The only way to organize your upcoming KC & LFK concerts? This concrete list, compiled by us.

The crowd. // photo by Nick Spacek

Fall is upon us, and that means we must shift our focus away from the plans that we made in the spring for the summer and create plans in the summer for the fall. Confused? That’s why there’s a list.

With so many venues, bands, and options to choose from, we’ve decided to help with that. These are seven shows I’m excited for the most during this three-month speed run to the end of 2024. And I apologize in advance if there are late announcements that could possibly sneak in here. It happens.

Although last fall brought a historic slate in the rock genre realm (Andrew ended up seeing Queens of the Stone Age, Chat Pile, The Wonder Years and The Mars Volta all in a matter of three weeks, and Nick caught Stick to Your Guns, Air Supply, and Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin in a similar span) there are still goldmines to wander upon in the near future. Change your life at your own cost.

Blink-182. // photo courtesy the artist

Blink-182 (Friday, August 9, at T-Mobile Center)

It’s been five years since these pop-punk greats have come to town, and with it comes a caveat: the show will roll in with increased seat capacity and a full 360-degree view of the stage for the audience. After a shorter 22-song set (including Enema of the State played in full) on a night shared with Lil Wayne at Azura back in 2019, the boys are back with a new record, One More Time, one of their finest in ages. One More Time and the self-titled will play a heavy role in the group’s first trip to T-Mobile. – AD

Old 97’s. // photo courtesy the artist

Old 97’s (Sunday, August 11 at the Madrid)

The Texas alt-country road dogs come through the area quite often, but as of late, it’s been as an opening act. While nobody kicks off a show with the energy this long-running four-piece does, it’s a real joy to finally get to see them play a headlining set for the first time in what seems like ages. Given that this year marks the 30th anniversary of Old 97’s debut full-length, Hitchhike to Rhome, here’s to hoping we get some deep cuts off that record alongside setlist staples like “Four Leaf Clover” and “Doreen.” – NS

Switchfoot. // photo courtesy the artist

Switchfoot, Matt Nathanson, Blue October (Sunday, August 11 at Grinders KC)

When speaking with Blue October’s Justin Furstenfeld back in April, we asked him about Switchfoot’s frontman Jon Foreman, to which he replied, “He’s the sweetest guy in the world.” Now, the time has come for the two to reunite for the first time in 15 years. A Switchfoot show in KC used to be a common occasion, but the longtime alt-rock greats are returning for the first time in over five years (an opening set at Uptown with NEEDTOBREATHE was the last visit) later this summer, headlining a three-horse bill of alternative soul nourishment. – AD

The Smashing Pumpkins. // photo courtesy the artist

The Smashing Pumpkins, PVRIS (Wednesday, August 14 at Starlight Theatre)

Having gotten the chance to see both of these groups in KC before, I can safely say this will be worth the time – even if Smashing’s newest project ATUM: A Rock Opera in Three Acts continued their downward trajectory that started 10 years prior. Their nearly three-hour-long set at the Sprint Center in 2018 featured a heavy weight of Mellon Collie and Siamese Dream and it looks like the same can be said about this August evening. PVRIS’ turn at Warped Tour in 2015 was a greatest hits night of freshman record White Noise, the group’s ‘14 outing, which I’m assuming you can expect as the build-up to Corgan and company. – AD

Turnpike Troubadours. // photo courtesy the artist

Turnpike Troubadours, Jason Isbell & 400 Unit, Charles Wesley Godwin, Tyler Halverson (Friday, August 16, at Azura Amphitheater)

Turnpike playing Azura toward the end of summer feels like it’s becoming an annual tradition at this point, and one we can absolutely get behind. The Texas crew always puts on one hell of a show, drawing from what’s now a deep catalog of favorites. It might not get as rowdy as their shows at the Granada in Lawrence during the Diamonds & Gasoline days, but an amphitheater packed with singing fans from stage to the very top of the lawn is always a great way to spend a summer evening. Use this show to kick off your weekend, and get there early to check out a murderer’s row of country artists you’ll be adding to your Spotify queue as you wait for the parking lot to clear out.

Hawthorne Heights. // photo courtesy the artist

Hawthorne Heights, Thursday, Anberlin, Armor For Sleep, Emery (Friday, August 16 at Uptown Theater)

For me personally, Anberlin is the horse on this five-headed bill at alt rock/emo nostalgia night. But vocalist Stephen Christian has taken a step back from the band he created in 2002 after a recent run of shows and the release of two EPs. Enter Matty Mullins of Memphis May Fire. Mullins is on lead vocal duties for the recently released “Walk Alone,” plus the entire 20 Years of Tears tour. Emery is back for the third time in eight months. Hawthorne Heights is celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Silence in Black and White. Get ready for a Friday night jammed with 2000s underground post hardcore. – AD

Split Lip Rayfield. // photo courtesy the artist

Three shows in downtown Lawrence (Saturday, August 17 at Lucia, the Bottleneck, and on Mass Street)

Somehow, this Saturday night has turned into one of those times where there are three shows going simultaneously, and they’re all worth your attention. Outside the Granada on Massachusetts Street, thrashgrass pioneers Split Lip Rayfield will be playing a free show with honky-tonk punks Popskull Rebels and psychedelic country duo Moonshroom. Next to the Granada, and inside at Lucia, will be the EmbarassMen, a trio version of legendary Wichita band the Embarassment, along with the hard pop of the Scriveners, power-poppers the Harrisonics, and the rock ‘n’ roll of Murf & the Space Invaders, fronted by another local legend, Alan Murphy. Finally, if you’re looking for a harder-edged evening, longtime area drummer Jason Meier is throwing a 50th birthday bash for himself at the Bottleneck, along with all the other Leos, featuring his band White Line Nightmares alongside the KC punk rock performance art mayhem of the Pornhuskers, seminal KC rock ‘n’ rollers Cretin 66, punk rockers the D-Fibs, and what might be one of longtime performance art musician Tim Jordan’s final performances with Typewriter Tim and the Sith Brigade. Make your choices accordingly. – NS

Chat Pile. // photo courtesy the artist

Chat Pile (Saturday, September 7 at The Bottleneck)

We ended our write-up of Chat Pile’s 2023 visit to The Bottleneck by claiming “this isn’t the last we’ve heard and seen from them in the KC area.” And here we are. 10 months have passed and we get a one-year anniversary of that special night in Lawrence, with support from a “Very Special Guest.” My guess? A local KC filmmaker who will share the stage with frontman Raygun Busch to provide movie commentary between songs, something the noise rock vocalist has become known for in recent times. All jokes aside, the show is currently sold-out, but be on the lookout – experimental band Black Country, New Road transitioned to The Granada after selling out The Bottleneck in a similar, frenetic fashion. – AD

Kirk Franklin. // photo courtesy the artist

Kirk Franklin (Tuesday, September 17 at T-Mobile Center)

If you grew up in small-town Kansas in the ‘90s, regardless of your religious affiliation, you became acquainted with some form of CCM. Short for Contemporary Christian music, it embraced a wide swathe of influences, whether it be mainstream pop like dc Talk or Amy Grant, pop-punk like MxPx or Ghoti Hook, the ska of the OC Supertones, and of course, a whole lot of praise and worship acts. That said, whether you found the message or music appealing, there’s no denying the absolute musicality of one Kirk Franklin. His 1996 single, “Stomp,” was a massive crossover success and paved the way for a lengthy career. His gospel/R&B/soul music will make you move, whether it moves you spiritually or not. – NS

Judas Priest. // photo courtesy the artist

Judas Priest (Monday, October 1 at Cable Dahmer Arena)

On a co-headlining set with companions Deep Purple back in 2018 at Starlight Theatre, heavy metal legends Judas Priest showcased their recent release Firepower, the band’s best work since 1990’s Painkiller. Yet another strong outing four months ago with their 19th studio album Invincible Shield and it’s safe to say they’re back for good. Spearheading the new wave of British heavy metal in the ‘70s, frontman Rob Halford’s influence was strong – and his brief absence for Jugulator and Demolition felt. Expect a well-rounded set per usual…and re-listen to Screaming for Vengeance. – AD

Gatecreeper. // photo courtesy the artist

Gatecreeper (Wednesday, October 9 at the Bottleneck)

On their latest album, Dark Superstition, Arizona death metal act Gatecreeper lean into a hard-edged groove not present on their earlier releases. It’s a brilliant step forward for the band, while not making past works like their classic debut, Sonoran Deprivation, feel as though they’re the work of a totally different band. It’s been two years since the band last came through, and given that this time, they’re bringing back Frozen Soul – whose headline show earlier this year packed the place – expect a crowd ready to let loose. – NS

GEL. // photo courtesy the artist

GEL/MSPaint (Tuesday, October 15 at the Bottleneck)

When Drain came through last summer, the opening act was MSPaint, a band for whom I’d recently developed a massive obsession, thanks to their just-released Post-American LP. The band’s angular, arty hardcore is a brilliant take on the genre, and my only problem with them was they’d replaced GEL, who played their last date with the tour on the show prior. Imagine my absolute joy when I saw that both bands would be touring together this fall and coming through town. GEL’s Persona EP is looking like it’ll go on my year-end list, and given that it’s been ages since the New Jersey hardcore band has made it to town, this headline show after a massive rise in popularity over the past year might be the gig to which I’m most looking forward.

Godpseed You! Black Emperor. // photo courtesy the artist

BONUS:

Godspeed You! Black Emperor (Monday, November 11 at Liberty Hall)

We have another Swans situation on our hands.

There has only been one recorded tour date from Godspeed in the KC area all-time – 2018’s trip to recordBar after the release of Luciferian Towers. That seven-song set featured nothing off acclaimed LPs F# A# ∞ and Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven, but conversely, both tracks on the two-song EP Slow Riot for New Zero Kanada. Playing 18 dates beginning in Ontario on November 4, this will be hard to miss, and I’m assuming many will travel from bordering states. – AD