August used to be a time for the music scene to slow down and take a reset between summer music festivals and the start of school. That is not the case anymore, as venues in Lawrence are not only chugging along, but really getting back into the swing of things. Metal, hip-hop, and especially indie rock are the big winners this month. Here are some of the best shows happening this August in the Lawrence music scene.
The Acacia Strain
The Granada | August 1
The Granada has been busy with their big outdoor festival (Kaw River Roots Festival) this Summer, but they’re back in full swing this August. They kick off the month right away with popular Deathcore band The Acacia Strain. We expect this to be a full house, metalheads as far as the eye can see. Because this is part of the “1313 Mockingbird Presents” series, we know it’ll be a top-notch event. They’ll be joined by Bodysnatcher, Ingrown, No Cure, and Tribal Gaze.
RIYL: Dying Wish, Strangled, Rings of Saturn
Sweeping Promises / Horsegirl / Godcaster
The Bottleneck | August 6
This is a pretty decent month for indie rock fans in Lawrence. One of the lineups making it happen is Sweeping Promises, Horsegirl, and Godcaster at the Bottleneck at the top of the month. Sweeping Promises are HUGELY popular in Lawrence, but their shows are few and far between and tend to sneak up on you. So if you see them on the concert calendar, clear your schedule and go. They’ll be joined by the very playful Horsegirl and Godcaster.
RIYL: Sheer Mag, Alien Hellbop, The Breeders
Hembree / Cowboy Indian Bear
Liberty Hall | August 16
This is a big one for the locals who have been here FOR A WHILE. A decade ago, this rag-tag group of musicians were the most recognizable name in town. All the musicians in both Hembree and Cowboy Indian Bear have had exciting music careers, but they’re coming together for a special show this month. Hembree, who have been living in L.A. and constantly touring successfully, are stopping through Lawrence for a show at one of our most beloved venues. The indie rockers have maintained a steady stream of support from their hometown as they took off around the nation, and we expect their fans to pack the venue. The cherry on top? Bringing together Cowboy Indian Bear for a one-off reunion show because, coincidentally, all members of the band happen to be on the same continent for a change.
This is big for the fans of twee back in the day. Expect high emotions and early 2000’s indie ballads.
RIYL: Local music, emotional reunions, early 2000’s indie rock
EST Gee
The Granada | August 21
EST Gee knows how to keep his fans happy. Right before he headed out on his North American tour, he dropped a surprise 14-track (14!) mixtape for the fans. That “Welcome To My World” tour brings him to the Granada at the end of the month. The Kentucky rapper will be on the tail end of an extensive tour, with stops packed back-to-back, and a plethora of tracks to choose from between the two releases this year.
RIYL: G Herbo, Peezy, BIG30
Lawrence Psych Fest
The Bottleneck | August 30
Every time (EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.) we think psych rock is on the way out in Lawrence, a batch of new bands comes and maintains its popularity. Luckily, they’re always very good. A lot of our new favorite bands have solidified themselves as some of the most exciting acts to watch live. Corners of the Sky is a particular favorite, giving us major Osees (formerly Thee Oh Sees and Oh Sees) vibes during their sets. The Ugly Cowboys hail from Oklahoma, but are regular faces around here and may as well be a Lawrence band. They’re very exciting to watch, absolutely madness on the stage. Expect lots of thrashing from this entire lineup, a wall of guitar noise, and some of the hottest new talent in the scene this year (conveniently, all on one stage for the day).
This is a must-see show if you’d like to get familiar with the up-and-coming bands in Lawrence.
The lineup: Captain Howdy & The Sunset Serenaders, Saving Miles Lemon, Mosaic, Corners of the Sky, Teri Quinn & The Coyotes, The Ugly Cowboys, Strange Relic, Knuckleball.
RIYL: Pink Fuzz, The Black Angels, King Tuff, Osees
This long-running event resembles a reunion as musicians form circles jamming under trees throughout the park. Former contestants return as professional performers. Some competitors are the second and third generations of their family to participate....
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...
