Sweet Honey In the Rock
Wednesday
Muriel Kauffman Theatre
Formed 40 years ago in Washington D.C., the revered a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey In the Rock remains a vital force in the preservation of the African-American vocal tradition. The ensemble is closely associated with material related to its interest in social justice and traditional civil rights causes. The venerable act's repertoire includes gospel favorites such as "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," the African-derived folk of "Cum Bah Ya," children's ditties like "Shoo Fly Don't Bother Me" and odes to the struggle for equality including "Ella's Song." While its membership has evolved, Sweet Honey In the Rock's commitment to soaring harmonies remains constant. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show range from $35 to $61.
The Darkness
Wednesday
Uptown Theater
With its unforgettable 2003 hit "I Believe In a Thing Called Love", the Darkness merged the pop smarts of Boston, the cheeky excesses of Queen and the power of AC/DC. Just because it may never surpass that impeccably absurd combination of styles again doesn't mean that the British band isn't still good for a hearty laugh. The Darkness may resemble a real-life version of Spinal Tap, but its members are in on the joke. The band continues to embrace bombast on hilarious new material like "Every Inch of You." Opening act Hell or Highwater, a California-based band in the tradition of Mötley Crüe and Van Halen, will get the party started. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $24 in advance.
Brantley Gilbert
Thursday
Independence Events Center
Brantley Gilbert's "Kick It In the Sticks" may be the definitive contemporary country song. The rowdy celebration of "frog giggin', cow tippin', skinny dippin', and bass fishin'" also references AC/DC, George Strait, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams, Jr. The hit isn't Gilbert's only tribute to rural America. The narrator of the chart-topping "Country Must Be Country Wide," Gilbert's signature song, boasts that he's "stone cold country by the grace of God." Gilbert's rustic sensibility clearly resonates with listeners. Only two albums into his burgeoning career, the Georgia-born Gilbert is headlining hockey arenas. Opening act Kip Moore is best known for his 2011 hit "Somethin' 'Bout a Truck." Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. concert are $24.75 and $37.
The Latenight Callers with Tiny Horse, Jorge Arana Trio and Eyelit
Friday
Czar Bar
Friday's eclectic bill at the Czar Bar successfully conveys the wildly diverse experience on tap at the annual SXSW music conference. The event is the second in a series of fundraisers designed to raise money for the Midcoast Takeover's Kansas City-themed showcase in Austin during SXSW. Each of the four acts is capable of filling area music fans with pride. The Latenight Callers is a noir-tinged rock band that performs in the spirit of Kansas City's glorious jazz past. Tiny Horse is noble little roots-rock act. The Jorge Arana Trio blends jazz fusion with blistering noise rock. Eyelit is a promising folk-based ensemble from St. Joseph. A third benefit concert takes place Saturday at the Riot Room. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $10 in advance.
Kid Rock
Saturday
Sprint Center
Kid Rock's career-altering 2008 hit "All Summer Long" allowed him to make an unlikely transition from disreputable ruffian to distinguished music industry veteran. The proud Michigan native's new semi-respectable image doesn't mean that his proven hybrid of raw blues, ribald hip-hop, sordid country and mangy classic rock is any less entertaining. The composition of the audience might be slightly more upscale, but longtime fans can expect the self-proclaimed Rock n Roll Jesus' current "Rebel Soul" tour to be almost as rowdy as ever. Hyperactive rockers Buckcherry and Hellbound Glory, a loud honkytonk band from Nevada, open the show. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show range from $35.50 to $83.50.
Calexico
Saturday
Granada
The spacious Americana of Tuscon's Calexico evokes the harsh beauty of the Arizona landscape. Savvy filmmakers have taken notice. Calexico's dusty music has filled the role once held by Ennio Morricone's scores for classic spaghetti westerns in several movies. Calexico has also built an impressive discography of customary albums during the last fifteen years. Even without the benefit of a significant hit, Calexico's reputation as a quiet but consequential band continues to grow. Bahamas, the beguiling project of Canadian guitarist and singer-songwriter Alfie Jurvanen, opens the show. Tickets to the 9 p.m. show are $18 in advance and $20 on the day of the show.
Ed Sheeran
Sunday
The Midland
At 21, Ed Sheeran is slightly older than each of the four members of the massively successful pop act New Direction. Like the teen idols, Ed Sheeran is based in London and sports a distinctive mop of hair. The similarities end there. While One Direction is a carefully-constructed boy band, Sheeran is a sensitive troubadour who creates resonant soft rock in the vein of OneRepublic and Coldplay. His original material like "The A Team," a thoughtful examination of drug abuse, indicates that Sheeran's talent will allow him to outlast his contemporaries in One Direction. Rizzle Kicks, an intriguing hip hop duo from Brighton, and Foy Vance, a Bon Iver-esque artist from Northern Ireland, open the show. Tickets to the sold-out 8 p.m. concert were $25.
Lady Gaga
Monday
Sprint Center
The bond Lady Gaga has with her most devoted fans- she refers to them as Little Monsters- is so strong that outsiders may get the sense that the pop star's music is often a secondary consideration. Lady Gaga's fashion cues and political advisements shouldn't be allowed to obscure her exemplary music. Although she's often characterized as the Madonna of her generation, Lady Gaga's output also compares favorably to the music of Elton John. Teenage French electronica artist Madeon and Lady Starlight, a New York-based DJ who specializes in spinning heavy metal, serve as the evening's opening acts. Little Monsters enamored of Lady Starlight can catch the DJ spinning at the Czar Bar after the show. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. concert range from $49.50 to $175.00.
Semaphoro and Gallo
Tuesday
RecordBar
Kansas City's Making Movies may be the toast of the town, but the band's acclaimed bilingual sound is merely a compelling variation on a long and proud tradition of rock en español. Semaphoro, a scruffy Kansas City-based outfit, formed in 2007 to pay tribute to Panda and other Mexican punk bands. Semaphoro has since added original material to its aggressive rough-and-tumble attack. Opening act Gallo approaches rock en español from a less abrasive perspective. The Los Angeles duo's anxious electronica-infused rock is aimed at the dance floor. Tickets to the 10 p.m. show are $10 in advance.
Wednesday
Uptown Theater
With its unforgettable 2003 hit "I Believe In a Thing Called Love", the Darkness merged the pop smarts of Boston, the cheeky excesses of Queen and the power of AC/DC. Just because it may never surpass that impeccably absurd combination of styles again doesn't mean that the British band isn't still good for a hearty laugh. The Darkness may resemble a real-life version of Spinal Tap, but its members are in on the joke. The band continues to embrace bombast on hilarious new material like "Every Inch of You." Opening act Hell or Highwater, a California-based band in the tradition of Mötley Crüe and Van Halen, will get the party started. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $24 in advance.
Brantley Gilbert
Thursday
Independence Events Center
Brantley Gilbert's "Kick It In the Sticks" may be the definitive contemporary country song. The rowdy celebration of "frog giggin', cow tippin', skinny dippin', and bass fishin'" also references AC/DC, George Strait, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Hank Williams, Jr. The hit isn't Gilbert's only tribute to rural America. The narrator of the chart-topping "Country Must Be Country Wide," Gilbert's signature song, boasts that he's "stone cold country by the grace of God." Gilbert's rustic sensibility clearly resonates with listeners. Only two albums into his burgeoning career, the Georgia-born Gilbert is headlining hockey arenas. Opening act Kip Moore is best known for his 2011 hit "Somethin' 'Bout a Truck." Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. concert are $24.75 and $37.
The Latenight Callers with Tiny Horse, Jorge Arana Trio and Eyelit
Friday
Czar Bar
Friday's eclectic bill at the Czar Bar successfully conveys the wildly diverse experience on tap at the annual SXSW music conference. The event is the second in a series of fundraisers designed to raise money for the Midcoast Takeover's Kansas City-themed showcase in Austin during SXSW. Each of the four acts is capable of filling area music fans with pride. The Latenight Callers is a noir-tinged rock band that performs in the spirit of Kansas City's glorious jazz past. Tiny Horse is noble little roots-rock act. The Jorge Arana Trio blends jazz fusion with blistering noise rock. Eyelit is a promising folk-based ensemble from St. Joseph. A third benefit concert takes place Saturday at the Riot Room. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $10 in advance.
Kid Rock
Saturday
Sprint Center
Kid Rock's career-altering 2008 hit "All Summer Long" allowed him to make an unlikely transition from disreputable ruffian to distinguished music industry veteran. The proud Michigan native's new semi-respectable image doesn't mean that his proven hybrid of raw blues, ribald hip-hop, sordid country and mangy classic rock is any less entertaining. The composition of the audience might be slightly more upscale, but longtime fans can expect the self-proclaimed Rock n Roll Jesus' current "Rebel Soul" tour to be almost as rowdy as ever. Hyperactive rockers Buckcherry and Hellbound Glory, a loud honkytonk band from Nevada, open the show. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show range from $35.50 to $83.50.
Calexico
Saturday
Granada
The spacious Americana of Tuscon's Calexico evokes the harsh beauty of the Arizona landscape. Savvy filmmakers have taken notice. Calexico's dusty music has filled the role once held by Ennio Morricone's scores for classic spaghetti westerns in several movies. Calexico has also built an impressive discography of customary albums during the last fifteen years. Even without the benefit of a significant hit, Calexico's reputation as a quiet but consequential band continues to grow. Bahamas, the beguiling project of Canadian guitarist and singer-songwriter Alfie Jurvanen, opens the show. Tickets to the 9 p.m. show are $18 in advance and $20 on the day of the show.
Ed Sheeran
Sunday
The Midland
At 21, Ed Sheeran is slightly older than each of the four members of the massively successful pop act New Direction. Like the teen idols, Ed Sheeran is based in London and sports a distinctive mop of hair. The similarities end there. While One Direction is a carefully-constructed boy band, Sheeran is a sensitive troubadour who creates resonant soft rock in the vein of OneRepublic and Coldplay. His original material like "The A Team," a thoughtful examination of drug abuse, indicates that Sheeran's talent will allow him to outlast his contemporaries in One Direction. Rizzle Kicks, an intriguing hip hop duo from Brighton, and Foy Vance, a Bon Iver-esque artist from Northern Ireland, open the show. Tickets to the sold-out 8 p.m. concert were $25.
Lady Gaga
Monday
Sprint Center
The bond Lady Gaga has with her most devoted fans- she refers to them as Little Monsters- is so strong that outsiders may get the sense that the pop star's music is often a secondary consideration. Lady Gaga's fashion cues and political advisements shouldn't be allowed to obscure her exemplary music. Although she's often characterized as the Madonna of her generation, Lady Gaga's output also compares favorably to the music of Elton John. Teenage French electronica artist Madeon and Lady Starlight, a New York-based DJ who specializes in spinning heavy metal, serve as the evening's opening acts. Little Monsters enamored of Lady Starlight can catch the DJ spinning at the Czar Bar after the show. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. concert range from $49.50 to $175.00.
Semaphoro and Gallo
Tuesday
RecordBar
Kansas City's Making Movies may be the toast of the town, but the band's acclaimed bilingual sound is merely a compelling variation on a long and proud tradition of rock en español. Semaphoro, a scruffy Kansas City-based outfit, formed in 2007 to pay tribute to Panda and other Mexican punk bands. Semaphoro has since added original material to its aggressive rough-and-tumble attack. Opening act Gallo approaches rock en español from a less abrasive perspective. The Los Angeles duo's anxious electronica-infused rock is aimed at the dance floor. Tickets to the 10 p.m. show are $10 in advance.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
Kid Rock is selling well. Floor A, Floor B and upper level B are sold out. There's only single tickets in lower level A and lower level B. The only sections with pairs of tickets is in the upper level on the sides.
There's only single tickets for Maroon 5, Zac Brown Band and Taylor Swift's two shows.
Posted by: Kurt | January 30, 2013 at 07:47 AM
There are a handful of other great shows this weekend too:
Radkey/Bloodbirds @ 8th St. Taproom on Thursday
American Aquarium @ Knuckleheads on Friday
Hospital Ships/Fourth of July @ 8th St. Taprrom on Friday
Assembly of Dust @ The Bottleneck on Saturday
The Appleseed Cast @ The Replay on Saturday
The Growlers/Jaill/Radkey at The Riot Room on Sunday.
Posted by: Endtro | January 30, 2013 at 12:59 PM
8th St. Taproom? Lawrence?
Posted by: pellboy | January 30, 2013 at 01:02 PM
There is only ONE concert to be discussed and that is Lady Gaga!
Posted by: GAGA RULES | January 30, 2013 at 01:45 PM
yeah, sorry, this one: http://eighthstreettaproom.com/
Posted by: Endtro | January 30, 2013 at 01:54 PM
People on the blog are to hip (and old) for Lady Gaga, gaga GAGA RULES. Sure it was be a blast.
Posted by: Steve J | January 30, 2013 at 01:58 PM
The Appleseed Cast @ the Replay Lounge in L-Town. Should be killer!
Posted by: Ronnie | January 30, 2013 at 04:47 PM
Suzanne Vega @ Lied Center, Saturday, 7:30
Posted by: Gonzo | January 30, 2013 at 05:07 PM
We should all take a crap on gaga, she would love it. Crap is what she is all about, eating it, spewing it. kaka would be a better name.
Posted by: Fred | January 30, 2013 at 05:46 PM
Would like to see radkey
Posted by: Green | January 30, 2013 at 07:59 PM
Sweet Honey In The Rock (somewhat similar, genderwise and musically speaking) had me thinking about yesterday's passing of Ann Rabson, blues vocalist/pianist best know for her work with Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women. She passed at the age of 67 after a long battle with cancer and her talent and spirit will definitely be missed in the blues community. Was fortunate enough to catch Saffire play live a couple of times during their peak years in the early 90s and they were a very fun, entertaining act that also appealed to fans outside of the genre. I always found them interesting in that unlike Koko Taylor and some other female blues shouters who were basically just women singing more typical blues fare in a woman's voice/style, Saffire's (and Ms.Rabson's) music totally flipped the typical boastful male narrative associated with the blues and presented it thru the lens of women who weren't bashful about speaking of lust, sexual conquests and their partying exploits in a witty and introspective manner.
Just thought she deserved a mention since she was an artist that would probably get missed by mainstream recognition or this blog.
Posted by: pellboy | January 31, 2013 at 10:24 AM
Well done pellboy. Thanks for posting.
Posted by: onthemark | January 31, 2013 at 10:53 AM
Oh yeah, meant to post this link (regarding her death) earlier...
http://mailman.305spin.com/view/?cid=5&sid=4929&uid=123769&lid=4117
Posted by: pellboy | January 31, 2013 at 11:11 AM
http://www.freeweekly.com/2013/01/29/american-aquarium-take-country-scene-outlaw-style/
American Aquarium at Knuckleheads on Friday night 2-1 needs a plug. 8pm
Posted by: jeff | January 31, 2013 at 11:24 AM
I already have my ticket for American Aquarium, but thanks for posting that article, jeff--now I am even more excited about seeing them!
Posted by: kcmom | January 31, 2013 at 11:31 AM
Yeah, I better get on the stick for that American Aquarium show as I'm not sure I'm doing the Calexico show the next night now (my ride pulled out and I don't like to D&D). Btw, how early does Knucks open their doors on a Friday evening?
Posted by: pellboy | January 31, 2013 at 11:38 AM
Um, I'm not sure, but I think it's seven.
The good thing about a Living Room show (like this one) is there are no bad seats. The bad thing is they have a tendency to sell out--I've learned this the hard way.
Posted by: kcmom | January 31, 2013 at 12:45 PM
Someone let me know how that American Aquarium show on Friday is. I'm hitting up shows in Lawrence on Thursday and Saturday so I need to take Friday off.
Posted by: Endtro | January 31, 2013 at 01:02 PM
My weekend is too loaded with work and kid things so I will have to sit out the shows this weekend. Really want to see Calexico but I always seem to have conflicts when they come to town. I have to admit that I have never heard of the 8th Street Tap Room.
Posted by: Dave | January 31, 2013 at 01:11 PM
The 8th St. Taproom in Lawrence has been around forever, but they don't host many shows that would garner much attention. Mostly local stuff with a few underground national acts every once in a while. Not your usual music venue at all.
Posted by: Endtro | January 31, 2013 at 01:19 PM
From Freeweekly:
American Aquarium is a big-hearted band that manages to make metaphors of hard-drinking and fast-living oddly touching while pouring all their energy into their shows. Imagine blending the Drive by Truckers with Bruce Springsteen, then throw in a little Ryan Adams and some Wilco and top the whole thing off with a bottle of Jameson. That little concoction would yield the unabashed rock and roll/country sound of American Aquarium.
With that type of comparison I have to see these guys! Not only that, I recall Geordan had positive things to say after seeing them last time.
Posted by: onthemark | January 31, 2013 at 01:57 PM
They also garnered a nice writeup in the current Lone Star Music magazine:
http://www.lonestarmusic.com/magazine/mag_html/jan13/lone_star_music_burn.html
I have a subscription and can highly recommend it--I look forward to every issue.
Posted by: kcmom | January 31, 2013 at 02:16 PM
Damn, after those write-ups...I'm in!
Posted by: pellboy | January 31, 2013 at 02:18 PM
It's going to be finish of mine day, but before end I am reading this wonderful paragraph to increase my know-how.
Posted by: replica rolex | February 01, 2013 at 09:31 PM
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you may be a
great author. I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will often come back very soon.
I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great posts, have a
nice afternoon!
Posted by: Sal | February 02, 2013 at 01:05 AM
This paragraph will assist the internet users for building up new blog or even a
blog from start to end.
Posted by: Evie | February 02, 2013 at 02:48 AM
Afraid several late nights in a row of work-related sales calls left me to tired to wander out last night.
I wanted to see Aquarium again.
Did anyone from here go? I have to believe it sold out....
Posted by: corky | February 02, 2013 at 12:17 PM
According to the band's FB page, yes, it did sell out. I was there and so was otm...sorry you couldn't make it...you were missed. They put on a great show and were thrilled at the turnout and the very enthusiastic crowd (though I could have done with less chatter...grrr...) Very nice guys also who are already looking forward to coming back soon.
Posted by: kcmom | February 02, 2013 at 02:40 PM
Geordan was there too...not sure if pellboy made it or not.
Posted by: kcmom | February 02, 2013 at 02:55 PM
Good to see you kcmom, and same for Geordan!
I really enjoyed the show Friday night, those guys are pretty good. When they first started I was reminded of Steve Earle circa 'Guitar Town' (too rock for country, too country for rock) but as the night went along I heard a bits of Son Volt/Wilco and also Drive By Truckers influence. Good stuff, solid playing, well written lyrics, dynamic performance. I will go see them again for sure!
Posted by: onthemark | February 04, 2013 at 07:49 AM
Spot on with this write-up, I really feel this web page requirements much more consideration. I'll quite possibly be again to read much more, thanks for that info.
louis vuitton tote
http://wholesalejpc.webeden.net/#/blog/4571845346/
Posted by: penpoeriaAger | February 11, 2013 at 04:50 PM