I Heart Local Music

09/06/2026

"There’s no turning back for me. We have, especially in America, so many laws that are trying to push back, and I’m pushing pushing pushing so much forward that I’m prolapsing.”

We talked with Peaches ahead of her show at Liberty Hall on Thursday. Here's what to expect:

Get ready, Lawrence. A show for the ages is coming through. When q***r feminist icon Peaches stops by Lawrence on Thursday, the show will be

09/04/2026

Did you know Megan Luttrell Music has a PhD in Slavic Languages and Literature? We convinced her to sing a cute little Russian folk song about a berry out at Grinter Farms. You can watch the video over on our website today. Link in the comments.

08/30/2026

Limestone at the 9th Street Party. Photo by Fally Afani. More photos available here: https://iheartlocalmusic.com/2026/08/29/lawrence-had-a-very-townie-saturday/

08/30/2026

On Saturday, Jeff Stolz of The Frightened Stag challenged Lawrence to see three big townie shows in one day, and everyone said "Challenge accepted."

On Friday afternoon, Jeff Stolz, of The Frightened Stag, had a grand idea. He got his phone out and recorded a little message that he posted to the band’s Instagram stories. In this message, he noted that there were a lot of good townie shows happening on Saturday, but if you timed it right, you c...

08/30/2026

Lawrence loves a good street party! Celebrating the end of 9th street construction with Son Venezuela. Kelfel Aqüi.

08/27/2026

If you weren’t inclined to dance at the beginning of the track, the guitars seal the deal by the end. You can listen to Hembree's new track on our website today. Link in the comments.

08/27/2026

For those who yearn for deeply emotional lyrics and just the dreamiest guitars, Clovers Daughter might hit the spot. We talked with the artist ahead of her show at miniBar next week:

There’s an indie pop resurgence happening right now in the music scene. For those who yearn for deeply emotional lyrics and just the dreamiest guitars, clovers daughter might hit the spot. clovers daughter, the moniker for Minneapolis-based Noor Shami, is already gaining streams on Spotify and was...

08/25/2026

A Lawrence bartender who has been a staple of the Downtown live music scene for decades is currently recovering from an injury. A GoFundMe has been started to help until Aaron can return to work.

I am starting this fundraiser for my household—for myself, my housemate, and the th… Aaron Strelow needs your support for Help Aaron Keep Our Household Stable

08/25/2026

YOUR 2026 CHAMPIONS:

Miscellaneous Acoustic Instruments
First Place: Bradley Mckellip, Dobro, Lawrence, KS
Second Place: Willi Carlisle, Harmonica, Kansas City, MO
Third Place: Dave Hooge, Harmonica, Lawrence, KS

Youth Fiddle
First Place: Maya Bledsoe, Kansas City, MO
Second Place: Phillip Saville, Shawnee, KS
Third Place: Polly Merrigan, Kansas City, MO

Open Fiddle
First Place: Josh Wills, Checotah, OK
Second Place: David Kaemmer, Shawnee, KS
Third Place: Isaiah Sibi, Lawrence, KS

Mandolin
First Place: Alex Hawf, Eureka Springs, AR
Second Place: Evan Ogborn, Wichita, KS
Third Place: David Hawkins, Wichita, KS

Banjo
First Place: Willi Carlisle, Kansas City, MO
Second Place: Devin Dechant, Kansas City, MO
Third Place: Marnie Orville, Lawrence, KS

Finger Style Guitar
First Place: Bradley Mckellip, Lawrence, KS
Second Place: Bud Jeans, Lawrence, KS

Flatpick Guitar
First Place: Nathaniel Grief, Park City, KS
Second Place: Alex Hawf, Eureka Springs, AR
Third Place: Chad Brothers, Kansas City, KS

Youth Award
N/A

Band Contest
First Place: Tequa Bluegrass Band
Second Place: Catgut

THANK YOU to all who competed this year!