W♥M

Paris Paloma at The Truman, Kansas City MO (17 March 2025)

PARIS PALOMA SETLIST my mind (now) drywall as good a reason knitting song the warmth escape pod notre dame last woman on earth triassic love song bones on the beach the rider the fruits yeti the hunter -- Encore -- labour SARAH JULIA SETLIST Use A Friend Conspiracy Theorist Daughters Game of Pretend Cairngorms Amsterdam PARIS PALOMA TOUR DATES (all US shows sold out) 18 Mar Gothic Theatre Englewood, CO 21 Mar Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR 23 Mar The Showbox Seattle, WA 25 Mar The Regency Ballroom San Francisco, CA 27 Mar The Fonda Theatre Los Angeles, CA 12 Apr Zermatt Unplugged Zermatt, Switzerland 5 Jun Albert Hall Manchester, UK 6 Jun O2 Shepherds Bush Empire London, UK 8 Jun 3Olympia Theatre Dublin, Ireland 13 Jun Bergenfest 2025 Bergen, Norway 15 Jun Amsterdamse Bostheater Amstelveen, NL Read More Paris Paloma She released her debut album “Cacophony” last August, with her viral, break-out single “labour” playing to tens of thousands of TikTok uses, 180 million+ streams on Spotify, and a recent …

The magik is real--

On a Monday night filled with allusions of nature, nurture, feminist pride and independence, UK folk pop sensation Paris Paloma took over a very sold-out Truman in downtown Kansas City for a long-awaited, spellbinding performance.

The evening began with a thirty-minute opening set from Dutch sister singing duo Sarah Julia, in support of their latest EP, “Only Making It Worse” due out on 9 May, and its lead single, “Amsterdam”.

They pair began singing together early on, including an appearance at the Junior Eurovision Song Festival 2013 with their original, "Live Life" (though didn’t win the competition). The duo harmonized completely in tandem, like similar acts we’ve recently seen, but took a more modern approach (vs. traditional) to their version of folk.

An under-powered laptop forced an impromptu setlist swap of “Conspiracy Theorist” and “Game of Pretend” (a ‘special and favorite’ song of the sisters to play), which was quickly adjusted to, and the howls and woos in the audience proved the two already had a strong local following.

“Cairngorms” was written about a ‘magical park’ in Scotland that they visited as children, which also serves as a place the sisters can go to into their minds, as a place of calm. The set would end with their latest single, about the city in which they live (following being born and raised in Rotterdam) and is also an allegory of personal relationships with its lyric, “It isn't what she deserves, you're only making it worse and I ain't moving on without her.”

 

As mentioned this show was long sold out and was clearly evident in those telltale signs at the venue- a long line for entry stretching way down the block with people begging for spare tickets; “Sold Out AF” on the marquee and at the box office at the venue’s entrance; a line around the inside just to get to the merch stand; and a packed general admission floor with turbine-sized ceiling fans blowing on high.

 

For Darbyshire UK native, Paris Paloma, her time has truly arrived. The packed house, many dressed in olde English fairie and magik-inspired dress, screamed and yelped even before the main act went on stage- during stagehand instrument tuning, songs played between sets, and of course, as the lights went down to begin the much-anticipated, eighty-minute headlining performance.

Paloma first made online waves releasing songs during the pandemic, eventually signing with Nettwerk in 2022 and releasing singles, “Forsaken” and “Notre Dame” on the label. Influenced by the likes of Florence and the Machine, Hozier, Aurora, Ed Sheeran and others, her ethereal blend of alternative folk proved a perfect combination for fans (more female than male) to embrace at community-like levels.

2023 breakout single, “Labour” still seems fresh for us in the States, with Paloma just having memorably performed it on a recent Late Show with Stephen Colbert episode, and we first took notice some three years ago as she was added to festivals like Bonnaroo and played her first American live dates.

After the opening, “My Mind (Now)” and “Drywall”, she paused to say hello and wish everyone a Happy St. Pat’s Day as well as a Happy Hozier’s Birthday (the Irish singer’s birth happens to fall on the same day). She also asked everyone in the crowd introduce themselves to each other, to help set the friendly tone of the night and as a gesture of unity.

Paloma only had two other musicians on stage with her- MD, drummer and keys player Jim Molyneux behind on her left, and guitar/bassist George Cowley behind her on the right, but with their instrumentations and some samples, the three could create an errr, cacophony of arena-sized boom, or a delicate feather whisper, which required and received a collective hush from the enraptured crowd.

“Cacophony” is the debut full-length, out last August (via Nettwerk Music Group) and most of the setlist was drawn from those tracks of feminist fervor, rebelling against societal expectations, and Paloma’s own experiences to dissent when necessary while encouraging those to create their own herstory.

“Knitting Song” was written about and dedicated to her late grandmother (helped come to life on stage by the vocals of Sarah Julia) and her newest song, “Good Boy” is an angry rebuke against the current patriarchy in our country, and its rippling influences abroad.

The set would slow as it progressed, becoming more ethereal along the way, on songs like “The Last Woman on Earth” about the continued pedestalization of some females, and she was eventually left solo for “Triassic Love Song”, which became a hushed sing-along.

“The Rider” was a full circle number, she explained, having covered Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire” (from Lord of the Rings) in her very earliest days, and then completely thrilled to have been asked to contribute a song to the closing credits of last year’s LOTR: The War of the Rohirrim film- a middle-earth dream for the band, who all professed to be Tolkien fans.

2022’s early song, “The Fruits” was sung by most of the audience, a song composed in Paloma’’s dorm room while attending university, and a landmark song in her own journey that helped focus the musical direction she wanted to move forward with.

The thundering drums against bird and nature sounds of “Hunter” ended the main set, but the trio quickly re-emerged for the single-song encore of Paloma’s biggest hit-to-date, “Labour” with its defiant and independent lyric, “he can live out his picket fence dreams, (but) it's not an act of love if you make her.”

You know it’s no ordinary show when it sells out months ahead of time, care and thought by attendees are put into what exactly to wear and who to go with, the merch stand even offers a free book exchange, and circles of fairy dancing spontaneously take place in the crowd, but this was no ordinary artist either. Paris Paloma is really still just getting started but has already built a fan community and critical attention, that most veteran artists would surely envy. Consider us under her spell as well.

(click on any image to enlarge and see in full)

PARIS PALOMA at The Truman- Kansas City MO (2025-03-17)

PARIS PALOMA at The Truman- Kansas City MO (2025-03-17)

PARIS PALOMA at The Truman- Kansas City MO (2025-03-17)

   SARAH JULIA at The Truman- Kansas City MO (2025-03-17)

 

John C ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥X / twitter.com ♥ bsky.ap

Judy Collins at Kauffman Center for the Arts, Kansas City MO (15 March 2025)

JUDY COLLINS SETLIST Both Sides, Now (Joni Mitchell cover) Danny Boy (Frederick Edward Weatherly cover) Diamonds & Rust (Joan Baez cover) Born to the Breed Leaving on a Jet Plane / Take Me Home, Country Roads / Jet Plane reprise (John Denver covers) When I Was a Girl in Colorado John Riley (traditional) Mr. Tambourine Man (Bob Dylan cover) Suzanne (Leonard Cohen cover snippet) Since You Asked The Blizzard Send In the Clowns (Stephen Sondheim cover) -- Encore -- Amazing Grace (John Newton cover) OAKLAND RAIN SETLIST ? If You Were a Song Sister Hymn Diamonds are Diamonds Lighthouse Dear Josephine JUDY COLLINS TOUR DATES 16 MARCH Des Moines, IA Hoyt Sherman Place 18 MARCH Memphis, TN Halloran Centre- Orpheum Theatre 19 MARCH Birmingham, AL Lyric Theatre 22 MARCH Nashville, IN Brown County Music Center 23 MARCH Charlotte, NC Knight Theater, Levine Center 28 MARCH Victoria, BC, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 29 MARCH Victoria, BC, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 30 MARCH New Westminster, BC, Massey Theatre 6 APRIL Thousand Oaks, CA Kavli Theatre at B of A PAC 7 APRIL Colorado Springs, CO Pikes Peak Center 10 MAY New Brunswick, NJ State Theatre 11 MAY Worcester, MA Hanover Theatre 15 MAY Rutland, VT Paramount Theatre 17 MAY Old Saybrook, CT The Kate Cultural Arts Center 18 MAY Toronto, ON, Hugh's Room Live 21 MAY Buffalo, NY Shea's 710 Theatre 23 MAY Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Playhouse 6 JUNE Chicago, IL Cahn Auditorium 14 JUNE Boulder, CO Chautauqua Auditorium Read More Judy Collins Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism …

Over six decades later, we’re all still Spellbound watching her perform--

One of the great folk icons- a singer-songwriter, author, activist, and poet known best during the 1960’s & 70’s, Judy Collins returned to Kansas City, over the weekend. She’s still as active as ever at 85-years-young and enchanted the audience at the Kauffman Center for the Arts, while winter decided it wasn’t quite done outside- bringing cold, winds, and even some light snow.

The evening began with a well-received half hour set from Norwegian sister folk duo, Oakland Rain (aka twins Maren and Charlotte Wallevik Hansen), in support of their “Twin Flames Part One: The Evergreen” release, the first of two planned companion records, this initial one released in late January.

Like similar Scandinavian female traditional folk duos (First Aid Kit, Huldreokkk, Staallul), their shared harmonies are impeccable, mastery of English is probably better than our own, and their very kind in-between song banter, was spoken with a cheerful and spry impish lilt.

The band nicely introduced each song and gave some very brief background to it, with the recent “Sister Hymn” having the shortest intro, as its title and content seemed obvious. The sisters are staunch advocates of mental health and hope for positive change through their music and made sure to make mention of that (as well as their CDs for sale at merch, as reminded by their tour manager to say).

 

There seems to be another modern folk renaissance in music of late – from chart-topping bands like Mumford and Sons, Fleet Foxes, Noah Kahan, and Lumineers, to the acclaimed recent Bob Dylan biopic, to everyone’s favorite, Taylor Swift, even releasing a pair of award-winning folk-inspired records, produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner and Bleachers’ Jack Antonoff.

So, it’s a real treat when one of the 1960’s originators like Judy Collins comes to town, with a seemingly endless supply of stories and accompanying songs. Her ninety-minute performance was not as much as of a concert, as a musical conversation – peppered with anecdotes, one-liner jokes, and stories of her own journey, which started by learning piano at a very young age, as encouraged by her piano-playing and radio host father.

Collins began her ninety-minute headlining set (accompanied by her pianist and own twelve-string guitar) with her famous cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides, Now”, declaring afterword with some pep in her step, that “’85’ is the new ‘27’!”, which got an early collective laugh from the enraptured crowd.

She mentioned the recent pandemic beginning as a good thing for her, not having had any kind of ‘real vacation’ in some forty years but was brought back to reality by catching the virulent bug.

The early sing a-long of the classic “Danny Boy’ was not only an early chance to get the crowd’s St. Pat’s pipes rehearsing, but dated back to her own childhood, being brought up on stage by her father to sing classics like that one, and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” ...in April. A few Mae West quotes she learned along the way, kept things light as well.

Collins mentioned her longtime friendship with Joan Baez before her own version of the Baez hit, “Diamonds & Rust”, saying, “we’ve known each other so long, we play at each other birthdays” and noting she really never did many drugs back in the day, saying “they interfered with my drinking” to a crowd’s laugh.

She did admit to heeding a learned lesson to keep working as one ages and admitted these shows back on the road also served as her own therapy; having still to adequately overcome the death of her husband and partner since 1978, designer/artist Louis Nelson, who passed away in December.

Collins admitted her intensive music lessons ‘ruined’ her social life as a young girl (“...but I made up for it in the 60’s,” she exclaimed) and that the irresistible pull of acts like Jo Stafford, drew her away from classical piano, and towards folk and pop on guitar.

And like many musicians in the right-place at the right-time, she first met John Denver as an early teen, had 13-year Arlo Guthrie opening for her when she moved to NYC in 1961, and stayed in a farmhouse in Woodstock, NY as Bob Dylan finished writing “Mr. Tambourine Man’ from a room just down the hall.

Denver’s own “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “Leaving on a Jet Plane” were mashed together as a medley (with the crowd singing the choruses back) and Collins recalled running a Rocky Mountain lodge in Estes Park with her first husband, without electricity or modern conveniences (but loving it).

On her version of the traditional, “John Riley”, she proved she could more than hold an extended end note (to rave applause), mentioning her approval of the recent Dylan film and long friendship with Pete Seeger (though was somewhat comically disgruntled that the Woodstock Festival had three chances to invite her, but never did).

She would switch over to piano after the first hour, recollecting her 1966 meeting with a young Leonard Cohen and he recited verses of his own “Suzanne”, unsure that it was even a song (“It was!” Collins would assure him).

1967’s “Since You Asked” was her own song and had her mention her poetry writings as well; saying a poem can sometimes be “jammed” into being a song lyric, but the opposite generally did not work. Her most recent book of poetry, “Sometimes It’s Heaven” is out next week and she was thrilled to have her publisher’s representatives (from KC’s own Andrews McMeel) in the audience as well.

Her distinctive Sondheim cover and perhaps biggest hit, “Send in the Clowns” would end the main set, but the pair quickly re-emerged for a one-song acapella encore of “Amazing Grace”, which found Collins teaching the audiences the deeper verses, beyond the familiar chorus.

After what seemed a quick ninety-minutes, the show was over to bows and applause, feeling like it could have easily gone at least another ninety, with more stories, anecdotes and reflections, from a life well-lived. And there was no real time to touch on her activist roles and stance on social issues. Her most recent album, 2022’s Spellbound, was her first of all-original material, resulting in a Grammy Award nomination for Best Folk Album- further proof that even in her mid-80s, Judy Collins still has a lot left to say.

(click on any image to enlarge and see in full)

JUDY COLLINS at Kauffman Center- Kansas City MO (2025-03-15)

JUDY COLLINS at Kauffman Center- Kansas City MO (2025-03-15)

JUDY COLLINS at Kauffman Center- Kansas City MO (2025-03-15)

OAKLAND RAIN at Kauffman Center- Kansas City MO (2025-03-15)

 

John C ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥X / twitter.com ♥ bsky.ap

We♥KC! March 18-24, 2025 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence KS)

Read More Bright Eyes Bright Eyes, brighter future. Conor Oberst (formerly Bright Eyes) will be at the Palace Theatre in St Paul on Thursday. Oberst recently appeared on Charlie Rose .…

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Well done, KC!

Spring is officially in the air (but don’t count cold weather out just yet) and there are so many sold out shows this week (with several others on low ticket alert), so fans are hitting the venues to catch their favorite live acts, which is great.

This weekend is cosplay city downtown too, as the mighty Planet Comicon Kansas City takes over downtown and Bartle Hall and the Convention Center for three days. As usual, we’ll be on-site, racing between panel rooms and the show floor, to bring you the full recaps.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from March 18th-24th:

(ticket hyperlinks are embedded in each show’s headline)

TUESDAY MARCH 18

flipturn, Mar 18, The Truman, Sold Out

The Jacksonville FL area indie rock band band, comprised of Dillon Basse (lead vocal, guitar), Tristan Duncan (lead guitar), Mitch Fountain (synth, guitar), Madeline Jarman (bass), and Devon VonBalson (drums), grew steadily with every gig, from college house shows to festival appearances to a TV performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Their debut album, Shadowglow, made a splash and they’ve followed it up with second release, Burnout Days, described as “caught halfway between 21st century indie rock, New Wave-inspired nostalgia, and rhythmic alt-pop.”

Ben Folds, Mar 18 AND 19, Kauffman Center, $67-$148

Pianist and composer Ben Folds joins your Kansas City Symphony for two incredible nights! The Emmy-nominated artist has created an enormous body of genre-bending music that includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborations.

His latest album, 2023’s What Matters Most, is a blend of piano-driven pop rock songs, while his 2015 Concerto for Piano and Orchestra soared to #1 on the Billboard Classical and Classical crossover charts. For nearly two decades, Folds has performed with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras and recently served as Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center. His concert documentary "My Name's Ben Folds - I Play Piano" was recently released for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and he even released a holiday album last fall.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 19

Trey Anastasio, Mar 19, Uptown, Sold Out

If KC can’t get Phish for a concert run, this is not a bad alternative- "An Acoustic Evening with Trey Anastasio," is the guitarist’s 20-date US solo acoustic tour which began last week, and the setlist reports have been impressing the longtime fans. The tour concludes with an April 5th show in Red Bank, NJ.

Anastasio had a busy last year- he embarked on a tour with his own band in the spring, released a new album with Phish titled Evolve, and with his Phish band mates, became the second act to hold a residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Anastasio’s last solo album was 2022’s Mercy.

THURSDAY MARCH 20

FRIDAY MARCH 21

Planet Comicon Kansas City, Mar 21-23, Convention Center/Bartle Hall, $13.99-$97.99

Planet Comicon Kansas City is the largest comic book and pop culture convention not just in the KC area, but within the entire Midwest. At the core of PCKC is the commitment to provide a safe and welcoming venue where pop culture, comic, sci-fi, and anime fans may enjoy their particular niche of
fandom without judgment. Check out our coverage of previous years too!

It has a 26 year history, with the first installment held in Overland Park, KS in March 1999. The 2025 show is their 26th Anniversary show! This year's guests include David Tennant, Christopher Lloyd, Christina Ricci, Andy Serkis, Mike Colter and so many more incredible celebrities. 

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Mar 21, Ameristar, $55-$205

For nearly six decades, the three-time Grammy Award winning band has entertained audiences with their timeless hits 'Mr. Bojangles,' 'Fishin' In The Dark,' 'An American Dream,' and many more. And now, the time has come for the band who has carried a torch for American country and roots music to say ‘So Long’ to the highways and byways they've crossed a number of times throughout their career.

'All The Good Times' perfectly describes our career, said the band in a statement. 'Playing our music for Dirt Band fans all over the world has been an incredible experience for us. The most important part of that has been the connection to our audience that beautiful communal give and take is like nothing else. That's the very spirit we'll be celebrating as we head into our farewell tour. We really look forward to seeing you folks. Good times will be had by all!' With special guest Brit Taylor Duo.

Bright Eyes w/ Hurray for the Riff Raff, Mar 21, Uptown, $40-$65

Bright Eyes are barreling ahead on their current tour, after they were forced to cancel the remainder of their 2024 dates due to Conor Oberst’s vocal problems. It’s in support of their new album, Five Dice, All Threes and Oberst is said to singing stronger than ever.

We’ve seen Omaha native Oberst numerous times live over the years, including some memorable collaborations with Dawes, Phoebe Bridgers, even a Vote for Change show playing with Bruce Springsteen, and always look forward to seeing him and the band again.

Arrive early for this solid double bill to catch Alynda Segarra and Hurray for the Riff Raff before they set off on their own headlining run in May with Merce Lemon. New song, “Pyramid Scheme” has also just been released, arriving around the first anniversary of album, The Past Is Still Alive, and features Phil Cook on organ, Yan Westerlund on drums, Hand Habits’ Meg Duffy on electric guitar, and producer Brad Cook on bass.

RxGhost, Mar 21, Hilsiders, KCK, (door charge?)

KC’s own RxGhost (Jeremiah James and Josh Thomas on guitars, anchored by the precise rhythm section of Justin Brooks on drums and Chris Smead on bass) returns with "Anytime But Now," a new 7" single that examines the peculiar comfort found in self-destructive patterns, whether chemical or emotional- that space where you recognize something isn't good for you but can't seem to break away.

The single is backed with "Undersaid," a more subdued B-side that offers a balancing counterpoint that offers a more minimal, atmospheric companion piece.

Since forming in 2022, RxGhost has carved out their own corner of the shoegaze/post-rock spectrum, earning recognition for their recent album 'Scaffolding' and live performances. Of the upcoming KCK show, they say, “We’re playing our first show of the year and only KC show until the summer on MARCH 21st, we’re playing tons of new stuff, and super stoked to be playing with The String and Return.”

Marc Broussard, Mar 21, Knuckleheads, Sold Out

Louisiana singer, songwriter, and musician is known for channeling the spirits of classic R&B, rock, and soul into contemporary terms. The son of Louisiana Hall of Fame guitarist Ted Broussard of “The Boogie Kings,” he nurtured his musical gifts at an early age in Lafayette, LA’s music scene. After releasing a highly successful independent EP at age 20, Broussard made his major-label debut with Carencro. The album featured the breakout hit single “Home” and catapulted him into the national spotlight.

Over the past decade, Broussard released several albums with major labels and has since returned to his indie roots with a series of critically acclaimed original and philanthropic cover albums through his S.O.S Foundation (Save our Soul). His recent release, S.O.S. 4 Blues for Your Soul, a collaboration with blues legend Joe Bonamassa is a collection of blues/soul classics that debuted at the top of the Billboard Blues Album Chart.

Broussard’s new studio album, Time is a Thief finds the acclaimed singer/songwriter delivering an ten-song set filled with rootsy hooks and dance-floor grooves, all wrapped around Broussard’s vocals. His first album of new music since 2017’s, Easy to Love, arrived via his Artist Tone Label.

Arrive early for singer Kendra Morris, in support of new album, I Am What I’m Waiting For (Karma Chief Records).

SATURDAY MARCH 22

K Flay, Mar 22, The Truman, $25-$50

The multi-platinum and 2x GRAMMY-nominee has a new EP, I’m Making Friends With The Silence out now via Giant Music. The release features six tracks from her acclaimed 2023 full-length studio album MONO that were reimagined and re-recorded with a more reflective, stripped-back sound.

The idea to revisit these album tracks came shortly after K.Flay found herself struggling to listen to loud music due to her single sided deafness coupled with severe tinnitus. In search of a new approach, she collaborated with producer Lonas to rework and re-record the tracks with a restrained touch, focusing on intimacy, subtlety, and the power of simplicity.

"My SSD (single-sided deafness) and profound tinnitus make listening to loud music difficult. And so a strange fact hung in the air: I'd made an album that was hard for me to listen to," the musician said in a press release. We just caught her live in Minneapolis.

Mickey Dolenz, Mar 22, Uptown, $39-$99

Hey, Hey, it’s a Monkee! Dolenz is at it again, this time to the benefit of his dedicated fans, as he sets out for another round of An Evening of Songs and Stories performances

He’s also featured in a new movie from last September called The Zombie Wedding” and keeps flying the Monkees flag of song favorites, for all their fans, young and old.

SUNDAY MARCH 23

Geoff Tate, Mar 23, Knuckleheads,Sold Out

The former Queensryche singer is out on his "Operation: Mindcrime- The Final Chapter" U.S. tour, during which he will perform the band's classic album in full for this final run. The 1988 milestone album was one of Queensryche's most successful and the platinum certified record features hit singles such as "Eyes of a Stranger" and "I Don't Believe in Love."

Tate fronted Queensrÿche for over 30 years, performing on the band’s classic albums in the 1980s and beyond. He split from the group in 2012, though it appears he is now on better terms with his former bandmates, who still own their name after some legal wranglings, but it’s only Tate who can legally perform the classic album and the acclaimed sequel record, in full.

MONDAY MARCH 24

Annie DiRusso, Mar 24, Bottleneck-Lawrence, $20-$100

The rising Nashville indie artist has just released her debut album Super Pedestrian. DiRusso says of her debut, “a lot of the album is about this push and pull of acceptance and resistance. It's me learning to surrender and about not being in the passenger seat of your own life.”

"I feel like a much more balanced, fully formed version of myself," DiRusso says. "I'm so excited to just show people where I'm at and how I'm feeling. I want this album to show people it's okay to have fun.

To celebrate the release DiRusso and her band is out on a 32-date headlining tour which starts right here in Lawrence freaking Kansas!

The album, produced by Caleb Wright (Hippocampus, Samia) follows DiRusso’s critically acclaimed EP God, I Hate This Place, and two straight years on the road, which included opening for Haim and beabadoobee, and appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Anberlin, Copeland, Madina Lake, Mar 24, Madrid, $33.50-$73.50

The Florida alternative group Anberlin has announced their return to the road to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their quintessential album, Never Take Friendship Personal and they’ll play that landmark 2005 album in its entirety. Joining them on the tour is support act Copeland, who is set to perform their own 2005 album, In Motion in its entirety. Madina Lake adds additional support.

 National Touring act coming to Kansas City, Lawrence, KS, Topeka, KS, or vicinity?  Let us know so we can spotlight the appearance-email [email protected]

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

We♥KC! March 15th-17th Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence KS)

Read More Paris Paloma She released her debut album “Cacophony” last August, with her viral, break-out single “labour” playing to tens of thousands of TikTok uses, 180 million+ streams on Spotify, and a recent …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Ahh, it’s St. Pat’s weekend, lads and lasses!

Weather seems to be either 30 or 80, hard to tell of late, but that won’t stop the revelers, with most parades happening Saturday, rather than on the Monday itself. Cheers and be safe!

Radio giants Audacy and Cumulus have been re-aligning and letting many go nationwide, including KC’s own Johnny Dare Morning Show after a long 32-year run.

Whatever you may think of Dare as a person, you can’t deny his impact on the  music scene and influence in bringing more rock and metal shows to the Heart of America, that otherwise may have skipped KC. From Rockfest to Freaker’s Ball, to many of the bands he developed friendships with, KC’s concert scene (and radio landscape) just got that much dimmer.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from March 15th-17th:

(ticket hyperlinks are embedded in each show’s headline)

SATURDAY MARCH 15

Delain w/ XANDRIA, Edge Of Paradise, Mar 15, Bottleneck-Lawrence, $25

Delain, the Dutch melodic synth-metal greats continue on tour around the world in support of their latest opus, "Dark Waters", out now via Napalm Records. Support for this leg comes from German symphonic metal patriots and Napalm label mates XANDRIA, who are touring in support of their latest album, "The Wonders Still Awaiting".

Fans should expect to hear fan favorite songs, the latest hits, as well as brand new material from both bands during this tour, so don't miss out. The tour kicked off March 7 in Phoenix, and ends in Austin, TX near the end of the month, so consider it lucky that they’re making a nearby stop.

Delain's Martijn Westerholt says: "After such a warm welcome and meeting so many amazing fans, performing new music and introducing our new members to the metal masses of North America last year, we are absolutely stoked to return to the United States and Canada to meet again. This time, we're thrilled to share this experience with our special guests and good friends XANDRIA. Each night will be stunning for all. Don't miss this one!"

XANDRIA's Marco Heubaum adds: "We are delighted to come back to the USA and Canada, and even better, with our good friends DELAIN! We are super excited to bring this package to the North American fans! This is going to be amazing!"

Judy Collins, Mar 15, Kauffman Center, $61-$111

Judy Collins has inspired audiences with sublime vocals, vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs, and a firm commitment to social activism. In the 1960s, she evoked both the idealism and steely determination of a generation united against social and environmental injustices. Five decades later, her presence shines brightly as new generations bask in the glow of her iconic 50-album body of work, and heed inspiration from her spiritual discipline to thrive in the music industry for half a century.

Collins, now 85, is as creatively active as ever- writing, touring worldwide, is an accomplished painter, filmmaker, record label head, musical mentor, and an in-demand keynote speaker for mental health and suicide prevention.

She officially celebrated her recent birthday on Saturday with an all-star concert at Town Hall in NYC (where she recorded a live album in 1964), which included Rickie Lee Jones, Martha Redbone, Paula Cole, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Ari Hest, Richard Thompson, Stephen Stills, and Sophie B Hawkins among the many guests on stage.

Norwegian sister indie folk duo Oakland Rain will be opening.

Brantley Gilbert w Black Stone Cherry, Colt Ford, Mar 15 Cable Dahmer Arena- Independence, $32-$126

The outlaw country star is hitting the road on “The Tattoos Tour”, and he’s bringing special guests Black Stone Cherry, and Austin Snell to play in Independence, Gilbert’s in support of his latest full-length record, Tattoos. The 10-track album includes collaborations with Justin Moore, Ashley Cooke, Struggle Jennings and Demun Jones, and ex-Rascal Flatts singer, Gary LeVox.

Gilbert said in a statement via his record label that his albums “capture a chapter of my life. If somebody wants to know who I am, what I’ve been through and where I stand, they can start at the beginning and listen through, and that’s why it was undeniable that Tattoos should be the title – because my tattoos do the same thing.”

Branford Marsalis, Mar 15, Folly, $31-$66

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is one of the most influential and revered figures in contemporary music. He’s a NEA Jazz Master, Grammy Award winner, and Tony Award nominee and is known for performing concertos with symphony orchestras, as well as sitting in with Sting, or members of the Grateful Dead.

After more than three decades of existence with minimal personnel changes, his own Quartet is revered for its uncompromising interpretation of a kaleidoscopic range of both original compositions and jazz and popular classics. After the Grammy‐nominated Upward Spiral, on which guest vocalist Kurt Elling was seamlessly integrated into the group, the Quartet followed up with the Grammy‐nominated The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul, its most emotionally wide‐ranging and melody driven collection to date.

Arrive early as the Jazz Talk session begins at 6:30pm with the performance beginning at 7:30pm.

Robert Earl Keen, Mar 15, Uptown, $46-$77

Soon after his holiday Lights, Camera, Christmas! Tour, Texas music legend Robert Earl Keen is again on the road, un-retired, but maybe touring a little more conservatively at sixty-eight years old. Keen and his longtime band are said to be playing tighter than ever and raising crowds to their feet to sing and dance along to his vast catalog of songs.

The March tour finds the Robert Earl Keen Band—Brian Beken, Bill Whitbeck, Tom Van Schaik, and Kym Warner playing the tour’s beginning and ending shows in his native Texas, as well as Keen’s already announced shows supporting Willie Nelson & Family in New Braunfels, TX next month and Tyler Childers at the Hollywood Bowl in June.

Foghat, Mar 15, Ameristar NKC, $15-$65

Over five decades later, the slow ride continues! British-born Roger Earl – drummer and founding member, still anchors the longtime group, showing no signs of stopping at the young age of 79.

In 2025, Foghat celebrates 54 years of rock ‘n’ roll history. This legendary band released their latest album, Sonic Mojo, in November 2023, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts with tracks like "She’s A Little Bit of Everything," "Mean Woman Blues," and "Drivin’ On"

Expect plenty of classics too, as Foghat continues to captivate audiences with their unique boogie rock, delivering high-energy performances that are just as thrilling as they were in 1977 when their multi-platinum album, Foghat Live, broke them worldwide. Still they ride, ride, ride!

Alcest, Mar 15, Granada- Lawrence, $27.50

Alcest have are out on their 2025 North American tour — the French post black metal band’s first tour here in seven years. Icelandic post-punk darkwave act Kælan Mikla is providing support for the trek.

Alcest is out in support of their new album Les Chants De L’Aurore. The band’s seventh studio LP was released last June to widespread acclaim. Neige of Alcest said in a press release. “It was about time and we are so excited to come back. On this occasion will be accompanied by our friends, the mesmerizing Icelandic band Kælan Mikla. We can’t wait to see you at the shows!”

SUNDAY MARCH 16

Bonnie Raitt, Mar 16, The Midland, $175

Fresh off her 31st career Grammy nomination, Bonnie Raitt is still something to talk about!  The 75- years-young singer /guitarist is back out playing theaters, casinos, auditoriums, concert halls, performing arts centers, amphitheaters and festivals through May.

Raitt isn’t promoting a new album this time around; her most recent release was 2022’s “Just Like That” which took home three Grammy Awards. “What’s different this time is that I’ve tried some styles and topics I haven’t touched on before,” she mentioned about the recent record.

Lucy Kaplansky, Mar 16, Lied Center- Lawrence, $16-$30

Lucy Kaplansky is an acclaimed singer-songwriter who has released nine CDs, two of which were awarded Best Pop Album of the Year by the Association for Independent Music.

She was also part of the folk supergroup Cry Cry Cry with Dar Williams and Richard Shindell who have released two albums to date. Her recording of Roxy Music’s “More than This” has over 12 million streams on Spotify, and she has sung harmony on albums by Suzanne Vega, Bryan Ferry, Nanci Griffith and Shawn Colvin.

Naruto: The Symphonic Experience, Mar 16, Kauffman, $43-$83

The score from the anime hit comes to life! NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience is a live concert that brings the series to life on a grand scale. This two-hour event features a film montage of iconic scenes from over 220 episodes, synchronized to a live orchestra performing Toshio Masuda's original score. Fans will relive Naruto Uzumaki's journey to become Hokage, facing rivalries, challenges, and growth along the way.

The orchestra performs not only Masuda's unforgettable soundtrack but also the series' most famous openings and endings, inviting the audience to sing along with the music they love.

The film and musical montage created can only be seen at these shows and audiences will have a unique opportunity to sing, laugh, cheer, and feel the excitement of seeing their favorite characters on screen. VIP Package Offers are available as well.

MONDAY MARCH 17

Paris Paloma, Mar 17. The Truman, Sold Out

No offense to the Irish, but we much prefer spending our St. Pat’s with this seriously buzzing singer/songwriter from Derbyshire UK. We first heard her name playing Bonnaroo 2023 as part of her first US Tour, and she’s back with a 15-date North American Tour that finally brings her to KC, and guess what? – all shows are very sold out, so you might have the ‘luck o’ the Irish’ if you managed to nab a ticket.

She released her debut album “Cacophony” last August, with its viral, break-out single “labour” playing to tens of thousands of TikTok uses, 180 million+ streams on Spotify, and a recent memorable US TV debut performance on Stephen Colbert.

She has also cultivated a very devoted fan community who have made her live shows a truly magical experience, from trading fairy messages to swapping books to impromptu fae circles, all in the spirit of her own inspiration behind Cacophony: mythology, art history, and the Romantics, alongside her own personal experiences. With a sound influenced by the likes of Florence and the Machine, Hozier, and Aurora, we’re expecting even bigger things ahead for this rising star.

 National Touring act coming to Kansas City, Lawrence, KS, Topeka, KS, or vicinity?  Let us know so we can spotlight the appearance-email [email protected]

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

We♥KC! March 10th-14th Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence KS)

Read More Soccer Mommy The stage transition was brief (made seemingly shorter by a female-empowered audio mix of Sonic Youth, Lush, and Avril Lavigne tracks) as the five touring members of Soccer Mommy took ...

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Mid-March already!

St Pat’s approaches, we’re “springing forward” with the clocks on Saturday night, meaning longer days and hopefully nice nights (saying this just days after a freako snowstorm with 70mph winds).

Boulevardia just announced their lineup, keeping a mostly local theme for its tenth year, with Tech N9ne headlining, which is all fine, but also highlights the need for at least one major festival in the area with A-list talent on the bill (especially with no stadium shows this season, due to World Cup prep).

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from March 10th-14th:

(ticket hyperlinks are embedded in each show’s headline)

MONDAY MARCH 10

Pink Martini feat China Forbes, Mar 10, Kauffman Center, $43-$107

The multi-genre, multi-lingual "little orchestra," led by Portland’s Thomas Lauderdale and featuring China Forbes as lead singer and collaborator, is celebrating its 30th anniversary and returns to the stage at the Kauffman. Pink Martini performs an irresistible, postmodern amalgam anchored by 20th-century pop and jazz, surprising and delighting audiences on every new tour.

Featuring a dozen musicians with songs in 25 languages, the group has performed its multilingual repertoire on concert stages on six continents. In 2014, Pink Martini was inducted into both the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame and the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. They have released 11 studio albums on its own independent label Heinz Records (named after Lauderdale’s dog), selling over three million albums worldwide, and Forbes’ latest solo album was last May’s The Road.

TUESDAY MARCH 11

Keb Mo w Shawn Colvin, Mar 11, Kauffman Center, $43-$87

Previously scheduled for last October 5th, all tickets and parking are valid for this date.

Over the past two decades, award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist and contemporary blues artist Keb' Mo' (aka Kevin Moore) has cultivated a reputation as a modern master of American roots music through the understated excellence of his live and studio performances. His TajMo project is a cross-generational collaboration with legendary blues musician Taj Mahal, merging the two artists’ distinctive voices and guitar styles.

Shawn Colvin stands out as a singular and enduring talent. Her songs are slow release works of craft and catharsis that become treasured companions for their listeners. Colvin is a keen and warm-hearted storyteller, tempering even the toughest tales with tenderness, empathy and a sense of humor. She has won three Grammy Awards, released more than a dozen albums, written a memoir, maintained a nonstop touring schedule, had her songs featured in major motion pictures and created a distinctive canon of work. We’ve seen both names live separately – this opportunity to have them together should make for a special night.

Gully Boys w Skating Polly, Mar 11 recordBar, $17

“Picked to click” in their hometown of Minneapolis. Gully Boys is an indie hard rock four-piece whose music features sharp riffs, anthemic hooks, and emotion into a sound that’s reminiscent of Paramore, Metric, and Hole.

Latest single “Love Me 2” (released February 27) is a breakup anthem for the soul. The music video for the song is out as well, and stars fellow Minneapolis musician, Justin Pierre of Motion City Soundtrack. OKC stepsibling indie band Skating Polly co-headlines and opens the evening.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 12

Soccer Mommy w Hana Vu, Mar 12, The Truman, $27-$69

“Evergreen” is the new album (out last October via Loma Vista), and lead single is "Driver,” which finds Sophie Allison and band back out on the road, all in support of. Regarding the lead single, Allison describes it as “a love song that’s really about someone being there for you in spite of your shortcomings. It’s more light-hearted than some of the other songs I’ve put out this year, using my distractedness as a bit of a punchline.”

We caught the band live on their last tour, in 2022, in Lawrence KS and should be covering the upcoming Minneapolis show.

LA bedroom pop artist Hana Vu will open- she signed to Ghostly International in 2021, leading to her full-length debut, Public Storage. Vu's relationship with music began when she picked up a guitar her dad had lying around and taught herself to play, eventually posting songs on Bandcamp. We first saw her live as a fresh-faced eighteen-year-old just starting out, in 2018 in Minneapolis.

Michigan Rattlers, Mar 12, Encore at Uptown, $21

Out in support of their third studio album, Waving From A Sea, Northern MI indie folkers Michigan Rattlers recently kicked off their Waving From A Sea Tour in Columbus, OH, also releasing a live music video for their single “Lilacs Bloom.”

The Petoskey, MI-based rock & roll group with a blend of folk, Americana and country influences, pairs the heavy hitting lyricism they’re known for, with sonic depth, evolving alongside the characters in their songs. The new album is about making the journey from adolescence into adulthood and fighting to find a place in the world. It’s their most immersive album to date, with other singles “Heaven” and “Gridlock (Just The Sky),” described as the intersection of The War on Drugs and Springsteen.

THURSDAY MARCH 13

Greensky Bluegrass, Mar 13, Uptown, (POSTPONED to June 26)

FRIDAY MARCH 14

parkbreezy, March 14, Encore at Uptown, $24

Aka Parker Williams produces soulful, emotive beats from across the musical spectrum. As an instrumentalist, producer and artist, parkbreezy seeks to explore and fuse elements of resampling, syncopated percussion, propulsive bass lines and affectional melodies.

His musical inspirations span from Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Jazz and various forms of Electronic Music. Parker continues to progress and shape his style to incorporate his newfound knowledge and past inspirations in the form of musical compositions by parkbreezy. Recent release is last July’s collab EP with TF Marz, “Move This Way.”

 National Touring act coming to Kansas City, Lawrence, KS, Topeka, KS, or vicinity?  Let us know so we can spotlight the appearance-email [email protected]

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

We♥KC! March 7, 8, 9, 2025 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence KS)

Read More Spencer Sutherland Soulful/R&B singer Spencer Sutherland will be headlining the 7th Street Entry on February 11. Check out the singer before his debut album. …

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March Madness is here--

Not college basketball, but the concert season, which is already busy enough that the below listings only cover the weekend. The weather’s still a little too warm-then-cold again to begin any outdoor shows, but there’s plenty going on at all sizes of venues, to find some fine entertainment. (Speaking of the other March Madness, we’re just hoping KU has a better next season).

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from March 7th, 8th, 9th:

(ticket hyperlinks are embedded in each show’s headline)

FRIDAY MARCH 7

Spencer Sutherland w Cloe Wilder, Mar 7, Madrid, $24-$67

Rising pop artist Spencer Sutherland is out on his 26-date 2025 North American headlining tour, in support of his sophomore album, “The Drama”, released last October.

It’s a theatrical take on the classic concept album, a 3-act modern rock opera with soulful arena anthems and glam rock vintage flair, as he voyages through the excitement, heartbreak, and resilience that arise from chasing his dreams.

The first act “Welcome To The Show!”, is the excitement of the beginning of a journey, chasing the dream. The second act “A Tragedy!”, is the heartbreak, loss and demotivation from the dream. The third act, “God Save The Dream!”, is the re-ignition of love. It’s the attitude of brushing your shoulders off and never stopping.

He comments, “The Drama’ is what I like to call Opera Pop Rock. The rock n roll drive mixed with glamorized over-the-top lyrics makes you feel confident. If you were watching a movie of your life, wouldn’t you want to laugh and cry? What’s life without a little drama?”

Arrive early for hotly buzzed rising folk/Americana/pop artist Cloe Wilder, who recently released her new single “Cigarette,” co-written with Sutherland and Sam Nicolosi, which touches upon a key period of teenage transition for the 18-year-old artist.

Wilder made her musical debut at 14 years old releasing her first EP, Teenage Lullabies, in 2021. She’s since amassed over 10 million total streams and collaborated with Angus & Julia Stone, Nicolosi, Merōn, EZI, Jackie Young, and Mike Molina.

Winona Fighter, Mar 7, Encore at Uptown, $17

The Nashville-based punk rock band composed of front woman Coco Kinnon, guitarist Dan Fuson and bassist Austin Luther is out on their “Yes Chef Tour”, in support of album, "My Apologies to the Chef" out last month (via Rise Records), following the success of the lead single "Hamms in a Glass."

They embrace their Do-It-Yourself beginnings and work ethic, self-producing the release- "We want to do it all ourselves, in our garage studio, all just our hands on it," Kinnon said. "Keep the DIY spirit alive."

Cruzar la cara de la luna, Mar 7-9, Kauffman Center, $39-$219.50

This mariachi opera by José “Pepé” Martínez and Leonard Foglia is the first of its kind, marrying two musical worlds with one thing in common: each finds its fullest voice in the telling of moving tales, and Cruzar is no exception.

After leaving his wife and son in Mexico to find work in the US, Laurentino is torn between distance and duty. Decades later, and with days to live, he looks back on how the choices he made became the secrets he kept, with consequences that will redefine what it means to be a family.

With sorrowful serenades, Cruzar creates a musical merger that spans the distance of its cultural differences with bittersweet songs that make full use of their enhanced ability to take an emotional toll. The Grammy® Award-winning mariachi band Mariachi Los Camperos will perform with Lyric Opera of Kansas City in this production. Performed in Spanish and English, with English & Spanish titles projected above the stage.

SATURDAY MARCH 8

John Waite, Mar 8, Ameristar, $25-$116.75

His catalog of hits spans over 40 years- as a solo artist, with The Babys and Bad English, which include the #1 worldwide hit ‘Missing You’, The Baby’s ‘Isn’t It Time’ and Bad English ‘When I See You Smile”,‘Tears’, ‘Change’ and ‘These Times Are Hard For Lovers’. and many many more.

Waite has one of the most distinctive voices of his generation and his songs were a fixture on album-oriented rock radio stations during the ’70s and ’80s. John Waite has a talent for power ballads and driving arena rock, occasionally touching on new wave-styled power pop as well.

We caught him live a couple years ago in the KC suburbs and can say his voice still has it, and his current band includes the former guitarist of Matchbox Twenty.

John Crist (comedy) Mar 8, The Midland, $29.75-$149.75

The popular comedian is out on the spring leg of his ‘Jokes For Humans Tour,’ adding 21 more dates across the US to a run that started last year.

Known for his no-holds-barred humor, Southern-bred wit and relatability, Crist has amassed more than 1 billion video views and earned a loyal fan-base of over seven million followers across social media. The Georgia native-turned-Nashville resident has brought his laugh-out-loud sets to packed audiences around the globe, and the tour features a full set of never-before-heard material.

Glixen w/She's Green, Mar 8, Howdy, $15 (PWYC)

The Phoenix shoegazers (Aislinn Ritchie on vocals / guitar with Esteban Santana on guitar, Sonia Garcia on bass and Keire Johnson on drums) are on tour in support of their second EP “quiet pleasures” (released Feb 21 on AWAL and on vinyl thru Wichita Recordings). Count us as shoegaze fans in general and we caught the band live a year ago in Minneapolis.

Their DIY sound consists of tender melodies encased inside shiny walls of grungy textures and heavy guitars, incorporating playful ethereal vocals and shimmering guitars.

Arrive early for Minneapolis band she’s green who we saw at that same show, a hometown gig for them. Since then, they’ve been signed to NYC’s Photo Finish Records, and have released a follow-up to their Wisteria EP from 2023. Their new single “Graze” continues their momentum, produced by Slow Pulp’s Henry Stoehr, with layers of fuzzy acoustic guitars that build into a crashing climax.

High, March 8, the Farewell, $15 (PWYC)

The New Jersey four-piece band is out playing in support of their sophomore EP Come Back Down (via NYC indie Kanine Records), announced last year, along with singles “In A Hole” and “Catcher”.as the follow-up to their debut EP, Bomber which helped put them on the map.

"It feels good, and it’s a relief," says bandleader Christian Castan, who told Stereogum about releasing the EP. "We’re proud of it, and we’re happy to have our first-ever vinyl. This is awesome, it’s something that we worked hard for, to get a vinyl record. It’s sweet. This is like the beginning of High. It took a while, but we’re here now and ready to go for the moon."

Palomino Blood to open.

SUNDAY MARCH 9

Helmet, Mar 9, Bottleneck-Lawrence, Sold Out

Helmet are back and out on their 2025 North American tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of their seminal album Betty, which they are playing in its entirety. The outing features support from Slomosa and War on Women.

Last August, the band had canceled its previously announced fall 2024 U.S. tour with Local H due to "a mix of significant financial concerns and lower-than-expected ticket sales", but they’ve returned. Their latest studio album, "Left", was released in November 2023 via earMUSIC.

The band, which features frontman Page Hamilton, drummer Kyle Stevenson, guitarist Dan Beeman and bassist Dave Case — still play with a style that is taut, muscular, and direct. Hamilton has successfully guided the band through three decades, and we saw them at this same venue that long ago, though maybe not on the original Betty Tour. We’re sure they’ve only gotten better.

Buckethead, Mar 9, Granada- Lawrence, $35

Winner, winner, chicken dinner! The super-prolific guitarist known for his technique and innovative style, and chicken bucket on his head, emblazoned with an orange bumper sticker that reads "FUNERAL" in capital block letters, and an expressionless plain white costume mask, is coming back to LFK!

The anonymous axe slinging virtuoso has been involved and collaborated with many musical projects over the years – most notably being Guns N’ Roses and Les Claypool of Primus. Prepare yourself for an evening filled with mind-blowing guitar shredding, a unique performance, and an aura of mystery and excitement.

He has released over 300 studio recordings, more than anyone else in the history of music. His music spans such diverse areas as progressive metal, funk, blues, jazz, bluegrass, and avant-garde music.

He also incorporates nun chucks, robot dancing, and toy trading into his stage performances. Buckethead's persona represents a character that was "raised by chickens" and has made it his "mission in life to alert the world to the ongoing chicken holocaust in fast-food joints around the globe."

 National Touring act coming to Kansas City, Lawrence, KS, Topeka, KS, or vicinity?  Let us know so we can spotlight the appearance-email [email protected]

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

We♥KC! March 1-6, 2025 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence KS)

Read More MJ Lenderman MJ Lenderman and his band opened the evening sounding at times like younger relatives to Son Volt, but a little grungier and even more laid back. He started off with a slow dirge of a song that kept building in “No Mercy” …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Is March ‘roaring in like a lion’?!

Not weather-wise, which is a relief after a season of a few heavy snowfalls and some record bitter-cold, just over a week ago. Now, it’s sunny and 70 and all is forgiven, but don’t count Winter completely out just yet.

In terms of concerts and shows, March IS roaring in like a lion, as it’s a busy month and the true start to the entertainment season, and we couldn’t be happier. Martin Lawrence recently canceled several of his arena shows, including KC, Nashville, and Birmingham AL, so fans will have to travel elsewhere to catch his ‘Ya’ll Know What It Is Tour’, his first since 2016. No worries, Mar’-in, there’s plenty else going on in our area.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from March 1st to March 6th:

(ticket hyperlinks are embedded in each show’s headline)

SATURDAY MARCH 1

Ian Munsick, Mar 1, Uptown, $39-$110

Wyoming’s Ian Munsick is back on the road with an 18-city Horses Are Faster Tour, with Chayce Beckham scheduled to open the KC date. Named after his Gold-certified breakout hit, “Horses Are Faster,” the song joins other fan-favorites like “Long Live Cowgirls” with Cody Johnson and “Long Haul.” We were impressed when we first caught Munsick live as one of the standout acts at 2022’s Country Stampede Festival.

“There is one thing I can always guarantee when you come to an Ian Munsick show… you will be entertained,” Munsick shared. “I know how hard you work for your money, and that’s why every time we hit the stage, the only goal I have is to give you your money’s worth. The Horses Are Faster Tour will be stocked with brand new music, old songs we haven’t played in years, and of course, all the crowd favorites you NEED to hear. Rocky Mountain Fever and I are crafting an entirely different show, and I can’t wait for you to see the final result when we come to your town!”

Clem Snide w/Rye Valley, Mar 1, Knuckleheads, $18

Named for a character from (Beat author and previous Lawrence KS resident) William S. Borroughs character, Clem Snide first emerged from Boston as a three-piece in the early 1990’s, and the group would go on to become a cult and critical favorite, picking up fans from Bon Iver to Ben Folds over the course of three decades and more than a dozen studio albums.

Nashville-based, Israeli-born Eef Barzelay has been called “the most underrated songwriter in the business today, with a sneakily firm grasp on poignancy and humor,” while Rolling Stone hailed his songwriting as “soulful and incisive,” and The New Yorker praised his music’s “soothing melodies and candid wit.”

“Oh Smokey” (on Foreign Leisure Records) is the newest full-length, released last September and was self-described by Barzelay as “slow, sad songs about God and death” but don’t let that put you off, as he’s been working in fun live covers from Lauryn Hill, Bee Gees, and Iggy and The Stooges.

Martin Lawrence w Chico Bean, Ms. Pat, Benji Brown, Mar 1, T-Mobile Center, CANCELED

SUNDAY MARCH 2

MONDAY MARCH 3

MJ Lenderman and The Wind w Wild Pink, Mar 3, Bottleneck-Lawrence, Sold Out

One of the hottest current club tours, previous member of the band Wednesday (though still planning to record with them) MJ Lenderman has expanded his Manning Fireworks Tour to include more dates and at bigger venues, due to popular demand. We caught them live last fall in Minneapolis.

Lenderman had to postpone the first three dates of the autumn leg due to Hurricane Helene’s impact on western North Carolina, where most of his band mates and their families are based, but those were quickly rescheduled. Lenderman did contribute a song to Cardinals at the Window, a 136-song compilation featuring previously unreleased recordings by R.E.M., Waxahatchee, Sharon Van Etten, the Mountain Goats, Real Estate, and dozens more, which benefits Hurricane Helene victims in NC.

He also worked on the recent Waxahatchee album, which has some local ties, and appeared with aka Katie Crutchfield on some TV appearances. This club show was announced last fall and sold out instantly, but the band will back in KC in June, to thrill once more.

Arrive early as John Ross and his NYC indie band Wild Pink is slated to open, in support of the recent “Dulling the Horns” full-length, via Fire Talk Records. It's their first since the highly acclaimed 2022 album, ILYSM, but we also have a soft spot for their 2021 covers EP which included the "Jeopardy" theme song.

TUESDAY MARCH 4

The Hails w Never Ending Fall, Mar 4, Encore at Uptown, $20

Miami indie band The Hails have released “Different Guy,” the first single since their 2023 debut album What’s Your Motive and are out on a co-headlining tour with fellow indie rockers, Never Ending Fall.

Co-produced by the band’s Franco Solari and Dylan McCue alongside Grammy Award-winning engineer Phil Joly (Daft Punk, The Strokes, Nile Rodgers, Lana Del Rey), “Different Guy” is danceable and careless. Vocalist Robbie Kingsley’s signature falsetto takes moments to dip low as his tongue-in-cheek lyrics swerve across lanes.

Kingley comments, “The boldness of bands like The Police and Bloc Party took over my mind as we crafted this song. Pushing through feelings of fatigue and living life unabashedly is a theme for us as we enter a new era of music after our first album — we’re not afraid to die, as the song drives home.”

Is disco about to dominate again? - Jack Miller’s band, Never Ending Fall and their sophomore album “American Disco” helps make the case with its high-energy, feverish, indie rock and post-punk songs. It’s a sound reinvention for the band of best friends from rural Maryland, whose debut album, 2020’s Space City, leaned more toward jazz-fusion with R&B and neo-soul.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 5

THURSDAY MARCH 6

Muscadine Bloodline, Mar 6, Uptown, sold out

The buzzing Alabama Country duo, featuring Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton is out on their own headlining “The Coastal Plain Tour”, in support of fourth album from 2024,‘The Coastal Plain, which Rolling Stone called “one of the strongest country albums” of last year.

The band truly broke through with their recent run as direct support for Post Malone’s “F-1 Trillion Tour” playing mostly stadiums, and demand for these much smaller shows, has been very high.

 National Touring act coming to Kansas City, Lawrence, KS, Topeka, KS, or vicinity?  Let us know so we can spotlight the appearance-email [email protected]

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

We♥KC! February 23-28, 2025 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO)

Read More Joy Oladokun The evening began with the pleasant surprise of a support set from Nashville via Arizona folk/pop/roots singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun, still in support of full-length, Living Proof (out via Verve/Forecast/ Republic) …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Well, now we know--

The reason KC seems skipped by all the upcoming stadium tours, is that Arrowhead is too busy being prepped for next year’s FIFA World Cup Games (though you’d think they could work around things, or a show could be scheduled next door at Kauffman Stadium, but what do we know…), thanks to the KC Star for getting to the bottom of things.

We also learned from the Star and others about a new 650-capacity venue, now announcing live shows beginning late next month, Warehouse on Broadway. While maybe not the most inspiring choice of name, its size does fill a needed niche in the area, hopefully meaning a KC stop for bands that otherwise had to pass. Plus, they serve food, so we’re excited to check it out.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from February 23rd to 28th:

(ticket hyperlinks are embedded in each show’s headline)

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23

Beetlejuice (Broadway Touring), Feb 18-23, Music Hall, $60-$150

(Last Day in KC!) Read our Review here: Beetlejuice musical (Broadway touring) at The Music Hall, Kansas City MO (2025-02-18 through 02-23) - W♥M  Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetl...oops! Almost said it three times- the frantic ghost-with-the-most leaps from the screen to the live stage for a Kansas City engagement downtown at the Music Hall.

Based on Tim Burton’s beloved films, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, expect a load of fun, laughs, and a touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O! For ages 13+ and plays through the weekend.

The Get Up Kids w/ The Anniversary, Feb 23, The Truman, $35-$70

The area emo rock veterans continue celebrating the 25th anniversary of their album Something to Write Home About (with a 2024 reissue) that began last year and now have rockers The Anniversary joining in support, who are led by our friend, Josh Berwanger of Gemini Parks.

“More North American shows!” the band excitedly announced via Instagram. The trek kicks off on January 30th in St. Louis and will wrap with two nights in Pomona, CA, which the band has specified as the final West Coast shows of the run.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 24

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 25

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26

Joy Oladokun, Feb 26, Truman, $20-$25

The Nashville based/Arizona born singer/songwriter only has a few albums out but continues to make waves as one of contemporary folk’s most promising artists. Recent collaborations with A-Listers Chris Stapleton and Noah Kahan have raised her profile as well. Oldaokun is out on the Blackbird Tour, taken from the opening track of the self-produced newest album (“Observations from a Crowded Room”- out last Nov.) “Letter From a Blackbird.”

Oladokun has also partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold will go to The Ally Coalition’s work to support homeless and at-risk. We caught Oladokun live headlining this same venue in 2023, and out at Azura Amph. last summer

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 27

Night Ranger, Feb 27, Uptown, $39-$99

Four decades later, “You Can Still Rock in America!” Having sold over 17 million albums worldwide, performed across more than 4,000 stages, and captivated a radio audience that exceeds one billion, the band still composed of Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead and rhythm guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards), and Keri Kelli (lead and rhythm guitars)–has transcended the arena rock sound and style well beyond that era.

Night Ranger earned recognition with both multi-platinum and gold status records, all while leaving their mark on music with a list of best-selling albums (including Dawn Patrol, Midnight Madness, 7 Wishes, Big Life, and Man In Motion).

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 28

Sevendust Feb 28, Truman,$32-$33

The longtime rockers are out on a series of 12 headlining “In Dust We Trust” dates that will take place during and after the band’s support slot on Disturbed’s North American arena tour. Horizon Theory will support the new gigs and the shows start right here in KC before looping around and ending at the end of March in nearby Springfield, MO.

It’s a bit of a local gig for frontman Lajon Witherspoon too, who has lived in the KC suburbs for years.

 National Touring act coming to Kansas City, Lawrence, KS, Topeka, KS, or vicinity?  Let us know so we can spotlight the appearance-email [email protected]

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

Beetlejuice musical (Broadway touring) at The Music Hall, Kansas City MO (2025-02-18 through 02-23)

(Beetlejuice playbill from The Music Hall, Kansas City, MO)   KANSAS CITY SHOWTIMES   Tuesday, February 18: 7:30 pm Wednesday, February 19: 7:30 pm Thursday, February 20: 7:30 pm Friday, February 21: 7:30 pm Saturday, February 22 2 pm Saturday, February 22: 7:30 pm Sunday, February 23: 1 pm Sunday, February 23: 6:30 pm Sunday, February 2: 6:30 p.m.   BEETLEJUICE TOUR DATES   Feb 25 - Mar 02 Toledo, OH Stranahan Theater Mar 04 - Mar 09 Lincoln, NE Lied Center for Performing Arts Mar 11 - Mar 16 Chicago, IL Cadillac Palace Theatre Mar 18 - Mar 23 Durham, NC DPAC Mar 25 - Mar 30 North Charleston, SC North Charleston PAC Apr 02 - Apr 06 Wichita, KS Century II Performing Arts Center Apr 08 - Apr 13 Indianapolis, IN Clowes Memorial Hall Apr 22 - Apr 27 Sarasota, FL Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Apr 29 - May 4 Miami, FL Ziff Ballet Opera House May 06 - May 11 Birmingham, AL Jefferson Conv. Complex May 14 - May 18 Syracuse, NY Landmark Theatre May 27 - Jun 1 Ottawa, ON National Arts Centre Jun 03 - Jul 13 Toronto, ON CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre Read More Broadway in Kansas City Hadestown, the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album.... …

For being a self-proclaimed “show about death”, it’s one of the most upbeat and life-affirming productions we’ve seen in some time--

Beetlejuice The Musical continues touring the popular Broadway production and has made an area stop in downtown KC at The Music Hall (with performances now through Sunday), and we were fortunate enough to take in opening night.

Given the several inches of snow that fell throughout the day, the bitter below-zero wind chill, and icy streets and sidewalks, it’s a wonder anyone showed up at all.

But “The show must go on!” and we were pleased to see a healthy turnout, including several fans dressed in their best black and white vertical stripes and various costumes in homage, despite the single-digits outside.

The show is of course, based on the modern classic 1988 film of the same name by Tim Burton, and features music and lyrics by Australian Eddie Perfect (who will himself play the role down under later this year) with a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King.

The production is a fun house kaleidoscope of colors, controlled chaos, and spectacle, so we also must give props to scenic designer David Korins, costume designer William Ivey Long, lighting designer Kenneth Posner, projection designer Peter Nigrini, puppet designer Michael Curry, special effects designer Jeremy Chernick, and magic and illusion designer Michael Weber; all of whom are integral to the wonderfully wacky finished product that is on stage.

The production successfully uses a combination of great-looking traditional sets, mixed with projections and sfx, along with dramatic lighting. Many stage, effect, and lighting cues were throughout, that had to be executed with split-second precision, and all was nicely achieved on this opening night.

For whatever reason, we lost the principal actor in the lead role (as well as the role of Barbara Maitland) for this KC debut, but both were filled seamlessly by Marc Ginsburg and Lexie Dorsett Sharp respectively; so much so that the production didn’t lose a step and (we’re guessing) most of the audience was completely unaware of.

The familiar-to-most story begins with friendly couple Adam (Will Burton) and Barbara Maitland, both recently deceased and banished to haunt the attic of their cherished house as they witness a new family moving in. Charles Deetz (Jesse Sharp) and his young teen daughter Lydia (Madison Mosley) are still mourning the death of wife and mother, Emily, and bring along flaky life coach Delia (Sarah Litzsinger), both as emotional support and also Charles’ undercover lover.

The Beetlejuice character acts as narrator, trying to escape back from the netherworld back into the ‘real’ by having someone living repeat his name three times. Being a “show about death” is revealed right away, with the first proper song in Act One, “The Whole ‘Being Dead’ Thing” followed by “Dead Mom” but the positively-caffeinated collective energy by Ginsburg and the company, effortlessly transfers to the audience with high-wattage fun.

As in the film, Beetlejuice’s character is brassy, outspoken, and unabashedly honest- throwing out one-liner quips, occasional profanity, and even acknowledges the audience here and there, in case someone wasn’t paying full attention. Ginsburg knows the show hinges on his demeanor and physical humor (even more than on his voice), so was frantically moving and keeping the pacing up throughout both acts (with the Beetlejuice character being seen much more frequently than in the recent film sequel).

In terms of vocals, the company’s smallest member provides the biggest audio punch to the show, as Mosley has several solos playing Lydia as well as with ensemble songs, and showcases her clear delivery, wide vocal range, and true ability to emote in melody. The orchestra played loudly over some of the other voices on a number or two, but Mosley’s volume easily rose above that.

The first Act ends as Beetlejuice is coaxed back into the real world to run amok (though we wished the “Day-O [Banana Boat Song]” sequence over the dinner table was extended or revisited as an encore).

The second Act moved the energy into an even higher gear, with an opening “That Beautiful Sound” which featured numerous Beetlejuice doppelgangers impressively dancing in sync and backflipping about the stage.

Fans of the film will see even the smallest supporting characters from the story brought to life, especially the denizens of the netherworld. We even get the skeleton jury, and giant head and torso of the ghost-eating sandworm, which wriggles its way inside the house’s front door, with a cowboy-hat adorning Mr. Juice trying to ride and tame the wild beast.

We won’t spoil any further story details, but moviegoers know that all ends well, the value of life over death is emphasized, and the importance of family (whether natural or inherited) and happiness, should be a priority above all.

Because of some adult humor, flashing strobes and overall sensory overload, it may be less suitable for anyone very sensitive to those things, but it’s an otherwise fun ride as the steel ball in a 2 ½ hour pinball machine- full of lights, sounds, and wonder.

Purposely delivered over-the-top, Beetlejuice the Musical is a joyous and exhilarating adaptation that exceeded our expectations and was an ideal bit of escapist fun on an otherwise frigid and somber Winter evening.

Beetlejuice plays in Kansas City at The Music Hall through Sunday, February 23 with tickets available here: BEETLEJUICE | PNC Broadway In Kansas City

  (National Tour Photos by Matthew Murphy / Click on any image to enlarge and see in full) 

john c ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ X / Twitter.com

We♥KC! February 16-22, 2025 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO, Lawrence KS)

Read More Califone Tim Rutili has been making music under the Califone moniker since 1997. This is his first appearance in Lawrence in almost a decade. A sound description is that “Califone plays a robust mix of experimental music with roots in blues, Appalachian folk, psychedelia and pop .…

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Ok, Winter- enough!

It was bad with the record dumping of snow in January, but the KC area just got hit again, with only a few inches, but enough to put us past the season average, and which made the streets annoyingly slick again. We’re already seasonally depressed from our Chiefs getting schooled in a one-sided championship game.

The good things are hopes being high for the Royals which start Spring Training any day now, continued preparations for next year’s World Cup, and the concert season getting very busy, starting in March. Meanwhile, some great choices in comedy, live theater, and different genres, to help keep you warm this coming week!

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from February 16th to 22nd:

(ticket hyperlinks are embedded in each show’s headline)

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16

The Simon and Garfunkel Story, Feb 16, Lied Center- Lawrence, $19-$55

The Simon & Garfunkel Story is an immersive concert-style theatre show that chronicles the journey shared by the folk-rock duo of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, the show features a full live band performing all the hits, including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound” and many more. This sounds similar to the Johnny Cash live tribute show we caught last year.

It tells the story from their beginnings staring out as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the 60s to their initial split in 1970. It culminates with the famous reunion show, The Concert in Central Park in 1981, in front of more than half a million fans. We saw the real duo together live on their final 2003 Old Friends Tour, which still remains a very memorable show.

Fences, Through Feb 22, KC Melting Pot Theater, $21.50-$32.50

Fences explores the complexities of family, race, and identity in 1950s Pittsburgh. Troy Maxson, a former baseball player turned sanitation worker, struggles to reconcile with his past while navigating the challenges of fatherhood and marriage. Based on the modern classic play by August Wilson (who may have come up with the genesis of this while living in our former homebase of St Paul, MN). (And catch the Denzel Washington/Viola Davis movie version too, if you haven’t!)

KC Melting Pot Theatre (KCMPT) is a theater company that celebrates African American theater. The company's mission is to create inclusive theater experiences that explore the contributions of African American artists.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 17

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 18

Dereck Joubert and Beverly Joubert, Filmmakers: Wild Africa: On the Brink, Feb. 18, Kauffman, $45-$68

Part of their ongoing Changemaker Speaker Series, South African Beverly Joubert and her partner Dereck are both world-class filmmakers, documenting Africa for more than three decades, shining light on its big cats, elephants and rhinos.

On stage, through memorable videos and images, they’ll show the interdependence of wildlife and wild places, and the many clever ways they have stepped in to make a difference, whether by partnering with local communities to find a sustainable path to coexistence or doing what’s never been done before.

Beetlejuice (Broadway Touring), Feb 18-23, Music Hall, $60-$150

Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetl...oops! Almost said it three times- the frantic ghost-with-the-most leaps from the screen to the live stage for a Kansas City engagement downtown at the Music Hall.

Based on Tim Burton’s beloved films, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, expect a load of fun, laughs, and a touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O! For ages 13+ and plays through the weekend.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 19

Califone (acoustic), Feb 19, Lawrence Public Library, free (Registration required)

Tim Rutili has been making music under the Califone moniker since 1997. This is his first appearance in Lawrence in almost a decade. A sound description is that “Califone plays a robust mix of experimental music with roots in blues, Appalachian folk, psychedelia and pop, while always staying uncompromisingly Califone: textured music that favors the subtle and intimate. When the songwriting is at its best, the results can be extraordinary. Rutili’s lyrics may only occasionally flirt with straightforwardness, but they brim with memorable details that work with the music to set evocative moods.” The newest album was 2023’s Villagers, but he’s since released a companion record as well.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 20

Septicflesh with VLTIMAS, Ex-Deo, Feb 20, Granada- Lawrence, $28

The Greek symphonic death metallers Septicflesh have embarked on a headlining run of North America and have recruited VLTIMAS (ex-Morbid Angel) and Ex Deo (Kataklysm) to open, dubbing it all the ‘Modern Primitive In North America Tour‘.

As an added bonus, Septicflesh will be selling their forthcoming EP “Amphibians” on the tour exclusively ahead of its March worldwide release.

Vltimas is the multinational quintet featuring Norwegian guitarist Rune “Blasphemer” Eriksen (ex-Mayhem, Aura Noir), American vocalist David Vincent (ex-Morbid Angel), and Canadian drummer Flo Mounier (Cryptopsy), out in support of their second album, Epic, which came out last March via Season Of Mist and recent single, “Mephisto Manifesto”.

Vocalist Vincent says: “We are teaming up with our metal brothers SepticFlesh and Ex Deo for Vltimas‘s first-ever North American tour next month. We look forward to sharing our strength and misery with our friends and fans. This indeed will be EPIC!”

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21

High Kings with The Elders, Feb 21, Kauffman Center, $43-$63

Out on their Step It Out World Tour related to their latest album released in June 2023, The High Kings’ The Road Not Taken album has achieved over 14 million streams. It has reached the number one position for independent albums in Ireland, number one in Folk, number two across all genres, and number two in singer-songwriter in the US. Additionally, it has topped charts on Amazon Germany and number one on iTunes in Germany, Belgium, and Holland along with a selection of top five chart positions worldwide.

Area favorites The Elders remain one of the top Celtic-rock bands in the US after a quarter-century because of their timeless sound. Their fans feel connected to the band because of their passion, melodies, unique harmonies, unparalleled musicianship and songwriting.

That songwriting began in 1998 when Norm Dahlor and Brent Hoad moved back from LA to Kansas City to play Irish music. From an Emmy Award-winning DVD to an induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame to a PBS concert televised nationally, The Elders are still going strong.

Aziz Ansari, Feb 21, The Midland, $49.75-$79.75

He’s back! Aziz Ansari is an award-winning actor, director, writer and comedian. He co-created, writes, directs, and stars in the Netflix original series Master of None (which has won two Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Writing).

This October, he will release the film Good Fortune which he wrote, directed, and costars with Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen. He is best known for co-starring in NBC’s Parks and Recreation” and for being one of the few headlining comedians ever to sell out Madison Square Garden.

In 2019, he released his 5th stand-up special for Netflix entitled “Right Now” directed by Spike Jonze and his latest special “Nightclub Companion” is now streaming on Netflix.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22

Sebastian Maniscalco, Feb 22, T-Mobile Center, $49.50-$195

The Chicago comedian is extending his largest arena tour to include an arena stop at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. The “It Ain’t Right” Tour highlights the absurdities of modern life like nonexistent manners, soaring prices, and the chaos of spending every waking moment on social media. His unique take on the shamelessness of modern life promises a night of laughter at the world's many wrongs.

The comedian told the New York Post, “Comedy is something people are yearning and thirsting for, especially with a political campaign on the horizon and people so divided,” he added. “My comedy is rooted in family and observation, and I’ve always believed that if people are coming to a comedy show, they want an escape from the world news, the killings, the politics — this, that, and the other thing. That’s what I pride myself on.”

Sullivan King, Feb 22, The Midland, $39.50

The producer, guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter is out on his upcoming Chaos Will Bring Peace Tour which started in late January in Nashville with support from Yookie, Grabbitz, and RZRKT. His unique live show is a display of shredding guitar riffs, vocals, DJ-ing, and diving into the pit

Defying genre norms by blending metal and electronic dubstep, King has continued to release music that fans can anticipate hearing on his upcoming tour, including high-profile remixes for rock titans Asking Alexandria and From Ashes to New.

 National Touring act coming to Kansas City, Lawrence, KS, Topeka, KS, or vicinity?  Let us know so we can spotlight the appearance-email [email protected]

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