Music Forecast 6.25–7.1: The Rolling Stones, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Doby Watson, Heartless Bastards, Steve Earle and more
Doby Watson
Kansas City singer-songwriter Doby Watson’s Live-In Son is a stirring, nine-song collection of mostly acoustic Americana. The tracks on that album, which would sound best with a bottle of wine on a rainy afternoon, show off Watson’s songwriting chops. They’re sparse and melancholy but with just enough hope to keep Watson from a pity party. His twangy voice isn’t quite pretty enough for the sad lullabies he’s dedicated to crafting, but his grainy singing works in his favor. Watson doesn’t perform all that often these days, so don’t miss this chance to catch him Thursday night.
Thursday, June 25, MiniBar (3810 Broadway, 816-326-8281)
The Rolling Stones
For the first time since 1999, the Rolling Stones — frontman Mick Jagger, guitarists Keith Richards and Ron Wood, and drummer Charlie Watts — are performing in Kansas City. Say what you want about exorbitant ticket prices for Saturday’s show at Arrowhead Stadium or the band members’ ages (most of whom are now in their 70s), but here’s some truth: This concert and the entire 15-city North American “Zip Code” Tour comprise one of the most celebrated live music events of the summer. The band is playing cuts from the 1971 classic Sticky Fingers, which was reissued this month. Bonus: Grammy Award-winning English rocker Ed Sheeran opens the show.
Saturday, June 27, Arrowhead Stadium (1 Arrowhead Drive)
“Weird Al” Yankovic
On last year’s Mandatory Fun, “Weird Al” Yankovic reminded everyone just how relevant his irreverent pop-culture parodies can be. He reimagined — and sometimes improved — the hits, from Pharrell’s “Happy” (“Tacky”) to Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” (“Word Crimes”). But the album’s most successful songs ended up being Yankovic originals. (See “First World Problems,” in which Yankovic — in his jovial, winking tone — delivers a searing admonishment of the trivial concerns of wealthy 1 percenters.) Tuesday at the Midland, Yankovic is destined to deliver a smart, entertaining show — a rare phenomenon in modern music.
Tuesday, June 30, the Midland (1228 Main, 816-283-9921)
Heartless Bastards, Craig Finn
They may call themselves Heartless Bastards, but the band isn’t afraid to let its emotions hang out on its latest album, Restless Ones. But even as lead singer Erika Wennerstrom wrings out inner angst on lyric after lyric, she does so with a lionhearted delivery bolstered by a wall of psychedelic riffs (“Gates of Dawn”). Wennerstrom’s voice is about as sweet as a rattlesnake’s bite, but she gives the songs on Restless Ones their definitive mettle. Also on deck Wednesday night: Hold Steady lead singer Craig Finn, touring now in support of his new solo album, Faith in the Future. The songwriting talent in the room for this show is on another level. Don’t miss it.
Wednesday, July 1, RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)
Steve Earle & the Dukes
Having the blues isn’t always a bad thing. On Terraplane, country legend Steve Earle dives headfirst into the genre with that truth firmly in mind. Though the 11 tracks are Earle originals, they recall — with uncanny craft — the crusty, gritty blues of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Lightnin’ Hopkins. Earle revels in these sounds, offering alms to those who paved the way for the songs on Terraplane. It’s not his definitive work, but it’s a satisfying turn for this musical chameleon.
Wednesday, July 1, Knuckleheads Saloon (2715 Rochester, 816-483-1456)
