W♥M

Hiromi at Dakota Jazz Club (05/17/2023)

Tour Dates May 18 Minneapolis, MN, US Dakota May 19 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland May 20 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland May 21 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland May 23 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland May 24 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland Jul 18 Nice, France NICE JAZZ FESTIVAL PASS Nov 13 London, UK Barbican Centre Read More Hiromi Japanese artist Hiromi is doing a two-night (four shows) residency at the Dakota Jazz Club in downtown Minneapolis. The classical and classical composer (often fused with rock-inspired or pop music) is touring in support of Silver Lining Suite. …

After a nine year hiatus, Hiromi Uehara returned to Dakota Jazz Club to offer the audience an inside peak to her new band, Sonicwonder, with Adam O’Farrill on trumpet, Hadrien Feraud on electric bass and Gene Coye on drums.

“It’s our world premiere,” said Hiromi to the crowd. 

It was indeed their first public appearance with sheet music at the ready and songs still to be fine tuned before going into the studio to record their first album. 

Lowell Pickett, the host for the evening, said Hiromi wanted a few intimate settings to work out the kinks, and she could do no better than the downtown Minneapolis venue. 

Born in Hamamatsu, Japan, Hiromi first started playing the piano at six.  At fourteen she played with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, at seventeen she played with Chick Corea.  At the Berklee College of Music she was mentored by the great Ahmad Jamal, who told Pickett that she was a generational talent, “Maybe the most talented jazz pianist in the past twenty years.”

Telarc Records must have thought so for they signed her to a recording contract before she even graduated, releasing her debut album Another Mind in 2003.

As the band started off the evening with a laid back vibe and a little funk, Hiromi quickly utilized the three keyboards surrounding her:  the grand piano in front, an electric keyboard to the side and a synthesizer resting above.  

For “Sunny Wonderland” Hiromi started with the synth creating a sound that hovered between a retro 80’s video game and a high-speed German Discotheque dance beat.  Throughout the song she played all three keyboards, at moments, two at a time, looking much like a scientist concocting, pushing, letting her other band mates explore with O’Farrill modulating his trumpet sound and Feraud giving a look to Coye at the end that said: “Whew!”

Exploration was definitely the theme of the evening with no two songs the same.  O’Farrill was given the opportunity to play a sweet ballad before the rest of the band joined to create a beautiful and grand ending.  Feraud started another song with a laidback solo before Hiromi and O’Farrill continued with a playful call and response.  Then Hiromi was back on her synth with a top forty pop sound that soon became untethered, moving into a free jazz jam session with Hiromi laughing at the end, saying the song was entitled “Trial and Error”.

Hiromi told Vie Magazine in 2016 that she felt she was a captain of a boat and wanted to take her audience on a journey.  Last night at the Dakota, the audience was given a rare treat from a captain still looking for new seas to explore. 

Hiromi at Dakota Jazz Club, Minneapolis (17 May 2023)

dave ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC! May 9-15, 2023 Upcoming concerts/shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Read More Billy Idol Before 80s punk rock 'rebel' icon Billy Idol head out on his headlining 2015 tour, he will be doing a warm-up acoustic show with radio DJ Mary Lucia ...

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City/Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from May 9th-May 15th.

TUESDAY MAY 9

Tenacious D, Starlight, SOLD OUT

Jack Black and Kyle Gass shamelessly describe themselves as the Greatest Band in the World: Tenacious D began as the pair playing together in Kyle’s studio apartment in Los Angeles in 1994 and three decades later, are still going strong on this their Spicy Meatball Tour. Expect...err, the unexpected, D-ciples! We memorably caught them at a Rock the Vote concert in St. Paul, MN that was headlined by the Beastie Boys, in what would be one of their final shows. Steel Beans is scheduled to open.

Holding Absence, The Bottleneck-Lawrence, $23-$25.

The Welsh rock band from Cardiff formed in 2015 and consists of lead vocalist Lucas Woodland, guitarist Scott Carey, bassist Benjamin Elliot and drummer Ashley Green and are out on their Live & In Monochrome tour before heading back in the studio for album number three. The Plot in You headlines and Thornhill and Banks Arcade on the bill, makes for a full evening.

WEDNESDAY MAY 10

Godsmack w I Prevail, Azura Amph, $35-$125.

The Boston rockers’ new album, "Lighting Up The Sky", was released in late February 24 via BMG. With first single being, "Surrender"which prefaced the LP, out last fall.

Singer Sully Erna has stated that the new record will be the final collection of original material. He explained: "It's the most important record, I think, we've ever written and recorded.” Erna went on to clarify that GODSMACK does not intend to stop playing live shows. "I wanna make sure people are clear about what we're saying here," he said. "I'm not saying that the band may be breaking up. What I'm saying is I think this may be the last body of work you get musically from the band.”

Off! recordBar, $20

The punk supergroup have announced a Spring tour in support of their latest album, which dropped last September, garnering acclaim for the LP’s blend of old-school punk, jazz, and hardcore. Formed in 2009, the supergroup has been relatively quiet over the past decade, with the new LP being their firs! full-length since 2014. The band’s current lineup features frontman Keith Morris (Circle Jerks, ex-Black Flag), guitarist Dimitri Coats (ex-Burning Brides), drummer Justin Brown (Thundercat, Flying Lotus), and bassist Autry Fulbright II (…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead).

Steve Miller Band w Cheap Trick, Starlight, CANCELED

THURSDAY MAY 11

Billy Idol, Uptown, SOLD OUT

On this 15-stop Spring tour, if you want tix, there are /No More, more, more!

Idol will be joined by his longtime backing band, including Steve Stevens, his lead guitarist and songwriting collaborator for more than 40 years. Earlier this month, Idol received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where Henry Rollins and Shepard Fairey made speeches in his honor. In September, Idol released the new EP The Cage. He also plays Cruel World Fest in Pasadena on May 20th alongside fellow legends such as Siouxsie Sioux, Iggy Pop, Echo & The Bunnymen, and more.

Logan Mize, The Truman, $25-$50

The KS native country-rock singer, songwriter and guitarist with recent single “Can’t Get Away from a Good Time,” released to country radio by his label Arista Nashville, is gaining increasing buzz.

“Sunflowers,” which is an ode to his home state, will be used as an official state tourism song promoting Kansas. Mize has also been named an official Kansas Brand Ambassador by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism and will promote Kansas as a visitor destination.

My Sister My Brother (Garrison Starr + Sean McConnell), Knuckleheads,$15

The songwriting duo of Garrison Starr and Sean McConnell, surprised fans, and themselves, with the new single “Cry Me A River” out now.

Addressing their fans on social media McConnell admits, “We could lie to y’all and say we are pulling a Beyoncé surprise drop, power move. But in actuality, due to the digital gods, we’re just as surprised as y’all are. So… SURPRISE! Meet ‘Cry Me A River” The pair debuted in 2020 with their self-titled EP. and follow up My Sister, My Brother II is due September 29^th.

Behzod Abduraimov Solo Recital Park ICM, The Folly,$10 (student)- $50

Following his debut success at Carnegie Hall in 2015, Behzod has had a rise to stardom in the classical music world, performing with leading orchestras worldwide. An award-winning recording artist, his most recent album, “Debussy, Chopin, Mussorgsky” was released in January 2021 by Alpha Classics. He serves as Park University’s International Center for Music’s artist-in-residence.

FRIDAY MAY 12

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra- Riff Generation, Medallion Theater, $22.50

May installment featuring a new jazz ensemble that cultivates new music alongside Kansas City’s fabled heritage of the genre. Part of a stand-alone performance series of new, highly collaborative compositions in a modern examination of the Kansas City “riff style.” Musicians audition for a one-year residency and perform these works in a variety of settings.

KC Ballet- Bliss Point May 12-21, Kauffman Center, $34-$134

Kansas City Ballet presents Bliss Point – ballets by Mark Morris, Jiří Kylián, and Alexander Ekman, an exciting combination of three unique contemporary dance pieces, each with its own distinctive style and message.

The first piece, Sandpaper Ballet explores the relationship between movement and music, as the dancers gracefully move across the stage to a percussive score, creating a mesmerizing visual and auditory experience.

Next, Petite Mort features twelve dancers performing to the music of Mozart, exploring themes of sexuality, death, and rebirth through a series of elegant and sensual movements.

Finally, Cacti offers a playful and humorous take on contemporary dance, as the dancers interact with and manipulate large cacti on stage.

Saving Abel, PBR Big Sky. $20

The rock band from Corinth, Mississippi was founded in 2004 by Jared Weeks and Jason Nulland is named after the biblical story of Cain and Abel, in which Cain kills his brother Abel.

Lead singer Jared Weeks left the band at the end of 2013 to pursue a solo career, but returned in 2021, replacing Scott Austin. Dave Moraata, the drummer of Week's solo project, would be replacing Steven Pulley Most recent release is Blood-Stained Revolution (2014)

SATURDAY MAY 13

Country Roots Fest feat Chris Young, Trace Adkins, Gabby Barrett, Clay Walker, JoDee Messina, Legends Field, $59-$139

In celebration of their 30th anniversary, Q104 presents a festival that features Bars ft. Craft Whiskey Cocktails & More; Craft Food & Retail Vendors, Outdoor Game Experiences, Line Dancing Area, Art Installations, and oh yeah, plenty of Country Music.

Deafheaven, Madrid Theatre,$25-$39

The Californian black metal/shoegaze quintet released their fifth studio album, Infinite Granite, in late 2021. The album saw the band take a dramatic departure from the black metal influences that had been a core part of their sound from their inception, shifting to a more melodic, shoegaze-oriented style.

Pat Green, Ameristar Casino, $40-$55

Classic country boy and proud Texan Pat Green loves his home state and he's not afraid to show it. With songs like "Texas on my Mind" and "I Like Texas."

Get Happy: A Judy Garland Centennial Celebration with Michael Feinstein, Helzberg Hall, $57.50-$117.50.

Featuring Gonzalo Farias, David T Beals III Associate Conductor and Michael Feinstein, vocalist and piano, with the Kansas City Symphony, we travel through the life and songs of Judy Garland, celebrating her 100th birthday. This brand-new multimedia concert event features big screen film clips, never-before-seen photos, rare audio recordings, and of course, great music.

Feinstein is an American singer, pianist, and five-time Grammy-nominated recording artist. He is an archivist and interpreter for the repertoire known as the Great American Songbook. In 1988 he won a Drama Desk Special Award for celebrating American musical theatre songs

SUNDAY MAY 14

Tom Russell, Knuckleheads. $40

Singer songwriter, painter, essayist, Russell takes the stage for a special show that will include “the hits” as well as selections from his new album to be released in the spring of 2023, as well as his latest “October in the Railroad Earth” ….of course, Russell will tell some stories, and have original art, prints and books for sale.

Jan Kraybill Pipe Organ Concert, Kauffman Center,SOLD OUT

A special, solo pipe organ concert to honor moms of all types! "Music from the Heart," features Jan Kraybill performing at the Julia Irene Kauffman Casavant Organ in Helzberg Hall.

The 75-minute program illustrates many shades of love, with compositions by Bach, Howells, and more, concluding with the finale of Paul Ayres’ Fantasy-Sonata on “Over the Rainbow.”

Watsky, Liberty Hall- Lawrence, $30-$50

The rising hip hopper as evolved to include elements of rock, jazz and orchestral arrangements, along with his blend of occasionally funny always honest wordplay. In 2016, his album x Infinity reached #4 on the Billboard rap chart, and his debut essay collection, How To Ruin Everything was a bestseller.

Shortly after, he began a 3-album series by releasing his 2019 album Complaint and toured extensively. The final album in the three-part series, Intention, was released this year and saw notable features from T-Pain, Rachel Zegler and Abhi The Nomad.

Zero 9:36, May 14, Encore at Uptown. $23

MONDAY MAY 15

Agent Orange with Suzi Moon, May 15, RecordBar. $25.49

Ugly Kid Joe with Fozzy and Pistols at Dawn, May 15, The Truman. $19.89-$38

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

Minneapolis: May 16 to May 17

Read more Minneapolis Music Guide.

05/16 Loveless with Taylor Acorn at Fine Line Read More Loveless Los Angeles alt-rock duo Loveless (Julian Comeau and Dylan Tirapelli-Jamail) will headline the 7th Street Entry this October 1st. They have a pop, rock, emo sound, starting with their debut Loveless I... and speaking of debut, this is their …

05/16/2023 Tuesday

Loveless
with Taylor Acorn
at Fine Line
first-avenue.com

The impossible to search Loveless duo (multi-instrumentalist Dylan Tirapelli-Jamail and vocalist/producer Julian Comeau) recently announced they’ve signed to BMG for worldwide distribution.

“Having like-minded, equally passionate people with us for this journey has always been a dream and we have absolutely found our people,” shares Loveless. “We are so thrilled to be working alongside the incredible team at BMG and we cannot wait for what the future holds!“

“We’re extremely happy to welcome Loveless to the BMG family,” adds Sean Heydorn, VP of Rise Records. “Their passion and vision are incredible and they have an amazing work ethic. What they’ve done the past few years, the way they have connected with so many people is truly special They are one of the most exciting bands in alternative music and we’re excited they chose to partner with us for their forthcoming releases.”

The duo kicks off their tour in Minneapolis, at the Fine Line Music Café on May 16th.

Taylor Acorn to open.

Tour dates:

5/16 Minneapolis, MN Fine Line Music Cafe
5/18 Detroit, MI El Club
5/19 Cleveland, OH Mahall's
5/20 Columbus, OH A&R Music Bar
5/22 Toronto, ON Axis Club
5/23 Montreal, QC Le Studio TD
5/25 New York, NY Irving Plaza
5/27 Boston, MA Boston Calling Festival
5/28 Atlantic City, NJ Adjacent Festival
5/30 Washington, DC Union Stage
6/1 Nashville, TN Basement East
6/2 Atlanta, GA The Masquerade (Hell)
6/3 Orlando, FL The Social
6/5 Houston, TX Warehouse Live Studio
6/6 Austin, TX Empire Garage
6/7 Dallas, TX The Studio at the Factory
6/10 Salt Lake City, UT Soundwell
6/12 Seattle, WA Neumo’s
6/13 Vancouver, BC Hollywood Theatre
6/14 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre
6/17 San Diego, CA SOMA (Sidestage)
6/18 Phoenix, AZ The Crescent Ballroom
9/16 Paris, FR Trabendo
9/18 Amsterdam, NL Melkweg OZ
9/20 Berlin, DE Frannz Club
9/23 Brussels, BE AB Club
9/25 Cardiff, UK Globe
9/26 London, UK Electric Ballroom
9/29 Birmingham, UK O2 Institute 2
9/30 Manchester, UK Academy 2
10/1 Glasgow, UK King Tut's
10/3 Dublin, IE Academy Green Room

05/16 Westerman with Twain at 7th St Entry Read More Twain Opening up the show was Twain, a band that we previously mentioned was led by Mt. Davidson. Joining him were two helpers, Peter Pezzimenti & Ken Woodward. The Minneapolis show was special to Twain …

05/16/2023 Tuesday

Westerman
with Twain
at 7th St Entry
first-avenue.com

Westerman is back with a new album called An Inbuilt Fault (Partisan and Play It Again Sam). There’ll be a tour to support the new record…. The first North American tour in four years.

Twain to open.

Tour Dates:

5/6 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah
5/7 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
5/9 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
5/10 - Seattle, WA @ Madame Lou's
5/14 - Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
5/16 - Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry
5/17 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
5/19 - Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
5/20 - Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz PDB
5/21 - Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
5/23 - Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall
5/24 - Philadelphia, PA @Johnny Brenda's
5/26 - Washington, DC @ Songbyrd
5/27 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle
5/28 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
5/30 - Austin, TX @ Antone's Nightclub
5/31 - Dallas, TX @ Club Dada
6/2 - Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
6/3 - Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room

05/17 MUNA with Nova Twins at Palace Theatre Read More Muna Muna recently appeared with King Princess, in Jan 2022, “MUNA (Katie Gavin; Naomi McPherson; Josette Maskin) would be up first, with a six-song, twenty-five-minute set that was determined to get the crowd moving en masse, .…

05/17/2023 Wednesday

MUNA
with Nova Twins
at Palace Theatre
first-avenue.com

The big news is that MUNA will be opening for Taylor Swift…. This is, of course, having just opened for Lorde.

MUNA (21 Jan 2022)

We caught the group in Jan 2022 and wrote, “MUNA (Katie Gavin; Naomi McPherson; Josette Maskin) would be up first, with a six-song, twenty-five-minute set that was determined to get the crowd moving en masse, and succeeded due to their restless stage presence and catchy, mostly uplifting songs including set opener, “Number One Fan”. Two slower tempo, more “country-ish” songs were done mid-set, including a yet-to-be released new song earmarked for their next album, “Kind of Girl”.”

Nova Twins to open.

Tour dates:

April 17 - Seattle, WA - Showbox Sodo *
April 19 - San Francisco, CA - The Warfield *
April 20 - Pomona, CA - The Glass House
April 21 - Coachella - Indio, CA
April 24 - Austin City Limits Live - Moody Theatre
April 26 - Austin, TX - Stubb’s Waller *
April 28 - Atlanta, GA - Tabernacle *
April 29 - Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore *
May 5 - Philadelphia, PA - The Met *
May 6 - Boston, MA - Roadrunner *
May 8 - New York, NY - Terminal 5 *
May 9 - New York, NY - Terminal 5 #
May 12 - Washington, DC - The Anthem *
May 13 - Harrisburg, PA - XL Live *
May 14 - Toronto, ON - History *
May 16 - Chicago, IL - The Salt Shed *
May 17 - St. Paul, MN - Palace Theatre *
May 19 - Denver, CO - Mission Ballroom *
June 16 - Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo
July 22 - Seattle, WA - Capitol Hill Block Party

Support from Nova Twins *
Support from Lou Roy #

Taylor Swift Dates
March 31 - Arlington, TX - AT&T Stadium ^
April 30 - Atlanta, GA - Mercedes-Benz Stadium ^
June 4 - Chicago, IL - Soldier Field ^
June 30 - Cincinnati, OH - Paycor Stadium ^
July 1 - Cincinnati, OH - Paycor Stadium ^
July 7 - Kansas City, MO - GEHA Field ^
July 8 - Kansas City, MO - GEHA Field ^
July 14 - Denver, CO - Empower Field ^
July 15 - Denver, CO - Empower Field ^
August 13 - Copenhagen, DK - KB Hallen ~
August 15 - Berlin, DE - Verti Music Hall ~
August 16 - Cologne, DE - Palladium ~
August 18 - Biddinghuizen, NL Lowlands
August 19 - Kiewit-Hasselt - Pukkelpop
August 20 - London, UK - Gunnersbury Park ~
August 25 - Leeds, UK - Leeds Festival
August 26 - Edinburgh, UK - Connect Festival
August 27 - Reading, UK - Reading Festival
August 28 - Dublin, IE - Royal Hospital Kilmainham

^ MUNA to support Taylor Swift
~ MUNA to support boygenius

05/17 Narrow Head with Graham Hunt at 7th St Entry Read More Narrow Head QUICKSAND with Narrow Head at Fine Line Excerpt Go, go, go!: Anyway, it actually brought a smile to my face when I read that the New York City post-hardcore band .…

05/17/2023 Wednesday

Narrow Head
with Graham Hunt
at 7th St Entry
first-avenue.com

Narrow Head will be headlining the 7th Street Entry, in Minneapolis, on May 17th. The group’s latest Moments of Clarity is available from Run For Cover Records on vinyl, CD and all digital streaming platforms.

Graham Hunt to open.

Tour dates:

May 13: Las Vegas, NV - Sick New World Fest
May 15: Denver, CO - Hi-Dive
May 16: Omaha, NE - Reverb Lounge
May 17: Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry
May 18: Milwaukee, WI - Cactus Club
May 19: Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
May 20: Cleveland, OH - Mahall's
May 22: New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
May 23: Brooklyn, NY - TV Eye
May 24: Boston, MA - The Sinclair
May 25: Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's
May 26: Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
May 27: Durham, NC - The Pinhook
May 28: Atlanta, GA - Masquerade Purgatory
May 30: Miami, FL - Gramps
May 31: Orlando, FL - The Abbey
Jun 01: Tampa, FL - The Crowbar
Jun 02: Pensacola, FL - The Handlebar
Jun 03: New Orleans, LA - Santos

~ w/ White Reaper, Taipei Houston

05/17 and 05/18 Hiromi at Dakota Jazz Club

05/17/2023 Wednesday
05/18/2023 Thursday

Hiromi
at Dakota Jazz Club
dakotacooks.com

Japanese artist Hiromi is doing a two-night (four shows) residency at the Dakota Jazz Club in downtown Minneapolis. The classical and classical composer (often fused with rock-inspired or pop music) is touring in support of Silver Lining Suite.

Joining her on stage will be Hadrien Feraud, Gene Coye and Adam O’Farrill.

As with Dakota Jazz Club, we suggest you show up early to grab a bite to eat (the Dakota is a world class restaurant) or drink and wait for the band to come on stage. There will be an early and a late show.

Tour dates:

May 17 Minneapolis, MN, US Dakota
May 18 Minneapolis, MN, US Dakota
May 19 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland
May 20 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland
May 21 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland
May 23 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland
May 24 Oakland, CA, US Yoshi's Oakland
Jul 18 Nice, France NICE JAZZ FESTIVAL PASS
Nov 13 London, UK Barbican Centre

If your band is coming to the Minneapolis/St Paul area, please email details to [email protected] with a good lead time. Thank you.

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

We♥KC! April 26-May 1, 2023 Upcoming concerts/shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Read More Mötley Crüe 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.

Late April means Draft Week in KC!

After two Super Bowl wins, the metro gets to host the NFL Draft this Thur/Fri/Sat, which has become a huge media event, and has free nightly concerts after the rounds end. Admission is free but requires the NFL OnePass QR code, because the league wants your marketing info, of course. Still, should be fun. April has quickly come and gone- bring on May!

Let’s take look at the Kansas City/Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from April 26th-May 1st.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 26

Sabrina Carpenter, Midland. $29.50-$59.50

Out on her emails i can't send Tour supporting her fifth full-length album and debut for Island Records, the album represents a music leap for the multi-talented star. In order to get “closer to music,” Sabrina quite literally embraced her roots once again. Listening intently to a myriad of favorites, she dusted off listening to the likes of Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, and Marvin Gaye, emphasizing the inclusion of live instrumentation and stripped-back production.

Since making her debut with Eyes Wide Open in 2015, Carpenter has evolved as a singer, songwriter, and performer on her own terms, amassing over a billion streams, a platinum and two gold singles along the way. Blu DeTiger to open.

Lainey Wilson, KC Live, Free

Wilson is on the road for her first major headlining tour she dubs the Country With a Flare Tour. New album, Bell Bottom Country has been critically acclaimed and swept recent Country award shows. She’s a real-deal rising artist with #1’s "Things a Man Oughta Know" and "Never Say Never," a collaboration with Cole Swindell and single "Heart Like a Truck” is currently everywhere, even on a Ram Truck commercial in heavy rotation. Oh, plus Free show! - arrive early for a good spot.

THURSDAY APRIL 27

Black Flag (performing My War), recordBar, $25

The punk luminaries have taken on many forms over the years, but one thing that has stayed consistent is guitarist (and primary songwriter) Greg Ginn, who’s the sole continuous member of the band. On this tour, pro-skater-turned-punk vocalist Mike Vallely will front the band in a performance of the seminal 1984 album, My War, in its entirety along with classic punk hits.

Fall Out Boy, NFL Draft at Union Station, free w NFL OnePass

The GRAMMY award-nominated, multi-platinum and award-winning rock band will take the stage following the conclusion of Round 1. The band's eighth studio album, So Much (For) Stardust, debuted as the No. 1 rock album when released last month. This June, they come back(!) on their So Much For (Tour) Dust but you can see this sneak peek for free. Jonas Brothers also appearing earlier in the evening with a new single!

Mo Lowda & The Humble w/Illiterate Light, Encore at Uptown,$15-$17

The Philly indie four piece is headlining their album release tour, in support of their self-titled full length, which just released in March. It’s their fourth, so you know they’ve been honing their chops and energetic live show, for some time.

Arrive early for openers Illiterate Light The Virginia duo (singer-guitarist Jeff Gorman and drummer Jake Cochran), has been around since 2015 and is touring in support of their new album Sunburned, out now via Thirty Tigers. We just caught this show last week in Minneapolis – read all about it here!

Pert Near Sandstone w the Way Back Wanderers, Knuckleheads, $18.50

The Minneapolis-based string group released their debut album, 'Up And Down The River” over a decade ago. New release, 'Discovery Of Honey,' finds them once again recording in a basement and reuniting with founding member Ryan Young, who's spent the past seven years playing fiddle with Duluth’s Trampled By Turtles.

Current lineup also includes Nate Sipe and Kevin Kniebel, founding guitarist J Lenz, bassist Justin Bruhn, and clog & fiddle player Matt Cartier. Support comes from Peoria, IL band The Way Down Wanderers, who recently released third full-length, More Like Tomorrow.

IV and the Strange Band, Knuckleheads, $20

"Patience is a virtue." Those words are tattooed across Coleman Williams' right arm, forever reminding the alternative-country singer/songwriter of the benefits of taking one's time as the great-grandson of Hank Williams Sr., grandson of Hank Williams Jr., and only son of Hank 3. Expect a genre-blending mix with Southern attitude and a DIY mentality. The Goddamn Gallows as support.

Rob Schneider (comedy), Folly. $35-$75

The multi-faceted Schneider is out on his I Have Issues Tour.. A stand-up comic and veteran of the award-winning NBC’s Saturday Night Live, Schneider has gone on to a career in films (the Deuce Bigalow franchise), television and continues touring and the three-time Emmy nominated writer is also raising young daughters Miranda and Madeline, with his wife Patricia.

Bruce-O-Rama Starring Bruce Campbell, Uptown Theater, $27.50-$125.00

PART 1: PLAY A GAME!

Hosted by Bruce, LAST FAN STANDING is not your father's trivia contest. As the only interactive game show created exclusively for fans of pop culture, it will test your knowledge about the things that really matter: Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi, Superheroes, Gaming.

PART 2: WATCH A GROOVY BRUCE MOVIE!

Bruce will introduce a cult favorite he's been in and take questions before the screening. It's a lively half hour of anecdotes, insults and random cash giveaways.

FRIDAY APRIL 28

Kelce Jam feat Machine Gun Kelly, Rick Ross, Loud Luxury, Tech N9ne, Azura Amph, $49.99+

The two-time Super Bowl Champion is curating his very own music festival, to help celebrate NFL Draft Week in Kansas City (even though this is way out in Bonner Springs)

Mostly sold out, it pairs the newsworthy Machine Gun Kelly with rappers Ross and local favorite Tech N9ne for an evening that is very close to sold out, try for tix quick.

MÖTLEY CRÜE, NFL Draft at Union Station, free w NFL OnePass

Known for their iconic live performances and currently on The World Tour playing stadiums around the globe, the world's most notorious rock band, MÖTLEY CRÜE will headline Day 2 following Round 3 on Friday, April 28, before taking their tour to 17 European countries starting next month and returning to the USA for more stadium shows in August.

Latrice Royale, Madrid Theatre, $35-$249

Celebrating 30 years in the biz, Latrice shares how she’s risen from the lowest points in her life to becoming one of the World’s most Beloved Queens. It’s a story of resilience, heart, soul and determination as Latrice spills all the “Tea” through comedy, storytelling and music. Spendy VIP packages available, of course.

Park ICM Orchestra, Parkville, free w/email reserve here

Currently celebrating its 20th Anniversary, the International Center for Music at Park University (Park ICM) started its famed chamber orchestra in 2016. The season will culminate with Kansas City favorite Timothy Hankewich, former resident conductor of the Kansas City Symphony on April 28th.

Maestro Hankewich has selected an all-French program, with music of Honegger, Saint-Saëns, Fauré and Milhaud being featured. The Swiss/French composer Arthur Honegger is perhaps best known by two very different works; his symphonic poem Pacific 231, inspired by his great love of trains, and the so-called symphonic psalm King David, a work that propelled the composer to fame in 1921. His Pastorale d’ete will be heard to start the concert and is an evocation of a calm early morning in the Swiss alps.

SATURDAY APRIL 29

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, “The Root,” April 29, Kauffman Center,$33.50-$68.50

The root of jazz lies in another Black American art form: the blues. But the relationship that Kansas City jazz has with the blues is unique, maintaining a strong association throughout the past century. From Julia Lee to Charlie Parker to Bobby Watson and beyond, Kansas City jazz musicians have embodied this tradition in a holistic, yet continually contemporary style and will honor its musical roots.

Thundercat, NFL Draft at Union Station, free w NFL OnePass

The Grammy-winning iconic bassist and vocalist previously wowed opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and an outdoor show last summer at GrindersKC, and will now close out the 2023 Draft Concert Series. He will curate a special performance which will pay tribute to the rich music history and the legacy of jazz in Kansas City. His latest single is a collab with Tame Impala.

Damien Jurado, recordBar, $17

New album Sometimes You Hurt The Ones You Hate just came out (via Maraqopa Records) and “Neiman Marcus” is the lead single, a melodic pop song that sounds both fresh and classic.

Ron Pope w/Caleb Hearn and Lydia Luce, Knuckleheads,$20-$2525

After his world tour was canceled in early-2020, Pope passed three hundred afternoons at his living room piano and the resulting music is Inside Voices, due out in early June. Pope circled back to how his solo career began- simple, honest lyrics and melodies..

With special guest Caleb Hearn and Lydia Luce and no, that top ticket price is not wrong-- it basically entitles you to hang out all day with Pope.

The New Pornographers with Wild Pink, The Truman. $30-$60

For the last two decades, the indie supergroup — A.C. Newman, Neko Case, Kathryn Calder, Todd Fancey, Blaine Thurier, John Collins, Joe Seiders and Simi Stone have been delivering infectious hooks, harmonies, and a pile of power-pop riffs every time they take the stage, now embarking on a tour in support of their brand new record In The Morse Code Of Brake Lights. We caught the band at First Avenue almost a decade ago (has it been that long?!) and the lineup changes, depending on who’s available. Openers Wild Pink are an indie rock band from the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens, with ILYSM being their fourth full-length album.

Cut Chemist, The Ship,$18-$20

The legendary turntablist (co-founder of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli) will be performing a special vinyl-only set in the main room

SUNDAY APRIL 30

The Birthday Massacre, Encore at Uptown. $25

From the band whose landmark album Walking With Strangers has been called the "Sgt. Pepper of Dark Wave" comes their 12th release and most intimate offering to date. " Fascination" is at once the most fully realized album with the bands signature blend of haunting vocals, electronica and aggressive guitars and their most accessible. We caught them live both last year, and back in 2017 and this is a headlining show, in between support gigs with Lacuna Coil. 

Wage War with Nothing,nowhere. and Spite, The Truman. $25-$70

The metalcore band formed in Ocala, FL in 2010 under the name Empires and consists of lead vocalist Briton Bond, lead guitarist Seth Blake, rhythm guitarist / vocalist Cody Quistad, bassist Chris Gaylord, and drummer Stephen Kluesener. Acoustic album The Stripped Sessions, was released last December. Opener Nothing,Nowhere is a 30yr-old Foxborough, Mass Emo rapper whose new album “VOID ETERNAL” featuring the 'THIRST4VIOLENCE', 'VEN0M' & 'CYAN1DE' is out now.

MONDAY MAY 1

Wilder Woods (NEEDTOBREATHE), Madrid. $31

The Covid lockdown turned into a very productive period for NEEDTOBREATHE singer Bear Rinehart who was fresh off of touring behind the first album for his new solo project, Wilder Woods, when he holed up with his wife and children. The result is a brand-new 2^nd solo album, Fever/Sky, out now on Dualtone Records, but expect some band, as well as solo favorite songs. We’ve seen the band a handful of times, most recently last summer with OneRepublic on a lovely summer night outdoors at Starlight.

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

We♥KC! March 16-21, 2023 Upcoming concerts/shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

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

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Faith and Begorrah! it’s St. Pat’s weekend, and there’s no shortage of concerts and cultural events in the metro to celebrate...anything, really.

You know you’re getting old when a bevy of 1990’s/00’s R&B acts are out on reunion tour packages, as evidenced by a couple shows playing here this week... anyway…

The big show of the week is Blake Shelton at T-Mobile, riding high on his last season of The Voice and he’s bringing along the talented Carly Pearce and newcomer Jackson Dean for a solid night of new country. And Pop Culture fans rejoice- Planet Comicon Kansas City is on all weekend downtown!

Let’s take look at the Kansas City/Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from March 16th-21st.

THURSDAY MARCH 16

Colony House w little image, The Truman. $28-$42

The Franklin, TN quartet is out on tour in support of new record, The Cannonballers. Led by the Chapman brothers, we caught the Christian-leaning indie band back in 2015 and the tour kicked off last month, stopping in Minneapolis the night before this KC date, as well.

Arrive early for Dallas trio little image, who has a new single, "Ballet" out now, ahead of a self-titled debut due out on May 12th.

Blushing, Pale Dian, Seashine, Lake Love, miniBar, $10

Blushing is an Austin, TX based dreampop / shoegaze quartet comprised of two husband and wife pairs that share a love of making melodic and atmospheric music. The band formed in summer 2015 when after a few years of writing songs Michelle found a musical partner in friend Christina who brought her classical vocal training and bass playing to the project, and also found a fan in Lush’s Miki Berenyi when they covered one of that band’s songs. Tiny venue, low-dough show, ‘Nuff said!

FRIDAY MARCH 17

Planet Comicon Kansas City, Bartle Hall, Mar 17-19 $10.99 (youth)- $230.99

Since 1999, Planet Comicon Kansas City has served as the Midwest’s largest comic book and pop culture gathering featuring a convention center’s worth of exhibits, comic and pop culture vendors, and numerous celebrities and creators. Attend in cosplay of your favorite character and enter the costume contest for pride and prizes. The associated fantasy-themed Fae Ball on March 17 is long sold-out, but there are plenty of after-hours and additional activities, in addition to full days on the convention floor.

This year’s guests include William Shatner, Richard Dreyfuss, Giancarlo Esposito, Cassandra Peterson, and Rachael Leigh Cook, among many others. Comic creators include legendary names like Jim Steranko and Roy Thomas, in addition to newer talent and local favorites. Children under 8 can attend for free and certain discounts are available when booking in advance, online.

Skillet, Theory of a Deadman, Saint Asonia, The Midland, $29.75-$59.75

Canadian rockers Theory of a Deadman and Christian rock band Skillet have embarked on a co-headlining North American tour with support from Saint Asonia dubbed “Rock Resurrection Tour,” that runs through March. Theory has a new single with full album forthcoming, Skillet is touring behind their 2022 release, Dominion, and Saint Asonia released two EPs, Introvert and Extrovert last year.

“We’re super stoked to be touring with our good friends in Skillet and Saint Asonia this winter,” Theory of a Deadman front man Tyler Connolly said in a statement. “We’re also really looking forward to playing new material for our fans!”

“We are so excited to be touring with our friends from Theory again!” Skillet vocalist John Cooper added. “We are looking forward to kicking off 2023 the right way by joining forces for a super-charged rock show! Panheads get ready!”

SATURDAY MARCH 18

Blake Shelton with Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean, T-Mobile Center. $59-$249

The Voice coach (for the final season, as he’s reminding everyone!) is also on the road on his Back to the Honky Tonk Tour which runs through the end of the month with solid support from ACM Female Artist of the Year Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean. We caught Pearce last summer with Kenny Chesney at Arrowhead, and thought she was one of the true highlights of the multi-act day. Pearce releases a live album on March 24^th and shhh, she might just duet with Blake mid-set.

For the tour, Shelton has also partnered with Propeller and Save The Music. In partnership with digital marketing and social impact platform, Shelton helps support the work of Save The Music, a non-profit organization that helps students, schools, and communities reach their full potential through the power of making music. “Music is the greatest healer, and I know my fans will be just as excited as I am to work together to give the gift of music to as many children across the country as possible.”

Shooting Star, Ameristar Casino, $30-$45

Hang On for Your Life tonight! The Midwest’s premier shoulda-been-huge classic rock band hits the casino stage for a setlist of hits and local radio favorites. Most of the original members have departed, but the new lineup injects some energy into forty-year-old songs.

"Last Chance" and "Hang on for Your Life." Keeping it local and old school, Missouri, another classic area rock band will also be taking the stage to make this a fun and nostalgic evening.

Indigo Girls with the Kansas City Symphony, Kauffman Center, $63.50-$83.5

Featuring Gonzalo Farias and David T. Beals III Associate Conductor--

Known for their folk-rock music, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, the two halves of the dynamic duo, bring their captivating music performing with the Kansas City Symphony. Celebrating their successful four-decade-long career, the program features hits like “Galileo,” “Kid Fears,” “Closer to Fine,” and “Making Promises.” We caught the pair live outdoors in 2015. Low (if any) ticket alert.

Donell Jones, H-Town and Changing Faces, Midland. $40-$125

Throwback Time One! Donell Jones is most notable for the hits "U Know What's Up", "Where I Wanna Be", and his cover of Stevie Wonder's "Knocks Me Off My Feet". Jones' first studio album My Heart, was released in 1996, but he is best known for his late 1990s release of his second album Where I Wanna Be. Album 100% Free came out on digital (and free on his website) in Feb 2021.

Slushii, Aura. $25

aka Julian Scanlan, Slushii is a LA-based DJ, singer, songwriter, and record producer best known for working with artists like Marshmello, Ookay and Jauz, with latest release being last year’s A Slushii Summer.

SUNDAY MARCH 19

Winterlude: KC Jazz Disciples, Polsky Theatre. $17-$35 ($5 students)

Five musicians blend into the trademark KC jazz sound while bringing their unique touch, led by saxophonist Gerald Dunn. Pianist Everett Freeman has toured with Oleta Adams and drummer Michael Warren is a seasoned local talent, having worked with almost everybody. Bassist DeAndre Manning completes the lineup and for this performance, the ensemble will be joined by special guest trumpeter Danny Campbell.

Rewind Tour featuring Bow Wow, Pleasure P, Bobby V. Trina and more, Cable Dahmer Arena. $63-$354

Throwback Time Two! No longer “Lil’” the now-35yr-old Bow Wow is a rapper and actor whose career began after being discovered by Snoop Dogg in the late ‘90s, signed to So So Def Recordings and under the tutelage of Jermaine Dupri, he released his first album at age 13 in 2000.

MONDAY MARCH 20

TUESDAY MARCH 21

Jake Wesley Rogers, The Madrid, $25

The eccentric and innovative pop artist is out on the Peace, Love & Pluto Tour, which is the first as a headliner. The genre-blurring hit maker has a new six-song EP, LOVE, a collection of audacious and heartfelt pop anthems, the set showcases his bluesy bravado on hits like "Dark Bird" and "Lavender Forever" as well as two new tracks, "Call It Love" and "My Mistake."

Last Fall, he opened for Panic! At The Disco during their Viva Las Vengeance Tour, which played mostly arenas and allowed more fans than ever, to be exposed to Rogers’ unique talents. A show at the relatively small Madrid, this one looks special (and is worth overcoming road construction and bad parking options).

We Three, recordBar, $25

Springing forth from Season 13 of America's Got Talent, the Portland, OR pop group has a new record, In Therapy, just out last Friday. Joshua, Bethany and Manny make up the Humlie trio, who have aptly named themselves We Three. Since their debut album in 2018, they’ve had over 200+ million song streams, over a million TikTok followers, and thousands of followers on social media.

Hamilton (musical), Mar 21-Apr 2, Music Hall, $69+

PNC Broadway in Kansas City continues with its most popular and longest-run (here for two weeks!) show of the season! We all know Hamilton by now- the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a unique score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton is told like never before and has created a lasting cultural moment in the process.

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors. The Disney+ Special is great, but you haven’t seen Hamilton until you’ve seen it live and on-stage!

Nonpoint, Bottleneck. $25

Out on a month-long leg of their Emerald Cities Tour 2023 the trek features support from BLACKTOP MOJO and SUMO CYCO. Says the band, "Follow the Yellow Brick Road and let the epic sounds of these amazing bands guide you on an unforgettable adventure through this all-immersive experience." 

Clan of Xymox, BLVD Nights, $25 (ticket link)

After a few necessary re-schedules, the legendary and longtime Dutch band (still led by Ronny Moorings) are finally back on the road again hosting an evening of goth electro-darkness. Limbo was released in 2021 but expect of classic tracks dating all the way back to their 1985 self-titled debut album. The tour is a rare US appearance so shouldn’t be missed, and the intimate confines of this Westport venue, make it more compelling to witness the spectacle in-person.

Bellwether Syndicate, Discord, and Monta as support, for a full night of darkwave goodness.

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

R.I.P. Wayne Shorter

(Read more Musicians who died in 2023)

R.I.P. Wayne Shorter

read more Jazz @ WHM Formed to honor the legacy of the “golden era” of Kansas City’s world-renowned jazz history, the band exclusively performs the same exciting music) …

One of the giants of modern jazz, saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter passed away at the age of 89 in Los Angeles, his publicist confirmed this morning to the New York Times.

Shorter came into the musical consciousness in the late 1950s as a member of, and soon the primary composer for Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. He would go on to join Miles Davis's Second Great Quintet in the ‘60s, and then would co-found the jazz fusion band Weather Report, as well as had a long solo career, winning 12 Grammy Awards along the way.

Shorter was born in Newark, NJ on August 25, 1933, attending Newark Arts High School and loving music, encouraged by his father to initially take up the clarinet before switching. Shorter graduated from New York University with a music education degree then spent two years in the U.S. Army, then began playing with Maynard Ferguson. In 1959, he joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers for the next four years and was eventually musical director, composing pieces for the band.

Shorter would team with Miles Davis following, playing together in the Quintet (with Miles, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams) until 1970, next helping form Weather Report the following year, and remaining with the fusion band for fifteen years. In 1988, he toured with guitarist Carlos Santana and also played the sax solo on Don Henley's song "The End of the Innocence". 

In 2000, Shorter formed the Wayne Shorter Quartet with pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade, releasing live albums and touring regularly. Shorter's 2003 album Alegría won the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Jazz Album featuring his quartet with other musicians, including pianist Brad Mehldau, drummer Terri Lyne Carrington and percussionist Alex Acuña.

In 2016, Shorter helped form Mega Nova along with Carlos Santana and Herbie Hancock, with bassist Marcus Miller, and drummer Cindy Blackman Santana, but was forced to retire from performing in 2018, due to health issues.

A post confirming his passing was shared via Shorter’s social media:

Today at 4am, Wayne Shorter peacefully continued on his immense journey into the unknown. He was surrounded by loving family. In his words, “It’s time to go get a new body and come back to continue the mission.” Nam Myoho Renge Kyo.

===

In other sad Jazz artist departures, the Kansas City scene recently lost two longtime mainstays, Ida McBeth and Ronald McFadden of The McFadden Brothers, both familiar and important names in Kansas City, and far beyond. Click for info/links

John C ([email protected]) ♥ weheartmusic.com ♥ twitter.com

We♥KC! February 15-20, 2023 Upcoming concerts/shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Read More Bruce Springsteen More recently, the massive vault of vintage Springsteen recordings was opened, beginning with a 2012 performance at the Apollo in NYC...

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

Three magical words- Super! Bowl! Champions!

Ok, the big game’s over and getting back to music, this week is all about The Boss! Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are finally back on the road, though not without some drama, as several members have very recently had to sit out, due to Covid. Let’s hope the outbreak is behind them and all members are back on stage this weekend.

The biggest avant-garde secret is that Laurie Anderson is in town with Filharmonie Brno for a unique tribute to Amelia Earhart, and there are also several good club shows this week.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City/Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from February 15th-20th.

WEDNESDAY FEB 15

Bruce Cockburn's 50th Anniversary Concert, Liberty Hall- Lawrence, $39-$59

Delayed by the pandemic, this special tour is back on tracks and playing to appreciative fans. Cockburn has released 34 albums and his songs have been covered by many artists including Jimmy Buffet, kd Lang, Barenaked Ladies, Jerry Garcia, Anne Murray, Elbow, Judy Collins, Chet Atkins, and more. The 50th Anniversary shows promise songs from each decade that he’s made records in: 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 2000’s, 2010’s and the 2020’s!

The Dip, Madrid Theatre, $30

The Dip is a pop, rhythm and blues band that was formed in 2013 by jazz music students at the UW-Seattle. The band combines a typical pop instrumentation with a 3-part horn section. They have released three full-length albums as well as two instrumental Eps with latest being last year’s Sticking With it (on Dualtone Records). Live, they’ve recently snuck in their unique version of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid”.

Noah Kahan w Jack Van Cleaf, The Truman, SOLD OUT

Newest releases the Cape Elizabeth EP and full-length Stick Season are both so critically acclaimed, many feel the Vermont folk pop singer-songwriter is on the verge of breaking it big(ger) with most shows (including this one) on this run being sold-out. Anyone enamored by the Mumford-like big folk sound will need to somehow find a way into this one.

THURSDAY FEB 16

Brian Posehn, Comedy Club of KC, Feb 16, 17, 18, $20 / $30

The comedian/actor/writer is in town for a multi-night stand, so plenty of chances to catch him live. Known for specials "25x2" and "Criminally Posehn" and his podcast, Nerd Poker, he’s been in numerous films and TV shows including The Five-Year Engagement, Lloyd the Conqueror and The Sarah Silverman Program.

Cody Canada w Rob Leines, Knuckleheads, $20

Expect a heaping helping of Cross Canadian Ragweed songs as well as solo material from their former rock/alt-country Oklahoma-based lead singer. He fronts The Departed and newest release is last year’s Soul Gravy.

FRIDAY FEB 17

Niko Moon w Dylan Schneider, The Truman, $20-$40

Out on his Ain’t No Better Place Tour, the country-pop singer is also currently writing and recording the follow-up to his 2021 debut album Good Time, named after his double Platinum, No. 1 hit single. Also, he recently welcomed a daughter, Lily, with his wife / frequent collaborator, Anna. Together they composed “I Can’t Wait to Love You” in anticipation of Lily’s arrival. Live, he’s been working in Tim McGraw, Zac Brown, and Travis Tritt covers.

Thy Art is Murder, Granada- Lawrence, $25-$30

Australian deathcore band out on their Decade of Hate Tour, it’s a packed evening with the lineup including Kublai Khan TX, Undeath, I AM, and Justice For The Damned, so an early door time.

Rodney Carrington, Feb 17-18 , Ameristar, $65+

Carrington is known for the witty and sarcastic humor that he is able to blend into various mediums of stand-up, music, and short films. He integrates his country roots seamlessly into the essence of his demeanor and writing style, playing around the world as one of the top 10 highest-grossing touring comedians for the past two decades.

SATURDAY FEB 18

Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, T-Mobile Center. $63.50-$403.50

Despite high prices and low-ticket availability and a current fight with Covid, Springsteen and his full band have returned to the road for the first time in North America in seven years. Little Steven, Patti Scialfa and Soozie Tyrell have all missed the recent TX dates and the setlist spans decades, but is heavier on material from Born to Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town, Born in the USA and the more recent Letter to You albums. Whichever way, expect a marathon and fun evening from a legend and one of the best bands working.

Filharmonie Brno With Dennis Russell Davies, and Laurie Anderson, $43.50-$83.50

Take the ultimate flight of fancy with iconic creative pioneer Laurie Anderson as she channels Atchison, KS’ own Amelia Earhart in an expansive work for Filharmonie Brno under the baton of renowned American conductor Dennis Russell Davies. Earhart’s own radio transmissions, diaries, and news clippings are used in Anderson’s sonic score that show off the technical capabilities of Helzberg Hall.

The roots of the Filharmonie Brno go way back to the 1870s when young Leoš Janáček endeavored to establish a Czech symphony orchestra in Brno and the setlist will consist of work by Antonin Dvořák and Bohuslav Martinů as well as the Laurie Anderson piece.

SUNDAY FEB 19

Winterlude: Trent Austin Quartet, Polsky Theatre. $17-$35

Trumpeter, artist, and educator Trent Austin plays jazz classics with the influences of classical and contemporary music. A prodigy, Austin performed at the opening of Euro-Disney and was a featured performer at the 1992 Montreux Jazz Festival and later played with the likes of Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Joe Williams, Clark Terry, Jack Jones, and numerous others.

He was a trumpet professor at the University of Southern Maine for nine years and now maintains an active teaching studio providing trumpet and jazz improv lessons in Kansas City.

MONDAY FEB 20

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

We♥KC-December 5-11, 2022- Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Read More The 1975 The buzzing Manchester, UK foursome has been out on a short (and very sold out) tour of the U.S., previewing tracks from its second full-length, breathily titled I Like It When You Sleep …

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

With the holiday season in full swing, this is likely the last busy live music week of the season (in terms of national touring bands), so find a show while you can. The weather is cooperating so far too, with temps swinging up from the 60s down to the 20s, but more constant cold and snow & ice will be more of a thing soon.

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City metro December 5th-11th.

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

MONDAY DEC 5

The Piano Guys, The Midland. $44.50-$84.50

The instrumental group (Jon Schmidt, Steven Sharp Nelson, Paul Anderson and Al van der Beek) has been touring extensively, in support of their latest studio album '10', released in Nov. 2020 as a celebration of their 10-year anniversary. The newest album follows up 2018's 'Limitless' which reached #1 on Billboard's New Age chart. Their debut self-titled album was released back in 2012 and was certified Gold by the RIAA and the group performs a mix of classical crossover, orchestral pop and cello rock.

TUESDAY DEC 6

Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, “The Family” featuring Lonnie and Chloe McFadden, Kauffman Center. $33.50-$68.50

Swing into the holiday spirit with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra and KC's beloved father-daughter duo, Chloe and Lonnie McFadden! The McFaddens are considered local jazz royalty and sharing their story are Lonnie and Chloe, inviting us all to an illustrative "holiday dinner" where everyone is welcome.

Wet Leg, The Truman, $25-$44

Finally, KC gets their chance to recline on the Chaise Lounge! Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers each wear a small gold necklace made by Hester: one that says Wet, and one that says Leg. The duo only released their debut single, “Chaise Lounge”, in June 2021, but its dry wit and thumping indie-disco beat turned it into a runaway hit.

We caught them relatively early, in March in Minneapolis and since then, have supported acts from CHVRCHES to Idles, sold out their entire 2022 tour with only two songs out (“Wet Dream” followed in September) and now, with latest single “Too Late Now,” an album on the horizon and having been ranked #2 in the BBC Sound of 2022 list, their future only looks brighter.

WEDNESDAY DEC 7

Amon Amarth with Carcass, Obituary, Cattle Decapitation, Uptown. $39.50-$97.25

This headbanging Fall 2022 North American tour in is support of their newest album The Great Heathen Army, which was released in August and the lineup for the Great Heathen Army Tour is stacked, with fellow death metallers Carcass, Obituary, and Cattle Decapitation filling out the bill.

Lemonheads, Bass Drum Of Death, On Being An Angel, Madrid Theater, $30

Thirty years later, It’s still a shame about Ray.

Evan Dando and company return to play the fabled album in its entirety, along with numerous other hits. Live, the show moves seamlessly from opening as a trio, to Dando alone with an extended acoustic set, to the full band performing the album, and even Dando solo on drums. We caught Lemonheads last, pre-pandemic in Minneapolis in 2019 but also saw them back in 2011 when they also played the fabled album in full.

Bass Drum of Death is a garage punk band from Oxford, Mississippi currently signed to Fat Possum Records and Austin TX band On Being an Angel who plays “rackety mid-fi melodies with a beautifully sad and understated vocal”.

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.

THURSDAY DEC 8

The 1975, Cable Dahmer Arena- Independence, $160-$450

We knew them when… We’ve seen the still-buzzing Manchester UK band live pretty regularly since their initial US appearance at SXSW 2013 and can safely say they’re still growing bigger, even a decade since they made that memorable initial first impression.

The band recently released “Happiness,” the harmonic new single from newest album, Being Funny In A Foreign Language, which came out in October. The new album is the band’s fifth release and first since 2020’s Notes on a Conditional Form and after having to cancel a planned 2021 tour, the band has embarked on their At Their Very Best North America tour

FRIDAY DEC 9

Switchfoot, Uptown Theater, $25-$75

The Grammy Award-winning rock band has a brand-new holiday record, this is our Christmas album, infusing their signature West Coast sound to a number of holiday classics and five, new original Christmas songs.

“Christmas is an emotional treasure chest for a songwriter to pull from,” lead Singer Jon Foreman says. “It’s a season stretched tight with contradictions: celebrating the free gifts of love and grace with an outburst of materialist capitalist consumption. An emotional roller coaster of family and friends, hopes and scars- bringing out the worst and the best in all of us.”

We caught them live back in 2015 and with a Christian slant to many of their songs, a holiday tour celebrating the reason for the season, seems on point.

Aaron Lewis, Ameristar, $73-$95

It’s been a while… since Aaron and band Staind have hit stages, but he’s ably filled his time with a country-tinged solo career – on this Acoustic Tour, "Frayed at Both Ends," expect plenty of solo songs with a few band songs peppered in, all stripped down.

“Jurassic World,” Dec. 9-11, T-Mobile Center. $17-$115

The movie mythos comes to life in an arena-sized presentation!

Similar to the Marvel Live! Show we caught in 2017, and also produced by Feld Entertainment, your trip to Isla Nublar takes a terrifying, unexpected turn when Indominus rex escapes and causes chaos! Watch as a team of scientists unravels a corrupt plan and saves Jeanie, a Troodon dinosaur, from a terrible fate. Along the way, experience some of the most iconic dinosaurs including Blue the Raptor, Stegosaurus, Triceratops and the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex!

Fan favorite Bumpy, from the DreamWorks Animation Television action-adventure series Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous, is also featured- named for her asymmetrical head bumps, Bumpy is friendly and food motivated. With her accelerated growth rate, the herbivore grows from baby to adult during the show.

SATURDAY DEC 10

Trampled by Turtles w Sumbuck, Uptown Theater, $35-$55

The celebrated Minnesota sextet is out in support of their new album, Alpenglow which released in October (on Thirty Tigers). Their first new album in four years – produced by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco – consists of 11 new songs that feature the Duluth MN-based group’s signature blend of rock, folk, punk, country, and progressive bluegrass.

The combination of lead singer and songwriter Dave Simonett’s lyrics, the band’s signature layered strings and robust harmonies, and Tweedy’s perspective has resulted in a thoughtfully composed record that finds Trampled reaching new heights.

Named after the optical phenomenon that washes mountains on the horizon in a pinkish red glow at dusk and dawn, change is a recurring theme in Alpenglow’s songs – whether it’s a change of pace, change of perspective, or change of heart, Simonett is nostalgic for the way things used to be but also optimistic about the future.

Simonett (guitar), Erik Berry (mandolin), Ryan Young (fiddle), Dave Carroll (banjo), Tim Saxhaug (bass), and Eamonn McLain (cello) operate as a rock band that employs string instrumentation with folk and punk influences and being mostly MN-based, we’ve certainly become a fan along the way, both of the band and their curated Festival Palomino that ran for several years. WHM just caught the tour live last month and have seen them often over the last decade plus.

Travis Tritt, Ameristar, $75-$95

Despite having to cancel shows last month touring with co-headliner Chris Janson, the longtime Country star is back on the road solo. Tritt has amassed more than 30 million in career album sales, two GRAMMY® Awards, four CMA Awards, a Billboard Music Award, is a member of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, and much more.

Among his eleven studio albums and numerous charted singles are five number ones and 20 Top 10 hits, including “Help Me Hold On,” “Anymore,” “Can I Trust You with My Heart,” “Foolish Pride,” “Best of Intentions,” “I’m Gonna Be Somebody,” “Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde,” “Here’s A Quarter,” “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.”

SUNDAY DEC 11

Leo Kottke, Madrid Theater, $52-$69

Acoustic guitarist Leo Kottke was born in Athens, GA, but has known Minnesota as his longtime home, and it’s a regular tradition that he tours the Midwest in November and December.

Kottke's 1971 major-label debut, “Mudlark,” positioned him in the singer/songwriter vein, despite his wishes to remain an instrumental performer and his collaboration with Phish bassist Mike Gordon, “Clone,” caught audiences' attention back in 2002. Kottke and Gordon followed with 2005’s Sixty-Six Steps (produced by Prince producer David Z) and they collaborated again with 2020’s Noon.

Kottke has been awarded two Grammy nominations; a Doctorate in Music Performance by the Peck School of Music at the U of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; and a Certificate of Significant Achievement in Not Playing the Trombone from U of Texas at Brownsville with Texas Southmost College.

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

We♥KC- November 29-December 4, 2022- Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence, KS)

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

The final month of the year is already here! After a full weekend of food, football, and shopping, it’s time to get back to live music, even though shows are ramping down for the holidays.

The Royals put the feels out for a proposed $2 billion-dollar downtown ballpark, so expect more summer concerts there if/when that gets built, and Metallica just announced a new album, and two-night stadium stands (incl. Aug 2024 in Minneapolis) but no KC dates for this leg.

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City metro November 28th-December 4th

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

Monday Nov 28

Tuesday Nov 29

Five Finger Death Punch, Brantley Gilbert, Cory Marks, Nov 29, T-Mobile Center, $25.50-$125.50

A seemingly odd pairing on paper, the two main acts actually first brought their worlds of hard rock and country rock together when they partnered on 2019 hit, “Blue on Black”. That track also featured Brian May, the song’s original performer, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and was in support of The Gary Sinise Foundation, to benefit first responders. The song has over 110 million YouTube views and 62 million Spotify streams, proving that this Afterlife Tour should not be missed by fans of either artist.

Live, there’s a small amount of collaboration during show and prepare for respective favorites as well as covers by the likes of Bad Company and Hank Jr. Opener Cory Marks revs up a classic Steve Miller song as well.

Wednesday Nov 30

Paige Hernandez’s Liner Notes, Nov. 30, Lied Center. $11-$30

An educational, multi-generational and interactive musical experience inspired by the civil rights movement during the 50s and 60s. The show features songs that will get you dancing, like Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say,” protest songs like “A Change is Gonna Come,” and spirituals like “This Little Light of Mine.”

The Corner Store Jazz Quintet plays in front of a multimedia design that includes album artwork and original video design. Over the course of the performance, liner notes are read from the original albums, including the artistic statements of John Coltrane and Sam Cooke and a post-performance discussion will follow the show.

Charley Crockett, Nov 30, Uptown, $35-$45

For anyone that missed him previous at the Granada in Lawrence, Crockett has added new tour dates making for an extensive, coast-to-coast autumn trek around his new album, The Man from Waco.

He previously jumped on Willie Nelson’s traveling Outlaw Country Fest and also supported Willie ahead of Farm Aid in Raleigh this September before heading across the pond for a UK/EU run. Country music that is both traditional and modern, it’s a chance to see this prolific artist before he plays even bigger venues.

Thursday Dec 1

Friday Dec 2

The Doo Wop Project, Dec 2, Kauffman Center, $45-$90

Ring in the holiday season with this new ‘Holiday Pops’ concert with the Kansas City Symphony! Featuring Broadway stars of Jersey Boys, Motown: The Musical, and A Bronx Tale, this new symphony experience combines their celebration of one of America’s signature music genres with everyone’s favorite holiday hits, sung in true “Doo Wop style.”

In this holiday concert, symphony audiences will enjoy the harmonies of holiday favorites like “Please Come Home for Christmas,” “All I Want for Christmas,” plus familiar classics by legends like The Crests, The Del Vikings, The Belmonts, Smokey Robinson, Frankie Valli and more!

TenThing Brass Ensemble, Dec. 2, Yardley Hall. $5-$42

Formed in 2007 by Norwegian trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth as a fun and exciting collaboration between musical friends, the 10-piece, all-female brass ensemble has firmly established itself on the international scene. tenThing is celebrated for a diverse repertoire that spans Mozart to Weill, Grieg to Bernstein and Lully to Bartók. The group works closely with Norwegian guitarist and arranger Jarle Storløkken on scores, which enables them to play pieces using a variety of instrumentations.

tenThing first established itself in performances across its native Norway, by opening the 2011 Norwegian Grammy Awards. In 2017, the ensemble embarked on its American debut tour and also made its Paris debut at the Saint-Denis Festival. Following previous success, the ensemble returned to the US in 2019 and is now again, on their third visit, performing holiday-themed songs from Europe and the US

Saturday Dec 3

Cannibal Corpse with Dark Funeral and more, Dec. 3, Granada. $27.50

The death metal veterans will close out 2022 with a North American headlining month-long tour, running through December 10 in St. Petersburg, FL, with support provided by DARK FUNERAL, IMMOLATION and BLACK ANVIL. The trek also includes a headlining performance at the first annual Decibel Magazine Metal & Beer Fest: Denver on December 2.

Shiner, The Ship, $17-$20

KC’s own Shiner will hold a special holiday headlining show at the relatively small venue The Ship. The band released Schadenfreude (DeSoto Records Records), which is their first new album since 2001’s acclaimed LP The Egg. The new album has drawn comparisons to QOTSA and Soundgarden and landed on “best of the week” lists at Under The Radar and Brooklyn Vegan.

Tim O’Brien with Jan Fabricius, Dec. 3, Lied Center. $16-$30

Multi-Grammy winner and folk multi-instrumentalist Tim O’Brien has traveled the world and delighted audiences since 1975 with his distinct vocals, string wizardry and heartfelt original songs. His latest recording, He Walked On, maps a pathway through today’s world. In duet with his wife Jan Fabricius on mandolin and vocals, expect rootsy acoustic instrumentation and harmony singing, interspersed with O’Brien’s self-deprecating humor.

Sunday Dec 4

Disney Princess: The Concert, Dec. 4, The Midland. $29.50-$80

A show that features Broadway stars performing familiar songs from screen and stage. Concertgoers (who are encouraged to dress up in their best royal attire) will have the opportunity to hear the song live in addition to more than 30 favorite songs, including classics like "Part of Your World," "Let It Go," "A Whole New World," "Colors of the Wind," and "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes."

Larger than life animations and visuals accompanying the music will immerse the audience in trademark Disney magic. Based on the touring production Broadway Princess Party, which began as a cabaret show in NYC in 2015, this new venture is co-produced by Disney Concerts.

"K-Love Christmas Tour" feat Natalie Grant Danny Gokey Brandon Heath, Dec 4, Sheffield Family Life Center, $27-$50

The reason for the season- join Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, Brandon Heath this Christmas season for an unforgettable night at the K-LOVE Christmas Tour! A portion of ticket sales & any additional generosity helps provide needed resources to the show’s charity partners as well.

Winterlude: Doug Talley Quartet, Dec. 4, Polsky Theatre. $17-$35

Formed in 1995, the quartet has performed at numerous festivals, concerts, clubs and schools throughout the Midwest. Doug Talley has performed with jazz luminaries Jay McShann, Randy Brecker, Gary Foster and more and appeared at the Kansas Jazz and Blues Festival, Spirit Festival, Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival and many others. His discography includes four recordings for the Triology and Boulevard Big Bands, as well as the Doug Talley Quartet’s four CDs.

Pianist Charles Williams has been performing in KC for over 40 years and has been with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra since day one. As a trombonist in his early years, Williams performed with such jazz legends as Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, and Cannonball & Nat Adderley, along with many more.

Tim Brewer has appeared with many artists, including Bobby Watson and Eddie Harris. Locally, he also performs with Triology and Boulevard Big Bands, the New Kansas City Seven and Trinity Jazz Ensemble.

Keith Kavanaugh is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music and has performed with Diane Schuur, Phil Wilson, Joshua Breakstone, Scott Robinson and Ritchie Cole, among many others.

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

We♥KC- November 14-20 2022- Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence KS)

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

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

The weather's definitely changed, so take care getting out to the shows happening before the holidays. This Friday is especially jam-packed.

The recent Thundergong! benefit was another raging success, with almost $600K raised and surprise appearances from the likes of The Darkness, and Will Forte, who collab'd with show host Jason Sudeikis to play hits from their anti-band, Jon Bovi. A good time for a great cause.  

Starlight shows are already announcing for 2023, so Summer will be back before you know it.  

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence, KS metro November 14th-20th

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

Monday Nov 14

Brian Culbertson with Marcus Anderson and Marqueal Jordan, The Midland. $49.50-$64.50

The multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer boasts a 25-album catalog and a part of nearly 40 Billboard #1 singles, easily working in many genres from jazz to funk to pop to New Age, so expect the musical kitchen sink. Newest albums are the themed trilogy, Red, Blue, and White.

Arrive on time to catch everyone on the bill- we’ve seen Marcus Anderson plenty, as he played sax with Prince in his last years as well as with Cee-Lo, and saxophonist/vocalist Marqueal Jordan is very well known in Chicago and LA.

Wayne Escoffery Duo, Lied Center (Rescheduled to December 12 & 13)

Tuesday Nov 15

Mat Kearney (acoustic trio) Uptown Theater,$35-$59

The rock folk singer songwriter from Oregon put out a new album, January Flower, last May, but has decided to go out on an acoustic tour, featuring some of the new songs and stripped-down older favorites. We’ve caught Kearney live previous, most recently in late 2016 in St Paul and recent live sets has seen his version of Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al" worked in.

PNC Broadway in KC Presents R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Nov 15-16, Kauffman Center, $81.50-$121.50

The tribute celebrating the music of the legendary Aretha Franklin starring a live band and supreme vocalists- a night of music of one of the greatest artists of all time, including hits "Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools,” “Respect,” and many more.

Wednesday Nov 16

Slander, Midland. $29.50-$59.50

Out on The Thrive Tour, the DJ/Producer duo consisting of Derek Andersen and Scott Land are LA-based and known for their emotional, melodic bass music sound with two RIAA Gold Certifications to their name. Wooli, Leotrix, REDLINE to open.

Steven Page, Madrid Theatre,$35-$55

Hard to believe, but the former Barenaked Ladies’ vocalist has been gone from the group since 2009, though in concert, his sett still consists of about half BNL songs. His latest solo effort is called Excelsior, and was released in late Sept.

Chelsea Cutler with Ayokay and Arden Jones, Granada. $28.50-$30

The young Connecticut electronic pop singer-songwriter released her sophomore effort, When I Close My Eyes a year ago, but also has a recent single, “Walk Me Home” with Said the Sky and Illenium. Live, she works in her collab with Jeremy Zucker, in addition to her own songs.

Thursday Nov 17

Ninja Sex Party, Folly. $39.50

NSP is an LA-based musical comedy duo consisting of singer Dan Avidan and keyboardist Brian Wecht, forming in 2009 in NYC and are also known as two thirds of the video game-based musical trio Starbomb. To date, NSP has released nine studio albums with 2020’s The Prophecy being the latest, though an acoustic live album came out last year.

Tauren Wells, Midland. $25-$70

Ten-time GRAMMY® nominee and platinum-selling artist is out on his Joy in the Morning Tour. Featuring recent hit “Fake It” and older inspirational favorites, “Hills and Valleys,” “Known,” “Famous For (I Believe),” “Until Grace,” and more. Special Guests: Aaron Cole and Lakewood Music.

Turnover, Madrid Theatre, $26-$36

Out on their Myself in the Way Tour,, named after their fifth studio release, the indie emo dream pop band has maintained a constant and growing fan base since their start over a decade ago, in Virginia.

Riot Ten w Jiqui and COM3, Granada-Lawrence, $15-$25

The El Paso TX DJ Producer is aka Christopher Wilson and put out full-length Hype or Die: Homecoming last year, but has more recent collab singles with the likes of Steve Aoki, SubDocta, and JV Rhymes.

Friday Nov 18

Reba McEntire w Terri Clark, T-Mobile Center, $45.75-$222.75

“This ain't our first rodeo! Here's a little throwback from the last time we got to tour together in 2005,”, Reba recalled online, in anticipation of this Live in Concert arena tour. Both Country legends really need no introduction and have numerous hits between them. Reba released a remix record last year and Clark’s most recent is an Xmas album, so maybe being in mid-Nov, a holiday song is not exactly out of place.

Andy Frasco & The U.N. and Little Strangers, The Truman. $22

The LA blues rock band has a brand new album, Wash, Rinse, Repeat out as a follow up to last year’s live record, recorded at Colorado’s Red Rocks. Live, they’ve been collaborating with opener Little Strangers and also working in Led Zeppelin and Nirvana covers.

Mavis Staples, Lied Center. $19-$50

The blues, gospel and rock legend! Staples is a Blues and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer; a civil rights icon; a Grammy Award-winner; a chart-topping soul, gospel and R&B pioneer; a National Arts Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient; and a Kennedy Center honoree, among other accolades.

Since 2004, she’s released a series of vital solo albums with recent collaborations that include Ben Harper, Arcade Fire, Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, Hozier, Neko Case, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and Tune Yards, among others. A must.

Kai Wachi, Madrid Theatre,$30-$50

Rising Boise electronic bass music artist out on his SKINS Tour.

Sun Room, w Susannah Joffe, recordBar, $18

Surf’s Up! Southern California surf rock band formed in the summer of 2020 by singer/guitarist, Luke Asgian with “I Want You” being their recent single.

Puscifer with Night Club, The Midland. $39.50-$79.50

Continuing their Existential Reckoning Tour - Let The Probing Continue and born somewhere in the Arizona desert, they are an electro-rock band, multimedia experience, traveling circus, and alien abduction survivors. Their catalog consists of four full-length studio albums (2020’s Existential Reckoning being most recent) in addition to a series of EPs and remixes.

Beyond the core trio of Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan [vocals], Mat Mitchell [guitar, production], and Carina Round [vocals, songwriting], and rotating drum and bass support, the band also showcases a cast of characters such as Billy D and his wife Hildy Berger, Major Douche, Special Agent Dick Merkin, and many more.

Always something to behold live, we caught them last in Minneapolis in 2016 in a wrestling ring stage with fire alarms shrieking, which resulted in a late-set crowd evacuation. Night Club to open.

Kenny G with the KC Symphony, Nov 18, 19, 20 Kaufmann Center, Rescheduled to March 13, 14, 15, 2023)

Saturday Nov 19

Plains (Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee & Jess Williamson) w/MJ Lenderman, Knuckleheads, SOLD OUT

We’ve covered KC's own Crutchfield for years previously and together with Williamson, have a new collaborative project that goes back to their folk roots. Their new album I Walked With You A Ways recently came out on ANTI- Records and the live set also includes some respective solo songs, along with a couple covers from the likes of Waylon Jennings and The (Dixie) Chicks.

Alaska, recordBar, $20-$249

A bizarre cosmic collision propelled Alaska to Earth in March 1966… and on to the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in January 2013. Still radioactive, no one knows who or what she is, as long as she never returns to her native planet. Her age and species remain unknown to the public, but a few of her enemies claim to hold copies of her spawning record and universal passport. Errr, ok….

Ron White (comedian), Ameristar. $70-$169

One of the famous Blue Collar Comedy Tour comedians out on his supposed farewell tour, Ron “Tater Salad” White, the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking stand-up is bringing one last set of stories and jokes to the area.

Sunday Nov 20

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, Kauffman Center, $84.50-$104.50

A favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years- the Grammy Award winner has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound.

Steve Vai, Uptown (postponed from March 18) $47-$99

Prepare for guitar wizardry! After being off the road for three years and having to postpone, The Inviolate Tour is finally in motion, For the Love of God! In addition to his own release, Vai guested on a recent Polyphia single and has a 1991 vault album, Vai/Gash, due out early next year.

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