Today we’d like to introduce you to Russ Hill.
Hi Russ, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I want to talk about Lavender Studios. Lavender Studios is Kansas City’s favorite DIY Art and Music Living Room.
Lavender was built from the idea that when we feel safe and connected we can be creative, vulnerable and expressive.
I took that idea and decided to explore it more. I knew that I loved live music, custom artwork, connecting with my community and sharing meals with friends! So I wanted to put those things together into one colorful venue. The only problem was, I didn’t have any money and I don’t know how to run a venue. So I got started on getting a degree from YouTube University on how to run a business, how to run live sound (especially in smaller spaces) and how to host artist talks and open houses.
A year later, I opened my home up to a weekly artist talk called Perspectives. I bring in a visual artist or creator and a musical guest. They each present/ perform for about an hour and then we have a snack potluck and have a honest conversation about art, being an artist, making money, recovering from our traumas, creating a community of people who like you just the way you are and a whole lot more.
I also host touring bands from across the country who are out on the road and need a place to perform in-between venues.
We opened our doors in January of ’25 and haven’t looked back. This year we were nominated for two Best of KC, Pitch Awards for our studio and our podcast!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hosting people in your home isn’t the easiest thing to pull off that’s for sure. Limited parking, inclement weather, postponements and funding are similar struggles for many businesses but it adds an extra level of pressure when we don’t have other avenues to fall back on. But we march forward and continue to strive to be a safe space for all willing to make the journey to my little yellow house on the corner.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have a regular blue-collar day job that pays the bills but my passion is live music and art. On the weekends, I work at a non-profit community art center running their performing arts stage doing sound, lighting, booking, and promotions.
Because of that opportunity, I’ve met so many amazing artists and created so many meaningful relationships. Working in that space has literally changed the trajectory of my life.
People know me for providing exceptional sound quality and adding my personal touch to live music and theatrical shows.
One compliment that I’ve received many times is that I provide the best sounding venue in town. I won’t disagree 🙂
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
As someone who is undereducated, underemployed and underwhelmed with capitalism in general; I look to leaders in my field to help guide me along the way. Mixer Christian, Drew Bashler, BeligerentCrow Works, West iNd Connection, Amity Bryson, Midwest Feminist Art Collective, Heath Church, and of course Englewood Arts. But there are so many more people that give insight, advice, and that little nudge that we all need to take that leap of faith and start out a journey to find ourselves and our community, but these people will definitely get you started! If you don’t have a community of artists at your disposal then you definitely need to come to one of our sessions and get involved!
Pricing:
- All of our artist talks are free to the public
- All of our artist talks are all ages events
- All of our artist talks are provided by generous donations from the local KC community and our Patreon members.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lavenderstudioskc.com
- Instagram: @lavenderstudioskc
- Facebook: @lavenderstudioskc
- Youtube: @lavenderstudioskc
- Other: https://linktr.ee/lavenderstudioskc
