May 8-11, 2026, Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO)

Has the concert bubble burst?!

Five dollar a gallon gas, and the lack of affordability hasn’t helped, along with everyone who is anyone, seemingly on tour this season, but we’re beginning to see some pullback.

In addition to Meghan Trainor’s recent tour cancellation, Pussycat Dolls have pulled the plug on all but one US shows, former 1D singer Zayn has done the same (no KC date was scheduled), Black Keys won’t be touring this summer, and a handful of Post Malone/Jelly Roll dates were axed, though the Kauffman Stadium show is still on the books. As people’s concert budget have shrunken, it’s become somewhat of a survival of the most musically fit.

Let’s take look at the Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from May 8th to May 11th.

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

FRIDAY MAY 8

Bush, Mammoth, James and the Cold Gun, May 8, Azura, $38-$68

Bush is out on a Spring “The Land of Milk and Honey” tour, featuring Mammoth WVH and James and the Cold Gun as support. The tour promotes Bush’s recent and tenth studio album from last year, I Beat Loneliness (via earMUSIC). We caught the band live last year, on the bill with Shinedown, and were impressed how magnetic Gavin Rossdale and band, remains. The current lineup consists of Rossdale, Chris Traynor (guitar),Corey Britz (bass) and Nik Hughes (drums).

Of the album’s title, Rossdale comments, “It‘s just a really powerful phrase that was probably one of the first things I thought of when I began writing for the record, and it just seemed to sum up what was important. Everyone has been talking so much about mental health, which is a much more healthy, open dialogue,” he continued. “I’ve been trying to talk about it for years and in some ways that’s been synonymous with the band. And what is meant to people is the kind of lyrics they can connect to, whatever the songs are.”

Alongside the Bush tour, Mammoth is promoting their own album, The End, and has scheduled separate headline dates and shows with Creed in the summer.

KC Ballet presents The Great Gatsby, May 8-17, Kauffman, $34-$149

Step back a century ago into the glamorous Jazz Age world of the Roaring Twenties with Kansas City Ballet’s stunning new production of The Great Gatsby. Experience the luxury, drama, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, brought to life on stage.

Set in Jay Gatsby’s lavish Long Island mansion, where the champagne flows and the elite gather for extravagant parties, this production unveils a world of glamour, jealousy, and hidden secrets. The Broadway touring production was recently in town, so continue the 100-Year celebration with the Ballet’s unique take on this classic work.

SATURDAY MAY 9

Mae Martin (comedy), May 9, Folly, $36-$156

Don’t miss the star of their Netflix stand-up special Sap, comedy series Feel Good and recent mini-series Wayward. Mae is also a champion of UK hit Taskmaster, and one third of the popular Handsome podcast (alongside Fortune Feimster and Tig Notaro).

“The Possum” is the stand-up comedy tour by the award-winning comedian, actor, and writer. The show, which began in February, features personal stories, introspection, and “pessimistic optimism,” exploring themes of anxiety, the occult, holistic healing, and the comedian’s move to LA.

VIP tickets get Meet & Greet with Mae, exclusive tour merchandise, and choice seats.

Babes in Canyon, May 9, Knuckleheads, Sold Out

The New Loud is the debut full-length record from Washington duo (Nathan Hamer, founding member of indie-pop band Kuinka and his wife Sophia) Babes In Canyon, drawing from the palettes of moody folk and synth-heavy pop to present an engaging sound that is very much of the moment.

With their first two EPs receiving praise from the likes of Under The Radar, Magnet, and Atwood Magazine, the duo’s debut album, released last September, continues their acclaim and rise in popularity, as evidenced by this sold-out show.

SUNDAY MAY 10

MONDAY MAY 11

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.