We♥KC! January 18-22, 2026 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence, KS metro)
Back from an extended hiatus, we’ve returned to again highlight the best in upcoming events, in the KC and Lawrence area. Of course, the big recent news was the Kansas City Chiefs moving to the KS side of the metro, with a mega $3.5 billion-dollar stadium opening in 2031. Expect a Super Bowl hosting and some high-profile concerts at the venue, once finished.
As far as this summer, it’s again no stadium concerts (until at least August) due to the FIFA World Cup events. The new Morton Amphitheater opens this season in nearby Riverside and keeps announcing some A-List shows (Chris Stapleton and Five Finger Death Punch both playing in early Oct. were just announced), so expect big fanfare and excitement for the new venue.
Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for this week from January 18th to 22nd.
(ticket hyperlinks are embedded in each show’s headline)
SUNDAY JANUARY 18
Mineria Symphony Orchestra of Mexico Jan 18, Kauffman Center, $39.50-$103.50
Embark on a journey through the heart of Latin America as the Minería Symphony Orchestra of Mexico makes its return to KC under the dynamic direction of Carlos Miguel Prieto in a spectacular night of passionate music.
The program features an array of works that explore the rich cultural tapestry of Latin America, including a work by Paquito d’Rivera, whose work won them a Latin Grammy for Best Classical Composition. With the bold, cinematic sounds of Silvestre Revueltas, this concert promises to captivate from start to finish. Adding an extra layer of brilliance to the performance, Pacho Flores will infuse the evening with his signature fiery, virtuosic trumpet playing.
MONDAY JANUARY 19
Happy MLK Day
TUESDAY JANUARY 20
Ruston Kelly, Jan 20, recordBar, $25.49
It’s the Nashville singer-songwriter’s 2026 tour, supporting his album Pale, Through the Window, with this intimate show highlighting Kelly’s deep lyrics about life, loss, and finding beauty, with different nights offering unique experiences.
The South Carolina-born singer/songwriter/guitarist imbues his songs with equal parts nuanced confession and punk-rock irreverence and the new record is a follow-up to his third full-length, 2023’s The Weakness, his most personal and intimate collection of songs to date.
Kelly went on to open for Maren Morris and Noah Kahan, then released his Weakness, Etc. EP collecting seven songs including “Heaven Made In Darkness” and “Belly of the Beast,” via Rounder Records.
Arrive early for verygently, a buzzing new collective led by a trio of respected Nashville-based singer songwriters.
Kimberly Akimbo (Broadway touring), Jan 20-25, Kauffman,$56.50-$111.50
Kimberly Akimbo (the 2023 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical) is about a New Jersey teenager with a rare genetic condition causing rapid aging, forcing her to navigate family dysfunction, first love, and felony charges while trying to find joy and live life fully before time runs out, blending dark humor with poignant themes of mortality and connection.
This new musical is from Pulitzer Prize-winner David Lindsay-Abaire (based on his play of the same title and who provides the score’s lyrics) and Tony Award-winner Jeanine Tesori (music) follows the bright and funny NJ teen, who happens to look like a 72-year-old lady. And yet her aging disease may be the least of her problems. Forced to maneuver family secrets, borderline personalities, and possible felony charges, Kim is determined to find happiness in a world where not even time is on her side
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 21
Umphrey’s McGee, Jan 21, Harrah’s Voodoo Lounge, $47-$141
Jam band Umphrey’s McGee‘s 2026 touring, called the “Sky’s the Limit Tour,” runs through March with winter dates in the Midwest/Northeast and then the West Coast/Northwest, plus a Cancun destination event (Deep Dive) from April 30-May 3 with supporting acts and band activities. The tour features their signature blend of rock, funk, and improvisation, and began with a double header at the Belly Up in Solana Beach, CA, with a final stop of the run in Park City, UT.
THURSDAY JANUARY 22
Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Jan 22, Uptown,$46-$81
Still our brokenhearted saviors, Big Head Todd & the Monsters released a new record after a seven-year hiatus, Her Way Out—a blues-drenched rock and roll journey through love, loss, and liberation. After spending two years serving up new songs or re-imagined classics on their YouTube series Monster’s Music Monthly, the band parlayed this momentum into their latest LP.
The 2026 tour is a multi-leg journey celebrating their long career with hits (like “Bittersweet,” “Circle,” and “It’s Alright”), fan favorites, and new material from Her Way Out, featuring a mix of classic rock, blues, and soul, promising high-energy performances with impressive visuals and sound. A huge hometown show is set in June at Red Rocks, for anyone fancying a road trip too.
National / International act coming through the Midwest / Kansas City area? Please email details to johnc@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time to be considered for Show Preview and Show Coverage consideration.
