Kansas City's Summer Music Scene
Summer isn’t simply for lazing by the pool or roasting marshmallows. Kansas City also boasts a bevy of great music! Whether you’re into pop, rock, country, hip-hop or alternative, there’s something for everyone!
For the pop-lover in all of us, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis kick off summer at Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland on June 7. Selena Gomez ushers us into the Sprint Center on July 1. Of course, if July is too jam-packed you can always wait until Aug. 6, when Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas grace us with their presence. Five Seconds of Summer on Aug. 20 rounds out my Sprint Center pop list.
If pop isn’t your thing, how about a good old-fashioned rock show? Rockstar Energy’s Taste of Chaos is bringing you Dashboard Confessional, Taking Back Sunday and Saosin on June 29 at Crossroads KC at Grinder’s. I saw Dashboard last year in concert, and they were amazing, as always. Twenty One Pilots welcomes us to the Sprint Center on July 10. But wait, there’s more! Starlight Theatre is rocking out with Weezer and Panic! at The Disco on July 20, as well as Shinedown on July 22. Providence Medical Center Amphitheater in Bonner Springs, however, takes the cake in this category. Vans Warped Tour rolls into town on July 28, featuring bands like Safe to Say, Less than Jake and Oceans Ate Alaska, just to name a few. Dave Matthews Band follows up on July 29.
Never fear country fans. Your boots won’t be collecting any dust on my watch. Keith Urban heads in on June 2 to Providence Medical Center Amphitheater. So do Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore and Colt Ford on June 12, Rascal Flatts and Kelsea Ballerini on July 29, Toby Keith on Aug. 11 and Luke Bryan on Aug. 25. Phew, that’s a lot of dates to add to your calendar! To get a mega country fix all in one day, head to Arrowhead Stadium on July 16 for Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Sam Hunt and Old Dominion. I LOVE Miranda! With all of these fun outdoor venues comes a little summer heat. To cool off, head into the Sprint Center on Aug. 30 for Dixie Chicks.
Not to be underestimated is KC’s hip-hop lineup. Tyler, the Creator, with Taco slides into Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland on June 3. The Grouch and Eligh are at Crossroads KC at Grinder’s on Aug. 4. The father of hip-hop himself, Snoop Dog, brings in Wiz Khalifa, Kevin Gates and Jhene Aiko on Aug. 18 at Providence Medical Center Amphitheater. You won’t want to miss it!
For my folk/alternative friends, I’ve got some good news. Trampled by Turtles will be at Crossroads KC at Grinder’s on June 8. The Lumineers light up the Power & Light District on June 10. If you’re looking for a fun Father’s Day idea, grab Bob Dylan tickets for a night out with your dad. He’ll be at Starlight Theatre on June 21. Modest Mouse and Brand New kick off July at Providence Medical Center Amphitheater. Buzz Beach Ball rolls into Children’s Mercy Park July 16 and 17. The two-day fest includes Alabama Shakes, Cage the Elephant, Fitz and the Tantrums and much more! In the mood for a smaller venue? Wye Oak will be at the Record Bar on July 30.
I call this next category “Off the Beaten Path.” These artists aren’t mainstream, but they’re definitely worth checking out. Fishbone hits Crossroads KC at Grinder’s on June 9. They play a mix of ska, funk, punk rock, hard rock and soul and they have quite a following. Kansas City native Samantha Fish will sing you the blues at Crossroads KC at Grinder’s on June 18. The Staves rock out at the Riot Room on June 26. They’ve opened for Florence and the Machine and Bon Iver, so open up your wallets and go see their show. You’ll be glad you did.
I listened to everything and I still do today. I love all genres and can wholeheartedly sing to any decade. If you’re anything like me, you can’t be tied down to one category. You want it all! The Cure will make it feel just like heaven at Starlight Theatre on June 8. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and the rest of Kiss play Silverstein Eye Centers Arena on July 20. Duran Duran will make you wish your name was Rio on July 24 at Starlight Theatre. If you love rock n’ roll, you have to see Joan Jett, Heart and Cheap Trick on Aug. 15. It’s non-negotiable and also at Starlight Theatre. Last but certainly not least, Def Leppard hits Sprint Center on Aug. 26. I almost made a sugar reference there, but decided to abstain. You’re welcome.
Go out and enjoy all that the Kansas City music scene has to offer this summer!
In addition to all of the above fantastic shows, KC boasts a plethora of free and fun music throughout the summer. Three not-to-miss include:
SoJo Summerfest
(formerly Jazz in the Woods)
Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18
Corporate Woods Founder’s Park
The festival highlights the best the Kansas City area has to offer in live music, food and entertainment. No charge for admission, food and beverages available for purchase. SoJoSummerfest.com
Summer Concert Series
Frontier Park (Olathe)
June 3, 17 and July 15
Communities that Care and Olathe Parks & Recreation present the 2016 Olathe Summer Concert Series. This free annual event brings music and community together with one local charity recognized each week. OlatheKC.org/ParksRec
Live at the Legends
Saturdays in June
Legends Outlets
The Live at the Legends returns this summer. Enjoy local bands for free and then enjoy the shops and restaurants at Legends Outlets. LegendsShopping.com
Jennifer Bosse lives in Charleston, SC, with her husband and two sons. She can be seen singing in her car all over town, while her kids try to ignore her in the backseat.