Listen, you can go one of two ways this February. You can either enjoy the coldness of winter and cozying up with some solo folk acts, or you can start to go a little stir-crazy and demand to go somewhere you can dance the night away. Luckily, Lawrence is full of these options. Here are ways you can stay mellow or go a little wild this month in the local music scene.
Damaris with Megan Luttrell
Northside Social | February 1
Listen, if you haven’t been out to Northside Social by now, this is really the time. It’s such a darling little gem in North Lawrence, with a concert calendar that has been placing local musicians first. We’ve enjoyed cozying up there in the cold winter months to catch the occasional solo artist and small roots group. They have a great concert calendar, but one of the shows we’re looking forward to is Damaris with Megan Luttrell. These are two local folk veterans and a great way to introduce yourself to the venue if you haven’t been out yet.
RIYL: People who bring their dogs to the bar (it’s a North Lawrence thing)
Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dancing with Carswell & Hope
Arterra Event Gallery | February 14
If you were looking to spend your Valentine’s Day in a more musical setting, head to Arterra. This annual event from locals Carswell & Hope is becoming a hot spot every time the holiday rolls around, with folks reserving their spots in advance sooner every year. You can expect a whole lot of love songs that you’ll definitely recognize, and opportunities to get up and dance with your sweetie.
RIYL: Local music, indulging in the warm fuzzies on Valentine’s Day
Casey Donahew
The Granada | February 21
Consider this one of those shows where if you don’t get your tickets early, you might be out of luck.
Casey Donahew is a big hit around these parts. The country singer is known for his chart-topping albums, with his hit “White Trash Story” racking up more than 47 million plays on Spotify alone. In his more than two decades of touring, he’s built up a pretty big fan base, and Lawrence is no exception. He’ll no doubt be touting songs from his recently released Never Not Love You.
RIYL: Randy Rogers, Stoney LaRue
Something Blue / Lauren Lovelle / Faith Maddox
The Replay (early show) | February 27
It always feels like February is the month where songwriters dip their toes in the water before going full on in the Summer. By now, we now that Lauren Lovelle is a powerhouse in the country scene, so this is where you’ll get to know the artist a little more intimately with some solo work. Something Blue is also an indie trio making some waves in the scene right now, so you’re likely to see more of them as the year progresses. Faith Maddox (of Virga) opens the night.
RIYL: Jenna Rae, Megan Luttrell, Unfit Wives
Carnaval Latino en Lawrence
Lucia | February 28
Get your dancing shoes ready, Carnaval Latino en Lawrence is back!
Lucia has solidified itself as Lawrence’s Latin music destination. One of the big reasons for this is because of the recurring Carnaval Latino. You can expect to see Salsas Orchestra Mundo Nouvo bringing the dance party all night long, along with DJ Steddy showcasing music from the Caribbean and Brazil.
RIYL: Dancing, big beats, long nights
Other events to keep on your radar:
Born of Osiris
The Bottleneck | February 1
Chewy Soliloqui / Mannequins for Friends / Local Darling
The Replay | February 1
Sunday Roundup with Cryin’ Out Loud (early show)
Lucia | February 2
Then Comes Silence
The Bottleneck | February 2
Bob Marley Birthday Bash
The Bottleneck | February 7
Myles Kennedy
Liberty Hall | February 11
Thimstr / MellowPhobia / Golf on Television
The Replay | February 14
Gullywasher
Northside Social | February 21
This is the place where Nirvana & Green Day played in a small, standing-room-only shack. This is the place where Janelle Monae packed in her hometown crowd. George Clinton has funked up our streets and we “fought the power” with...