W♥M

KT Tunstall at Jayhawk Theatre, Topeka KS (2023-05-18)

KT TUNSTALL SETLIST   Miniature Disasters It Took Me So Long Still a Weirdo Dear Shadow Other Side of the World Black Horse and the Cherry Tree Feel It All Heal Over Another Place to Fall Century Trail All the Time  Canyons Hold On   Encore:  Stopping the Love Suddenly I See KT TUNSTALL Tour Dates JUN 4 VENTURA MUSIC HALL VENTURA, CA JUN 7 BELLY UP SOLANA BEACH, CA JUN 9 FREMONT THEATER SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA JUN 10 TROUBADOUR WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA JUN 12 FELTON MUSIC HALL FELTON, CA JUN 13 GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL SAN FRANCISCO, CA JUN 15 THE GUILD THEATRE MENLO PARK, CA JUN 17 SUNSET STATION HOTEL & CASINO HENDERSON, NV JUN 18 PAPPY & HARRIET'S PIONEERTOWN, CA JUL 4 THUNDER BAY COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM THUNDER BAY, CANADA JUL 6-9 WINNIPEG FOLK FESTIVAL OAKBANK, CANADA JUL 7-9 MARIPOSA FOLK FESTIVAL ORILLIA, CANADA JUL 15 CAMP DALFEST GLENARM, UK JUL 16 THE ACADEMY, MIDDLE ABBEY STREET DUBLIN, IRELAND JUL 18 CYPRUS AVENUE CORK, IRELAND JUL 20-23 STANDON CALLING STANDON, UK JUL 24 PAVILION THEATRE (WORTHING) WORTHING, UK JUL 26 BOISDALE OF CANARY WHARF LONDON, UK JUL 28 BELLADRUM TARTAN HEART INVERNESS-SHIRE, UK JUL 29 KENDAL CALLING PENRITH, UK JUL 30 Y NOT FESTIVAL MELBOURNE, UK AUG 25 VILAR PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AVON, CO Read More KT Tunstall You can now watch all of KT Tunstall's music videos, live performances, and various appearances on Hulu at hulu.com/kt-tunstall.

KT Tunstall just finished her US / Canada 2023 Tour in (of all places) downtown Topeka Kansas at the historic Jayhawk Theatre. 

It was a rare treat for the local audience, as this was only the second national touring musical act to come through (the first being Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters, who we also covered), it featured a full headlining set from Tunstall (she's been co-headlining around the country with Martin Sexton, meaning a shortened setlist), and may be the last national music act to play there, before final renovations begin with the State's recent awarding of a $5mil. grant, to fully finish the venue's restoration.  

Tunstall delighted the capacity crowd with her own pop hits, worked in several covers, explained some of her songs, and told a few stories.  

More info to come!

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The Scottish musician burst onto the music scene with her multi-platinum debut album Eye to the Telescope, featuring unforgettable hits like “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” and “Suddenly I See.”

Tunstall’s unique blend of introspective folk and propulsive rock has made her a captivating and must-see performer. Recently, she has expanded on her musical style by focusing on a trilogy of records that explore the concepts of soul, body and mind. Her latest album NUT, produced by Martin Terefe, draws on Tunstall’s love of West African rhythms to create an eclectic and seamless blend of styles.

Exploring themes of personal evolution and the development of unique identities, Tunstall’s music is vibrant and meaningful.

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ELLIE SMITH BAND

ELLIE SMITH BAND

ELLIE SMITH BAND

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

We♥KC! May 2-8, 2023 Upcoming concerts/shows (Kansas City / Topeka / Lawrence, KS)

Read More Robert Plant The English musician best known as the lead singer and lyricist for Led Zeppelin, will be headlining the Orpheum Theatre. Billed as Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, .… …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Mayday, Mayday!

The alert is that May is here, signaling the beginning (as evidenced by last weekend’s NFL Draft concerts and Kelce Jam) of outdoor concert season and a summer jam-packed with shows. Starlight takes the lead with a stellar upcoming show from Robert Plant / Alison Krauss, there’s a couple arena shows this week, and Knuckleheads looks as busy as usual.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City/Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from May 2nd-May 8th.

TUESDAY MAY 2

Janet Jackson w Ludacris, T-Mobile Center, $39.95-$499.95

The five-time GRAMMY®️ Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®️ Inductee has returned to the road after four years with her ninth concert tour, “Together Again.” The tour will offer the long-awaited chance to reunite with Jackson in celebration of her 50th anniversary in entertainment and spotlight the milestones for two of Jackson's most critically acclaimed albums- 25 years of "The Velvet Rope", and 30 years of "janet."plus other mega hits, so expect some three-dozen classics during the evening.

3x-Grammy Award winning recording artist and Fast & Furious actor, Ludacris will open.

Skinny Puppy w Lead into Gold, Liberty Hall-Lawrence, $38.50-$174

The Canadian industrial icons are celebrating their 40th anniversary and are doing so by announcing what they're calling their "Final Tour." “It’s been eight long years since we’ve toured and there is no better way to end our run as a group than with a tour celebrating our 40th anniversary,” stated the band in a press release. “To our West Coast fans, don’t worry! We’ll see you soon!”

2013’s Weapon is the most recent LP in Skinny Puppy’s long discography.

Foreigner w Cage Willis, Stormont Vail Events Center- Topeka, $49.50-$120

The band, formed in1976 by British guitarist Mick Jones, is out on its Farewell Tour which runs through the end of 2024 and Topeka gets one of the early dates. Foreigner has released nine studio albums and sold more than 50 million records worldwide. They have had nine top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including rock radio staples such as “Feels Like the First Time,” “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision,” “Urgent” and the power ballad “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

Jones, the last original member still active, has become something of a special guest at the band’s concerts, not attending every show due to health reasons and playing only during the latter portion of the set. Singer Kelly Hansen as been lead vocalist since joining in 2005.

Southern rock artist Cage Willis has his debut album Who I Am just out, featuring singles “Hallucinate” and “Way Out Here” and was produced by songwriter Chris Robertson of Black Stone Cherry

Les Miserables, May 2-7, Music Hall, $36-$126

Seen by over 130 million people in 53 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, Les Miz is as popular as ever! Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon.

Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells a story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The score includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” “Master of the House” and many more.

WEDNESDAY MAY 3

John Butler, The Folly, $40-$58.50

(Note: Knuckleheads Presents the show, but it is at The Folly)

One of Australia’s premiere indie alternative songwriter/ storytellers, Butler’s most recent studio album, 2018’s ‘HOME’, debuted at #1 on the ARIA Charts and a Live in Paris release just came out, from John Butler Trio.

moe., The Truman. $30-$60

The longtime jam band (Al Schnier (guitars, vocals) * Chuck Garvey (guitars, vocals) * Rob Derhak (bass, vocals) * Jim Loughlin (percussion, vibes) * Vinnie Amico (drums) first formed at the Univ of Buffalo back in 1990. 2020's THIS IS NOT, WE ARE is the band's 12th studio album and first since 2014.

 

THURSDAY MAY 4

Dragon Inn 3, Blip Roasters, Free! (more info here)

KC-based indie pop/synth band Dragon Inn 3- led by Phil Dickey, co-founder of indie-pop band Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin just released their sophomore album Trade Secrets on American Laundromat Records. The idea behind the foursome (Grace Bentley- vocals. Philip Dickey- synths, drums, guitar, bass, vocals. Sharon Hamm- synths. David Hill- synths) began as more of an experiment a decade ago by Dickey, running concurrently with SSLYBY (who we last caught live back in Minneapolis in 2013 and also in Brooklyn in 2009).

Their synth-driven sounds were polished and defined on their 2018 debut, Double Line, with the band mostly hunkered down (like most of us) as the pandemic years passed. For Kansas City fans, they’ve finally returned to the live stage, with Phil and Grace playing a special acoustic show in the Crossroads district, to showcase the new songs and play some old favorites.

Daniel Rodriguez, Knuckleheads, $20

The Colorado singer-songwriter is still out in support of his third studio album, Vast Nothing and we caught him live, opening an all-Colorado lineup featuring The Lumineers last summer. He is also a founding member of Elephant Revival and wrote some of their most well-known songs before they disbanded in 2018.

Brooks and Dunn w Scottie McCreery, T-Mobile Center,$24.75-$164.75

Country’s most-awarded duo pull on their cowboy boots once again to continue their Reboot Tour which first launched in 2021. The tour is named after the duo's 2019 collaboration album "Reboot," which includes the pair singing with artists including Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Cody Johnson and Jon Pardi.

Orianthi, Knuckleheads,$32.50-$50

The platinum-selling artist and one of the best rock guitarists today, is out supporting studio album, “Rock Candy” which came out last October. and is described as a hard rockin’, blues tinged, display of Orianthi’s guitar playing and soulful vocals. She’s played with the likes of Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, Carrie Underwood, Alice Cooper, ahem...Ritchie Sambora, and lately Tracii Guns,

FRIDAY MAY 5

Air Supply, Ameristar Casino, $68-$240

The Aussie soft rock duo started all the way back in 1975 in Melbourne and is still going today – America seems never "All out of Love" to hear their songs. In addition to their own classic hits, they’ve been working in their version of Nilsson’s “Without You” into their encores.

Against the Current w Trophy Eyes, Yours Truly, Granada- Lawrence, $25-$28

The NY-based pop-punk trio dropped their new single, “good guy.” which vocalist Chrissy Costanza describes the track as “all about going from anger to apathy, recognizing that this person that hurt you is too sad to hate,” urging listeners to “don’t ignore the red flags, trust your gut.”

The band’s career spans over a decade, forming in 2011 before releasing their debut studio album, In Our Bones, in 2016, followed by 2018’s Past Lives, and have also released several EPs.

Robert Plant / Alison Krauss, Starlight, $37-$175

The legendary Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant and bluegrass innovator and 27-time Grammy winner Alison Krauss have finally reunited again on their Raising the Roof Tour. More than 15 years after their initial critically acclaimed and award-sweeping collaboration, Plant and Krauss are now touring in support of their most recent album, "Raise the Roof," released last November.

It's their first LP together since their 2007 collaboration, "Raising Sand." Plant and Krauss have included songs from both albums in their new sets as well as their unique versions of Zeppelin/ Page Plant songs "The Battle of Evermore," "Rock and Roll," and "Please Read the Letter." Expect other covers from the likes of Calexico, The Everly Brothers, and Allen Toussaint. We caught Plant solo in Minneapolis in 2018, and think the magical combination of these two, outdoors under the stars, will undoubtedly make for a memorable show.

JD McPherson to open, who we saw solo at the MN State Fair back in 2017, and who is also a part of the headlining band.  

Eddie Griffin,(comedian Uptown. $39.50-$122

The hometown comedian returns with a brand new hilarious show. Born in Kansas City, by the young age of 16, he opened his own dance studio and was choreographing the Kansas City Chiefs halftime shows, but his career would later lead down the comedy path and also into acting.

Amythyst Kiah, Knuckleheads, $17.50

The Chattanooga, TN singer/songwriter is making waves with her Rounder Records debut, Wary + Strange, after earning a Grammy Award nomination for Best American Roots Song and winning Song of the Year at the 2019 Folk Alliance International Awards (in Kansas City). “For anyone who’s struggled with grief or trauma or felt left out and weird and like they didn’t belong, I hope this album lets them know that they’re not alone in that feeling,” says Kiah.

SATURDAY MAY 6

Knuckle Puck & Real Friends w Between You and Me, The Truman, $28-$30

Knuckle Puck formed in 2010 in the suburbs of Chicago releasing several EPs, one of which, While I Stay Secluded, peaked at 5 on the Heatseekers Albums chart. The band announced last Fall that they had signed with Pure Noise Records and released a new single “Groundhog Day.” Their upcoming 4th LP will release in 2024. We caught them live last, back in 2015 in Minneapolis.

49 Winchester with The Weathered Souls, Knuckleheads. $20

With its latest and fourth album, “Fortune Favors The Bold,” (their debut for Nashville’s New West Records) the VA-based band is ready to break onto the national scene with its unique brand alt-country, barroom floor rock-n-roll, and high-octane Appalachian folk.

Formed eight years ago in the small mountain town of Castlewood, VA, the band started as a rag tag bunch of area teenagers who just wanted to get together for the sake of playing together but are now making a larger impact.

Black Dahlia Murder w/ Terror, Frozen Soul, Fuming Mouth, and Phobophilic, Granada-Lawrence,$25

The rockers are back out on their first tour since the tragic death at age 41 of lead vocalist Trevor Strnad, with guitarist Brian Eschbach since taking over on lead vocals. They’re remembering how one of Trevor's roles was uplifting young and new bands, and how they plan to do their best to continue to do this. This tour includes three of the most promising newer metal and/or hardcore bands around (Frozen Soul, Fuming Mouth, and Phobophilic), along with hardcore vets Terror.

Sondheim on Sondheim, May 6-7, Kauffman Center, $33.50-$139.50

Sondheim on Sondheim is an intimate portrait of the famed songwriter through his beloved songs and words. With exclusive interviews interspersed among favorite songs, audiences get an inside look at the renowned composer’s personal life and artistic process. Honoring the legacy of Stephen Sondheim, who passed away in November 2021, this production features various vocal stylists accompanied by the Kansas City Symphony. 

SUNDAY MAY 7

Built to Spill w Prism Bitch, Itchy Kitty (rescheduled), Madrid Theatre, $35-$59.50

The longtime alternative Boise, ID group is back on tour behind new album When the Wind Forgets Your Name. We caught the band last in Georgia back in 2016. The live band throughout the tour will be comprised of Doug Martsch, bassist Melanie Radford, and drummer Teresa Esguerra. With two interesting openers, it’s a full night of entertainment.

MONDAY MAY 8

nada

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

The Great Overland Comic Convention (2023-02-25 & 26) Topeka KS - recap

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

A new comic convention in a very historic venue--

The inaugural Great Overland Comic Convention was held over the weekend in Topeka, KS featuring vendors, guests, events, panels, and more, and took place in an almost century-old venue, to great success.

The Great Overland Station began as a Union Pacific railroad passenger station in January 1927 and would survive floods, several remodels, being abandoned in 1988, and damaged by fire in 1992. Union Pacific Corporation donated the station and then efforts commenced to transform it into a railroad heritage museum, opening as such in June 2004. The venue brings Topeka's railroad heritage to life through photographs, special exhibits, and costumes, and even hands-on simulators.

The two-day show was an all-ages celebration featuring regional pop culture creatives that attracted over 1000 people over the course of the weekend. Shawnee County Parks + Recreation, Parks For All Foundation and volunteers helped bring the idea to life which featured artists and writers, cosplay, geek boutiques, video gaming, board games, and vendors selling comics, books, and pop culture merchandise.

Area guests included Kevin Dillmore (Star Trek), the musical duo of Clearly Guilty, Bona Bones (Robot Chicken), Pros & Cons Cosplay, and Robert Bolivar (Star Trek: Deep Space 9). Comic creators attending were Buster Moody, Danè Shobe, Bill Hook, Erica Batton, Travis Fox, Arie Monroe, EJ Drake, and BeeJay Hawn.

The venue is already known for hosting weddings and corporate events, and after a successful and similar Harry Potter-themed gathering last fall, it’s been proven that it can also host local pop culture shows as well, despite being somewhat remotely located along the river. A food truck was parked out front, and the arts district (which also hosted related off-hour events), was also within easy walking distance.

The $5 admission fee was inexpensive enough that any curious casual fan, or full family, could afford entry, and since all of the station’s museum exhibits could be seen as well (normally a $6 admission in itself), the door charge was that much more of a value.

Additionally, the advantage of being presented by the county Parks and Rec Dept meant for greater “official” word of mouth about the show, with listings on city/county social media, TV appearances, and coverage by most local outlets. Its relatively small size made a two-day show somewhat of an option, but that did also allow for more potential attendees to work it into their weekend calendars.

Most talent was located upstairs along a promenade, which allowed them more space, but also were somewhat isolated from the main foot traffic downstairs. A few dealers were located in additional rooms, which was needed to accommodate them all, but it seems always better to have any vendors gathered in a central area, when possible.

Minor quibbles aside, this was a well-staged and fine first show, one of hopefully many to come (next year’s plans are already being talked about) in a town that needs a regular pop culture event (again) like this one. Booking at least one high(er)-profile celebrity and a few more comic-centric dealers, would evolve the show that much more, but a very good start overall. All aboard for the next Great Overland Comic Convention!

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GREAT OVERLAND COMIC CONVENTION

ARTIST AT WORK

VIEW FROM THE FLOOR

LONGBOX DIGGING FOR COMICS

GREAT OVERLAND STATION COMIC CONVENTION

CLEARLY GUILTY musical duo

SWORDS/ WEAPONS DEALER

COMIC BOOK DEALER

GREAT OVERLAND COMIC CONVENTION- Star Wars Cosplay SQUISHMELLOWS VENDOR   VIEW FROM THE BALCONY   TOYS AND COLLECTIBLES

John C ♥ johnc@weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

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

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

In between all that holiday shopping, there’s still time to work in some live music, before the winter slowdown kicks in and weather worsens.

There’s still national acts touring, many holiday-themed shows, and a good amount of local tribute shows as well out there. 2023 concert tix can always make for a fine gift as well!

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City metro December 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 DEC 12

CONTINUING: Kansas City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker December 7-24, Kauffman Center, $64.50-$258.50

An annual holiday tradition! The classic, Victorian-era story by E.T.A. Hoffman features Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier and the Sugar Plum Fairy and is a magical theatrical experience wrapped with memorable costumes, grand sets, and captivating choreography. Thru Xmas Eve.

TUESDAY DEC 13

Rainbow Kitten Surprise w Twen, The Midland, $39.50-$69.50

The NC alternative indie rock band has quietly built an audience with Seven + Mary [2013] and RKS [2015] before serving up their 2018 full-length debut for Elektra. Three consecutive gigs were chronicled on last year’s Live From Athens Georgia, and the group released “Work Out” this summer, the lead single from an upcoming full length.

On tour, they’ve partnered with PLUS1 so that $1 from every ticket sold will go to local food banks working to fight hunger and food insecurity in their communities.

Chely Wright, Dec 13, Jayhawk Theater- Topeka, $100

The Wellsville, KS native is returning to her home state to support local youth. Longtime Country star Chely Wright will perform at a benefit for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka. The performance will headline the organization’s Youth of the Year recognition.

The event begins with a 6 p.m. cocktail hour, followed by the concert and program at 7 p.m. It will be held at the Historic Jayhawk Theatre, where we caught Billy Bob Thornton and The Boxmasters rocking last year.

WEDNESDAY DEC 14

THURSDAY DEC 15

Kody West, Dec 15, Knuckleheads,$12

A year after his first EP Higher Ground, the Denton TX alt-country artist released his debut album Green in April of 2017 and found themselves quickly gaining a large following of loyal fans. Sophomore record Overgrown that was recorded in West’s hometown and live, they even been working in an Incubus cover.

FRIDAY DEC 16

David Koechner, Dec 16-17, Improv KC, $30/$32

The longtime comedian has local roots, so expect a good turnout for his multi-show run, which even includes a matinee Office Trivia session. Despite some recent legal troubles, the actor/funnyman (known for his Todd Packer role in The Office, the Anchorman movies, and more), he remains popular.

SATURDAY DEC 17

Kelly Hunt, The Folly, $25

The Kansas City / Lawrence – based Blues/Roots/Americana singer songwriter keyboardist guitarist Kelley Hunt had been thinking about a holiday album for awhile. Winter Soulstice is ten tracks dripping with soul, gospel vocals, KC-horns-with-an-attitude, and holiday fun.

This album release concert features an expanded ensemble on stage with copies of the new album available at the show.

Martina McBride, The Midland, $49.50-$99.50

The KS-born Country music icon celebrates the season on her 12th annual The Joy of Christmas Tour. “This is the 12th year of doing the Joy Of Christmas Tour and I truly believe our 2022 version of the show is the best yet,” says McBride. “It is truly a night for the whole family to celebrate all the joyful things about the holiday season. We look forward to it every year and are honored that our show has become a tradition for us and the fans. We cannot wait to take it back on the road!”

Katy Guillen and The Drive, The Bottleneck-Lawrence, $15

KC’s own Katy Guillen & The Drive is founded on the creative spark and chemistry between Katy Guillen and Stephanie Williams, with Guillen on guitar / vocals and Williams on drums. After collaborating together in former band Katy Guillen & The Girls, the pair forged ahead in crafting a new catalog. Into this next chapter, they push ahead with a melodic, heavy, and soulful sound while maintaining their rock ‘n' roll / blues roots on the new album called Another One Gained.

Support is from The Black Mariah Theater who we caught live back in February in Lawrence. a duo comprised of twin sisters Analiese and Sophia Motta, who describe their jazzy sound as “sparkly witch-rock”.The pair released a four-song covers EP last year, and their newest single is “Broken Bone”, released in October. Official afterparty is at Henry's Upstairs following the show!

SUNDAY DEC 18

Ramirez w/ Germ, Haarper, Bottleneck- Lawrence, SOLD OUT

The rising Hispanic rapper from San Francisco is out on his The Tragedy of a Clown Tour.

Stylized as RVMIRXZ), he’s a rapper on record label Grey 59 with Ruby da Cherry and $crim drawing influences from UGK, Outkast, DJ Screw, KeKe, and Andre Nickatina. Just 20 years old, he gained underground fame from making two collaboration mixtapes with the $uicideboy$.

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

Andy McKee w/ Calum Graham, Trevor Gordon Hall at TPAC, Topeka KS (2022-08-26) concert recap

SETLIST SET I Never Grow Old Journey of Love Africa (McKee solo, Toto cover) Ontic Blues (Hall solo) Phoenix Rising (Graham solo) Andy McKee solo This Beautiful Chaos (Hall solo) Lighthouse (Graham solo) High Strung (working title) That Old Familiar Pain SET II Tabula Rasa The Blue Hour Rylynn (McKee solo) Kalimbatar (Hall solo) Sympatheia (Graham solo) Blue Liquid For My Father Hunter's Moon ANDY MCKEE TOUR DATES AUG 29 McKee Mondays - FREE Online Live Stream SEP 16 Little Feat w Andy McKee Charlotte, NC SEP 17 AMERICANAFEST 2022 Nashville, TN SEP 18 w Calum Graham Birmingham, AL SEP 19 w Calum Graham Atlanta, GA SEP 20 w Calum Graham Ponte Vedra, FL SEP 22 w Calum Graham Tampa, FL SEP 23 w Calum Graham Ft Lauderdale, FL SEP 26 w Calum Graham Charleston, SC SEP 28 w Calum Graham Asheville, NC SEP 29 w Calum Graham Durham, NC SEP 30 w Calum Graham Richmond, VA OCT 2 w Calum Graham Vienna, VA NOV 29 Musikhuset Dexter Odense, Denmark NOV 30 Spillestedet BETA København, Denmark DEC 1 GERMANY 2022 Munich, Germany DEC 2 GERMANY 2022 Dresden, Germany DEC 3 GERMANY 2022 Cologne, Germany DEC 4 GERMANY 2022 Darmstadt, Germany DEC 6 GERMANY 2022 Hamburg, Germany DEC 7 GERMANY 2022 Essen, Germany DEC 8 GERMANY 2022 Berlin, Germany DEC 9 La Maroquinerie Paris, France DEC 11 Bush Hall London, UK DEC 12 MK11 Live Music Venue Milton Keynes, UK DEC 13 Band on the Wall Manchester, UK DEC 14 Oran Mor Glasgow, UK DEC 15 Academy 2 Dublin 1, Ireland

The Power of Three has long been a theme throughout history--

From the holy trinity, to the Romans’ Rule of Three, to the three-sided pyramids, and the spiritual significance of the triangle and valknut shapes.

In fingerstyle acoustic guitar playing, the power of three is embodied by musical craftsman Andy McKee, Calum Graham, and Trevor Gordon Hall, who joined together for the second annual Concert for a Child benefit performance at the Topeka Performing Arts Center.

The trio also held a Masterclass session that afternoon for aspiring guitarists and the evening culminated in the special concert which benefited both Capper Foundation's Pediatric Scholarship Assistance Fund and the Topeka Performing Arts Center itself.

Capper Foundation intends to use funds raised to continue their mission to help children with disabilities who are not or under-insured to receive pediatric therapy services. 75% of families served utilize the scholarship assistance fund to help cover costs of their child's services.

Topeka Performing Arts Center will support art education programs for all community youth and apply funds raised to their Sheffel Theater Clinic and Schooltime Theater Series as well as other Masterclasses, and the annual Gingerbread Homes For the Holidays.

Andy McKee is a Topeka native who has previously released six studio albums, two EPs, and one live record, with his newest release being a departure from his usual guitar work- Pulse is an EP with music primarily to help with relaxation, focus, and meditation.

Calum Graham is a native Canadian, born in B.C. and currently residing in Victoria, and who first trained classically before advancing with the fingerstyle technique. Latest full-length is his Sympatheia release, out earlier this year, and Graham was named as one of the Top 30 under 30 Guitarists by Acoustic Guitar Magazine.

Trevor Gordon Hall hails from Philadelphia, first beginning in local coffeehouses, then eventually developing his own unique “kalimbatar”, a variation of the African kalimba finger piano and his own folk guitar, which would help define his signature sound. Following up 2021’s The Other World on our Planet EP, is the new full-length, This Beautiful Chaos that reflects on his life changes and renewed outlook on life.

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Following an introduction and welcome from Capper Foundation’s Jarrod Guth, and TPAC’s Larry Gawronski and an introduction from young YT influencer Maxwell Guth, the concert got underway with the first of its two one-hour-long sets.

The trio opened all playing McKee’s 2010 instrumental, “Never Grow Old” and as the concert progressed, it was revealed that the Topeka crowd was truly seeing something special – three master craftsmen in musical harmony not only embellishing each other’s solo contributions, but the announcement that the three had also recorded an album together, for release/tour next year, and that this particular audience would be hearing many of these songs performed live together, for the very first time.

Following their take on Graham’s “Journey of Love”, the set shifted to a round-robin format, with each artist taking solo turns to perform two of their own songs, which McKee would begin with his acoustic version of Toto’s “Africa”. Hall next followed with “Ontic Blues” from his recent EP, and then Graham’s “Phoenix Rising”, he also mentioning his mother’s early support and even seeing McKee live with his parents, as a young teen.

Graham sang his final solo song, the touching “Lighthouse” (dedicated with the hope of better communicating with his sister) and the first set would end with their collective version of Hall’s 2011 track, “That Old Familiar Pain” as McKee picked up an electric guitar for the song, asking first if anyone had three AA batteries, as its transmitter was without power.

The second set begin with their combined version of Graham’s “Tabula Rasa” which was followed by Hall’s “The Blue Hour”, a song that must be on the upcoming album, as he mentioned they had considered filming a new music video for the song while in town.

Following McKee’s touching “Rylynn”, Hall showed off his kalimbatar, mentioning his latest version of the unique instrument had expanded to twenty-six keys (from just starting with a very few). “How am I going to follow that?!”, Graham quipped, also extolling the greatness of Kansas City BBQ burnt ends, before playing the title track to his latest album.

Graham and Hall nicely filled out McKee’s “Blue Liquid” from his Joyland release (anyone from Topeka would get the amusement park reference of the title). Graham’s “In Lak Ech” was skipped, but McKee waxed nostalgic before his heartfelt “For My Father”, also mentioning how great the new mixes of the trio’s version of the McKee song, were sounding.

The evening would end with another track originally from McKee’s Joyland release, “Hunter’s Moon”, with McKee teasing before the song, that he’d try his best to make the following year’s show even bigger and better (the first concert was held in summer 2021 with McKee solo on the beautiful grounds of the Zoo’s new Japanese garden).

A wonderful show for a wonderful cause- Concert for a Child had returned with McKee at the helm but bringing a couple of his fingerstyle acoustic guitar friends, to show what three artists at the forefront of their musical craft, can achieve together – the power of three was strong this night.

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

(l to r) TREVOR GORDON HALL, ANDY MCKEE, CALUM GRAHAM

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TPAC / CAPPER intro

MCKEE GRAHAM HALL TRIO

(l to r) TREVOR GORDON HALL, ANDY MCKEE, CALUM GRAHAM

TREVOR GORDON HALL

CALUM GRAHAM

ANDY MCKEE

TREVOR GORDON HALL

ANDY MCKEE

ANDY MCKEE

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

We♥KC- August 23-31, 2022 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence / Topeka KS)

Read More Seratones Shreveport, LA’s Seratones announced their third album Love & Algorhythms, out on April 29th via New West Records. This album follows their breakout debut and sophomore records, which found the band …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

A mostly hot August is almost over, meaning back to school and those last few weeks of summer, but the plate remains full in terms of live music, going into the Fall.

Because it’s close enough to end of month, this is an extra-sized helping of show previews to guide you through– there’s a very worthy benefit in Topeka for any fans of fingerstyle guitar, a Lawrence festival lays down two days of jams and bluegrass, Starlight in KC has big shows from Alicia Keys and Jack White, and you have two chances to catch Weird Al.

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence, KS metro August 23rd-31st.

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

Tuesday Aug 23

The Dear Hunter, Bottleneck. $23-$28

The Providence, RI progressive rock band originating in Providence, Rhode Island is out and playing their album, Antimai in its entirety, and also a set of fan-voted songs. Casey Crescenzo began the band as a side project when he was a member of the Receiving End of Sirens, before focusing his full energy starting in 2006. Support is The World Is A Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid ...

Seratones w Various Blonde, recordBar, $12

Returning in support of their new album Love & Algorhythms (New West Records), we caught the

the band back in their early beginnings, back in May 2016. A night of hot-buttered astral soul with a garage punk twist.

Alpha Wolf, The Rino, $17-$20

The Australian metalcore band in support of 'a quiet place to die', the new album out now through Greyscale Records/Sharptone Records. For Liam Neeson fans, bassist/founding vocalist John Arnold stated that "the name Alpha Wolf came from the movie The Grey. Bodysnatcher and The Vatican open.

At the Gates with Municipal Waste and Enforced, Granada. $35-$40

Slaughter of the Soul will be played in full at this show! Released in 1995, Slaughter of the Soul has endured as one of metal's influential albums, making an impact on melodic death metal's trajectory in mid-2000s metalcore.

Municipal Waste is releasing Electrified Brain, their first new LP since 2017's Slime and Punishment and 2019's The Last Rager EP.

Hotel Garuda, Aura. $20

Born in Mumbai, Aseem Mangaokar has embodied the DIY culture of modern dance music. As he built his name, he’s worked on official remixes for Lorde, Lana Del Ray, Kaskade, Galantis, BANKS and more and played festivals such as Electric Forest, Coachella, HARD Summer, Shambhala, EDC Las Vegas, Miami Music Week and Snowglobe and is signed to Mom + Pop.

Wednesday Aug 24

Alicia Keys, Starlight. $39.50-$249.50

The 15-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter/musician/producer/author, out on her ALICIA – THE WORLD TOUR, described as a meditation on love and life, and a true celebration. Expect to hear classics like “Fallin’, “No One”, “If I Ain’t Got You”, and “Girl on Fire”, new songs from her two recent releases, and covers from Crystal Waters, Usher, and Michael Jackson.

$UICIDEBOY$ Azura Amphitheater, $39.50-$69.50

Out on their Grey Day Tour 2022, the New Orleans SoundCloud-rap pioneers remain an underground sensation. You will be amazed how many people follow this band loyally and recite every word.

Ski Mask the Slump God, $not & Maxo Kream scheduled as support acts.

Chris Botti, Yardley Hall. $20-$115

For over two decades, the Grammy Award-winning trumpeter/composer has become the largest-selling instrumental artist in America. His ongoing association with PBS has led to four No. 1 jazz albums, as well as multiple Gold, Platinum and Grammy Awards and his concert with the Dallas Symphony has been making the rounds on public broadcasting channels.

Deicide, Bottleneck. $27-$30

On their Legion Tour 2022, the death metal icons will perform their classic second album, Legion, in full. Kataklysm will provide direct support, playing all of Serenity in Fire alongside openers Inhuman Condition and Begat the Nephilim.

For newly announced Deicide guitarist Taylor Nordberg, he'll be pulling double duty as both the opener and headliner. Rounding out Inhuman Condition, who formed in Tampa in 2020 and released the Rat God debut last year, are bassist Terry Butler (Obituary, ex-Massacre, ex-Six Feet Under, ex-Death) and vocalist/drummer Jeremy Kling

Jackopierce, Knuckleheads. $20

Jack O’Neill and Cary Pierce, the “Jack O” and “Pierce” are celebrating 30 years of making music, having just released their first studio project Feel This Good' in five years, Jackopierce is poised and ready to get back on the road full-time. “Even after 30 years I feel like we're just getting started,” said Cary Pierce.

Thursday Aug 25

Telekinetic Yeti w/ White Hills, They Watch Us from the Moon, recordBar, $18-20

Greatest band name...ever?! Dubuque, IA duo that “delivers sonic brutality melded with psychedelic doom wizardry, forged by the worship of the almighty riff and honed by relentless touring and dedication to their craft.” ...whoa! Full-length Primordial came out (on Tee Pee Records) in June...will you join the Cult of Yeti?!

White Hills is a stoner doom psych duo that put out The Revenge of Heads on Fire last Sept.

KC’s They Watch Us from the Moon (pretty great name as well) is fronted by Luna Nemeses, recently played The Replay in Lawrence, and released the 11-minute track, “Return to Earth” last December.

Friday Aug 26

Leftover Salmon / Infamous Stringdusters Kaw Valley Music Fest, Aug 26-27, Abe and Jake's Landing-Lawrence, $50- $1600

Two days of roots, bluegrass, and Americana music along the bank of the Kansas River at the historic Abe & Jake’s Landing. Legendary artists Leftover Salmon and The Infamous Stringdusters headline, plus the Jon Stickley Trio, Daniel Donato, Opal Agafia, Chain Station, Pretend Friend, Sky Smeed, Lily B Moonflower, Tyler Gregory, and more are on the bill (and yes, you’re reading that high-end admission price right!)

Katy Guillen and the Drive, Knuckleheads, $15-$27.50

Katy Guillen & The Drive is founded on the creative spark and chemistry between Katy Guillen and Stephanie Williams, with Guillen on guitar and vocals and Williams on drums. After six years of touring, writing, and recording together in former band Katy Guillen & The Girls, the pair forged ahead in crafting a new catalog.

Into their next chapter, they push ahead with a melodic, heavy, and soulful sound while maintaining their rock ‘n' roll and blues roots. The brand-new album is the just-out, Another One Gained and this show will celebrate the new music, and more. Special guest Heidi Gluck also performing.

Andy McKee w/Calum Graham, and Trevor Gordon Hall- Concert for a Child Benefit for Capper, TPAC, $40-$100

Concert for a Child is back for its second year featuring fingerstyle guitarists Andy McKee, Calum Graham, and Trevor Gordon Hall hosting a masterclass and performing a special concert jointly benefiting Capper Foundation's Pediatric Scholarship Assistance Fund and Topeka Performing Arts Center. The guitar masterclass (4- 6pm) is $180 per person and includes the class, a light dinner, and a GA ticket to the concert, which begins at 7:30 pm.

Capper Foundation is raising funds to help children with disabilities who are uninsured or under insured receive pediatric therapy services. 75% of the families served utilize the scholarship assistance fund to help cover the cost of their child's services.

Topeka Performing Arts Center is raising funds to support art education programs for all youth in the community. Proceeds will benefit the Sheffel Theater Clinic, Schooltime Theater Series, Masterclasses, and Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays.

Saturday Aug 27

Alan Jackson, T-Mobile Center (UPDATE: Postponed - Covid related)

Last Call: One More for the Road! brings over 30 years of hits for what is likely his final time live in the area. This follows his Fall 2021 announcement that he is living with CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth), a chronic inherited neuropathy condition that results in nerve deterioration and hampers muscle function, movement and balance. 

$1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the CMT Research Foundation, fund research for drug development. In addition, $1 will be matched by a group of CMTRF donors and board members.

Leanne Morgan, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $29.75-$49.75

The comedian from middle Tennessee after 22 years in comedy, is embarking on her 100-city Big Panty Tour across the U.S. With her children are grown, she is grateful to have this opportunity at this time in her life and also has a new grandbaby… as she would say- so Yummy!

The Rainmakers w Betse and Clark String Band, Knuckleheads, $20

The classic Kansas City original rock band, fronted by Bob Walkenhorst, which had a handful of radio of hits in the late 1980s-90s in the US and Europe, especially Norway. We caught them live back in June, in JoCo for their first show back from the pandemic and heard all the favorites that were all over Midwest rock radio. No word if bassist Rich Ruth will again make the trip from Nashville to play at this show, as he did in June.

The Floozies with Jantsen, Tripp St. and more, GrindersKC. $28-$75

Based in Lawrence, the duo is producer/guitarist Matt Hill and Mark Hill- brothers who take their approach to electronic music and live performance across the country. The Floozies present Funk Street 7, with support from Jantsen, Tripp St, Esseks & Trash Angel. We caught the electro-funk pair last back in 2017 in Minneapolis.

Megalodon, Practicioner, High Zombie and more, Aura. $20

Known for his impressive chopping style and high energy sets, Megalodon is no stranger to the dubstep scene. Since 2008, the SF-based producer has become more known after collaborations with Zeds Dead, Skism, Habstrakt, 12th Planet, Virtual Riot, and more.

Vanilla Ice, Blackstreet, Color Me Badd,Treach of Naughty by Nature, Kauffman Stadium, free w/Royal ticket

Stop, collaborate and listen! It’s a post-game concert featuring 1990s artists who will take the stage after the Royals-Padres game. First pitch is 6:10 pm with the concert starting shortly after game’s end. Fans with a game ticket can stick around to watch the show.

Additional upgrades - $25 Field Pass allows on the field during the concert.

$275 VIP Package includes a Field Pass, access to the front of the line for the field, artist meet and greet, an autographed poster, and photo opp.

Don’t forget about that $20-$40 parking fee, just to get in the complex either, No Diggity!

Sunday Aug 28

funday

Monday Aug 29

Jack White, Starlight. $45-$115

One of the best-known and admired singer-guitarists of the last two decades, he helped explode the popularity of punk-blues as the front man of The White Stripes. The Supply Chain Issues Tour celebrates the releases of two new solo albums: Fear of the Dawn and his second LP of 2022, Entering Heaven Alive, which was released on July 22^nd, via his own Third Man Records, of course

Live, he’s been playing 9-10 White Stripes songs, one each from Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, and has also promised soundboard quality recordings released for every performance.

Note that show is Phone-Free (meaning zipped pouches).

Papa Roach & Falling In Reverse, Azura Amphitheater, $19.50-$75

It’s the Rockzilla Tour With special guests Hollywood Undead and Bad Wolves

Falling in Reverse formed back in 2008 and built itself as a mainstay of the Warped Tour scene with its 2011-released debut album The Drug in Me Is You.

Papa Roach recently celebrated the release of its eleventh studio album, Ego Trip, conceived and formed during the global lockdown. Front-man Jacoby Shaddix, guitarist Jerry Horton, bassist Tobin Esperance and drummer Tony Palermo are two-time Grammy-nominated, and in 2020 celebrated the 20th anniversary of iconic album Infest.

Tuesday Aug 30

I Don't Know How But They Found Me and Joywave, Granada. $22

Joywave and iDKHOW have joined forces to bring you the co-headline tour called Welcome to Hellvetica.

iDKHOW is the project led by frontman and multi-instrumentalist Dallon (ex-Panic! At the Disco) Weekes with drummer Ryan Seaman, which Weekes first introduced in Los Angeles in 2016. They finally released a debut full-length in 2020, Razzmatazz, and live, have been playing a Strokes cover and a few songs from Weekes’ previous band, The Brobecks.

Rochester, NY indie-pop band Joywave released Cleanse in Feb, their fourth studio album conceived, written and recorded in singer Daniel Armbruster’s home studio when “reminders of our fragile mortality were everywhere, punctuated by the ongoing pandemic and civil unrest,” he notes. We caught them live as openers back in 2016. and also like that they collaborated to advertise their last album in Marvel Comics issues, something clever you don’t really see bands doing at all.

Arrive early for Nashville-based emotive and introspective singer-songwriter Savannah Conley, who has two previous EPs and a full-length under her belt, and who's new 3-track EP, Best I Can, is just released. 

Earth Wind & Fire, Starlight. $30.50-$150.50

(Rescheduled from July 12) The legendary band has scored eight number one hits, sold over 100 million albums worldwide, and released 23 albums. They've won nine GRAMMY Awards including one for Lifetime Achievement (2012) and in 2000, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Expect plenty of hits.

Wednesday Aug 31

“Weird Al” Yankovic, Topeka Performing Arts Center, $46-$99

Almost four years after his first foray into unfamiliar territory with his highly acclaimed Ridiculously Self Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour, "Weird Al" is pressing his luck again, this time with The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour which follows his 2019 tour performed with a symphony.

The biggest-selling comedy recording artist of all time, Yankovic promises to deliver a different set list every night, with no two shows the same and will feature Yankovic's non-parody material – the more obscure pastiches and original songs adored by his long-time fans with no costumes and in more intimate venues.

Longtime comedian Emo Philips is scheduled to open, making for a solid night and the two were paired on-screen, back when Phillips demonstrated the proper use of a table saw in the film UHF.

If you miss this rare T-Town appearance, the tour plays in KC at Kauffman Center, soon after.

The Kid LAROI, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $35-$50

One of the biggest success stories of the last couple years, 19yr-old LAROI was born and raised in Sydney to a mother of Aboriginal descent and a French father, and raised by his mother and his uncle, listening to hip-hop from Tupac, Erykah Badu, The Fugees, Lil Wayne and Kanye West.

He would be mentored by the late JuiceWRLD and in 2018, recorded his debut EP, 14 With A Dream. Kids are Growing Up is the new full-length, and especially as this show was delayed a couple times, expect a packed house and most people attending, to know every word of every song.

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

Country Stampede at the Heartland (SATURDAY) at Heartland Park, Topeka, KS (2022-07-16)

KID ROCK SETLIST intro music: Bad Mother F*cker/Don't Stop Believin' Devil Without a Cause You Never Met a Motherf*cker Quite Like Me American Bad Ass Cocky All Summer Long First Kiss Cowboy Wasting Time Bad Reputation Picture (duet with Kat Perkins) medley: 3 Sheets to the Wind (What's My Name) / DJ scratching / Your Love (The Outfield cover) / blues guitar solo / Cat Scratch Fever (Ted Nugent cover) / Superstition (Stevie Wonder cover) Rock n Roll Jesus Only God Knows Why Born Free We the People Bawitdaba outro music: Never Enough BIG AND RICH SETLIST Rollin' (The Ballad of Big & Rich) Comin' to Your City Wild West Show Look at You Lost in This Moment 8th of November God Bless America I Won't Back Down (Tom Petty cover) I Play Chicken with the Train (Cowboy Troy song) medley - Make Me Wanna (Thomas Rhett cover) > Cake by the Ocean (DNCE cover) > Tubthumping (Chumbawumba cover) > Livin’ in America (James Brown cover) > Hit Me with Your Best Shot (Pat Benetar cover) > American Pie (Don McLean cover) Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) > medley: Life in the Fast Lane (Eagles snippet) > Back in Black (AC/DC snippet) > Country Girl (Luke Bryan snippet) > Baby Got Back (Sir Mix-a-Lot cover) > Give It Away (Red Hot Chili Peppers snippet) > Uptown Funk (Bruno Mars snippet) > Jump Around (House of Pain snippet) Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) reprise CHRIS LANE SETLIST (opening music- Bright Lights – The Weeknd cover) Fix Take Back Home Girl (song w/Tori Kelly) Let Me Love You Tequila on a Boat (w/Dustin Lynch song) medley snippets – Where the Party At? (Jagged Edge cover) > This is How We Do It (Montell Jordan cover) > Party Up (DMX cover) > Friends in Low Places (Garth Brooks cover) Broken Windshield View Big, Big Plans Dancin’ in the Moonlight (King Harvest cover, w/Lauren Alaina song) For Her Small Town on It (sung with brother Cory, w/Scotty McCreery song) ‘90’s medley - Shoulda Been a Cowboy (Toby Keith cover) >Watermelon Crawl (Tracy Byrd cover) > Boot Scootin’ Boogie (Brooks and Dunn cover) >Chattahootchee (Alan Jackson cover) > Dust on the Bottle (David Lee Murphy cover) > Check Yes or No (George Strait cover) > Ride Wit’ Me (Nelly cover) I Don't Know About You RUNAWAY JUNE SETLIST Lipstick Forgot About That Broken Hearts (live debut) Wild Hearts (Keith Urban cover) Wild West Fast as You (Dwight Yoakam cover) Trouble with This Town Girls Medley - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper cover) / I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Whitney Houston cover) / American Girl (Tom Petty cover) T-Shirt Magic Man (Heart cover) snippet intro/ You’re No Good (Dee Dee Warwick / Linda Ronstadt cover) Nothing Like You (live debut) Fine Wine (new song) The Devil Went Down to Georgia (The Charlie Daniels Band cover) My Own Drinks DRAKE WHITE SETLIST American Thunder Pawn Shop Rings and Double Wide Dreams Hard to Handle (Otis Redding /Black Crowes cover) It Feels Good Hurts the Healing / I Won't Back Down (Tom Petty cover) Power of a Woman Makin' Me Look Good Again Mix 'Em with Whiskey Story Heartbeat > Use Somebody (Kings of Leon cover) Livin' the Dream Alive (Pearl Jam cover) 50 Years Too Late > A Country Boy Can Survive (Hank Williams Jr. cover)

Country Stampede at the Heartland is an outdoor music festival featuring country music stars, camping, and more in Topeka, Kansas at Heartland Motorsports Park, held annually since 1996. Due to flooding concerns, the event moved from Manhattan, KS to its current location in 2019.

Our coverage of Thursday can be found here:

Our coverage of Friday can be found here:

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The festival’s final day began under the threat of storms, moved back to extreme sunny heat, then returned to very brief rain, before the night would end. Musically, things were a bit diverse as well, going from more traditional country to full-on rock/rap.

Alabama native and singer-songwriter Drake White opened the afternoon with an hour-long set on the second stage, in support of March full-length The Optimystic , in part inspired by not only the collective health lockdown, but the stroke he suffered on stage a year prior. He and band The Big Fire played originals as well as working in a few covers, including an appropriate one from Pearl Jam.

Trio Runaway June has just completed recording new music and this stop gave the opportunity to hear some of the new songs, including two played live for the first time ever. A girl-centric cover medley got the females dancing, new vocalist/guitarist Stevie Woodward showed off her skills on the harmonica as well, and their version of a Charlie Daniels Band classic, found fiddle-playing (and Opry Live host) Natalie Stovall defying gravity as she arched back playing in hyper speed.

North Carolina’s Chris Lane was the first act on the main stage and engaged the audience more directly than anyone over the weekend, stopping his set to pit the left side vs. right side in terms of crowd noise, played two long medleys of familiar sing-along hits, and even jumped off the runway to race into the crowd for high-fives and hugs. Lane’s band includes his twin brother Cory on drums, who both sang on their hit, “Small Town on It”.

As usual, Big and Rich featuring Cowboy Troy brought the party along with them, on their Peace, Love, & Happy Tour, drawing from over two decades of hits, as well as working in some familiar covers. We last caught them in an intimate acoustic promo performance in 2015 at a downtown Minneapolis club. 

A tradition at all their shows, the band brought up several military veterans on stage to have a drink and toast from their makeshift bar, with Runaway June members pouring the shots, and the band had good fun, goading their Italian guitarist into playing a few classic rock riffs.

The always controversial Kid Rock would close the festival, with a hardworking, mostly music-does-the-talking ninety-minute set that both brought the rain, and then swiftly chased it away. The new album is his twelfth studio release, Bad Reputation on his own Top Dog Records and the set was a no-holds barred in-your-face rock/rap/country extravaganza.

As with most shows, we saw the musical dexterity of aka Bob Ritchie, as he played sax, blues guitar, drums, and also did some turntable scratching.

For the ballad hit, “Picture”, band member and The Voice alumnus Kat Perkins (who we’re familiar with from our Twin Cities base) helped sing it as a duet, and we were surprised to connect how much his 1998 hit, “Cowboy” sounds so similar to many contemporary Country songs.

The encore began with a taped intro from our 45^th President, which then segued into his lyrically incendiary “We the People” and the show ended with “Bawitdaba”, a twenty-five-year-old classic that still packs a massive sonic punch.

Note that Professional Photography was Not Allowed by Kid Rock’s management. (His name was not allowed to be mentioned on-stage in the intro either, so go figure...)

Country Stampede is set to return in July 2023, with scheduled headliners: Thursday- Hardy  Friday- Lee Brice  Saturday: Cory Johnson.

KID ROCK TOUR DATES

JULY 22 NORTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR Minot, ND

JULY 27 CHEYENNE FRONTIER DAYS RODEO Cheyenne, WY

AUG 02 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY FAIR Davenport, IA

AUG 05 BLOSSOM MUSIC CENTER Cuyahoga Falls, OH

AUG 06 THE PAVILION AT STAR LAKE Burgettstown, PA

AUG 12 RUOFF MUSIC CENTER Nobelsville, IN

AUG 17 RIVERBEND MUSIC CENTER Cincinnati, OH

AUG 19 HOLLYWOOD CASINO AMPHITHEATRE Tinley Park, IL

AUG 20 HOLLYWOOD CASINO AMPHITHEATRE Maryland Heights, MO

AUG 24 XFINITY CENTER Mansfield, MA

AUG 26 JIFFY LUBE LIVE Bristow, VA

AUG 27 PNC BANK ARTS CENTER Holmdel, NJ

SEPT 3 SOARING EAGLE CASINO & RESORT Mount Pleasant, MI

SEPT 4 SOARING EAGLE RESORT & CASINO Mount Pleasant, MI

SEPT 16 PINE KNOB MUSIC THEATRE Clarkston, MI

SEPT 17 PINE KNOB MUSIC THEATRE Clarkston, MI

SEPT 30 TOYOTA AMPHITHEATRE Wheatland, CA

OCT 1 GLEN HELEN AMPHITHEATER San Bernardino, CA

OCT 7 NUGGET EVENT CENTER Reno-Sparks, NV

OCT 8 LAUGHLIN EVENT CENTER Laughlin, NV

BIG AND RICH TOUR DATES

23 Jul West Union, IA Fayette County Fair

04 Aug Deadwood, SD Outlaw Square

05 Aug Grandstand Rifle, CO Garfield County Fair

06 Aug Woodstock, IL McHenry County Fair

11 Aug West Fargo, ND Lights Amphitheater

12 Aug Hinckley, MN Hinckley Amphitheater

19 Aug Lynden, WA Northwest Washington Fair

20 Aug Longview, WA Cowlitz County Fairgrounds

30 Aug Syracuse, NY Chevy Court Concerts

02 Sep Reno, NV Atlantis Hotel Casino

16 Sep Sioux City, IA Tyson Events Center

17 Sep Fort Dodge, IA Central Plaza

 

CHRIS LANE TOUR DATES

JUL 21 - JUL 23 Country Jam Eau Claire, WI

JUL 28 Waterside District Norfolk, VA

JUL 29 Power Plant Live! Baltimore, MD

AUG 5 Seward County Fair Seward, NE

AUG 10 Jenks Club Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

AUG 11 Cape Cod Melody Tent Barnstable, MA

AUG 12 Bold Point Park East Providence, RI

AUG 13 R10 Venue Long Creek, NB

AUG 14 Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom Hampton Beach, NH

SEP 10 Waterfront Park San Diego, CA

SEP 16 Central Park Plaza Valparaiso, IN

SEP 17 Splash into Country – Rise Up McHenry, IL

OCT 1 AvidXchange Music Factory Charlotte, NC

OCT 8 The Big Red Barn Retreat Columbia, SC

OCT 14 Boots In The Park Bakersfield, CA

OCT 15 Boots In The Park Santa Clarita, CA

DEC 1 Canadian Tire Centre Ottawa, Canada

DEC 2 Centre Bell Montreal, QC

DEC 3 Budweiser Gardens London, ON

DEC 4 Scotiabank Arena Toronto, ON

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

DRAKE WHITE

DRAKE WHITE

DRAKE WHITE

DRAKE WHITE

RUNAWAY JUNE

RUNAWAY JUNE

RUNAWAY JUNE

RUNAWAY JUNE

RUNAWAY JUNE

CHRIS LANE

CHRIS LANE

CHRIS LANE

CHRIS LANE

BIG AND RICH

BIG AND RICH

BIG AND RICH

BIG AND RICH

BIG AND RICH

BIG AND RICH

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

Country Stampede at the Heartland (FRIDAY) at Heartland Park, Topeka, KS (2022-07-15)

JAKE OWEN SETLIST Best Thing Since Backroads The One That Got Away Days of Gold Homemade American Country Love Song Up There, Down Here Beachin' Down to the Honkytonk Alone with You East Bound and Down (Jerry Reed cover) Yee Haw Eight Second Ride Anywhere With You I Was Jack (You Were Diane) encore: Made for You Barefoot Blue Jean Night LOCASH SETLIST Things We Love (new song) One Big Country Song In the Woods I Know Somebody You Gonna Fly (Keith Urban song) Ring on Every Finger Sleep with You I Want It That Way (Backstreet Boys cover) Sippin' Sunsets Pour Some Sugar on Me (Def Leppard cover)> Truck Yeah (Tim McGraw song) Chillionaire medley - Dust on the Bottle (David Lee Murphy cover)> Pickup Man (Joe Diffie cover)> Your Love (The Outfield cover)> Summer of '69 (Bryan Adams cover)> Stacy's Mom (Fountains of Wayne cover) I Love this Life Don't Stop Believin' (Journey cover)   CRAIG MORGAN SETLIST Sticks Redneck Yacht Club I Got You This Ain't Nothin' Little Bit of Life That What I Love About Sunday Love Remembers This Ol' Boy I'll Be Your Soldier (Gavin DeGraw cover) Almost Home How You Make a Man (new song) Wake Up Loving You / Hey Jude (Beatles cover snippet) More Trucks than Cars International Harvester Bonfire   IAN MUNSICK SETLIST Coming Home to You Humble When I Come Home to You Neon Bright Side Solo More than Me (new song) Long Live Cowgirls (w/ Cody Johnson song) Cowboy Killer / band intros I Want You Back (Jackson 5 cover) Long Haul I See Country Me Against the Mountain Dreams (Fleetwood Mac cover) Horses are Faster

Country Stampede at the Heartland is an outdoor music festival featuring country music stars, camping, and more in Topeka, Kansas at Heartland Motorsports Park, held annually since 1996. Due to flooding concerns, the event moved to its current location from Manhattan, KS in 2019.

Our coverage of Thursday can be found here:

===

The heat index remained in the triple-digits for Day 2, but a warm breeze helped temper things somewhat. The action on stage and plentiful food and beverage options kept the party in the heartland going

Lubbock, TX modern traditionalist Randall King opened the day in support of his album, Shot Glass and may be one of those names to watch and can say you saw him when.

Wyoming native Ian Munsick would follow, with a spirited and solid set and confident stage demeanor, making him a name to remember. He peppered in a couple of covers- The Jackson 5 song showed off his falsetto and ability to hold a high note, and the Fleetwood Mac cover of “Dreams” was laid back and easy going.

Craig Morgan showed off what it means to have longevity and be a still-relevant veteran of the industry. Always led by faith, family, and country, he mentioned his upcoming memoir due out in September and gave the crowd a live preview of his upcoming single to country radio, his first in five years.

The Maryland/Indiana duo Locash (stylized as LOCASH) dutifully got the crowd in more of a festive spirit, in support of their latest EP, Woods & Water, out at the end of last year. In addition to their own hits like “I Love this Life”, there was a jukebox medley which took a half-dozen familiar covers, to get the crowd dancing.

Florida native Jake Owen closed the night, in support of latest full-length, Greetings from... Jake, his first on the Big Loud label, after leaving RCA. Newer songs like “Down to the Honkytonk” and the Mellencamp-sampled, “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” fit in well alongside older classics like “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” and his first breakout single, “Yee Haw”.

JAKE OWEN TOUR DATES

Jul 21 KEGS Canalside Jordan, NY

Jul 22 Faster Horses Brooklyn, MI

Jul 23 Citizens Banks Park Philadelphia, PA

Jul 24 Stone Pony Summer Stage Asbury Park, NJ

Jul 31 Watershed Festival George, WA

Aug 12 The Fruit Yard Modesto, CA

Aug 13 Tailgate Fest Fontana, CA

Aug 14 Vina Robles Amphitheatre Paso Robles, CA

Aug 20 Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas

Aug 24 Bash on the Bay Put-in-Bay, OH

Aug 26 The Mill Terre Haute, IN

Aug 27 Country in the Burg Cedarburg, WI

Sep 1 Devon Lakeshore Amphitheater Decatur, IL

Sep 2 Stage AE Pittsburgh, PA

Sep 3 Long Island Community Hospital Amph Farmingville, NY

Sep 4 Leader Bank Pavilion Boston, MA

Sep 15 Freeman Arts Pavilion Selbyville, DE

Sep 16 After Hours Concerts Doswell, VA

Sep 17 Annapolis City Dock Annapolis, MD

Sep 22 Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom Hampton Beach, NH

Sep 23 Bold Point Park East Providence, RI

Sep 29 Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre Youngstown, OH

Sep 30 The Amp at Dant Crossing Gethsemane, KY

Oct 1 City of Buford Fall Concert Buford, GA

Oct 13 Rosemont Theater Rosemont, IL

Oct 14 Family Arena St. Charles, MO

Oct 15 West Plains Civic Center West Plains, MO

Oct 20 Mayo Clinic Health Center Mankato, MN

Oct 21 Viaero Event Center Kearney, NE

Oct 22 Bridge View Center Ottumwa, IA

Nov 3 Maverik Center West Valley, UT

Nov 4 Budweiser Events Center Loveland, CO

Nov 5 United Wireless Arena Dodge City, KS

Nov 10 Sports Center Owensboro, KY

Nov 12 The Caverns Pelham, TN

LOCASH TOUR DATES

JJUL 16 SeaWorld Concert Series San Diego, CA
JUL 22 Mattoon Bagelfest Mattoon, IL
JUL 23 Fayette County Fairgrounds West Union, IA
JUL 24 Grand Ole Opry House Nashville, TN
JUL 29 THE FESTIVAL AT SANDPOINT @ MEMORIAL FIELD Sandpoint, ID
JUL 30 Rivers Run Event Center Arlington, WA
JUL 31 Watershed Festival Quincy, WA
AUG 8 Shade Valley Camp Resort Sturgis, SD
AUG 13 Rock the Box 2 Orange Park, FL
AUG 20 BLVD PUB AND GRUB Sterling, IL
AUG 28 The Long Road Festival Lutterworth, UK
SEP 9 Osage Casino Tulsa, OK
SEP 10 Songs4Soldiers Benefit Concert Columbia, IL
SEP 24 North Georgia State Fair Marietta, GA
OCT 25 Country Fest Cancun Riviera Maya, Mexico

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

IAN MUNSICK

IAN MUNSICK

IAN MUNSICK

IAN MUNSICK

CRAIG MORGAN

CRAIG MORGAN

CRAIG MORGAN

CRAIG MORGAN

CRAIG MORGAN

LOCASH

LOCASH

LOCASH

LOCASH

JAKE OWEN

JAKE OWEN

JAKE OWEN

JAKE OWEN

JAKE OWEN

JAKE OWEN

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

Country Stampede at the Heartland (THURSDAY) at Heartland Park, Topeka, KS (2022-07-14)

WALKER HAYES SETLIST Drinking Songs Country Stuff Beautiful Delorean Dollar Store You Broke Up with Me Don't Let Her U Gurl 90's Country Craig Halloween Break the Internet Black Sheep Y'all Life Mind Candy (on setlist, but not played) AA Fancy Like PARMALEE SETLIST Already Callin' You Mine I'll Take the Chevy Greatest Hits (Parmalee / FITZ song) Mr. Brightside (The Killers cover) Close Your Eyes for This Better with You Only You Musta Had a Good Time Yeah! (Usher cover) Stay (The Kid Leroi / Justin Bieber cover) Truth Hurts (Lizzo cover) For You Just the Way Dust on the Bottle (David Lee Murphy cover) Drops of Jupiter (Train cover) Happy Birthday Take My Name Carolina JERROD NEIMANN SETLIST I Got This A Little More Love (song with Lee Brice) What Do You Want One More Drinkin' Song Country Girl Style (new song) Good Ride Cowboy (Garth Brooks song) Old Glory Yellow Brick Road Feelin' It's All Good in the Woods (new song) lap steel solo Family Tradition (Hank Williams Jr. cover) band intro/solos Lover, Lover Donkey Drink to That All Night Why Don't We Get Drunk (Jimmy Buffett cover) Mountain Music (Alabama cover) LILY ROSE SETLIST Know My Way Around Remind Me of You I Go Back (Kenny Chesney cover) Green Light I'd Be You Every Last One Breakin’ In Somebody Like You (Keith Urban cover) I Don’t Smoke Stronger Than I Am Better Than That Villain

Country Stampede at the Heartland is an outdoor music festival featuring country music stars, camping, and more in Topeka, Kansas at Heartland Motorsports Park, held annually since 1996. Due to flooding concerns, the event moved to its current location from Manhattan, KS in 2019.

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For its first full day, the heat index was in the triple-digits, but fans were still enthusiastic and eager for live music and the collective social gathering that a festival is.

Georgia native Lily Rose opened the afternoon with her blend of vulnerable lyrics and R&B leanings, highlighted by a Keith Urban cover and her breakout hit, “Villian”.

Kansas native Jerrod Neimann returned to his home state, a veteran of the festival having seen the first five as a fan and playing a previous 7 or 8 times. “Yellow Brick Road” was sung in honor of his home state, the country rap of “Donkey” returned to his setlist, and Hank Jr., Jimmy Buffett and Alabama covers ended his set.

North Carolina favorites Parmalee played their many radio hits along with a bevy of covers- Usher, Lizzo, The Killers, The Kid Leroi and Train versions were peppered in, along with a quick “Happy Birthday” to two separate fans up front.

A smart booking over a year in advance brought Mobile, AL native Walker Hayes in, to close the evening.

The biggest country song of 2021 and early 2022 was his viral TikTok dance smash, “Fancy Like” before which he revealed he received an Applebee’s Gold Card to always eat at the chain for free, and also brought out a little extra younger help to do the “Oreo Shake” with.

New single, “Y’all Life” had just dropped earlier that day and is already climbing the charts.

WALKER HAYES TOUR DATES

JUL 15 Adams County Fairfest Hastings, NE

JUL 16 Cedar County Fair Hartington, NE

JUL 29 Edgar County Fair Paris, IL

JUL 30 Lucas County Agricultural Society Maumee, OH

AUG 3 Cattaraugus County Fair Little Valley, NY

AUG 4 Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater Farmingville, NY

AUG 5 Citi Summer Concert LIVE on the TODAY Plaza New York, NY

AUG 6 Brandon Amphitheater Brandon, MS

AUG 13 Franklin County Fair Malone, NY

AUG 14 Westville Music Bowl New Haven, CT

AUG 20 State Fair of West Virginia Lewisburg, WV

AUG 24 Appalachian Fair Gray, TN

AUG 26 Central States Fairgrounds Rapid City, SD

AUG 27 Colorado State Fair Pueblo, CO

SEP 29 Glad You're Here Tour Johnstown, PA

SEP 30 Glad You're Here Tour Binghamton, NY

OCT 1 Glad You're Here Tour Huntington, WV

OCT 7 Glad You're Here Tour Reading, PA

OCT 8 Glad You're Here Tour Worcester, MA

OCT 13 Glad You're Here Tour Saginaw, MI

OCT 14 Glad You're Here Tour Corbin, KY

OCT 15 Glad You're Here Tour Youngstown, OH

OCT 21 Glad You're Here Tour Cedar Rapids, IA

OCT 22 Glad You're Here Tour Sioux Falls, SD

OCT 29 Country Kicks Cancer Orlando, FL

NOV Glad You're Here Tour Bakersfield, CA

NOV 7 Glad You're Here Tour Los Angeles, CA

NOV 10 Glad You're Here Tour Spokane, WA

NOV 11 Glad You're Here Tour Portland, OR

NOV 12 Glad You're Here Tour Everett, WA

 

PARMALEE TOUR DATES

Jul 16 Red River Valley Fair West Fargo, ND

Jul 23 Barnstable County Fairgrounds Falmouth, MA

Jul 24 Stone Pony Asbury Park, NJ

Jul 26 31st Street Park - Oceanfront Virginia Beach, VA

Jul 30 Jake Jam 2022 El Reno, OK

Aug 5 Scotts Bluff County Fair Mitchell, NE

Aug 6 Broken Arrow Wilderness Fullerton, NE

Aug 13 Thayer County Fair Deshler, NE

Aug 20 Brown County Fairgrounds Aberdeen, SD

Sep 2 Harley Davidson Hometown Rally Milwaukee, WI

Sep 3 Westville Lions Club Westville, IL

Sep 4 Plymouth Motor Speedway Plymouth, IN

Sep 9 Marion Popcorn Festival Marion, OH

Sep 10 White Marsh Volunteer Fire Co White Marsh, MD

Sep 16 Pittsburg State University Pittsburg, KS

Sep 29 Cambria County War Memorial Johnstown, PA

Sep 30 Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena Binghamton, NY

Oct 1 Mountain Health Arena Huntington, WV

Oct 7 Santander Arena Reading, PA

Oct 8 DCU Center Worcester, MA

Oct 13 Dow Event Center Saginaw, MI

Oct 14 The Corbin Arena Corbin, KY

Oct 15 Covelli Centre Youngstown, OH

Oct 16 Discovery Park Sacramento, CA

Oct 21 Alliant Energy PowerHouse Cedar Rapids, IA

Oct 22 Denny Sanford Premier Center Sioux Falls, SD

Nov 5 Mechanics Bank Arena Bakersfield, CA

Nov 7 Greek Theatre Los Angeles, CA

Nov 10 Spokane Arena Spokane, WA

Nov 11 Theater Of The Clouds Portland, OR

Nov 12 Angel Of The Winds Arena Everett, WA

 

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

 

LILY ROSE

LILY ROSE

LILY ROSE

LILY ROSE

JERROD NIEMANN

JERROD NIEMANN

JERROD NIEMANN

JERROD NIEMANN

JERROD NIEMANN

PARMALEE

PARMALEE

PARMALEE

PARMALEE

WALKER HAYES

WALKER HAYES

WALKER HAYES

WALKER HAYES

WALKER HAYES

WALKER HAYES

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

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

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

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

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

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

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

Jesse McCartney, The Truman

Wednesday May 11

Jesse McCartney, The Truman. $30-$60

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

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

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

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

Mavericks, Knuckleheads

Thursday May 12

Dylan Scott, The Truman. $25-$50

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

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

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

Strand of Oaks, Lemonade Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turnstile, Granada - Lawrence

Saturday May 14

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

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

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

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

Destroyer, Bottleneck- Lawrence

Destroyer, Bottleneck- Lawrence, $22-$25

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

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

ROSALI to open. 

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday May 15

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

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

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

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

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

Teo González, Uptown. $57-$127

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

Monday May 16

Tuesday May 17

Russ, Cable Dahmer Arena. $39.95-$59.95

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

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

The Chats, Bottleneck. $20

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

Mean Jeans Thick to open.

Little Hurt, recordBar, $13

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

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

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