Music Forecast June 20-26: Huey Lewis and the News, Fall Out Boy, the Grisly Hand, and more

Huey Lewis and the News
Is it truly, as Huey Lewis and the News once declared, hip to be square? This event might shed some light on the matter. The group is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its (classic?) album Sports. Here, it plays the UMB Big Bash, a benefit for the Drumm Farm Center for Children and the Turner House Children’s Clinic.
Thursday, June 20, at the Midland (1228 Main, 816-283-9921)

Fall Out Boy
The solo outings and side projects of Fall Out Boy members Patrick Stump and Pete Wentz haven’t set the world on fire, so after a four-year hiatus, a reunion has been arranged. To accompany the tour, Fall Out Boy has released a new album, the modestly titled Save Rock and Roll. This show is sold out, but if you want to pony up, you can still find tickets on Craigslist and StubHub.
Tuesday, June 25, at the Uptown (3700 Broadway, 816-753-8665)

Cursive
One of Saddle Creek’s anchor acts, Omaha’s Cursive excels at dark, literary, conceptual emo rock. I Am Gemini, its most recent album, is one of the heaviest the group has released since forming all the way back in — Jesus — 1995.
Monday, June 24, at RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)

The Grisly Hand, with the ACBs
Both the Grisly Hand and the ACBs have released fine albums this year: the folksy Country Singles and the modern-pop LP Little Leaves, respectively. Their styles are miles apart, but both bands throw a pretty good party.
Saturday, June 22, at Davey’s Uptown Ramblers Club (3402 Main, 816-753-1909)

Cayucas
In the market for some summertime jams? Bigfoot, the debut album from Santa Monica, California, band Cayucas, is a strong candidate. Pitchfork says it’s a Vampire Weekend rip-off, but I’m not really hearing that beyond some vocal tics and a few aesthetic overlaps. It’s got a lot of sweet melodies and percussive island tones, and its charms outweigh whatever preciousness and derivative qualities may be present. I’ve got a road trip coming up, and it’ll be high in the rotation.
Monday, June 24, at Riot Room (4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179)

Widespread Panic
In case you’ve been tuned out of the scene for a while, Athens, Georgia’s Widespread Panic is still one of the biggest draws in the jam-band world. After taking a one-year break, the group is back on the road, playing three-hour sets that draw from the sounds of Southern rock and funk. If you can’t afford the ticket, consider paying the $7 parking fee to hang out in the lot, drink Fat Tires and people-watch.
Saturday, June 22, at Starlight Theatre (4600 Starlight Road, 816-363-7827)

Missouri Chainsaw Grassacre
If you can’t make it in September to the annual Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, this daylong bluegrass smorgasbord is a sort of mini version. Among the performers: Mountain Sprout, Deadman Flats, Whistle Pigs, Hillbenders, Tragic Prelude, Tyler Gregory, Cowgirls Train Set. The show starts at 2 p.m. See the full schedule at crossroadskc.com.
Saturday, June 22, at Crossroads KC at Grinders (417 East 18th Street, 785-749-3434)

Kansas City Techno Fourth Anniversary Party
Kansas City Techno, a local crew devoted to electronic music, is celebrating its fourth year in existence Saturday evening on the patio at the Riot Room. The party goes from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. and features a rotating cast behind the decks, including Andrew Boie (from Portland, Oregon), Mr. Nuro, Todd Howard, Josh C, Z-Sonic, Uun and more. See kansascitytechno.com for more info.
Saturday, June 22, at the Riot Room (4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179)