photos courtesy of MCT Campus
The ground vibrates and it feels like my eardrums might actually burst. But slowly, I become used to the ear-splitting sound. I know that even after leaving the venue, I will still hear an overwhelming ring in my ears. The stage lights flash from white, to blue, to red, emitting blinding bursts of color to the crowd. People smash into each other in hopes of getting just a little closer to the performer. Concerts may not be for everyone, but I think there’s something incredible about being able to watch someone sing some of my favorite songs right in front of me. Even better, I can sing and dance alongside thousands of other people who are there for the exact same reason: they love music. Concerts can be the perfect event to look forward to on your calendar – here are some of the musicians coming to KC in February and March.
City and Colour — Jan. 25
City and Colour’s solo artist, Dallas Green, writes all of his own songs, which are filled to the brim with heartfelt lyrics. City and Colour performs acoustic, low-key songs. The first time a friend showed me one of their songs, “The Girl,” I was hooked. The song is arranged into three different parts, making it unique compared to any other song I’ve heard. I think his music is ideal for when I need songs to be played faintly while I’m studying to keep me on task.
Genre: Alternative Rock, Folk
Venue: Midland Theatre
Tech N9ne — Jan. 28
Tech N9ne is one of the few well-known artists from Kansas City to make it big in the music industry. I heard his music for the first time last year on the way to a soccer game in my friend’s silver Toyota. The windows were rolled down, and Tech N9ne was turned up so loud I could feel the bass shaking the car all around me. His music is a mix of rap and rock, and got all of us hyped for our game. Although his music easily gets me pumped up, I have to have a certain thirst for energy to truly enjoy it.
Genre: Rap, Rock
Venue: Granada Theater
Vance Joy — Feb. 17
Vance Joy’s music is predominantly acoustic, and the majority of his songs have an upbeat,
uplifting rhythm to them. His songs are all different, but his voice remains the same throughout – raspy but sweet. It’s become so distinct to me that I can attribute a song to him within seconds of the first note.
Genre: Indie Folk
Venue: Midland Theatre
AC/DC — Feb. 29
AC/DC is what I would consider a classic-rock band. They were one of the most influential
hard rock bands of the ‘70s. I would describe their music as bold. It’s loud. It’s what people have been listening to to satisfy their thirst for powerful rock music for decades.
Genre: Rock
Venue: Sprint Center
AC/DC’s lead singer performing at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California April 10, 2015.
Kacey Musgraves — March 5
Kacey Musgraves reminds me of the 2009 Taylor Swift. She’s a country singer, for people who hate country. In a genre where many complain that the lyrics are all the same, Kacey breaks free from the country stereotype. Musgraves always incorporates sarcastic plays-on-words in her lyrics. Her music ranges from songs about love, to a song entitled “Biscuits”, which contrary to what you might assume, is a song about being kind to people.
Genre: Country
Venue: Midland Theatre
Kacey Musgraves performing at the Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco on August 8, 2014.
Carly Rae Jepson — March 8
We all know at least one song by Carly Rae Jepsen, but the majority of us probably don’t know more than one. I consider her a one-hit-wonder after her popular song, “Call Me Maybe”. Her music is the kind that I only need to hear once, and that is enough for me. I personally wouldn’t want to listen to her poppy happy-go-lucky music for an hour, while coughing up $40. However, if you’re looking for music to dance to, this might be the concert for you.
Genre: Pop
Venue: Granada Theater
Daughter — March 13
Not many people have heard of Daughter, a three person band from England; though they’re one of my favorites. Their music is mellow and calming, and it’s great for clearing my head and de-stressing. Their relaxed and tranquil songs are usually placed in playlists for falling asleep or unwinding after a stressful day.
Genre: Indie Folk
Venue: Granada Theater
The Piano Guys — March 16
Genre: Crossover music, Cello Rock
Venue: Midland Theatre
X Ambassadors — March 17
Genre: Alternative Rock
Venue: KC Live!