W♥M

Destroyer w ROSALI at The Bottleneck, Lawrence KS (2022-05-14) review

Destroyer, Bottleneck- Lawrence DESTROYER SETLIST It's in Your Heart Now June The Raven Times Square Tinseltown Swimming in Blood Tintoretto, It’s for You Kinda Dark It Just Doesn’t Happen Cue Synthesizer The River It Takes a Thief Kaputt European Oils foolssong Looters’ Follies -- Encore -- Chinatown Streethawk I DESTROYER TOUR DATES May 15 Beer City Music Hall Oklahoma City, OK May 16 Tulips Fort Worth, TX May 17 The Mohawk Austin, TX May 19 Crescent Ballroom Phoenix, AZ May 20 The Belasco Los Angeles, CA May 21 The UC Theatre Berkeley, CA May 22 Revolution Hall Portland, OR Jun 24 Kino Šiška (Centre for Urban Culture) Ljubljana, Slovenia Jun 30 Open'er Festival 2022 Gdynia, Poland Jul 2 Vida Festival 2022 Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain Jul 5 MUSICBOX LISBOA Lisbon, Portugal Sep 21 Paradiso Amsterdam, NL Sep 21-24 Reeperbahn Festival 2022 Hamburg, Germany Sep 23 Mejeriet Lund, Sweden Sep 24 Slaktkyrkan Johanneshov, Sweden Sep 25 Parkteatret Scene Oslo, Norway Sep 26 VEGA Copenhagen, Denmark Sep 29 Lido Berlin, Germany Sep 30 Gebäude 9 Cologne, Germany Oct 1 Rote Fabrik Zürich, Switzerland Oct 2 Südpol Luzern, Switzerland Oct 4 UT Connewitz Leipzig, Germany Oct 5 Club Manufaktur Schorndorf, Germany Oct 6 La Chapelle, Les Trinitaires Metz, France Oct 7 Petit Bain Paris, France Oct 8 C-mine Genk, Belgium Oct 9 TRIX Borgerhout, Belgium Oct 11 The Button Factory Dublin, Ireland Oct 12 Drygate Glasgow, UK Oct 13 Brudenell Social Club Leeds, UK Oct 14 EartH London, UK Read More Destroyer Vancouver’s Destroyer (led by singer-songwriter Dan Bejar) is touring in support of their latest album Have We Met (Merge Records). Minneapolis’ local station The Current … online: Destroyer - Merge Records ROSALI (rosalimusic.com)

A day of ceremony, a night of musical immersion-

As The University of Kansas ends its current year, recent graduates prepped gowns and mortar board caps for their rite of passage walk down The Hill at Mount Oread to receive their diplomas, but inside the downtown walls of The Bottleneck, Vancouver band Destroyer returned to town to amaze, vex, and celebrate for the graduates, and everyone else present.

The evening began with a well received forty-five minute from Philadelphia’s Rosali (stylized as ROSALI) in support of third album, last year’s No Medium.  The singer-songwriter is aka Rosali Middleman and the guitarist for The Long Hots and was backed by members of acclaimed Nebraska band the David Nance Group for their first Lawrence appearance.

Their music has been previously described as “Chrissie Hynde fronting Crazy Horse” but the vocals often have more of an Aimee Mann lightness about them, though it can also quickly move from electric folk to a more meaty, dense and louder blend. 

The newest album was supposedly written on a two-week sabbatical on a South Carolina farm and influenced by harmonographs– swinging pendulums that create geometric illustrations of music, and the concepts of balance and originating from a fixed point, do show some reflection in the songs. 

“Mouth”, the new album’s opening track finds Rosali not afraid to emotionally open and visualize, singing, “East of the river I was traveling on, watch me lie, undone, rest me in a forest, overgrown”. Destroyer keyboardist Ted Bois assisted on a dreamy mid-set song and the final number was precluded by a cacophony of reverb, feedback, and electronic howls. 

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As for the headliner, this was a bit full circle to have Destroyer return to Lawrence and play an eighty-five minute set, as they were one of the last bands we witnessed live in late February 2020, before the global lockdown. 

The new album is called Labyrinthitis (stylized in all caps, on Merge Records) which medically refers to an inner ear infection, often resulting in vertigo and immersive dizziness, and something band leader Dan Bejar was convinced he had, after a period of self-diagnosis (though never confirmed). 

Though still often thought of as a solo project, Bejar’s bandmates have all been with him over a decade and the key missing piece that we didn’t see the last time in town, trumpeter JP Carter, had returned with great effect and impact – adding a further cosmopolitan elegance to songs, self-sampling and with pedal effects to make his sonic presence even more prominent. 

After beginning with the new album’s opener, Bejar and band moved next into the spanning “June” a seven-minute tempo-changer with Bejar even referring to its spoken-word fragments on paper as he sang, determined to get them all letter-perfect. 

“I’ve got a good feeling about this set” Bejar remarked slyly, he not one to say much at all between songs, preferring instead to crouch and have a swig of beer as the band ends the songs with exclamations, but he did also commend all the recent graduates in the crowd as well. 

Lead single from the new record, “Tintoretto, It’s For You” came across even more twisted live, its haphazard synth-metal tones and manic drums over Bejar singing, “the ceiling’s on fire and the contract is binding”, the grim reaper calling to take the famed Italian painter. 

A couple of tracks from 2020’s Have We Met- “It Just Doesn’t Happen” and “Cue Synthesizer” still hold up strongly and the slow croon of 2015’s “The River” built into a peak with Bejar’s character admitting, “I’m over, before I begin to go”.

Cowbell powered the new swirling, “It Takes a Thief” and longtime fans roared at the first electro notes of 2011’s breakthrough, “Kaputt”. 2020’s “foolssong” cinematically swelled, from its beginning homage lines from Spearhead’s “Hole in the Bucket” to it’s “da,da,da” ending and the main set concluded with 2006’s elongated “Looters’ Follies”.

The encore began with 2011’s “Chinatown” filled in with vivid musical bursts from Carter’s trumpet and Bejar admitting “I can’t walk away” and would end by going back more than two decades with “Streethawk I”. 

“Yes, you are renewed” Bejar sings in the Destroyer song, “June”- immersion complete.

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

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Destroyer at The Bottleneck, Lawrence (2022-05-14)

 

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We♥KC - May 11-17, 2022 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence / Topeka KS)

Read More Danzig Incidentally, this "new" Misfits band doesn't feature Danzig, but is a bit of a superteam, featuring Dez Cadena (Black Flag) and Marky Ramone (he Ramones). …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Two “Destroyers”, a herd of “Mavericks”, an arena-sized throwback show, and more!

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence, KS metro through the third weekend of MAY

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

Jesse McCartney, The Truman

Wednesday May 11

Jesse McCartney, The Truman. $30-$60

The former teen heartthrob (now thirty-five) is back on the road on his New Stage Tour in support of his album of the same name.  Jamie Miller, Casey Baerare slated to open.

Danzig w Cradle of Filth, Crobot, Uptown Theater, $25-$99

An early start time for a full night of head-banging rock, on this brief two-week tour, so feel fortunate that KC is a stop.  Danzig (whose current band includes Prong guitarist Tommy Victor and Type O’s Johnny Kelly) is said to be performing the 1990 album Lucifuge in its entirety (we’re probably fine with no songs from 2020’s Danzig Sings Elvis performed). 

UK openers Cradle of Filth just had a few lineup changes and recently signed with Napalm Records and expect the album from Crobot, Feel This, out June 3^rd.

Mavericks, Knuckleheads

Thursday May 12

Dylan Scott, The Truman. $25-$50

Out on his Livin’ My Best Life Tour, the country pop star is supporting his upcoming record of the same name, out August 5^th, with singles “New Truck” and “Can’t Have Mine” already out. 

Mavericks, May 12, 13, 14, Knuckleheads, $45

This longtime alt-country Americana/Tex Mex band is putting down stakes for an extended residency of shows.  Releasing a 2020 En Español, expect some songs in Spanish, some Raul Malo solo numbers, and maybe even a Juan Gabriel or Neil Young cover along the way. 

Strand of Oaks, Lemonade Park

Friday May 13(spooky! Friday the 13^th!)

Kansas City Ballet presents Septime Webre's Wizard of Oz, May 13-22, Kauffman Center, $34+

Featuring a story line and visual elements we’re all familiar with, Septime Webre’s fantastical journey to the Emerald City is back! Filled with all the familiarity of the classic movie –Dorothy and Toto are swept to Oz join three unlikely heroes on a quest to see the Wizard and must battle a Wicked Witch in order to return home. This award-winning production combines bold new elements like costumes, sets, projections and special effects with a live soundtrack played by the Kansas City Symphony to make it an ideal family event for the season. Runs through May 22.

Strand of Oaks, Lemonade Park, $20-$48

Indiana native and folk rocker Tim Showalter and band hit the outdoor stage in support of 2021’s In Heaven and lead single, “Galacticana”.  Look for a few songs done solo, and maybe a Tom Petty cover included.Pat Finnetry to open.

Asking Alexandria w Nothing More, Atreyu, Uptown Theater, $39.50-$112.25

York, UK’s Asking Alexandria released See What’s On the Inside last fall, their seventh studio album produced by Matt Good of From First to Last fame, which is somewhat back to basics while staying more straightforward.  We caught them last back in 2016. 

San Diego’s Nothing More has a new album expected later this year. 

Turnstile, Granada - Lawrence

Saturday May 14

Turnstile w Citizen, Ekulu, Truth Cult, Granada - Lawrence SOLD OUT

Undoubtedly one of the hottest shows of the Spring, this one’s been absolutely sold out for a loooong time.  The Baltimore hardcore punk band on their Love Connection Tour has been around for over a decade but caught fire with last year’s Glow On.  Huge single “Mystery” is usually played very early in their set...because, they can and don’t care to save it for last.

KC Jazz Orchestra presents Roaring KC, Kauffman Center, $34.50-$69.50

Tom Pendergast’s reign as the most notorious figure in Kansas City’s crime history was also earmarked as the heyday of swing to jazz fans. In the historic 18th and Vine District, rollicking, riffing, and rambunctious music was the soundtrack of the roaring ‘20s and dirty ‘30s. Guest vocalist Eboni Fondren sits in as the KC Jazz Orchestra celebrates the music of Jay McShann, Bennie Moten, Count Basie, and others, to celebrate the city’s history and heritage.

Destroyer, Bottleneck- Lawrence

Destroyer, Bottleneck- Lawrence, $22-$25

We’re fans of the Vancouver indie-rock band headed by singer Dan Bejar, catching them just before the pandemic shut everything down, at the Granada in Lawrence in late Feb 2020. 

Ever-prolific, their thirteenth studio album, Labyrinthitis (on Merge Records) was released in late March, recorded remotely in pandemic-related separate studios, garnering praise for its details and unexpected musical choices., so bring a keen and undistracted ear. Proof of vaxx required for this one

ROSALI to open. 

George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Uptown, $35-$79

A completely different type of “Destroyer”, the longtime Delaware rocker has now decided it’s Good To Be Bad, out on his 45^th Anniversary Tour, now 72 (?!) years old.  Latest release is The Original (which can be bought as a signed CD here) which celebrates all those radio-ready sings everyone remembers, and a few unheard tracks.  Move It On Over, he’s still Bad to the Bone.

Topeka Symphony – Flemenco!, White Concert Hall, $17-$40

Finishing their season of dance music with a Spanish flourish and joined by Kansas City’s own Flamenco group Ensemble Iberica.  Hear the rhythms and melodies of Spain as the orchestra is joined by guitar, percussion, and vocals.  Watch the unique drama of the Flamenco dance brought to the stage.

Flyover 2022(rescheduled from Aug. 21), Azura Amphitheater CANCELED

Sunday May 15

New Kids on the Block with Salt N Pepa, En Vogue and Rick Astley, T-Mobile Center. $30.95-$175.95

Unless we’re all being Rick-rolled, this gathering of late ‘80s hit makers is on a large enough outing to play the major arenas.  Radio hits will be plentiful from all acts on this Mixtape Tour and the great addition is that a new song featuring all acts, “Bring Back the Time” has been released and will hopefully be performed by all live. 

Too bad the act we’d most want to see, Rick Astley (who banged the drums and played AC/DC on his previous headlining tour) will likely be getting the least amount of on-stage time. 

Paul Clark and Phil Keaggy, Aztec- Shawnee. $30

Keaggy is a renowned finger-picking guitarist dabbling mostly in acoustic music from folk to Christian and Kansas City-born Clark plays similar, mostly in the Contemporary Christian genre.  They’ve played together for ages and you can even purchase the audio of their 1974 Lawrence, KS concert here. 

Teo González, Uptown. $57-$127

One of Mexico’s biggest comedy stars, comedian Teo González “¡El Comediante de la Cola de Caballo!” touring the US for the first time.  Todos en Espanol

Monday May 16

Tuesday May 17

Russ, Cable Dahmer Arena. $39.95-$59.95

Atlanta rapper Russ released his latest EP, Chomp 2, at the end of last year, and his popularity seems ever-rising.  Taking a similar approach as Chance the Rapper did, he released many albums, songs, and mixtapes for free online before Columbia Records released his There’s Really a Wolf in 2017. 

The Journey is Everything Tour comes to Independence, MO with support from Bugus and Ktlyn. 

The Chats, Bottleneck. $20

Aussie punk band from Queensland that plays self-described “shed rock”.  They made waves with first full-length, 2020’s High Risk Behaviour, and are following that up on August 19, with Get F**ked. 

Mean Jeans Thick to open.

Little Hurt, recordBar, $13

The indie pop band is more familiar than you might first think – frontman Colin Dieden was the former lead singer for SoCal band The Mowgli’s who we always had fun seeing live.  Latest release is single, “Help Me Out”, which follows 2021’s Every Second full length and his project’s name is a nod to his baseball nickname bring an offshoot of Frank “Big Hurt” Thomas, which apparently stuck. 
Un-named “special guests” to open. 

They Might Be Giants, The Truman (Postponed to May 16, 2023)

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We♥KC - May 4-10, 2022 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

Jon Spencer & the Hitmakers, recordBar Read More Jon Spencer Drawing generously from garage rock and heavy soul, New York’s Jon Spencer Blues Explosion is an unbridled blues rock fist in the face of the status quo. Guitarist Judah Baker, drummer Russell Simins and shrieker / singer / guitarist Jon Spencer …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

People talking at shows over the band, a reported fight breaking out at the Key Glock show at the Granada – guess things are back to “normal”, haha. Seriously, hope we can better appreciate the return of live music, and can all positively enjoy the experience. 

Live Nation is offering select $25 all-in tix this week, so might be worth a look to see what’s available. 

(Several artists are still requiring precautions for entry, so check with the venue and/or assume vaccination proof and maybe a mask, is still required)

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence, KS metro for the second week of MAY:

Wednesday May 4 (May the 4th Be with You!)

The HU, The Truman. $27.50-$55

Everyone’s favorite Mongolian deep throat-ed folk metal band brings their Black Thunder Tour to town, with a new album due out later this year.  Expect a mix of new songs and those from 2019’s The Gereg.

Jon Spencer & the Hitmakers w Quasi, recordBar. $20

After Covid caused a recent last-minute cancellation in Minneapolis (though openers Quasi still played) both bands are carrying on, with Spencer working in a Blues Explosion song or two, and Pussy Galore cover, into recent setlists.  Sleater-Kinney drummer Janet Weiss is doing double duty, leading support band Quasi and banging the skins for The Hitmakers as well. 

Boston Manor, Bottleneck. $22

Not from Boston, but rather Blackpool UK, this five-piece emo pop-punk band recently toured with Neck Deep and has new EP, Desperate Times, Desperate Pleasures, out.

 

Buddy Guy, Knuckleheads Read More Buddy Guy Blues icon Buddy Guy recently announced his upcoming brand new studio album Born To Play Guitar to be released on July 31st via RCA Records. The forthcoming album is the follow … Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Uptown Read More Jason Isbell Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit returned to play the Basilica again (having shared the bill with Wilco three years ago) playing the well-deserved headlining set of the evening- a stellar ninety-minutes culled from his half-dozen solo albums …

Thursday May 5 (Happy Cinco de Mayo!)

Buddy Guy, Knuckleheads. $58.50

The undisputed Blues guitar master returns to leave jaws on the ground with his skilled playing, still well worth seeing in-person. Guy is 85 years-young and still performs regularly at his Chicago club, Legends, and the environment at Knuckleheads is perfect for his songs and guitar work. 

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit w Heartless Bastards, Uptown. $65-$250

One of the strongest double-bill shows of this spring, Isbell and band released Georgia Blue late last year and even covered Metallica’s “Sad but True” for a charity tribute album last fall.  The newest album is a collection of covers from Georgia-based artists, including R.E.M., James Brown, Indigo Girls, and The Black Crowes.  We last caught Isbell and the 400 Unit alongside wife Amanda Shires at the Basilica Block Party back in the summer of 2018. 

We saw opening band Heartless Bastards headlining last fall and they’re still out in support of latest album, A Beautiful Life, the Ohio band’s sixth studio effort, which singer Erika Wennerstrom originally conceived as a solo project. 

Chuck Mead, Bottleneck. $20

Nashville singer-songwriter is a founding member of group BR5-49, worked on Broadway’s Million Dollar Quartet, and actually graduated from Lawrence High School and attended the University of Kansas, so it’s a bit of a homecoming appearance. 

Dorothy, recordBar, $20

We are in Kansas (City) any more! The longtime Los Angeles blues hard rock band returns in support of Gifts from the Holy Ghost, (on Jay-Z’s Roc Nation imprint.)  The album’s title was derived from her guitar tech being brought back from an overdose and the album is prefaced with lead single, “Rest in Peace”.  We caught the band live in early 2019, and also in 2018, and were impressed both times.

Rosanne Cash, Lied Center. UPDATE - Postponed to June 11

After a few Covid-related postponements, the Americana singer-songwriter comes to the River City, with over four decades, twelve Grammy nominations, and eleven #1 country singles under her belt. 

Expect a setlist filled with her own songs as well as numerous covers from Bobbie Gentry, Hank Snow, and of course, her famous father Johnny Cash. 

Jordan Davis, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland Read More Jordan Davis Jordan Davis’s upcoming show at the Varsity Theater sold out, so the band decided to quickly book a second show. The Nashville-singer recently released his cover of Jo Dee Messina’s “Heads Carolina …

Friday May 6

Asleep at the Wheel w Brennan Leigh, Knuckleheads, $35

Weather seems ok for this outdoor scheduled show and the legendary Western swing band has been entertaining audiences since 1970 (thus, their twenty-sixth album from 2021, Half a Hundred Years). 

Jordan Davis with Tenille Arts, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland $29.50-$35

The Louisiana country pop singer has been rising since debut 2017 single, “Singles You Up” and last year’s “Buy Dirt” (with Luke Bryan and from the album of the same name), also topped the charts. 

Canadian country singer Tenille Arts is getting some buzz as well, with 2021’s Girl to Girl album. 

Beach Bunny with Wednesday and Ky Voss, Granada. $25

Lilli Trifilio leads this Chicago power pop band (not to be confused with the Latin Bad Bunny) and has a highly anticipated sophomore album, Emotional Creature, due out July 22, on one of our favorite labels, Mom+Pop, prefaced by first single, “Fire Escape”. 

Openers Wednesday are from Ontario, CAN and NYC-based Ky Voss plays low-fi synth dream pop. 

Xavier Wulf, Bottleneck-Lawrence, $25/$30

Tennessee rapper also is a member of the East Memphis Boyz, has released fourteen albums/mixtapes, and has his roots in trap metal hip-hop. 

Ben Rector, Starlight Theatre Read More Ben Rector Ben Rector is an artist we’ve seen really move up to new heights over the last couple years, with melodic and memorable songs, a growing (mostly female) fan base, and a Billy Joel-influenced sound ... Hovvdy, Bottleneck-Lawrence Read More Hovvdy Lomelda and Hovvdy are on a co-headlining tour for their Covers split EP (Double Double Whammy Records). Both bands are longtime friends from Texas. Nadine to open.

Saturday May 7

Ben Rector w/ Jake Scott Starlight Theatre, $35-$69.95

The Nashville singer-songwriter released his latest, The Joy of Music at the end of last year, which features collaborations with opposite genre artists Snoop Dogg and sax player Dave Koz, and will be playing outdoors at this great metro venue.  We caught Rector live in 2017 as part of the Basilica Block Party and twice in 2016, at a proper State Theatre show, and at a more intimate outdoor radio promotional performance.

Opener Jake Scott is a LA-based Arkansas-born multi-instrumentalist currently making waves with new single, “Texas Girl” and is out in support of last summer’s Goldenboy album.  Also scheduled is Jordy Searcy and Stephen Day. 

Air Supply, Ameristar. $57-$75

They’re not “all out of love” just yet, and are ready to serenade those classic lite-rock hits. 

Saba with Lute and Amindi, Granada. $25

The Chicago rapper-producer has his third album out, Few Good Things and is out on his Back Home Tour.  Openers are Charlotte’s Lute and Los Angeles artist Amindi. 

Steel Woods, Knuckleheads. $20

Nashville country group has a new album coming May 14^th. 

Hovvdy w Molly Parden, Bottleneck-Lawrence, $15-$18

The Austin, TX indie pop duo has a new album, True Love, out now, and have followed that up with a new EP, Billboard for My Feelings and lead single, “Hide”. 

Opener Molly Parden is a Georgia native who also recently collaborated with Victor Mucho of Judah and the Lion, on a Cranberries cover with Sandra McCracken, and covered Enya with Sam Outlaw.   

Merle Jam with Walter Trout, Stacy Mitchhart and Tricia Freeman, Knuckleheads. $27.50

This 16^th annual fundraiser has been helping heart transplant patients for years.

Bert Kreischer (comedian), May 7-8, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland $39.75-$109.75

Comedian out on his Berty Boy (Relapse) Tour, referring to the pandemic date postponements. 

OMD, The Truman Read More OMD This spring, legendary British band Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (or better abbreviated to OMD) will go on their “Souvenir Greatest Hits” tour. The band will play some of their biggest hits …

Sunday May 8(Happy Mother's Day!)

OMD, The Truman. $32.50-$59.50

The classic British synth band is out on their Souvenir Tour, celebrating forty years of hits and we can confirm that Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys and band are as great as ever to see live.  We caught them in concert last back in 2018 and as good as that setlist was, this one will be even more packed with songs you know. 

We last saw Michigan art rock openers In the Valley Below back in 2018 in a very unique setting- they were the live soundtrack to their The Pink Chateau film in an Alamo Drafthouse movie theater.  The band has a new single, “Lie with Me” and has even released a board game. 

Car Seat Headrest with Bartees Strange, Grinders KC, $25-$50

Virginia’s Will Toledo and band have been wow-ing recent crowds on their Masquerade Tour, promising “music, dancing, and identity loss”.  The MADLO EPs should be on sale at their merch booth, which compile the previous digital-only releases, and while we’ve seen the band live a few times before, we get the feeling this will be completely different. 

Opener Bartees Strange mixes indie, jazz, and hip-hop, and has his second album, Farm to Table due June 17 and has been busy as the support act for all our favorite bands.

Dale Watson, Knuckleheads. $20-$35

Texas alt-country/"Ameripolitan" guitarist remains prolific and is a true road touring warrior.

Destruction, Bottleneck

Monday May 9

Destruction, Bottleneck. $20

One of the “Big Four” of German thrash metal, expect the walls to shake. 

Sherman Irby Duo, Lied Center. $19-$35

Irby is the lead alto saxophone player for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and will be joined by bassist Mark Lewandowski.  For Rock Chalk Suite, Irby composed “The Truth” celebrating Paul Pierce and “The Ponderous Pachyderm of the Planks” honoring Clyde Lovellette.

Pi'erre Bourne, Granada- Lawrence

Tuesday May 10

Pi'erre Bourne, Granada- Lawrence, $20-$25

Out on his Purple Tour with opener Young Kush Blower, in addition to rapping, has produced hits for the likes of Playboi Carti and 6ix9ine, and has recently collaborated with Chavo, TM88, and Cardo. 

john (johnc@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC - April 27-May 3, 2022 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

Beast in Black with Seven Kingdoms and Striker, Granada Read More Beast in Black The tour features Beast in Black as headliner. The Finnish/Greek/Hungarian metal band took their name from the anime/manga Berserk. They signed with Nuclear Blast label in 2017, and the rest is history. … Disclosure with DJ Boring, Arvest Bank Theatre Read More Disclosure Disclosure is a techno (my friend kept calling it "deep house" but techno is so much easier to say) duo from England. They are a pair of brothers who have taken this whole scene by storm and have helped push this whole ...

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

It’s a spring thing!--

Shows are definitely back, and with everyone shut-in for the past twenty months or so, there’s been a growing glut of concerts / events (and some higher prices to go with) so plan wisely.

Starlight Theater begins their busy outdoor concert season and there’s a full musical menu in the metro, with concerts from all kinds of ages and genres. 

(Several artists are still requiring precautions for entry, so check with the venue and/or assume vaccination proof and maybe a mask, is required)

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence, KS metro for the final part of APRIL and into early MAY:

Wednesday April 27

Beast in Black with Seven Kingdoms, Striker, Granada. $25  

The world of modern power metal in just one evening! Beast in Black is a Finnish-Greek-Hungarian band founded in 2015 in Helsinki by guitarist/songwriter Anton Kabanen.

Seven Kingdoms are from DeLand, FL, formed in 2007 by guitarist Camden Cruz and vocalist Bryan Edwards, after they parted with their previous band, This Solemn Vow.

Arrive early for Canadian rockers Striker, making shredtacular anthems since 2007. They’ve been recognized with JUNO, Western Canadian Music, and Edmonton Music Awards and have six studio albums including Play to Win (2018, on Record Breaking). 

Disclosure w DJ Boring, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $39.50-$55

Disclosure released 2021’s Never Enough EP, which came on the heels of 2020 album, ENERGY, and are apparently “sitting on a wealth of exciting new music,” so expect to hear even more beats.

The Queen’s Cartoonists, Kauffman Center. $19-$49

This six-member band plays music from classic cartoons and contemporary animation, synchronized to video of the original films, with the goal of creating a concert of classical and jazz for everyone. Expect the unexpected including the Golden Age of animation, cult cartoon classics, modern video pieces, comedy and elements of a musical circus!

Lights, Madrid Read More Lights Alt-pop icon Lights will be headlining the Varsity Theater on May 3rd, in support of her new album PƎP (Fueled By Ramen Records). ... Lee Greenwood, Prairie Band Casino Read More Lee Greenwood As a Producer, Jerry Crutchfield was nominated for the CMA’s Song the Year, winning it twice. He produced hits for Lee Greenwood, Tanya Tucker, Tracy Byrd and Glen Campbell ...

Thursday April 28

Lights, Madrid, $26

She’s a little everything - Lights is many things all at once: Singer. Songwriter. Producer. Multi-instrumentalist. Comic book author. DJ. Artist.

 

We last saw Valerie and band live back in 2015, but she’s returned with a brand-new indie electronic pop album, PƎP preceded by its early singles “In My Head (ft. Josh Dun),” “Salt and Vinegar,” “Real Thing (ft. Elohim),” and “Prodigal Daughter.”

The album’s title and theme emerged from an extraordinarily dark period and arrived as a mechanism to pep-talk herself through the lows of life. Its result is a road map to the kind of unapologetic self-salvation that feels both urgent and also like a joyous release.

Lee Greenwood, Prairie Band Casino, $25

We should all be more “proud to be an American” and stand together in unity, though that hasn’t exactly been in the case, of late.  The legend is out on his 40 Years of Hits Tour and has over twenty Top 10 singles, and numerous Grammy, CMA, and ACM awards to back that up. 

Last October’s 'All-Star Salute to Lee Greenwood,' featured a “who’s who” of top artists in celebration and the footage is set to produce a trio of television specials airing this year.

Sarah Harmer,  Knuckleheads, $29.50

Ontario, Canada singer-songwriter returns with an acclaimed new album, Are You Gone (via Arts & Crafts) and new single, “Little Frogs”. 

Are You Gone is a meditation on the idea of presence, and a bookend to the questions posed on her early album, You Were Here – themed a confrontation with the realities of nature and human nature.

Harmer has also become a known grassroots organizer, co-founding the citizen’s organization PERL (Protecting Escarpment Rural Land) and leading the coalition’s efforts to prevent a quarry from being built on the Niagara Escarpment.

Ohgeesy, Bottleneck. $22

AKA Alejandro Coranza is a Mexican-American rapper and member of four piece Shoreline Mafia, out on his solo Geezywold Tour. 

 

 

Don McLean, Uptown Read More Don McLean When news of his death came out, music icon Don McLean (famous for “American Pie”), shared his story about Alex Trebek. It was Trebek’s longtime dream to have McLean perform at his Christmas party ... Alec Benjamin w Sara Kays, The Truman Read More Alec Benjamin Alec Benjamin will be headlining the Varsity Theater on Wednesday, as part of his Outrunning Karma tour. Show up early to check out rising pop artist, Alexander 23. ...

Friday April 29
Don McLean, Uptown, $45-$125

Five decades of Pie- 2022 marks the 50^th anniversary of when the landmark song hit the top of the Billboard chart and the fabled singer-songwriter is out on tour to celebrate it. “After spending the past 18 months at home, I am thrilled to be getting back on the road with my band,” McLean said in a statement.

McLean also released a related children's book last September, "American Pie: A Fable", co-written with Judith A. Proffer and containing 40 illustrations by Yoko Matsuoka.

Alec Benjamin w Sara Kays, The Truman. $29.50-$60

Benjamin is a young Phoenix singer-songwriter whose 2018 breakthrough single "Let Me Down Slowly" reached the top 40 in over 25 countries and amassed over one billion streams on Spotify.

Arrive early for Nashville singer-songwriter Sara Kays who has a new single. “When You Look At Me” out via Atlantic Records, the demo of which quickly became very popular on TikTok. 

Megadeth and Lamb of God with Trivium and In Flames,     T-Mobile Center $29.50-$99.50

The "Metal Tour of the Year "returns after a pandemic postponement thru 2021, due to wrap in mid-May.  “Do not miss out," commented Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine, and their long-awaited new album is expected out later this year. All four metal acts are solid and seasoned live.

The Elders with The Canterberries, Knuckleheads. $27.50

Funded in 1998 by six with a passion for Americana and Celtic folk rock, the group brings together the art of storytelling with elements both musically progressive and tradition rooted.

Their 8th studio album, True, features story lines with narratives that explore history, legends, tall tales and true-life experiences, along with a few instrumentals.

Leon Bridges, Uptown Read More Leon Bridges Leon Bridges is also just growing as an artist and performer, becoming less shy and more confident on stage, than when he played SXSW this March, and opened locally for Lord Huron this April. …

Saturday April 30
Leon Bridges, Uptown Sold Out

The Boundless Tour now continues into the fall for Bridges’ first headlining amphitheater and arena dates, but the lucky few who nabbed tix this more intimate theater show (been sold out for ages) can consider themselves lucky. 

Debut album Coming Home was more retro-soul (we caught him early-on, in 2015) but he’s since morphed into more of a neo-soul sound on the more recent Gold-Diggers Sound album, which only seems to be gaining Bridges even more fans. 

Scotty McCreery, Yardley Hall. $25-$155

Idol champion and CMT Award winner Scotty McCreery is one of current country music’s most popular over the last decade, including a streak of four consecutive No. 1 hits: “Five More Minutes,” “This is It,” “In Between,” and recent, “You Time.” He recently released his fifth album, Same Truck, which features his new single (by George!), “Damn Strait.”

Frankie Beverly and Ron Isley, Municipal Auditorium. $71-$252

The Love & Laughter Tour also features Chrisette Michelle and is guaranteed to get your groove on. 

Girls Gotta Eat, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $50.50-$87.50

Sprung from the comedic and uncensored podcast from duo Ashley Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg, they’re bringing that popular audio show to the masses, with an expected interactive Q&A.

Morgan Wallen with Larry Fleet, T-Mobile Center. $62.75-$152.75

Banished from SNL, country radio, and more due to bad behavior hasn’t affected the country artist from selling albums and tickets, now on his Dangerous Tour(not to be confused w Michael Jackson’s)Wallen also announced that he will be supportingEric Church on June 11 in Minneapolis.

Waitiki 7, Liberty Hall. $30

Kpr Presents: Retro Cocktail Hour 25th Anniversary

Tosca, April 30 thru May 8, Music Hall, $47.50-$166.50

The classic Italian tragedy full of lies, lust, and corruption by Puccini is brought to life by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and runs through May 8 (a possible early Mothers’ Day present?).  For Rome’s celebrated opera singer, Tosca, all is not well. Fueled by jealousy, the Chief of Police pursues her artist lover for alleged treasonous acts, pausing only to pursue Tosca with a decidedly different set of acts in mind.

Wet, recordBar

Sunday May 1
Wet, recordBar. $22

We like this Brooklyn group, though have lost tabs on them over the last couple years. 
Since we saw them in early 2019, they’ve released Letter Blue(2021) and This Fog(2020) and still have that pleasant indie electronic chill sound. 

Kelley Hunt Acoustic Trio, Knuckleheads. $35

The longtime area musician returns with her acoustic trio featuring singer Allena Ross and acoustic bassist James Albright. Expect the material and arrangements to differ, vs. her full band shows.

Brian Jonestown Massacre, Bottleneck

Monday May 2
Brian Jonestown Massacre, Bottleneck. $25

The longtime psych rockers have a brand-new single, "The Real", which from their forthcoming album Fire Doesn't Grow On Trees(out June 24) so expect to hear some of the new, as well as the old.

We caught them in Minneapolis very recently, and were gutted to hear that initial support act, Mercury Rev, chose to bow out over Covid concerns.  Twin Cities’ Magic Castles does continue to open.

H.E.R. w Marzz, Starlight

Tuesday May 3
H.E.R. w Marzz, Starlight. $39.50-$129.50

The multi-winning Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist H.E.R. has embarked on a 19-city run of her Back of My Mind Tour, and it’s lucky that KC is a stop.  There is a natural talent about her (similar to a younger Alicia Keys) with so much more to come musically, you know Prince would have championed her, if he was still with us.  That feeling is mutual, as H.E.R. often works a purple guitar riff or even cover song, into her set. 

R&B singer/songwriter Marzz recently released their new single “KMS” via Keep Cool/RCA Records.

Patty Griffin, Liberty Hall

Patty Griffin, Liberty Hall. $25-$59

The two-time Grammy Award winning folk singer-songwriter is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her album Living With Ghosts, as well as the success of her tenth studio recording, 2019’s self-titled LP.

Expect a healthy helping of classics from her three+ decade career and just maybe even a Springsteen cover or two, as she covered “Jungleland” recently in NYC, and before that, even did a five-song cover encore. 

Fiddler on the Roof, May 3-8, Music Hall, $35-$121

L’Chaim! It’s the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter. This classic musical has plenty of hits, we know that you know - “If I Were A Rich Man,” "Sunrise, Sunset,” "Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “Tradition.”

The original Broadway production of Fiddler opened in 1964, and was the first musical in history to surpass 3,000 performances. It also won the 1965 Tony Award for Best Musical(in addition to eight others that year), and this revival introduces a new generation to the iconic and adored classic.

john (johnc@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Snail Mail w Joy Again at Liberty Hall, Lawrence KS (2022-04-16)

SNAIL MAIL SETLIST Valentine Ben Franklin Glory Speaking Terms Heat Wave Automate Madonna Golden Dream Thinning Light Blue Full Control Headlock Tonight, Tonight (The Smashing Pumpkins cover) Forever (Sailing) -- Encore -- Mia Pristine Read More Snail Mail Matador’s youngest signing Snail Mail (aka 18-yr-old Lindsey Jordan) will be stopping by the 7th Street Entry in support of her debut album Lush - out now. … Joy Again Philadelphia five-piece Joy Again to open the show. Since forming in 2015, the band established themselves as a “staple of the Philly basement scene.” …

The calendar may have said Easter Weekend, but for everyone inside Liberty Hall in Lawrence, KS to see Snail Mail in concert, it seemed much more like Valentine’s –

The indie rock project led by Maryland native/NYC-based singer-songwriter Lindsey Jordan is out in support of her second full-length album. Valentine (on Matador Records), released last November.

The evening began with a forty-three minute opening set from Philadelphia band Joy Again, for their first time playing in the state, and the tour’s support act for just a week before they would venture off on their own headlining club dates.

The musical collective has two singer/guitarists that split lead duties (Sachi DiSerafino and Arthur Shea, alongside keyboardists Blaise O'Brien, and Zachary Tyndall, bassist Kieran Ferris, and drummer Will Butera) and plays slightly more than typical alternative rock – there’s also a dash of Zappa/Flaming Lips eclecticism and weirdness that makes their music both danceable and more existential at the same time.

Their second EP is 2019’s Piano and they’ve since been signed to Arista Records, marking that signing with recent single, “What Lovers Do” and the crowd reserved their most audible response for 2015’s “Looking Out for You”, played towards the end of their fifteen-song set.

===

With the band’s logo on a big backdrop and a couple of Cupid statues on pedestals adorning the stage, Snail Mail began their sixty-five minute set with the title track and album opener from the latest record, Valentine and quickly got all of the crowd engaged and on their side.

Following the album’s sequence, “Ben Franklin” next brought things very personal, as Jordan sang about her 2020 stint in rehab.

After pandemic-related delays and an additional late 2021 pause for a necessary vocal chord operation, both the band and the crowd seemed elated to see each other, and there was often singing along and shrieking affection after every song. Jordan confessed that “Automate” was one of her favorites from the new record (and they played all but one song from Valentine), singing “you’ll be sweet if I stay, and it’s not enough, conditional love”.

“Thinning” reached all the way back to 2016, with Jordan singing repeatedly as if to convince herself, “I don’t think there’s anything wrong” then exclaiming, It’s Saturday night!” clearly thrilled by the reception. She also recalled her last time in town, at a smaller venue during mid-July heat and the air conditioning system not working properly, but also remembered she thought it was a good show. Nevertheless.

Jordan’s voice soared during “Light Blue” proving to everyone she’d almost completely recovered from that polyp removal surgery, something she briefly talked about, following the song. Her band: Alex Bass (his real name!) – bass; Ray Brown – drums; Madeline McCormack – guitar, keys; Benjamin Kaunitz – guitar, played solidly all evening without being obtrusive or upstaging, and all came really alive with their authentic cover of The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight”.

“Forever (Sailing)” with Jordan singing, “whatever you decide, I’ll chase you from the city to the sky” took us to the end of the main set, with Jordan soon to re-appear, with only her acoustic guitar and Kaunitz at her side for a delicate “Mia” and again, her vocals reaching heights she likely could not have, just a year prior, pre-surgery.

The rest of the band re-joined on stage for the closing “Pristine” from 2018’s breakout album Lush, a love song of self second-guessing and what could have been, common feelings the mostly college-age crowd could obviously relate to.

As the pandemic winds down and people re-emerge in social gatherings, we find we’re having to re-learn basic interacting skills, most left more vulnerable by twenty months of isolation. Like everyone else, 22 year-old Lindsey Jordan had experienced very similar, but opened herself up and put those lyrics to paper, about love and loss, and learning lessons. Though the album is called Valentine, the live show from Snail Mail may be more “Easter” after all, as it was a mix of songs about realization, catharsis, and eventual rebirth.

JOY AGAIN SETLIST I'm Your Dog Couldn't Mistakes Sungazing Deathwish // Deathbed Woof Woof Kim Rats Who Knows Country Song Abaigh's Song Love Me Like You Used To Lymes Looking Out for You Winter Snakes JOY AGAIN TOUR DATES 4/17 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre 4/20 Oakland, CA Starline Social Club 4/21 Los Angeles, CA 1720 4/22 Garden Grove, CA Locker Room 4/23 San Diego, CA HOB Voodoo Room 4/24 Tucson, AZ Club Congress 4/26 Austin, TX The Far Out Lounge 4/27 Houston, TX RISE Rooftop 4/28 Fort Worth , TX Tulips 4/29 Norman, OK Norman Music Festival 4/30 Springfield, MO Outland Ballroom 5/1 Nashville, TN DRKMTTR 5/3 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade 5/5 Richmond, VA Richmond Music Hall 5/6 Washington, DC DC9

SNAIL MAIL TOUR DATES

APR 19 Capitol Theater Olympia, WA
APR 20 The Moore Theatre Seattle, WA
APR 21 Vogue Theatre Vancouver, BC
APR 22 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR
APR 23 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR
APR 24 Fox Theater Oakland, CA
APR 27 Hollywood Palladium Los Angeles, CA
APR 28 The Observatory North Park San Diego, CA
APR 29 Nile Theater Mesa, AZ
APR 30 Meow Wolf Santa Fe, NM
MAY 2 The Moody Theater Austin, TX
MAY 3 The Studio at The Factory Dallas, TX
MAY 5 The Masquerade - Heaven Stage Atlanta, GA
MAY 6 The Orange Peel Asheville, NC
MAY 7 Cat's Cradle Carrboro, NC
MAY 8 Brooklyn Bowl Nashville Nashville, TN
JUN 6 Gebäude 9 Cologne, NRW
JUN 7 Knust Hamburg, Germany
JUN 9 Oceanen Gothenburg, Västra Götaland County
JUN 11 Slaktkyrkan Stockholm, Stockholm County
JUN 13 Columbia Theater Berlin
JUN 14 Groovestation Dresden, Saxony
JUN 15 Ampere Munich, Germany
JUN 16 Santeria Toscana 31 Milan, Lombardy
JUN 18 Bogen F Zürich, ZH
JUN 19 Le Trabendo Paris, France
JUN 21 Paradiso Noord Amsterdam, NL
JUN 23 O2 Ritz Manchester, UK
JUN 24 Queen Margaret Union Glasgow, Scotland
JUN 28 The Marble Factory Bristol, England
JUN 29 O2 Forum Kentish Town London, United Kingdom
JUN 30 CHALK Brighton, England
JUL 6 L'Epicerie Moderne Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
JUL 30 Fuji Rock Festival Minamiuonuma, Niigata
AUG 12 Fête Music Hall Providence, RI
AUG 14 Beak and Skiff Syracuse, NY
AUG 16 Toad's Place New Haven, CT
AUG 17 The Stone Pony Asbury Park, NJ
AUG 19 The National Richmond, VA
AUG 20 The NorVa Norfolk, VA
AUG 21 Neighborhood Theatre Charlotte, NC
AUG 23 The Beacham Orlando, FL
AUG 24 The Ritz Ybor Tampa, FL
AUG 26 Saturn Birmingham, AL
AUG 27 The Mill & Mine Knoxville, TN
AUG 28 Headliners Music Hall Louisville, KY
AUG 30 Castle Theatre Bloomington, IL
AUG 31 Majestic Theatre Madison, WI
SEP 2 Turner Hall Ballroom Milwaukee, WI
SEP 3 The Pageant St Louis, MO
SEP 4 The Athenaeum Theatre Columbus, OH
SEP 6 The Majestic Theatre Detroit, MI
SEP 7 Mr. Smalls Theatre Millvale, PA
SEP 9 The Fillmore Silver Spring Silver Spring, MD
SEP 24 Frantic City Festival Atlantic City, NJ

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

Joy Again

Joy Again

Snail Mail Setlist

Snail Mail

Snail Mail

Snail Mail

Snail Mail

Snail Mail

Snail Mail at Liberty Hall, Lawrence KS (2022-04-16)

 

john (johnc@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC - April 19-26, 2022 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

Moonchild April 19, recordBar Pinegrove, April 19, Granada- Lawrence Read More Moonchild 06/11/17 Los Angeles’ Moonchild is playing Studio B at Skyway Theatre, in support of their new record Voyager. 8pm, $12. ...

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Things are happening!

Outdoor concert season has started with shows at Azura and GrindersKC and there’s plenty of stand-up comedy to pick from this week. 

Comic conventions are back in full as well, with pop culture, costumed cosplay and celebrities, wrestlers and comic creators invading downtown all weekend long. 

(Despite some health mandates loosening up, several artists are still requiring for entry, so check with the venue and/or better to assume vaccination proof is required)

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence area for the Third Week of APRIL:

Tuesday April 19
Moonchild w/ Austin Antoine, April 19, recordBar. $23.50-$85

In support of their fifth album, Starfruit, the LA band has a laid back, R&B electronic groove to their sound and the new album features guest appearances from Tank and the Bangas and Lalah Hathaway.

Opener Antoine is a creative Swiss Army Knife, with experience in music, performance art, poetry and theater.

Pinegrove w/ Katy Kirby, Chuck, April 19, Granada- Lawrence, $22-$26

“Pinenuts” are what the most loyal fans of this NJ alt-country rock band call themselves.  The band has been in action over a decade and is action for fifth studio album, 11:11, which was mixed by ex-Death Cab for Cutie member Chris Walla.  RIYL Weakerthans, Wilco, MMJ, and Bon Iver.

Texan Katy Kirby is a Nashville-based, singer-songwriter with new album Cool Dry Place, and Chuck is actually Pinegrove member Megan Benavente. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primus, April 20, GrindersKC Read More Primus The co-headlining Mastodon and Primus will stop by the Myth in Minnesota on Thursday. Psych rockers JJUUJJUU to open. Tour dates: … Mattiel, April 21, recordBar Read More Mattiel Atlanta-based band Mattiel (fronted by singer Mattiel Brown) will be headlining the 7th Street Entry on June 12th. The band is touring in support of their forthcoming sophomore album. … Alan Doyle, April 21, Madrid Theater Read More Alan Doyle Newfoundland singer-songwriter Alan Doyle (lead singer of iconic Canadian band Great Big Sea) has sold out his upcoming appearance at the Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant. …

Wednesday April 20

Jason Eady, Justin Wells and Ben Danaher, April 20, Knuckleheads. $20

Texas-based singer-songwriter headlines a night of Lone Star honky-tonk. 

Primus, April 20, GrindersKC. $39.50-$99

After a few delays, the Farewell to Kings tribute finally comes to town, playing the classic 1977 Rush album in its entirety after a set of their own familiar songs, with an encore to end things up.

Thursday April 21

My Brother, My Brother and Me, April 21, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $39.50

Springing from their successful weekly comedy advice podcast, brothers McElroy will be live and in-person dishing out their unique feedback and opinions.

Mattiel w/ Meyadi,  April 21, recordBar, $13

The Atlanta indie rock duo have a third studio album out, Georgia Gothic, and counts Jack White among their many fans, and is highlighted by singer Atina Brown’s vocals.  We just caught them live last October, before the new album had been released and wrote, “Atlanta-based Mattiel opened the show, armed with just her hypnotic voice and lone guitarist Jonah Swilley. This is quite stripped down, as the last time she was in town, in June 2019, she had a full band.”

Opener Meyadi is aka Carmen Dieker and a violinist and multi-instrumentalist

Alan Doyle, April 21, Madrid Theater, $25-$35

We’ve always been entertained when seeing Great Big Sea live and Newfoundland’s Doyle comes to town on his Rough Side Out Tour, with Here, Tonight being his very first live album. 

Expect a healthy helping of GBS songs as well as his solo material, and just maybe a John Mellencamp cover thrown in for good measure. 

Black Tiger Sex Machine with Kai Wachi, Jessica Audiffred and Hairitage, April 21, The Truman. $23-$50

Montreal electro bass dubstep trio that takes their name from a James Brown inspiration back in their more sampling days.  Prepare for walls shaking and dancing.  Single “Cheatcode” is a gamer’s dream. 

Josh Abbott Band w/ Noe Palma, April 21, Granada, $22

They swear, they’ll be there!  After some pandemic delays and then a last-minute cancellation after their bus broke down en route, the Lubbock, TX country band is making good on their promise to return and play.  Latest album was The Highway Kind, released in Nov 2020. 

Opener is a KC-based singer-songwriter former singer of The Broken Cowboys whose first name is pronounced “No-E” named by his Filipino father and cheekily named his debut, Get My Name Right. 

Paul Cauthen, April 21, Knuckleheads. $35

East TX indie folk singer-songwriter formerly in Sons of Fathers with new album, Country Coming Down just released this month. 

 

 

 

Planet Comicon Kansas City, Bartle Hall, April 22-24 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 … Snoop Dogg , April 22, Azura Amph Read More Snoop Dogg On the 20th Anniversary of Snoop Doggy Dog's debut album Doggystyle, Engine Room Recordings released their tribute to the man with Doggystyle Restyled: A Tribute To Snoop Dogg, which came out December 17th, 2013. .... Joy Oladokun, April 22, recordBar Read More Joy Oladokun Joy Oladokun with Bre Kennedy at Fine Line Acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician Joy Oladokun is headlining the Fine Line this April 24. Bre Kennedy to open. ....

Friday April 22

Planet Comicon Kansas City, Bartle Hall, April 22-24,  $11-$220

The Midwest’s premier Comic Book, Toy and Pop Culture gathering is back at full strength!  Celeb guests include Mythbusters’Adam Savage, Brandon Routh, Joey Fatone, wrestlers Booker T, Sgt Slaughter, and Jerry Lawler, and comic creators Garth Ennis, Howard Chaykin, John Romita Jr, Matt Kindt, and numerous cosplayers.  Fun for all ages all weekend long.

Ballet Midwest presents Giselle, April 22-24, Topeka Perf Arts Center, $20

Snoop Dogg w/ Ice Cube, Warren G, April 22, Azura Amph, $39.50-$150

Outdoor amphitheater season already?! The whiff of you-know-what will be in the air that’ll you think it’s still 4/20.  Out on the Dogg Days of Blaze Tour, this triple bill brings Compton and Long Beach, to the heart of the Midwest. 

Snoop is relatively fresh in minds from his Super Bowl appearance, and in addition to owning the 3-on-3 basketball league, Ice Cube made headlines over his anti-vaxx stance that cost him a key movie role. 

LP with Nick Leng, April 22, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $35-$135

Still well known for the soundtrack of a decade-old credit card commercial, LP returns with new record, her sixth called Churches, released at the end of last year as well as collaborated with Imanbek on recent non-album single, “Fighter”.

Opener Leng is a South African indie-soul singer-songwriter with two new singles out. 

Johnnyswim with Katelyn Tarver, April 22, The Truman. $30-$55

We’ve been following the LA-based couple and band for almost a decade now, and after an October postponement are returning with the Johnnyswim Show Tour.  VIP experience upgrades (including soundcheck and on-stage access) are available via their site and they’ve celebrated playing live again by covering a classic Willie Nelson song towards the end of their set. 

Opener Tarver is an actress as well as singer-songwriter, known from Nick’s Big Time Rush and HBO’s Ballers. 

Parker McCollum, April 22, Cable Dahmer Arena. $29.50-$49.50

Rising young TX country singer-songwriter who released third album, Gold Chain Cowboy last year and is the current reigning ACM Best Male Artist.

Craig Robinson (comedian), April 22-25, KC Improv Comedy Club, $54

You know him from The Office, Hot Tub Time Machine, and those Pizza Hut commercials, and is in town for six full shows.  Saturday night is sold out, with limited tix remaining for the other nights.

Joy Oladokun with Bre Kennedy, April 22, recordBar. $17-$20

Arizona singer-songwriter has a third album out, last year’s In Defense of my Own Happiness and recent single, “Fortune Favors the Bold” which is a taste of more new music to come.  Live, she’s been sneaking in parts of Nirvana and Bonnie Raitt bits into her own songs and has a distinct mix of folk roots pop rock.  She supports My Morning Jacket this summer/fall in much larger venues. 

Opener Kennedy is from Nashville and has debut album, Note to Self, out now.

 

 

 

 

 

T.G. Sheppard, April 23, Ameristar Read More T.G. Sheppard T.G. Sheppard, April 23, Ameristar. $20-$35 Amy Speace, April 24, Lied Center Lawrence. $16-$30 MAY 2022 Justin Bieber, May 4, T-Mobile Center. $50.50-$116 .... Yumi Zouma, April 23, Bottleneck Read More Yumi Zouma New Zealand-born Yumi Zouma is touring in support of their fourth album Present Tense (Polyvinyl Records). The North American tour will begin April 7th, with guest NoSo. JORDANN will join the tour for April 16-17, Mini Trees from ....

Saturday April 23

 

Record Store Day, at your local independent record store

 

Hit your favorite neighborhood record store for limited edition releases (mostly vinyl, but some on other formats) and other associated free activities

T.G. Sheppard, April 23, Ameristar. $20-$35

The longtime country artist is 77 years young, and has twenty-one number one hits under his belt.

Belton, MO’s Moore & Moore will open the show. 

Yumi Zouma, April 23, Bottleneck – Lawrence, $15-$17

They’ve traveled half the world to be here! The New Zealand alt-pop band has a brand new album, Present Tense, which is their fourth full-length.  The four piece dabbles in electronic and dream pop and due to Covid restrictions, the latest album was recorded in studios all over the world. 

Mini Trees opens this week’s worth of shows, which is LA singer Lexi Vega’s solo project.

No Cap Comedy Tour featuring DC Young Fly, DeRay Davis, Lil Duval and more, April 23, Cable Dahmer Arena. $59.75-$179.75

Chelsea Handler,(comedian) April 23-24, Uptown. $49.50-$199.50

She’s out on her Vaccinated and Horny Tour (though has been in a serious relationship with fellow comic Jo Koy) promising all-new material about dating during the pandemic, having too much free time, and over Windex-ing takeout containers.

Jeff Lorber Trio, April 23, Folly. $20-$55

Another pandemic rescheduled show, from Jan, we originally wrote: Part of the Folly Jazz series, the Grammy Award-winning keyboardist, composer, and producer has, over the course of 42 years and 24 albums, pioneered the post-fusion sound of contemporary jazz with his radio-friendly, groove-oriented instrumental music and recently collaborated with guitar great Mike Stern on the album Eleven.

Kathleen Madigan, (comedian) April 23, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $29.50-$45

Growing up outside of St. Louis, this is a return home trip for the now-Nashville based comedian, who also launched her own Madigan’s Pubcast audio program during the pandemic. 

Lil Tecca, April 23, Granada. $32.50

Rising nineteen year-old NY rapper who worked recently with Gunna on his mixtape, and Coi Leray on single, “Mission Impossible”, out on his Tecca Loves You Tour. 

Amy Speace, April 24, Lied Center Read More Amy Speace Amy Speace, April 24, Lied Center Lawrence. $16-$30 MAY 2022 Justin Bieber, May 4, T-Mobile Center. $50.50-$116 Russ, May 17, Cable Dahmer Arena. $39.95-$59.95 ....

Sunday April 24
Amy Speace, April 24, Lied Center. $16-$30

Americana artist discovered by Judy Collins who has also become known as a prolific essayist.  Latest album is 2021’s There Used to be Horses Here.

Henry Rollins, April 24, Liberty Hall. $25-$39.50

On the Good To See You 2022 spoken word tour, the punk legend will faithfully recount the events of his life in the brief pre-COVID period since the last tour, and when things got even stranger over the last several months.

Key Glock, April 24, Granada. $28-$78

Memphis rapper out on his Yellow Tape Tour, who has released several Young Dolph tribute tracks, who he was related to, by marriage.  VIP upgrades available which include early entry, a mini basketball hoop and money clip among other souvenirs.  

Amos Lee, April 26, Uptown Read More Amos Lee I got a chance to watch Amos Lee: Live from the Artists Den DVD over the weekend. The Amos Lee performance was shot live at The Fox Theatre in downtown Tucson, Arizona, and was broadcasted ....

Monday April 25
whew, breather! take a nap

Tuesday April 26
Amos Lee, April 26, Uptown, $39.50-$59.50

The folk soul rock artist has a new album, Dreamland, his eighth full-length and live, has always kept things loose, kept things tight, like his song by that name. “Windows are Rolled Down” is maybe his most popular song, perfect as a soundtrack song on a warm Midwest day. 

As a former teacher himself, he encourages help with funding in their supplies and often gives show tickets to teachers who are singled out for their efforts, via social media. 

California singer and poet Jensen McRae to open, Are You Happy Now? is her new and debut album.

john (johnc@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

KC FanCon 56 at Douglas County Fairgrounds, Lawrence (April 2022)

Read More Comic Books There was a new comic book show called Bloomington Comic Expo at the Bloomington’s Everett McClay VFW Post on Saturday. Admission was free, so we decided to stop by to check it out …

Things are slowly returning to normal, including social events, concerts, and group gatherings. 

Comic conventions are back as well, with several major ones on our coverage plate for later this year, but also the smaller regional ones. 

After two years away, KC FanCon returned to the Douglas County Fairgrounds for its 56^th total show.  The show began almost two decades ago, under promoter Craig Klotz, and though has moved locations over the years, has become a mainstay event for comic book, toy, science fiction, and related collectors. 

Dealers filled forty tables and traveled from the immediate area and surrounding states, to cater to a brisk, buying crowd on a good weather Spring afternoon. 

The show boasts free admission after 3pm and for children 13 and under, as well as if you join their mailing list.

As it was a Spring show, each dealer also had an Easter Egg page hidden somewhere amongst their stock of product, that a customer could find, and redeem up front for a free prize. 

Organizing several shows a year, Collectorama is on June 11 and features a broader, more pop culture dealer offering, Free State Con is scheduled for September 10 and is a bigger comic show with several creator guests, and a Topeka show will return in an updated format, sometime later this fall. 

KC FanCon 56 at Douglas County Fairgrounds, Lawrence (April 2022)

 

john (johnc@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC - April 12-18, 2022 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

Santana, T-Mobile Center The English Beat w/ M80s, Knuckleheads Pedro the Lion w/ Oceanator, RecordBar Read More Santana It really got obviously off-script halfway into their set when they started just playing Santana’s distinctive intro riffs from ‘Smooth’. ... English Beat Here's a tour team up that can't be beat: English Beat with The Paul Collins Beat tour! The tag team ends at the Mill Cit Nights in Minneapolis, but the English Beat continues on their tour in Missouri. .....

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Has Spring sprung?

Maybe not fully, as temps are still seesawing, but baseball season has started, and NE Kansas is in full tornado awareness mode, so it’s all pretty close. 

Easter Week slows things towards week’s end, but there’s still several shows worth checking out.

(Despite some health mandates loosening up, several artists are still requiring for entry, so check with the venue and/or better to assume vaccination proof is required)

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence area for the Second Week of APRIL:

Tuesday April 12
Santana, T-Mobile Center. $29.50-$129.50

Always a positive force, the Rock Hall of Famer is out on his Miracles and Blessings Tour promoting the collaborative album of the same name, which was released March 18 on BMG.  Vinyl collectors can find the blue, white and yellow exclusive LP at Target and the legend is always inspiring to see live.

The English Beat w/M80s, Knuckleheads. $20

Sooner or later, one should catch this legendary UK Ska band live, even if it’s basically Dave Wakeling and friends at this point.  We caught them last in 2017 and thought co-vocalist King Schascha gave them renewed energy and spirit. 

Kyle, Bottleneck. $29 (note Venue Change)

Pedro the Lion w/ Oceanator, RecordBar. $22

The David Bazan-led band starts their tour in KC, in support of latest LP, Havasu, their first new music since pre-pandemic 2019. 

Openers Oceanator have new music too, a sophomore album called Nothing’s Ever Fine, (on Polyvinyl Records) a title which we can all relate to, after the last two years.  It’s actually an indie rock project of Brooklyn singer/guitarist Elise Okusami and has gotten some buzz from Stereogum, Noisey, and Spin.

An Officer and a Gentleman, Kauffman Center, April 12-17, $73-$125

Taking you up where we belong, this first national tour of the romantic story based on the film (Richard Gere) will play locally April 12-17.  Expect to hear plenty of familiar 80’s classics in the musical score, and you’ll know why ladies like a man in uniform after seeing this story live. 

 

EST Gee, Granada CANCELED

Wednesday April 13
Senses Fail w We Came as Romans, Granada-Lawrence, CANCELED

 

Robyn Hitchcock (solo), Knuckleheads Aly & AJ<,  The Truman Read More Robyn Hitchcock Robyn Hitchcock will be opening the show. The iconic singer is out promoting his 21st studio recording, but first-ever eponymous release. The new record is basically a re-introduction “Robyn Hitchcock” … Aly & AJ Sister duo Aly & AJ will be stopping by the Varsity Theater, in support of their new five-track record Sanctuary. Tour dates: …

Thursday April 14
Robyn Hitchcock (solo), Knuckleheads. $25

Catch the prolific UK singer-songwriter in an intimate solo performance of classics and maybe some deep cuts, as his last release was outtakes and rarities.  Throw in a Soft Boys song or two and maybe a cover, and it’s a full evening.  We last caught him live back in 2018.  

Aly & AJ,  The Truman. $28.50-$55

You’re probably familiar with these sisters either from their music or perhaps acting career (any iZombie fans out there?) , and they’ve returned to the road in support of a forth studio album.  The pair made unlikely recent news, was when their tour bus was caught in a fatal crossfire of gun play in Sacramento but were unhurt. 

Travis Tritt, Topeka Perf. Arts Center, $35

Still causing t-r-o-u-b-l-e, the longtime country singer has a new album, Set in Stone, and has plenty of hits in his holster as well as has been playing Hank Jr  and Charlie Daniels covers live. 

John Waters, Liberty Hall-Lawrence, $35

The celebrated director comes to town with his live show, as part of the Free State Film Festival, a week-long event filled with film screenings, live music, discussions, and community events. 

Wade Bowen, Granada-Lawrence, $15-$17

Greyson Chance, Bottleneck-Lawrence, CANCELED

Friday April 15
Bob Moses, Granada- Lawrence, $26-30

Actually, a duo of two electronic musicians from Vancouver, including the son of Jim Vallance, one of Bryan Adams’ main collaborators.  The Silence in Between is their latest, just released March 4 and they’ve snuck in an INXS cover as a recent encore song live. 

 

Dave Chappelle, Uptown Theater, Sold Out

 

Surprise stand-up show with little notice as usual, super quick sell out, as usual.

 

Snail Mail, Liberty Hall Read More Snail Mail Matador’s youngest signing Snail Mail (aka 18-yr-old Lindsey Jordan) will be stopping by the 7th Street Entry in support of her debut album Lush - out now. …

Saturday April 16Snail Mail, Liberty Hall- Lawrence, $25-$35

Indie rocker Lindsey Jordan has returned, in support of 2021’s second album, Valentine (on Matador Records) and just also released, “Adore You”, a non-album demo from those same sessions.  Venerable outlets like USA Today and the NY Times put that album as a Top Three of the year, and she’s also been working in a Smashing Pumpkins cover into her live set. 

Philadelphia band Joy Again is scheduled to open.

Lucinda Williams, Knuckleheads. Sold Out

Previously postponed (maybe twice), the show is justifiably sold out.  2020’s Good Souls Better Angels was nominated for Best Americana album and was inducted last year into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame (what took so long?)

Bezhod Abduraimov, 1900 Building-Mission Woods, $10-$30

Intimate rare solo performance by this celebrated Uzbeki classical pianist who first made a splash with a 2015 Carnegie Hall debut.  His latest recording celebrates Debussy, Chopin, and Mussorgsky but expect other composers at this performance, with program details here.

Eliane Elias, Folly. $20-$55

Attila with He Is Legend, Islander and Crown Magnetar, Granada. $22-$25

MSSV Main Steam Stop Valve (Mike Baggetta, Stephen Hodges, Mike Watt), recordBar, $13

The newest experimental rock incarnation from Minuteman bassist, well known guitarist, and studio (incl Tom Waits) drummer.

Does anybody remember when Watt toured in 1995 for the Ball-Hog or Tugboat solo album?  Eddie Vedder opened and Foo Fighters were Watt’s backing band. 

Local H, recordBar

Sunday April 17
hunt some Easter eggs

Monday April 18
Martin Hayes, 1900 Building. $25-$40

Local H, recordBar, $15

The bound for the floor Illinois rockers are back, in support of 2020’s LIFERS and a quarantine mix-tape, and is still anchored by bandleader Scott Lucas.  Any band that encores with a song called “High-Fiving MF” is ok by us.

john (johnc@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Soccer Mommy w/ Peel Dream Magazine at Granada Theater, Lawrence, KS (2022-04-10)

Soccer Mommy at Granada Theater Read More Soccer Mommy Nashville’s Soccer Mommy (aka Sophie Allison) released her critically acclaimed sophomore album color theory last year, but due to the pandemic, there was no tour. Now that .…

A super sports day!- basketball during the day, “Soccer” at night--

Lawrence, KS was THE place to be as the NCAA Mens Basketball champion Kansas Jayhawks held their victory parade downtown, and then just a few hours later, Nashville’s Soccer Mommy played to loyal fans at the Granada Theater.

The night opened with solo project-turned band Peel Dream Magazine, led by Brooklyn/now LA-based musician/keyboardist Joe Stevens, in support of last summer’s Moral Panics EP and prior second full-length, Agitprop Alterna (on Slumberland /Tough Love).

Their music leans somewhat minimal with a bedroom pop feel, with earmarks of shoegaze and fuzz, and the comparisons to early Stereolab and My Bloody Valentine, are seeming to stick with them. Being named in part for legendary BBC DJ John Peel, no doubt helps with that.

Not only was it the four-piece’s last show with the headliner, but their final show of their own tour and the camaraderie between bands was obvious, as half of Soccer Mommy joined on stage late in the set, followed by the entire band for the final song of their set.

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 to the stage for their eighty-minute headlining set. They were additionally helped out by PDM’s bassist Marina Aguerre for opening song, “Bloodstream”, the opener from 2020’s Color Theory, that muses about loneliness and chasing that elusive joy.

“Thanks, y’all” leader Sophie Allison said following, “I heard you guys won like, a game or something” she smiled, clearly not a basketball fan but also toying with the audience, “I’m from Nashville, so we don’t really win things in sports”.

Songs like “Royal Screw Up” and “Last Girl” weren’t afraid to lyrically show emotional vulnerabilities or shortcomings but were transposed by being delivered with an indie rock confidence and an upbeat cooing vocal.

“Henry” dates back to Allison’s earliest musical days though was re-worked in 2018, “Crawling in My Skin” spun with greater force via its jangling guitar riff and swirling rhythms, and 2018’s “Cool” sounds right out of ‘90s-era alt as its somewhat menaced lyrics are counter balanced by generally happy guitar sounds.

“We announced a new record” Allison said to cheering, before she and the band launched into its initial single, “Shotgun” and despite the title, the song is actually about being lost in love. It’s the first taste from upcoming LP, Sometimes, Forever (due out June 24 on Loma Vista) produced by experimental artist Oneohtrix Point Never who we caught live at an arts center performance back in 2013.

2020’s “Night Swimming” (not to be confused with the R.E.M. song) was performed sparsely with just two band members, and they would soon also leave the stage as well to let Allison carry on solo with “Still Clean” and a cover of Slowdive’s 1993 deep cut, “Dagger”.

The set’s closer, 2018’s “Your Dog” always seemed like a relieving and cathartic track, so it made sense to end with that, prefaced by a feedback and fuzz-filled intro as the band tuned back up and in.

The encore would only consist of a single song, 2018’s “Scorpio Rising”, the high watermark of the debut album and a slow burning, lost in love musing about the realization of consequences from being someone you’re not.

“We’ll meet up after dark” Soccer Mommy sings on “Scorpio Rising” and enthusiasm was also rising from the day’s earlier parade celebrating the local college’s basketball championship, resulting in both an exhilarating day of public jubilation, and an entertaining nightcap of alternative / indie rock.

SOCCER MOMMY SETLIST

Bloodstream Circle the Drain Royal Screw Up Last Girl Henry Crawling in My Skin Cool Lucy Shotgun Night Swimming Still Clean (solo) Dagger (solo, Slowdive cover) Your Dog encore: Scorpio Rising

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

TOUR DATES

APR 30 Beale Street Music Festival Memphis, TN
MAY 14 Kilby Block Party Salt Lake City, UT
JUN 12 The Governors Ball Music Festival New York, NY
JUN 24 Leisure Festival Margate, UK
JUN 28 Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
JUN 30 Vida Festival Barcelona, Spain
AUG 12 Day In Day Out Festival Seattle, WA
AUG 31 Rescue Rooms Nottingham, UK
SEP 1 CHALK Brighton, UK
SEP 3 Trinity Bristol, UK
SEP 5 Bumann & Sohn Köln, DE
SEP 6 Molotow Hamburg, DE
SEP 8 Slaktkyrkan Stockholm, SE
SEP 9 John Dee Oslo, NO
SEP 10 Loppen Copenhagen, DK
SEP 12 FRANNZ Club Berlin, DE
SEP 13 Lagerhaus Bremen, DE
SEP 15 Bitterzoet Amsterdam, NL
SEP 16 Merleyn Nijmegen, NL
SEP 17 Rotonde - Botanique Brussels, BE
SEP 18 Petit Bain Paris, FR
SEP 20 O2 Ritz Manchester, UK
SEP 21 Tramshed Cardiff, UK
SEP 22 O2 Forum London, UK
SEP 23 The Castle & Falcon Birmingham, UK
SEP 24 Queen Margaret Union Glasgow, UK

Peel Dream Magazine

Peel Dream Magazine

Peel Dream Magazine

Setlist

Soccer Mommy

Soccer Mommy

Soccer Mommy

Soccer Mommy

Soccer Mommy

Soccer Mommy

Soccer Mommy at Granada Theater, Lawrence, KS (2022-04-10)

john (johnc@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

Baroness at The Bottleneck, Lawrence KS (2022-04-02) review

Baroness at Bottleneck- exclusive silkscreen BARONESS SETLIST Ogeechee Hymnal Take My Bones Away Isak Morningstar March to the Sea Green Theme Chlorine & Wine A Horse Named Golgotha If I Have to Wake Up (Would You Stop the Rain?) > Fugue Shock Me Eula Acoustic Cold-Blooded Angels I’d Do Anything Can Oscura Borderlines Little Things Desperation Burns Torniquet The Sweetest Curse The Birthing Swollen and Halo Seasons -- Encore -- Wanderlust BARONESS TOUR DATES Apr 5 89th Street - Oklahoma City, Ok Apr 6 Trees Dallas, Tx Apr 9 The Southgate House Revival Newport, Ky Apr 10 Cobra Lounge Chicago, Il Apr 12 Horseshoe Tavern Toronto, On Apr 13 Brass Monkey Ottawa, On Apr 14 Bar Le Ritz Pdb Montreal, Qc Apr 16 Middle East Upstairs Cambridge, Ma May 14 Desertfest Nyc New York, Ny May 21 Welcome to Rockville Daytona Beach, Fl May 29 Desertfest Berlin, Germany May 31 Doornroosje Nijmegen, Netherlands Jun 1 Parkbühne Leipzig, Germany Jun 2 - Jun 4 Mystic Festival Gdansk, Poland Jun 4 Rock Am Ring Nürburg, Germany Jun 5 Rock Im Park Nuremberg, Germany Jun 7 Neue Theaterfabrik Munich, Germany Jun 9 - Jun 11 Greenfield Festival Jun 12 Download Festival Castle Donington, Uk Jun 15 Freak Valley Festival Netphen, Germany Jun 16 Graspop Metal Meeting Dessel, Belgium Jun 17 Hellfest Open Air Festival Clisson, France Jun 19 Markthalle Hamburg Hamburg, Germany Jun 20 Pustervik Gothenburg, Sweden Jun 21 Malmö Kb Malmö, Sweden Jun 23 Tons Of Rock Oslo, Norway Jun 26 Rock The Castle Villafranca,Verona, Italy Jun 27 Open Air Vienna, Austria Jun 28 Culture Factory Zagreb, Croatia Jul 1 Hard Rock Laager Vana-Vigala, Estonia Jul 2 Tuska Festival Helsinki, Finland Sep 22 Louder Than Life Louisville, Ky Read More Baroness Baroness, Bottleneck-Lawrence, $60 Like many shows, this has been re-scheduled a couple times due to the pandemic. We previously wrote: Don’t be put off by the seemingly steep door charge to this show, as each ticket also …

Plenty of colors, plenty of black (some Crimson and Blue as well) -

After a few pandemic-related postponements, Baroness finally arrived back in Lawrence, KS at The Bottleneck for a massive and eagerly anticipated two-and-a-half hour long evening-with performance, on a night when people were already everywhere in the streets.

The Kansas Jayhawks basketball team had just punched their ticket to the Final Four tournament with a win right before stage time (en route to a National Championship) and fans, students, and local residents had poured out to the downtown streets in celebration, causing traffic jams, and closed intersections.

Inside the club, the mood was not of the Crimson and Blue of the college basketball team, it was somewhat darker with the night’s soundtrack reflected in the spectrum of the last five albums from Baroness, all color-themed in title, including their latest, Gold & Grey (2019, on Abraxan Hymns).

The night’s setlist was unique as well- its first half consisting of fan-voted tracks, bridged by a short acoustic set, and finished with a choice selection from the band itself, resulting in a well-rounded retrospective of their two decades in music.

The hard rock blend they play is difficult to simply define (on purpose) – some sludge, many progressive instrumental passages, a bit of psych, and is anything but formulaic, which keeps listeners and fans consistently engaged. Anyone that appreciates similar oblique qualities heard in bands like Tool, Deafheaven, and Mastodon, will undoubtedly become a quick fan here.

The quartet (John Baizley– vocals, rhythm guitar; Nick Jost – bass, keys; Sebastian Thomson – drums; Gina Gleason – lead guitar) reached back to 2009’s Blue album to start the marathon with “Ogeechee Hymnal” before things kicked up in full with “Take My Bones Away” from 2012’s Yellow & Green, and those “colors” of sound already being spread from their sonic canvas.

It would be over forty minutes in, before Baizley (the lone original member) would address the crowd, acknowledging “I know there was some other event going on today, that we were made aware of as the day went on… and I’m glad ya’ll won!” He also remembered previous local appearances as far back as 2007, and the good memories of the earlier shows here.

Though not tracked sequentially on the album, three selections from 2015’s Purple effortlessly flowed into each other – “If I Have to Wake Up” into “Fugue” into “Shock Me” and the fan-voted set would end with the spanning seven-minute “Eula”.

The rhythm section would then leave the stage, leaving just Baizley and Gleason, who switched to acoustic guitars for a gentle “Cold Blooded Angels” and “I’d Do Anything”, both from the newest record with Baizley dedicating them to the day’s winning team and declaring cheekily, the two songs had “the most championship vibe” of their catalog.

“Can Oscura”, an instrumental from the recent record, which translates roughly as “dark dog” roared out of the gate to begin the second half, led by a thumping Thomson mini-drum solo at its beginning. “Desperation Burns’ rolled with the power of a tank, anchored by Gleason’s swirling riffs, then things would turn back down to a near-hush to begin 2019’s “Tourniquet”, which speaks to their musical versatility.

The last bits of the set featured more aggressive, sometimes thrash metal riffed guitar work, leaning in with more momentum as 2009’s “Swollen & Halo” moved into a song ten years newer, “Seasons” from the latest album. As the band left the stage, chants of “Bare-Oh-Ness!” had already begun from the crowd, just getting their second wind after more than two hours of heavy music.

Returning, Baizley remarked about the joy they’ve had in being able to play live again and the fun they were having on this particular night, also saying “Go local sports team!” (maybe to show he doesn’t follow college basketball, which was more than ok to anyone in the crowd).

The evening would end on 2007’s “Wanderlust” from their Red album, a four-and-a-half minute tumbling sonic journey that seemed to suspend time itself, circling and tunneling with ambitious, progressive passages that culminated in a final swell.

Exhausted, but in the best possible way, people filed out of the club, each receiving a limited, silkscreened venue-specific art card as part of admission, happy both from the big college basketball game win, and from a marathon music quest from the always-interesting Baroness.

Official website: Baroness – Baroness (yourbaroness.com)

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

Baroness at The Bottleneck, Lawrence KS (2022-04-02)

 

john (johnc@weheartmusic.com) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com