September 18-21, 2026, Upcoming concerts / shows (Kansas City, MO / Lawrence KS)

We’re still reeling from the news of Duncan Sheik‘s death, 56 is way too young to go and makes us re-evaluate our own mortality.

Anyone watching the Chiefs getting their opening win at Arrowhead, likely saw shots of Taylor in their VIP booth with Tom Cruise, who is out in promotion of his upcoming film, Digger, though no other KC sightings like parachuting from the Liberty Memorial or skipping the line at Joe’s for some burnt ends.

boy genius fans alert- guitarist Julien Baker has booked three November nights in Lawrence at the Bottleneck. Ya snooze, ya lose- all nights are now sold out.

Big stadium shows are back at Arrowhead, after FIFA activity made the venue off-limits for anything else. Luke Combs already announced for May 15, but now add Metallica on May 29, and Kenny Chesney/Eric Church on July 24. More to come, likely.

Let’s look at the Weekend in Kansas City / Lawrence KS metro musical happenings from September 18^th to September 21st.

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

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18

Violent Femmes, Sept 18, Grinders KC, sold out

The Violent Femmes Tour celebrates the band’s 45th anniversary with live performances of their signature alternative folk-punk catalog.

The tour marks 45 years since the band formed in Milwaukee, WI in 1981. and bassist Brian Ritchie notes that the band typically does not use a rigid setlist, preferring to read the room and feed off the audience’s mood for a spontaneous show.

Jerry Seinfeld (comedy), Sept 18, Starlight, $59.25-$279.25

It might all be about nothing… and not that there’s anything wrong with that!

America’s most famous comedian returns to the outdoor confines of Starlight Theater. The tour features his trademark observational humor dissecting the small annoyances and rituals of everyday life.

It should feature segments on talking versus texting and phone etiquette, bad buffets versus over-hyped restaurants, alongside classic food bits like the magic of Pop Tarts, traveling with family, plus observations on men and women with pop-culture references and lighthearted musings.

We caught him live last year in KC, on a co-headlining arena tour, with Jim Gaffigan.

Come From Away- KC Rep, thru Sept 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.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19

Robert Plant Saving Grace, Sept 19, Kauffman, sold out

The legend, Robert Plant returns with his new Americana project, Saving Grace featuring Suzy Dian. As has been the case, Percy remains looking forward, instead of being resigned as a nostalgia act, and though he’s slowed down, the essence of his greatness remains.

“It’s been a revelation, the sweetness of this thing,” said Plant. “These are really sweet people. They’re playing all the stuff they could never get out before. They’ve become unique stylists and have created a new place for the old dog.” Expect versions of some Zep classics weaved into the set too.

Opener Rosie Flores is from San Antonio, TX and who writes, sings, and performs as a respected lead guitarist with a blend of Lone Star country rock. The new album is Impossible Frontiers and will be out next Friday.

Night Ranger, Sept 19. Ameristar Casino,$48.10+

Longtime band Night Ranger have earned recognition that includes both multi-platinum and gold album status in the form of albums, Dawn Patrol, Midnight Madness, 7 Wishes, Big Life and Man In Motion). Having sold over 17 million albums worldwide, performed across more than 4000 stages, and captivated a radio audience exceeding one billion.

Friends of Chamber Music: Three Works, Sept 19, Folly,$30-$40

Celebrating its 51st season, The Friends of Chamber Music Kansas City (FCMKC) begin their 12-concert run with a 7 p.m. concert celebrating American Landscapes across three unique works: Barber’s youthful “Serenade Opus 1,” Amy Beach’s “Piano Quintet,” and Dvořák’s “American Quintet.” Six unique instrumentalists will perform.

Jefferson Starship w Pure Prairie League, ARS, Sept 19, KS Crossing Casino-Pittsburg, $39-$159

Read our review of the recent Kansas City show here!

We don’t normally spotlight out of area shows, but this one might be a good reason for a weekend roadtrip a few hours south–

Jefferson Starship and Pure Prairie League are co-headlining and touring together across 2026 on their Runaway Again Tour, joined by Firefall.

Starship had numerous hits in the late 70s/early 80s and Country-rockers PPL blends old and new on a dozen songs on their new LP that showcase expert musicianship and the signature sound that’s cemented their legacy. Back on Track, the group’s first studio album in nearly two decades, was released last year and they have a new song, “Jetpack.”

Pure Prairie League’s current lineup features John Heinrich on pedal steel guitar; Scott Thompson on drums, percussion, and vocals; Randy Harper on keyboards and vocals; Jeffrey Zona on guitars and vocals; and Jared Camic on bass and vocals.

Openers Atlanta Rhythm Section have replaced Firefall but are “So Into You.”

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20

Jitney (play), thru Sept 26, KC Melting Pot,$21.50-$32.50

KC Melting Pot Theatre is KC’s oldest professional Black theater, and opens its 12th season with August Wilson’s Jitney, a cornerstone of the playwright’s famed American Century Cycle.

Set in a Pittsburgh gypsy cab station in the 1970s, Jitney follows the men at Becker’s Car Service, drivers who built their own transportation business from the ground up, a self-made enterprise born of ingenuity and necessity, serving a community the official system refused to see. As urban renewal spreads and the city plans threaten to erase the block that has held them together, the drivers confront questions of fatherhood, loyalty, and legacy, each staking a claim to what the future should look like and who gets to build it.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 21

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.