W♥M

Prince and Purple Rain - 40th Anniversary Celebrations

PRINCE - PURPLE RAIN ALBUM TRACKLIST 1."Let's Go Crazy" (Prince and the Revolution) 4:39 2."Take Me with U" (Prince and the Revolution) 3:54 3."The Beautiful Ones" (Prince) 5:13 4."Computer Blue" (Prince and the Revolution) 3:59 5."Darling Nikki" (Prince) 4:14 6."When Doves Cry" (Prince) 5:54 7."I Would Die 4 U" (Prince and the Revolution) 2:49 8."Baby I'm a Star" (Prince and the Revolution) 4:24 9."Purple Rain" (Prince and the Revolution) 8:41 Read More Prince There is a Prince Celebration kicking off Thursday evening, June 2nd, and continues to Saturday at Paisley Park. There’ll be Q&A with artists who worked closely with Prince, including his former wife and NPG dancer Mayte Garcia ...

40 years later, the sky is still purple and Purple still Reigns--

2024 represents the 40^th anniversary of Purple Rain, the legendary film and accompanying Academy Award-winning soundtrack album, that catapulted the then 26-year-old Prince Rogers Nelson to international superstardom, and remains as a respected and essential musical project, ranking amongst the greatest of all-time.

Directed by Albert Magnoli, “Purple Rain” was released in theaters on July 27, 1984, with a script he co-wrote being very loosely inspired by the musician’s own life – the film would go on to earn over $70 million worldwide at the box office.

Prince’s character was known as The Kid (a better movie moniker than his own childhood nickname, Skipper) with the world being introduced to co-star Apollonia Kotero as his protégé and love interest, as well as members of his actual band The Revolution and the group for which he had written and produced songs, The Time. The companion soundtrack album, featured hits “Let’s Go Crazy,” “When Doves Cry”, “Baby I’m a Star”, “Take Me With U” and “I Would Die 4 U” in addition to the title track, and would go on to sell more than 25 million copies.

Magnoli’s collaboration with Prince during the film’s production led to him becoming his personal manager for much of the 1980s which included through the recording of songs for Tim Burton’s 1989 adaptation of “Batman”.

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On June 25, Warner Home Video will commemorate the 40th anniversary of Prince’s “Purple Rain” with a re-release of the film on 4K UHD and digital platforms. In addition to upgraded picture and sound, the release will be accompanied by most of the previous legacy bonus content (but not all, so keep that previous Blu-Ray) including commentary, eight music videos, and a featurette.

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Additionally, lucky Airbnb users could soon get the chance to book a special-experience stay at the Longfellow neighborhood two-story, three-bedroom house in Minneapolis featured in "Purple Rain."

The Purple Rain House is one of 11 new experiential listings Airbnb is offering called "Icons" which includes a hangout with Kevin Hart, the balloon house from “Up”, and overnight stays at famous museums. Airbnb will select guests for Icon stays via an application and random lottery.

Most of the offerings are free for those selected, though some cost up to $100 per guest. Those who manage to stay at the Purple Rain House (available sometime this August) can "explore the home and go crazy for rare and special tracks from Prince's world in an exclusive studio session," according to an Airbnb release.

The reserved room, modeled after The Kid’s basement bedroom, is a replica of the one seen on film, with ambient purple lighting, Prince sheet music, and a mural of eyes peering over the bed. The experience also comes with an intimate tour, a myriad of memorabilia, unreleased recordings from the Purple Rain sessions, and the opportunity to speak with the star-studded hosts: Wendy and Lisa, Prince’s former Revolution band mates.

The house was purchased quietly by Prince in 2015 for $117,000 but was needing a near-complete rehab. The transaction was kept undisclosed until after his death in 2016 and though he never lived in the house, it has become iconic due to its location in the film.

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A new coffee table book, Prince and Purple Rain: 40 Years is just out, which includes rare photography and memorabilia in a slip-cased hardcover edition. Andrea Swensson, the former 89.3 Current DJ and host/co-producer of Prince | Official Podcast, takes a detailed look into his most famous work for its 40th anniversary.

Featuring a foreword by superfan Maya Rudolph and illustrated with performance and off-stage photography as well as memorabilia from top collectors, the book is a timely tribute to the album and film.

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The crown jewel of the 40^th Anniversary events is this year’s Celebration at Paisley Park, an annual gathering of fans (or “fams,” as he preferred) that launched in 2017, initially inspired by a week-long party Prince hosted in 2000. Taking place at the fabled Paisley Park studio and grounds and destinations throughout the metro, Celebration 2024 will celebrate the Purple Rain 40th anniversary for four consecutive days, June 20-24th. We were most recently on-site at Paisley last October, covering the impressive expanded album release of his later seminal album, Diamonds and Pearls.

Guests can experience live concerts, celebrity panels, exclusive concert footage, multiple activities in downtown Minneapolis, a newly curated Paisley Park Tour, a (VIP) boat excursion, gospel brunch, new talent showcase, and more.

Confirmed musicians for the weekend include Morris Day, The Revolution, and The New Power Generation (NPG). The Revolution (Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Bobby Z, BrownMark, and Dr. Fink) are set to perform two shows during Celebration 2024 on June 21 and June 22. The concerts will take place at First Avenue, the famous downtown venue that featured prominently in the film.

New Power Generation (NPG) performs on Saturday, June 22. NPG continue to play with the musical precision learned from when their famous leader was still front and center. Their shows are a kaleidoscope of the hits from all eras of Prince's career, but are focused on the late 80s/early 90s period when the original group was most active. We last caught the band live on back-to-back special appearances in Minneapolis back in 2018.

Morris Day is also set for Saturday, June 22 at Celebration. Day played an essential role in the development of the Minneapolis Sound of the 1980s. He went to school with Prince and sang in Prince’s first band Grand Central, before going on to become the founding lead singer of Prince's band, The Time.

After the first three albums with The Time, Day launched his solo career, releasing albums Color of Success, Daydreaming, Guaranteed, and newest album Last Call as well as re-joined his version of The Time and is continuing to tour under his own name. We caught Morris and co. live at Paisley in Jan 2016, a few months before Prince passed, and when the pair had some private time together, to make some amends. Celebration Tickets Here

So, gel your hair into a curly pompadour, find a frilly shirt and purple overcoat, and hop on your motorbike to purify in the waters of Lake Minnetonka and celebrate the 40^th Anniversary of Purple Rain this season, in Minneapolis and other points- Let’s Go Crazy!

 

illustration by Yann Dalon / Behance

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

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

Read More The National The National dropped their 6th album last month titled Trouble Will Find Me. The album (featuring such talents as St Vincent, Sharon Van Etten and Richard Reed Perry of Arcade Fire), took nearly three years to cultivate and climbed the…

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

After a whirlwind busy way to start the month, this week slows down somewhat, with a few cancellations contributing to that. In particular, we’re bummed that Sydney’s Gang of Youths pulled the plug on their North American Tour, citing front man Dave Le'aupepe’s own health issues but hope for the best and a swift return to the road.

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence, KS metro September 12th-18th.

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

Monday Sept 12

Shinyribs, Knuckleheads. $20

The Austin group is a sonic melting pot of Texas blues, New Orleans R&B funk, horn-driven Memphis soul, country twang, border music, big band swing, and roots-rock. In support of Late Night TV Gold released in August 2021.

William Elliott Whitmore, Bottleneck-Lawrence, $17-$20

The Iowa blues, country, folk singer/musician plays roots-folk that is often inspired by his life on his family farm, in support of 2020’s I'm With You (on Bloodshot Records).

Moonspell, Granada- Lawrence CANCELED

Tuesday Sept 13

The National, GrindersKC, $39.50-$84

One of our favorites, The National are out on a reunion tour, their first since 2019 (and more recent full-length, I Am Easy to Find). “The last couple years have given us ample time for reflection and rejuvenation. Summer 2022 is a time for reunion," the band said in a press release. "We look forward to gathering with friends, old and new. United in music and light, suspended in time. We hope you can join us.”

The band has also partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from each ticket will benefit the PLUS1 Ukraine Relief Fund, supporting the people of Ukraine through effective grassroots nonprofits providing humanitarian aid, refugee support and access to critical information; and Buffalo String Works and their work to ignite personal and community leadership through accessible, youth-centered music education.

Australian singer-songwriter Indigo Sparke will open, in support of Hysteria and new single, “Pressure in my Chest”, her follow up to last year’s Echo (which was co-produced by Adrianne Lenker).

Cheap Trick, Uptown, $45-$125

The band released their 20th studio album In Another World last April (via BMG) and since forming in 1973, the band has performed in 5,000+ shows and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. It’s been a family affair as offspring Daxx Nielsen and Robin Taylor Zander join their fathers as live touring members. We caught them at a 2017 benefit concert which turned out to be a rare Kiss reunion.

Panic! at the Disco, T-Mobile Center, $30.50-$130.50

In support of their seventh studio album, VIVA LAS VENGEANCE, the world tour returns to mostly arenas, with very worth openers Jake Wesley Rogers and Beach Bunny scheduled to open in Kansas City, so make sure to arrive early.

Testament with Exodus and Death Angel, The Truman. $35-$60

The thrash godfathers return with their thirteenth studio album: Titans of Creation, written remotely during the pandemic. We caught the legends live back in 2018, as part of Slayer’s farewell, and support from Exodus and Death Angel (who we caught in 2019) make this a solid, can’t miss show.

Sunny Day Real Estate w The Appleseed Cast, Liberty Hall- Lawrence, $35-$75

For the first time in over a decade, the classic alternative rock band is back on tour, featuring original members Jeremy Enigk, Dan Hoerner, and William Goldsmith (bassist Nate Mendel of Foo Fighters is not scheduled), opening their tour in lovely Lawrence, KS.

Lawrence’s own Appleseed Cast to open, and haven’t had new music since pre-pandemic, so maybe look to hear something new.

The Prom (musical) September 13 thru 18, Starlight Theatre, $15-$98

The Broadway hit that The New York Times declares it “makes you believe in musical comedy again!” The Prom features direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (Mean Girls, The Book of Mormon), book by Tony winner Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone) and Tony nominee Chad Beguelin (Aladdin), music by Tony nominee Matthew Sklar (Elf) and lyrics by Beguelin.

Wednesday Sept 14

Jimmy Eat World w Charly Bliss, Uptown Theater, $37.50-$77.50

The Mesa, AZ band returns to live stages on their Something Loud tour. Formed in 1993 the four-piece has released 10 studio albums, breaking through with 2001's “Bleed American,” and hit single, "The Middle," which reached number one. We last caught them live in Minneapolis in 2018.

We’re also fans of Brooklyn-based power pop band Charly Bliss who we caught headlining back in 2018 and are due for a follow up for 2019’s Young Enough album.

Call Me Karizma w Astrus*, VIVO Live Music- OPKS,$16, 2 for $20

Young aka Morgan Parriott is a rising singer-songwriter/rapper from the familiar stomping grounds of New Prague, MN (a good brewery is there) and blends hip hop, post punk and more for his sound, out on his The Francis Tour. To coincide, Karizma dropped a music video for track “Delinquents”- “a song about my role as a leader of misfit toys. If you’ve ever come to one of my concerts, you will see every type of person imaginable in the crowd. And I take pride in bringing them all together with my music. We are the delinquents.” And like, The National above, has pledged $1 per ticket to benefit PLUS1.

Arrive early for Astrus*, a buzzing Dallas indie / hip hop artist, blending rap with emo-tinged alt rock and bedroom pop. He writes not just about teen angst, but real tragedy and loss, struggles with addiction, and mental health on singles "She Wonders Why," "Thinking About You" and "I Hope Ur Happy". FAANGS also listed as support.

Red Hot Chili Pipers, Knuckleheads, $20

...we said Pipers, so don’t expect Flea and Anthony! It’s bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a fusion of trad Scottish music and rock/pop anthems which they proudly call 'Bagrock."

Ricky Montgomery with Delaney Bailey, The Truman. $25-$50

Los Angeles singer, musician and songwriter whose songs went viral on TikTok, leading to being signed with Warner Records in 2020 and has new EP, It's 2016 Somewhere, out now.

Why Don't We, The Midland, CANCELED

Thursday Sept 15

American Aquarium, Knuckleheads, $20

Raleigh NC alt-country band in support of the brand-new Chicamacomico album and the band recently celebrated headlining the historic Ryman in Nashville. “Country music was the voice of the people. It wasn’t always the prettiest voice, but it was an honest voice,” said founder and front man BJ Barham. “I think that’s where country music has lost its way.” Listen as they try and help save it.

Morgan Wade as support

Psycroptic and Fallujah, Bottleneck. $25

Aussie technical death metal band in support of new album Divine Council, and San Fran technical death metallers whose new album, Empyrean, just came out on Friday.

Interloper, Cognitive, April Mist all listed as openers, so a filled night of tech death metal.

Jo Dee Messina, Prairie Band Casino-Mayetta, SOLD OUT

The longtime country artist has nine number one hit songs, 16 top 40 songs, and has sold over five million albums worldwide including breakout song, “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”

Friday Sept 16

Motionless in White with Black Veil Brides, Ice Nine Kills and Crown the Empire, Sept. 16, Azura Amphitheater. $49.50-$59.50

The second leg of their successful tri-headline "Trinity of Terror" tour with special guests Crown the Empire. As with the previous leg, all three will alternate who gets the closing spot each night, but regardless of where your favorite band on the bill falls, they promise a great set.

After 7 with LeVelle, Da Truth Band and more, Kansas City Live! $20

National Art & Soul Experience (ASX) presents RHYTHM-N-SOUL WITH AFTER 7 LeVelle, Da Truth Band, and DJ Hobo Tone, hosted by Sean Tyler.

Miss May I, Granada- Lawrence, $20

Troy, OH metalcore band formed in 2007 and just released their seventh studio album, Curse of Existence earlier this month, following lead single, “Bleed Together”.

According to vocalist Levi Benton, the album follows the same direction as the single, looking at the different connection in our lives and how the lessons we learn shape who we are as human beings.

Paul Thorn, Sept. 16-18, Knuckleheads. $20-$75

The longtime roots musician, bluesy, rocking and Southern, stages a mini-residency, multi-night stand at the club. 2019’s Never Too Late To Call was seven years in the making, recorded at Sam Phillips Studio in Memphis and produced and engineered by Grammy winner Matt Ross-Spang.

Saturday Sept 17

Barns Courtney recordBar, $20

Count us as fans of the English singer-songwriter, out on his re-scheduled Out with the Old Tour and hitting forty-two North American cities. New single, “Supernatural” has been released and Barns is “currently in the studio perfecting a new body of work,” which is due out later this year. His most recent album is 2019’s 404, which features singles “99” and “You and I” and we’ve been knocked out every time we’ve seen him live.

Vanilla Ice, KC Convention Center,$30-$100

Collaborate and Listen?! Wasn’t Ice just here, playing a set after a Royals game, you say? Well, yes, but aka Mr. Van Winkle again returns to town as part of this weekend’s Collect-A-Con, for a show included with admission ticket. The convention promises 500+ vendors selling Sports Cards, Funko POP!, Comic Books, Toys, Video Games, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering and more. Usually, that’s very up our alley, but we probably won’t hit this one.

Vampa, Aura,$20

VAMPA, aka Emily Mucha, is a young producer / DJ rising in the North and Southeastern dubstep scene, bringing a new wave of deep bass music to the masses. Artists she has previously been on the bill with include Mija, Boogie T, Trampa, Dubloadz, EPROM, Whipped Cream, Nitti Gritti, Blunts and Blondes, Jphelpz, Xaebor, Yheti and more.

Gang of Youths, Bottleneck-Lawrence, CANCELED

Sunday Sept 18

sleep in, relax

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

Courtney Barnett / Lucy Dacus / Quinn Christopherson - Here and There Festival, Kansas City (2022-08-08)

COURTNEY BARNETT SETLIST Rae Street Sunfair Sundown Avant Gardener Need a Little Time Nameless, Faceless Small Poppies Turning Green Here's the Thing Sunday Roast Depreston Walkin' on Eggshells Elevator Operator If I Don't Hear from You Tonight History Eraser Pedestrian at Best Write a List of Things to Look Forward To Oh the Night (with Quinn Christopherson) Before You Gotta Go LUCY DACUS SETLIST Triple Dog Dare First Time Addictions Hot & Heavy Christine VBS Partner in Crime Brando Thumbs I Don't Wanna Be Funny Anymore Kissing Lessons Believe (Cher cover) Night Shift QUINN CHRISTOPHERSON SETLIST Bubblegum Celine Evelene Loaded Gun 2005 I Don’t Like Who I Am (?) HERE AND THERE FESTIVAL TOUR DATES AUG 09 st. louis, mo the factory AUG 10 cleveland, oh the agora AUG 12 harrisburg, pa harrisburg university at xl live AUG 13 north adams, ma mass moca AUG 14 syracuse, ny beak & skiff apple orchards AUG 16 chicago, il salt shed AUG 20 portland, or edgefield AUG 21 redmond, wa marymoor park AUG 26 stanford, ca frost amphitheater at stanford AUG 28 san diego, ca humphrey’s concerts by the bay AUG 31 dallas, tx the factory in deep ellum SEP 01 austin, tx acl live at the moody theater SEP 03 denver, co mission ballroom

“I got lost somewhere between Here And There, I’m not sure what the town was called” – Courtney Barnett “Scotty Says” (2012 song)

As indie singer-songwriter-guitarist Courtney Barnett first started playing shows, she drove long distances through the Australian countryside, passing through numerous small towns before arriving at the next bigger city. She would later realize that these towns were filled with community, experience, and stories.

That journeying instinct has culminated in her organizing and curating the Here and There Festival, a 15-stop show with a rotating lineup of almost two dozen total artists, that would begin in Kansas City at The Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland.

Barnett has also owned a label (Milk! Records) for a decade so she also has curated a limited cassette/digital compilation in conjunction with the tour, to raise money for organizations supporting reproductive justice, with all profits going towards the National Network of Abortion Funds and Advocates For Youth. Pre-order it here.

Additionally, non-profit Sounds of Saving are tour partners- their mission uses the connection to music as a direct path to mental well-being. The group on-site also highlighted the recent implementation of the 988 number to a network of suicide/crisis lifeline call centers. Pride Haven were also on-site at the Kansas City show – SAVE, Inc.’s overnight shelter who offer a welcoming environment for transition-aged 18-24 youth, facing homelessness.

The music began with rising Anchorage singer-songwriter Quinn Christopherson, whose debut full-length, Write Your Name in Pink will be released September 16 for a half-hour set, accompanied by only his guitarist and beginning with the title track from his I Am Bubblegum EP. “My family has been telling stories forever, and this is how I tell mine”, Christopherson explained after the new “Celine”, a touching song about his mother.

Christopherson was verbally pleased to be playing indoors again after numerous outdoor shows and “2005”, which included several throwback references (17 years ago?!, kinda made us feel old!) and pined for a simpler time. “I do like who I am today” Christopherson admitted after their final number, “...it’s an old song”.

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As the analog home movies began rolling on-screen, we knew it was time for an hour-long set from singer/songwriter Lucy Dacus, who we caught headlining in Lawrence back in February.

We were just happy to see Dacus upright and recovered, as she spent several shows singing and playing on her back, after slipping some discs but still determined to carry on performing.

We first caught Dacus live in Spring 2018 and have proudly watched her grow into a performer of more confidence and watched her fan base grow exponentially as well. 2021’s “Home Video” remains her latest full-length (and a VHS graphic rolled on-screen between songs), with a few new singles released since.

The same band as previous accompanied her, including secret weapon, guitarist Jacob Blizard and though things started more solemn with 2021’s “Triple Dog Dare”, tempo would soon pick up.

Though the set was an abridged version of her headlining set in February, it still sounded fresh and relevant, especially to the loyal fans that hang on her every word, with numerous traveling from around the country to see this opening date. The crowd responded well early to 2018’s “Addictions” which offers the great conflicting lyric, “You've got a sense of adventure and a penchant for comfort that keeps you at home”.

“This is what a theater should look like” Dacus said, looking around, also remembering a very early date at the venue opening for Houndmouth. “Did anyone here go to vacation bible school?” she asked before launching into “VBS” as a crowd roar went up, “Predictable…!” she quipped.

Recent two-minute single, “Kissing Lessons” (which Dacus described as “a little gay song”) was played as the video played behind the band, then the group launched into a slowed and atmospheric version of Cher’s “Believe”, stripping away all the dance beats and auto-tune vocals, leaving the longing of the song’s lyrics exposed. The still-powerful 2018 song “Night Shift” would end the set, with many singing along to the heartbreaking but empowered lyrics.

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As colleague Vu has noted previous, we’ve had Melbourne native Courtney Barnett on our radar for a decade, first praising her debut two EPs in 2013. We saw her in Chicago in February 2014 (sold out), Varsity Theater in June 2014 (Sold Out), Rock the Garden in June 2015, Desert Daze in October 2017, Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile in October 2017 (Sold Out), Surly Brewing Festival in July 2018 and Rock the Garden 2019, so ahem, we have some history.

Her latest full-length is last November’s Things Take Time, Take Time (on Mom+Pop) and she began her eighty-minute headlining set with the first two songs from the new record, “Rae Street” and “Sunfair Sundown” before elevating things with her breakout single, 2015’s “Avant Gardener”.

Only accompanied by bassist Bones Sloane and drummer Dave Mudie, the sound was still big with Barnett not saying very much between songs (as usual, so no mention of fellow Australian Olivia Newton-John, who died earlier that day).

Her stream of consciousness style lyrics and irrefutable guitar skills made for a mesmerizing performance in mostly minimal lighting. 2021’s “Turning Green” turned things slightly funkier, with Barnett even singing as she played cowbell then “Here’s the Thing” had her confessing, “I'm not afraid of heights, maybe I'm just scared of falling.”

“Any real estate agents here? This song’s for you...it’s a happy song” she remarked before 2015’s “Depreston” and she described the new “If I Don't Hear from You Tonight” as “a love sing” asking if anyone in the crowd was on a first date.

The end of the main set would really ramp up with an energetic “Pedestrian at Best” and the forward-chugging “Write a List of The Things to Look Forward To”, followed by a two-song encore beginning with the Dylan-esque “Oh the Night”, the new album’s closing track, where Barnett harmonized with Christopherson, who came back on stage to lend a vocal hand.

The show ended ideally with road song “Before You Gotta Go” and Barnett assuring the crowd “you’re always on my mind” and the feeling seemed to be mutual with so many singing along.

With a touring festival that promotes both wandering and inclusion, those themes might seem like polar opposites, but in fact, end up being very closely related. And based on the first tour stop and the roster of so many musically interesting artists, The Here and There Festival seems like a show worth getting lost in.

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

QUINN CHRISTOPHERSON

QUINN CHRISTOPHERSON

LUCY DACUS SETLIST

QUINN CHRISTOPHERSON

PRIDE HAVEN BOOTH

SOUND OF SAVING BOOTH

LUCY DACUS

JACOB BLIZARD

LUCY DACUS

LUCY DACUS

DOMINIC ANGELELLA

COURTNEY BARNETT SETLIST

COURTNEY BARNETT

COURTNEY BARNETT

COURTNEY BARNETT

DAVE MUDIE

BONES SLOANE

COURTNEY BARNETT

COURTNEY BARNETT

 

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

We♥KC- July 18-25, 2022 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

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

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

“Do ya wanna get rocked?!”

The big show of the week is the four-act arena rock show headlined by Def Leppard and Motley Crue taking place outdoors at the home of the KC Royals (with VIP tix topping at almost $1K!). Temps look to be in the triple-digits for most of the week, so stay hydrated out there.

Covid concerns continue as both the Earth Wind and Fire and Kansas/.38 Special shows were scuttled last week due to band/crew infections, so take precautions and check those band and venue social channels for any last-minute schedule changes.

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence, KS metro July 18^th\ – 25^th

(Several artists still require precautions for entry- check with the venue for specific details regarding vaxx proof/masks)

Monday July 18

Tuesday July 19

Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe with Poison and Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Kauffman Stadium. $49.50-$945

Back in the late ‘80s, each of these acts respectively could have filled an arena on their own, flash-forward a few decades and they’ve combined forces for an entertaining day at the ballpark.

We’ve seen each separately but not all together, and have to admit, are still a little put out by Mötley Crüe returning after a signed and so-called “final tour” last time out, when we saw them last in 2015. Seeing singer Vince Neil open in 2019 left us a little cold as well, so fingers crossed for better things.

Def Leppard, on the other hand, have a solid new album out, Diamond Star Halos, their twelfth full length and first since 2015. Despite a few recent health scares, Poison continues on as does Joan Jett, a recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member who finally unplugged on 2022’s Acoustics album.

An early 4:30p start time and parking costs start in advance at $30, so plan accordingly.

Motion City Soundtrack, Granada. $34.50

Minneapolis still claims them as hometown heroes and after a pandemic delay, Motion City Soundtrack is currently on their Commit This To Memory 17 Year Anniversary Tour.

Charleston, SC indie band All Get Out has new album, Kodak out, and Long Island musician /vocalist Neil Rubenstein both are scheduled to open.

Dave Mason, Liberty Hall, $45-$124

Decades later, there’s still “only you and me and we just disagree”. The longtime musician best known as a member of Traffic will undoubtedly have you “Feelin’ Alright”.

Wednesday July 20

Thursday July 21

Maren Morris, Starlight, $29.75-$99.75

The GRAMMY-winning country singer-songwriter headlines in support of her newest album, Humble Quest. She began writing the new album songs at the beginning of the pandemic as a series of life changes unfolded—new motherhood, an upended career, the death of her friend and collaborator Michael Busbee, and more.

Live, she of course plays dance hit, “The Middle” and has also been working in a Fiona Apple cover.

Sheryl Crow, GrindersKC. $75-$99

The Missouri native was just recently in town for the Big Slick charity weekend, and this is a chance to see her full set and outdoors. New song “Forever” is one of her best, and is from Sheryl, her recent documentary and accompanying soundtrack album. She’s also working in a Rolling Stones cover into her live show.

Animal Collective, The Truman, $33-$38

Covid postponed this show previously, with all previous tickets being honored- The Baltimore experimental pop art band is back on the road on their Time Skiffs Tour, named after their Feb-released new album, which featured the return of member Deakin, who had sat out the previous release. We last saw them at the Desert Daze Fest in 2019.

Opening on this solid double-bill is Philadelphia’s Spirit of the Beehive, supporting fourth album, Entertainment, Death, which came out last summer and they play somewhat similar psychedelic, experimental pop rock.

Jeff Rosenstock, Bottleneck-Lawrence, $20

The busy Long Island multi-instrumentalist is out in support of last year’s Ska Dream album, and also released one with the Bruce Lee Band, and runs his own label as well. You may have caught him recently on Late Night with Seth Myers performing with buddies in PUP.

Nnamdi, Catbite listed as support.

Chase Rice w Travis Denning, Power & Light District, $20

The former college linebacker and pit crew member is out in support of last year’s appropriately titled The Album, which was a combination of two previous EPs and features the single, “Drinkin Beer, Talkin’ God, Amen”

Friday July 22

Josh Groban, Starlight. $35-$199.50

The Harmony Tour is the first opportunity Groban has had to play songs for a live audience from his 2020 album, Harmony (on Warner Brothers), as a result of the pandemic delay. Groban is a Tony®, EMMY®, and four-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer and songwriter, who can still lift you up with one of the most instantly recognizable voices in music. Live, he’s been singing his own songs, as well as those from Frank Sinatra, Peter Gabriel, Robbie Williams, Kenny Loggins and more.

We last saw him back in 2013 (he even recorded an album in Minneapolis), so we’re overdue to catch him live again.

Support acts include Preservation Hall Jazz Band to insure an entertaining and full night of music.

Scarface, The Truman CANCELED

Saturday July 23

John Mulaney (comedian), Starlight. $39.50-$149.50

The two-time Emmy and WGA award-winning writer and comedian has had an eventful last few years, including a divorce, intervention, stint in rehab, and new baby, all of which he happily and humorously details in his live set.

(note: this is a No-Phone show- secure pouches will be provided)

Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass featuring The Hillbenders,  Knuckleheads. $27.50-$47.50, two shows early and late.

Loose interpretations of Grateful Dead songs in a Bluegrass manner by this talented assemblage.

Crystal Method, Aura Nightclub, $35

The Las Vegas electronic hit makers are back on the road in support of new album The Trip Out, and it was a bit odd to see them on recent NBC reality show American Song Contest.

Molly Hatchet Sac and Fox Casino-Powhatten, Free

Are they still “flirtin’ with disaster” if there are no original members left? I guess the answer is “Yes” as they do feature a guitarist and keyboardist that were members in the mid-80s, and with a new vocalist, will be playing all the favorites.

FYI, they return to the area over Labor Day weekend, for a bike rally near Lake Perry as well.

Sunday July 24

Monday July 25

King Princess w Dora Jar,Arvest Theatre at The Midland, $25-$49.50

The only bummer of catching them live back in January on the Kacey Musgraves tour, was that technical difficulties cut their set drastically short. Aka Mikaela Straus did apologize, and the crowd did get to hear single “Little Bother”, a collaboration with NY soul singer Fousheé, and “For My Friends”, both a preview of the upcoming record Hold On Baby, due out July 29.

Boy Harsher, recordBar. $20

The Georgia darkwave duo of Jae Matthews and producer Augustus Muller is touring in support of new album The Runner (Original Soundtrack) which accompanies their own conceptual film (on their own Nude Club/City Slang label).

Opener Hiro Kone is aka Nicky Mao, a New York based experimental electronic / techno producer, out in support of last year’s Silvercoat the throng

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