Congratulations on surviving the spooky season! Now, we have just a brief moment to breathe and indulge in some local music before the holidays kick it into high gear. From punk rock to hip-hop and even a deep dive into a unique instrument, we’ve got a fun selection of local music shows to get cozy with this month. Here are our Best Bets for November, and be sure to check out the “Other Events To Keep On Your Radar” section at the bottom!
The Sluts / The Fun Guy / White Line Nightmares
The Replay | November 7
Writer’s note: This is an I Heart Local Music event
It’s time for a good old punk show, Lawrence! Three of the hardest rock bands in town will be hitting up the Replay at the start of the month. The Sluts are Lawrence mainstays and regulars known for a dedicated fan base, while the politically charged The Fun Guy will be joining them for the lineup. Kicking off the night is White Line Nightmares, who made a giant splash at last month’s “Punk vs. Metal” event.
RIYL: Local music, punk dive bars, moshing in tiny spaces
Julien Baker (Residency)
The Bottleneck | November 12-14
The big story this month is Julien Baker. Yes, this is an extremely popular and well-loved artist whose gut-wrenching lyrics tend to make your heart EXPLODE. But what got our attention was the way this show was set up. This isn’t a regular tour, Baker is performing a series of residencies in a limited number of areas. That means Baker will be in town for three days, performing at the Bottleneck all three days. Tickets were only allowed to be sold EXCLUSIVELY in person, with a line wrapped around the block from Lucia a couple of months ago. This was a show that was set up with the best of intentions. The cherry on top? A portion of the proceeds from Baker’s tour will go to TAC and their work supporting LGBTQ Youth across the country.
RIYL: Lucy Dacus, boygenius, crying at shows with all your lesbian friends
The 24th Annual Harp Guitar Gathering
Liberty Hall | November 15
Get ready to see a whole lotta harp guitar, Lawrence. The annual Harp Guitar Gathering is known to take place all over the country, with many attendees coming from across the globe. But this year, we’ll see it in Lawrence. The goal of the event is to promote a greater understanding of the unique and highly regarded instrument while bringing some of the best performers around together for workshops, masterclasses, and discussions. It’s being held at Liberty Hall, where legendary harp guitarist Michael Hedges recorded “Because It’s There.”
RIYL: Andy McKee, unique instruments
Yung Gravy
Liberty Hall | November 24
You can’t really put Yung Gravy in a box. The rapper specializes in trap music, but is clearly influenced by soul, hip-hop, and comedy. The multi-platinum viral artist tends to put on shows that give everyone the warm fuzzies with constant upbeat vibes and high energy. Listen, Lawrence. This is NOT a show to be missed. Grab your ticket early because this one will sell out. Peep his latest release below:
RIYL: bbn0$, Shotgun Willy, Yung Craka
Chat Pile
The Granada | November 22
Let’s get sludgy, Lawrence! Because of their proximity to the Kansas City scene, Oklahoma indie sludge rockers Chat Pile are no stranger to fans in the area. This is a great band to listen to if you’re the sort of “doom and gloom” type, since a lot of their lyrics center around the world ending. The best way to combat these feelings are (as always) through the arts! Come for the doom and gloom, stay for the delicious guitar riffs.
RIYL: Nerver, Drifter, Korn
Other events to keep on your radar:
Basement
Liberty Hall | November 4
Kurt Vile and the Violators
Liberty Hall | November 11
Juvenile
The Granada | November 12
Betsy O and the Hollaback Boys
Lucia | November 13
Gullywasher
Northside Social | November 13
They Are Gutting a Body of Water
The Bottleneck | November 19
