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!
Not-to-miss live music in September
Indigenous The Bottleneck, September 2 Suggested Songs: “Red House”, “Hear My Train A Comin” Mato Nanji is widely recognized in the blues-rock world for his Hendrix-like style. He has recorded alongside Doyle Bramhall, Stevie Ray Vaughan’s co-songwriter, and won the 15th Annual Native American Music Award honoring his culture and musicianship. Nanji is from the Read More …
Not-to-miss live music in August
The Still Tide Replay Lounge, August 2 The Still Tide is an adorable duo made up of Anna Morsett and Jacob Miller who were originally New Yorker’s but have relocated in the Mile-High City. Morsett’s hushed, alto voice sounds comfortingly familiar to Sara Bareilles, but a little less pop-y and a little more haunting. TST’s Read More …
Not-to-miss live music in July
Tree Machines with Vigil & Thieves The Bottleneck, July 1 The dreamiest voice echoes hauntingly from this Kansas-bred male duo. Hints of Bon Iver shine through in their vocals as well as their incredible music abilities. Tree Machines is a must for all mellow, indie-lovers out there. But I feel the need to say it’s Read More …
Not-to-miss live music in June
Dragondeer The Bottleneck, June 1 This psych-blues group from Colorado has an intoxicating old school sound that is laced with just enough soulful improvisation to really groove. Eric Halborg’s raspy, rich vocals are complemented by the refreshing blues-rock guitar riffs, jazzy drums beats, slide guitar and harmonica. Don’t miss this native Colorado band. They’ll be Read More …
Not-to-miss live music in May
Cody Johnson The Granada, May 3 This Texas cowboy is known for his hard work -especially in the world of country music. After his single “Cowboy Like Me” topped the Billboard of Country Music, Cody followed it up by recording “Gotta Be Me” which has newly been released! The Steel Wheels The Bottleneck, May 5 Read More …
Not-to-miss live music in April
35th Year Anniversary Party The Jazzhaus, April 1 Invite all your friends to join in celebrating Jazzhaus’s 35 year anniversary! The music will be live and the spirits will be high. The Color Morale The Bottleneck, April 1 You can expect to be inspired after watching The Color Morale live. They pour their heart and Read More …
Not-to-miss live music in March
JoJo Liberty Hall, March 3 Fans will recognize Jojo from her teenybopper days in the 2000s, when her hit “Leave (Get Out)” made her the youngest solo artist to have a number-one single in the U.S. Jojo isn’t thirteen years old anymore; she’s singing more mature R&B on her “Mad Love” tour. Girls Rock! Fundraiser Read More …
Not-to-miss live music in February
Jason Boland and the Stragglers Granada, February 2 Jason Boland and the Stragglers is an “American Red Dirt/Texas Country” band sure you get your boots stomping. The band’s sound is downhome country, with songs like “Bourbon Legend”, “Bottle By My Bed”, and a tribute to Hank Williams, appropriately titled “Hank”. Jason Boland and the Stragglers 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 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.
