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Read more Kansas City Music Guide.
Oh, feel that Summer hotness!
The days are longer, the humidity is up, and we’ve gotten to one of those weeks, when there’s a multitude of good choices on the same night, so you may have to pick and choose.
Slots are still being filled for shows in Sept and Oct, but also farther ahead to 2025 (i.e. recent Liberty Hall announcements of Godspeed You! Black Emperor in Nov and Myles Kennedy in Feb), which is exciting. Even comedian Martin Lawrence is riding off his current “Bad Boys” fame, by booking the T-Mobile Center next March.
Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from July 15th-21st.
(ticket hyperlinks are embedded in each show's headline)
MONDAY JULY 15
Puppeteers for Fears, July 15, recordBar, $25.49
The Ashland, OR-based theater company specializes in original puppet horror/sci-fi musical comedy. It’s the only all-original, all-local musical theater company between the Bay Area and the Willamette Valley and the company tours nationally with a full cast and a live band.
A rock’n’roll retelling of the H.P. Lovecraft horror classic “The Call of Cthulhu,” performed entirely with singing puppets. In the story, Detective LaGrasse is searching for a murderer. Francine Thurston’s uncle vanished. The only clue to both mysteries is a bizarre statue worshiped by a nightmarish cult. And it’s leading both of them out to sea, toward a mysterious island from their nightmares—and toward insanity.
Shows are R-rated, and not intended for children and we recently saw the production in St. Paul.
Barbie The Movie In Concert, July 15, Starlight, CANCELED
TUESDAY JULY 16
Niall Horan w Del Water Gap July 16, Starlight, SOLD OUT
Ex-One Direction member Niall Horan takes ‘The Show’ on the road with this extensive North American jaunt that kicked off in late May, almost a year after releasing his critically acclaimed third album, The Show (these tix have been on sale about a year as well).
The world tour actually began Feb. 20 in Belfast, Ireland, with a 20-song set that featured songs from all three of his solo albums, there is an acoustic set, maybe one One Direction song, and a clever mashup of “Small Talk” with Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen.”
Feel lucky because the KC show is in one of the smallest venues of the tour, which is composed mostly of larger arenas like the long sold-out shows at NYC’s Madison Square Garden and The Kia Forum near Los Angeles. The Show debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales and also topped the charts in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Holland and Belgium
The Irishman has sold over 80 million records and toured the globe as part of the iconic One Direction. In 2017, he made his full-length solo debut with Flicker, a Platinum-certified and chart-topping album featuring the triple-Platinum single “Slow Hands.” Heartbreak Weather followed in 2020 and topped the U.K.’s Official Albums chart and Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart. He joined NBC’s The Voice” in 2023.
Support act Del Water Gap is the indie pop solo project of Samuel Holden Jaffe, a musician and record producer based in Brooklyn. He rose to prominence following the release of the single "Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat" in 2020. He has subsequently released two studio albums with one of our fave labels, Mom + Pop Music.
Beartooth w Currents, Boundaries, Nevertel, July 16, The Midland, $34.50-$54.50
The post-hardcore outfit is adding 21 more dates to their ‘The Surface Tour’ including a KC stop and, they’ll be taking Currents, Boundaries, and Nevertel along. This second leg of the tour follows a successful first leg, having sold some 78,000 tickets across a little more than 40 shows.
Vocalist Calem Shomo said the band was proud of their live show these days and was excited to continue perfecting it on stage this summer. “We’ve all been working harder than ever to create the best show we’ve ever put on and will stop at nothing to make sure it’s worth every penny and then some. We can’t wait to get back out and rock with all of you!”
WEDNESDAY JULY 17
Train w Yacht Rock Revue, July 17, Starlight, $35-$149.50
Since Train’s self-titled debut, the group has achieved success with eight Top 40 hits, including chart-toppers like “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” and “Hey, Soul Sister.” Their most recent album, “AM Gold,” was released in 2022. 14 songs that have reached the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
The Summer Road Trip Tour (many dates with REO Speedwagon, but the bill is split for KC) will visit 44 cities and will celebrate Train’s album Save Me, San Francisco 15th anniversary all tour long.
Openers Yacht Rock Revue bring their smooth grooves, such as on new singles, “Tropical Illusion” and “Passengers.” The double-single also sets the tone for more original music to come that will serve as the sonic backdrop for sunsets and ocean breezes. Inspired by the golden era of soft rock, the ten-piece band has mastered the art of recreating the laid-back tunes that defined a generation.
As I Lay Dying, July 17, The Truman, $32.50-$65
The San Diego metalcore band is out on a 26-date trek with support on the tour from Chelsea Grin and Entheos.
In a recent interview, vocalist Tim Lambesis spoke about the progress of the mixing sessions for the band's next studio album. The LP will mark their first with its new lineup, featuring Lambesis and longtime guitarist Phil Sgrosso alongside drummer Nick Pierce (ex-UNEARTH), bassist vocalist Ryan Neff (MISS MAY I) and guitarist Ken Susi (UNEARTH).
Asked if the new album is "already done and in the can", considering that the mixing sessions began last fall, Tim said: "So what's interesting about it is the mixing engineer has a few more songs to finish. Not because he's lazy or anything, but because we always end up like adding a layer or a couple of things here last minute. But he's been mixing it since I first said that in November, but then with the holidays and everything, there was a little bit of a break. Long story short, he's still fixing a few things. Pressed about whether the album will definitely be out in 2024, Tim said: "Yeah, it definitely needs to be because [laughs] we have album-release tours booked, so it's definitely gonna be out this year."
The new album will be the follow-up to "Shaped By Fire", which came out in September 2019 via Nuclear Blast.
THURSDAY JULY 18
Killer Queen (tribute) July 18, Uptown, $39-$79+
Killer Queen: A Tribute To Queen, featuring Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, will take the stage with its thrilling, adventurous, and electrifying performance. They have been performing their tribute to Queen’s concert since 1993.
Their expert musicianship, energy, and accurate portrayal of perhaps the world’s greatest live band, have rightfully earned them the title of Queen tribute royalty. Thrilling audiences across the globe, they recreate the high energy phenomenon that was Queen live, and it would be interesting to compare this with the current version who we saw last year in Minnesota.
Bowling for Soup, July 18, The Truman, $30-$60
The goofy pop punk band is hitting the road again, kicking off their latest tour celebrating album, A Hangover You Don’t Deserve in Hays, KS (believe it or not,) hitting KC the following evening. Founded in 1994, Bowling For Soup has carved out a niche with their blend of humor-infused lyrics and upbeat melodies, captivating audiences everywhere.
Known for their infectious energy and hits like “Girl All the Bad Guys Want” and “1985,” the Texas-based band promises an electrifying live experience. The band will be joined by special guests, Keep Flying and Eternal Boy.
Warren Haynes Band, July 18, The Midland, $39.75-$99.75
The Grammy Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitar legend, producer, and Gov’t Mule front man is unveiling a brand-new live show on his Now Is The Time Tour. Expect sets of Haynes’ signature rock/soul blend alongside his new Warren Haynes Band.
For some cities (unfortunately, not the KC gig), The Dreams and Songs Symphonic Experience will be conducted by Rich Daniels of Chicago’s City Lights Orchestra, leading locally sourced orchestras in each market. The show will explore all aspects of Warren’s catalog including music from Gov’t Mule, Allman Brothers Band, The Dead, Jerry Garcia, solo albums, and more, set to never-before heard arrangements.
The band will include his longtime friend and famed keyboardist John Medeski (one-third of the trio Medeski, Martin & Wood), Mule bassist Kevin Scott, and returning member and two-time Grammy winning drummer Terence Higgins.
FRIDAY JULY 19
Lindsey Stirling w Walk Off The Earth, July 19, Starlight, $36-$!40.50
The violinist, dancer, and entertainer is out on her North American Duality 2024 tour, in support of her new album, Duality (out now via Concord Records) and plans are that she will hit 40+ cities. A multi-award-winning musician known for her genre-bending virtuosity on electronic violin, Lindsey has also dazzled audiences with her talents as a dancer—an element she brings to the stage as part of her spectacular live show, selling more than one million tickets along the way.
Openers, the Canadian indie pop band Walk off the Earth have released a recent single, “On The Road” via Golden Carrot Records/The Orchard. The healing song reflects the emotions that come in a shared experience, unfolding a narrative of self-assurance, capturing the essence of human strength and vulnerability. The voices of Gianni Luminati and Sarah Blackwood stand out from the rather simple chord progressions. We always enjoyed seeing them live, but haven’t done so since they lost a band member back in 2018.
YG, July 19, Uptown Theater, $35-$99
The West Coast rapper's 23-date Just Re'd Up Summer 2024 Tour is in support of his just released seventh album, 'Just Re'd Up 3'. “Let me know what songs y’all wanna hear in the komments,” the “Who Do You Love?” artist told fans on Instagram.
Special guests Doe Boy and DJ Vision will join for his tour run. Doe Boy posted about the tour news on social media, writing, “BEAT ME THERE DON’T MEET ME THERE 🦅.” “‘Walk Down’ was my break through record so it’s only right @yg 🩸🤞🏾,” the Cleveland rapper added of his 2019 track with YG.
YG dropped his last album, I Got Issues, in 2022. He followed up with a joint “playlist” with fellow West Coast rhymer Tyga last year called Hit Me When U Leave The Klub, which featured Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes and Blxst.
SATURDAY JULY 20
Kidz Bop Kids, July 20, Starlight, $29.50-$89.50
It’s KIDZ BOP LIVE 2024, and we’re taking over KC! Sing and dance along as the KIDZ BOP Kids tear up the stage with your favorite songs like Dance The Night, Cruel Summer, Dance Monkey and more. KIDZ BOP is the #1 music brand for kids in the U.S.
Mates of State, July 20, recordBar, $25
Mates of State, the iconic indie band featuring married couple Jason and Kori, today announce a 17-show Still The One Tour for this summer, in conjunction with going back into the studio to record all new songs.
The duo has garnered a following beginning in 1997 (formed in Lawrence!) and toured nearly non-stop for 15 years, performing all over the world. Since 2000, they’ve released 7 full length albums (on labels Barsuk and Polyvinyl) and started a family of 3 daughters who traveled with them. They paused touring for a minute to “give their girls a bit of an anchor through their teenage years”, while continuing to write and explore to find their next musical phase but are now back.
Walker Hayes, July 20, Azura Amph, $25-$75 UPDATE: CANCELED
The Monument Records recording artist, and Alabama native returns to the Midwest, in support of new EP Country Stuff, which features collaborations with Jake Owen, Carly Pearce, and Lori McKenna.
“Country Stuff is a body of work that means a lot to me, because it shows all of who I am. I’m not in the same mood or headspace every day – some days it’s all about fun, some days are harder – but I think it’s ok to share all of that, and that’s what I hope Country Stuff does” says Hayes.
The “Fancy Like” artist was smartly booked a few years ago at Country Stampede in Topeka, playing the festival right as that song was a monster hit and heard everywhere.
Dave Mason, July 20, Uptown, $39-$99
The legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician and songwriter is out on his Traffic Jam tour, a concert that includes fan favorites and deep cuts from Traffic, Dave Mason, and other surprise songs that share the story and important milestones. This all comes to life with multimedia visuals and dynamic set lists, along with first-hand stories and memories.
Mason also recently unveiled a new version of the Traffic hit, "Dear Mr. Fantasy," breathing new life into the classic song with the help of modern blues rock icon Joe Bonamassa, available on all major streaming platforms.
Surface at KCLive! Power and Light, July 20,$55
The Surface and Friends Tour, stars Surface, Kut Klose, Michel’le, Public Announcement, Rome, and more. The R&B band slowly formed over a long period of time as the group members met one another. The trio was signed early-on, as staff writers for EMI Music and wrote songs for groups such as New Edition's 'Let's Be Friends' and Sister Sledge's 'You're So Fine.'
In 1987, the group released their self-titled debut album which featured 'Happy' which hit #2 on the R&B charts, and 'Lately' which hit #8. the band now returns from a hiatus to charm a new generation
SUNDAY JULY 21
Northlane, Invent Animate, July 21, Granada- Lawrence, $25-$30
The Australian heavy vanguards are back on the road again. The band is on its “Mirror’s Edge Tour” featuring support from Invent Animate, Thornhill, and Windwaker. The band released their "Mirror's Edge EP" in April (as a follow-up to previous full-length, Obsidian) and was recorded with producer Will Putney.
Described by Jon Deiley (songwriter/guitarist) as "the greatest hits of NORTHLANE sounds," the EP is a nostalgic journey through all the colors on their sonic palette, with bonus shades from special guests Winston McCall (PARKWAY DRIVE) and Ian Kenny (KARNIVOOL, BIRDS OF TOKYO) — two of the most influential artists in the band’s history. Former bass player, Brendon Padjasek, also stopped by the studio to lend his scream to one of the tracks.
Thematically, the EP is about looking at yourself and reflecting on the past one final time before leaving it all behind to find hope in what lies beyond the mirror's edge. With the recurring theme of acceptance binding these songs together, frontman Marcus Bridge is hopeful that "Mirror's Edge" will be the coda on this part of his personal life.
The Aussies have released six acclaimed albums, including ARIA chart No. 1 records "Obsidian" (2022) and "Node" (2015),alongside "Singularity" (2013),"Mesmer" (2017) and "Alien" (2019) which all debuted at No. 3. They have also won three consecutive ARIA Awards for "Best Hard Rock Or Heavy Metal Album", as well as two AIR Awards for Best Independent Heavy Album.
Dirty Honey, July 21, Madrid, $29-$65
One of our favorite newer LA-based rock bands have released their new album Can’t Find The Brakes, to acclaim from fans and critics alike. We’ve caught the band live a couple times and always have come away impressed by their presence and sound, which takes influences from the past, but re-creates it into their own signature songs.
“Making the Can’t Find The Brakes album was a completely different experience than making the Dirty Honey album,” member Marc LaBelle said, “Covid created a situation where we weren’t really living or experiencing. But, for our new album, we were able to spend time with each other again. We spent more than a month with Nick, our producer, at his studio in Australia. Just getting back into the studio with him – no ZOOM this time – all of us physically being together in the same space allowed us to do some experimenting, all of which contributed to the wide spectrum of emotion on the new album.”
Jason Mraz and The Superband, July 21, Starlight, $30.50-$125
It promises to be a "super" night with Jason Mraz & The Superband with the Molly Miller Trio! Mraz is living "full spiral"— that's because, as he has changed, his experiences have changed. Now, with his eighth studio album, "Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride," the musician has found himself returning to a familiar junction in space.
The songs grapple with the emotions and experiences that come with being in your midlife, a time often ignored by pop songwriters. Its optimistic, inspiring sensibility reflects the musician’s approach to being in the world. It is a full spiral, reflecting the past but becoming something new.
He also continues to run his organic home farm, Mraz Family Farms, which grows coffee and avocados, and his nonprofit the Jason Mraz Foundation, which has a mission of shining for inclusive arts education, food security and the advancement of equality.
Arrive early for LA based guitarist and bandleader of Molly Miller who will play with her Trio, featuring some self-described groovy “instrumental guitar Americana surf jazz” (which sounds fun!). She also performs as part of Mraz’ Superband, and their record was just released on his boutique label, Interrabang.
National Touring act coming to Kansas City, Lawrence, KS, Topeka, KS, or vicinity? Let us know so we can spotlight the appearance-email [email protected]
john c ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ X / twitter.com |
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