A rockabilly subculture rumbles in Kansas City, and it hangs its fedora on a radio station, honky-tonk bar, rockin’ retro salon, hot-rodding scene, a slew of bands and an annual celebration called Rockabilly Prom

Knuckleheads Saloon throbs with twangy guitar and the starchy rhythms of 1950s rock ’n’ roll.

Stage left, a devilishly handsome man hoots into an old-timey microphone and slaps the strings of an upright bass. His eyes coast the floor, congested with swirling party dresses, flashy pompadours and ruby puckers.

Those who have stumbled into the rockabilly subculture came for the music and stuck around for the cars, the look and the lifestyle.

Here, at Rockabilly Prom, we find all four.

The music is a convergence of rock and hillbilly, a style that emerged 60 years ago and has thrived in spurts. The Rumblejetts (fronted by the aforementioned bass player) is one of a handful of local testaments to the genre. “Rockabilly Mood Swing,” a weekly KKFI radio program, has enjoyed a healthy following for nine years. Knuckleheads, primarily a blues bar, regularly books national and local rockabilly acts.

Then, there are the cars. Los Punk Rods, a Kansas City-based car club, showcases a sampling of traditional and home-built rods.

Next, the look. Retro fashions abound, as do vintage-inspired tattoos and hair. Chop Tops hair salon in Merriam offers styles and products from the bygone era.

And this night, the prom: An excuse to shimmy into some fishnets, grease the sideburns and do the lindy hop.

Deeper in the bar, saucy pinups court tall cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon. Greasers in skin-hugging denim and bolo ties snarf burgers and crinkle-cut fries.

Beyond a choke of cigarette smoke and the hopeful musk of date night, a half-dozen vintage hot rods are congregated like a picket line, rallying for the carefree attitude of a much simpler and safer time.

Part 1: The Look - Getting ready for the prom at Chop Tops

Part 2: The Cars - Hot rods vs. rat rods, plus this Saturday's car show

Part 3: The Music - Local rockabilly music and radio

Chop Tops' Quiz: How rockabilly are you?

Fun article! It was great that you all could come out the Chop Tops and to Knuckleheads for the Prom. I wanted to mention one aspect of the evening that was missed. The Rockabilly Prom was a benefit this year TLC for Children and Families (www.kidsTLC.org). It's more than swingin' music; this crowd has got big hearts! The Rumblejetts, the Slick Brother, the F-Holes, and Miss Majors all donated thier talents, and Knuckleheads provided the space for the fundraiser. We are so grateful to the KC Rockabilly family for helping build loving homes for families in the metro area. Thanks!!

Posted 10 weeks ago by Wiggles

Great Article and photos! I love the downtown feeling and postive vibe ink is putting out in the KC community. KC Downtown LIVES! I also want to give a shout out to Knuckleheads, Rumblejettes, the Slick Brothers, the F-holes, Miss Majors, and Slammer & Jud for their graphic design prowess- Their generosity helped raise some major $$$ for TLC for Children and Families!

Posted 10 weeks ago by wings