W♥M

Veronica Swift at the Dakota (09-22-23)

09/22 Veronica Swift at Dakota Jazz Club Tour Dates 9/23/23 - The Howard - Osh Kosh, WI 10/12/23 - SFJAZZ Center - San Francisco, CA 10/17/23 - Pepperdine University - Malibu, CA 10/19/23 - Auburn University - Auburn, AL 10/21/23 - Middle C Jazz Club - Charlotte, NC 10/28/23 - Musikhuset Aarhus - Aarhus, DK* 10/29/23 - DR Concert Hall - Copenhagen, DK* 11/3-4/23 - Brass In Jazz - Real Teatro Santa Cecilia 11/7-8/23 - Duc de Lombards - Paris, FR 11/10/23 - Ronnie Scott’s - London, UK 12/30-31/23 - Eschio Estate - Umbria, IT *performing with the Danish Radio Big Band Read More Veronica Swift Award-Winning vocalist Veronica Swift is doing an early and late show at the Dakota Jazz Club, in Minneapolis, on September 22nd. As with all Dakota Jazz Club shows, arrive early to get some food. …

What’s neat about writing for We Heart Music is to see fans of all ages at shows. In fact, the age gap between the audience at the Varsity Theater to see David Kushner on September 21^st and Veronica Swift at the Dakota the night after is almost three generations. And although the crowd at the Dakota was a little greyer, they were no less enthusiastic in their applause for they were treated to an eclectic, dynamic show from a performer not yet thirty.

Although Veronica Swift is 29 she already has twenty years of music experience, releasing her first album Veronica’s House of Jazz at the tender age of nine. A child prodigy of two parents/musicians, Swift learned early on the ins and outs of not only how to perform but how to present it.

“I’m so F-ING happy to be here,” she proclaimed, wearing an outfit more suited for Las Vegas than the Metropolitan. She was excited to be on the road and with her new band and to play music that she had always wanted to feature. She called her band the “Trans Genre Band” and they had joined her to promote her new self-titled album which has everything from French and Italian opera to industrial rock, funk and so much more. For example she re-imagined Trent Reznor’s “Closer” as a James Brown funk-fest. She buttressed Judy Garland’s “I’m Always Chasing Rainbows” with Fredric Chopin piano flourishes.

Swift didn’t have to go this route. She was well on her way to becoming part of jazz royalty. Her first gig out of college was at The Birdland in NYC. (Not easy to do.) She’s toured with Benny Green and played with Wynton Marsalis. Downbeat gave her previous album This Bitter Earth five stars. Chris once Botti said, “She’s a throwback to something that does not exist in popular culture. And I’m talking about Anita O’Day and Billy Holiday.”

Yes, she could have a comfortable career in concert halls and jazz clubs singing the jazz standards in a satin gown, but there’s a plucky, insatiable spirit which she put on full display with Jefferson Airplane’s hallucinating “White Rabbit” which started far-off and distant, slow-moving like a train of camels, then building into an epic finish before collapsing.

Two personal favorites: “Room with a View” an original song she wrote about moving into her new LA home. It started out as a peppy, bouncy 60’s pop song before moving into full-tilt 70’s arena rock. Then “In the Moonlight” a song based on Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” that somehow ended up turning into a Broadway musical finale.

Joining Swift on this new musical odyssey is Brian Viglione of the Dresden Dolls. He helped produce the new album and was on drums. Swift could not be any more effusive on what it meant to have him on tour and what the Dresden Dolls meant to her growing up. And as a thank you she finished the evening with “Sing” from the Dresden Dolls’ Yes, Virginia.

Veronica Swift at Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis (22 Sep 2023)

dave ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC! September 19-26, 2023 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS / Topeka, KS)

Read More: Slash Legendary Guns N Roses guitarist Slash is headlining Mill City Nights next Wednesday, October 7th. The show has long sold out. ...

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Whew! Late September remains busy with shows and performances, including several sold out-- Good job, KC in getting out there to see live entertainment and keeping venues full-- this will help as promoters have to decide between bands playing here, or Omaha, Lincoln, or St. Louis, all of which we’ve lost several good shows to.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from September 19th-26th.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 19

Nickelback w Brantley Gilbert, T-Mobile Center, $44-$115+

Get Rollin’! The Canadian rockers have again teamed up with one of Outlaw Country’s finest, in a Rock meets Country collision, that will no doubt feature pyro, anthemic songs, and plenty of bombast.

Nickelback’s first album in five years, Get Rollin’ was released last November via BMG and debuted at #2 across the Current Rock, Alternative, Hard Music and Digital Album charts. The highly acclaimed new album is a thrilling soundscape of adventure, nostalgia and emotional exploration.

Gilbert’s new album is So Help Me God and includes his latest single “Heaven By Then” with Blake Shelton and featuring Vince Gill and is available now.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20

Queens of the Stone Age w/Viagra Boys & Jehnny Beth, Starlight, $29.50-$129.50

QOTSA have returned on their “The End Is Nero Tour,” in support of the band’s new album, In Times New Roman. The North American run will mark QOTSA’s first stateside outing in five years. According to a press release, the band is inviting fans to “come celebrate the end of the world” and “would like to encourage the obscene and the clean, the outcasts and the weirdos, and anyone and everyone in between to attend.”

The Used, Uptown, $49-$99

The band just wrapped a co-headlining spring/summer North American outing with Pierce the Veil. But have hit the road again for more shows. Special guests are Sleeping with Sirens and Dead American. The Used are touring in support of their latest album, Toxic Positivity. Sleeping with Sirens released their newest full-length, Complete Collapse, in 2022.

Behemoth, The Truman, CANCELED

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21

Bert Kreischer (comedy), T-Mobile Center, $44.75-$140

Wow- the star of “The Machine” is playing arenas- the renowned comedian, actor, host, and author is extending his Tops Off World Tour with 31 new dates this fall.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Uptown, $39-$99

Ahead of his upcoming album, Dirt On My Diamonds, Vol. 1, catch the Opening Date of the blues guitarist’s Fall Tour right here! The new record will be released on November 17th through Provogue Records/Mascot Label Group. The album was recorded at the renowned FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. “Every record I make is a moment in time. And this is a really special moment,” said Shepherd about the new album.

Three Days Grace w Chevelle, Starlight, $29.50-$85

The tour promises a bill of familiar rock radio hits, as both bands have numerous chart-topping songs in their respective discographies. Chevelle will be out in support of their 2021 album, Niratias, while Three Days Grace will be touring on 2022’s Explosions. Relative post-punk newcomers Loathe will open, having risen through the underground via their acclaimed 2020 album, I Let It In and It Took Everything.

Marie Osmond, Prairie Band Casino- Mayetta, sold out.

The Country pop artist and half of Donny and Marie is coming to Mayetta, KS. Her solo hits include: “Paper Roses”, “Meet Me in Montana”, “I’d Love To Be Your Last”, “I Only Wanted You”, and many more!

Herb Alpert & Lani Hall, Kauffman Center, $47 (low tkt alert)

The legendary couple- music icon Herb Alpert and his wife, Lani Hall, GRAMMY Award–winning vocalist and former lead singer of Brasil ’66 with Sérgio Mendes as they perform their classic recordings, "Más Que Nada," "Fool On The Hill," "Going Out Of My Head" and "Daytripper." Alpert is celebrating his 60th year since recording his first hit song, "The Lonely Bull" in 1962. Alpert, Hall and their incredible band present an eclectic mix of American standards, Brazilian jazz, some Beatles, some classic Tijuana Brass and Brasil ’66 songs as well as many surprises. Their shows are informal as Alpert loves to answer questions from the audience about his and Hall’s music careers, A&M Records (he’s the “A” of A&M), and the many artists they have both worked with over the years.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22

Ringo Starr's All-Star Band, Uptown, Sold Out

Peace and Love- it's a Beatle! 2022 was a busy year for Ringo that included Spring and Fall tour dates with his All-Starr band. Ringo also released EP3 on September 16, and on November 18 EP3 was issued on 10” vinyl and blue cassette and accompanied with a new music video, “Everyone and Everything.” On November 25, Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band Live at the Greek 2019 (Roccabella via BFD/The Orchard) was released on Blu Ray, DVD, CD and a special yellow double vinyl. In addition, Ringo created 500 life sized “Peace and Love” sculptures of his iconic hand symbol. We caught the man and band live, back in 2015.

ZZ Ward w/Jaime Wyatt, The Madrid, $30-$36

Out on her One Hell of a Night Tour, and with two critically acclaimed blues rock albums under her belt, 2012’s 'Til The Casket Drops and 2017’s The Storm, Ward has amassed over 380million streams, multiple radio hits and has collaborated with Kendrick Lamar, Fantastic Negrito, Gary Clark,Jr.,and Fitz and the Tantrums. Now an independent artist, ZZ Ward has released two new singles including “Tin Cups” with Aloe Blacc and “Baby Don’t” featuring DijahSB. We've caught her live several times over the past decade.

Jungle Rot, The Granada-Lawrence, $20-$23

The Wisconsin death metallers are out on their "United We Rot Tour 2023" and will feature support from Enforced, Phobophilic, and Molder.

Sammy Kershaw w Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye TPAC Topeka Performing Arts Center, $41-$72.

Three of the voices that defined 90s country music join forces in the Roots & Boots tour. Combined, the trio has amassed more than 40 Top 10 radio smash hits and sold more than 25 million albums. These iconic country artists come together to swap stories and perform their classic songs, all on one stage.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23

Guns n’ Roses w/Alice in Chains, Kauffman Stadium, $25-$375

Continuing their monumental We’re F’N Back! Tour that began in 2021 and is trying to top their Not In This Lifetime… Tour (2016-2019) stands out as the “third-highest grossing tour of all time.” Look for Axl, Slash and Duff to play all the favorites, and maybe even some newer songs, such as recent single, “Perhaps”.

The band has already honed their chops playing abroad to begin this year’s tour, so should be fully homed in playing KC, part of the last leg. Branching out, the band also just sponsored Erik Jones and the No. 43 in the Daytona 500 (!?) and the cinematic music video for “November Rain” recently surpassed 2 billion views,

Alice in Chains plays their premier date as tour support in Kansas City, and fans are still waiting on word about a possible follow-up to the band's "Rainier Fog" album, which came out in August 2018. Look to hear plenty of older favorites in the meantime, and singer William DuVall has already been in the band for 17 years and counting. Longtime AIC fans will recall that the late Layne Staley played his final live show here, in July 1996, as the band opened for the fully reunited Kiss at Kemper Arena.

Lyric Opera presents Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci, Sept 23-Oct 1, Kauffman, $38-$216.

A musical and dramatic double bill that reveals the consequences of infidelity and the rage within us.

Cavalleria rusticana

Turiddu returns from war to find his love, Lola, married to another. In a scheme to induce jealousy, he seduces Santuzza. As swiftly as she is beguiled, Santuzza is discarded while Turiddu begins an affair with his old flame. After the conclusion of Easter mass, passions erupt and expose the ugliness of jealousy. With stirring melodies as iconic as the story, Cavalleria rusticana reveals the consequences of infidelity and the lengths we might go to for revenge.

Pagliacci

The passions of ordinary people take center stage in Leoncavallo’s classic verismo tale of resentment and possession. Drama seeps into the fabric of a small traveling theater troupe led by Canio and his wife, Nedda. When his suspicions of Nedda’s affair are confirmed, Canio must put on a smile and entertain despite his broken heart. Numb to the ugliness of their world, the audience is left to interpret whether the plot before them is theater or reality

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra- In the Key of KC, Helzberg Hall, $20-$72

An official release party- excited to kick off their 21st season with a brand-new recording: In The Key of KC, and you’re invited to come celebrate the release! The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra is proud to reflect the great tradition of music from KC, and energized to present something you can’t hear anywhere else. Featuring new originals and swinging standards and the incredible talent of vocalist Eboni Fondren.

Motionless in White w Knocked Loose, After the Burial, Alpha Wolf, Uptown, Sold Out

It's being billed as their biggest headlining tour in North America to date as the band continues to tour on the strength of their most recent album, last year's Scoring the End of the World. The record peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard 200 chart upon release and features cuts in "Cyberhex," "Masterpiece," "Werewolf" and the title track, as well as "Slaughterhouse," which features a guest appearance by Knocked Loose vocalist Bryan Garris.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24

Owl City w Augustana, The Truman, sold out.

Minnesota electro pop artist Adam Young returns with new album, “Coco Moon”. He broke through with massive hit "Fireflies"-a 2009 release that reached No. 1 in 26 countries. "The goal with this new music was to get back to how I felt when I wrote my first song alone in my bedroom when I was 18 years old," Young says of Coco Moon, Owl City's seventh full-length effort and the follow-up to his powerhouse 2018 album Cinematic. "It was this very pure, euphoric moment when I realized that I could immediately be transported into another world that I'd made myself. I had no agenda beyond creating that feeling-it's why I got started making music, and it's what I want to keep fighting to attain."

Meanwhile, Dan Layus aka Augustana is well-known for its anthemic indie-rock leaning hits like "Boston," "Sweet and Low" and "Steal Your Heart," but changes gears somewhat on his latest studio album, "Everyday an Eternity: Solo Piano Works.”

Quarters of Change, the Bottleneck-Lawrence, $16-$19

Rising NYC indie rock quartet Quarters of Change are on the road for their 20-show Fall headline tour, in support of new album, Portraits set to arrive on January 26, so this show will be a preview of their new music. Never Ending Fall, The Blast Monkeys will open.

In advance of the upcoming album, the four [Ben Acker (guitar, bass, synths), Attila Anrather (drums), Jasper Harris (guitars, bass, synths), and Ben Roter (vocals, guitar] released singles "What I Wanted," "Hollywood Baby" and "Do or Die." They describe each single as a fragment of a larger portrait, hence the album’s name. In this body of work, the focus falls on themes of addiction, isolation, and exploration in this follow-up to their 2022 full-length debut, Into The Rift.

Bryce Vine The Interstate Tour, Liberty Hall- Lawrence, $29-$35

Since popping off with the double-platinum smashes “Drew Barrymore” and “La La Land”, Vine has tallied up more than 3 billion streams to date and delivered a series of performances on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Jimmy Kimmel LIVE! Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ’N Out, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Live with Kelly and Ryan, Good Morning America, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and more. He’s pushed himself and collaborated with the likes of Loud Luxury, Two Friends, Wale, lovelytheband, Train, FITZ, Cheat Codes, Parmalee, Jeremih, and more. Should be an energetic show--

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 25

Walter Isaacson (author) in conversation, Kauffman Center, $49-$70 (incl signed book)

The author will be in conversation with David Von Drehle of The Washington Post as he introduces his new book, Elon Musk. Each paid patron will receive an autographed copy of the book.

From the author of Steve Jobs and other bestselling biographies, Elon Musk is the astonishingly intimate story of one of the most fascinating and controversial innovators of our era—a rule-breaking visionary who helped to lead the world into the era of electric vehicles, private space exploration and artificial intelligence, and took over the platform now known as X.

Walter Isaacson is the bestselling author of biographies of Jennifer Doudna, Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein. He is a professor of history at Tulane and was CEO of the Aspen Institute, chair of CNN and editor of Time. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2023.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 26

Nothing But Thieves, Truman, $27.50-$55

Nothing But Thieves are a UK rock band from Southend-On-Sea / Essex who formed in 2012, the band have racked up a cult following over the course of their career, putting out a total of five albums to date, with the most recent being 'Dead Club City' in July 2023 (on RCA/Sony Music). We caught them live last back in 2016 at Fine Line in Minneapolis, a quick return appearance following an in-demand and sold-out show at a smaller venue just a few months prior. Gritty Hastings, UK four-piece band Kid Kapichi will provide support.

Avenged Sevenfold w Falling in Reverse, T-Mobile Center, $34-$500.

A7F are back out on their Life is But A Dream…North American tour after releasing the group’s first single in seven years, “Nobody”,from their newest album Life is But A Dream… To date, Avenged Sevenfold have sold over 10 million albums worldwide and earned two consecutive No. 1 LPs on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart (2010’s Nightmare and 2013’s Hail To The King) to go along with over a billion video views and a billion-plus Spotify streams, as well as multiple No. 1 singles on rock radio. We last caught the band (M. Shadows, Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance, Johnny Christ and Brooks Wackerman) live as support for Metallica at the first-ever rock show at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Falling in Reverse has amassed a song catalog that has already clocked over 2.7 billion streams. Another recent single "Voices In My Head" garnered over 95 million streams and was the #1 song of 2022 at SiriusXM's Octane, while "Zombified" has clocked 120 million and topped the active rock charts. Kim Dracula listed as support as well.

Brian Culbertson, The Midland, $49.50-$64.50

The jazz fusion multi-instrumentalist is out on his Trilogy Tour- over the course of crafting a 25-album catalog and building nearly 40 Billboard No. 1 singles as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Culbertson has charted his own unique course. Label him jazz and he makes a funk record. Call him an R&B artist and he drops an acoustic jazz trio collection. Brand him pop and he creates a 32-minute New Age opus. Whether you’re listening to music from “The Trilogy” on record or live in concert, you’re hearing an eclectic, entertaining and engaging set from a peak artist.

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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 ♥ twitter.com

R.I.P. George Winston

(Read more Musicians who died in 2023)

R.I.P. George Winston

The rural folk/New Age instrumental pianist and principal performer on the Windham Hill Records label George Winston passed away on Sunday in Williamsport at the age of 74 of cancer, according to his publicist Jesse Cutler.

Winston lived in Santa Cruz, CA and had dealt with several forms of cancer for years while continuing to create and perform his music which required among other forms of care, a bone marrow transplant a decade ago.

George Winston III was born on Feb. 11, 1949, in Hart, MI to George (a geologist) and Mary (a secretary) Winston, growing in Mississippi, Florida and especially Montana, which triggered an early love for nature that would be reflected in his recordings.

He took piano lessons as a child, soon losing interest but upon hearing The Doors’ debut album with opening track “‘Break On Through (to the Other Side),” his musical re-awakening was quickly in full bloom.

Inspired by that band’s Ray Manzarek, Winston took up the organ, but soon switched to piano after discovering vintage Fats Waller and Teddy Wilson recordings and remained principally self-taught.

His first album, 1972’s “Piano Solos” (aka Ballads and Blues, on Takoma Records), was mostly ignored and after negotiating with producer William Ackerman, found himself on the fledgling Windham Hill Records label, breaking through on 1980’s “Autumn,” a series of seven piano solo tracks all inspired by nature.

Winston continued the calendar theme with two 1982 albums, the holiday-themed “December” (which went more than 3x Platinum) and “Winter Into Spring,” and again with 1991’s “Summer.” In 1994, “Forest,” won a Grammy Award for Best New Age album and he would be nominated four other times.

He broadened his interests, recording for children on 1984’s “The Velveteen Rabbit” (with Meryl Streep as narrator) and returned to his early inspiration on 2002’s “Night Divides the Day: The Music of the Doors”, but perhaps was better known for his interpretations of the music of Vince Guaraldi, the jazz pianist who composed the familiar themes for the animated “Peanuts” television episodes.

In later years, he even did an album of harmonica solos, and formed a label to record a niche genre he admired, Hawaiian slack-key guitar. He would perform and compose minimalist pieces while recovering from cancer, in the medical center’s auditorium, and released a 2014 benefit album which would donate its proceeds to Los Angeles’ City of Hope.

2019’s “Restless Wind” paid tribute to influences Sam Cooke, Stephen Stills, George and Ira Gershwin, Country Joe McDonald, and others, and his 20^th studio album “Night” was just released last month, featuring originals and interpretations of Leonard Cohen, Laura Nyro, Alan Toussaint songs, and more. George Winston is survived by his sister.

John C ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC! June 9-15, 2023 Upcoming concerts/shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Read More: Weezer Weezer's singer Rivers Cuomo brought out his dad, Frank Cuomo, and they play "Back to the Shack". One of the most touching things I have witness in my many years of watching ...

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

This week gets hot and heavy, especially at the beautiful Kauffman Center, where you might as well pitch a tent to be in line daily, as their week is chock-full of events!

The big show of course, will be Luke Combs and friends out at Arrowhead, but Starlight and KCLive! have some outdoor action as well, with the end of the week looking even busier.

A Tomlinson invasion too (singer Louis at Starlight and comedian Taylor downtown, no relation)!

Let’s take look at the Kansas City/ Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from June 9th-15th.

FRIDAY JUNE 9

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra- Riff Generation, Medallion Theater,$22.50 (kids free)

June installment featuring a new jazz ensemble that cultivates new music alongside Kansas City’s fabled heritage of the genre. Part of a stand-alone performance series of new, highly collaborative compositions in a modern examination of the Kansas City “riff style.” Musicians audition for a one-year residency and perform these works in a variety of settings. Ticket Link here.

Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Knuckleheads. $20

Melding together the sounds of gospel, funk, soul, blues, and garage-rock, NPR once exclaimed about him, "James Brown hasn't been reincarnated, but Black Joe Lewis sure does follow in his footsteps."

Last year’s The Difference Between Me & You is their fifth studio album. And while it’s an approach that might veer slightly from the typical sounds those who’ve followed the band are used to hearing, it was a conscious step in a new direction for Lewis. When asked, Lewis says he wanted to “make a more complex and reflective record” than he had before. We caught him live a decade ago in Minneapolis.

Arrive early for Special Guest Womanish Girl (aka Katy Guillen & Stephanie Williams). Guillen is an area favorite who we caught live in Lawrence at the end of last year and returns to this same venue in August as well.

SATURDAY JUNE 10

Luke Combs w Riley Green, Lainey Wilson, Flatland Cavalry, and Brent Cobb, Arrowhead Stadium, $54.50-$277

Luke Combs' 2023 tour began in Texas and plans to end in London with stops in Australia, Norway, Belgium, Ireland and more along the way. The CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee's World Tour will hit three continents and 16 countries, and the lineup is packed with rising Country stars, including Lainey Wilson, who recently played a filled KC show just ahead of the NFL Draft.

Prepare for some stadium drinking as plenty of Combs’ songs such as "Beer Never Broke My Heart," "Cold as You" and "Cold Beer Calling My Name” encourage a beverage in hand.

Louis Tomlinson, Starlight, $35-$99.50

The UK singer / songwriter and one-fifth of One Direction is out in support of his second album, "Faith In The Future." Live, he’s been playing a couple numbers from his old band as well as an Arctic Monkeys cover. In 2021, Louis earned his spot in the Guinness Book Of World Records for breaking the record for the most live-streamed concert by a solo male artist. Louis hosted one of the biggest live-stream concert events ever held, selling more than 160,000 tickets to fans in over 110 countries.

Shawn Phillips, Knuckleheads. $35

The longtime folk singer/songwriter has been touring regularly since the late 60’s.

Taylor Tomlinson (comedian) June 10 and 11, The Midland, $29.75-$69.75

The rising comedian brings The Have it All Tour to Kansas City for not one, but Two nights!

The New York Times says Tomlinson “demonstrates tight joke writing, carefully honed act-outs and a ruthless appetite for laughs” in her second hour-long special, Look At You, now streaming on Netflix.

New York Magazine adds, “Watching Tomlinson gives you the same comfort as a Swift concert or a Broadway show that’s been on for years. This is a professional. This performance will be ultra-produced. You do not need to be anxious,” and the Los Angeles Times observes.

SUNDAY JUNE 11

Barenaked Ladies w/Semisonic & Del Amitri, Starlight, $29.50-$125

Still not the actual last summer (thankfully) those fun-loving rockers are out on their 7th almost-annual Last Summer on Earth 2023 Tour. The Toronto-based eight-time JUNO winners and two-time Grammy nominees are playing three dozen shows in venues all over. We caught the first year live back in 2015 and have enjoying seeing the changing lineups ever since.

Special guests, Minneapolis’ own Semisonic and Scottish rockers Del Amitri will play extended opening sets, so arrive early.

Weezer w Modest Mouse, Momma, Azura Amph,-Bonner Springs, $35-$125

Billed as Weezer’s Indie Rock Roadtrip! This spring and summer touring package is among the best out there for the season. Weezer’s latest releases were a string of seasonal—or Sznz—EPs: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Their last full album, Van Weezer, arrived in 2021. The band was forced to cancel a planned Broadway run earlier this year, “due to low ticket sales and unbelievably high expenses” but the plus side to that, is they’re on the road again with another local date. Our coverage with them dates us all the way back to 1994, when they were a wee opening band!

As for Modest Mouse, we remain huge fans, seeing them live in September AND December of last year, and despite the death of founding drummer Jeremiah Green late last year, still remain on the road. The Portland band’s sometimes temperamental appearances have seemed to have leveled out as singer Isaac Brock ages, and they’ve become a more consistent band to again always see live. LA indie rockers Momma have a new single, “Bang Bang” out now.

Future Stages Festival, Kauffman Center, FREE!

Join the celebration and experience the arts in Kansas City as the annual one-day festival invites everyone to explore a diverse range of performances and interactive arts activities. This free admission event 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 – the festival provides fun for ALL ages! Tickets are not required, but registrants will receive updated details regarding the performance and activity schedule Learn more here:

Tyrese / Trey Songz, June 11, T-Mobile Center, CANCELED

MONDAY JUNE 12

Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, Kauffman Center. $50.50-$100.50

Following last year’s bluegrass tour, banjoist, composer and bandleader, Béla Fleck has reconvened the original line-up of the Grammy-winning quartet, Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. While all manner of genres comes into play— from classical and jazz to bluegrass and African music to electric blues and Eastern European folk dances, the real treat is Fleck’s own banjo-playing and the musical interactions. Fifteen Grammy Award wins in nine different fields of music, need we say more?

TUESDAY JUNE 13

Nickel Creek with Gaby Moreno, Kauffman Center. $47.50-$197.50

The platinum-selling,renowned roots trio of mandolinist Chris Thile, violinist Sara Watkins and guitarist Sean Watkins comes together to tour again (each is a solo star in their own right) in the city’s most beautiful indoor venue. The trio revolutionized bluegrass and folk in the early 2000s and ushered in a new era of what we now recognize as Americana music. After a nine-year absence, the trio returns in 2023 with new album, Celebrants, released March 24 and no less than thirty-four years of previous music to draw from.

Opener Gaby Moreno was raised in Guatemala and immersed herself in blues, R&B and soul and learned to speak English by singing. Her original blend of jazz, soul, blues and 1960s rock has earned her the respect and appreciation of audiences and in 2013, she received a Latin Grammy for Best New Artist. VIP experience tickets available.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 14

The Doobie Brothers, Starlight, $36-$176

Four-time GRAMMY® Award winners and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, The Doobie Brothers are continuing their landmark 50th Anniversary Tour, through October 2023, featuring Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons and John McFee on the road together for the first time in over 25 years. Unfortunately, due to a nagging back injury, Tom Johnston is unable to join for the foreseeable future.

The band just returned from Australia, Japan and Singapore. Selling some 50 million albums worldwide, The Doobie Brothers have had five top-10 singles, 16 top-40 hits, 3 multi-platinum albums, 7 platinum albums, 14 gold albums and own a 10M+ sold diamond record for their 1976 album, Best of the Doobies.  

THURSDAY JUNE 15

Tyler Childers w Marcus King, Starlight, SOLD OUT

One of the biggest recent breakouts and tix have been long gone (this show and about every other date) Kentucky-born and raised singer-songwriter Tyler Childers will bring his unique mix of country, bluegrass, and folk music to a sold-out Starlight.  

Childers' previous album, Purgatory debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart and his fifth and latest studio album Can I Take My Hounds To Heaven was released to acclaim last September. He was playing clubs just a few short years ago.

Arrive early for 27-year-old guitar sensation Marcus King whose 2020 album El Dorado received a nomination for Best Americana Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

Pat Metheny, Kauffman Center, $56.50-$136.50

Kansas City's own Pat Metheny has garnered from critics and peers for decades now. Over the years, he's won countless polls as “Best Jazz Guitarist” and awards including three gold records and no less than 20 Grammy Awards. Designed as an ongoing showcase featuring a rotating cast of players, Metheny's Side-Eye project will shine a spotlight on two sensational rising stars: pianist Chris Fishman and drummer Joe Dyson.

Fear with Bastard Squad, Lemonade Park. $42.49

FEAR is the legndary punk rock band from Los Angeles formed in 1978, and nothing else needs to be said.

St. Louis, MO's Bastard Squad mix both new and old school punk & hardcore, crafting it into their own style. Founded in 1996, the band reformed in 2018 and features current and ex-members of DFL, Better Days, Very Metal and Breakmouth Annie. Since reforming they have put out 3 records and played with bands like The Adicts. T.S.O.L, and Conflict.

Gov’t Mule, Grinders KC. $49-$75

Jam legends Warren Haynes (guitar, lead vocals), Matt Abts (drums), Danny Louis (keys, guitar, backing vocals), and Jorgen Carlsson (bass) on out on a short Spring tour, before beginning another bigger leg which also celebrates with their version of Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon". Expect plenty of covers and originals regardless and a full evening of jams as only the 'Mule can do.

Priscilla Block w/ Dalton Dover, KC Live, Free!

Rising star Priscilla Block released her debut album last February titled Welcome to the Block Party. The singer-songwriter is originally from Raleigh, NC but moved to Nashville to pursue music after graduating high school. Once in Nashville, she worked at a yogurt shop and took night classes while working on her original music. She also credits TikTok as one of the reasons for her rise in popularity and has over 1.7 million followers and 29.6 million likes.

Arrive early for new Country artist Dalton Dover, named a Pandora 2023 Artist to Watch, an Amazon Music 2023 Breakthrough Artist to Watch: Country Class and a member of CMT’s LISTEN UP 2023. This summer, Dover can also be found on the bill with Chase Rice, opening for Luke Combs at Gillette Stadium stop in July, and select dates with Parker McCollum among festival and headlining shows.

Cub Sport, Encore at Uptown, $18

The Australian indie popsters announced a North American tour in support of their new album, Jesus at the Gay Bar which came out in April. New single "Songs About It" should be played along with several other down under bangers.

Pam Tillis, Knuckleheads, $35

A longtime act in her own right, she’s the daughter of Country Music legend Mel Tillis and multi-media artist Doris Tillis. In addition to music, she's an actor with a long list of film, TV and stage credits.

Tillis’ 1991 debut country album, Put Yourself In My Place, went Gold and yielded two No. 1 and two Top 5 singles and next three albums – Homeward Looking Angel, Sweetheart’s Dance and Greatest Hits, were all certified Platinum. She's achieved six No.1 songs and hits include “Shake the Sugar Tree,” “Mi Vida Loca,” “When You Walk In The Room,” “In Between Dances,” “Don’t Tell Me What To Do,” and signature song, “Maybe It Was Memphis.”

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

R.I.P. Astrud Gilberto

(Read more Musicians who died in 2023)

R.I.P. Astrud Gilberto

read more! Bebel Gilberto Brazilian Bebel Gilberto is touring the US, starting in Washington on November 23rd. Her latest album is called All in One and I just read is mostly in Portuguese…

Seemingly an ageless wonder, “The Girl from Ipanema” has passed on,

Astrud Gilberto, whose vocal performance on the first song she ever recorded, “The Girl From Ipanema,” helped bring the lasting wave of Brazilian bossa nova into the 1960’s mainstream, died on Monday at the age of 83.

Gilberto’s son Marcelo confirmed she had died and asked their family friend and musician Paul Ricci to post the news on Facebook.

Gilberto recorded that famous song while married to the father of Brazilian bossa nova, singer/guitarist João Gilberto in 1963. While rehearsing in NYC with jazz performer Stan Getz during the recording for the classic Getz/Gilberto album, she recorded the version of the song that would make her famous for the rest of her life, hitting #5 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, and the album winning three Grammys, including Album of the Year.

Astrud Weinert was born on March 29, 1940, in Bahia, Brazil, to a German father, Fritz Weinert and Brazilian mother, Evangelina Weinert, both educators. Her parents would move the family to Rio and she became interested in music, meeting João Gilberto at age 19 and marrying him several months later.

Fellow musician Vinicius de Moraes actually wrote the original lyrics for “The Girl from Ipanema,” named after a beachside neighborhood in Rio where he and Antônio Carlos Jobim both watched a beautiful woman regularly walk by.

Gilberto would have increasing tensions within her marriage, resulting in an affair with Getz and an eventual divorce; but musically, she would sign as a solo performer with Verve Records with her first solo album from 1965, earning her a Grammy Award nomination. She would continue to record, ever popular in the US, but never as equally regarded with Brazilian critics.

Gilberto recorded eighteen studio albums, numerous compilations, and collaborations with the likes of Gil Evans, the James Last Orchestra, and a duet with George Michael on “Desafinado” for the AIDS-related benefit album, “Red Hot Rio”, effectively retiring after 2002’s final album, “Jungle”.

Astrud Gilberto is survived by her musician sons Marcelo Gilberto and Gregory Lasorsa, and two granddaughters.

 

Related, one of João Gilberto’s daughters from a following marriage, Bebel Gilberto, is a longtime bossa nova/jazz musician in her own right and plays the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis this August (though usually stops at the Dakota Jazz Club downtown).

John C ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Hiromi at Dakota Jazz Club (05/17/2023)

Tour Dates May 18 Minneapolis, MN, US Dakota May 19 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland May 20 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland May 21 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland May 23 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland May 24 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland Jul 18 Nice, France NICE JAZZ FESTIVAL PASS Nov 13 London, UK Barbican Centre Read More Hiromi Japanese artist Hiromi is doing a two-night (four shows) residency at the Dakota Jazz Club in downtown Minneapolis. The classical and classical composer (often fused with rock-inspired or pop music) is touring in support of Silver Lining Suite. …

After a nine year hiatus, Hiromi Uehara returned to Dakota Jazz Club to offer the audience an inside peak to her new band, Sonicwonder, with Adam O’Farrill on trumpet, Hadrien Feraud on electric bass and Gene Coye on drums.

“It’s our world premiere,” said Hiromi to the crowd. 

It was indeed their first public appearance with sheet music at the ready and songs still to be fine tuned before going into the studio to record their first album. 

Lowell Pickett, the host for the evening, said Hiromi wanted a few intimate settings to work out the kinks, and she could do no better than the downtown Minneapolis venue. 

Born in Hamamatsu, Japan, Hiromi first started playing the piano at six.  At fourteen she played with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, at seventeen she played with Chick Corea.  At the Berklee College of Music she was mentored by the great Ahmad Jamal, who told Pickett that she was a generational talent, “Maybe the most talented jazz pianist in the past twenty years.”

Telarc Records must have thought so for they signed her to a recording contract before she even graduated, releasing her debut album Another Mind in 2003.

As the band started off the evening with a laid back vibe and a little funk, Hiromi quickly utilized the three keyboards surrounding her:  the grand piano in front, an electric keyboard to the side and a synthesizer resting above.  

For “Sunny Wonderland” Hiromi started with the synth creating a sound that hovered between a retro 80’s video game and a high-speed German Discotheque dance beat.  Throughout the song she played all three keyboards, at moments, two at a time, looking much like a scientist concocting, pushing, letting her other band mates explore with O’Farrill modulating his trumpet sound and Feraud giving a look to Coye at the end that said: “Whew!”

Exploration was definitely the theme of the evening with no two songs the same.  O’Farrill was given the opportunity to play a sweet ballad before the rest of the band joined to create a beautiful and grand ending.  Feraud started another song with a laidback solo before Hiromi and O’Farrill continued with a playful call and response.  Then Hiromi was back on her synth with a top forty pop sound that soon became untethered, moving into a free jazz jam session with Hiromi laughing at the end, saying the song was entitled “Trial and Error”.

Hiromi told Vie Magazine in 2016 that she felt she was a captain of a boat and wanted to take her audience on a journey.  Last night at the Dakota, the audience was given a rare treat from a captain still looking for new seas to explore. 

Hiromi at Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis (17 May 2023)

dave ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC! May 9-15, 2023 Upcoming concerts/shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Read More Billy Idol Before 80s punk rock 'rebel' icon Billy Idol head out on his headlining 2015 tour, he will be doing a warm-up acoustic show with radio DJ Mary Lucia ...

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City/Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from May 9th-May 15th.

TUESDAY MAY 9

Tenacious D, Starlight, SOLD OUT

Jack Black and Kyle Gass shamelessly describe themselves as the Greatest Band in the World: Tenacious D began as the pair playing together in Kyle’s studio apartment in Los Angeles in 1994 and three decades later, are still going strong on this their Spicy Meatball Tour. Expect...err, the unexpected, D-ciples! We memorably caught them at a Rock the Vote concert in St. Paul, MN that was headlined by the Beastie Boys, in what would be one of their final shows. Steel Beans is scheduled to open.

Holding Absence, The Bottleneck-Lawrence, $23-$25.

The Welsh rock band from Cardiff formed in 2015 and consists of lead vocalist Lucas Woodland, guitarist Scott Carey, bassist Benjamin Elliot and drummer Ashley Green and are out on their Live & In Monochrome tour before heading back in the studio for album number three. The Plot in You headlines and Thornhill and Banks Arcade on the bill, makes for a full evening.

WEDNESDAY MAY 10

Godsmack w I Prevail, Azura Amph, $35-$125.

The Boston rockers’ new album, "Lighting Up The Sky", was released in late February 24 via BMG. With first single being, "Surrender"which prefaced the LP, out last fall.

Singer Sully Erna has stated that the new record will be the final collection of original material. He explained: "It's the most important record, I think, we've ever written and recorded.” Erna went on to clarify that GODSMACK does not intend to stop playing live shows. "I wanna make sure people are clear about what we're saying here," he said. "I'm not saying that the band may be breaking up. What I'm saying is I think this may be the last body of work you get musically from the band.”

Off! recordBar, $20

The punk supergroup have announced a Spring tour in support of their latest album, which dropped last September, garnering acclaim for the LP’s blend of old-school punk, jazz, and hardcore. Formed in 2009, the supergroup has been relatively quiet over the past decade, with the new LP being their firs! full-length since 2014. The band’s current lineup features frontman Keith Morris (Circle Jerks, ex-Black Flag), guitarist Dimitri Coats (ex-Burning Brides), drummer Justin Brown (Thundercat, Flying Lotus), and bassist Autry Fulbright II (…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead).

Steve Miller Band w Cheap Trick, Starlight, CANCELED

THURSDAY MAY 11

Billy Idol, Uptown, SOLD OUT

On this 15-stop Spring tour, if you want tix, there are /No More, more, more!

Idol will be joined by his longtime backing band, including Steve Stevens, his lead guitarist and songwriting collaborator for more than 40 years. Earlier this month, Idol received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where Henry Rollins and Shepard Fairey made speeches in his honor. In September, Idol released the new EP The Cage. He also plays Cruel World Fest in Pasadena on May 20th alongside fellow legends such as Siouxsie Sioux, Iggy Pop, Echo & The Bunnymen, and more.

Logan Mize, The Truman, $25-$50

The KS native country-rock singer, songwriter and guitarist with recent single “Can’t Get Away from a Good Time,” released to country radio by his label Arista Nashville, is gaining increasing buzz.

“Sunflowers,” which is an ode to his home state, will be used as an official state tourism song promoting Kansas. Mize has also been named an official Kansas Brand Ambassador by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and will promote Kansas as a visitor destination.

My Sister My Brother (Garrison Starr + Sean McConnell), Knuckleheads,$15

The songwriting duo of Garrison Starr and Sean McConnell, surprised fans, and themselves, with the new single “Cry Me A River” out now.

Addressing their fans on social media McConnell admits, “We could lie to y’all and say we are pulling a Beyoncé surprise drop, power move. But in actuality, due to the digital gods, we’re just as surprised as y’all are. So… SURPRISE! Meet ‘Cry Me A River” The pair debuted in 2020 with their self-titled EP. and follow up My Sister, My Brother II is due September 29^th.

Behzod Abduraimov Solo Recital Park ICM, The Folly,$10 (student)- $50

Following his debut success at Carnegie Hall in 2015, Behzod has had a rise to stardom in the classical music world, performing with leading orchestras worldwide. An award-winning recording artist, his most recent album, “Debussy, Chopin, Mussorgsky” was released in January 2021 by Alpha Classics. He serves as Park University’s International Center for Music’s artist-in-residence.

FRIDAY MAY 12

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra- Riff Generation, Medallion Theater, $22.50

May installment featuring a new jazz ensemble that cultivates new music alongside Kansas City’s fabled heritage of the genre. Part of a stand-alone performance series of new, highly collaborative compositions in a modern examination of the Kansas City “riff style.” Musicians audition for a one-year residency and perform these works in a variety of settings.

KC Ballet- Bliss Point May 12-21, Kauffman Center, $34-$134

Kansas City Ballet presents Bliss Point – ballets by Mark Morris, Jiří Kylián, and Alexander Ekman, an exciting combination of three unique contemporary dance pieces, each with its own distinctive style and message.

The first piece, Sandpaper Ballet explores the relationship between movement and music, as the dancers gracefully move across the stage to a percussive score, creating a mesmerizing visual and auditory experience.

Next, Petite Mort features twelve dancers performing to the music of Mozart, exploring themes of sexuality, death, and rebirth through a series of elegant and sensual movements.

Finally, Cacti offers a playful and humorous take on contemporary dance, as the dancers interact with and manipulate large cacti on stage.

Saving Abel, PBR Big Sky. $20

The rock band from Corinth, Mississippi was founded in 2004 by Jared Weeks and Jason Nulland is named after the biblical story of Cain and Abel, in which Cain kills his brother Abel.

Lead singer Jared Weeks left the band at the end of 2013 to pursue a solo career, but returned in 2021, replacing Scott Austin. Dave Moraata, the drummer of Week's solo project, would be replacing Steven Pulley Most recent release is Blood-Stained Revolution (2014)

SATURDAY MAY 13

Country Roots Fest feat Chris Young, Trace Adkins, Gabby Barrett, Clay Walker, JoDee Messina, Legends Field, $59-$139

In celebration of their 30th anniversary, Q104 presents a festival that features Bars ft. Craft Whiskey Cocktails & More; Craft Food & Retail Vendors, Outdoor Game Experiences, Line Dancing Area, Art Installations, and oh yeah, plenty of Country Music.

Deafheaven, Madrid Theatre,$25-$39

The Californian black metal/shoegaze quintet released their fifth studio album, Infinite Granite, in late 2021. The album saw the band take a dramatic departure from the black metal influences that had been a core part of their sound from their inception, shifting to a more melodic, shoegaze-oriented style.

Pat Green, Ameristar Casino, $40-$55

Classic country boy and proud Texan Pat Green loves his home state and he's not afraid to show it. With songs like "Texas on my Mind" and "I Like Texas."

Get Happy: A Judy Garland Centennial Celebration with Michael Feinstein, Helzberg Hall, $57.50-$117.50.

Featuring Gonzalo Farias, David T Beals III Associate Conductor and Michael Feinstein, vocalist and piano, with the Kansas City Symphony, we travel through the life and songs of Judy Garland, celebrating her 100th birthday. This brand-new multimedia concert event features big screen film clips, never-before-seen photos, rare audio recordings, and of course, great music.

Feinstein is an American singer, pianist, and five-time Grammy-nominated recording artist. He is an archivist and interpreter for the repertoire known as the Great American Songbook. In 1988 he won a Drama Desk Special Award for celebrating American musical theatre songs

SUNDAY MAY 14

Tom Russell, Knuckleheads. $40

Singer songwriter, painter, essayist, Russell takes the stage for a special show that will include “the hits” as well as selections from his new album to be released in the spring of 2023, as well as his latest “October in the Railroad Earth” ….of course, Russell will tell some stories, and have original art, prints and books for sale.

Jan Kraybill Pipe Organ Concert, Kauffman Center,SOLD OUT

A special, solo pipe organ concert to honor moms of all types! "Music from the Heart," features Jan Kraybill performing at the Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant Organ in Helzberg Hall.

The 75-minute program illustrates many shades of love, with compositions by Bach, Howells, and more, concluding with the finale of Paul Ayres’ Fantasy-Sonata on “Over the Rainbow.”

Watsky, Liberty Hall- Lawrence, $30-$50

The rising hip hopper as evolved to include elements of rock, jazz and orchestral arrangements, along with his blend of occasionally funny always honest wordplay. In 2016, his album x Infinity reached #4 on the Billboard rap chart, and his debut essay collection, How To Ruin Everything was a bestseller.

Shortly after, he began a 3-album series by releasing his 2019 album Complaint and toured extensively. The final album in the three-part series, Intention, was released this year and saw notable features from T-Pain, Rachel Zegler and Abhi The Nomad.

Zero 9:36, May 14, Encore at Uptown. $23

MONDAY MAY 15

Agent Orange with Suzi Moon, May 15, RecordBar. $25.49

Ugly Kid Joe with Fozzy and Pistols at Dawn, May 15, The Truman. $19.89-$38

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

Minneapolis: May 16 to May 17

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

05/16 Loveless with Taylor Acorn at Fine Line Read More Loveless Los Angeles alt-rock duo Loveless (Julian Comeau and Dylan Tirapelli-Jamail) will headline the 7th Street Entry this October 1st. They have a pop, rock, emo sound, starting with their debut Loveless I... and speaking of debut, this is their …

05/16/2023 Tuesday

Loveless
with Taylor Acorn
at Fine Line
first-avenue.com

The impossible to search Loveless duo (multi-instrumentalist Dylan Tirapelli-Jamail and vocalist/producer Julian Comeau) recently announced they’ve signed to BMG for worldwide distribution.

“Having like-minded, equally passionate people with us for this journey has always been a dream and we have absolutely found our people,” shares Loveless. “We are so thrilled to be working alongside the incredible team at BMG and we cannot wait for what the future holds!“

“We’re extremely happy to welcome Loveless to the BMG family,” adds Sean Heydorn, VP of Rise Records. “Their passion and vision are incredible and they have an amazing work ethic. What they’ve done the past few years, the way they have connected with so many people is truly special They are one of the most exciting bands in alternative music and we’re excited they chose to partner with us for their forthcoming releases.”

The duo kicks off their tour in Minneapolis, at the Fine Line Music Café on May 16th.

Taylor Acorn to open.

Tour dates:

5/16 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line Music Cafe
5/18 Detroit, MI El Club
5/19 Cleveland, OH Mahall's
5/20 Columbus, OH A&R Music Bar
5/22 Toronto, ON Axis Club
5/23 Montreal, QC Le Studio TD
5/25 New York, NY Irving Plaza
5/27 Boston, MA Boston Calling Festival
5/28 Atlantic City, NJ Adjacent Festival
5/30 Washington, DC Union Stage
6/1 Nashville, TN Basement East
6/2 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade (Hell)
6/3 Orlando, FL The Social
6/5 Houston, TX Warehouse Live Studio
6/6 Austin, TX Empire Garage
6/7 Dallas, TX The Studio at the Factory
6/10 Salt Lake City, UT Soundwell
6/12 Seattle, WA Neumo’s
6/13 Vancouver, BC Hollywood Theatre
6/14 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre
6/17 San Diego, CA SOMA (Sidestage)
6/18 Phoenix, AZ The Crescent Ballroom
9/16 Paris, FR Trabendo
9/18 Amsterdam, NL Melkweg OZ
9/20 Berlin, DE Frannz Club
9/23 Brussels, BE AB Club
9/25 Cardiff, UK Globe
9/26 London, UK Electric Ballroom
9/29 Birmingham, UK O2 Institute 2
9/30 Manchester, UK Academy 2
10/1 Glasgow, UK King Tut's
10/3 Dublin, IE Academy Green Room

05/16 Westerman with Twain at 7th St Entry Read More Twain Opening up the show was Twain, a band that we previously mentioned was led by Mt. Davidson. Joining him were two helpers, Peter Pezzimenti & Ken Woodward. The Minneapolis show was special to Twain …

05/16/2023 Tuesday

Westerman
with Twain
at 7th St Entry
first-avenue.com

Westerman is back with a new album called An Inbuilt Fault (Partisan and Play It Again Sam). There’ll be a tour to support the new record…. The first North American tour in four years.

Twain to open.

Tour Dates:

5/6 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah
5/7 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
5/9 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
5/10 - Seattle, WA @ Madame Lou's
5/14 - Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
5/16 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry
5/17 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
5/19 - Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
5/20 - Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz PDB
5/21 - Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
5/23 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall
5/24 - Philadelphia, PA @Johnny Brenda's
5/26 - Washington, DC @ Songbyrd
5/27 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
5/28 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
5/30 - Austin, TX @ Antone's Nightclub
5/31 - Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
6/2 - Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
6/3 - Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room

05/17 MUNA with Nova Twins at Palace Theatre Read More Muna Muna recently appeared with King Princess, in Jan 2022, “MUNA (Katie Gavin; Naomi McPherson; Josette Maskin) would be up first, with a six-song, twenty-five-minute set that was determined to get the crowd moving en masse, .…

05/17/2023 Wednesday

MUNA
with Nova Twins
at Palace Theatre
first-avenue.com

The big news is that MUNA will be opening for Taylor Swift…. This is, of course, having just opened for Lorde.

MUNA (21 Jan 2022)

We caught the group in Jan 2022 and wrote, “MUNA (Katie Gavin; Naomi McPherson; Josette Maskin) would be up first, with a six-song, twenty-five-minute set that was determined to get the crowd moving en masse, and succeeded due to their restless stage presence and catchy, mostly uplifting songs including set opener, “Number One Fan”. Two slower tempo, more “country-ish” songs were done mid-set, including a yet-to-be released new song earmarked for their next album, “Kind of Girl”.”

Nova Twins to open.

Tour dates:

April 17 - Seattle, WA - Showbox Sodo *
April 19 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield *
April 20 - Pomona, CA - The Glass House
April 21 - Coachella - Indio, CA
April 24 - Austin City Limits Live - Moody Theatre
April 26 - Austin, TX - Stubb’s Waller *
April 28 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle *
April 29 - Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore *
May 5 - Philadelphia, PA - The Met *
May 6 - Boston, MA - Roadrunner *
May 8 - New York, NY - Terminal 5 *
May 9 - New York, NY - Terminal 5 #
May 12 - Washington, DC - The Anthem *
May 13 - Harrisburg, PA - XL Live *
May 14 - Toronto, ON - History *
May 16 - Chicago, IL - The Salt Shed *
May 17 - St. Paul, MN - Palace Theatre *
May 19 - Denver, CO - Mission Ballroom *
June 16 - Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo
July 22 - Seattle, WA - Capitol Hill Block Party

Support from Nova Twins *
Support from Lou Roy #

Taylor Swift Dates
March 31 - Arlington, TX - AT&T Stadium ^
April 30 - Atlanta, GA - Mercedes-Benz Stadium ^
June 4 - Chicago, IL - Soldier Field ^
June 30 - Cincinnati, OH - Paycor Stadium ^
July 1 - Cincinnati, OH - Paycor Stadium ^
July 7 - Kansas City, MO - GEHA Field ^
July 8 - Kansas City, MO - GEHA Field ^
July 14 - Denver, CO - Empower Field ^
July 15 - Denver, CO - Empower Field ^
August 13 - Copenhagen, DK - KB Hallen ~
August 15 - Berlin, DE - Verti Music Hall ~
August 16 - Cologne, DE - Palladium ~
August 18 - Biddinghuizen, NL Lowlands
August 19 - Kiewit-Hasselt - Pukkelpop
August 20 - London, UK - Gunnersbury Park ~
August 25 - Leeds, UK - Leeds Festival
August 26 - Edinburgh, UK - Connect Festival
August 27 - Reading, UK - Reading Festival
August 28 - Dublin, IE - Royal Hospital Kilmainham

^ MUNA to support Taylor Swift
~ MUNA to support boygenius

05/17 Narrow Head with Graham Hunt at 7th St Entry Read More Narrow Head QUICKSAND with Narrow Head at Fine Line Excerpt Go, go, go!: Anyway, it actually brought a smile to my face when I read that the New York City post-hardcore band .…

05/17/2023 Wednesday

Narrow Head
with Graham Hunt
at 7th St Entry
first-avenue.com

Narrow Head will be headlining the 7th Street Entry, in Minneapolis, on May 17th. The group’s latest Moments of Clarity is available from Run For Cover Records on vinyl, CD and all digital streaming platforms.

Graham Hunt to open.

Tour dates:

May 13: Las Vegas, NV - Sick New World Fest
May 15: Denver, CO - Hi-Dive
May 16: Omaha, NE - Reverb Lounge
May 17: Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry
May 18: Milwaukee, WI - Cactus Club
May 19: Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
May 20: Cleveland, OH - Mahall's
May 22: New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
May 23: Brooklyn, NY - TV Eye
May 24: Boston, MA - The Sinclair
May 25: Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
May 26: Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
May 27: Durham, NC - The Pinhook
May 28: Atlanta, GA - Masquerade Purgatory
May 30: Miami, FL - Gramps
May 31: Orlando, FL - The Abbey
Jun 01: Tampa, FL - The Crowbar
Jun 02: Pensacola, FL - The Handlebar
Jun 03: New Orleans, LA - Santos

~ w/ White Reaper, Taipei Houston

05/17 and 05/18 Hiromi at Dakota Jazz Club

05/17/2023 Wednesday
05/18/2023 Thursday

Hiromi
at Dakota Jazz Club
dakotacooks.com

Japanese artist Hiromi is doing a two-night (four shows) residency at the Dakota Jazz Club in downtown Minneapolis. The classical and classical composer (often fused with rock-inspired or pop music) is touring in support of Silver Lining Suite.

Joining her on stage will be Hadrien Feraud, Gene Coye and Adam O’Farrill.

As with Dakota Jazz Club, we suggest you show up early to grab a bite to eat (the Dakota is a world class restaurant) or drink and wait for the band to come on stage. There will be an early and a late show.

Tour dates:

May 17 Minneapolis, MN, US Dakota
May 18 Minneapolis, MN, US Dakota
May 19 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland
May 20 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland
May 21 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland
May 23 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland
May 24 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland
Jul 18 Nice, France NICE JAZZ FESTIVAL PASS
Nov 13 London, UK Barbican Centre

If your band is coming to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, please email details to [email protected] with a good lead time. Thank you.

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

We♥KC! April 26-May 1, 2023 Upcoming concerts/shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Read More Mötley Crüe All the original members of glam "hair" metal band Mötley Crüe are back with an all-original studio album, Saints of Los Angeles. The album is out today …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Late April means Draft Week in KC!

After two Super Bowl wins, the metro gets to host the NFL Draft this Thur/Fri/Sat, which has become a huge media event, and has free nightly concerts after the rounds end. Admission is free but requires the NFL OnePass QR code, because the league wants your marketing info, of course. Still, should be fun. April has quickly come and gone- bring on May!

Let’s take look at the Kansas City/Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from April 26th-May 1st.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 26

Sabrina Carpenter, Midland. $29.50-$59.50

Out on her emails i can't send Tour supporting her fifth full-length album and debut for Island Records, the album represents a music leap for the multi-talented star. In order to get “closer to music,” Sabrina quite literally embraced her roots once again. Listening intently to a myriad of favorites, she dusted off listening to the likes of Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, and Marvin Gaye, emphasizing the inclusion of live instrumentation and stripped-back production.

Since making her debut with Eyes Wide Open in 2015, Carpenter has evolved as a singer, songwriter, and performer on her own terms, amassing over a billion streams, a platinum and two gold singles along the way. Blu DeTiger to open.

Lainey Wilson, KC Live, Free

Wilson is on the road for her first major headlining tour she dubs the Country With a Flare Tour. New album, Bell Bottom Country has been critically acclaimed and swept recent Country award shows. She’s a real-deal rising artist with #1’s "Things a Man Oughta Know" and "Never Say Never," a collaboration with Cole Swindell and single "Heart Like a Truck” is currently everywhere, even on a Ram Truck commercial in heavy rotation. Oh, plus Free show! - arrive early for a good spot.

THURSDAY APRIL 27

Black Flag (performing My War), recordBar, $25

The punk luminaries have taken on many forms over the years, but one thing that has stayed consistent is guitarist (and primary songwriter) Greg Ginn, who’s the sole continuous member of the band. On this tour, pro-skater-turned-punk vocalist Mike Vallely will front the band in a performance of the seminal 1984 album, My War, in its entirety along with classic punk hits.

Fall Out Boy, NFL Draft at Union Station, free w NFL OnePass

The GRAMMY award-nominated, multi-platinum and award-winning rock band will take the stage following the conclusion of Round 1. The band's eighth studio album, So Much (For) Stardust, debuted as the No. 1 rock album when released last month. This June, they come back(!) on their So Much For (Tour) Dust but you can see this sneak peek for free. Jonas Brothers also appearing earlier in the evening with a new single!

Mo Lowda & The Humble w/Illiterate Light, Encore at Uptown,$15-$17

The Philly indie four piece is headlining their album release tour, in support of their self-titled full length, which just released in March. It’s their fourth, so you know they’ve been honing their chops and energetic live show, for some time.

Arrive early for openers Illiterate Light The Virginia duo (singer-guitarist Jeff Gorman and drummer Jake Cochran), has been around since 2015 and is touring in support of their new album Sunburned, out now via Thirty Tigers. We just caught this show last week in Minneapolis – read all about it here!

Pert Near Sandstone w the Way Back Wanderers, Knuckleheads, $18.50

The Minneapolis-based string group released their debut album, 'Up And Down The River” over a decade ago. New release, 'Discovery Of Honey,' finds them once again recording in a basement and reuniting with founding member Ryan Young, who's spent the past seven years playing fiddle with Duluth’s Trampled By Turtles.

Current lineup also includes Nate Sipe and Kevin Kniebel, founding guitarist J Lenz, bassist Justin Bruhn, and clog & fiddle player Matt Cartier. Support comes from Peoria, IL band The Way Down Wanderers, who recently released third full-length, More Like Tomorrow.

IV and the Strange Band, Knuckleheads, $20

"Patience is a virtue." Those words are tattooed across Coleman Williams' right arm, forever reminding the alternative-country singer/songwriter of the benefits of taking one's time as the great-grandson of Hank Williams Sr., grandson of Hank Williams Jr., and only son of Hank 3. Expect a genre-blending mix with Southern attitude and a DIY mentality. The Goddamn Gallows as support.

Rob Schneider (comedy), Folly. $35-$75

The multi-faceted Schneider is out on his I Have Issues Tour.. A stand-up comic and veteran of the award-winning NBC’s Saturday Night Live, Schneider has gone on to a career in films (the Deuce Bigalow franchise), television and continues touring and the three-time Emmy nominated writer is also raising young daughters Miranda and Madeline, with his wife Patricia.

Bruce-O-Rama Starring Bruce Campbell, Uptown Theater, $27.50-$125.00

PART 1: PLAY A GAME!

Hosted by Bruce, LAST FAN STANDING is not your father's trivia contest. As the only interactive game show created exclusively for fans of pop culture, it will test your knowledge about the things that really matter: Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi, Superheroes, Gaming.

PART 2: WATCH A GROOVY BRUCE MOVIE!

Bruce will introduce a cult favorite he's been in and take questions before the screening. It's a lively half hour of anecdotes, insults and random cash giveaways.

FRIDAY APRIL 28

Kelce Jam feat Machine Gun Kelly, Rick Ross, Loud Luxury, Tech N9ne, Azura Amph, $49.99+

The two-time Super Bowl Champion is curating his very own music festival, to help celebrate NFL Draft Week in Kansas City (even though this is way out in Bonner Springs)

Mostly sold out, it pairs the newsworthy Machine Gun Kelly with rappers Ross and local favorite Tech N9ne for an evening that is very close to sold out, try for tix quick.

MÖTLEY CRÜE, NFL Draft at Union Station, free w NFL OnePass

Known for their iconic live performances and currently on The World Tour playing stadiums around the globe, the world's most notorious rock band, MÖTLEY CRÜE will headline Day 2 following Round 3 on Friday, April 28, before taking their tour to 17 European countries starting next month and returning to the USA for more stadium shows in August.

Latrice Royale, Madrid Theatre, $35-$249

Celebrating 30 years in the biz, Latrice shares how she’s risen from the lowest points in her life to becoming one of the World’s most Beloved Queens. It’s a story of resilience, heart, soul and determination as Latrice spills all the “Tea” through comedy, storytelling and music. Spendy VIP packages available, of course.

Park ICM Orchestra, Parkville, free w/email reserve here

Currently celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the International Center for Music at Park University (Park ICM) started its famed chamber orchestra in 2016. The season will culminate with Kansas City favorite Timothy Hankewich, former resident conductor of the Kansas City Symphony on April 28th.

Maestro Hankewich has selected an all-French program, with music of Honegger, Saint-Saëns, Fauré and Milhaud being featured. The Swiss/French composer Arthur Honegger is perhaps best known by two very different works; his symphonic poem Pacific 231, inspired by his great love of trains, and the so-called symphonic psalm King David, a work that propelled the composer to fame in 1921. His Pastorale d’ete will be heard to start the concert and is an evocation of a calm early morning in the Swiss alps.

SATURDAY APRIL 29

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, “The Root,” April 29, Kauffman Center,$33.50-$68.50

The root of jazz lies in another Black American art form: the blues. But the relationship that Kansas City jazz has with the blues is unique, maintaining a strong association throughout the past century. From Julia Lee to Charlie Parker to Bobby Watson and beyond, Kansas City jazz musicians have embodied this tradition in a holistic, yet continually contemporary style and will honor its musical roots.

Thundercat, NFL Draft at Union Station, free w NFL OnePass

The Grammy-winning iconic bassist and vocalist previously wowed opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and an outdoor show last summer at GrindersKC, and will now close out the 2023 Draft Concert Series. He will curate a special performance which will pay tribute to the rich music history and the legacy of jazz in Kansas City. His latest single is a collab with Tame Impala.

Damien Jurado, recordBar, $17

New album Sometimes You Hurt The Ones You Hate just came out (via Maraqopa Records) and “Neiman Marcus” is the lead single, a melodic pop song that sounds both fresh and classic.

Ron Pope w/Caleb Hearn and Lydia Luce, Knuckleheads,$20-$2525

After his world tour was canceled in early-2020, Pope passed three hundred afternoons at his living room piano and the resulting music is Inside Voices, due out in early June. Pope circled back to how his solo career began- simple, honest lyrics and melodies..

With special guest Caleb Hearn and Lydia Luce and no, that top ticket price is not wrong-- it basically entitles you to hang out all day with Pope.

The New Pornographers with Wild Pink, The Truman. $30-$60

For the last two decades, the indie supergroup — A.C. Newman, Neko Case, Kathryn Calder, Todd Fancey, Blaine Thurier, John Collins, Joe Seiders and Simi Stone have been delivering infectious hooks, harmonies, and a pile of power-pop riffs every time they take the stage, now embarking on a tour in support of their brand new record In The Morse Code Of Brake Lights. We caught the band at First Avenue almost a decade ago (has it been that long?!) and the lineup changes, depending on who’s available. Openers Wild Pink are an indie rock band from the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, with ILYSM being their fourth full-length album.

Cut Chemist, The Ship,$18-$20

The legendary turntablist (co-founder of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli) will be performing a special vinyl-only set in the main room

SUNDAY APRIL 30

The Birthday Massacre, Encore at Uptown. $25

From the band whose landmark album Walking With Strangers has been called the "Sgt. Pepper of Dark Wave" comes their 12th release and most intimate offering to date. " Fascination" is at once the most fully realized album with the bands signature blend of haunting vocals, electronica and aggressive guitars and their most accessible. We caught them live both last year, and back in 2017 and this is a headlining show, in between support gigs with Lacuna Coil. 

Wage War with Nothing,nowhere. and Spite, The Truman. $25-$70

The metalcore band formed in Ocala, FL in 2010 under the name Empires and consists of lead vocalist Briton Bond, lead guitarist Seth Blake, rhythm guitarist / vocalist Cody Quistad, bassist Chris Gaylord, and drummer Stephen Kluesener. Acoustic album The Stripped Sessions, was released last December. Opener Nothing,Nowhere is a 30yr-old Foxborough, Mass Emo rapper whose new album “VOID ETERNAL” featuring the 'THIRST4VIOLENCE', 'VEN0M' & 'CYAN1DE' is out now.

MONDAY MAY 1

Wilder Woods (NEEDTOBREATHE), Madrid. $31

The Covid lockdown turned into a very productive period for NEEDTOBREATHE singer Bear Rinehart who was fresh off of touring behind the first album for his new solo project, Wilder Woods, when he holed up with his wife and children. The result is a brand-new 2^nd solo album, Fever/Sky, out now on Dualtone Records, but expect some band, as well as solo favorite songs. We’ve seen the band a handful of times, most recently last summer with OneRepublic on a lovely summer night outdoors at Starlight.

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

We♥KC! March 16-21, 2023 Upcoming concerts/shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Read More Planet Comicon Crowds in the thousands flocked to Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City over the weekend to attend the three-day Planet Comicon Kansas City, the region’s largest and longest-running comic and pop …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Faith and Begorrah! it’s St. Pat’s weekend, and there’s no shortage of concerts and cultural events in the metro to celebrate...anything, really.

You know you’re getting old when a bevy of 1990’s/00’s R&B acts are out on reunion tour packages, as evidenced by a couple shows playing here this week... anyway…

The big show of the week is Blake Shelton at T-Mobile, riding high on his last season of The Voice and he’s bringing along the talented Carly Pearce and newcomer Jackson Dean for a solid night of new country. And Pop Culture fans rejoice- Planet Comicon Kansas City is on all weekend downtown!

Let’s take look at the Kansas City/Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from March 16th-21st.

THURSDAY MARCH 16

Colony House w little image, The Truman. $28-$42

The Franklin, TN quartet is out on tour in support of new record, The Cannonballers. Led by the Chapman brothers, we caught the Christian-leaning indie band back in 2015 and the tour kicked off last month, stopping in Minneapolis the night before this KC date, as well.

Arrive early for Dallas trio little image, who has a new single, "Ballet" out now, ahead of a self-titled debut due out on May 12th.

Blushing, Pale Dian, Seashine, Lake Love, miniBar, $10

Blushing is an Austin, TX based dreampop / shoegaze quartet comprised of two husband and wife pairs that share a love of making melodic and atmospheric music. The band formed in summer 2015 when after a few years of writing songs Michelle found a musical partner in friend Christina who brought her classical vocal training and bass playing to the project, and also found a fan in Lush’s Miki Berenyi when they covered one of that band’s songs. Tiny venue, low-dough show, ‘Nuff said!

FRIDAY MARCH 17

Planet Comicon Kansas City, Bartle Hall, Mar 17-19 $10.99 (youth)- $230.99

Since 1999, Planet Comicon Kansas City has served as the Midwest’s largest comic book and pop culture gathering featuring a convention center’s worth of exhibits, comic and pop culture vendors, and numerous celebrities and creators. Attend in cosplay of your favorite character and enter the costume contest for pride and prizes. The associated fantasy-themed Fae Ball on March 17 is long sold-out, but there are plenty of after-hours and additional activities, in addition to full days on the convention floor.

This year’s guests include William Shatner, Richard Dreyfuss, Giancarlo Esposito, Cassandra Peterson, and Rachael Leigh Cook, among many others. Comic creators include legendary names like Jim Steranko and Roy Thomas, in addition to newer talent and local favorites. Children under 8 can attend for free and certain discounts are available when booking in advance, online.

Skillet, Theory of a Deadman, Saint Asonia, The Midland, $29.75-$59.75

Canadian rockers Theory of a Deadman and Christian rock band Skillet have embarked on a co-headlining North American tour with support from Saint Asonia dubbed “Rock Resurrection Tour,” that runs through March. Theory has a new single with full album forthcoming, Skillet is touring behind their 2022 release, Dominion, and Saint Asonia released two EPs, Introvert and Extrovert last year.

“We’re super stoked to be touring with our good friends in Skillet and Saint Asonia this winter,” Theory of a Deadman front man Tyler Connolly said in a statement. “We’re also really looking forward to playing new material for our fans!”

“We are so excited to be touring with our friends from Theory again!” Skillet vocalist John Cooper added. “We are looking forward to kicking off 2023 the right way by joining forces for a super-charged rock show! Panheads get ready!”

SATURDAY MARCH 18

Blake Shelton with Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean, T-Mobile Center. $59-$249

The Voice coach (for the final season, as he’s reminding everyone!) is also on the road on his Back to the Honky Tonk Tour which runs through the end of the month with solid support from ACM Female Artist of the Year Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean. We caught Pearce last summer with Kenny Chesney at Arrowhead, and thought she was one of the true highlights of the multi-act day. Pearce releases a live album on March 24^th and shhh, she might just duet with Blake mid-set.

For the tour, Shelton has also partnered with Propeller and Save The Music. In partnership with digital marketing and social impact platform, Shelton helps support the work of Save The Music, a non-profit organization that helps students, schools, and communities reach their full potential through the power of making music. “Music is the greatest healer, and I know my fans will be just as excited as I am to work together to give the gift of music to as many children across the country as possible.”

Shooting Star, Ameristar Casino, $30-$45

Hang On for Your Life tonight! The Midwest’s premier shoulda-been-huge classic rock band hits the casino stage for a setlist of hits and local radio favorites. Most of the original members have departed, but the new lineup injects some energy into forty-year-old songs.

"Last Chance" and "Hang on for Your Life." Keeping it local and old school, Missouri, another classic area rock band will also be taking the stage to make this a fun and nostalgic evening.

Indigo Girls with the Kansas City Symphony, Kauffman Center, $63.50-$83.5

Featuring Gonzalo Farias and David T. Beals III Associate Conductor--

Known for their folk-rock music, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, the two halves of the dynamic duo, bring their captivating music performing with the Kansas City Symphony. Celebrating their successful four-decade-long career, the program features hits like “Galileo,” “Kid Fears,” “Closer to Fine,” and “Making Promises.” We caught the pair live outdoors in 2015. Low (if any) ticket alert.

Donell Jones, H-Town and Changing Faces, Midland. $40-$125

Throwback Time One! Donell Jones is most notable for the hits "U Know What's Up", "Where I Wanna Be", and his cover of Stevie Wonder's "Knocks Me Off My Feet". Jones' first studio album My Heart, was released in 1996, but he is best known for his late 1990s release of his second album Where I Wanna Be. Album 100% Free came out on digital (and free on his website) in Feb 2021.

Slushii, Aura. $25

aka Julian Scanlan, Slushii is a LA-based DJ, singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for working with artists like Marshmello, Ookay and Jauz, with latest release being last year’s A Slushii Summer.

SUNDAY MARCH 19

Winterlude: KC Jazz Disciples, Polsky Theatre. $17-$35 ($5 students)

Five musicians blend into the trademark KC jazz sound while bringing their unique touch, led by saxophonist Gerald Dunn. Pianist Everett Freeman has toured with Oleta Adams and drummer Michael Warren is a seasoned local talent, having worked with almost everybody. Bassist DeAndre Manning completes the lineup and for this performance, the ensemble will be joined by special guest trumpeter Danny Campbell.

Rewind Tour featuring Bow Wow, Pleasure P, Bobby V. Trina and more, Cable Dahmer Arena. $63-$354

Throwback Time Two! No longer “Lil’” the now-35yr-old Bow Wow is a rapper and actor whose career began after being discovered by Snoop Dogg in the late ‘90s, signed to So So Def Recordings and under the tutelage of Jermaine Dupri, he released his first album at age 13 in 2000.

MONDAY MARCH 20

TUESDAY MARCH 21

Jake Wesley Rogers, The Madrid, $25

The eccentric and innovative pop artist is out on the Peace, Love & Pluto Tour, which is the first as a headliner. The genre-blurring hit maker has a new six-song EP, LOVE, a collection of audacious and heartfelt pop anthems, the set showcases his bluesy bravado on hits like "Dark Bird" and "Lavender Forever" as well as two new tracks, "Call It Love" and "My Mistake."

Last Fall, he opened for Panic! At The Disco during their Viva Las Vengeance Tour, which played mostly arenas and allowed more fans than ever, to be exposed to Rogers’ unique talents. A show at the relatively small Madrid, this one looks special (and is worth overcoming road construction and bad parking options).

We Three, recordBar, $25

Springing forth from Season 13 of America's Got Talent, the Portland, OR pop group has a new record, In Therapy, just out last Friday. Joshua, Bethany and Manny make up the Humlie trio, who have aptly named themselves We Three. Since their debut album in 2018, they’ve had over 200+ million song streams, over a million TikTok followers, and thousands of followers on social media.

Hamilton (musical), Mar 21-Apr 2, Music Hall, $69+

PNC Broadway in Kansas City continues with its most popular and longest-run (here for two weeks!) show of the season! We all know Hamilton by now- the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a unique score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton is told like never before and has created a lasting cultural moment in the process.

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. The Disney+ Special is great, but you haven’t seen Hamilton until you’ve seen it live and on-stage!

Nonpoint, Bottleneck. $25

Out on a month-long leg of their Emerald Cities Tour 2023 the trek features support from BLACKTOP MOJO and SUMO CYCO. Says the band, "Follow the Yellow Brick Road and let the epic sounds of these amazing bands guide you on an unforgettable adventure through this all-immersive experience." 

Clan of Xymox, BLVD Nights, $25 (ticket link)

After a few necessary re-schedules, the legendary and longtime Dutch band (still led by Ronny Moorings) are finally back on the road again hosting an evening of goth electro-darkness. Limbo was released in 2021 but expect of classic tracks dating all the way back to their 1985 self-titled debut album. The tour is a rare US appearance so shouldn’t be missed, and the intimate confines of this Westport venue, make it more compelling to witness the spectacle in-person.

Bellwether Syndicate, Discord, and Monta as support, for a full night of darkwave goodness.

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