We know it’s hot, but we’ve got a couple more festivals and outdoor events to get through this Summer. We start July strong with a free event for the community and close out with loads of big names and heavy hitters at the venues. Here are our best bets for the local live music scene this July.
Summerfest
The Fairgrounds | July 3
The City of Lawrence is kicking off July with a big free community event. Their annual Fourth of July celebration is actually happening the day before, on July 3, at the fairgrounds. That’s where, along with dozens of vendors and an art/craft fair, bands will take to the stage to help ring in the holiday. Son Venezuela, LYXE, and Under Rated Society are all set to play, bringing a variety of genres to the celebration. Don’t leave when the sun sets! You’ll want to catch the new drone show, appearing in lieu of the fireworks show (to have mercy on our four-legged friends at the nearby animal shelter).
RIYL: Latin music, hip-hop, rock and roll, holidays
The Wallflowers
Liberty Hall | July 12
Jakob Dylan’s solo project via The Wallflowers has been a steady rock staple since the 90s. The songwriter’s knack for tackling his own insecurities and introspection is one of the reasons fans have stayed loyal to Dylan over the decades. With seven studio albums and endless tours under their belts (as well as a brief hiatus), the band heads to Liberty Hall. Recent tour stops have included some well-loved covers by other notable rock acts, so Lawrencians are in for a treat. Local Heidi Lynne Gluck is opening.
RIYL: Tom Petty, 90’s alternative rock
Scroat Belly 30th Anniversary Party with Godzillionaire
The Granada (outside) | July 13
Punk/bluegrass fans rejoice! You’re going to have a great time in Lawrence this Summer when Scroat Belly hits the stage in Downtown Lawrence. This is the Granada’s newer outdoor stage, located in the lot just South of the venue. Members of Scroat Belly (who later formed Split Lip Rayfield) are known for their rowdiness and longstanding fan base. This will be a great event for the community with a ticket price to die for (how often can you see shows for under $20 anymore?). They’ll be joined by the very sludgy and loud Godzillionaire, a favorite amongst the metal heads and hard rockers in Lawrence.
RIYL: Local bands with longevity
Amyl and the Sniffers by Jamie Wdziekonski
Amyl and the Sniffers
The Granada | July 30
I’m going to say this once: DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW; IT WILL SELL OUT. I personally cannot BELIEVE we’re getting Amyl and the Sniffers here in Lawrence at the end of the Summer, what a treat! This is one of the greatest (and rowdiest) up-and-coming bands in the world, and they’re coming with the other hot shots in town Lambrini Girls. The Australian punks are making waves across the globe due to their thrilling live shows, and they’re coming after just releasing a couple of new singles earlier this Summer (which means loads more music on the way).
RIYL: The Chats, Catf!ght, IDLES
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...
