Listen, I know we’re all trying to pump the breaks on our activities after a summer full of street parties and exciting concerts, but Lawrence still has some gas left in the tank. This is the time of year to really slow down and get to know some locals, enjoy a bluegrass show or two, and of course take in one last outdoor festival. Here are our best bets for August’s live music scene before things really kick off in the fall.
Cybertronic Spree
The Granada | August 5
You’ll want to bring the kids for this one. If you’ve ever thought “Gee, I wish there was a band out there that loved 80’s power ballads as much as I did, oh and also I wish they were dressed up as transformers,” well, this is the show for you. The last time we saw Cybertronic Spree come through was a riot. Their costumes alone are a work of art, and the Canadian rockers are know for belting out tunes you can sing along to. They’ll be joined on this show by Spaceman Bob.
RIYL: The 80’s
The Dead Bettys
Liberty Hall | August 15
This is becoming an annual tradition we love because it brings a spark to what is typically a very slow time of the year. As summer winds down, the temperature rises, and kids start dragging their feet back to school, there’s one more summer blowout to take part in. The Dead Bettys, who we would argue is one of Lawrence’s biggest party band, will be kicking off their annual Liberty Hall fundraiser for the Lawrence Humane Society. Bring your dancing shoes, they’ll be bringing ska flair to pop favorites (and a little birdie told us they have a host of new songs under their belt). Bring the kids! This is a family friendly event.
RIYL: Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, partying with the fam
The Cactus Blossoms
The Bottleneck | August 15
Well we hope you don’t get sick of folk music this month, because there’s plenty of it in these dog days of summer. If you enjoy smoother indie folk sounds, head to The Bottleneck for The Cactus Blossoms on August 15. The band, comprised of brothers Jack Torrey and Page Burkum will be bringing their hazy Americana sounds on the heels of their 2024 release Every Time I Think About You.
RIYL: Justin Townes Earle, Blue Station Drifters, The Roseline, slide guitar
FidPick 45!
South Park | August 23
This is our must-see event every August for folk and bluegrass lovers. The Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championships kick off in the beautiful and scenic South Park on Sunday, August 23rd, and will feature some of the best talent in the state all competing for a top spot in their categories. This year’s competition will also feature Dom Flemons’ free concert. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and settle in for a beautiful afternoon under the shade of the trees. This is a great way to reset your nervous system before we head into the busy fall season. Bonus: a kickoff concert will be held in front of Cider Gallery the day before featuring Unfit Wives and MAW.
RIYL: the gentle sound of banjos and fiddles wafting through the air
Other events to keep on your radar:
Holy Joke / Giovanni Ventello / Jacob E. Chord
The Replay | August 1
A Community Thank You to Lawrence
The Granada | August 1
Loathe
The Granada | August 2
Monday Night Open Mics hosted by Tyler Gregory
Gaslight Gardens | Every Monday
Rachel and Griffin with Wayne Gottstine
Lucia | August 14
The Boxcutters / Captain Howdy / Mic the Mains
The Replay | August 14
LYXE / 95 Sweetbird / Flash Floods
The Bottleneck | August 22
