This weekend, it’s all about the Big Slick— the annual benefit extravaganza for Childrens Mercy-Kansas City has returned in full force, though late word has come down that Jason Sudeikis is unfortunately unable to attend, still in London for production schedule changes on the new season of “Ted Lasso”.

Funnyman David Koechner may or may not be present as well, due to recent run-ins with the law, but there’s plenty of talent and entertainment to anchor what should be a memorable weekend. Several good concerts happening as well (fingers crossed the rain and heat can hold off).

Here’s what’s happening in the Kansas City/Lawrence, KS metro June 22^nd– 30^th

(Several artists are still requiring precautions for entry, so check with the venue and/or assume vaxx proof might still be required)

Wednesday June 22

Why Don’t We with The Aces and JVKE, Starlight, CANCELED

Thursday June 23

“Cheer” Live, Cable Dahmer Arena. $29.95-$139.95

Rah, Rah, Rah!- features a special appearance from Monica Aldama

Cody Johnson, Azura Amphitheater, $44.50-$129.50

The Texas country singer-songwriter is striking while the fire is hot. After his first No. 1 hit “‘Til You Can’t” was certified Platinum, he’s on the road through the end of the year with a rotating slate of musical friends joining him. Locally, Ashland Craft & Craig Campbell are scheduled to join on.

Broncho, recordBar, $15

Out on their I Know You tour, we’ve followed the Oklahoma indie/post-punk band since 2013, having seen them last in 2016 so we’re probably overdue. Latest full-length was 2018’s Bad Behavior, so we have to expect new music is soon forthcoming. Live, they’ve been playing almost a 30-song set.

Saliva, The Bottleneck-Lawrence, $25-$28

Vocalist Bobby Amaru ably stepped in for Josey Scott over a decade ago and the band has a new single, “Crows” released earlier this month. Live, favorites like “Ladies and Gentlemen”, “Tick Tick Boom”, and “Your Disease” are of course in the set, along with some interesting cover medleys.

LANCO, Power & Light District, Free!

Nashville country band used to stylize their name as LANco, but are now LANCO (abbreviated version of Lancaster and Co, so go figure). Anyway, the band returns with new song “Low Class Lovers” from its forthcoming full-length as a follow-up to previously-lauded Hallelujah Nights. Plus, it’s a free show!

Friday June 24

Big Slick Celebrity softball game at Kauffman Stadium, $20-$103

After a prior night’s VIP event, this is the true kickoff to this year’s annual event. Gates open at 4:30 for the 5pm game, and anyone buying a Royals ticket to the 7pm game, gets in early for free. Seating is all GA, so arrive early for a good seat to see your favorite celebs swing a fun bat for charity.

Riff Generation- KC Jazz Orchestra, Medallion Theater, $25-$35

Brand new jazz ensemble that cultivates new music alongside Kansas City’s fabled heritage of the genre.

Modern English w/ Static Phantoms, recordBar, $20

Decades later, they still want to stop the world and melt with you and will be playing classic album After The Snow in its entirety. We caught them live in 2017 as part of the loaded Retro Futura Tour. Post-punk synth ‘80s throwback KC duo Static Phantoms is an ideal opening fit.

Blue Man Group, June 24-26, Starlight Theater,$16-$98

More than 35 million people around the world have experienced the smash hit phenomenon. Expect signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy in this updated show that features original music, custom-made instruments, and surprise audience interaction in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages. We saw them live in their original NYC Astor Place theater years ago, and still remember all the fun.

Saturday June 25

Big Slick Party / Benefit w Rob Riggle, Paul Rudd, Eric Stonestreet, and David Koechner (?), T-Mobile Center, $75-$375.

What started out as a benefit poker tournament (thus the poker hand name) has ballooned into a jam-packed weekend and arena-sized party/show, which has raised over $13million dollars for Childrens Mercy-Kansas City.

In between acts like Sheryl Crow, David Cook, The Potash Twins and numerous celebs, bidding on item and experiential auctions take place (online as well) for special and one-of-a-kind collectibles and memories. Celebrities expected include Adam Scott, SNL’s Heidi Gardner, Kevin Pollak, James Van Der Beek, and others including some possible late-addition sports stars.

Children’s Mercy is a leading independent children’s health organization dedicated to holistic care, translational research, breakthrough innovation, and educating the next generation of caregivers. Its vision is to create a world of well-being for children and for more information visit childrensmercy.org. (Note there is no Saturday morning bowling nor red carpet arrival this year).

Glenn Miller Orchestra, Kauffman Center. $59.50-$79.50

It don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing!– The 80-year old Glenn Miller Orchestra brings timeless classics like “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “String of Pearls” and “Tuxedo Junction” back to the stage with over eighteen musicians and singers.

Eddie Montgomery, Knuckleheads. $37.50

The remaining half of famed country duo Montgomery Gentry hits the road with all their favorites live as well as new songs from his solo debut, Ain’t No Closing Me Down and recent Tanya Tucker collab, “Higher”.

Motherfolk, Lemonade Park, $15

Beloved KC indie folk project led by Nathan Dickerson and Nathan Paver in promotion of new EP, the flower and new single, “Headlights”. DURRY to open.

Sunday June 26

Sebastian Maniscalco, Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland. $42.75-$122.75

Rescheduled like many things, the comedian plays two shows on his Nobody Does This Tour. The stand-up comedian and actor has released five comedy specials. has also had supporting acting roles in the films Green Book and The Irishman.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Uptown. $35-$99

A last-minute Covid infection with the band pushed this show to its new date, all is now good and any previous tix are honored.

Five decades and running, the legendary band also recently released their latest, Dirt Does Dylan, featuring lead single “I Shall be Released” alongside indie faves Larkin Poe. Expect some Bobby Zimmerman covers live, along with maybe some Hank, The Band and Jerry Jeff Walker songs as well as tracks from their fifty year catalog.

Spite, recordBar. $20

California metal band out on their (not so humble) One Step to Becoming God Tour, with Boundaries, Vatican, and Bodybox as support for this early show. The band recently announced their new label partnership with Rise Records and have released two new singles since: “Made To Please” and “Caved In”.

Monday June 27

Tuesday June 28

Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin, T-Mobile Center Postponed to August 2.

Wednesday June 29

Barenaked Ladies with Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Starlight. $25-$150

For the sixth time, it’s still the Last Summer on Earth and this formidable 90s triple bill promises a fun and hit-filled evening. We caught the tour in its first year in 2015 with BNL headlining and it’s been successful enough to keep returning.

BNL has new music coming later this year, so maybe expect a new song or two amidst the favorites and the tour will also feature Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket on the lineup. We haven’t documented any Gin Blossoms shows though have caught them live and are a fan of especially their first couple albums. We did catch Toad live many times in the mid-2010s and remain big fans.

Dean Lewis, The Truman. $26-$55

Aussie singer-songwriter Dean Lewis hit it big internationally with songs “Be Alright” and “Waves” and released his debut album, A Place We Knew in 2019. We caught him live in the summer of 2019 for a radio-sponsored acoustic set that had the girls swooning and guys singing along and three singles including “Hurtless” have been issued in advance of his upcoming new album.

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Thursday June 30

Third Eye Blind with Taking Back Sunday and Hockey Dad, Starlight. $29.50-$99.95

Stephan Jenkins and band are out on their Summer Gods: 25 Years in the Blind Tour, which also supports the restoration of a portion of the Palos Verdes Kelp Forest. Called the Blind Reef, proceeds of each ticket will help the surf community restore the kelp ecosystem that sequesters carbon off the California Coast. We caught them live back in 2018 and the band has been playing Joy Division and Califone covers in their recent live sets.

Eli Young Band w Corey Kent, Power & Light District

The brand new album is called Love Talking from this North Texas country band and fans probably remember their previous hit singles, “Crazy Girl”, along with “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”, “Drunk Last Night”, and “Love Ain’t”. Expect a lot of crazy girls out for this free downtown show.