We♥KC – December 16-31, 2021 Upcoming Shows (Kansas City / Lawrence / Topeka KS)

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As expected, the month of December winds down as the end of the month approaches, but the weather has generally been above average and there’s still a handful of shows to celebrate the season with, in the Kansas City metro. 

Nearby Lawrence is mostly quiet, due to students gone for winter break and due to the ongoing pandemic, nothing too noteworthy is in the area for New Years Eve, so you’re on your own. 

More acts and venues are requiring proof of vaccination for entry and check their social pages before heading out, in case of some last-minute change of plans. Happy Holidays!

Here’s what’s happening in the area for the Second half of December:

Samantha Fish, The Truman, $25-$30.
Kansas City’s own rising Blues and Roots guitarist returns for a hometown show that should be all kinds of special.  Faster (on Rounder Records) is her seventh studio release and even features fellow KC breakout star Tech N9ne on a track suitably called “Loud”. 

Gary Gulman, Madrid. $25-$35
The veteran 6’ 6” comedian returns to live stand-up on the heels of a highly acclaimed 2019 HBO special, in which he opened up about his depression and anxiety issues, and fun fact, had a small role in the recent Joaquin PhoenixJoker film.

Old Crow Medicine Show and Molly Tuttle (90.9 The Bridge’s Xmas Show), Uptown Theater, $35-$75.
The Nashville-based string band has a new album called Paint This Town coming soon on ATO Records, so expect a preview of some of those songs and the night is a treat for all Americana and Bluegrass fans, with Tuttle, a California banjo/guitar player opening, who collaborated earlier this year with Bela Fleck on song, “My Bluegrass Heart”.

Jackyl Family Reunion, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $17-$22
Jessie James Dupree and friends return to where they filmed a similar Dec 2019 concert for home video/CD release, out last year.  Last time they brought special guest Daryl (DMc) McDanielout for a few Run-DMC classics and while that isn’t scheduled, a roaring chainsaw and holiday debauchery will be present, as usual.

Tommy Emmanuel with Andy McKee, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $35-$65
A rare chance to see two of the finest acoustic guitarists playing today – 66 year-old Australian Emmanuelhad two records out this year, Imagine and Live from the Balboa Theatre (on CGP) while McKee grew up in nearby Topeka and released his Symbol EP after a series of virtual Facebook Live weekly concerts to stay busy during lockdown.

Making Movies (covering Radiohead’s Kid A), The Truman. $25-$40
Everything’s In Its Right Place as the area’s premier Afro Latino/Psych rock band take on Radiohead’s seminal 2000 album.  Blvck Hippie and The Republic Tigers are scheduled as support. 

The Floozies, Uptown. $25-$45
Lawrence-based party band led by brothers Mark and Matt Hill bring their blend of electronica and funk and have a holiday-related album, Miracle on Funk Street, out now to celebrate the season with good vibes.

Walker Hayes, MO Country- Grain Valley (long sold out)
Without a doubt, Hayes’ TikTok dance craze /musical advert for Applebees single, “Fancy Like” has been the breakout song of the fall, and fans were quick to snap up tix to see him in this relatively small venue.  Full album is out early next year, and he’s already been confirmed for Country Stampede in Topeka in summer 2022. 

Impractical Jokers, T-Mobile Center. CANCELED

LeAnn Rimes, Uptown, CANCELED
UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances this show has been canceled.

Chevy Chase, Xmas Vacation screening / Q+A, Topeka Performing Arts Center, $49-$250
Just two days before Christmas, legendary comedian Chase heads to Topeka (??) for a Q+A and screening of modern classic Christmas Vacation.  VIP packages are available, but due to the pandemic, up close photos/meet-and-greets are not guaranteed, though reports of Chase working a chicken restaurant’s drive-thru before a recent South Carolina show, shows he’s not afraid of much.

Reaper, Encore Room at the Uptown,CANCELED

Jeff Dunham, T-Mobile Center. $50.50
Who would have thought a ventriloquist/puppeteer could fill an arena, but veteran Dunham brings his Vegas show and puppets a bit closer (and probably cheaper) including fan favorite, the grumpy curmudgeon, Walter.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (two shows), T-Mobile Center, $46-$97.
Speaking of arena-filling acts, this pioneering symphonic/prog metal group plays not one but two shows celebrating twenty-five years since their 1996 debut, Christmas Eve and Other Stories.  Growing out of a collaboration between late producer/arranger Paul O’Neill and members of Savatage, the project’s success is truly phenomenal, having started playing arenas and selling more than ten million tickets and albums over the years.