Join the ummistakable music scene that is Lawrence.
This is the place where Nirvana & Green Day played in a small, standing-room only shack. This is the place where Janelle Monae packed in her hometown crowd. George Clinton has funked up our streets and we “fought the power” with Public Enemy in huge, outdoor concerts. Up-and-coming local bands like Taryn Blake Miller’s “Your Friend”? Check. Concerts by global classic sensations such as Yo Yo Ma or Joshua Bell? We got it. A gathering of the world’s best young pianists with free concerts? It’s here. We often get the big acts before they’re big… ever heard of The Chainsmokers? Live Music Capital of Kansas… we think so!
Keep an eye on this blog for shows you just can’t miss!
Free State Festival: Back and Better Than Ever
Free State Festival began seven years ago. It was the seedling of an idea that has since fought to put down roots, gain some footing, and offer a space in the community to recognize ideas, film, music and art. The festival scaled back last year after issues with funding made it almost impossible to put Read More …
Let’s get LIVE on Mass!
Chances are, if you’ve googled #LiveonMass, you’re even more curious than you were before you typed the hashtag into the search bar. Free concerts? Outdoors? Taking over a whole block on Mass St.? What is this wonderful, musical, spirited community event? Who is the mastermind behind the series? Mike Logan, owner of the Granada, was Read More …
Not-to-miss live music in May
The Ghost Wolves The Bottleneck, May 1 The Ghost Wolves- the name says it all. Or does it? The band name came after the husband-wife duo saw the spirit form of a male wolf-hybrid who lived and died on Carley’s family’s ranch. Carley Wolf (guitar and vocals) and Johnny Wolf (drums and vocals) bring us a Read More …
The Venues
Built in the 1930′s as a silent movie theater and showing movies up through the 1980′s, the Granada has now been hosting live acts for almost 20 years. Featuring national and international touring acts, the Granada has hosted noteworthy and award winning performers, including M83, The Get Up Kids, Ben Folds, Flaming Lips, Weezer, Henry Rollins, Pat Green, G-Love & Special Sauce, Marilyn Manson, Smashing Pumpkins, Rusted Root, John Mayer and many more. You’ll find it right on Massachusetts Street, between 10th and 11th.
And there’s more music playing. Check out the calendar at the Replay Lounge. The Replay features pinball, recorded and live music, along with grill and deli sandwiches and drinks. Don’t miss Sunday Matinee shows when they open their large patio for evening shows, from folk to psychedelic.
Climb the stairs to the Jazzhaus where their motto is: Work Hard, Play Hard, Sleep Later and Love Life. Can’t beat that! This nightclub has been a Lawrence institution since 1982, offering live music, dancing and drink specials. One room offers a stage and room for dancing. A small adjoining lounge area features mood lighting, overstuffed couches and a more intimate setting, while there is also an outside deck off the back.
Radiohead, The Flaming Lips, the Pixies, Wilco, Chief Keef are just a few of the long list of acts that have played at The Bottleneck. With a 350-capacity, its big enough to get lost in the crowd, yet cozy enough to feel like you can hang with the band.
Head inside the tiny Gaslight Gardens for the beer; go back outside for the party. On a pretty regular basis, the Gaslight hosts evening patio shows with bluegrass, jazz, and even punk bands taking the outdoor stage. Located in North Lawrence, it’s an alternative to the main bar scene downtown and the perfect warm summer night hangout.
You could overlook it, but locals beat a trail to the Eighth Street Taproom, 801 New Hampshire St. Upstairs, it’s a normal beloved pub. But the downstairs section’s low-ceilinged, red-lit basement is a heralded underground music scene.
The Lied Center of Kansas on KU’s west campus offers something for everyone, including the best of Broadway, symphony orchestra, dance, music, theatre and family programs.
