It’s Big Slick week!

The popular charity event takes over T-Mobile Center and The K the night before, with the biggest bevy of celebs the metro sees all year. It’s all for Children’s Mercy Hospital, so we highly recommend donating and attending, if possible. With Mahomes and Kelce confirmed, Swifties are wondering if Tay-Tay might make a suprise appearance as well!

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming week of May 27th-June 1st.

(ticket hyperlinks are embedded in each show’s headline)

TUESDAY MAY 27

The Lion King (Broadway touring), thru June 1, Music Hall, $79-$317

The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before! – This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to the Music Hall! More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular (since it first opened in Minneapolis!) and it has remained one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions in modern theater history!

Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, the production brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of visuals. Its return again features the extraordinary work of Tony Award®-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. Whether your first time or a repeat- run, don’t walk for the chance to see this beloved classic!

Wallows w/Porches, May 27, Grinders KC, sold out

he heartthrob LA band continue out on their 2025 “Model & More” Tour, selling out this outdoor show, in support of last year’s album, Model and recently released a new single, the horn adorned “Your New Favorite Song” via Atlantic. The boys performed it on Triple J’s “Like A Version,” while down under along with a cover of The Marias' "No One Noticed” and also released an alternate version of “Bad Dream” from the recent LP.

This version was originally recorded at Sunset Sound in LA during their third album’s production and was the first cut of the song before it evolved- “We love this version and wanted everyone to have it too,” said Wallows.

Arrive early for Pleasantville, NY’s Porches (a project of Aaron Maine) who released Shirt Expansion Pack, the follow-up to last year’s full-length Shirt, featuring the two brand-new tracks “Shirt” and “Lunch.” Porches are back from their EU/UK headlining tour and are on the road with the headliners through next month.

WEDNESDAY MAY 28

THURSDAY MAY 29

Sarah and the Sundays, May 29, recordBar, $22

The Austin TX-based indie rock group Sarah and the Sundays (not to be confused with UK 90’s band, The Sundays) have a new and third studio album out, Like A Damn Dog. The 12-track LP is described as a raw and poignant exploration of the tangled emotions and realities that come with stepping into adulthood.

The five-piece indie rock band have over 107 million global streams and 2.5M+ video views to date. Yeah, so no “Sarah”, but it’s CT natives lead vocalist and guitarist Liam Yorgensen, bassist Declan Chill, drummer Quinn Lane, keyboardist and guitarist Miles Reynolds, and vocalist and guitarist Brendan Whyburn. Their first album was titled So You're Mad About the Cups with follow up album being The Living End which features singles, "I'm So Bored" and "Vices.”

Die Spitz, May 29, miniBar,$24.58

Recent Third Man Records signees and Austin TX-based Die Spitz are on the road, mostly playing plenty of festivals but making an intimate KC stop, with a new record due soon. "We are so grateful to Third Man for this opportunity. We’re having a grand ole time recording and can’t wait for yall to hear!” say Die Spitz.

The tour began May 28 in Fayetteville, AR and runs through into early fall. Founded in 2022, Die Spitz – Ava Schrobilgen, Chloe De St. Aubin, Ellie Livingston, and Kate Halter – has become known for their unruly stage presence, bombarding their crowds with a wall of sound. The childhood friends-turned-musicians have supported the likes of Amyl and the Sniffers, Sleater-Kinney, and OFF!. After self-releasing several singles (including 2024’s “i hate when GIRLS die,” “My Hot Piss,” and “Little Flame”) and 2023’s Teeth EP, the anticipated debut album is due later this year.

Wiz Khalifa, May 29, Truman, $65-$144

Why isn’t this underplay show long sold out?! The multi-platinum selling, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated recording artist is on his 20-city Taylor Gang The World Tour, in between a much bigger outdoor Good Vibes Tour with special guests. It kicked off on May 20th in Nashville, and features Chevy Woods, Fedd the God, and DJ Bonics who will support on all dates.

Wiz is purposely visiting more intimate venues, allowing for his fan to experience the new album in a special setting to connect with Wiz and his music on a deeper level. With a carefully curated setlist featuring both new and classic hits, the personal atmosphere will make for an unforgettable experience. The new album Kush + Orange Juice 2 was released just last month on April 18th.

FRIDAY MAY 30

Ozark Mountain Daredevils, May 30, Kauffman,$57-$87

Southern rock from the Ozarks – it’s their When It Shines: The Final Tour, so a last chance!

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils have been aptly described as “a ragtag collection of hippies, bohemians and musicians of no fixed ambition.” They have always been indefinable in terms of music genres, producing sounds of country-rock and electric bluegrass all on the same record; writing poetic lyrics and singing harmonies, and are now playing one last area show before a final bow.

They began back in Springfield, MO in 1971 and included musicians Larry Lee, Steve Cash, Michael Supe Granda, John Dillon, Buddy Brayfield and Randle Chowning. After other names, in a nod to musical hero Commander Cody, they settled on the catchy moniker of Cosmic Corncob & His Amazing Ozark Mountain Daredevils before shortening that. Among their many hits are” Black Sky”; “If You Wanna Get To Heaven”; “It'll Shine When It Shines”; “Fly Away Home” and their version of “Jackie Blue.”

Glamour of Old Hollywood by KC Jazz Orchestra, May 31, Folly, $28-$80

Transport back to the Golden Age of Hollywood at the fabulous Folly downtown- featuring local favorite Brenna Whitaker and her captivating voice, this is a fun retro big-band trip back to a simpler time and songs which have become standards. Expect visuals to match those familiar songs of the day, and dressing in the sparkle, fringe and feathers of 1920’s old Hollywood is encouraged.

SATURDAY MAY 31

Wild Kratts® LIVE 2.0 – Activate Creature Power®! May 31, Kauffman Theatre, $57.35-$67.65

Calling all ages- it’s another classic Wild Kratts adventure with the Kratt brothers as they combine live action and animation, with Martin and Chris Kratt live on stage and the rest of the Wild Kratts team on screen. Experience the electrifying excitement and inspiring quest of the Kratt Brothers that make the hit television series Wild Kratts a family favorite!

Based on the popular PBS KIDS TV show and running since 2014, this on-stage version was created and developed by the real-life zoologist brothers and is currently in its sixth season. The series follows the animated versions of the Kratt brothers and their friends on expeditions with wild animals from around the world, complete with animal-inspired gadgets and awesome Creature Power Suits that enable the adventurers to get close to the creatures.

Josh Johnson (comedian, 2 shows), May 31, The Midland, both sold out

The very popular comedian Josh Johnson is out on his “The Flowers Tour” and has sold out both KC shows at this large venue. He’s known for his work on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” has almost 4 million followers on social media, and his stand-up special, “Josh Johnson: Up Here Killing Myself,” premiered to great numbers on Peacock.

He might be best known to younger crowds via their phone screens, courtesy of the TikTok algorithm.

The Big Slick, May 31, T-Mobile Center, $104-$565

The biggest area celeb-filled days of the year began with little fanfare back in 2010 when actor Rob Riggle called fellow Shawnee Mission graduates Paul Rudd and Jason Sudeikis about hosting a poker tournament to raise money for Children’s Mercy. Each quickly agreed and called upon family and friends (like Will Ferrell, director Adam McKay, Bobby Cannavale, George Wendt and Will Forte) to make it more special.

It’s grown exponentially and in recent years, and they’ve added area natives Eric Stonestreet and David Koechner and Heidi Gardner, as official hosts (keeping the poker term original name).

2025 marks the 16th year of this event which has raised more than $24 million through sponsorships, a live auction, branded merchandise and various other fundraising campaigns since the event was launched. Every dollar raised goes directly to Children’s Mercy Hospital to advance the goal of eradicating pediatric cancer.

As usual, things get going with a fun charity softball game the night before at Kauffman (5p, then stay for the Tigers game) and this year’s guests are set to include:

Johnny Knoxville, famed jackass

Fortune Feimster, comedian

David Cook, singer, American Idol winner

Kenan Thompson, comedy legend

Anthony Hill, actor,

Sarah Tiana, comedian

Kevin Pollak, actor, comedian

Vince McMahon, actor, comedian

Curt Menefee, FOX NFL Sunday host

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Tom Pestock (formerly known as Baron Corbin), WWE star-turned-chef

Andy Richter, comedian

Logan Mize, country musician

Al Roker, Today Show icon, weather presenter

Katherine McNamara, actor,

James "Murr" Murray, comedian, Impractical Jokers

Sal Vulcano, comedian, Impractical Jokers

Brian "Q" Quinn, comedian, Impractical Jokers

Blake Vogt, magician

SUNDAY JUNE 1

Breaking Benjamin, Staind, Wage War, Lakeview June 1, T-Mobile Center.$31-$185

Breaking Benjamin and Staind are co-headlining the "Awaken The Fallen Tour" with special guests Wage War and Lakeview. The tour kicked off on April 26 in Mississippi, and twenty dates later, comes to a loud and energetic end right here in KC. (look for a BoGo ticket deal online too!) How time flies in a decade since 2015 in the suburban Twin Cities.

Breaking Benjamin signed a new record deal with BMG last October, marking the occasion with the release of their first new song in five years, “Awaken.” The band’s most recent full-length is 2018’s Ember, though they did release a compilation of re-recorded songs, Aurora, in 2020 and new music is on the way.

Staind are touring in support of their latest album, 2023’s Confessions of the Fallen, their first studio album in 12 years (though singer Aaron Lewis has pursued a solo Country career all along).

Wage War, the metalcore band from Florida is out in support of last July’s Stigma full-length and features Briton Bond’s screams against Cody Quistad’s clean vocals.

Lakeview is a country-rock duo (Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy) that has some metalcore roots as well and are in support of their Small Town Famous EP and self-titled debut and has toured with the likes of Daughtry and Staind previously.

National Touring act coming to Kansas City, Lawrence, KS, Topeka, KS, or vicinity? Let us know so we can spotlight the appearance-email johnc@weheartmusic.com