Now that the thrill of Rocktober has worn off (hahaha, just kidding, we’re still sore from Halloweekend), is it time to slow down and take a breather before the holiday season kicks events into high gear? Ha! Probably not. Luckily, shows in Lawrence this month are heavy on the locals, easily accessible, and range from dance-ragers to complete chill-fests (for those who need it). Here are our best bets for kicking back with live music in November.
OXYTOXIN (Album Release) / LYXE / Kiss or Kill
The Replay | November 4
This is a show for folks who really just want to get numb and dumb at a good-old rock show. OXYTOXIN is a band that we’ve had our eye on for a bit, and we’re impressed with the trajectory they’ve taken to develop their band and their sound. The rockers will be celebrating an album release on this night, and are joined by new-wave rockers LYXE and punk rockers Kiss or Kill. Come to see what the kids are up to these days, stay for the rock-and-roll.
RIYL: Fast riffs, punk rock, and that thing the grumpy old punks do when they’re all “Well in my day at the Outhouse…”
Son Venezuela
Lucia | November 5
There’s a reason Son Venezuela are often referred to as local legends. What they conjure up at shows is nothing short of magic, and they’ve been doing it for more than two decades now. The tropical Latin musicians bring a wide array of music and arrangements to their live shows, including salsa, mambo, merengue, calypso, tamboreras, and cumbia. Bring your dancing shoes for this one.
RIYL: Dancing, cumbia, bands that play long sets
Ginger Root
The Granada | November 8
If you’re a fan of retro sounds and boogying all night, but yearn for new music, head to the Granada on Tuesday, November 8. Ginger Root, stage name for Cameron Lew, is all about channeling that 70’s and 80’s sound for the newer generation. Don’t be surprised when a sweet sax solo pops up. Bust out your finest polyester and head to The Granada. Ginger Root’s latest release, Nisemono, promises a whole fresh batch of funky beats.
RIYL: Khan the Band, Mustard Service, Kid Bloom
Arthur Dodge and the Horsefeathers: 25th Anniversary Debut Release Show
The Bottleneck | November 11
It’s not every day Lawrence gets to go big for a local legend. Arthur Dodge (resident luckiest fella alive, if you know who he’s married to), is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his debut release with a good old-fashioned Americana show at The Bottleneck. You’ve likely seen this bearded entertainer about town at some point in your time here (unless you’ve been living under a rock). We expect the show to be high on sentimentality. They’ll be performing alongside The Frightened Stag.
RIYL: Drakkar Sauna, The Roseline, Elvis Costello
The Floozies
The Granada | November 11
Don’t fret, November’s not all a chill fest. The Floozies are friends of the Lawrence music scene and known for throwing high-powered events full of energy, electronic beats, explosive light shows, and dancing (oh God, SO MUCH DANCING). Pre-pandemic, their shows were known to sell out, so you’ll want to get your tickets early and feel free to dress a little wild (some of y’all are in festival-mode year-round anyway, right?).
RIYL: STS9, Big Gigantic, Partying
