Cover Photo: The Dead Bettys by Fally Afani
It’s been a relatively cool June, but July is about to heat up. This month is full of opportunities to see the locals take the big stages. From Liberty Hall to the Douglas County Fairgrounds, this is the Lawrence music scene’s time to shine. Here are some of the can’t-miss events in live music this July.
Summerfest
Douglas County Fairgrounds | July 3
If you’re not heading out of town for the long holiday weekend, you'd best head to the Douglas County Fairgrounds - the City’s annual Summerfest is returning.
In addition to vendors and food, they’ll be hosting live music at the pavilion (which means if it rains, you’re covered). They’ll also have an artisan fair on hand and a kids’ corner.
RIYL: Staying put for the holiday
Vibralux / Glitter P*rn / Dorothy and the Dolls
The Bottleneck | July 4
What better way to celebrate America this year than with a full lineup of drag and glam rock. This is a show not to be missed, as regional favorites Vibralux return from a long hiatus to take the stage in Lawrence again. The glam rockers will be joined by fellow queer glam rockers Glitter P*rn, out of Colorado, on their tour. Lawrence’s premiere and adventurous drag troupe Dorothy and the Dolls will be opening.
RIYL: Drag, makeup, and rock and roll
FSZ and Mercy Fire / The Elektrik Band / Something Blue
The Replay | July 10
This is one of the groovier bands to come through the Replay this month. Frankie Lynn Shorez and Mercy Fire are a regional band gaining notoriety for their soulful influences and large stage presence. They’ll be hitting the Replay for the early show at 6:00 p.m. with their moody jams. They’ll be joined by The Elektrik Band and Something Blue.
RIYL: Motown, soul, jazz, funk
The Dead Bettys
Liberty Hall | July 11
We’re really not supposed to have favorites, but The Dead Bettys were definitely our favorite new band to discover last year. When we first saw them at a holiday fundraiser in December at the Bottleneck, we casually thought we were wandering into another average ska show. I think it’s safe to say, we were dead wrong about the Dead Bettys.
This band already has legendary cult following status in Lawrence in a short amount of time. Now, they’ve mostly been playing out in KC since their December show. But this is a Lawrence band. Believe us, they’ll have a crowd big enough to play Liberty Hall in July.
When we shared info about this band on I Heart Local Music, the reaction was intense. Apparently, Lawrence has been thirsting hard for a ska comeback. So make sure you head to Liberty Hall on July 11 to see what all the fuss is about. Come for the horn section, stay for the energetic vocalist who delivers every time.
RIYL: Reel Big Fish, The Mighty Mighty Bostones, checkered patterns
Punk vs. Metal 4
The Bottleneck | July 12
This is truly one of the most exciting things we’ve seen come out of the local scene in recent years. For the fourth year in a row, The Bottleneck will be hosting punk and metal bands as they “square off” against each other. This is a wonderful way to bring two genres (and their fans) together for a night of eardrum-bursting noise and fun. Metal pands will be represented by Hellevate and Oxytoxin, while Bloodscent and White Line Nightmares will be repping the punks. Newcomers Flatline (who are just OUTRAGEOUS) and D-Fibs will also be joining.
RIYL: Some of the best punk and metal Lawrence has to offer, all the good vibes
Other events to keep on your radar:
The Touchdowns / Headlight Rivals / Lizard Brain Trust
The Replay | July 5
Roxie and the Moon King with Ellie Green
Northside Social | July 10
Pegboy / The Whiffs / Local Darling
The Bottleneck | July 11
Kaw River Roots Fest Presents: 80 Proof Alice
Lucia | July 11
Marcel P. Black with DJ Kut Lee / Joel Leoj / Leon Leon / D. Revell
The Replay | July 11
Summer Breeze: A Tribute to Yacht Rock
Liberty Hall | July 12
LYXE / Pink Fuzz / Frogpond
The Bottleneck | July 19
1313 Presents: Blood Incantation
The Granada | July 22
Turquoise / Drifter / Ramona Clay / As We Were Before
The Bottleneck | July 29
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...
