Things are looking up, friends! Spring is in the air, and there’s bound to be a Spring in your step as well. With the weather warming up, we want to head straight to a patio and enjoy a show. From queer joy to surf rock (and even something for the kids!), there’s no shortage of joy this month. Be sure to catch some rays and soak up the sunshine, and don’t forget to peep the list of other events to keep on your radar at the end!
PinkSqueeze / Kissin / Party Helmet
The Replay | April 1
PinkSqueeze describe themselves as music for queer joy. One look at their live show confirms it. This is a high-energy rock band hailing from Chicago, and they’ll be playing on a stacked lineup full of queer joy at the Replay. This is one of those can’t-miss shows for the late-night folks this month. Expect these indie rockers to bring tons of joy to the stage.
RIYL: Estrogen Projection, MellowPhobia, tacocat
Kaw Tikis
Northside Social | April 3
I gotta tell ya, nothing beats a Spring patio concert. Now that the weather is getting pleasant, I’ve been itching to get to those North Lawrence patio shows. We can kickstart the month with everyone’s favorite surf rock outfit, Kaw Tikis. With a new record in tow, it seems like they’re always showing up with new and soon-to-be-released tracks at their shows lately. Come for the surf rock, stay for the chill vibes. No cover for this one, so be sure to tip the band!
RIYL: Dick Dale, The Trashmen, sipping drinks on the patio
Sam Bush
Liberty Hall | April 4
A bluegrass legend is coming to town, folks. Sam Bush is one of the pioneers of progressive bluegrass. The longtime musician and recently-inducted International Bluegrass Hall of Famer will be at Liberty Hall in the midst of a Midwest tour, bringing his Grammy-award winning tunes to the big stage. With decades in the industry, fans can expect a number of tunes from his lengthy discography as well as the mandolin skills that shot him to fame. Locals Moonshroom will open the show.
RIYL: Del McCoury, Yonder Mountain String Band, spending your summers at Kaw River Roots Fest
GOLDEN: A K-Pop Kids Party
The Granada | April 12
We normally just stick to events that involve live music and instrumentation, but this was too interesting not to share. The Granada has been host to a number of themed raves (Shrek Rave, Heated Rivalry rave, etc.) over the past few years, but this time they’re doing one for the kids. It falls smack dab in the middle of the day ON A SUNDAY and will primarily center around K-Pop hits. So if you’re a parent who’s been subjected to a hijacked Spotify playlist of K-Pop Demon Hunter hits in the car, this one’s for you and your kiddos. Don’t worry, we know you’re out of stamina. This event is only two hours. Costumes and dancing encouraged.
RIYL: Sharing your love of raves with the next generation, watching kids get crazy with glow sticks.
CMAT
The Granada | April 25
CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson) has a larger-than-life personality and a stage act to match. Known for cheeky lyrics and an outspoken personality, the Irish musician has been making waves in the indie pop scene lately (her recent Colbert performance, linked below, is a must-watch). The bisexual icon is known for making a bit of a spectacle every now and then, but is also well-loved for her expressive and emotional music.
RILY: Wolf Alice, The Last Dinner Party, Cheery
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...
