W♥M

Mac Sabbath at Granada Theater, Lawrence KS (2024-08-30)

MAC SABBATH SETLIST Black Sandwich Organic Funeral Chicken for the Slaves Drive Thru the Void Bread (KISS cover) Wok (Pantera cover) We're Not Going to Shake Shack (Twisted Sister cover) The Distance (Cake cover) Sweet Beef The Grouper (Iron Maiden cover) Pair-a-Buns Frying Pan Crazy Train (Ozzy Osbourne cover) Song played from tape Rock 'n' Roll McDonalds (Wesley Willis song) MAC SABBATH TOUR DATES Aug 31 Omaha, NE- Waiting Room Sep 6 San Diego, CA - House of Blues Sep 7 Sat Garden Grove, CA - Garden Amph Sep 8 Palmdale, CA - Transplants Brewing Sep 15 Phoenix, AZ- Crescent Ballroom Sep 18 Katy, TX- Wildcatter Saloon Sep 20 Austin, TX - Meanwhile Brewing Sep 21 Dallas, TX- Trees Read More Zakk Sabbath Zakk Wylde is headlining the Fine Line Music Café. I wonder if Zakk will be playing some Black Sabbath songs, as he’s also the leader of Zakk Sabbath. 8pm …

“I’m Lovin’ It!”

When you’ve been a premier online source for music and pop culture happenings since January 2007, there’s bound to be a few parody acts covered, and a few tribute and cover bands seen- we don’t normally seek out those kinds of shows, but we do love a good cover song or two.

There have been a handful of good cover bands like Zakk Sabbath (whose Zakk Wylde is currently playing guitar in sort-of now tribute band Pantera who we caught earlier this year), the smooth and elegant French band Nouvelle Vague and several more. Parody bands like Steel Panther and the more regional Hairball who expertly spoof their genre and deliver a high-end, full character experience, are always fun as well. But we’ve never seen anything quite like the drive-thru metal of the Los Angeles-based (“but formed in outer space”) wormhole-traveling, psychotic clown and his band of Monsanto mutants, Mac Sabbath.

Out on their tenth anniversary tour, and landing in downtown Lawrence at the Granada Theater to help save us all “from the disastrously decayed synthetic state of music and sustenance”, this was the ideal show to welcome college students back to town to show what the complete opposite of boring live music is.

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The three-act festivities began with another galaxy borne act (by way of Phoenix) Spaceman Bob- a relatively new hip-hop electronic multimedia project shrouded in mystery, from Robbie Pfeffer of art punk band Playboy Manbaby. Under dim black light, a video clip from 2001-A Space Odyssey heralded the arrival of Pfeffer and his drummer and his high-energy set found him bouncing from stage end to end, singing/rapping that we were actually all from space and to not call the cops, instead call the “Cosmos”.

From there, song subjects became the likes of Costco hot dogs and Kohl’s cash, as the pair shed their outer clothes to continue in crop tops and shorts to a snippet of Genuwine’s “Pony. Keeping the energy frantic, they ended by getting the crowd to collectively air-punch an imaginary bag to the sounds of their closing, “Punch That Clock.”

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After a short break, the genre starkly shifted to the outlaw self-described “trash grass and blues” drinking anthem songs of Colorado Springs trio, Tejon Street Corner Thieves, in support of their recent album, “Juxtaposition”.

The trio, led by singer-songwriter and banjo player Connor O’Neal were the first act to sign to Amigo the Devil and Regime Music Group's label Liars Club Records and have the new record set as their follow up to 2022’s “Thick as Thieves”.

The band came out singing “Whiskey is all we need”, welcoming shots from any giving audience members (which soon would deliver).

Their song “Greasy Coat” was a barn burning cover of the Chance McCoy original, they turned the Cab Calloway jazz classic, “Minnie the Moocher” sideways and upside-down, and their not-really-a-children’s song, “Down by the Bay” was hilarious and entertaining. Fittingly ending similar to how they started with 2017 sing-along, “Whiskey”, the band will swing back through the area, with a free Sept 4 show in Lenexa at Limitless Brewing.

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Lights dimmed and a droning robotic voice started repeating types of burgers, then the curtain dropped to reveal the spectacle that is Mac Sabbath – from Birminghamburger, England vocalist Ronald Osbourne, guitarist Slayer MacCheeze, bassist Grimalice, and the Cat Burglar (aka Peter Criss-Cut Fries) on drums, amid smoke spewed from Ronald McDonald heads on stakes on each side of the stage, and a desolate landscape backdrop.

The founders of drive-thru metal have only managed one vinyl release in their decade of debauchery, preferring to bring their brand of fast-food themed music to the live masses on a regular basis, instead.

The band features faithful covers of Black Sabbath songs but with the lyrics humorously re-written to keep to their fast-food theme – Sabbath’s "Paranoid" becomes "Pair-a-Buns"; “Sweet Leaf” becomes "Sweet Beef", "Never Say Die" becomes “Never Say Diet” and “Iron Man” becomes “Frying Pans,” among others.

Osbourne’s stage persona mimics the real Ozzy’s maniacal smiling and clapping along (with his mic in front of an open grill), and his over-the-top Birmingham accent, brings the parody that much closer in. The band even branches out from its all-Sabbath sings, to include the likes of Kiss, Pantera, Twisted Sister, and shhh, when prompted with the ‘secret word’ of the show, Osbourne dons a Kum ‘n Go bucket hat to croon their cover of “The Distance”.

Fellow metal bands weren’t safe from ridicule either, as they called out the likes of “Dokken Donuts” (Dokken), “Jack White Castle” (Jack White),” Twisted Sizzler featuring Wen-Dee Snider” (Twisted Sister), “Cinna-Bon Jovi” (Bon Jovi), and many more mentioned.

Skits included shotgunning beer through an overlong giant straw (pulled from the front of Osbourne’s jumpsuit, no less) crooning a “Blue Velvet-like” Roy Orbison cover in near-darkness, choking rubber chickens, a twisted version of one-time McD spokesman Mac Tonight, some crowd surfing and bat-eating (both on a burger bun, of course) and an epic sword battle between Osbourne and a man-fish as the band played “The Grouper” (Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper”) among other hilarious highlights.

The band and show defy any real description, so it’s really best to catch them live, with both tongue firmly in cheek, and head ready to bang. The secret is musically, the band is really very solid, made more impressive by the fact they can play while wearing the makeup and overstuffed costumes, that are surely incredibly warm and difficult to see anything out of.

Guitarist MacCheeze in particular, regularly shreds despite his wobbling oversized tusked burger head gear.

For any fan of metal and Black Sabbath, seeing Mac Sabbath live is an absolute ‘must, and for anyone looking for some comedy and twisted good fun at a concert, there’s no better drive-thru metal than this live show.

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

MAC SABBATH at Granada Theater, Lawrence KS (2024-08-30)

MAC SABBATH at Granada Theater, Lawrence KS (2024-08-30)

MAC SABBATH at Granada Theater, Lawrence KS (2024-08-30)

TEJON STREET CORNER THIEVES at Granada Theater, Lawrence KS (2024-08-30)

SPACEMAN BOB at Granada Theater, Lawrence KS (2024-08-30)

JohnC ♥ johnc@weheartmusic.com ♥ X / twitter.com

We♥KC! August 27-Sept 2, 2024 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence KS)

Read More: Glass Animals Glass Animals highly successful tour continues, in support of last year’s Dreamland (on Universal Music) and held over from its beginning instantly sold-out gigs in small clubs ...

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

<sniff>...it’s over…<sob>

With school starting again and Labor Day on the horizon, the warm and long days of Summer 2024 are over.

A lot of big names fill out the final week of August and take us into the holiday and a couple of weekend festivals too – one that encourages the ‘wearin’ o the green’ and Guinness and another that needs glow sticks and finger lights.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from August 27^{th to} September 2nd.

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

 TUESDAY AUGUST 27

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 28

Dogstar, Aug 28, Uptown, $44-$149

Last year, the alt-rock band (featuring a young promising actor on bass named Keanu Reeves along with guitarist/vocalist Bret Domrose and drummer Rob Mailhouse) released their first new album in 20 years, Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees, and caused a local ruckus when they chose to play Liberty Hall in Lawrence, as an early tour stop.

That show sold out instantly, of course, but there’s another chance on their “Summer Vacation” Tour, which makes a KC stop and runs for another month before wrapping in Arizona. The band said, “We are having the best time out here on the road interacting with fans at these shows, we wanted to keep it going! For this next US run starting in August, we will be planning to try out some new songs as well — hope to see you out there!”

Their 1992 first live gig, also happened to be Weezer’s when both played a tiny Hollywood 175-capacity club called Raji’s. In 1995, they found themselves supporting David Bowie at a Hollywood Palladium show, and the band has come back stronger, after the two decades apart.

CupcakKe, Aug 28, Granada Theater – Lawrence, $25

The Tik Tok and underground rap sensation returns LFK, after a very successful last performance last April. CupcakKe was born Elizabeth Harris in 1997, and grew up in Chicago, raised by a single mother and spending time in homeless shelters, while discovering music and writing.

Assured, raunchy and determined, her 2018 album, Eden, to some buzz and bluster, but an unexpected hiatus occurred, so she’s regaining momentum and back in the game with new record, Dauntless Manifesto, which dropped in June. Support: Chance Romance and GRVNDPA.

THURSDAY AUGUST 29

FRIDAY AUGUST 30

Mac Sabbath, Aug 30, Granada- Lawrence, $25

Everyone’s favorite McDonald’s-themed Black Sabbath doom metal tribute band is back on the road on their “Save Room for Desert” run. The band is vocalist Ronald Osbourne (in Ronald McDonald clown suit), guitarist Slayer MacCheeze, bassist Grimalice (Grimace) and Catburglar and claim to be from “Birminghamburger,” the twisted universe version of Sabbath hometown, Birmingham.

The band formed in Los Angeles in 2014, but in character, Osbourne sings and speaks in an exaggerated English accent, and the songs’ lyrics and titles have been altered to be more Golden Arches-related: “War Pigs” is changed to “More Ribs”; “Iron Man” becomes “Frying Pan,” “Paranoid” is “Par-a-Buns”, and “Sweet Leaf” becomes “Sweet Beef.” A “just gotta see it in person” kind of show.

Kansas City Irish Fest, Aug 30 and 31, Crown Center, $30-$35

The Kansas City Irish Fest returns to provide the community with the friendliest and most enjoyable Irish cultural weekend in the region. They are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the culture, music, character and history of Ireland and of the Irish people who call Kansas City home. Because they schedule in the fall, not around March, there’s less booking competition for talent, so favorites The Elders and Gaelic Storm are back, along with Doolin, Mundy, Screaming Orphans, and many more live acts.

Ramon Ayala, Aug 30, The Midland, CANCELED

SATURDAY AUGUST 31

Marco Antonio Solis, Aug 31, T-Mobile Center, $34-$294

“Viva El Buki!” The Mexican music icon Marco Antonio Solís is out on his “Eternamente Agradecido World Tour” to reciprocate the love he’s received over his four-decade career.

Originally from Michoacán, “El Buki”, has captured the hearts of fans with hits “Si No Te Hubieras Ido”, “Más Que Tu Amigo”, “Mi Eterno Amor Secreto”, among many others. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious title of Person of the Year from the Latin Recording Academy in 2022 and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Billboard Latin Music Awards in 2005.

Glass Animals, Eyedress, and Blondshell, Aug 31, Azura Amph, $39-$134

The UK GRAMMY-nominated, BRIT-nominated, Diamond-selling band is out on their 2024 global TOUR OF EARTH, a 41-date tour which sees the band headlining the biggest venues of their career including the O2 in London, and of course includes a KC stop, where they’re always had great support since their earliest days.

Their fourth studio album, I Love You So F***ing Much, was released on July 19^th and may be the most “Glass Animals’-sounding record of theirs to date, featuring lead single, “Creatures in Heaven” (though mega hit “Heat Waves” remains in regular rotation, four year later). It’s the follow-up to 2020’s critically revered Dreamland, which sold over 12 million copies globally.

We’ve seen the band live on almost every tour, after revered DJ Steve Lamacq personally gave us the heads-up on the band a decade ago. Recent KC gigs included the insane pre-pandemic show at recordBar and a sold-out poolside gig at this same venue, three years ago.

We’re very excited about the support acts as well- Eyedress’ fourth album Mulholland Drive is the latest evolution of the Filipino musician’s unique sound and follows his 2020 breakthrough Let’s Skip To The Wedding. “This album is about loving yourself and your life” aka Idris Vicuña has said, who was previously lead guitarist of psychedelic indie/noise-pop band Bee Eyes.

Blondshell (aka Sabrina Teitelbaum) had a breakthrough 2023 debut self-titled album) (via Partisan Records, which garnered her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base, including one Barack Obama who put album track, "Joiner '' on his annual playlist.

Single “What’s Fair” is the third Blondshell release of 2024, following her Talking Heads cover of “Thank You For Sending Me An Angel” as her own “Docket” (feat. Bully). Song “The Summer Ends” will be included as part of the forthcoming American Football LP1 (Covers) compilation album, out October 18 on Polyvinyl.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1

Extreme and Living Colour, Sept 1, Voodoo Lounge,$26-$129.50

The Boston multi-platinum hard rock group has 15 new dates for a month-long September run of their global "Thicker Than Blood" tour, which began last year, and finally hits the KC metro. Guitarist Nuno Bettencourt previously said: "We have been absolutely blown away by all of the love and support during the first leg of the 'Thicker Than Blood' tour. You all have shown up and brought it every night and we could not be more grateful." Their latest album (and first since 2008), "Six", came out in June 2023 via earMUSIC. landing at #10 on Billboard's Top Album Sales chart on opening week.

Nuno said. "I think it's a well-made album. I think the songs are there. I think that the musicianship, the chemistry and the guitar playing. But I think, more importantly, what's really there and what people are connecting with is the mythology of rock and roll.” We’ve been seeing them live since the club days of playing KC’s Lone Star in the late 80’s and they’ve always brought a great live show.

Support is from the also-great Living Colour, who we’ve also seen since their club days (The Bottleneck in Lawrence was epic with the audience all on stage by the end of the show) and while we missed them this spring at Knuckleheads, we last caught them live outdoors in MN back in 2017.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 2 (LABOR DAY)

Band of Heathens, Sept 2, Knuckleheads, $25

The Austin, TX-based rock ‘n’ roll group featuring Ed Jurdi, other lead singer and songwriter Gordy Quist, along with Clint Simmons on drums, Trevor Nealon on keys and Nick Jay on bass, have been a band since 2005 and been regular road dogs, still touring in support of last year’s Simple Things album.

The live show involves a 16-to-18-song set list, Jurdi indicated. They make a point to play crowd favorites, but, other than that, “it varies pretty much night-to-night.” If they happen to slide into “improvisation and jamming,” that may mean a couple fewer songs, but no less time onstage.

Note it has an early Labor Day show time.

Dancestopia, Sept 2-8, Lacygne, KS, $239+

Escape to the magical Emerald City and find yourself in a world of enchantment, wonder, and bass at the 10th annual EDM music, arts & camping festival featuring 200+ artists, world-class production, five stages, art installations and more. Nestled in the rolling hills surrounded by forest and pristine lake water, an hour south of KC the lineup runs almost a week now, with the final three being the biggest nights- featuring sets from Rezz; The Lox; Sullivan King; Black Tiger Sex Machine; Ganja White Night; Ray Volpe; Flux Pavilion; Ramz; Infected Mushroom and many more.

 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! August 6-12, 2024 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence / Topeka KS)

Read More: Joe Bonamassa To get their cover of Delaney & Bonnie's "Well, Well" as a free download, you have to sign up for a JBXP account at jbxp.net. This is apparently a myspace-like social network, but for Joe Bonamassa fans …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

It’s mid-August already and even though it’s currently sweltering, cooler temps and back to school are just around the corner, so take advantage of summer’s remaining few weeks, to see as much live music as possible, indoors or outside.

This week has a little of everything – arena shows, theater and club gigs, a musical, and even some A-list blues rock guitar wizardry in Topeka.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from August 6th-12th.

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

TUESDAY AUGUST 6

Come From Away (musical), Aug 6-11, Starlight, $12-$102

Following the 9/11 attacks, 38 planes and 6,579 passengers were forced to land in Gander, Newfoundland, doubling the population of one small town on the edge of the world. Based on interviews with locals, Come From Away takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of the stranded passengers and the small town that welcomed them.

The hosting of these guests became an unexpected camaraderie in extraordinary circumstances as cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

Revivalists w flipturn, Aug 6, Grinders KC, $56-$100

The eight-piece rock 'n' roll collective (David Shaw [lead vocals, guitar], Zack Feinberg [guitar], Andrew Campanelli [drums], George Gekas [bass], Ed Williams [pedal steel guitar], Rob Ingraham [saxophone], Michael Girardot [keyboard, trumpet], and PJ Howard [drums, percussion] ) are returning to the metro, this time playing downtown and outdoors at GrindersKC. To recall, we caught them live last June, co-headlining at Starlight Theatre.

Still in support of their fifth album, Pour It Out Into The Night (Concord Records), it’s a life-affirming album about living in the moment, fueled by lessons in gratitude and life realizations, with lead single "Kid" – a hopeful anthem about capturing the essence of life, self-belief, and living for the spirit. Of course, the band broke through with 2015's Men Amongst Mountains, which featured the double-platinum single hit "Wish I Knew You.”

Arrive early for Florida-based indie rock, lower case loving group flipturn who we caught live headlining in Minneapolis back in 2022. The foursome of Dillon Basse (vocals, guitar), Tristan Duncan (lead guitar), Madeline Jarman (bass), Devon Von Balson (drums), and Mitch Fountain (synthesizer, guitar) made their musical debut in 2017 with their EP Heavy Colors. They released four more EP’s until dropping their debut full length album Shadowglow in 2022, with a deluxe version the next year.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 7

THURSDAY AUGUST 8

George Ducas, Aug 8, Knuckleheads, $20

The longtime Country music singer and songwriter has had multiple Billboard chart hits of his own, including the breakout Top 10 “Lipstick Promises”, and has even written hit records for George Jones, Garth Brooks, The Chicks, and Trisha Yearwood. The new record is Long Way From Home and was produced by multi-platinum, Grammy-winning Pete (Dwight Yoakam) Anderson.

Joe Bonamassa, Aug 8, TPAC-Topeka, $64-$184

The NY-based Blues-rock guitarist who has captivated audiences from coast to coast with his electrifying live performances is making a rare appearance in Topeka.

As a three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist and 15x Blues Music Award nominee (4-time winner), he achieved his 28th No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart with his most recent live album and video, Live at the Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra. His current Blues Deluxe Tour celebrates his seminal albums, Blues Deluxe and Blues Deluxe Vol. 2. This 18-city jaunt features a mix of fan favorites and deep tracks, promising unforgettable shows for blues enthusiasts.

The prolific Bonamassa has released more than 40 albums, including studio and live recordings, as well as collaborative albums with side projects, Black Country Communion and Rock Candy Funk Party, beginning his career opening for blues legend B.B King at a Rochester NY festival in 1989, at just 12 years old.

FRIDAY AUGUST 9

Urban Heat w/ Gvllow, Delores Galore, Aug 9, recordBar, $24.36

The Austin TX-based rising band features frontman Jonathan Horstmann who engages his audiences with a balance of vulnerability and dominance. The galvanizing trio has breathed new life into the post-punk genre with their new wave–inspired gothtronica singles like recently released “You’ve Got That Edge” from their upcoming album (out August 16), The Tower.

They've also recently released another single, "Say The Words," an emotional song about identity struggle in a romantic relationship and with a bass line and a shimmery guitar that recalls The Cure, the new album’s lead single, "Seven Safe Places" has also made waves.

LA musician Gvllow has a new album, “Twin Flames” out now, and New Orleans’ Delores Galore blends sounds old and new.

Hozier Aug 9, Azura Amph, SOLD OUT

The mostly sold-out 'Unreal Unearth Tour’ has been exactly that, and a bit of a rebirth for the popular Irish singer-songwriter (aka Andrew Hozier-Byrne). In support of his recent album of the same name, this 37-date run hits major cities he missed last time, including the KC metro with Canadian singer-songwriter Allison Russell listed as support (she also guests on the Unheard EP released in March). We caught him live last, headlining a theater in downtown Minneapolis in 2019. 

The tall (6’ 6”) singer first burst on the international scene with 2013 hit, “Take Me to Church” but has also had massive success with current single, the chart-topping “Too Sweet” which is playing every time we turn on the radio. The Irish influence on the new record is obvious, from some lyrics in Gaelic and its themes, but the EP songs that were originally meant to be included on the records were inspired by Dante's Inferno - "songs that might have made it to the circles of gluttony, limbo, violence, and the outward 'ascent' respectively”, the artist has said. With a long sold-out show in the suburbs, make plans to arrive in plenty of time to see both acts.

UPDATE- CANCELED:  Blink-182 w Pierce The Veil, Aug 9, T-Mobile Center

The reunited trio (Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker) is back on the road for their summer leg of their “One More Time Tour” (named after their new studio album and current hit song) which features a new production setup, and brand-new show with increased seating capacity and a full 360-degree view of the performance in the arenas. The last time we saw the band live was in 2017, when Matt Skiba had replaced DeLonge and the band was a touch less juvenile, but no less entertaining.

San Diego’s Pierce the Veil released The Jaws of Life album last year, after their own hiatus.

Pete Davidson (comedy), Aug 9, TPAC- Topeka, CANCELED

SATURDAY AUGUST 10

Whitney Cummings (comedy), Aug 10, Uptown,$29-$59

The comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, entrepreneur, brand new mom and host of the hit podcast Good for You returns to the road for live stand up for her Big Baby Tour. Launched in 2019, the podcast is self-produced and features conversations with her friends, fellow comedians, and experts in a variety of fields. Best known for creating and starring in the NBC series “Whitney”, she is also the co-creator and co-writer of the Emmy-nominated comedy series 2 Broke Girls. She has appeared in numerous television shows, films, and stand-up specials, including her sixth stand-up special Mouthy which was released last November.

SUNDAY AUGUST 11

Switchfoot, Blue October, Matt Nathanson, Aug 11, Grinders KC, $49-$79

Running through September, Switchfoot will tour with musical pals Blue October and Matt Nathanson as part of their 30-city co-headlining ‘Help From My Friends Summer Tour.’ “We’ll be playing a full set with all the bells and whistles every night,” Switchfoot shared on Instagram.

“Who goes on first or last will change every night so come on out and enjoy the whole evening with us. There’s nothing better than a summer tour with your friends,” adds Jon Foreman of Switchfoot. “Can’t wait to see what kind of magic/mayhem/mischief happens once we get out on the road together!”

“When three incredibly hardworking bands with such a huge timeless catalog of songs can actually get together on one stage to celebrate life together, it is an experience I don’t want to miss out on, and neither should you. I can’t wait to bring all of our communities together to celebrate,” added Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October.

“I’m so psyched to hit the road with the guys in Switchfoot and Blue October,” says Matt Nathanson, “there really is nothing like traveling the country and getting to play music with, and for, your friends all summer.”

Old 97s with John Buffalo, Aug 11, Madrid Theater, $25

Longtime Dallas alt-country band (Rhett Miller, Murry Hammond, Ken Bethea, and Philip Peeples) have released 13 studio albums starting with 1994's Hitchhike to Rhome to 2024's American Primitive, as well as two EPs, and a live album. Lead vocalist and primary songwriter Miller has described the band's style as "loud folk," the band members also portrayed the alien rock band Bzermikitokolok and the Knowheremen in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, along with Kevin Bacon. We last saw them live in 2013, so are very overdue.  

John Buffalo (aka John Dufilho) has been tapped by the band to join them for the summer tour, following the release of his self-titled new album via State Fair Records last November.

When asked about the invite, he said, “Having the 97’s put their stamp of approval on my new solo project, John Buffalo, means the world to me. Plus, their crowds are the best. This trip is gonna be crazy fun. I’ve toured with them before, with The Deathray Davies and with I Love Math, but never solo. I’m definitely gonna be trying some new things.” In addition, John has been a longtime friend and collaborator to the band’s Rhett Miller.

MONDAY AUGUST 12

Childish Gambino w Willow, Aug 12, T-Mobile Center,$49.50-$199.50

Donald Glover’s musical alter-ego is on tour in North America, Europe, and Australia, billed as the New World Tour. It’s his first tour since 2018-19, and follows the release last night of Atavista, which he’s called “the finished version” of his 2020 record, 3.15.20.

As an actor, Glover is best-known for his acclaimed TV show Atlanta which ran four seasons, a limited series Swarm, and the recent reboot of 2005 movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith. His younger version of Lando Calrissian, is to continue as a Lucasfilm movie.

In March 2020, Glover uploaded an unfinished studio album to website donaldgloverpresents.com before taking it down. It reappeared under the name 3.15.20 and has now been touched up and rereleased as Atavista.

Willow and Amaarae serve as openers. The daughter of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith first hit airwaves with 2010’s “Whip My Hair” but evolved with 2022’s loud “Coping Mechanism” for Roc Nation. The new album is “Empathogen,” changing to a dreamy, jazzy strain of R&B with intricate lyrics and more nuanced vocals. She also left Roc Nation and signed with Three Six Records for “Empathogen.” and published her debut novel, “Black Shield Maiden.”

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

Northlane w Invent Animate, Thornhill, Windwaker at Granada Theater, Lawrence KS (2024-07-21)

NORTHLANE SETLIST   Carbonized Intuition Miasma 4D Talking Heads Kraft Bloodline Dante Echo Chamber Clarity Worldeater / Dispossession / Jinn Solar (Remix) Mirror’s Edge Afterimage Clockwork Nova   Encore: Citizen INVENT ANIMATE SETLIST Sleepless Deathbed Shade Astray False Meridian How We Used To Say Goodbye Purity Weeps Heavener Without a Whisper Immolation of Night   THORNHILL SETLIST   Views From the Sun Coven Obsession Raw Casanova Where We Go When We Die   WINDWAKER SETLIST   Get Out Dopamine Freestyle Fractured State of Mind Superstitious Fantasy The Wall Break the Rules SIRENS   NORTHLANE TOUR DATES   23 JULY Denver, CO Summit Music Hall 24 JULY Salt Lake City, UT The Complex 26 JULY Anaheim, CA House of Blues 27 JULY Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades 12 SEPTEMBER Vienna, Austria Simm City Festsaal  13 SEPTEMBER Frankfurt, Germany Batschkapp 14 SEPTEMBER Paris, France Le Trabendo 16 SEPTEMBER Manchester, UK O2 Ritz 17 SEPTEMBER Glasgow, UK SWG3 20 SEPTEMBER Norwich, UK Epic Studios 21 SEPTEMBER London, UK Electric Ballroom 22 SEPTEMBER Bristol, UK SWX 24 SEPTEMBER Antwerp, Belgium TRIX 25 SEPTEMBER Esch Sur Alzette, Luxembourg ROCKHAL 26 SEPTEMBER Tilburg, NL 013 27 SEPTEMBER Hamburg, Germany Uebel & Gefährlich 28 SEPTEMBER Berlin, Germany Columbia Theater 30 SEPTEMBER Warsaw, Poland Proxima 1 OCTOBER Prague, Czech Republic MeetFactory 2 OCTOBER Budapest, Hungary Dürer Kert 4 OCTOBER Cologne, Germany Euroblast Festival 5 OCTOBER Munich, Germany STROM 6 OCTOBER Solothurn, Switzerland Kulturfabrik Kofmehl 9 NOVEMBER Hart's Mill, Port Adelaide, SA, Australia 23 NOVEMBER Tokyo, Japan Club Seata 24 NOVEMBER Osaka, Japan Unknown 25 NOVEMBER Nagoya, Japan 3 Star Imaike Read More Northlane Northlane: Mirror's Edge North American Tour is coming to the Varsity Theater. The show is headlined by Australia’s Northlane (who previously opened for Fit for a King in Feb 2023) , and they’re bringing Invent, Animate, Thornhill, and Windwaker.

The Mirror's Edge revealed not one, but four heavy hardcore bands, with no less than three coming all way from down under--

Australian heavyweights Northlane headed up this four-band extravaganza, in support of their new EP, The Mirror’s Edge and the tour touched down in the heart of Lawrence KS at the Granada Theater.

The aural devastation got started with Melbourne, Victoriaband Windwaker, whose second full-length, Hyperviolence came out earlier this month (via Fearless/Cooking Vinyl) and is reborn in a sense, after their original singer left two years ago, with duties now fulfilled by previous guitarist and background vocalist, Liam Guinane.

We like that the band took their name from the Legend of Zelda game of the same name, and features self-described “sickly sweet pop hooks, bouncing hip hop moments and slick riffage.”

2023 single, “Sirens” has been their highest performing track to date, cracking over 1.5 million Spotify streams in the first and the band successfully toured Australia with Caskets (UK) and sold out nearly every date. Previous tour mates have included Beartooth, I Prevail, Motionless In White, and Enter Shikari (UK),so the band is making themselves known both back home and on these shores.

===

The name Thornhill sounds elegant, calming, and regal, but the alternative prog metalcore band also from Melbourne can turn things up in an instant. The ARIA-nominated band released a single, “Obsession” in February, following “Viper Room” from last fall, hopefully signaling work is being completed on what would be their third full-length, after 2022’s Heroine. A recent Live on Tour! record (via UNFD Music) was also released last month

The music is driving but strives for a cinematic edge, via band leaders Jacob Charlton (vocals/lyrics) and Ethan McCann (guitar/production) and is not afraid to stretch traditional boundaries of the genre. The band has musically grown since 2019 debut album The Dark Pool, now sounding more expansive and it will be worth a listen to see how they continue to grow.

====

Next up was the lone American act on the bill, (perhaps not coincidentally also on UNFD Music) Texas prog metalcore band, Invent Animate, in support of new single, “How We Used to Say Goodbye” from an expanded and definitive edition of their fourth full-length, Heavener, initially released last March.

The band comprised of vocalist Marcus Vik, bassist Caleb Sherradan, writing member Trey Celaya, drummer Brody Taylor Smith and guitarist Keaton Goldwire is not afraid to bare their own pain and tragedy to create a musically safe and familiar place for listeners to process, which in turn, has flowered into a very loyal and growing fanbase.

“Life is weird, life is hard – but we’ve come to understand how important it is as artists to be there with our listener, to be vulnerable ourselves so they might be able to say, ‘thank you, you guys helped me articulate this’ or, ‘you guys helped me walk through this journey’ because of what we’ve created.”, bassist Sherradan has said about the band’s music.

In recent years, they’ve toured with the likes of Silent Planet, ERRA, Like Moths To Flames, and Void Of Vision (and with Alpha Wolf, The Devil Wears Prada, and then The Plot in You later this fall) their blend of ambient metalcore, djent and prog, is making a singular impact of its own.

====

Sydney progressive aggressors Northlane would close the evening, the band as mentioned out in support of their new Mirror’s Edge EP and latest melodic single, “Afterimage” (featuring Irish singer Ian Kenny) which was performed late in their set, with guest live vocals complimentary of Thornhill’s Charlton.

Previous single, "Miasma" with guest assist from Parkway Drive’s Winston McCall also made into the setlist, played early on.

The band have released six acclaimed albums, including ARIA Chart #1 records Obsidian (2022) and Node (2015), alongside Singularity (2013), Mesmer (2017) and Alien (2019) which all debuted at #3. the band has also won three consecutive Aussie ARIA Awards for Best Hard Rock / Heavy Metal Album, as well as two AIR Awards for Best Independent Heavy Album.

The band had also recently reconnected with longtime collaborator / producer Will Putney, who was instrumental in producing those mid-decade enduring releases, including Singularity and Node, so anticipation is high to return to that energy on any upcoming new music.

As for the performance, it was the perfect soundtrack to foment a controlled chaos as the venue’s floor shook, bodies were tossed above everyone’s shoulders (in the friendliest possible way), heads bobbed and hands were raised, and pent-up aggression released- in other words, an ideal metalcore night.

Northlane wraps the North American leg of their Mirror’s Edge Tour at the end of this week in California, but there’s plenty of time for our European and Japanese readers to catch the band in their area, coming this fall.

(All Photos by Jason Domingues / Click on image to enlarge and see in full)

NORTHLANE at Granada Theater, Lawrence KS (2024-07-21)

NORTHLANE at Granada Theater, Lawrence KS (2024-07-21)

INVENT ANIMATE at Granada Theater, Lawrence KS (2024-07-21)

THORNHILL at Granada Theater, Lawrence KS (2024-07-21)

WINDWAKER at Granada Theater, Lawrence KS (2024-07-21)

JohnC ♥ johnc@weheartmusic.com ♥ X / twitter.com

We♥KC! July 29, 30, 31, 2024 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence KS)

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Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

“Finish it!”

Not a Mortal Kombat phrase, we’re talking about our July previews, so we’re highlighting the best shows to close out the month. Temps have been somewhat mild, leading to some very pleasant outdoor performances, but there’s still the regular threat of potential storms.

A huge hip-hop tour starting in KC, a buzzing Aussie group in LFK, one of the UK’s best new groups, two famous females joining forces (at a hometown show for one of them) and a Texan flying the traditional Country flag – it’s a veritable summer smorgasbord of music!

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from July 29, 30, 31st.

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

MONDAY JULY 29

TUESDAY JULY 30

Future w Metro Boomin’, July 30, T-Mobile Center, $44-$164+

The rapper-producer duo will be hitting the road in support of their pair of albums and starting the 27-date Tour right here in Kansas City! Future and Metro Boomin’ broke out of the gates with their We Don’t Trust You album in March, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

Album standout “Like That” featuring Kendrick Lamar is spending a third week atop the Billboard Hot 100. The track is the first rap song to spend its first three weeks at the summit since Drake’s “Nice for What.” “HIP HOP IS ALIVE AND WELL #WEDONTTRUSTYOU,” Metro wrote on social media after learning “Like That” had notched him his first No. 1 hit as a billed artist (Boomin' is co-responsible for "Bad and Boujee" by Migos as well as "Heartless" by The Weeknd).  

Amyl and the Sniffers w Labrini Girls, July 30, Granada- Lawrence, $32-$35

Recorded with fabled producer Nick Launay (Nick Cave, INXS, Yeah Yeah Yeahs), "U Should Not Be Doing That" is the first new music from the Melbourne, Australia foursome since their 2021 second album, Comfort To Me. The band released their latest single along with a B-side called ‘Fact’s’ and we last saw the exciting Aussie band in 2022 at First Avenue.

Arrive early for Brighton, UK’s Lambrini Girls (Phoebe Lunny and Lilly Macieira), the defiant queer punk that released their first EP “You’re Welcome,” that combines three previous singles with three new tracks. Latest single is “Body of Mine”, an anthem on gender identity and the related struggles.

Inspired by popular Riot Grrl pioneers like Le Tigre and Bikini Kill, their music is loud and raw. Lead vocalist / guitarist Lunny is able to blend screaming with her singing, switching between the two in a satisfying show of energy and rage. They utilize pop culture references and slang, creating a sound that can resonate with a modern audience.

WEDNESDAY JULY 31

The Last Dinner Party, July 31, The Truman, $25-$50

The very buzzing young London UK baroque-pop band is back across the pond for a full 20-date tour in support of their debut album ‘Prelude To Ecstasy‘, which released on February 2 (via Island Records).

The sextet of singer Abigail Morris, guitarist Lizzie Mayland, lead guitarist and flutist Emily Roberts, bassist Georgia Davies, keys Aurora Nishevci, and drummer Rebekah Rayner. won the BRITs Rising Star 2024 award, and their album went to number one on the UK Albums Chart.

The band weaves a fantasy of haunting melodies, explosive choruses, and lyrics that embrace tragedy and triumph in equal measure. At their shows, the band lead audiences through the soaring crescendos and pin-drop silences of the most debaucherous dinner parties.

“North America Dinner Guests!!! We are thrilled to unveil that we will be gracing your beauteous towns and charming cities… “Chime the bells, flare the beacons, and signal the alarms to secure thy tickets swiftly!” the band shared on Instagram. We caught them back in April, shortly after the tour began.

Melissa Etheridge / Jewel, July 31, Starlight, $29.75-$151.75

The two ’90s icons have teamed up to bring their hits all over North America together. Jewel will perform tracks from her 2022 album ‘Freewheelin’ Woman’ as well as her many classics starting with songs from her album debut, “Pieces of You”.

Kansas native Melissa Etheridge just released a new live album, taped live at the corrections center in Topeka called “I’m Not Broken”. Etheridge will play hits like “Come To My Window,” “I’m The Only One” and more and will also jump to another co-headlining bill for other markets, alongside Indigo Girls. Last year, Etheridge also released her second book Talking to My Angels about her recent awakening and losing her son Beckett, 21, to an opioid overdose in 2020.

Charley Crockett, July 31, The Midland, $29.50-$49.50

The secret’s been out regarding the pure Country sounds of the Texas native, who is out in support of his new album, $10 Cowboy released on April 26^th. Be grateful for as small a venue as The Midland as this tour also includes two shows at the Ryman in Nashville and also headlines at Red Rocks in Colorado.

“Being out on the road gives you a first-hand experience of how different kinds of Americans see themselves as going through some kind of great struggle,” Crockett says. “The roughneck working the oil and gas fields in West Texas. The single mother raising kids by herself. The young man working a street corner because he thinks it’s his only option. I would be dishonest if I said I couldn’t see the thread. Each of ‘em feel invisible. I am struck by the battles they are fighting internally, and the ways they have been entrapped by what America says they are.”

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! July 22-28, 2024 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence / Topeka KS)

Read More: Olivia Rodrigo In a mini-musical revolution of sorts, artists of Filipino heritage are enjoying their best year to date, dominating this year’s GRAMMY Awards,

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Escape the heat, the stress, and the chaos of life, with a live performance!

Things seem even crazier in the world of late, in addition to everyday normal pressures, so it’s a real gift to be able to step out for an evening- to see a favorite band, a top-level Broadway show, or some gut-busting comedy. Summer events have crested with a bevy of events to choose from, so do yourself a favor and see something that will leave a smile on your face.

(note the update for 30 Seconds and is sold out as is Olivia, and Maren Morris' cancel)

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from July 22nd- 28th.

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

MONDAY JULY 22

Vampire Weekend w Ra Ra Riot, July 22, Starlight, $39.50-$89.50

The New York band's newest album, “Only God Was Above Us” arrived on April 5th via Columbia Records, following lead singles, “Capricorn” and “Gen-X Cops.”, and has been critically acclaimed and given the band a renaissance and the chance to play to some of its biggest audiences to date.

This 40-date tour began last month, following the band’s record release show in Austin, with the music video for “Gen-X Cops” including shots of the NYC subway from the ’80s re-created with an authentic subway car, even featuring a “meticulously researched” lighting rig to accurately emulate the light patterns of the subway tunnels from that era. We remember their debut tour in 2008 well, with the show instantly selling out and a huge amount of hype for their show at the now-closed Triple Rock club.

Syracuse NY band Ra Ra Riot toured with the headliners often in their early days and continue to do so here. The band released their first music in five years, a single called “The Wish”, co-written and produced by their friend and co-founding Vampire Weekend member Rostam Batmangli.

They haven’t toured for a while, which is why we haven’t seen them live since 2016 in MN.

Maren Morris w Delacey, July 22, The Midland, CANCELED

Tesla, July 22, The Truman, $49.50-$89.50

The Sacramento CA modern day cowboys of anthemic blues rock are still roaring and soaring, celebrating forty years. Their 1986 debut album, Mechanical Resonance, would go platinum and produce the hard rock hits, “Modern Day Cowboy” and “Little Suzi.”

1989’s The Great Radio Controversy brought in many new legions of fans, thanks to its first single, “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out),” and the ballad, “Love Song,” 1990’s Five Man Acoustical Jam produced their biggest hit single, a cover of 60s song, “Signs.”

They would go on hiatus for four years, but returned by starting their own label including a recent re-visit to their live chops, on album, Five Man London Jam. We were in attendance for the filming of their 2008 live video and can attest that they still put on a good show.

TUESDAY JULY 23

Moulin Rouge (Broadway Touring Musical) July 23-Aug 4, Music Hall, $43-$139

Ooh la la and pop the champagne, the Ten-Time Tony Award winner (including Best Musical) is coming for a must-see run in Kansas City! Enter a colorful world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment.

Director Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza, directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers, the musical is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love.

With a book by Tony Award® winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award® winner Justin Levine; and choreography by Tony Award® winner Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! brings the glory days of 20^th century Montmartre alive in Kansas City!

Thirty Seconds to Mars, July 23, UPDATE- moved to Uptown Theater, SOLD OUT

The cinematic rock band’s 2024 Seasons Tour is their first in over five years, and was introduced by Jared Leto, the band’s frontman completing the first-ever climb of the Empire State Building. Having always been fascinated with the landmark since childhood, Leto said, “The building is a testament of all the things that can be done in the world if we put our minds to it, which is largely the inspiration behind our most recent album, It’s The End Of The World But It’s A Beautiful Day.”(released last Sept.via Concord Records)

The band played in Europe for 28 shows before traveling back to North America where they’re scheduled to play 24 major arenas and amphitheaters, completing the tour in Australia and New Zealand. We first saw them way back in 2007 when they kicked off their MTV $2 Dollar Bill Tour at Myth in Maplewood MN and when ticket prices were, you guessed, it $2.

Arrive early to this now-intimate show to catch Jagwar Twin, who toured with the Leto bros. in Europe and whose brand-new single "tomorrow [ANGLE OF ETERNITY] ft. lovelytheband" is already making waves.

The LA alt-pop sensation (fka Roy English) was all over the internet with his previous viral hit "Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa)", hitting #1 on Vevo's Top 10 Alternative Videos Chart, and amassing over 180 million streams and over 8.6 billion views on YouTube shorts.

WEDNESDAY JULY 24

THURSDAY JULY 25

Be Your Own Pet, July 25, Bottleneck-Lawrence, $18-$20

The Nashville garage punk band was all the rage when they first hit in the mid-2000s, sneering at the trappings of adulthood on their self-titled debut from 2006 and follow-up 2008 album, Get Awkward,  Formed by a quartet of high school buddies — singer Jemina Pearl, Nathan Vasquez on bass, Jonas Stein on guitar and initially Jamin Orrall on drums (replaced with John Eatherly), the band burned strong for just a handful of years.

After a 15-year hiatus, the second lineup reunited and recorded Mommy, a new album, for new label, Third Man, run by Jack White. And they returned to live stages as well, for this summer show in a college town for a show that should re-kindle much of that punk anti-establishment spirit.

In the Valley Below, July 25, recordBar, $20

Dream indie pop duo In The Valley Below bring their enchanting and powerful live show on tour with the release of their third album, The Black Moon. They continue to examine that heady mix of desire and dread, the magic and the mortality that marks the pair’s personal and musical relationship.

The Michigan married couple of Angela Gail and Jeffrey Jacob’s debut The Belt spawned the international alternative hit, “Peaches,” broke overseas first before entering the top 20 alternative charts in the US. We’ve seen them a few times recently- with OMD in 2022, and in 2019, playing a live soundtrack to their film project for a headphone-wearing audience in a suburban movie theater.

.38 Special, July 25, Stormont-Vail Events Center-Topeka, $40-$120

Get ready for the return of those Wild-eyed Southern Boys, still led by co-founding bandleader Don Barnes.  With a career that spans four decades and 15 albums, the band continues to tour and showcase their hits to over 100 cities a year. Barnes as guitarist and vocalist, along with bassist Barry Dunaway, drummer Gary Moffatt, keyboardist and vocalist Bobby Capps and the most recent addition of guitarist and vocalist Jerry Riggs completing the team. 
Featuring selections from their numerous Gold and Platinum albums, look forward to hits like “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up in You,” “Back Where You Belong” and more.

FRIDAY JULY 26

Olivia Rodrigo w Pink Pantheress, July 26, T-Mobile Center, SOLD OUT

The multi-platinum, three-time Grammy Award-winning (and half-Filipina!) artist Olivia Rodrigo is out on her GUTS world tour in support of her second studio album, GUTS, which was released last September via Geffen Records to critical acclaim. Produced by Live Nation, the massive global tour runs 57-dates, ending with two sold-out shows mid-next month at the Kia Forum near Los Angeles.

GUTS arrived as the follow-up to Rodrigo’s 4x Platinum 2021 full-length debut Sour and features her No. 1 hit “vampire” and the new focus track “get him back!” Second single “bad idea, right?” was named a Best New Track by Pitchfork.

Silver Star Tickets makes a limited number of $20 plus taxes and fees tickets available. Olivia is launching this program for each show, making it as easy and affordable as possible for her fans to make it out to her shows. Ticket locations may include limited view seats, lower and upper level seating, as well as the floor.

In conjunction with the tour, Olivia Rodrigo’s Fund 4 Good, a global initiative committed to building an equitable and just future for all women and girls through direct support of community-based non-profits that champion girls’ education, support reproductive rights and prevent gender-based violence. A portion of the proceeds from all ticket sales will go to the fund.

Arrive early for Pink Pantheress, the young, buzzing UK bedroom pop singer-songwriter in support of her debut full-length, last year’s Heaven Knows.

Shrek the Musical (Broadway Touring July 26-28), Starlight, $12.80-$100

Shrek The Musical is the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue… c’mon, you know the story from the successful films and original book!

Yes, your favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar®-winning, smash hit, DreamWorks animated film. Tony Award-winning duo Jeanine Tesori (music) and David Lindsay-Abaire (book) revisit their first collaboration to deliver a more intimate and engaging experience – a joyful, colorful Shrek that leans into the humanity in all of us that celebrates our differences.

With all-new original direction and choreography by Danny Mefford filled with lush orchestrations, this reimagined production brings the show back to its roots. With Eddie Murphy recently disclosing there will be not only a new Shrek movie, but a Donkey solo film as well, this is the perfect opportunity to re-visit the franchise.

Aquabats, July 26, Madrid, $32-$54+

The superhero musical group is heading out on tour this summer, joined by the Aggrolites and Left Alone, which makes the tour even better, all in support of new album called Finally. They also celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2024, with festivities extending beyond music, including a fan gathering, and exclusive celebratory merchandise.

Since their formation in 1994 in Orange County, The Aquabats have been punk rock superheroes dedicated to injecting harmless fun into a music scene that often took itself too seriously. Their distinctive and fun approach quickly gained traction, earning them a loyal following that spans multiple generations.

Everclear, July 26, Ameristar Casino, $25-$195

Ahead of a Fall tour with fellow ’90s rockers Marcy Playground and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, Everclear has some summer headlining shows, which also celebrate their fourth album, Songs from an American Movie Vol. One, which turns 25. The band’s last record was their 2023 live album, Live at The Whiskey A Go Go.

The band has become one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s, with founder, vocalist / guitarist (and lone remaining original member) Art Alexakis making it clear that he has no plans to slow down, more than three decades later. We saw them live last September in Minneapolis.

Amanda Fish, July 26, Knuckleheads, $20

Amanda Fish began as a singer songwriter in late 2012, refining her original material as a solo act for 2 years before she formed her band in early 2014. In 2015, she released her first all-original LP, "Down In The Dirt", and in 2018, she released her second studio album, "Free".

During the 2020 Covid crisis, she released an album of home recorded demos of her newly written music named "Trailer Park Demos", sold through her website, and this performance is a record release for her brand-new album.

Ice Cube, July 26, Grinders KC, $69-$152

The legendary rapper and actor is out on tour to deliver a mix of classic hits and newer material to showcase his impact on the industry. Fans can expect a high-energy show filled with the raw lyrics and beats that have defined his career. Ice Cube is an award-winning musician, actor, director, producer, civil rights leader and CEO / co-founder of the BIG3 3-on-3 basketball league.

Cube released his first solo album in 8 years, Everythang’s Corrupt, his 18th album overall via Interscope Records in 2018, and them was a member of hip-hop supergroup Mt Westmore (along w Snoop Dogg, E-40, and Too Short) who released a debut album in 2022. It should be a Good Day!

SATURDAY JULY 27

Sarah Sherman (comedy), July 27, The Truman, $35-$40

The SNL comedian aka Sarah Squirm recently completed her third season as a repertory player on the NBC comedy show, becoming a breakout star. She also recently co-starred with Adam Sandler in the Netflix film, “You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah!”.

Sherman was selected as a New Face at the 2021 Montreal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival and is known for her popular live show, Helltrap Nightmare. She was previously named one of Vulture's Comics to Watch for 2018 and one of Time Out magazine’s Five Comics to Watch for 2017. This will be an 18+ seated show.

SUNDAY JULY 28

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! July 15-21, 2024 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City. MO, Lawrence KS)

Read More: One Direction One Direction became Cosmopolitan's first all-male cover in its 40-year history. Some may jokingly suggest there aren't any "men" on the cover. ..…

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

 Oh, feel that Summer hotness!

The days are longer, the humidity is up, and we’ve gotten to one of those weeks, when there’s a multitude of good choices on the same night, so you may have to pick and choose.

Slots are still being filled for shows in Sept and Oct, but also farther ahead to 2025 (i.e. recent Liberty Hall announcements of Godspeed You! Black Emperor in Nov and Myles Kennedy in Feb), which is exciting. Even comedian Martin Lawrence is riding off his current “Bad Boys” fame, by booking the T-Mobile Center next March.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from July 15th-21st.

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

MONDAY JULY 15

Puppeteers for Fears, July 15, recordBar, $25.49

The Ashland, OR-based theater company specializes in original puppet horror/sci-fi musical comedy. It’s the only all-original, all-local musical theater company between the Bay Area and the Willamette Valley and the company tours nationally with a full cast and a live band.

A rock’n’roll retelling of the H.P. Lovecraft horror classic “The Call of Cthulhu,” performed entirely with singing puppets. In the story, Detective LaGrasse is searching for a murderer. Francine Thurston’s uncle vanished. The only clue to both mysteries is a bizarre statue worshiped by a nightmarish cult. And it’s leading both of them out to sea, toward a mysterious island from their nightmares—and toward insanity.

Shows are R-rated, and not intended for children and we recently saw the production in St. Paul.

Barbie The Movie In Concert, July 15, Starlight, CANCELED

TUESDAY JULY 16

Niall Horan w Del Water Gap July 16, Starlight, SOLD OUT

Ex-One Direction member Niall Horan takes ‘The Show’ on the road with this extensive North American jaunt that kicked off in late May, almost a year after releasing his critically acclaimed third album, The Show (these tix have been on sale about a year as well).

The world tour actually began Feb. 20 in Belfast, Ireland, with a 20-song set that featured songs from all three of his solo albums, there is an acoustic set, maybe one One Direction song, and a clever mashup of “Small Talk” with Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen.”

Feel lucky because the KC show is in one of the smallest venues of the tour, which is composed mostly of larger arenas like the long sold-out shows at NYC’s Madison Square Garden and The Kia Forum near Los Angeles. The Show debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales and also topped the charts in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Holland and Belgium

The Irishman has sold over 80 million records and toured the globe as part of the iconic One Direction. In 2017, he made his full-length solo debut with Flicker, a Platinum-certified and chart-topping album featuring the triple-Platinum single “Slow Hands.” Heartbreak Weather followed in 2020 and topped the U.K.’s Official Albums chart and Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart. He joined NBC’s The Voice” in 2023.

Support act Del Water Gap is the indie pop solo project of Samuel Holden Jaffe, a musician and record producer based in Brooklyn. He rose to prominence following the release of the single "Ode to a Conversation Stuck in Your Throat" in 2020. He has subsequently released two studio albums with one of our fave labels, Mom + Pop Music.

Beartooth w Currents, Boundaries, Nevertel, July 16, The Midland, $34.50-$54.50

The post-hardcore outfit is adding 21 more dates to their ‘The Surface Tour’ including a KC stop and, they’ll be taking Currents, Boundaries, and Nevertel along. This second leg of the tour follows a successful first leg, having sold some 78,000 tickets across a little more than 40 shows.

Vocalist Calem Shomo said the band was proud of their live show these days and was excited to continue perfecting it on stage this summer. “We’ve all been working harder than ever to create the best show we’ve ever put on and will stop at nothing to make sure it’s worth every penny and then some. We can’t wait to get back out and rock with all of you!”

WEDNESDAY JULY 17

Train w Yacht Rock Revue, July 17, Starlight, $35-$149.50

Since Train’s self-titled debut, the group has achieved success with eight Top 40 hits, including chart-toppers like “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” and “Hey, Soul Sister.” Their most recent album, “AM Gold,” was released in 2022. 14 songs that have reached the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

The Summer Road Trip Tour (many dates with REO Speedwagon, but the bill is split for KC) will visit 44 cities and will celebrate Train’s album Save Me, San Francisco 15th anniversary all tour long.

Openers Yacht Rock Revue bring their smooth grooves, such as on new singles, “Tropical Illusion” and “Passengers.” The double-single also sets the tone for more original music to come that will serve as the sonic backdrop for sunsets and ocean breezes. Inspired by the golden era of soft rock, the ten-piece band has mastered the art of recreating the laid-back tunes that defined a generation.

As I Lay Dying, July 17, The Truman, $32.50-$65

The San Diego metalcore band is out on a 26-date trek with support on the tour from Chelsea Grin and Entheos.

In a recent interview, vocalist Tim Lambesis spoke about the progress of the mixing sessions for the band's next studio album. The LP will mark their first with its new lineup, featuring Lambesis and longtime guitarist Phil Sgrosso alongside drummer Nick Pierce (ex-UNEARTH), bassist vocalist Ryan Neff (MISS MAY I) and guitarist Ken Susi (UNEARTH).

Asked if the new album is "already done and in the can", considering that the mixing sessions began last fall, Tim said: "So what's interesting about it is the mixing engineer has a few more songs to finish. Not because he's lazy or anything, but because we always end up like adding a layer or a couple of things here last minute. But he's been mixing it since I first said that in November, but then with the holidays and everything, there was a little bit of a break. Long story short, he's still fixing a few things. Pressed about whether the album will definitely be out in 2024, Tim said: "Yeah, it definitely needs to be because [laughs] we have album-release tours booked, so it's definitely gonna be out this year." 

The new album will be the follow-up to "Shaped By Fire", which came out in September 2019 via Nuclear Blast.

THURSDAY JULY 18

Killer Queen (tribute) July 18, Uptown, $39-$79+

Killer Queen: A Tribute To Queen, featuring Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, will take the stage with its thrilling, adventurous, and electrifying performance. They have been performing their tribute to Queen’s concert since 1993.

Their expert musicianship, energy, and accurate portrayal of perhaps the world’s greatest live band, have rightfully earned them the title of Queen tribute royalty. Thrilling audiences across the globe, they recreate the high energy phenomenon that was Queen live, and it would be interesting to compare this with the current version who we saw last year in Minnesota.

Bowling for Soup, July 18, The Truman, $30-$60

The goofy pop punk band is hitting the road again, kicking off their latest tour celebrating album, A Hangover You Don’t Deserve in Hays, KS (believe it or not,) hitting KC the following evening. Founded in 1994, Bowling For Soup has carved out a niche with their blend of humor-infused lyrics and upbeat melodies, captivating audiences everywhere.

Known for their infectious energy and hits like “Girl All the Bad Guys Want” and “1985,” the Texas-based band promises an electrifying live experience. The band will be joined by special guests, Keep Flying and Eternal Boy.

Warren Haynes Band, July 18, The Midland, $39.75-$99.75

The Grammy Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitar legend, producer, and Gov’t Mule front man is unveiling a brand-new live show on his Now Is The Time Tour. Expect sets of Haynes’ signature rock/soul blend alongside his new Warren Haynes Band.

For some cities (unfortunately, not the KC gig), The Dreams and Songs Symphonic Experience will be conducted by Rich Daniels of Chicago’s City Lights Orchestra, leading locally sourced orchestras in each market. The show will explore all aspects of Warren’s catalog including music from Gov’t Mule, Allman Brothers Band, The Dead, Jerry Garcia, solo albums, and more, set to never-before heard arrangements.

The band will include his longtime friend and famed keyboardist John Medeski (one-third of the trio Medeski, Martin & Wood), Mule bassist Kevin Scott, and returning member and two-time Grammy winning drummer Terence Higgins.

FRIDAY JULY 19

Lindsey Stirling w Walk Off The Earth, July 19, Starlight, $36-$!40.50

The violinist, dancer, and entertainer is out on her North American Duality 2024 tour, in support of her new album, Duality (out now via Concord Records) and plans are that she will hit 40+ cities. A multi-award-winning musician known for her genre-bending virtuosity on electronic violin, Lindsey has also dazzled audiences with her talents as a dancer—an element she brings to the stage as part of her spectacular live show, selling more than one million tickets along the way.

Openers, the Canadian indie pop band Walk off the Earth have released a recent single, “On The Road” via Golden Carrot Records/The Orchard. The healing song reflects the emotions that come in a shared experience, unfolding a narrative of self-assurance, capturing the essence of human strength and vulnerability. The voices of Gianni Luminati and Sarah Blackwood stand out from the rather simple chord progressions. We always enjoyed seeing them live, but haven’t done so since they lost a band member back in 2018.

YG, July 19, Uptown Theater, $35-$99

The West Coast rapper's 23-date Just Re'd Up Summer 2024 Tour is in support of his just released seventh album, 'Just Re'd Up 3'. “Let me know what songs y’all wanna hear in the komments,” the “Who Do You Love?” artist told fans on Instagram.

Special guests Doe Boy and DJ Vision will join for his tour run. Doe Boy posted about the tour news on social media, writing, “BEAT ME THERE DON’T MEET ME THERE 🦅.” “‘Walk Down’ was my break through record so it’s only right @yg 🩸🤞🏾,” the Cleveland rapper added of his 2019 track with YG.

YG dropped his last album, I Got Issues, in 2022. He followed up with a joint “playlist” with fellow West Coast rhymer Tyga last year called Hit Me When U Leave The Klub, which featured Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes and Blxst. 

SATURDAY JULY 20

Kidz Bop Kids, July 20, Starlight, $29.50-$89.50

It’s KIDZ BOP LIVE 2024, and we’re taking over KC! Sing and dance along as the KIDZ BOP Kids tear up the stage with your favorite songs like Dance The Night, Cruel Summer, Dance Monkey and more. KIDZ BOP is the #1 music brand for kids in the U.S.

Mates of State, July 20, recordBar, $25

Mates of State, the iconic indie band featuring married couple Jason and Kori, today announce a 17-show Still The One Tour for this summer, in conjunction with going back into the studio to record all new songs.

The duo has garnered a following beginning in 1997 (formed in Lawrence!) and toured nearly non-stop for 15 years, performing all over the world. Since 2000, they’ve released 7 full length albums (on labels Barsuk and Polyvinyl) and started a family of 3 daughters who traveled with them. They paused touring for a minute to “give their girls a bit of an anchor through their teenage years”, while continuing to write and explore to find their next musical phase but are now back.

Walker Hayes, July 20, Azura Amph, $25-$75 UPDATE: CANCELED

The Monument Records recording artist, and Alabama native returns to the Midwest, in support of new EP Country Stuff, which features collaborations with Jake Owen, Carly Pearce, and Lori McKenna.

“Country Stuff is a body of work that means a lot to me, because it shows all of who I am. I’m not in the same mood or headspace every day – some days it’s all about fun, some days are harder – but I think it’s ok to share all of that, and that’s what I hope Country Stuff does” says Hayes.

The “Fancy Like” artist was smartly booked a few years ago at Country Stampede in Topeka, playing the festival right as that song was a monster hit and heard everywhere.

Dave Mason, July 20, Uptown, $39-$99

The legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician and songwriter is out on his Traffic Jam tour, a concert that includes fan favorites and deep cuts from Traffic, Dave Mason, and other surprise songs that share the story and important milestones. This all comes to life with multimedia visuals and dynamic set lists, along with first-hand stories and memories.

Mason also recently unveiled a new version of the Traffic hit, "Dear Mr. Fantasy," breathing new life into the classic song with the help of modern blues rock icon Joe Bonamassa, available on all major streaming platforms.

Surface at KCLive! Power and Light, July 20,$55

The Surface and Friends Tour, stars Surface, Kut Klose, Michel’le, Public Announcement, Rome, and more. The R&B band slowly formed over a long period of time as the group members met one another. The trio was signed early-on, as staff writers for EMI Music and wrote songs for groups such as New Edition's 'Let's Be Friends' and Sister Sledge's 'You're So Fine.'

In 1987, the group released their self-titled debut album which featured 'Happy' which hit #2 on the R&B charts, and 'Lately' which hit #8. the band now returns from a hiatus to charm a new generation

SUNDAY JULY 21

Northlane, Invent Animate, July 21, Granada- Lawrence, $25-$30

The Australian heavy vanguards are back on the road again. The band is on its “Mirror’s Edge Tour” featuring support from Invent Animate, Thornhill, and Windwaker. The band released their "Mirror's Edge EP" in April (as a follow-up to previous full-length, Obsidian) and was recorded with producer Will Putney.

Described by Jon Deiley (songwriter/guitarist) as "the greatest hits of NORTHLANE sounds," the EP is a nostalgic journey through all the colors on their sonic palette, with bonus shades from special guests Winston McCall (PARKWAY DRIVE) and Ian Kenny (KARNIVOOL, BIRDS OF TOKYO) — two of the most influential artists in the band’s history. Former bass player, Brendon Padjasek, also stopped by the studio to lend his scream to one of the tracks.

Thematically, the EP is about looking at yourself and reflecting on the past one final time before leaving it all behind to find hope in what lies beyond the mirror's edge. With the recurring theme of acceptance binding these songs together, frontman Marcus Bridge is hopeful that "Mirror's Edge" will be the coda on this part of his personal life.

The Aussies have released six acclaimed albums, including ARIA chart No. 1 records "Obsidian" (2022) and "Node" (2015),alongside "Singularity" (2013),"Mesmer" (2017) and "Alien" (2019) which all debuted at No. 3. They have also won three consecutive ARIA Awards for "Best Hard Rock Or Heavy Metal Album", as well as two AIR Awards for Best Independent Heavy Album.

Dirty Honey, July 21, Madrid, $29-$65

One of our favorite newer LA-based rock bands have released their new album Can’t Find The Brakes, to acclaim from fans and critics alike. We’ve caught the band live a couple times and always have come away impressed by their presence and sound, which takes influences from the past, but re-creates it into their own signature songs.

“Making the Can’t Find The Brakes album was a completely different experience than making the Dirty Honey album,” member Marc LaBelle said, “Covid created a situation where we weren’t really living or experiencing. But, for our new album, we were able to spend time with each other again. We spent more than a month with Nick, our producer, at his studio in Australia. Just getting back into the studio with him – no ZOOM this time – all of us physically being together in the same space allowed us to do some experimenting, all of which contributed to the wide spectrum of emotion on the new album.”

Jason Mraz and The Superband, July 21, Starlight, $30.50-$125

It promises to be a "super" night with Jason Mraz & The Superband with the Molly Miller Trio! Mraz is living "full spiral"— that's because, as he has changed, his experiences have changed. Now, with his eighth studio album, "Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride," the musician has found himself returning to a familiar junction in space.

The songs grapple with the emotions and experiences that come with being in your midlife, a time often ignored by pop songwriters. Its optimistic, inspiring sensibility reflects the musician’s approach to being in the world. It is a full spiral, reflecting the past but becoming something new.

He also continues to run his organic home farm, Mraz Family Farms, which grows coffee and avocados, and his nonprofit the Jason Mraz Foundation, which has a mission of shining for inclusive arts education, food security and the advancement of equality.

Arrive early for LA based guitarist and bandleader of Molly Miller who will play with her Trio, featuring some self-described groovy “instrumental guitar Americana surf jazz” (which sounds fun!). She also performs as part of Mraz’ Superband, and their record was just released on his boutique label, Interrabang.

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

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

We♥KC! July 8-14, 2024 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City MO / Lawrence KS)

Read More: The Baseball Project We've previously mentioned the supergroup The Baseball Project a few years ago, the band consists of Peter Buck (REM), Scott McCaughey (singer of The Young Fresh Fellows …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Halfway through July, which means some sweltering temps, severe storms, and other weather wonders. We’ve seen a few outdoor shows which were threatened, but everything passed by, and the show would go on (fingers crossed)- even so, be prepared just in case.

A little of the old, a little of the new this week, with a mix that anyone should be able to find a show or two, that is to their liking.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from July 8th-14th.

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

MONDAY JULY 8

TUESDAY JULY 9

Disney's The Little Mermaid (musical) July 9-14, Starlight Theatre, $12.80-$100

Princess Ariel, along with her best friends Sebastian and Flounder, make a splash in a new world as she finds her voice in this beloved Disney classic. Howard Ashman and eight-time Academy® Award winner Alan Menken’s beloved tale centers on young Ariel, who yearns to venture beyond her underwater home and go where the people are, up on land.

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, the enchanting musical includes tunes from Disney’s 1989 animated film, such as “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages and theatregoers of all ages will want to be part of this world.

Fiddlehead, July 9, The Bottleneck-Lawrence, $22-$25

The Boston-based post hardcore group is out on their "Death Is Nothing To US" tour in support of 2023 album, Death Is Nothing To Us. The band shared the following: “Probably the closest we will ever get to doing a proper full US tour. We are very psyched to announce these shows, and the great bands that are joining us.”

WEDNESDAY JULY 10

The Baseball Project, July 10, recordBar, $29

Led by drummer Linda Pitmon, The Baseball Project gives a shot to (not so) minor league recruits Peter Buck, Scott McCaughey, Mike Mills and Steve Wynn (aka half of R.E.M., the “Kerosene Man” and more). The group’s handful of albums celebrate the great American pastime giving a spotlight to some of the sports less well-known subjects.

Naming an album Grand Salami Time hints at an inside scoop and over the band’s career they have told the stories of “Larry Yount,” the older brother of Hall of Famer Robin Yount, who hurt himself throwing a warm-up pitch during his first and only MLB appearance; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Doc Ellis who tried to bean the entire Cincinnati Reds lineup (“The Day Dock Went Hunting Heads”); World Series hero and convicted felon Lenny Dykstra (“From Nails to Thumbtacks,”) and disgraced slugger Alex Rodriguez (“13”).

In 2008 they released their debut album, Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails followed up in 2011 with High and Inside. In 2014, they moved down the baseline to the aptly titled 3rd, and now after nine years, their fourth album Grand Salami Time. We caught them live back in 2014 in Minneapolis.

The album was recorded at Mitch Easter’s fabled Fidelitorium Studios in Kernersville, NC, with the entire band performing live together in the same room, a joyous experience that seemed impossible to imagine one year before. Easter played guitar on a few tracks and the record also features appearances by Stephen McCarthy (Long Ryders) and Steve Berlin (Los Lobos).

THURSDAY JULY 11

Winnetka Bowling League w Akira Galaxy, July 11, Encore at Uptown, $20

The rising LA indie trio debut album, Sha La La, released in late May, via Local Weather/MDDN Records as a follow up to their 2018 EP and a few singles. “Sha La La was an album recorded in Studio City. Catch this headlining appearance before they support Mother Mother in the Fall.

Frontman Matthew Koma says. “It’s very much a snapshot of my 20s… trying to make sense of the trip, indulging in the what ifs and allowing some of that unresolved discomfort to develop into ‘it didn’t matter.’ I wouldn’t say I live in the past or even think about it much, but what came out in this collection really is a revisiting of rehearsed truths. We make our own stories up along the way, and I’m not sure this record is any more accurate than the perceived experience while it was happening, but the feeling I get listening to it is how I’d like to remember growing up…and I hope some of the songs, or the whole thing, or pieces of it or whatever, can make other people feel that same warmth.”

FRIDAY JULY 12

The Wallflowers, July 12, Liberty Hall-Lawrence, $45-$79

Their latest album, Exit Wounds, arrived back in 2021 and the 54-year-old son of Bob Dylan, Jakob and his band have been back on the road for the last year or so, as we caught them live last August in Kansas City.

Breakthrough album “Bringing Down the Horse” was released in May 1996, producing the alternative radio hit “6th Avenue Heartache.” Late in 1996, the single “One Headlight” was released, and by the spring of 1997, it had become a Top Ten hit, pushing “Bringing Down the Horse” into the upper reaches of the charts. Early in 1998, “One Headlight” won Grammys for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal.

They’ll be playing that album in full, along with a seminal Tom Petty record, at a special LA gig this Fall.

Voraath w Gorgatron, Casket Robbery July 12, Farewell, $15 (PWYC)

Prepare for a sonic descent into the unknown as USA’s Voraath unleashes their debut album “Vol 1: The Hymn of the Hunters” – a heavy and immersive experience through extreme music and sci-fi themes. In this release, they infused their enthusiasm for 80’s action sci-fi with their passion for brutal yet epic metal with hints of their own culture which includes haunting folk elements. The Asheville NC metallers are supporting Gorgatron and Casket Robbery on the “Mechanical Necrosis Tour”

North Dakota death-metal unit Gorgatron have been building up steam since they released their debut album, Torturetorium, in 2010. Their fourth album, Sentience Revoked (Redefining Darkness), is just out, following lead single, “Conduit of Pain,” based on a memorable occasion when vocalist Karl Schmidt got a concussion and had to take an ambulance ride while tripping on mushrooms.

Madison, WI death metal band Casket Robbery create their own signature style of death metal by infusing horror and occult themes. Check out new single, “Bone Mother” out now.

SATURDAY JULY 13

Yelawolf, July 13, Grinders KC, SOLD OUT

Alabama-born and Nashville-based multi-platinum chart-topping artist and entrepreneur Yelawolf released new single “Trailer In The Sky” alongside Jelly Roll, ahead of new album, a double-LP, War Story – Michael Wayne (Part 1) & Trunk Muzik 4ever (Part 2), just out. Various special guests include Killer Mike, Jelly Roll, Caskey and Struggle Jennings.

About the single, Yelawolf said, “An album is like a book, and the beginning and the end are important to me. This is how it starts. My hometown has never been nice to me, so I’m speaking on that. The message is, you can look down on us from your high horse if you’ve never been to jail and don’t have tattoos, but we all end up in the same place.” We caught him back in 2015 at the sorely missed Go Fest in Minneapolis.  

Arrive early for Minneapolis-based rapper Prof, who as you can guess, we’re very familiar with and have seen numerous times over the years.

SUNDAY JULY 14

Citizen Soldier w/ SkyDxddy, Keith Wallen, July 14, Truman, $27-$40

Citizen Soldier is a band that sings about the struggles with mental health- the Salt Lake City–based band, “presents an accessible message that combats stigmatization and provides a group therapy dynamic.” Jake Segura started the band after wanting to share his journey looking for psychiatric care back in 2016. He didn’t intend to turn his passion project of bringing awareness to mental health into a career; however, people were impressed by the songs and wanted more. The band consists of singer Jake Segura, guitarists Matt Duffney and Kooper Honosky, bassist and keyboardist Wonitta and drummer Kyle Persell.

Opener Keith Wallen is a guitarist and vocalist, and a diverse songwriter. As guitarist and backing vocalist, he’s brought his enthusiasm to Breaking Benjamin since the multiplatinum rock band’s 2014 reformation, appearing on Dark Before Dawn (2015) and Ember (2018), as well as numerous worldwide tours.

Horrendous w Tomb Mold, July 14, recordBar, $24.36

Two boundary-pushing, genre-transcending death metal bands, Philly’s Horrendous and Ontario Canada band Tomb Mold, are teaming up for the Enraptured By Fate’s Tangled Thread Tour this summer. It follows the releases of both bands’ respective 2023 albums, Ontological Mysterium and The Enduring Spirit.

“Ever since an all-too-brief weekend stint of live shows in 2018 with the masterminds behind Tomb Mold, we’ve dreamed of uniting forces for something greater”, Horrendous says. “Six years later, the time has finally arrived!”

Beach Boys, July 14, Uptown Theater, $49-$167

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, which made its name with songs that used California as a backdrop for musical explorations of youth, love, life and surfing, still includes original member Mike Love on lead vocals. Accompanying Love is longtime band member Bruce Johnston, as well as Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, Jon Bolton, Keith Hubacher, Randy Leago and John Wedemeyer.

The Beach Boys are keeping summer vibes alive currently on their “Endless Summer Gold” tour, and last year, the band was honored in the star-studded Grammy Salute to The Beach Boys, and in 2022, the band shared a compilation, Sounds of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys.

Expect a set full of hits that you know every word to like when we caught them live at a 2019 Minneapolis charity gig. Don’t expect John Stamos guesting on this date or Dave Mason opening (but Mason does headline this venue later this month).

Dale Watson, July 14, Knuckleheads, $20

Watson is a legendary singer and songwriter, self-published author and honkytonk evangelist who keeps the true country music flame alive. He has more than 30 studio albums and countless performances under his belt, normally touring 300 days per year. He was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and is a regular guest at The Grand Ole Opry, Austin City Limits (ACL), and The Austin Continental Club.

His latest album “Starvation Box,” is named after the expression Huddie Ledbetter’s father used in disdain for his son’s guitar. The musical foundation for the album is a 1957 12-string, gifted to Watson.

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! June 22-30, 2024 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Read More: Mat Kearney Another familiar face to the area is Oregon native and Nashville-based singer-songwriter Mat Kearney, who took a break from creation of the follow up to last year’s Just Kids (Republic Records) …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Taking through the end of June, with a good variety of shows below. The Tony Awards recently aired, to give an idea of what Broadway touring shows might hit the road in the future (The Outsiders, Merrily We Roll Along) and veteran Country artist George Strait just broke the concert attendance record, playing to almost 111,000 fans in Texas, with his new album, Cowboys and Dreamers out Sept 6.

Closer to KC, there’s a push to bring the Chiefs and Royals over to the Kansas side (don’t hold your breath) and fall concerts keep announcing for Oct/Nov., including ZZ Top, Dayglow, The Struts, and one we’re extra excited about – Jesus and Mary Chain / Psychedelic Furs!

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming week, from June 22nd-30th.

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

SATURDAY JUNE 22

Quinn XCII, June 22, KC Live Power and Light,$35-$75

Aka Mikael Temrowski, Quinn XCII (pronounced “Quinn ninety-two”), emerged in 2015 with a catchy and personal style of his own punctuated by alternative nuances and unexpected pop hooks. He has earned successive Platinum singles, including “King of Summers”, “Straightjacket,” and “Love Me Less”. In addition, he has a handful of Gold singles, including “Flare Guns”, “Another Day in Paradise,” “Stacy” and “Always Been You.”

Brad Williams (comedy) June 22, Uptown, $25-$39

The renowned vertically challenged comedian has played on big stages including television appearances on The Tonight Show, Dave Attell’s Comedy Underground, and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

His comedy journey began 20 years ago when he attended a stand-up comedy show with his dad. The comedian on stage was making midget jokes, which made it awkward in the crowd because Williams was born a dwarf. He said the comedian proceeded to invite him on stage and asked him questions, and Williams said his responses received a lot of laughs.

His first special, titled “Fun Size” was reportedly the highest rated special on Showtime and a year later, he followed that up with his second one, “Daddy Issues”, which was even more successful than the first. Most recently, he will be seen in the upcoming sequel to This Is Spinal Tap featuring scenes with the iconic band and Sir Elton John.

John Michael Montgomery, June 22, Ameristar Casino, $65+

Montgomery revealed that his upcoming tour dates in 2024-2025 will mark the end of his touring career. With a musical career spanning over three decades, Montgomery expressed gratitude for the incredible journey that began in 1992 when his debut single hit airwaves.

“It amazes me where it is today,” he shared in a Facebook post. “I’ve been fortunate and blessed to be able to do what I love for so many years.” Montgomery, a Kentucky native, achieved widespread recognition with his breakthrough hit, “Life’s a Dance,” which reached the top 5 on the Hot Country Songs chart in 1993 and he received the Country Music Association’s Horizon Award in 1994.

Montgomery amassed seven No. 1 hits on the Hot Country Songs chart throughout his career. His ballad “I Swear” not only spent four weeks at No. 1 in 1994, but also crossed over to the Hot 100, reaching No. 42. The song earned him a CMA Award for Single of the Year and a Grammy nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance.

Keith Sweat w Blackstreet Donell Jones H-Town Men at Large, June 22, Cable-Dahmer Arena, $84-$125

Before he embarks on his new “Sweat Hotel Tour “ later this summer, R&B veteran Keith Sweat is finishing up his “Make it Last Forever 35th Anniversary” Tour , with some very special guests.

Sweat released his debut album Make It Last Forever in November 1987. The album sold over three million copies, spawning the hits “I Want Her,” “Something Just Ain’t Right,” “Make It Last Forever,” and “Don’t Stop Your Love.”

Last year, Sweat collaborated with Raheem DeVaughn for his song “Can’t Nobody.” The song achieved much success landing Sweat his 15th top 10 hit on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart.

IV and the Strange Band, June 22, the Bottleneck-Lawrence,$15-$20

The fourth generation from the Hank Williams Family Tree is aka Coleman Williams and his band IV and The Strange Band who have become a big part of the underground country scene. The band’s debut album Southern Circus was released in 2022 via the record label of Shooter Jennings, Black Country Rock. The new album, Hang Dog has Jennings producing it as well.

“The album ‘Hang Dog’ as a whole is a concept record about giving love to the moments and people that help us get through the hard parts of life,” says Williams. “I also touch on the moments where existence can really test us and how asking for help isn’t a crime.”

The new album also includes as song inspired by Western Swing called “If The Creek Don’t Rise,” along with a country-tinged cover of the song “Sailin’ On” from the hardcore punk band Bad Brains.

SUNDAY JUNE 23

The Flaming Lips, June 23, Uptown Theater,SOLD OUT

The Lips have extended the Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots 2024 Tour, continuing to celebrate two decades of the band’s breakthrough 2002 now-classic album of the same name. Each night, the band will perform the project in its entirety, as well as other favorites from the band’s 41-year catalog.

The Flaming Lips released the 100-track 20th-anniversary edition of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots in 2022. The reissue includes a massive collection of live versions and demo tracks beyond the original 11 tracks. They’re always fun to see live, so are always worth seeing if at all possible.

MONDAY JUNE 24

Pixies, Modest Mouse, Cat Power, June 24, Starlight,$24.75-$129.50

This great 2024 co-headline tour across North America with special guest Cat Power hits Kansas City under the stars at Starlight and follows their sold-out 2023 run.

Pixies have been acclaimed as the most influential, pioneering band of the late 80s alt/rock movement, having served as a major influence for artists. And today, a whole new generation of music fans has been discovering and embracing the band’s “loudquietloud” signature sound. Quirky melodies have always been Pixies’ calling card; seven genre-defining studio albums, including the Gold-certified Surfer Rosa, and the iconic Platinum Doolittle, considered one of the all-time, quintessential alt/rock albums.

Modest Mouse released their latest album, The Golden Casket, back in 2021 via Epic Records. The record heralds another new chapter in the GRAMMY® Award-nominated multi platinum band’s unpredictable evolution. Frontman Isaac Brock explores themes ranging from the degradation of our psychic landscapes and invisible technology, to fatherhood.

Cat Power aka Chan Marshall has defied genre and convention, her legacy has influenced the likes of Lana Del Rey, Clairo, Soccer Mommy, Julien Baker, Angel Olsen, and more. She’s been busy promoting her cover album Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert, which we caught live last fall.

Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs, June 24, Kauffman Center,$43-$67

Gainsville, FL native Mike Campbell was of course, the lead guitarist, architect and co-captain of the Heartbreakers, a band he co-founded with Tom Petty. In addition to co-produced many of their albums, he’s also written songs for Don Henley, Bob Dylan, and Stevie Nicks.

In 2018, Campbell joined Fleetwood Mac on lead guitar to tour and in 2020, he released Wreckless Abandon, the first album by The Dirty Knobs, a group that was a longtime side project but is now his primary musical focus. Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs released their second LP External Combustion in 2022 and toured the USA, including runs opening for both Chris Stapleton and The Who.

Opening the concert is singer and songwriter Shannon McNally. The Grammy nominee who’s live music career began on the jam band circuit of the ‘90’s, has recorded 14 albums and a string of single self-releases on her personal label, Queen Maeve Records.

TUESDAY JUNE 25

New Kids On The Block w/ Paula Abdul & DJ Jazzy Jeff, June 25, Starlight Theatre, $59.95-$199.95

The multi-platinum pop boy band is on their “The Magic Summer 2024 Tour.” Reimagining the smash 1990 tour of the same name, Donnie, Joey, Jordan, Jonathan and Danny are bringing back the magic for fans old and new, this time with very special guests Paula Abdul and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Amos Lee w Mutlu, June 25, Uptown,$39-$89

Ahead of his eagerly awaited new album, Transmissions, available August 9 (via his own Hoagiemouth Records via Thirty Tigers), his 11th studio album is his first new collection of original songs in more than two years, and features lead single, “Hold On Tight.”

“This is about having a much tighter handle on how important our people are to us, your friends and your family, and watching people go that you love,” says Amos Lee. “It’s about appreciating people and wanting to make sure everybody that you love knows you love them and find them important. It’s a pretty simple little song. There’s not a ton going on. I like the lyrics because they’re saying a lot with very few words, which I really love. The band really did a great job on this one. I didn’t want it to be hard to get through, I wanted it to be a thing people can sing to each other.”

Arrive early for Philadelphia musician, Mutlu. Lee discovered Mutlu’s music just as both of their careers were taking off. Mutlu (pronounced moot’-lu) is a first-generation American whose parents moved from Turkey to the United States in the 1970s. Now roughly fifteen years into a career as a professional musician, he believes that his Turkish heritage informs his perspective as an artist.

Bruce Warren of WXPN once described Mutlu’s music as “a mix of soul, reggae, world music and folk, all tied together in the singer-songwriter tradition.”

WEDNESDAY JUNE 26

Little Feat, June 26, Uptown Theater, $59-$99

Little Feat has announced plans for a 2024 Summer Tour, featuring support on this date, by special guest Marc Broussard. Little Feat features Bill Payne (keyboards, vocals), Kenny Gradney (bass), Sam Clayton (percussion and vocals), Fred Tackett (guitars and vocals), Scott Sharrard (guitars and vocals), and Tony Leone (drums).

The band has spent some of its recent off time working on a blues album and so chose to name the new tour in honor of one of the legendary tunes in American history, “Can’t Be Satisfied.” It is the song that began Muddy Waters’ legendary career, and it’s highly appropriate for a band that, after more than fifty years, is at the top of its game and hungry for more.

The Menzingers w Lucero, The Dirty Nil, June 26, Madrid,$36-$75

A really solid triple-bill, together out on the Some Of It Was True Tour!

The Menzingers are a punk rock band from Scranton, PA signed to Epitaph Records, and consist of members Greg Barnett (vocals, guitar), Tom May (vocals, guitar), Eric Keen (bass), and Joe Godino (drums). The band broke through in 2012 with their third album, On the Impossible Past, which garnered acclaim. They have released eight albums since 2007 with their latest, Some of It Was True, out last year.

Lucero is a country-punk/alt-country band from Memphis and is maybe the greatest live bar band currently touring. They’re fronted by Ben Nichols (vocals, guitar) with touring band members Brian Venable (guitar), Roy Berry (drums), John C. Stubblefield (bass), and Rick Steff (keyboards). The band released their latest album, Should’ve Learned By Now last year and are a “must-see” live.

The Dirty Nil is a Canadian alt punk rock band who won the Juno Award for Breakthrough Group of the Year in 2017. The band consists of members Luke Bentham (vocals, guitar), Kyle Fisher (drums), and Sam Tomlinson (bass). Newest album is 2023’s Free Rein to Passions.

THURSDAY JUNE 27

Slow Joy, June 27, The Rino – NKC,$16-$18

Slow Joy is the solo project of Dallas-based, New Mexican-born Chicano artist Esteban Flores, out in support on the new EP, Mi Amigo Slow Joy, which just released on June 7th via Mick Music with lead single, “Pulling Teeth.” The release was produced by Mike Capone (Oso Oso, The Front Bottoms, Grouplove) and follows up his 2023 EP, Wildflower.

His growth as a songwriter and musician can be heard on the Foo Fighters-meets-Pixies single which features crisper arrangements within the mixes, an accomplishment Flores credits Sapone for helping him to achieve.

Mat Kearney, June 27, Madrid, 35-$75

We’re longtime fans of the singer-songwriter, whohttps://www.ticketmaster.com/mat-kearney-headlights-home-tour-kansas-city-missouri-06-27-2024/event/0600605CDC977C01 released his new, self-titled album on May 17th via his Middle Kid Records. It is his first album since 2021’s January Flower, with recent single, “Palisades.” The record features Nashville’s The Brook and the Bluff as his backing band and was written and recorded over the past couple of years with the help of friends, Kearney counts this new album as one of his most personal releases and sees it as a reflection of his two-decade long career.

Kearney says, “Some songs I did start to finish alone. I also collaborated in ways I haven’t before. My favorite Nashville band The Brook and The Bluff played on a handful of songs. It was the first time I felt like I was in a band. I tried to keep it simple. Real instruments and honest performances, like how I started out. I keep playing this record in my car which isn’t normal for me once I complete a project. I hope that’s a good sign and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.”

Country Stampede Festival, June 27, 28, 29, Azura Amph,$149-$199

On its 28^th year, the festival makes another location move – from Topeka (whose raceway closed after unpaid taxes) to suburban Bonner Springs. The annual 3-day outdoor music and camping festival now takes place at Azura Amphitheater.

Country Stampede is nationally known as one of the largest music festivals in the Midwest. The biggest names in country music have performed on stage such as Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Chris Stapleton, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan and many more. Country Stampede won the 2014 Governor’s Outstanding Tourism Event award in the State of Kansas, along with several other awards over the years.

Thursday’s lineup includes Chris Janson, LOCASH, Drew Green, and Tanner Adell.

FRIDAY JUNE 28

Country Stampede Festival, June 27, 28, 29, Azura Amph,$149-$199

Country Stampede is nationally known as one of the largest music festivals in the Midwest. The biggest names in country music have performed on stage such as Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Chris Stapleton, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan and many more. Country Stampede won the 2014 Governor’s Outstanding Tourism Event award in the State of Kansas, along with several other awards over the years.

Friday’s lineup includes Riley Green, Randy Houser, Dillon Carmichael, Jerrod Niemann and Casi Joy.

Lyle Lovett, June 28, Uptown, $49-$125

The legendary Texas singer-songwriter and his Large Band are on the road through early August, in support of his latest studio album, 12th Of June, from 2022 — marking his first studio LP in a decade following 2012’s Release Me. The summer trek wraps on August 9 with a show at Vienna, Virginia’s Wolf Trap where they’ll be joined by New Orleans legends the Preservation Hall Jazz Band

SATURDAY JUNE 29

Country Stampede Festival, June 27, 28, 29, Azura Amph,$149-$199,

Country Stampede is nationally known as one of the largest music festivals in the Midwest. The biggest names in country music have performed on stage such as Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Chris Stapleton, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan and many more. Country Stampede won the 2014 Governor’s Outstanding Tourism Event award in the State of Kansas, along with several other awards over the years.

Saturday’s lineup includes Jon Pardi, Billy Currington, Jackson Dean, Redferrin and Neon Union.

Parker McCollum w Corey Kent, June 29, Starlight Theatre,$22.25-$74.50

The Burn It Down tour, which has been named after McCollum's recent Country single, kicked off in Spokane, WA back in January and will come to a close on August 31 in Corpus Christi, TX. The laidback, chart-topping crooner performs an array of fan-favourites from his recently released album, Never Enough, including ‘Hurricane’, the high-octane ‘Speed’ and the whiskey-soaked ‘Handle On You’.

“2024 is going to be the biggest and best show we have ever put together. I can’t wait for all the fans to come see what we are working up. The Burn It Down Tour is going to be absolutely epic”.

Dark Star Orchestra, June 29, GrindersKC,$35-$85

The longtime Grateful Dead cover ensemble’s 2024 summer tour spans 26 concerts from June 28 to August 27, starting up in MN before working their way south down I-35 for this KC date. The band will close out its summer tour with a final pair at Tree House Brewing Co. in South Deerfield, MA. on August 26 and 27 and continues to bring those hippie jam vibes that the Dead have come to personify.

SUNDAY JUNE 30

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

Durand Jones at Juneteenth Celebration, South Park Lawrence KS (2024-06-15)

DURAND JONES SETLIST Instrumental intro I Want You Gerri Marie The Place You’d Most Want to Live Lord Have Mercy Sadie Letter to My 17 Year Old Self Someday We’ll All Be Free (Donny Hathaway cover) You Got the Power (Paul “Lil Buck Sinegal cover) That Feeling See It Through DURAND JONES TOUR DATES AUG 1 Pickathon Music Festival Happy Valley, OR AUG 2 Pickathon Music Festival Happy Valley, OR AUG 3 Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena Atlantic City, NJ AUG 31 Fool In Love Festival Inglewood, CA OCT 19 Forest Hills Stadium Forest Hills, NY READ MORE Durand Jones Neo soul band Durand Jones & The Indications and 79.5 will stop by the Fine Line Music Café on September 14, 2021, touring in support of their forthcoming album Private Space (Dead Oceans …

Even without The Indications, the goal was still soul--

Louisiana soul/R&B singer-songwriter Durand Jones was the special musical guest in downtown Lawrence KS at the annual Juneteenth Celebration, a street party held in South Park, ahead of the actual holiday. Jones finished a run supporting eclectic country artist Orville Peck and worked this date in, on his way back to his native Louisiana for a short break, before hitting the road again.

Durand Jones and The Indications are a group we’ve covered and seen live regularly since 2018 but the band has been on a break as several of them pursue solo projects, though they recently returned to the studio to begin work on the band’s upcoming album.

For Jones, his debut solo album is called “Wait Til I Get Over”, an autobiographical and lyrically revealing piece set to reflect his upbringing in the deep Gulf south of Hillaryville, LA, a small town on the Mississippi River founded by eight former Civil War-era slaves in between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

While still retaining the southern soul/gospel roots of his full band’s sounds, Jones forays into more jazz on the record, punctuated by his increased use of saxophone and lyrics that seem more yearning, personal, and heartfelt. His seventy-minute set was an extended version of the opening set he’s been performing on Peck’s recent tour.

“Gerri Marie” was dedicated to a girl from the area he fell for, “The Place You’d Most Want to Live” is about his hometown and is a phrase his grandmother would always use to describe it, and “Lord Have Mercy” brought out Jones’ Otis Redding-like growls and stomps.

On “Letter to My 17 Year Old Self” Jones concedes “we’re gonna get it right next time” perhaps a result of youth and inexperience, and his soulful cover of Donny Hathaway's “Someday We’ll All Be Free” was an ideal Juneteenth selection, which Jones had the street crowd repeating the chorus on.

That cover worked well enough for Jones to convince the band to try another, performed live for the first time, “You Got the Power”, a cover from Paul “Lil’ Buck” Sinegal (featuring The Topcats), who was best known not as a singer but the longtime guitarist for Buckwheat Zydeco.

“Let’s dance on this last one!” Jones shouted as the band fired up one of the most upbeat and positive tracks on the solo album, anchored by a Stevie Wonder-esque organ riff, “See It Through.”

Durand Jones more than “got over” in Lawrence for Juneteenth, and we look forward to seeing him live (and The Indications), again soon.

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

DURAND JONES at Juneteenth Festival South Park Lawrence KS (2024-06-15)

DURAND JONES at Juneteenth Festival South Park Lawrence KS (2024-06-15)

JohnC ♥ johnc@weheartmusic.com ♥ X / twitter.com