Wow, March really feels like the Lawrence music scene is getting back to its regular, eclectic self. There are so many genres to pick from this month it’ll be hard to decide which show to go to (the easy answer is: all of them). From Irish songwriters to honky tonkers, we’ve got a great lineup of shows to pick from. Here are our best bets as we head into the Spring season.
Mod Sun
The Granada | March 3
Mod Sun, an acronym for “Movement On Dreams, Stand Under None,” is one of those anomalies that mixes a pop punk background with a rap aesthetic. The result is someone who calls on vocalists like Avril Lavigne (to whom he was formerly engaged) and Machine Gun Kelly to guest on his tracks. He’s touring in support of his latest release, God Save the Teen, with a stop at the Granada that is certain to conjure up an energetic performance he’s been known for bringing to the stage.
RIYL: All Time Low, Machine Gun Kelly, screaming lyrics at a show
Songs from Ireland
Liberty Hall | March 5
Songs from Ireland has become a staple in Lawrence every Spring, and we’re having a hard time finding a reason not to include it in our March Best Bets year after year. Resident Irish musician Nick Carswell leads this local all-star lineup, featuring a cast of local musicians performing songs written by some of your favorite Irish acts. This year, he’ll be joined by Damian McCarthy, Ashley Davis, and the Kansas City Irish Dance Company. The dancers are arguably one of the most exciting parts of this program, as they often wow audiences with how far they can leap into the air (calf muscles for days, y’all).
RIYL: The Cranberries, U2, The Corrs, Carswell & Hope
The Sunday Roundup with PopSkull Rebels
Lucia | March 5
PopSkull Rebels landed on this list not just because they’re an entertaining rockabilly band, but because Lawrence should be paying attention to The Sunday Roundup at Lucia. This is an event that, over the last few months, the community has really taken to. I mean, who doesn’t like a cool show in the middle of the afternoon? The Sunday roundup primarily features honkytonk and bluegrass acts, and you can always find a friendly crowd ready to cut loose.
RIYL: The Reverend Horton Heat, Martin Ferrel, Jr., Cool guys in cowboy hats who can play guitar REALLY FAST
Vision Video
The Bottleneck | March 22
This one’s for you, goths! Vision Video is described as “Dance Music for End Times,” and dancing is definitely going to be the big theme here. This is a band that channels pleasing Joy Division sounds-- but, much like our resident goth band Serene Fiend, focuses on a positivity in their music. But don’t worry, brooders. This will still be some peak goth brooding, with a vocalist that sounds like a version of Morrissey YOU CAN ACTUALLY (AND ETHICALLY) LISTEN TO. We’re told they put on one heck of a live show, so this is not one to miss.
RIYL: Rosegarden Funeral Party, crying, eyeliner
The Salvation Choir | Photo by Fally Afani
The Salvation Choir
The Replay | March 26
Ooooooh goody! We are so very excited about this one, because we named it the #1 local show of 2022! If you make it to one show this month, go see The Salvation Choir at the Replay’s early matinee show on Sunday, March 26.
Last year, the band exploded onto the scene with a colorful and joyous celebration of music. The Congolese Rumba band can conjure up happiness in anyone, it’s SO HARD to not leave the show without a giant smile on your face. They have such an enormous presence onstage that they spill out onto the sides (last year, the audio technician ran out of cables because he had to run so many microphones through the system). The cover is a little high for a Sunday matinee ($10), but we promise you every minute of this show is worth it.
RIYL: Why are you reading the RIYL? Just go!!
