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!
No sour notes: Lawrence creates COVID-safe live music events
Venues were the first to close and will be the last to open as the country wades through the muddy waters of this deadly pandemic. For the moment, there isn’t any music downtown. Even the buskers have bunkered down until it’s safe to venture out. As we get a firmer grasp over the extent of Read More …
The best music videos we’ve seen from local musicians since the start of the pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and venues began closing their doors, musicians had to start getting creative. That meant finding a new stage far from civilization, be it on a mountain top or in their garage, and reworking how they brought performances to their fans. We’ve seen a lot of creativity, from live streams to Read More …
Ten Black Artists You Can Support in the Lawrence Music Scene
The Summer of 2020 has been one unlike any other. We traded pool parties for social distancing, pride parades for protests, and dining out for carry out. Though tensions have been high, it’s clear that Lawrence is a community that strives to support one another. From fundraising to free meals, this town is constantly leading 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 GetUp 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.
