August 17-20, 2026, Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence KS)

Some classic rock medical news-

Rod Stewart again had some health issues, this time in Cincy, resulting in stent-related heart surgery, which has caused a cancellation of his remaining 19 shows, including Saturday’s show at Morton Amphitheater – we wish for Sir Rod’s full recovery of the rhythm of his heart.

ZZ Top, who played Azura earlier this Spring, has had their drummer Frank Beard, out of action with health issues, but they are soldiering on with a replacement behind the kit.

In more bad news, radio giant Cumulus made some sweeping nationwide staff cuts, including to several stations in the metro. They own KCFX (101.1 FM); KCMO (710 AM / 103.7 FM); KCHZ (95.7 FM); KCMO-FM (94.9 FM); KCJK (105.1 FM); KMJK (107.3 FM).

The Live Nation-owned Veeps (begun by the Maddens of Good Charlotte) cut a big chunk of the editorial staff at Goldmine, BrooklynVegan, Revolver, and Alternative Press (all still worthy and important media outlets) – tough times at the moment, and we hope for the best for all.

Ok, some good news with a few big summer shows in the on-deck circle, see below–

Let’s look at the week in Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from August 17^th to August 20^th.

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

MONDAY AUGUST 17

TUESDAY AUGUST 18

Wicked (Broadway Touring) Through Aug 30, Music Hall, $61-$231

Wicked, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz... but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent.

When she meets a blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” You likely already know the story from previous runs of this modern Broadway classic, the original book, or the recent pair of successful movies.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel about the untold story of the witches of Oz, it’s been a crowd favorite ever since its debut in 2003. The production has earned more than 100 major awards, including three Tony Awards and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

The refreshed touring production is said to have refined the lighting, sound, and automation to travel efficiently without cutting the magic, so expect the full Defying Gravity moment and plenty of Emerald City sparkle. Mexico City native Aline Mayagoitia is set to play the green girl herself “Elphaba” while newcomer Claudia Bennett in her National Tour debut will resume the role of “Glinda.”

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19

Guns n Roses, Aug 19, Morton Amph, $37-$321+

After last year’s touring that saw Guns N’ Roses return to Europe (including the Ozzy Black Sabbath- Back to the Beginning show we attended last July in Birmingham), the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, Axl, Slash, Duff, Dizzy and the gang are back for a spring and summer tour, including this KC stop. This mostly stadium tour will also have them visit Mexico and Brazil, before headlining further in Europe – we caught the show a few days ago in the Twin Cities.

Be aware that the show runs basically on time and it’s a three-hour G n’ R set, so settle in. Make ample time for entry and parking too. The band release two new songs: “Nothin” and “Atlas” via Geffen Records in December, their first releases since 2023’s singles, “The General” and “Perhaps” but the live focus will be on several covers, and the classic songs, of course. The Barbarians of California are slated to open.

J Cole, Nitrane, Bas, Pfg, Aug 19, T-Mobile Center, $65-$313

Grammy Award winning rapper and record producer J. Cole is out on a major global tour spanning North America, Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, initially spanning 50+ cities across 15+ countries, including a stop in KC!

The Fall-Off Tour is his first solo headline tour in five years, following 2021’s The Off-Season Tour, and his first full global run in nearly a decade since the 2017 and is in support of his seventh (and final 🙁 ) studio album.

The Fall Off, was released February 6, via his own Cole World, Inc. The new record features dual-disc themes around the reflective, career-capping structure of looking back at his legacy, growth, and life at ages 29 and 39. Seems like he’s going out in his own terms, and on top.

Support/openers include LA DJ Nitrane, French-born rapper Bas (signed to Cole’s label), and NC rapper Pfg (Prettyface Gangster), whose Never Say Die, out now, was entirely produced by Cole.

THURSDAY AUGUST 20

5 Seconds of Summer, The Band Camino, Aug 20, Morton Amph,2 for $55 lawn- $146+

Multi-platinum alt-rock and future punk / pop band 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) are out on their big “EVERYONE’S A STAR!” World Tour, which began with European and UK legs through May, and is now in the States until August. The tour will conclude in the band’s home country of Australia in the fall.

EVERYONE’S A STAR! was their sixth album, out last November and featured singles, “Telephone Busy” and “Boyband” which served as an ode to their fans, as well as lead single, “Not Ok.” Expect to hear the new songs alongside favorites like “Youngblood,” “She’s So Perfect,” and “Teeth”.

Arrive early for Memphis (now Nashville-based) alt-pop rockers, The Band Camino, in support of their new NeverAlways, Vol 2.

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.