Rocktober may be over, but that’s not stopping the Lawrence music scene. The fall season is blowing in some good ones. From radical punks to jazz legends, this is the time to get out there and enjoy some music before the madness of the holidays. Here are this month’s best bets (and be sure to check out other events to keep on your radar at the bottom!).
Pinkshift
The Bottleneck | November 2
This is one we’re pretty excited about. Pinkshift is a trans-fronted Baltimore punk band with just explosive energy. Yours truly happened upon at an East Coast festival this Summer, and they were easily a highlight of the weekend. Explosive energy, nonstop guitar, and racing drums. They’re touring on their latest release, Earthkeeper. They’ll be joined by LustSickPuppy and Combat.
RIYL: Getting REALLY POLITICAL AND ANGRY at shows, fighting fascism.
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country
The Granada | November 6
This is for fans of honky-tonk with a bit of a twist. Daniel Donato is bringing his Cosmic Country, named for blending country and psych-rock together, to the Granada this month. This is in support of his latest album, Horizons, which leans heavily into the twang. Donato has a tendency to play really long shows, which makes sense considering the hefty discography under his belt (even at his young age). Rolling Stone calls him Nashville’s newest guitar hero, and he’s been playing since the age of 12.
RIYL: Blue Station Drifters / Grateful Dead / Goose
The Mad Kings / Kaw Tikis
Northside Social | November 7
This is one of those perfect nights of hometown rock and roll at a hometown favorite bar. Lawrence’s favorite surf rockers Kaw Tikis open up the night, followed by blues rockers The Mad Kings. This is the perfect night if you want an exciting show but away from the excitement of Downtown. Northside Social is the perfect off-the-beaten path for this event.
RIYL: Dick Dale, Vintage Sounds, REALLY GOOD GUITARISTS
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: World Premiere Honoring 15 KU Icons
Lied Center of Kansas | November 6
In 2018, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis premiered Rock Chalk suite to honor 15 KU basketball legends. Once again, they are composing new work commissioned by the Lied Center, this time to honor important figures in KU History (including an astronaut, athlete, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner). This is a can’t-miss event with an exciting repertoire under the direction of Music Director Wynton Marsalis.
RIYL: Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie
Lovebites
The Granada | November 10
We always say if an act comes all the way from overseas, don’t miss out. We rarely get Japanese heavy metal bands in Lawrence, and this is an exciting one. The power metal band are known for sick guitar work, so get ready to thrash hard. Don’t let the matching white outfits fool you, these musicians are fierce. They’ll be joined by Edge of Paradise.
RIYL: Dragonforce / Iron Maiden / Mary’s Blood
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...
