We get it. June was a little wild. With the soccer visitors in town and Lawrence going viral for our hospitality, it was a whirlwind of a month. But now we’re heading into the heart of summer. The big show is about ready to pack up and leave, and it’s time to get back to the regular music scene. If you’re feeling low after all that excitement, there are still a few more exciting thrills to keep you going in July (or a quiet patio show or two, if that’s more your speed). Here are our music recommendations for the month of July.
Sunday Jayhawk Jukebox
Dole Institute of Politics | July 5 and July 12
This year the Dole Institute of Politics, the Lied Center, and the KU School of Music teamed up for a series of free concerts for the community, featuring local musicians. Last month’s shows featured jazz and a quartet. This month, it’s all about the local bands. The shows always fall on a Sunday, and we have two more left this month. Mire Pal plays July 5 at 2:00 p.m., and family band The Lost Keys play July 12 at 2:00 p.m.
RIYL: mid-afternoon Sunday shows
PeelingFlesh / Ingrown / Squelching / POV / Thirty Aught Six
The Granada | July 15
After a lengthy tour throughout May, Slam Groove Metal band PeelingFlesh is hitting the road this summer with Ingrown, and their first stop is Lawrence. This is a pretty hefty lineup for the metalheads. PeelingFlesh is a fairly younger band, having formed just in 2021 in Oklahoma. But their rapid rise to popularity (along with the many bands joining them for this show) means there will be a significant turnout.
RIYL: Bodybox, Boltcutter, Sarkatha
Juvenile
The Granada | July 16
This is one for us old folks. While many will remember him for the 90’s hit “Back That Azz Up,” Juvenile will be touring in support of his new album Boiling Point. This is his first solo album in more than a decade. There has never been a shortage of energy in Juvenile’s previous work, but the new album is more of a slow burn. Something you would relax to (though you can still feel the potency in his vocals). There are 20 (!!) tracks on this album, so we know he’s got a lot to say as he dives into this next stage of his life.
RIYL: Trick Daddy, Ying Yang Twins, Mystikal, having early 2000’s flashbacks
The Lost Keys / Lauren Lovelle and the Midnight Spliffs / 3rd Kansas Cavalry Unit
The Replay | July 17
We love a good honky-tonk show in Lawrence, and it’s even better when it’s at a decent time that doesn’t keep us old-timers out too late! As far as old-school folk and country go, this is a pretty stellar lineup of the heavy hitters in Lawrence. Family Band The Lost Keys will be joined by Lauren Lovelle and her band, with 3rd Kansas Cavalry Unit opening up the show (we’re digging the suits, kids). Basically, everyone on this lineup is a snappy dresser.
RIYL: Hank Williams, folk music, fiddlers in the park
Natalie Brooke
Lucia | July 26
We love a good keytar. It’s one of the funnest, showiest instruments out there. At the end of the month, on a Sunday, you can go find all the keytar fun at Lucia when Natalie Brooke comes to town. The keyboardist is known for her jazz-fusion sets, work across genres, and fun live sets. There’s no better way to cap off the end of your summer than trying something new. Bring your dancing shoes for this one, you may find yourself cutting a rug.
RIYL: Big Shrimp, Squeaky Feet
Other events to keep on your radar:
Problems / Pimp Magic Guts / Ebony Tusks
The Replay | July 2
Cheery / Carswell and Hope / Bonzo Madrid
The Bottleneck | July 3
Stormy Tuesday Blues Jam
Lucia | Every Tuesday
Mosiac / SHIFT / The Paxton Harvey Elektrik Band
Northside Social | July 3
Wavves / Bass Drum of Death / World's Worst
The Bottleneck | July 14
Perfect Worker / Drastic Plastic / Discotek Mama
The Replay | July 30
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...
