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In between all that holiday shopping, there’s still time to work in some live music, before the winter slowdown kicks in and weather worsens.
There’s still national acts touring, many holiday-themed shows, and a good amount of local tribute shows as well out there. 2023 concert tix can always make for a fine gift as well!
Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City metro December 12th-18th.
(Several artists are still requiring precautions for entry, so check with the venue and/or assume vaccination proof, might still be required)
MONDAY DEC 12
CONTINUING: Kansas City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker December 7-24, Kauffman Center, $64.50-$258.50
An annual holiday tradition! The classic, Victorian-era story by E.T.A. Hoffman features Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier and the Sugar Plum Fairy and is a magical theatrical experience wrapped with memorable costumes, grand sets, and captivating choreography. Thru Xmas Eve.
TUESDAY DEC 13
Rainbow Kitten Surprise w Twen, The Midland, $39.50-$69.50
The NC alternative indie rock band has quietly built an audience with Seven + Mary [2013] and RKS [2015] before serving up their 2018 full-length debut for Elektra. Three consecutive gigs were chronicled on last year’s Live From Athens Georgia, and the group released “Work Out” this summer, the lead single from an upcoming full length.
On tour, they’ve partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold will go to local food banks working to fight hunger and food insecurity in their communities.
Chely Wright, Dec 13, Jayhawk Theater- Topeka, $100
The Wellsville, KS native is returning to her home state to support local youth. Longtime Country star Chely Wright will perform at a benefit for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka. The performance will headline the organization’s Youth of the Year recognition.
The event begins with a 6 p.m. cocktail hour, followed by the concert and program at 7 p.m. It will be held at the Historic Jayhawk Theatre, where we caught Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters rocking last year.
WEDNESDAY DEC 14
THURSDAY DEC 15
Kody West, Dec 15, Knuckleheads,$12
A year after his first EP Higher Ground, the Denton TX alt-country artist released his debut album Green in April of 2017 and found themselves quickly gaining a large following of loyal fans. Sophomore record Overgrown that was recorded in West’s hometown and live, they even been working in an Incubus cover.
FRIDAY DEC 16
David Koechner, Dec 16-17, Improv KC, $30/$32
The longtime comedian has local roots, so expect a good turnout for his multi-show run, which even includes a matinee Office Trivia session. Despite some recent legal troubles, the actor/funnyman (known for his Todd Packer role in The Office, the Anchorman movies, and more), he remains popular.
SATURDAY DEC 17
Kelly Hunt, The Folly, $25
The Kansas City / Lawrence – based Blues/Roots/Americana singer songwriter keyboardist guitarist Kelley Hunt had been thinking about a holiday album for awhile. Winter Soulstice is ten tracks dripping with soul, gospel vocals, KC-horns-with-an-attitude, and holiday fun.
This album release concert features an expanded ensemble on stage with copies of the new album available at the show.
Martina McBride, The Midland, $49.50-$99.50
The KS-born Country music icon celebrates the season on her 12th annual The Joy of Christmas Tour. “This is the 12th year of doing the Joy Of Christmas Tour and I truly believe our 2022 version of the show is the best yet,” says McBride. “It is truly a night for the whole family to celebrate all the joyful things about the holiday season. We look forward to it every year and are honored that our show has become a tradition for us and the fans. We cannot wait to take it back on the road!”
Katy Guillen and The Drive, The Bottleneck-Lawrence, $15
KC’s own Katy Guillen & The Drive is founded on the creative spark and chemistry between Katy Guillen and Stephanie Williams, with Guillen on guitar / vocals and Williams on drums. After collaborating together in former band Katy Guillen & The Girls, the pair forged ahead in crafting a new catalog. Into this next chapter, they push ahead with a melodic, heavy, and soulful sound while maintaining their rock ‘n' roll / blues roots on the new album called Another One Gained.
Support is from The Black Mariah Theater who we caught live back in February in Lawrence. a duo comprised of twin sisters Analiese and Sophia Motta, who describe their jazzy sound as “sparkly witch-rock”.The pair released a four-song covers EP last year, and their newest single is “Broken Bone”, released in October. Official afterparty is at Henry's Upstairs following the show!
SUNDAY DEC 18
Ramirez w/ Germ, Haarper, Bottleneck- Lawrence, SOLD OUT
The rising Hispanic rapper from San Francisco is out on his The Tragedy of a Clown Tour.
Stylized as RVMIRXZ), he’s a rapper on record label Grey 59 with Ruby da Cherry and $crim drawing influences from UGK, Outkast, DJ Screw, KeKe, and Andre Nickatina. Just 20 years old, he gained underground fame from making two collaboration mixtapes with the $uicideboy$.
| john c ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com |
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