Sounds Good: Flaming Lips@LibertyHall, Steve Martin@Midland, Split Lip@Crossroads

Storied Lawrence concert venue Liberty Hall turns 100 this week, and they’re throwing one helluva party to celebrate…

Fittingly, the party couldn’t be one night only, not for its 100th.  Nope, they’re doing it up right, with two nights of the Flaming Lips starting Thursday. How is Wayne Coyne going to squeeze his giant hamster ball inside the intimate venue you ask?  Not sure.  But I do know it’s going to be insane.  Definitely the smallest venue that the Lips have played in some time, I’m sure.

Remember, last summer they played the second stage at Kanrocksas in front of several thousand and killed it.

For Friday’s event, Mass. Street in front of Liberty Hall is getting shut down and turned into a psychedelic street party that I expect to be absolutely packed.  This looks to be one of those events that you simply cannot miss if you’re expecting to keep any of your Larryville cred.

On to the picks…

Thursday, June 21st

The Flaming Lips at Liberty Hall in Lawrence

I think Lawrence could get very, very weird in the next couple days.

Like I said, these guys are known mostly for their awesome live shows, and they’re very fond of Lawrence.  Their drummer lives there.  So when I heard that the Lips would be celebrating Liberty Hall’s big 1-0-0 I knew we were in for something special.  And I also knew tickets would be snatched up quicker than a PBR at Franks’ North Star.  So if you still want in you might have to get creative.

For those that haven’t seen the Lips, if you can still score a ticket, do so right now. 

Their live shows are epic, with visuals galore, huge anthems, and of course the giant hamster ball.  And if you can’t get a ticket, just come down to Mass. Street Friday night for the freakout in the streets.

Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers at the Midland in KC
 
Yes, it’s THAT Steve Martin.  But seriously, he’s pretty damn legit on the banjo.  Certainly, I likely wouldn’t be talking about the Rangers if not for Steve Martin’s involvement, but the band has been around for quite a while before they ever joined forces with the wild and crazy guy.  And for what it’s worth, Martin doesn’t make the performances all about himself, or about his comedy, or anything like that – usually.

This particular show is a benefit that features a silent auction and some other stuff, and is being billed as “An Evening of Bluegrass and Comedy” on the Midland’s website.  The actual benefit website, though, doesn’t say much about the comedy part.  Check it out here:  http://www.umbbigbash.org/index.htm

Saturday, June 23rd

MO Chainsaw Grassacre featuring Split Lip Rayfield and others at Crossroads KC

Kansas favorites Split Lip headline this bluegrass throw-down that also features Cornmeal, Sons of Fathers, Grass Crack, Truckstop Honeymoon, Goddamn Gallows, and Deadman Flats.  So if you’re in need of a country good time this might just be the show for you.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to go see Split Lip, no matter how many times you’ve caught their rebel speed-grass act.  I saw them a few weeks ago at Wakarusa for probably the 20th time and I must say, they absolutely killed it.  Probably the best show of the festival.