On October 20th, Kansas City’s 96.5 The Buzz hosted Brew at The Zoo & Wine Too at The Kansas City Zoo. This year, thousands from across the metropolitan area gathered to taste test wine new brews, enjoy full pours from more than 45 breweries, try out a mixed drink or two, enjoy live music and a night of frivolity, all in the name of the giraffes. Kitten headlined, with Fitness supporting while onlookers enjoyed a spirited, enigmatic performance from each.
Phenomenal songwriter Butch Walker headlined a show at Irving Plaza in New York fairly recently, captivating the crowd as he has for years. The energy coming off the stage was palpable as soon as he stepped on, and we were regaled with a gorgeous evening full of amazing showmanship. Photographer Christie McMenamin captured that for us, and it can be witnessed below.
On October 17th, The Truman in Kansas City, MO welcomed the incredible Years & Years to the stage, following an absolutely gorgeous set from opener CYN. We nabbed photos of both to make you feel like you were there, and our Years & Years snaps can be found below!
Keep up with Years & Years here!
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Greg Holden made his return to New York City on September 23rd. Opening for Butch Walker, who produced his single, “On The Run,” Holden’s performance was like a homecoming. It’s a rare thing for an opener, especially one singularly armed with an acoustic guitar, to hush Irving Plaza from front to back, but Holden managed to wield this uncanny power with effortless ability.
When Holden first emerged from the side of the stage, the crowd’s vigorous, impassioned applause was astonishing. He strolled out with an unassuming, quiet confidence and began strumming as the audience quickly fell silent. As his 7-song set kicked off, Holden was oftentimes chatty between songs, lending an affable familiarity with a room of people whom he’d never met, treating them like valued friends. Constantly encouraging the crowd to sing and clap during parts of his songs, Holden’s set was interactive, a joint, group effort.
On “Home,” Holden issued a command for the audience to stop their feet in time to the beat. In turn, he received an eager assent as the stomps echoed throughout the venue and shook the floor. Holden’s newest track, “The Power Shift,” was prefaced by a quick lament, noting Donald Trump was currently in the city. The audience loudly booed, prompting Holden to launch into this political song, calling others to recognize the link between power and inequality, and one that was more than well-received in New York City.
“Boys In The Streets,” arguably Holden’s most moving song, showcases his lyrical prowess, one that is omnipresent throughout his work. Telling the story of a father struggling with his son’s sexuality, it’s only on his deathbed that he makes a confession: his intolerance was due to what he was taught growing up. He finally understands and encourages his son to be himself. Holden’s live performance evoked the pathos and pain of both son and father, and cheers went through the crowd as Holden reached the uplifting conclusion.
Lastly, Holden performed “Hold On Tight,” a triumphant, empowering song that bursts into a big, gleeful chorus as he sang an urgent warning: “don’t take your life for granted.”
It was an awe-inspiring set from a seasoned musician, one who will no doubt be back to New York City in the future.
On Saturday, October 6th, Hippo Campus took the stage at The Riviera Theatre with support from The Districts. Photographer Sarah Hess was on the scene, nabbing only the best photos of the evening. Hippo Campus regaled the audience with an incredible performance on the second stop of their tour. The set list is included below.
Set list:
Bambi
Honestly
Doubt
Baseball
Simple Season
Bubbles
Why Even Try
Monsoon
South
Golden
Mistakes
Way It Goes
No Poms
Western Kids
Butter Cup
encore: Violet
On Thursday, September 13th, Kansas-based Toughies and Southern California sweethearts Mating Ritual opened for Rooney at recordBar in Kansas City. We got a glimpse inside their sets, exclusively for you!
Day 3 at Grandoozy Music Festival was one for the books. We had so many amazing photos submitted by Nikki that we have to break them up for you! Nab some glances at sets by Dragondeer, DJ Big Styles, De La Soul, Black Pumas, and Daniel Caesar below!
**Photos by Nikki A. Rae Photography
This year, the Denver metropolitan area introduced Grandoozy Music Festival to its citizens. The show was produced by the co-creators of Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, and its lineup mirrored that tenacity, bringing some insanely talented acts to Overland Park. We had a photographer on the ground for the weekend, and she captured some fun shots of Friday and Sunday at the fest! Here are our Day 1 gems, featuring Miguel, Bishop Briggs, Phoenix, and more!
**Photos by Nikki A. Rae Photography
If you haven’t seen Lauren Ruth Ward yet – no matter what type of music you’re into – you’re 110% missing out. An incredible rock songstress with a slight twang, Lauren Ruth Ward’s music reaches far and wide in its influence. But her live performance is absolutely unheard of, which is why it was so easy for Christie McMenamin to dive in and get photos of this young talent during her recent show at Zone One in some breathtaking lowlight.
