}

1.20 ----- MADISON, WI ---------------- High Noon Saloon

1.21 ------ PEORIA, IL -------------------- Kenny's Westside

2.3 ------ TULSA, OK ---------------------- Thelma's Peach

2.4 ------ EUREKA SPRINGS, AR----------------- Chelsea's

2.5 ------ FAYETTEVILLE, AR----------- George's Majestic

2.17 ----- TAHLEQUAH, OK ----------------------- Dewain's

2.18 ----- JOPLIN, MO --------------------------- Blackthorn

3.4 ------ ST. LOUIS, MO --------------------- Central Stage

3.23 ------JOPLIN, MO -------------- Coda House Concerts

3.25 ----- KNOB NOSTER ----- Guilty Monkey Tattoo Fest

3.31 ------ SPRINGFIELD, MO ----------- Outland Ballroom

4.1 ------- ST. LOUIS, MO ----------- Broadway Oyster Bar

4.12 ----- URBANA, IL -------------------- The Canopy Club

4.20 ----- COLUMBIA, MO - 420 Fest at Cooper's Landing

4.21 ----- ROCK FALLS, IL ----------------------- The Cooler

4.22 ----- GREEN BAY, WI --- Ladies of Bluegrass Festival

5.12 ----- TULSA, OK ---------------------- Mercury Lounge

5.13 ----- KANSAS CITY, MO ------------------------ MiniBar

5.26 ---- CHILLICOTHE, IL - Summer Camp Music Festival

6.02 ----- WATERLOO, IL ------- Back Alley Grass Festival

6.03 ----- BOONE COUNTY, MO ------- Private Barn Party

 6.10 ----- JADWIN, MO ----- The Campout Music Festival 

6.23 ----- MURPHYSBORO, IL - Weekend at the Cave Fest

7.1 ------- HARTVILLE, MO --------------------- CANCELLED

7.6 ------ ST. CLAIR, MO -------- Pickin' On Picknic Festival

7.7 ------ CHICAGO, IL ------------------- Mackey's Hideout

7.8 ------ ROCKFORD, IL ----------------------- Casey's Pub

7.21 ------ BENTONVILLE, AR ----------------- Railyard Live

8.5 ------ CURLEW, WA -------- Kettle River Music Festival

8.11 ------ STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO -- The Press (night 1)

8.12 ------ STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO - The Press (night 2)

8.13 ------ LAPORTE, CO ---------------------- Swing Station

8.25 ----- JOPLIN, MO --------------------------- Blackthorn

8.26 ----- BENTONVILLE, AR ----------------------- The Hub

8.26 ----- SPRINGFIELD, MO-------------------- CANCELLED

9.1 ------- CHICAGO, IL ---------------------------- Shoe Fest

9.2 ------ MADISON, WI ----------------- High Noon Saloon

9.3 ------ NEWMAN, IL ------------------ Private Barn Party

9.22 ----- STEELVILLE, MO -------------- MO Roots Festival

9.23 ----- MEXICO, MO ------------------ Adventurepalooza

9.29 ----- ROCHEPORT, MO - Biscuits Beats & Brews Fest

9.30 ----- JASPER, AR ----------------- Horseshoe Hell Fest

10.6 ----- EUREKA SPRINGS, AR --- Secret Set at Hillberry

10.7 ----- EUREKA SPRINGS, AR --- Secret Set at Hillberry

10.14 ----- MACON, MO ----------- Rusty Woodville Festival

10.20 ---- HUNTSVILLE, AR ------ Super Secret Barn Party

10.21 ----- EUREKA SPRINGS, AR -------------- VANARCHY! 

10.27 ---- COLUMBIA, MO ------------------ Rose Music Hall

10.28 ---- MONTGOMERY CITY, MO ---- Secret Barn Party

11.3 ------ OZARK, AR ------------- VanKamp Fest @ Byrds

11.4 ------ OSAWATOMIE, KS ------------ Secret Barn Party

11.10 ----- CHICAGO, IL ------------------- Mackey's Hideout

11.11 ------ PEORIA, IL ---------------- Kenny's Westside Pub