We♥KC! August 22-24, 2025 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO /Lawrence, KS metro)

Read more Kansas City Music Guide.

The internet broke again–

All the recent music buzz has been about the announcement and October 3rd release of Taylor Swift’s new album, confirming the details on the Kelce Bros’ New Heights podcast and opening up preorders on her merch site.

Since she and Travis are snuggling closer, we’re sure to see her at Chiefs home games again, and rumors are swirling that she might be the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime performer.

Un-related but also recently announced, are two exclusive US performances (NY and LA in Dec.) by mysterious metallers President, which we’ve been intrigued about, since their first live performance at the UK’s Download Festival in May.

These live ‘rallies’ should bring about more buzz, in a culture that’s currently re-embracing the masked singer or band concept with Sleep Token, Ghost, and Imperial Triumphant, all enjoying bigger success. The NY Times even noted the trend.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the upcoming WEEKEND of August 22nd – 24th.

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

FRIDAY AUGUST 22

Goo Goo Dolls w Dashboard Confessional, Aug 22, Starlight, $40.50-$198.75

We saw the multi-platinum, four-time GRAMMY-nominated rock band on their last outing, which stopped at this very venue in 2023 and they’re returning, along with Dashboard Confessional on their “Summer Anthem Tour 2025.” The duo has sold over 15 million records worldwide and notched nearly a dozen platinum and gold singles combined, achieving 16 #1 and Top 10 hits. As a result, they hold the all-time radio record for “Most Top 10 Singles.”

“We are truly excited to bring our Summer Anthem Tour 2025 to all our friends,” says John Rzeznik. “We’re busy putting together our 15th studio album so we will have some great new songs and of course we’ll be playing all the songs you know and love. Every tour we do is about making new friends and reuniting with everyone who’s been with us since day one. Thank you! In addition, we’ll be joined by Dashboard Confessional. One of the last great American rock bands. It’s gonna be a summer of loud music and good friends and I can’t wait to get it going!’

Lettuce w Balthvs, Aug 22, Liberty Hall-Lawrence, $51-$129

The heralded funk sextet recently released a cover of Keni Burke’s 1982 single, “Rising to the Top” in anticipation of Lettuce’s forthcoming LP, Cook, due December 3 via the band’s own Lettuce Records. Their take on “Rising to the Top” is described as a love letter to the 80s R&B influences that shaped the band’s sound.

Earlier, the band released the live album and concert film Lettuce with the Colorado Symphony, and they also recently announced the launch of Lettuce Red Crush and Orange Crush wine brands in collaboration with Aquila Cellars, along with a recipe book featuring pairings to be included with the vinyl album and available on digital.

Arrive early for Columbian-based BALTHVS who have released a recent few singles, including a new remix of “Mood Swing” by Latin electronic artist Sinego, out now. BALTHVS is a three-piece psychedelic funk outfit known for its groove-led, globally influenced sound. The band features guitarist Balthazar Aguirre, who turned to music following a rock climbing accident that led him to leave a law career and pursue his creative path. He is joined by bassist Vanessa Muñoz and drummer Santiago Lizcano.

Eric Bachmann (Archers of Loaf, Crooked Fingers), Aug 22, Lawrence Library, Free with RSVP

It’s a free and intimate acoustic evening with Eric Bachmann that will also feature local artist Approach in a support set. Bachmann fronts both Archers of Loaf and Crooked Fingers, as well as releases music under his own name, so has a large song catalog and musical history.

Bachmann, guitarist Eric Johnson, bassist Matt Gentling, and drummer Mark Price formed make up Archers of Loaf, formed in Chapel Hill, NC, in 1991 continuing on for most of the decade before not breaking up, but going on a multi-year hiatus, finally returning with new music in 2020. Crooked Fingers is the solo project of Bachmann, beginning in early 2000.

This is a recommended and fun evening of discussion, Q+A, and music that needs continued support to bring more installments to town. RSVP slots still available at the link above.

SATURDAY AUGUST 23

Teddy Swims, Aug 23, Starlight,$76 (low tix)

Georgia native Teddy Swims’ stage name is actually an acronym for “Someone Who Isn’t Me Sometimes,” and it’s a kind of shorthand for everything he stands for. His already-signature baritone voice sounds cozy and rich over all of the many genres he swirls up, from pop and soul on to gospel, hip-hop, and hard rock.

Teddy stumbled upon a lifeline in 2019 when he shared a video of him singing Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” which took off, leading to more covers that showed off his talent, humor, style, and ease in the studio. In early 2020, he signed with Warner Records and released his first original song, “Picky.” And then came “Broke,” a clap-along anthem about the joys of making it and spending cash, and the rest is still being written, as he’s more popular than ever and playing larger venues. See him live while you can.

Charlie Parker Tribute, Aug 23 KC Jazz Alive, Folly, $28-$80

Bird Lives! To cap this month-long Spotlight: Charlie Parker celebration, renowned KC trumpeter Lonnie McFadden will lead the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra in vibrant tribute to Parker’s musical genius. This one-night-only concert will feature a big band interpretation of the artistry and influence of the world-renowned creator of bebop and KC native son, Charlie “Bird” Parker.

Collect-A-Con, Aug 23 And 24, Bartle Hall, $33.79-$59.79

Collect-A-Con is a large collectibles convention focused on trading cards, anime, and pop culture. It features over 1000 vendor/dealer tables, celebrity guests, anime voice actors, and live performances.

The show also features celebrity guests, anime voice actors, and merchandise and attendees can find Pokémon and non-sports cards, Funko Pops, video games, vintage toys, and a wide array of anime merchandise. We’re more comic collectors so don’t attend this one, which looks like it could be fun (alas, all Waka Flocka Flame meet and greets are sold out though!).

SUNDAY AUGUST 24

Alabama Shakes w Y La Bamba, Aug 24, Starlight, $40.50-$154.75

A decade ago, Alabama Shakes transformed their hardscrabble soul and Southern rock into something lighter and more experimental. The resulting album was a huge success, picking up four Grammys and an Album of the Year nomination, and ending up on year-end lists by almost everyone. Last December following a seven-year hiatus, the band made their return surprising fans at singer Brittany Howard’s solo show in Tuscaloosa with their first live appearance since 2018.

“Last year, Heath, Zac, and I started chatting about how much fun it would be to make music together and tour again as Alabama Shakes,” vocalist/guitarist Brittany Howard said in a statement. “This band and these songs have been such a source of joy for all of us. It is crazy that it has been 10 years since we released ‘Sound and Color’ and eight years since we played a show.” We just caught them live in a July festival appearance in the Twin Cities.

Arrive early for Y La Bamba, an American indie alternative/experimental band led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Luz Elena Mendoza who have released five albums and two EPs and sing in both English and Spanish.

National/international 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