There’s nothing quite like bunkering down during the coldest month of the year. That doesn’t necessarily mean staying at home. Sometimes you can bunker down at a cozy North Lawrence venue, or stay warm by partying with hundreds of your friends at the bigger venues. Either way, there’s plenty to keep you on your feet and get your blood circulating in this month’s live music calendar. There’s even a parade! Here’s a look at some of the big musical gigs to head to this February in Lawrence.
Belle and the Vertigo Waves / OxyToxin / The Blast Monkeys
The Replay | February 6
This is one of those shows that really showcases the electricity behind Lawrence nightlife. Belle and the Vertigo Waves is one of the most high-energy bands we’ve covered out of Kansas City, a power pop punk explosion out of Kansas City that brings 100 percent to the stage every time. OxyToxin is a Lawrence bands that has spent the last couple of years rising in the local ranks to now become one of the heavy hitters, along with The Blast Monkeys’ susbstantial punk following. This will be one of those can’t-miss Lawrence shows.
RIYL: The Scott Pilgrim Soundtrack
Night Moves
White Schoolhouse | February 8
You know it’ll be a good show if White Schoolhouse opens their doors in the bitter cold months. Night Moves is a soulful psych rock band that’s been around the block and then some. They’re touring in support of their latest release, Double Life, which is stuffed to the gills with authentically vintage sounds and vibes. If you threw this on the record player, we would’ve never guessed this was an album released last year.
RIYL: The Dig, Neal Francis, STRFKR
The Lawrence Mardi Gras Parade
Downtown Lawrence | February 17
Listen, we know that we live in highly volatile times. But if there’s one thing we can count on, it’s the Lawrence Mardi Gras Parade. This event happens rain or shine (and it definitely rained on the parade last year). To us, this is one of the true indicators that brighter times are ahead after a long and dark winter. It’s one of the most joyful things you can do in Lawrence, surrounded by zydeco, brass, and more colorful costumes than we can count. The River City Brass Band kicks off the parade at noon at Lucia, continuing down the sidewalk, weaving in and out of businesses, with a brief stop at Free State Brewery before invading Terrebonne. So if you’re eating lunch at either of these fine establishments, expect a noisy concert in tow.
RIYL: Very Lawrence vibes, watching me attempt to play an accordion.
Reverend Horton Heat
The Bottleneck | February 18
This is such a hot ticket, it will probably sell out ahead of time. If you’re ready for a psychobilly freakout, head straight to The Bottleneck on February 18. That’s when The Reverend Horton Heat is bringing his $10 tour of North America to Lawrence. Expect furiously fast guitars, folks dressed to the nines, and a whole lot of swagger. In a match made in heaven, he’ll be playing along with our favorite local rockabilly band, PopSkull Rebels (you may remember them as energizing everyone at Live on Mass a couple of Summers ago).
RIYL: Stray Cats, Mojo Nixon, Koffin Kats
The 502s
The Granada | February 26
The 502s are an indie folk band from Florida, but refer to themselves more as “beach folk.” They’ve got that big “stomp calp hey” energy (think Mumford and Sons), only recently moving to a major label despite a decent discography under their belt. They’re touring on their latest album, Easy Street, for their “Nonsense All Night Shows” stop at the Granada with harf.
RIYL: The Lumineers, Caamp, Mt. Joy
Other events to keep on your radar:
The Runarounds
The Granada | February 3
Jack Summers with Jared Dustin Griffin
Northside Social | February 5
The BoDells
Lucia | February 6
Bob Marley Birthday Jamdown
The Bottleneck | February 6
Christena Graves Band with David Luther and Bradley McKellip
Northside Social | February 7
Amplify Fundraiser with Figure Model / Party Helmet / toasterbath / Flatline (early show)
The Replay | February 13
Paramount 80’s
The Granada | February 14
Valentine’s Dinner and Dance Party
Arterra Event Gallery | February 14
Retro Cocktail Hour’s 30th Anniversary
Liberty Hall | February 28
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...
