We♥KC! March 22-28, 2026 Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence, KS metro)
Some 800 to be hired-
That’s the word at the new Mystic Lake Amphitheater, in the suburban Twin Cites (19,000 capacity) opening this summer.
Like the Morton Amphitheater in Riverside, MO (16,000 capacity) and the (12,000 capacity) Acrisure Amphitheater in Grand Rapids, MI, all are set to open as new Live Nation operated and booked venues. KC’s venue is likely hiring 600+, so get those applications in, if you need that summer job.
All the venues are bringing some A-list talent to their respective markets, with the MN venue not opening until early July (presumably due to their weather-shortened season) with Morton’s first show (so far) being a June 10 date from alternative dance bands, RÜFÜS DU SOL and Fcukers. Looks like a season of around three-dozen shows, so look for possibly a few more to announce.
In Bonner Springs, Sandstone Azura Amphitheater is still filling their season with shows to join Bush, ZZ Top/Dwight Yoakam, and the three-day Country Stampede. KC’s treasured Starlight Theatre has a full season as well, opening their concert season on April 21 with a Mt Joy performance and has a filled schedule (some, as previous, are Live Nation bookings as well as their own). In other words, it’s warming soon and will be concert crazy all Spring and Summer.
Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings for the week from March 22nd to 28th..
(ticket hyperlinks are embedded in each show’s headline)
SUNDAY MARCH 22
The Great Gatsby (Broadway Touring), Mar 22, $47-$176
Last shows of the run! 1:00 & 6:30 p.m.
Led by Jake David Smith and Senzel Ahmady, this company delivers a Gatsby production that feels thrillingly alive and emotionally rich, according to show reports. Set in the lavish 1920’s, the story follows eccentric and mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby, who will stop at nothing in the pursuit of the lost love of his youth, Daisy Buchanan. This tale now comes to life across North American stages, with this grand Tony Award-winning production.
The production features music & lyrics by Tony Award nominees Jason Howland (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Little Women) and Nathan Tysen (Paradise Square), a book by Larson Grant winner Kait Kerrigan (The Mad Ones), and is staged by award-winning director Marc Bruni and choreographer Dominique Kelley (“Mariah’s Magical Christmas Special”, “Dancing with the Stars”).
KC Ballet presents Stars and Stripes, through Mar 29, Kauffman, $43.50-$158.50
This is a new mixed repertory ballet program featuring three short dance works, Stars and Stripes, to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with a thrilling dance journey.
The program includes George Balanchine’s eponymous 1958 patriotic masterpiece, Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo, an exploration of the American West set to Aaron Copland’s vibrant score, and a world premiere by innovative choreographer Caili Quan.
Celebrate Kansas City Ballet’s tribute to our country’s 250th anniversary with this thrilling dance journey. This unforgettable performance promises to leave you with a deep appreciation for the power of movement and expression.
Wednesday w Gouge Away, Mar 22, Granada- Lawrence, $22-$25
Asheville, NC band Wednesday are back on the road, supporting their new album, Bleeds, just kicked off on March 13th in Knoxville, TN and includes a KC stop on their way west to both weekends of Coachella 2026.
Marking the follow-up to their 2023 album, Rat Saw God, the new album was previewed by the singles “Pick Up That Knife,” “Wound Up Here (By Holdin On),” and “Elderberry Wine.” Last May, they performed the latter track while making their late night TV debut on Late Night with Stephen Colbert.
Arrive early for Florida-based hardcore punk/noise rock band Gouge Away, who formed in 2012, and released their third LP Deep Sage in March of 2024, They followed that up with a 4-song session which is available digitally.
MONDAY MARCH 23
Slaughter to Prevail, Mar 23, The Midland,$57-$93
The Russian metal powerhouse band recently released an anticipated new single, “Behelit,” marking an evolution in the band’s sound, and accompanied by a video with animation from the acclaimed Manga series ‘Beserk’.
The collaboration between Russian vocalist Alex Terrible and UK guitarist Jack Simmons has rapidly ascended the band to the forefront of the heavy music scene, expanding the boundaries of deathcore, death metal, and hardcore, with their debut album Misery Sermon.
“Behelit” encapsulates the band’s aggression and refined songwriting, continuing the legacy established by previous singles such as “1984,” “Conflict,” “Viking”, and “Kid of Darkness.”
TUESDAY MARCH 24
Joshua Kagan with Anna Graves, Mar 24, recordBar, $25
Savannah, GA native Jonah Kagen blends raw, intricate guitar work with lyrics that are as personal as they are resonant. Inspired by songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, Jason Isbell, and fingerstyle virtuoso (and Topeka KS native) Andy McKee, Kagen channels his introspection into powerful anthems, as showcased on his debut album Sunflowers and Leather and viral single “God Needs the Devil.”
That sing was a #1 hit at Alternative radio and one of Spotify’s Best Pop Songs of 2024 and Kagen has amassed over 500 million global streams, 1 million Shazam tags, nearly 6 million monthly listeners and 800K+ social followers.
Arrive early for Minnesota alt-folk artist Anna Graves who released her new single, “Ashes & Smoke” last month on Rounder Records. The song follows last year’s single releases “Hollow Bones,” and “Burn On,” a haunting anthem of rediscovery. We’ve seen her live recently both in St. Paul and in KC.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 25
Ratboys, March 25, recordBar, $25.49
The Chicago band released their new album, Singin’ to an Empty Chair, on February 6 via New West Records. The band’s sixth studio album features 11 songs showcasing Ratboys’ twangy effervescence and is their follow up to 2023’s widely-praised The Window.
The new album was prefaced by lead single, “Light Night Mountains All That.” The indie rock band was formed in 2010 by singer-songwriter Julia Steiner and guitarist Dave Sagan and are often described as “post-country”. Known for a warm, melodic sound blending indie rock, folk, and country influences, the band has grown from a duo to a four-piece, including bassist Sean Neumann and drummer Marcus Nuccio.
Yellow Days, Mar 25, Bottleneck-Lawrence,$22.50-$25
Yellow Days is the moniker of British singer, songwriter, & producer George van den Broek and released his brand-new cool soul-inspired album Rock And A Hard Place on February 13 via Independent Co. Heavily influenced by legendary artists like Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and Sly and the Family Stone, Yellow Days expands his sound with boisterous arrangements, bluesy melodies, and soulful lyrics, as heard on initial horn-driven single, “I Cannot Believe in Tomorrow” and previous single, “Special Kind of Woman.”
His breakout 2016 debut EP, Harmless Melodies touched a nerve with a global audience of millennials, and found him signing a worldwide deal with Sony, releasing debut A Day In A Yellow Beat followed by 2024’s sci-fi leaning, Hotel Heaven, complete with a themed global tour.
“It’s a return to innocence,” he says of the new record, “As a teenager I didn’t know what I wanted to do, musically. As time goes by, you lose a bit of passion and edge. It’s easy to get carried away. I’ve been like a disobedient dog that needed training (laughs). I see this as the first adult album I’ve ever done.”
THURSDAY MARCH 26
Journey, Mar 26, T-Mobile Center, $75-$1883
Time for their separate ways – after five decades, the legendary Bay Area band is out on the first leg of their farewell Final Frontier Tour and KC gets an early stop on the itinerary.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers are touring an all new, special evening with stage production across North America with their catalog of fan favorites- including “Don’t Stop Believin”, “Any Way You Want It”, “Faithfully”, “Lights” and many more! Join Neal, Jonathan, Arnel and the band on what’s likely their final Kansas City appearance ever!
Il Divo, Mar 26, Lied Center- Lawrence, $26-$75
For over twenty years, IL DIVO has captivated audiences with their fusion of operatic mastery and pop appeal. Created by Simon Cowell, the group has won the hearts of millions worldwide, selling over 30 million albums and earning more than 160 gold and platinum records across 35 countries. Their repertoire features songs sung in Spanish, Italian, French, English, Portuguese and even Japanese.
After the heartbreaking 2021 loss of co-founding member Carlos Marín, the group decided to carry on, honoring his memory. In 2022, baritone Steven LaBrie joined, bringing fresh energy while preserving the group’s unique style. The current IL DIVO lineup consists of Urs Bühler (tenor, Switzerland), Sébastien Izambard (tenor, France), David Miller (tenor, U.S.) and Steven LaBrie (baritone, U.S.). Performance is by candlelight, so should be a special evening.
Arrive early for Simply Three, a dynamic instrumental trio from Phoenix, AZ, known for their genre-defying fusion of classical, rock and pop music. Known for their unique takes on popular hits like “Wake Me Up” by Avicii and “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic. Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” and more.
Voivod, Mar 26, recordBar, $36.81
The Canadian metal veterans are back on tour, bringing their signature mix of thrash, prog, and psychedelic metal to stages across the country. Known for decades of boundary-pushing creativity, VOIVOD have built a reputation as one of metal’s most unique and compelling live acts, combining technical mastery, intense energy, and a fearless approach to musical experimentation.
KC is one of only eight US dates, so feel lucky they’re making an area stop- the band comments: “We’re hitting the road for a special short run in the U.S. this March with our friends BAT. Eight nights, eight cities — see you in the pit!”
FRIDAY MARCH 27
Nick Hexum (311) w Water Tower, Mar 27, Granada- Lawrence,$35-$45
Nick Hexum (of 311) is out on his 2026 “Nothing But the Truth” solo tour, featuring an intimate, Americana-fueled sound backed by bluegrass band Water Tower. The tour highlights a shift toward acoustic, storytelling performances, featuring Nix Hex’s new solo music, 311 tracks, and covers.
His solo Americana album, Phases of Hope and Hollow was released last August., but is not his first solo foray, having previously formed The Nick Hexum Quintet which released My Shadow Pages in 2013. Hexum also worked with George Clanton in 2019 and 2020, releasing a collaborative album.
This, while 311 is a musical force, recording and touring regularly, having just performed at their annual 311 Day celebration. The band played Lawrence and the Granada regularly in their early days, and here’s a chance to see Hexum back in that same spot.
Band of Skulls, Mar 27, Warehouse on Broadway,$32-$36.50
We can’t believe UK rock band Band of Skulls hasn’t toured the States since pre-Covid. Formed in Southampton in 2004, they’ve gone through some changes since we last saw them live in 2016 and 2014. The original lineup consisted of Russell Marsden (guitar, vocals), Emma Richardson (bass, vocals), and Matt Hayward (drums).
Richardson’s gone on to join Pixies, who we saw her with in 2025 and 2024, so Marsden has re-tooled the band lineup, on what should be a triumphant return to US stages.
Planet Comicon Kansas City, Mar 27-29, Bartle Hall, $41.99-$97.99
The pop culture event of the year returns to the downtown Convention Center for three fun-filled days, including a strong lineup of celebrities, comic book creators, exhibitors, numerous panels, plus the annual cosplay contest with a $15K prize pool, after dark events, and much more.
The show began in 1999 as a small comic book convention and now after over a quarter-century, has become the region’s largest event, with over 70,000 attending last year.
Celebrity Guests scheduled to attend include:
Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Sin City, Wilfred, Dirk Gently)
Kiefer Sutherland (The Lost Boys, 24, Young Guns, Designated Survivor)
Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Goonies, Rudy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
Bruce Dickinson and Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden – band members)
Corey Taylor (Slipknot- Lead Singer)
Priscilla Presley (Dallas, Naked Gun, Agent Elvis)
Keith David (The Princess and the Frog, The Thing, They Live, Gargoyles)
Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter, Star Trek: Discovery, The White Lotus, Cars 2)
Jared Padalecki (Supernatural, Gilmore Girls, Walker)
SATURDAY MARCH 28
Natalie Jane, Mar 28, Truman, $34.39
The rising pop sensation Natalie Jane is currently out on her “the world i didn’t want” world tour, which follows the release of her sophomore album, “the world i didn’t want,” out now via Capitol Records and 10K Projects.
Following the success of singles like “fallin,” “girls will b girls,” “how u been?,” and “r u gonna love me?,” the tour and album build on the momentum of her recent dance anthem collaboration “UH-OH!” with Loud Luxury and teases what’s to come soon with Global DJ Duo, Two Friends.
Rising to prominence through viral TikTok performances, she’s amassed over 2 billion global streams and a 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards nomination, among other accolades and is really just getting started, so catch her live in a relatively intimate venue while you still can.
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.