W♥M

We♥KC! July 1-11, 2023 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Read More: Sparks Sparks are a new wave/glam band from Los Angeles, lead by two brothers: Ron and Russell Mael. The Los Angeles duo influenced everyone from Nirvana to New Order to They Might Be Giants.

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Summer’s definitely here- it’s hot and staying hot, but at least we’re not seeing the worst of that Canadian wildfire haze. Some gaps this week in live music as expected, but we’re celebrating not one, but two National Holidays!

July 4^th is of course, Independence Day, but July 7-8 in Kansas City are “Swiftie Days”, as Taylor Swift comes to town for two long sold-out, anticipated shows at Arrowhead on her Eras Tour.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City/ Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from July 1st - July 11th.

SATURDAY JULY 1

Young the Giant w Milky Chance, Talk, Starlight, $29.50-$69.50

The Irvine, CA band’s fifth LP, American Bollywood, was released in November, compiling their four recent EPs. In fact, we just saw them live in Minneapolis this week! They’ve opened live with the title track and recent new single “Wake Up” so expect that and hits like “Cough Syrup”, “Something to Believe In”, and Superposition” live.

Meanwhile, Berlin duo Milky Chance dropped their latest project, Trip Tape II, in October.

Fleet Foxes w Uwarde, The Midland, $39.50-$79.50

The acclaimed Seattle indie-folk band are still on the road in support of their 2020 Grammy nominated album, Shore, an album leader Robin Pecknold described as a “celebration of life in the face of death” (which would prove timely listening during the pandemic years).

Our shows last summer were by far the best of our career and we can’t wait to do it again in a few months,” Pecknold said in a statement. “It’s an honor to bring this music to life with and for everybody and we hope to see you there. With love and gratitude.”

Shore collaborator Uwade Akhere will support the band and also provided additional vocals on three of the album’s tracks. Prepare for some unreal harmonies to be heard as performed by all.

Michael Ray w Caylee Hammack, Big Time Grain Co, Baldwin City Golf Course, Free!

Located just south of Lawrence, Baldwin City will see national recording artists Michael Ray and Caylee Hammack visit for Independence Day festivities. Opening will be local favorite, Big Time Grain Company. The event itself is free, though expect charges for parking, food, beverage, etc.

Ray’s new record is Dive Bars & Broken Hearts (out last week via Warner Nashville) which traces a boy coming into his own, chasing life and girls, getting his heart broken and learning to man up. The Florida-raised Country singer has, among other accolades to his credit, four No. 1 songs– “Think a Little Less,” “Whiskey And Rain,” “Kiss You in the Morning, "and “One That Got Away” – with over 1 billion global streams, over 150 million YouTube views, and has performed at the Grand Ole Opry more than 70 times.

SUNDAY JULY 2

Between the Buried and Me, The Truman, $25-$50

Out on their The Parallax II Tour, the Raleigh, NC prog metal band will perform The Paralax II: Future Sequence in its entirety, as well as other tracks. The Paralax II: Future Sequence was released in October 2012 as the follow-up to 2011 EP, The Parallax: Hypersleep Dialogues. The band would continue to use this sequential format for future releases (Automata I and II; Colors II), creating distinct thematic sagas within their discography.

MONDAY JULY 3

TUESDAY JULY 4

WEDNESDAY JULY 5

THURSDAY JULY 6

Randy Rogers Band, KCLive!, Free!

Their new album Nothing Shines Like Neon rings with authenticity from the same line up has been performing together since 2002- Rogers and band mates Geoffrey Hill (guitar), Johnny “Chops” Richardson (bass guitar), Brady Black (fiddle), Les Lawless (drums) and Todd Stewart (utility player) remain one of the top bands on the Texas music scene.

FRIDAY JULY 7

Taylor Swift w Muna, Gracie Abrams, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, July 7 and 8, SOLD OUT

Swifties unite! The Eras Tour is the ongoing sixth major (and second stadium-sized) concert tour by Swift. Described as a journey through all of her "musical eras" it is a tribute to all of Swift's studio albums, including her latest, Midnights (2022), and those that did not have a tour due to the pandemic: Lover (2019), Folklore (2020), and Evermore (2020).

The tour began in Glendale, AZ in mid-March, and is set to conclude next August in London. And shows have lasted over three hours, with a set list of 44 songs divided into 10 distinct acts.

We love the lineup top-to-bottom, as young opener Gracie Abrams (daughter of J.J.) is currently crushing it with single, "I Know It Won't Work" off her Interscope Records debut, Good Riddance, and we're big fans of fellow LA band MUNA, who released their third and self-titled full-length album last year via Phoebe Bridgers' Saddest Factory records/Dead Oceans. They knocked us out opening for Kacey Musgraves last year and are taking a break from their own headlining Life's So Fun Tour, to join on this leg. Arrive Early to catch them all!

Legally Blonde (musical) July 7-13, Starlight,$16-$100

A fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law.

Determined to get him back, Elle charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors, and her ex. With the support of some new friends, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world. Action-packed and exploding with songs and dynamic dances. Word is, even local dogs have been cast for the show.

The James Hunter Six, Knuckleheads. $24.50

Over the span of 30 years, James Hunter has worked on the railway, busked in London, provided backup vocals and guitar for Van Morrison, played venues all over the world, written scores of original songs, and recorded some of the best rhythm and soul albums of the last two decades. By 2006, Hunter was recognized with a Grammy nomination and an American Music Award. The band hit the road for a decade of extensive touring and recorded albums including The Hard Way (Hear Music, 2008), Minute by Minute (Fantasy, 2013), Hold On! (Daptone, 2016), and Whatever it Takes (Daptone, 2018).

Last Valentine’s Day, Daptone Records presented With Love, The James Hunter Six, a heart-shaped collection of candle-lit ballads and love songs. These twelve melodies have been selected and sequenced with great care, tenderness, and intention by Daptone staff for the sole purpose of compiling some of the overlooked treasures in his critically acclaimed catalog.

SATURDAY JULY 8

Sparks,The Midland, $37.50-$85

Brothers Ron Mael and Russell Mael will celebrate their more than 50-year history and newest and 26th studio album, The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte, released May 26, via Island Records. The album is described by the brothers as a record that is “as bold and uncompromising as anything we did back then, or for that matter, anytime throughout our career.”

Their lauded career-spanning 2021 documentary film, The Sparks Brothers, directed by Edgar Wright (Shaun Of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, Baby Driver), brought the duo a new awareness.

Sparks’ 2021 film musical Annette, directed by Leos Carax and starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard, has received many awards- the film won three Lumières Awards and five César Awards in France. In addition, the film’s “So May We Start” was shortlisted for “Best Original Song” at the 94th Academy Awards.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Ameristar Casino, $50-$68

Now celebrating over 50 years since forming in 1966, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have existed from their early days as a large ensemble to the critically acclaimed folk and country rock group that they are today. Despite their heyday existing in the late 80's where they charted three number one singles, their popularity has seen a recent resurgence with continuing dedication to touring and recording.

Having virtually outlasted every other folk/country rock band from the Sixties, with their last studio album Speed of Life recieving acclaim for its minimal post-production tinkering. However, their most popular song was their 1970 hit cover of "Mr. Bojangles", originally recorded by Jerry Jeff Walker. In addition, their Nashville-recorded 1972 album Will the Circle Be Unbroken? remains to date, their most successful.

Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters, Knuckleheads, $35-$55

The Boxmasters are out promoting their brand-new record, “69,” one of many records they’ve made over the last several years. Country rock, progressive, blues, outlaw rock’n’roll, with roots in the ’60s and ’70s, Billy Bob Thornton, J.D. Andrew and band can flex many styles of music as we saw when we caught them live in Topeka in the summer of 2021.

SUNDAY JULY 9

MONDAY JULY 10

TUESDAY JULY 11

Gogol Bordello, Truman, $30-$60

The Gypsy Punk rockers return to the road for a North American summer tour, kicking off right here n Kansas City! The international punk band is led by Ukrainian front man Eugene Hütz, and the band’s latest album, Solidaritine, takes them back to their hardcore roots. According to Hütz, “Solidaritine is the substance that unlocks our empathy and our full human potential … May this be your punky uplift for our packed with troubled times.”

Gogol Bordello has been active in efforts to support Ukraine in its war with Russia. Last March, the band led a benefit concert at NYC’s City Winery with friends including Patti Smith, Suzanne Vega, Matisyahu, Craig Finn & Franz Nicolay (The Hold Steady), Jesse Malin, Lady Lamb, Marc Robert (O.A.R.), and Stephin Merritt (The Magnetic Fields).

john c ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC - June 8-14, 2022 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

Cactus Blossoms, Knuckleheads Read More The Cactus Blossoms Ahead of their 2022 tour for their new album One Day For February 11, Minneapolis duo The Cactus Blossoms (brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum) will be playing a residency at the Turf Club, every Monday. …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

A bit of a mixed bag for this week’s shows, but a little something for everyone in all kinds of genres. There’s big shows and early summer festivals right around the corner, so spend those concert dollars wisely, but do get out and support the return of live music (and please don’t chat over the bands while they’re playing!)

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence, KS metro June 8^th - 14^th

(Several artists are still requiring precautions for entry, so check with the venue and/or assume vaccination proof, might still be required)

Wednesday June 8

Cactus Blossoms w Esther Rose, Knuckleheads, $20

Minneapolis-based indie-folk hillbilly band had their third full-length, One Day, release in February and are back on tour. 

Opener Esther Rose is New Orleans-based and has a new record, How Many More Times (not to be confused with the Zeppelin song) and just played her first Jazzfest.

Brit Floyd, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $45-$79.50

The famed tribute band returns with a new stage production to perform highlights from The Wall, The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Division Bell, and more.

Having performed over 1,000 shows since it’s launch in Liverpool in 2011, Brit Floyd takes visual inspiration from Pink Floyd’s 1994 tour and provides note-authentic renditions.

Thursday June 9

PUP w Oceantor, Angel Du$t,  Granada- Lawrence, $25

Toronto punkers released a new record, The Unraveling of PUPTheBand on April 1 and are known for high-energy live performances, like their recent late night talk show appearance with buddy Jeff Rosenstock. 

Brooklyn’s Oceantor is led by multi-instrumentalist Elise Okusami and has new music too, Nothing’s Ever Fine, their sophomore indie rock effort. 

Snarky Puppy, Kauffman Center, $29-$89

The fusion-influenced, genre-bending group brings its brand of exploratory jazz, funk and rock to the live stage. 

The band features a wide-ranging collection of more than 30 musicians known as “The Fam,” centered around bassist, composer and bandleader Michael League. Each live performance highlights a rotating cast of about a dozen musicians, ensuring every show is different. The group has earned GRAMMY Awards for Best R&B Performance (2014) and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album (2016, 2017).

Wallows, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $32.50-$52

Probably a low ticket alert on this show (if not sold out) as the LA alt-rock band is still growing in popularity.  Don’t hold it against them that there’s a familiar actor in the band as new album, Tell Me That It’s Over, more than stands on its own. 

LA based Spill Tab(aka French-Korean Claire Chicha) slated to open. 

James McMurtry w Betty Soo, Knuckleheads, $25

Virginia-raised/Texas based folk rock singer has a 2021 album, The Horses and the Hounds out. Opener Betty Soo plays similar genre music and is also TX-based, from Austin.

Chelcie Lynn, Uptown. $29.50-$59.50

Actress/stand-up best known from Vine as Trailer Trash Tammy with comedy

Kansas City Symphony, “Windborne’s The Music of the Rolling Stones: Mick Jagger & Keith Richards 1969,” June 9-10, Kauffman Center

A full rock band joins the KC Symphony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of two iconic Rolling Stones albums, Beggars Banquet and Let It Bleed. Hear the Stones’ hits like “Gimme Shelter,” “Midnight Rambler,” “Brown Sugar” and many others live with a symphonic edge.

Friday June 10

Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters and Los Lobos, Knuckleheads. $25

A solid double-bill here as two noteworthy bands join forces for an entertaining roots rock evening (no idea if they collab on stage together, but that would be fun to see). 

We caught Billy Bob and the Boxmasters last year in Topeka and interviewed them as well, and Los Lobos still has hits, decades after “La Bamba”.

Katy Guillen and the Drive, Bottleneck-Lawrence, $10

The KC bluesy indie rock duo has a new single out, “Set in Stone” in advance of their full-length debut, Another One Gained, due out August 19.  Catch them live beforehand in this fairly intimate show, with a KC album-release show coming next month as well. 

Failure, Granada- Lawrence. $25

The 90s critically lauded LA alt rock band returned after a long absence in 2014, and have been (re) going ever since.  Sixth studio record, Wild Type Droid came out at the end of last year.

 

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Uptown. $35-$99

Five decades and running, the legendary band also recently released their latest, Dirt Does Dylan, featuring lead single “I Shall be Released” alongside indie faves Larkin Poe. Expect some Bobby Zimmerman covers live, along with maybe some Hank, The Band and Jerry Jeff Walker songs as well as tracks from their fifty year catalog. 

Saturday June 11

Andy Grammer, The Truman, $30-$60

Pop anthem singer-songwriter out on his The Art of Joy Tour might be something we’d maybe downplay, but slowly coming out of a two-year pandemic, we all could use more of his positive and uplifting songs.  New full length expected later this year, so keep your head up!

Jayhawks, Knuckleheads, $35

In Minnesota, there are numerous chances to usually see Gary Louris and band, that they’re often taken for granted, but not the case in other cities, so catch them in KC while you can.  We saw them last in 2018 and most recent album is 2020’s XOXO dedicated to the late producer/musician Ed Ackerson. 

Tech N9ne, Joey Cool, X-Raided, and ¡Mayday!, Arvest Bank at The Midland, $35-$45

KC’s favorite locally-raised rapper is back out on his Asin9ne Tour, in support of his twenty-third studio album which was released at the end of last year.  Multiple support acts, so a full evening at the Midland. 

Mansionair w Social Animals, recordBar, $17

Australian indie-electro duo are back on the road and we remember catching them opening for Chvrches way back in 2015. Openers are indie rockers from up north in Duluth, MN. 

Justin Jay w Nikki Nair, Aura Nightclub, $20

Jay is LA-based while Nair is out of Atlanta, but expect house beats, UK bass, and an international dance feel to their DJ sets. 

Sunday June 12

Kings Kaleidoscope, recordBar. $25

Seattle alt rockers whose music features an eclectic range of electronic, woodwind, string and brass instruments, with a musical style described as indie rock meets hip hop production with a sprinkle of Disney… could be interesting. 

Future Stages Festival, Kauffman Center, Free

Free daytime all-ages festival invites everyone to explore a diverse range of performances and interactive arts activities. Future Stages Festival is a community event that showcases youth in the performing arts and is an extension of the Kauffman Center’s Open Doors Spotlight on Youth program. Featuring a variety of performing arts organizations and arts activity partners.

Mitch Ryder, Peter Rivera, “Supe” Granda, Larry Boyd, Knuckleheads. CANCELED

Monday June 13

Purity Ring w Ekkstacy, Granada Theater- Lawrence, $26-$101

The Canadian electro-pop duo has returned with new single, “Neverend” ahead of their upcoming EP, graves, due out June 3^rd. It’s their first EP in the twelve years of the Alberta band and also the first release on their own label.

As far as the anticipated live show, the band has recently been working in Deftones and Alice Dee Jay covers and after several pandemic-related delays, their fans are very eager to see them.  Opener is young ekkstacy from Vancouver, Canada.

Rex Orange County, Starlight. $39.50-$69.50

The indie-songwriter is back with new album, “WHO CARES?” and the lead single and video "KEEP IT UP." After spending the bulk of 2020 quarantined back home in the UK, Rex went to Amsterdam to record with Benny Sings, with whom he crafted the 2017 platinum selling breakout single "Loving Is Easy."

The subsequent 10 days of work together produced his fourth album, made in close partnership with Benny, which is a playful record by an artist in a playful mood and includes another collab with Tyler the Creator.

Tuesday June 14

REO Speedwagon and Styx with Loverboy, Starlight. $44.50-$134.50

If this was forty years ago, this lineup would be playing football stadiums!  Decades later, it’s still a solid bill with plenty of hits.  It’s been four years since REO Speedwagon and Styx joined forces for a summer co-headlining tour. While the world has changed since then, fans’ desire to rock out hasn’t. Loverboy also joins on for the Live & UnZoomed tour.

Chris Tomlin with Hillsong United, T-Mobile Center. $20-$129.75

Chris Tomlin and UNITED will co headline their long-awaited 2022 “Tomlin UNITED” Tour,  and is anticipated to be the biggest Christian music concert of the year.

After pandemic delays, the tour aims to not only bring the church back together but also bring faith back to the center of conversations- considering it might fill an arena, it's a very popular notion.

Béla Fleck, Kauffman Center, $29-$89

For the last four decades, Béla Fleck has been the banjo player’s banjo player earning him 15 Grammys in nine different fields, including country, pop, jazz, instrumental, classical and world music. He returns with his first bluegrass tour in 24 years, My Bluegrass Heart. 

john ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

The Boxmasters feat Billy Bob Thornton at Jayhawk Theatre, Topeka (2021-08-23)

The Boxmasters Setlist     Walk on intro music- played from tape:     The Madison Time, Pt. 1 [Ray Bryant Combo]     Main Title from "Mannix" [Lalo Schifrin]     TV show clip from "Cannon" Emily Japanese Girl She Looks Like Betty Page Go Like This Garage Beautiful Science Fiction I Still Wanna See You You'll Never Be Mine I Got Glendale Breathe Easy Light Rays Thirteen Days I'll Make You Dance Summertime in L.A. Again That's Just Me Shakin' Kathy Won't Share This Game is Over Turn Away I Got a Girl Island Avenue -- Encore -- Time Sylvia's Mother (Dr. Hook cover) Tour Dates Aug 26 Chesterfield, MO The Factory Aug 27 Springfield, IL Boondocks Aug 28 Quapaw, OK Downstream Casino & Resort Sept 02 Baton Rouge, LA The Texas Club Sept 03 Arlington, TX Arlington Music Hall Sept 04 Kerrville, TX The Arcadia Live Sept 05 New Braunfels, TX Brauntex Theater Read More The Boxmasters In advance of their two upcoming area shows, W♥M got a chance to talk to bandmates Billy Bob “Bud” Thornton and J.D. Andrew about all things Boxmasters-- The band, which blends late 60’s/early …

“Boxmasters are the key”

So says the 2017 Source Point Press graphic novel (available to read here) where The Boxmasters find themselves becoming time-traveling heroes to save rock history – no such extreme drama in real life, but it was rowdy fun all the same, as the band played the newly re-opened historic Jayhawk Theatre in downtownTopeka, KS. 

The occasion itself marked the first national touring act to play this restored venue, first opened in 1926, with burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee bringing her show there on New Years Eve of 1929.  The venue would fall into decline with years of fundraising and renovations finally culminating in a June ribbon cutting and a handful of smaller events since. 

There is a charm and personality to the peeling paint on the walls, its original ornamentation, and esteemed performance space (the balcony and eves remain mostly unfinished) and like many older theaters, the sound can be somewhat boomy (more so on the lower level under the balcony) and air circulation could be improved, but overall, it is a much-needed downtown venue that has true possibilities.

The evening was opened by longtime local singer Ellie Smith and her band, with a sassy forty-minute set of blues, funk, soul, and rock.  Smith began singing on stage at age three, encouraged by her bass playing father, eventually forming The Commotion (not to be confused with Lloyd Cole’s former band) and now fronts her own named band.  Formidable vocals, a seasoned performer, and songs with swagger made the opening set an enjoyable one. 

We learned plenty about The Boxmasters when we talked to bandmates Billy Bob “Bud” Thornton and J.D. Andrew a few days before the Topeka show, and it was very clear from the opening notes of their hundred-minute headlining set to any potential doubters in the audience, that this was a serious rock n’ roll show and not just some offshoot vanity project. 

Coming up on fifteen years together as a band, they’ve not only released ten studio albums 2020’s Light Rays on Keentone Records their latest), but also found enough time during the virus lockdown to record another three, including the new Christmas in California album due out this November.  The band, in town for the first time ever, also each has local ties to the area- Andrew grew up in nearby Salina, and Thornton had tried out for the Kansas City Royals, but was released following an injury.

After a novel montage of 70’s-tinged walk-on music, TheBoxmasters came out swinging with back-to-back songs from 2018’s In Stereo!followed by 2015’s “She Looks Like Betty Page” then “Go Like This” all in rapid fire succession, setting the pace for a top-down, fifth-gear style evening of loud rock n’ roll. 

Thornton finally took a breath and moment to address the audience after “Garage”, joking that they were not only trained musicians, because of the appearance of all wearing gas station type shirts, that they all also happened to be trained auto mechanics. 

“Science Fiction” was not only inspired by Roswell, NM but also their bandmate friends in Devo, and Thornton revealed the full title of “I Still Want to See You” adds “I Just Don’t Want to Hear You”, saying sometimes someone is so beautiful, it’s often better to not hear them talk. 

Teasing the upcoming albums, the band even played a yet-to-be-released song, “You’ll Never Be Mine”, about agoraphobia, which was followed by 2016’s cheeky “I Got Glendale” about where Thornton lived in the ‘80s.  Harkening back to the small town street dances of the 60’s, the band got people moving with “I’ll Make You Dance”, “Summertime in L.A. Again” and “That’s Just Me Shakin’”.

Setlist

“Turn Away” slowed things down and showed off the group’s vocal harmonies alongside a David Gilmour-like guitar solo and the main set ended in their usual full circle- like opening song “Emily”, the closing Tex-Mex influenced “Island Avenue” was also written by Thornton’s late brother. 

The two-song encore began with “Time” and the evening ended with their only cover song of the night, “Sylvia’s Mother”, originally penned by the versatile, author, cartoonist and playwright Shel Silverstein, a rockabilly’d revved-up version of the original 1972 Dr. Hook Top Five hit.

With some pandemic restrictions still in place and a new/old venue just re-opened downtown, The Boxmasters was a much-needed fun night out, which both showed the timeless power of their late 60’s-influenced rock, and the possibilities of what could come to a near-hundred year old downtown theater, finally re-opened to welcome in worthy acts and the community.

Ellie Smith

Ellie Smith

Ellie Smith

Ellie Smith

Boxmasters

The Boxmasters

Boxmasters (Bud Thornton)

Boxmasters (JD Andrew)

Boxmasters

Boxmasters

The Boxmasters at Jayhawk Theatre, Topeka (2021-08-23)

john ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

INTERVIEW / PROFILE: The Boxmasters – Billy Bob “Bud” Thornton and J.D.Andrew

Tour Dates Aug 20 Kansas City MO Knuckleheads Aug 21 Arkansas City, KS Buford Theater Aug 22 Lincoln, NE The Royal Grove Aug 23 Topeka, KS Historic Jayhawk Theater Aug 25 Arnolds Park, IA Arnold's Park Roof Garden Aug 26 Chesterfield, MO The Factory Aug 27 Springfield, IL Boondocks Aug 28 Quapaw, OK Downstream Casino & Resort Sept 02 Baton Rouge, LA The Texas Club Sept 03 Arlington, TX Arlington Music Hall Sept 04 Kerrville, TX The Arcadia Live Sept 05 New Braunfels, TX Brauntex Theater Read More The Boxmasters The Boxmasters’ Billy Bob Thornton and J.D. Andrew are in town for their 10th album and Light Rays Tour. The band formed in 2007 and released their self-titled debut album in 2008. …

In advance of their two upcoming area shows, W♥M got a chance to talk to bandmates Billy Bob “Bud” Thornton and J.D. Andrew about all things Boxmasters--

The band, which blends late 60’s/early ‘70s British Invasion pop with outlaw country and other “modbilly” influences, promises to rock the rafters as they play a regular tour stop venue for them, Knuckleheads in Kansas City, MO on Fri Aug 20 (tix link here) and then circle back to the stately confines of the recently-restored 1926 Jayhawk Theatre in Topeka, KS on Mon Aug 23 (tix link here).

On the latest album:

Light Rays (on Keentone Records) was released in October 2020 with its initial single, “Breathe Easy”, which sounds very Covid-appropriate, but the lyrics actually reveal why Thornton can sometimes be over-protective ofhis daughter, Bella.  “We recorded it all before the pandemic and were of course, disappointed to have to delay the tour we had planned” (which thankfully has now recently resumed). 

On future albums:

Three additional album’s worth of material were recorded during lockdown, including an upcoming new Christmas release out this November, which “features eight original Boxmasters songs and two covers” including their version of Paul McCartney’s peppy, “Wonderful Christmastime”, but don’t expect the “normal” take on a holiday album, as the band promises to “make the sad songs sound sadder, and the funny songs even funnier”. 

Andrew mentioned the album that should then follow, will be a psych-rock themed record “that’s a further example of who we are”, with Thornton adding that it will take influence from classic Austin psych-rock band The 13^th Floor Elevators, who themselves have influenced a range of Texas-based bands we’ve previously covered such as The Black Angels and White Denim.

On producing and producers:

The Boxmasters

Guitarist Andrew was initially trained as a sound engineer, even working on staff at the Record Plant and worked on seemingly very opposite albums from The Rolling Stones and The Pussycat Dolls. The approach to each “was completely different” according to Andrew, and his utmost satisfaction has been to self-produce their own work, calling he and Thornton’s “love of the same things” the easiest fit in making the sounds they want most to hear. 

The Boxmasters are also not adverse to bringing in an outside producer, as evidenced by Marty Stuart producing an early Thornton solo album, and previous studio effort, Speck, being a collaboration with legendary Beatles engineer/producer Geoff Emerick.

Calling their time with Emerick “magical” and “a great experience”, drummer Thornton reminisced about being in the studio trying to get that ideal particular percussion sound, finally doing so “by bringing in cardboard boxes instead of drums” and was glowing when Emerick would relay to him the very same instructions Ringo Starr received, some fifty-years prior, in terms of playing in a certain way. 

On playing venues from saloons to historic theaters:

Boxmasters 2021 Knuckleheads live pic

Playing live for the last dozen+ years, The Boxmasters seem to fully understand their live crowds.  “Not everything is a glossy radio hit” for them and the aim in playing live, is “to make every show like being in a rock club”. 

Playing biker-type bars like Knuckleheads, “the audience is already ‘there’ “they remarked, while sometimes playing in stately older theaters can take a bit of convincing.

“Some of the audience are there to see something more like Peter Pan” Thornton said, with the band’s live strategy in front of an initially more sedate audience, being to gradually ramp up their momentum and as the show progresses, letting the crowd know “it’s ok to turn into a rave” or something even more energetic. 

On being immortalized in Comics/Animation:

Boxmasters Graphic Novel Source Point Press

The band was not only the subject of a 2017 Source Point Press graphic novel (available to read for free here), but also a set of 2007 animated shorts for the short-lived Dell Lounge (on the band’s FB video page here) saying the most recent multimedia experience “was always our dream – we were thrilled to become time-traveling secret agents, who wouldn’t be!”

Saving rock history for the world, they also praised writer Garrett Gunn for getting their personalities right and artist Stan Yak for drawing them “much more handsome” than they actually are. 

Boxmasters play throughout the Midwest all week, stopping in Kansas City this Friday and Topeka, KS on Monday. 

john ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC - August 16-31 2021 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Planet Comicon Kansas City (August 20, 21, 22)  Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters at Jayhawk Theater  Elvis Costello and The Imposters at Uptown   Moon Taxi at The Truman   Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and Cheap Trick at Starlight   Waxahatchee at Knuckleheads   Read More Elvis Costello I've seen Elvis Costello at the Berkeley Theater before. I was there to cover Sleeper, the opening band. We had pretty awful seats, I had brought some friends along. They wanted to leave, but not until he played "Veronica" ...

Things remain in flux as new strains of the virus seem to have things take a step back instead of forward.

In the Kansas City / Lawrence, KS area, concerts still commence, but often with added protocols, last-minute cancellations, and location changes, so check those venue, band, and social sites before heading out.

Shakey Graves postponed his show to Sept 23, Wilco/Sleater-Kinney was moved to an outdoor venue, and the already-postponed Burton Cummings show at Lied Center, is now off all together. 

The first half of the month had its highlights- Foo Fighters answered concert protesters from the Westboro Baptist Church, by boarding an open-bed truck and serenading the picketers with a The Bee Gees cover and messages of love and inclusion, and The Bottleneck hosted a surprise and first full-concert ever from Mammoth WVH, with mom Valerie Bertinelli watching son Wolfgang Van Halen and band, proudly from the wings. 

Back in Minneapolis, First Avenue and its associated venues have mandated vaccination/negative test proof for entry, and in Kansas City, recordBar was the first to require vaxx proof with AEG venues (Midland, The Truman) quickly following suit. 

Some artists are requiring proof as well, at all stops on their tour including Japanese Breakfast, and Neko Case (both coming to Lawrence soon) so this is becoming the rule, not the exception. 

Here’s what’s happening in the area for the last half of August (a few recommended shows are highlighted below):

Fri 08/20/2021
Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters, Knuckleheads. $25-$45
Planet ComiCon Kansas City (August 20, 21, 22), Bartle Hall, $35-210
The region’s largest comic book and pop culture event returns to downtown Kansas City with a three-day extravaganza that will please fans from all genres. 

Much like a superhero, masks will be required indoors, but attendees can revel in appearances by many of the Supernatural cast (and the car!), Arrow’s Stephen Amell and Katie Cassidy, and retro stars like Barry and Cindy Williams, Greg Brady and Shirley Feeney respectively. 

Comic fans can look forward to legend Roy Thomas, DC artist Doug Manhke, Disney’s Don Rosa, The Simpsons’ Bill Morrison, and many more. 

Koe Wetzel, Kansas City Live! $30-$70

Sat 08/21/2021
Deicide and Kataklysm, Riot Room. $25

Head East with Goddesses of Rock, Kearney Amphitheater. $20

Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Ameristar. $35-$50

Sun 08/22/2021
Between The Buried and Me, Liberty Hall, Lawrence (moved from Granada). $25.

Mon 08/23/2021
Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters, Jayhawk Theater- Topeka. $65/$75
The second of two area shows, this one at a restored and reopened 1926 theater in downtown Topeka.  The Boxmasters’ Billy Bob Thornton and J.D. Andrew are in town for their 10th album and Light Rays Tour. The band formed in 2007 and released their self-titled debut album in 2008. Local artist Ellie Smith will open and a bar and concessions will be available.

Wed 08/25/2021
Helen Gillet, 1900 Building. $25

Soulfly, Bottleneck Lawrence, $20.

Thu 08/26/2021
Descendents, Liberty Hall Lawrence, $39-$55.

Parmalee, Kansas City Live!,  Free

Fri 08/27/2021
Elvis Costello and The Imposters, Uptown. $55-$150
Moon Taxi, The Truman. $29.50-$60

We recently mentioned this rising Nashville five-piece here, who were also on an episode of AXS TV’s new series, If These Walls Could Rock, from the Bluegrass Underground caverns  in Tennessee.  The new album is called Silver Dream (on BMG Records) and bring along Sparkle City Disco as openers.

David Allan Coe, Knuckleheads. $37.50

The Fab Four, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $29.50-$45
Mickey Gilley and Johnny Lee, Ameristar. $35-$50

Sat 08/28/2021
Beartooth with Wage War and Dragged Under, The Truman. $28.50-$50
Jeanne Robertson, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $34.50-$54.50
Throwback Throwdown featuring Clint Black, Tracy Byrd and Neal McCoy, Azura Amphitheater. $25-$60

Sun 08/29/2021
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and Cheap Trick, Starlight. $19.75-$129.50
It’s hard to go wrong with these two legendary classic rock bands (both Rock and Roll Hall Fame inductees) especially if you don’t mind being in the back for less than $20.  Joan Jett boasts nine Top 40 singles, while Cheap Trick has sold more than 20 million records since its formation in 1974 Rockford, IL.  Expect plenty to sing or hum along to.

Martina McBride with Hailey Whitters, Kauffman Center. $39-$119

Mon 08/30/2021
Louis The Child with Whethan, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $34-$45

Trombone Shorty with Orleans Avenue, Knuckleheads. $34-$74

Tue 08/31/2021
Waxahatchee, Knuckleheads. Sold out.
Recently mentioned here, aka Katie Crutchfield has settled in nicely to her recent home base of KC (via Alabama), and celebrates her latest release, Saint Cloud (on Merge Records) with a long sold-out, tour-opening show and the chance to catch new and old songs live, along with probably a few choice cover songs.  Anyone that happened to attend the Aug 4th Wynonna show at this same venue, were pleasantly surprised when Crutchfield joined the country legend onstage for a few songs.

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