billy raffoul + jake wells @ recordbar

billy raffoul + jake wells @ recordbar

On Wednesday, March 29th, Billy Raffoul and KC favorite Jake Wells opened for Parachute at recordBar in Kansas City, MO. Through both of the first sets, the large crowd was more respectful than any crowd we have ever been a part of, a fact magnetized several times when Raffoul swapped out guitars and didn’t have to ask us to settle down before his next track. His witty banter on stage made the show that much more incredible, and his fan base has no doubt multiplied in Kansas City. His deep, gravelly, charming vocals stayed with us for hours after, and we are thrilled to name him as one of our favorite live performers of the season. Some photos from the intimate evening below.

Keep up with Billy Raffoul here.

elle king @ the truman

elle king @ the truman

On Tuesday, May 14th, Elle King gave an incredible and unforgettable performance at The Truman, in the Crossroads District of Kansas City. Barns Courtney opened the show with phenomenal energy, and they were absolutely chomping at the bit by the time this legendary vocalist took the stage. While her male cohorts on stage all matched, she wore a striking and unique suit outfit. But it was her vulnerability that she wore best on stage, as she tore through song after song to a crowd of what had to be some of her biggest fans. Peer into the scene below!

neko case @ uptown theater

neko case @ uptown theater

On Friday, May 10th, the legendary Neko Case made a fiery appearance at The Uptown Theater in Kansas City, MO. Taking the stage very casually, she wore pants with a skeleton frame on them and slowly introduced us to her set with “Pitch or Honey”. She then launched into “Bad Luck”, which had the majority of the lower level seated section on their feet for a good portion of the track. The lights glowed warmly behind Case, making it look as though she had a true halo around her head. Her on stage cohorts – all basked in a warm glow – seemed to be no less than thrilled to be performing with her, and we can’t say we’re surprised.

After experiencing Case for the first time at 2018’s Sasquatch Music Festival – I know, where have I been? -, I was concerned that the performance might not ignite the level of magic that seemed to seep up from the canyon at the venue in Washington last year. But Case has an aura about her that far exceeds the surrounding environment. And – in any case (no pun intended, truly) – The Uptown Theater provides an ambiance that feels unique to Case’s brand of performance style. It was a night made in heaven.

Our hearts melted the moment the first chords of seventh song of the evening – “Maybe Sparrow” – hit the air. That song and the accompanying level of shaken you feel after experiencing it live truly attest to Case’s magnetic nature. And, of course, nothing left the room more energized than when she pulled “Train From Kansas City” out of her back pocket as the second of three encore tracks. If nothing else, this city is known for its appreciation of the wealth of music and culture it inspires and is mentioned in. Forever, we will appreciate her for that nod to what was once a flyover city.

Case’s sound can only be categorized as the perfect blend of nature and otherworldly, enigmatic energy. To have the pleasure of enjoying it live will leave a mark on your soul, no matter the night of the week. Though it DOES help that it was a Friday night experience, as we had the remainder of the weekend to really digest it all.

Keep up with Neko Case here.

jai wolf @ truman

jai wolf @ truman

On Wednesday, May 1st, we celebrated May Day with Jai Wolf at the Truman in Kansas City, MO. The room was decked out with humans from wall to wall dressed in their EDM best. We have a few photos to share the kaleidoscope of a night with you!

Keep up with Jai Wolf here.