Hulu did come through–

After getting washed out on their Bonnaroo coverage, Hulu was back for the fifth year at Lollapalooza in Chicago over the weekend, streaming two channels worth of a handful of acts.

We caught Robyn on stage with Gracie Abrams, Luke Combs was their first Country headliner, K-Pop made a splash (BOYNEXTDOOR, Twice, and Katseye), Weezer played with Olivia Rodrigo, Finneas brought out Ashe (as The Favors), Sabrina Carpenter grooved with Earth Wind & Fire, and there were several drone light shows – a fun weekend (…to be watching from home).

Another trend we’ve lately noticed is the influence of anthemic hymns and religious themes in secular music- is this the next ‘thing’? Hozier’s been doing it for years, but newcomers like Alex Warren, Jelly Roll’s change from his previous sound, and Benson Boone (to a point), have all adopted what’s being called “Faith-Adjacent.”

We mostly like it, and the record companies must as well, as it provides the opportunity of charting on multiple different sales and airplay charts. Vox has a recent article on the movement and feel free to leave a comment regarding.

Now, let’s take look at the Kansas City metro musical happenings for the upcoming weekend of August 8th – 10^th.

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

FRIDAY AUGUST 8

Yo Gabba Gabba Live, Aug 8, Midland, $43-$57

Yo Gabba Gabba! is coming to yo town! The classic children’s franchise is back on a live tour, hitting 24 cities including KC.. Kammy Kam — the teen host of the Apple TV+ spin-off series Yo Gabba GabbaLand! will emcee the tour, joined by beloved costumed characters Muno, Foofa, Plex, Brobee and Toodee as well as some “special guests.”

The tour kicked off last Friday in Pomona, CA, and wraps with an Aug. 31 show at LA’s The Novo. Back in April, the ensemble delighted Coachella crowds across two weekends, bringing out Flavor Flav, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Portugal. The Man, Paul Williams and Thundercat, along with classic Nickelodeon show’s host DJ Lance Rock.

Speaking of Yo Gabba GabbaLand!, Apple TV+ announced that season 2 of the spin-off series will arrive early next year, Jan. 30. In the meantime, fans can watch all four seasons of the original Nick series streaming on Apple TV+.

Robert Cray, Aug 8, Knuckleheads, $50.84

Still a strong persuader! Blues icon. Soul man. Rock and roller. Robert Cray has sold millions of albums, won five Grammy Awards, was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, received the Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award, and designed two signature model Fender guitars.

He’s got blues hits like “(Won’t Be) Coming Home,” “Right Next Door,” and “T-Bone Shuffle,” his latest studio album, was 2020’s ‘That’s What I Heard’ and he’s back on the road with his “Out Driving Around Tour”.

His 1986 album, Strong Persuader’s first single was “Smoking Gun,” and the music video got some airplay on MTV with the single hitting No. 2 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart and No. 22 on the Hot 100, with the album going double-platinum.

SATURDAY AUGUST 9

Cyndi Lauper, Aug 9, Azura Amph, Bonner Springs, $39-$206

Iconic singer, author and musician Cyndi Lauper is on her final 24 North American dates of her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour, a continuation of a last hurrah trek that began last October and brings singer Jake Wesley Rogers as her opener.

Her career includes more than 50 million records sold worldwide, six Top 20 hits (including “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Time After Time, “She Bop,” True Colours” and “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough”) — and Grammy, Emmy and Tony awards. She’s a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and we should see her again in November, when she will be inducted into the m. At the same time the “Kinky Boots” composer’s next musical, an adaptation of the 1988 film “Working Girl,” opens in La Jolla, CA.

At most live shows, an “Action Center” will be erected for concert goers to stop by and visit with the Human Rights Campaign, League of Women Voters, and Planned Parenthood.

Men I Trust, Aug 9, Midland, $42-$268

The Quebec indiie dreampop trio (Emmanuelle Proulx; guitarist Jessy Caron; and keyboardist Dragos Chiriac).are back with the announcement of not one but two new albums, Equus Asinus and Equus Caballus, as well as this supporting tour which wraps Sept 6 in Philly.

On Instagram, the band wrote that they felt “over the moon” to announce the “full length albums,” which they called “our biggest and proudest work yet” and also already released Forever Live Sessions 2.

SUNDAY AUGUST 10

Chevelle, Asking Alexandria, Dead Poets Society, Aug 10, Harrahs Voodoo Lounge, $119-224

Veteran alt/metal band Chevelle is still sends the pain below (to their fans’ delight) and is out on a 38-city tour which will wrap Oct. 2, with special guests Asking Alexandria and Dead Poet Society along for the ride.

The recent studio album, 2021’s NIRATIAS, was their ninth studio release, nearly two decades following from the band’s breakthrough with 2002’s Wonder What’s Next. That 2021 record was also brothers Pete and Sam Loeffler first venture as a two-piece, following the 2019 departure of bassist Dean Bernardini.

In more exciting news, Chevelle released a new song, “Rabbit Hole (Cowards, Pt. 1),” the brother’s first new music in four years.

Consisting of Danny Worsnop (vocals), Cameron Liddell (guitar), Sam Bettley (bass) and James Cassells (drums), North Yorkshire UK (by way of Dubai) band Asking Alexandria has become one of the most influential names in modern rock since their formation in 2008. 2023 album Where Do We Go from Here pushes boundaries even further, capturing the raw energy and emotion of their journey while further solidifying their legacy in modern rock.

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