Can you feel it in the air? Can you smell it? We’re almost to Summer! We know there will be block parties in every nook and cranny of Lawrence soon, so consider May as your chance to warm up your concert muscles. Punk, metal, hip-hop, honky-tonk, and even some Mariachi roots music… we’ve got a lot to choose from this month. Take a gander at some of the shows popping up in town this May, and be sure to check out the other events to keep on your radar at the end (apparently this is a good month to be a metalhead).
Joyce Manor
Liberty Hall | May 2
It seems like every Spring there’s a can’t-miss punk show at Liberty Hall. This year, it’s a pretty killer lineup. Joyce Manor will be stopping by hot off their latest release, I Used To Go To This Bar, and fresh off recovering vocal chords for vocalist Barry Johnson. Though the band will have an extensive repertoire to choose from, their latest release matures with their fan base and still maintains their earnest and relatable lyrics that will have those fans singing along loudly at their concerts.
This is one of those shows where there will definitely be fans in the audience who are there for the openers. Both Militarie Gun and Combat have been making waves in the punk scene with their high-energy sets and could headline their own shows in Lawrence. We’ve seen Combat kill it at The Bottleneck before, but trust us. You do not want to miss Militarie Gun.
RIYL: The Wonder Years, Citizen, American Football
Jenny Don’t and the Spurs
Lucia | May 2
If you love retro Western music, head straight to Lucia on the first weekend of May for this early set. Jenny Don’t and the Spurs have an enticing aesthetic (think country western movies meets Dick Dale). Their garage rock roots means lots of fuzzy tones and reverb on those guitars.
This is part of Lucia’s famous Sunday Roundup series (but on a Saturday!), a haven for honky-tonk fans. And keeping with the Sunday roundup theme, it’s FREE.
RIYL: Unfit Wives, Betsy O and the Hollaback Boys, your grandma’s kitchen décor
Cinco de Mayo Weekend with Maria the Mexican
Replay Lounge | May 3
This is a show that generally gets pretty packed every year. Maria the Mexican will be playing an early Sunday show at the Replay as part of their annual Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Members of the band are descendants of local Mexican Mariachi royalty, and their sound reflects their traditional and modern folk blend. You’ll want to stick around for the Selena covers. This is an all ages show.
RIYL: Elena & Los Fulanos, dancing on the Replay patio
Jabee / Approach / Laylo Holmes / Trip G / DJ Reaper
Replay Lounge | May 9
Jabee leads a pretty stacked lineup at the Replay. The Oklahoma native and three-time Emmy winner, blends soul and hip-hop with his poetic and powerful lyrics. He recently gained big nods from Chuck D, who said “Jabee’s music has the potential to change the world.” His extensive career in the arts (he’s been performing since childhood) and community activism (check out his LiveFree project) keep his fans close.
RIYL: Stik Figa, Seuss Mace, Marcel P Black
Cattle Decapitation: 30 Years of Inhumanity
The Granada | May 19
This is a big one for apocalyptic metalheads. Cattle Decapitation is an iconic deathgrind band with three decades and eight studio albums behind them. They’ve been celebrating their longevity with a hefty tour, with The Granada show landing as one of their final stops before heading back into the studio to finish a new release. Again, this is one of those shows where the entire lineup is what’s going to draw fans out. They’ll be joined by Brujeria, No Cure, and Knoll.
RIYL: Aborted, Dying Fetus, Bloodbath
Other events to keep on your radar:
Studio ’76: A Tribute to the music of 1976
Lied Center | May 1
Pretend Friend
Lucia | May 3
Hot Tubtones
Northside Social | May 7
Arthur Dodge and the Horsefeathers / Half Tiger Half Bear
Replay Lounge | May 15
Cradle of Filth / Suffocation / Ghost Bath / Cultus Black
The Granada | May 21
The Soul Agenda / Harper K / The Atelier
Replay Lounge | May 28
Kansas Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Liberty Hall | May 30
Alpha Wolf
The Bottleneck | May 31
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...
