With April being a big touring month for bands, we’re seeing a lot of big name shows roll through the Lawrence area this month thanks to our access to large and mid-sized venues. Though some are already sold out (Kublai Khan, Jessie Murph) or close to selling out, there are still plenty of opportunities to wet your rhythmic whistle this Spring. I know we say this a lot, but there really is something for every type of music listener this month. From rap to indie to country (and even something for the nerds), it’s probably best to stay put for live music in April. Here’s a look at some of the best shows coming through (and be sure to check out the “Other events to keep on your radar” section at the bottom!).
TWRP
The Granada | April 4
The Granada and their neighbor, 1313 Mockingbird Lane, have consistently been throwing a unique type of event for a very niche audience over the last couple of years. They almost always involve costumes, nerd fandom, and family fun. This one promises to be no different with Canadian rockers TWRP (formerly known as Tupper Ware Remix Party). The real-life band with fictional characters (and even a fictional backstory) is known for costumed calamity, robotic voices, and all sorts of silliness. You can take the kids to this one.
They’ll be touring in support of their latest release, Digital Nightmare.
RIYL: Ninja Sex Party, The Cybertronic Spree, nerd stuff
Neko Case
Liberty Hall | April 5
There’s no way you made it through the indie rock heyday of the early 2000’s without falling head over heels for Neko Case. The songwriter (and New Pornographers member) will be rolling through Liberty Hall this month. With heartbreaking lyrics and vocals to die for, the eternal cool kid and laid back indie rocker will be one of the hotter tickets this month, so don’t be surprised if the show sells out.
RIYL: Jenny Lewis, Rilo Kiley, Lucinda Williams
Keo and Them / Shvkxir / F.Y.I. / Marrice Anthony
Replay Lounge | April 12
Lawrence has been blessed with a plethora of bands coming in from Wichita lately. It’s easy when there’s a pipeline straight down the highway. Keo and Them is one of those acts that are hard to keep your eyes off of. Instantly likable, groovy as all get out, and just darling onstage. Rich with jazz, funk, and r&b tones, there’s really nothing Keo and Them can’t accomplish. They’ll get your booty shaking at this one. See them with a host of other Wichita acts rounding out the lineup.
RIYL: Local and regional bands, velvety rich vocals
Krizz Kaliko
The Bottleneck | April 16
We can’t think of a single time we’ve ever been let down by a concert from the Strange Music crew. So when Kansas City’s Krizz Kaliko rolls through the Bottleneck this month, make sure you get a front row view of the explosive energy this crew brings to the stage. The longtime Techn9ne collaborator delivers songs that hold both a lot of vulnerability and strength in the lyrics. With decades of experience behind him, Lawrence is lucky to get a look into what it looks like when local rappers are at the top of their game.
He'll bring a host of special guests, including Locksmith, Vin Jay, Seuss, Silent Ave, DJ 151, and Underrated Society.
RIYL: Tech N9ne, Ces Cru, Kevin Gates
The Velveteers
The Bottleneck | April 18
Oh boy! This is a can’t-miss event for Lawrence. When The Velveteers rolled through Lawrence a couple of years ago, we instantly knew it was one of the top shows of the year. So many bands these days tend to be a little docile. Not The Velveteers. They know all about breaking the rules in rock and roll and putting on a show. When we say them, the guitarist immediately tore into the set, working the crowd into a frenzy and event straddling the drums (there were two drum sets!). Don’t you miss good rock and roll? This is the show for you.
RIYL: Pink Fuzz, The Black Angels, Black Mariah Theater
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...