Middle of the Map fest kicked off on Wednesday with an array of Kansas City, Lawrence, and touring acts. This year, the festival utilized smaller venues (Westport Saloon) and venues that were new to the event (Californos). Locals ruled the inaugural night, with Jessica Paige wowing audiences with her powerful vocals and Krystle Warren drawing the largest and most enthusiastic crowd.

Photos by Fally Afani and Leroy Pristach.