September 1-7, 2026, Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence KS)

Music News you can use!

Item! We’re all still mourning Dolly Parton of course, but Dollyfest 2027 has been announced for Nashville and London to celebrate and pay tribute.

In related news, Skillet will still be coming to KC next month, but support act Bad Wolves will not after some online hate towards their new singer, and guitarist AJ Rebollo quitting, in protest of their label releasing their cover of “Jolene” against the band’s wishes.

Item! Tim McGraw took a backwards fall on stage in Cincy the other night- not harmed, and glad that his still-rippling physique made him not miss a beat.

Item! Miley Cyrus has just gone the iconic route and dropped her last name, for a singular first-name only (a la Cher, Madonna, etc.) – we still call her Hannah Montana, haha.

Item! Olivia Rodrigo pulled off her initial Daisy Fields Festival over the weekend in Irvine, CA, directly inspired by Sarah McLachlan’s all-female Lilith Fair, from a generation ago and who made an appearance along with Alanis Morrissette, Stevie Nicks, and many more. “See you next year!” she mentioned, though it’s likely a one-off show again, versus a traveling show.

Item! Meet your new favorite rapper- Frankie Pulitzer, aka actor Tom Hardy, who just dropped a collab album with Czarface, and even uses his ‘Bane voice’ to quote Shakespeare on a track. Most surprising? – he’s got flow, and we don’t hate it.

Let’s look at the week through the LABOR DAY holiday in Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from September 1^st to September 7^th.

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

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1

Jack Johnson, Lake Street Dive, Sept 1, Morton Amph, $71-$265

With an amazing 25 million+ albums sold over the last two decades, Jack Johnson returns to the road on the SURFILMUSIC Tour, celebrating the Hawaiian native’s three passions – surfing, film and music. Johnson studied film in college and began making surf movies after graduation, eventually traveling the world to make surf films and writing the music that comprised his well-known debut album, “Brushfire Fairytales.”

Arrive early for Grammy Award–nominated soul/pop band Lake Street Dive (who we saw last Sept at this venue) and their eclectic sound—an original blend of soul, folk, jazz, classic pop, and more—the five-piece’s all-embracing ethos has also made them a beloved live band, as we saw last year. Traffic in will be bad, so allow time.

Josh Groban, Sept 1, Starlight, $40.50-$173.75 (+VIP avail)

Tony, Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated singer Josh Groban is back with a new album, “Cinematic” and a supporting tour, back at the same venue we caught him live at, back in 2022.

The “Stage, Screen, and Symphony Tour” supports his 10-track album, which features songs from classic films such as “The Lion King” (“Can You Feel the Love Tonight”), Casablanca (“As Time Goes By”). The Godfather (“Brucia La Terra”) and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (“Moon River”).

Come From Away- KC Rep, Sept 1-20, Spencer Theatre,$69-$109

Helping to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, KC Rep presents this breathtaking tale of triumph that will leave you cheering for the power of community. This Tony Award-winning musical tells the remarkable true story of nearly 7,000 airline passengers from around the world who were grounded in the small town of Gander, Canada in the wake of 9/11.

This production reminds us that amid fear and uncertainty, joy and resilience prevail. Through music, humor, and heart, this Broadway hit celebrates the power of human connection, shows how kindness can unite us, and affirms that hope can arise in the most unexpected places.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2

Wu-Tang Clan, Bone Thugs, Sept 2, Morton Amph,2 for $55 lawn to $142+

Protect Ya Neck! Wu-Tang Clan and Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony are co-headlining the “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber Tour,” making a KC area stop to drop beats and verse at ‘The Saltshaker’, and billed as an encore or continuation following previous farewell runs for 26 more cities through October.

The show features core Wu-Tang members RZA, GZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna, alongside Young Dirty Bastard honoring ODB. The real question might be will if Bone Thugs-N-Harmony shows up or not, as they missed KC appearances as Cypress Hill openers and at the Tacos & Tequila Festival.

UNDERTALE: Determination Symphony World Tour, Sept 1 and 2 (s/o), Kauffman,$83.59-$114.49

UNDERTALE The Determination Symphony features unforgettable, fan-favorite music, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the 2015 role-playing video game, newly arranged and performed live by a 25-piece orchestra. Sept 1 is low tix, and Sept 2 is sold out, so act now!

With gameplay footage displayed on a screen above the stage, become immersed in the world- experiencing its story and music like never before. From the Ruins and Snowdin to Waterfall, Hotland, and finally New Home, the concert brings iconic characters, battles, and emotional moments vividly to life through music.

Hazlett, Sept 2, recordBar (postponed?- health concern)

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 3

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4

Kansas City Irish Fest, Sep 4, 5, Crown Center,$30-$85

Slainte! mhath- Dedicated to promoting the culture, music, character and history of the Emerald Isle and of the Irish people who call KC home. Kansas City Irish Fest offers attendees the chance to see some of the top Irish entertainment in the world. Lineup features The Elders, Gaelic Storm, Scythian, Corner Boy and many more. (can there even be an Irish Fest anywhere without Gaelic Storm? seems not…)

But there’s so much more to do here beyond listening to music- bringing the heart of Ireland to the Heart of America, and that means everything from Irish culture to shops, beverages, food and activities using Irish themes and traditions.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 5

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 6

Hatebreed w Creeping Death, Sept 6, Warehouse on Broadway,$41.50

Jamey and the gang are headlining their second leg of their ‘The Summer Slaughter Tour’ with support from Creeping Death.

Hatebreed vocalist Jasta was asked what fans can expect from the band’s upcoming studio album. He responded: “This is our most ignorant, heavy, caveman-esque record yet. We really just went back to basics, played on all our strengths. “Every band goes, ‘Oh, this is our most melodic. We’re our most heavy.’ There’s no melody, so we won’t even bother with that. It’s definitely just more of the same, going back to the same well, which we just love and appreciate. And it was the most fun we’ve ever had doing a record.”

The band recently released its first new single in nearly five years, “Make the Demons Obey” ahead of the upcoming album.

Black Veil Brides, Archers, Sept 6, Uptown,$50-$63

Black Veil Brides have extended their 2026 tour schedule in support of brand-new album Vindicate, with another 16 dates, including a much-anticipated KC stop.

Opening on all dates will be Leeds, U.K. outfit Caskets and Wisconsin metalcore outfit Archers and Holy Wars are shown for the local date.

Jet, Glorious Sons, Sept 6, Truman,$46-$89

Are they gonna be your band again? Melbourne Australia rock heavyweights Jet are bringing the noise back on their Down the Moonlit Mile Revue – a tour that doubles as both a victory lap and a reload to make you remember how successful they’ve already been.

The band exploded onto the global stage after forming in 2001, racking up more than 6.5 million albums sold and stacking certifications like badges – nearly 10× Platinum in Australia and Platinum in both the U.S. and UK for their 2003 debut, Get Born. Memorable singles, “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” “Rollover DJ,” and “Look What You’ve Done” are still regularly played on local radio with “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” and “Cold Hard Bitch” each hitting No. 1 on U.S. Modern Rock charts.

In 2023, they marked 20 years of Get Born by getting back on stage for the first time in five years and ripping through the album in full and the best may yet be to come.

Arrive early for Kingston, ONT rockers Glorious Sons, who’s latest is last year’s single, “New Plan.”

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 7

Dancefestopia, Sept 7-13, Lacygne, KS,$493+

Dancefestopia 2026 is a 7-day electronic dance music (EDM) camping festival taking place at the Wildwood Outdoor Education Center in La Cygne, just south of the KC metro.

The main music runs Thursday through Sunday, with early camping and pre-parties starting Labor Day Monday, so take the rest of the week off and pitch a tent!

Known as a bass-heavy music festival featuring a Wizard of Oz (“Emerald City”) motif, forest camping, and immersive art are part of the festivities, along with numerous DJs and musicians, including headliners Excision, GriZ, Zeds Dead. LSDream, and Crankdat.

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.