Starting at the end of November, Lawrence will enjoy a long list of great shows this Winter including some talented singer-songwriters, country-rockers and bluegrass bands. For fans of the musicians it will be a thrill to get their favorite acts on local stages and for anyone new to the music these shows promise pleasant surprises. Here are just a few of the impressive shows coming up.
November 30th, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers will play the Bottleneck with Jon McLaughlin. "SK6ERS" bring together deep, intelligent songwriting with fun, rock'n'roll singing. The band's latest album, "Gift Horse," is an honest, straight-forward display of American rock.
Jon McLaughlin's love for his fans comes through in his personal and inspired new album "Forever If Ever." McLaughlin achieved Hollywood star-dom when he performed "So Close," at the Oscars, after playing the song in the soundtrack for the movie "Enchanted." Returning to his Midwest roots, McLaughlin continues to play intimate shows for his loyal fans. Tickets are $15-17.
December 8th, Bleu Edmondson is stopping by the Bottleneck with County Road 5. Edmondson's distinctive raspy voice has been compared to Bruce Springsteen, while musically his Southern rock defines bold power in his new album "The Future Ain't What It Used To Be," a step up in attitude from his last record, "Lost Boy."
Opening the Bottleneck that night is local country group County Road 5, bringing out the drinking party in every venue. Reputedly playing about 200 shows per year, the band still writes original music and puts out energetic live performances for fans in Kansas and beyond. This show is just $10!
Already set to sell out, New Year's Eve, the Bottleneck will explode with bluegrass. Split Lip Rayfield is headlining a night of dancing and debauchery with local rockstars Dumptruck Butterlips and Ashes to Immortality! This show is going to be the ultimate party in Lawrence ringing in the New Year.
Ashes to Immortality has been a rising star in Lawrence of late, pumping out sweet, catchy folk pieces, the band is the embodiment of the rebirth of acoustic music. The soulful voice of Miss Bayley Kate Hartman will captivate a full bar, while the passionate instrumentals of the band throw the audience into full party mode.
Dumptruck Butterlips has a charismatic quality of free love and fun times that is addictive and liberating. The band's funky blend of soul, folk and bluegrass guarantees a good time at every show. Since starting in 2010, this band has made countless parties out of their shows in Lawrence and beyond, keeping crowds smiling with their up-beat tunes and hilarious banter.
Split Lip Rayfield is one of the best bluegrass acts on stage today. Their memorable sing-alongs like "Used To Call Me Baby," will have humongous crowds screaming with approval. Vigorous prog-rock-esque instrumentals make head-bangers out of country folks and promise full, long sets of face-melting jams. The New Year's Eve show will sell out, so don't wait too long to get your tickets for just $17-20!
January 17th, The Civil Wars will break some hearts at Liberty Hall with their minimalist acoustic duets. The harmony found in the two voices, working with their guitar and piano, creates a quiet, yet intense form of folk that is seldom heard. The sharp, raw style of the duo's bare-bones music is a pleasant change from the crowded noise of bigger bands. Music lovers who can appreciate the power a single pair of musicians can create will love this show. Doors open at 7 p.m., tickets are $21.
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