Here Comes September’s Live Music Calendar

You thought we were done with street parties just because the school year started up? Ha! Don’t you know, Lawrence never knows when to call it a night! September is when we start to hope for some cooler temperatures and more opportunities to hit the town. From block parties to more ska and brass than you can handle, here are the hot spots to hit this September in the Lawrence music scene.  There are too many good ones to list this month, so be sure to check out the “Other events to keep on your radar” section at the bottom. 

The Urge

The Bottleneck | September 5 and 6

This is a chance to see one of the heavyweights in ska and funk. The Urge have a long history in the music scene, starting back in the 80’s. Now, they’re celebrating the anniversaries of not one, but TWO albums with not one, but TWO shows at The Bottleneck. In honor of Receiving the Gift of Flavor and Too Much Stereo, you can expect songs primarily from those two albums as they draw in their long-standing and loyal fanbase to the two-night celebration. They’ll be joined by fellow local ska mainstays Six Percent.

RIYL: 2 Skinnee J’s, Tripping Daisy, Rainbow Butt Monkeys

LBC Block Party with Natalie Prauser / Lorna Kay, and Lauren Lovelle and the Midnight Spliffs

Lawrence Beer Co | September 12

If you like your music on the twangier side, but are sick of male-dominated lineups, this is the show for you. These three acts have been making waves in the local Americana scene thanks to their charismatic stage presence and knack for covering classic country favorites. This is a free event that’s all ages, so strap on your dancing boots and bring the little buckaroos along for the fun. It’s a great little getaway from the craziness of downtown, and a great way to kick off the new season.

RIYL: Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, REALLY COOL GIRLS

Live on Mass with the Dead Bettys / The Band That Saved the World / River City Brass Band

Downtown Lawrence (in front of The Granada) | September 13

This is probably the event we’re most excited for this month. Lovingly dubbed “Brass on Mass,” the night features a bounty of brass instruments. While the locals are generally familiar with the very long running The Band That Saved the World, as well as popular ska newcomers The Dead Bettys, we don’t often see stage shows from River City Brass Band. This is the group that helps lead the Mardi Gras parade downtown every year, so we expect some street antics before they head up to the stage.

This is a MUST-attend for the family.

RIYL: Horns, horns, and more horns

Lawrence Reggae Jam with Barrington Levy and Friends

The Bottleneck | September 13

This is a HUGE deal for reggae fans. Barrington Levy has been a Jamaican reggae and dancehall LEGEND since the 70’s. From his Mighty Multitude days to now, Levy will bring along an impressive and hefty discography. This show is also an opportunity to see a host of other musicians (thus, the “and friends” in the title), including Ras Neville & The Kingstonians, Top Ranx, Riddim Doctor, MC Njugush, Robb's Magic, and Host Yvonne.

RIYL: Gregory Isaacs, Yellowman, Stephen Marley

Mdou Moctar

The Bottleneck | September 18

This is a real treat, and we can’t believe this is coming to a venue as intimate as The Bottleneck. Mdou Moctar is a Nigerian act that specializes in rock music inspired by Tuareg guitar. He sings in Tamasheq and performs with a full band. After gaining notoriety rather quickly by word of mouth in West African regions, he’s become a heavyweight here in the United States. He opened for Parquet Courts at Liberty Hall back in 2022, and was clearly the standout of the night. Expect to throw yourself into a trance at this one.

RIYL: WITCH, Bab L’Bluz, Koudede

Other events to keep on your radar:

The Swallowtails / Cheery

Northside Social | September 4

Scroat Belley / John Depew

The Replay (early show) | September 5

Japanese Breakfast

Liberty Hall | September 8

Be Your Own Pet

The Bottleneck | September 10

Son Venezuela

Lucia | September 20

Anamanaguchi

The Bottleneck | September 24

Ashley Davis

Liberty Hall | September 27

Mike West / Sky Smeed

The Replay | September 28

The Sword

The Granada | September 29