Photos: Split Lip Rayfield packs Lawrence’s Mass Street for a free show

August 20, 2024

Allison Scavo,

Split Lip Rayfield. // photo by Allison Scavo

Split Lip Rayfield
Live On Mass
Saturday, August 17

Live On Mass was a free event Saturday night on Massachusetts Street in Lawrence, hosted by The Granada Theater and Kaw River Roots Festival, which Split Lip Rayfield also headlined. After nearly five years’ hiatus from live shows, Split Lip’s third show this summer shows just how much the area music scene has missed this band.

Split Lip Rayfield is a cowpunk bluegrass alternative band from Wichita. Having formed in the 1990s, Split Lip Rayfield is a staple of the alternative country and bluegrass scenes. The trio of Jeff Eaton (bass), Wayne Gottstine (mandolin), and Eric Mardis (banjo) blends traditional bluegrass elements with punk energy.

Folks call it thrashgrass and if playing a homemade gas tank bass and weedwhacker line isn’t punk, I don’t know what is. Eaton’s signature homemade gas tank bass, “Stitchgiver,” is strung with weedwhacker line giving it a distinct and unique sound. Split Lip took the stage with high energy and excitement and their fast tempos and traditional bluegrass picking thrilled the crowds which packed the 1000 block of Mass.