Toro y Moi/Classixx

     Last winter I had planned on seeing Toro Y Moi at The Granada but Kansas City had a little (BIG) snow-pocalypse so I was trapped at home, unable to get out of my own driveway. Somehow Chaz Bundick and his crew made it to Lawrence and the show was still on. Lots of muttering under my breath and sighing loudly while lying on the floor happened during that night because I hoped that if I couldn’t make it, no one could. I know that sounds ridiculously dramatic but I was really excited about this show and it was torture knowing it was happening without me.

     So then I found out that Toro was in fact coming back again and that made up for the failed winter show. This show might be my favorite I’ve shot so far. I knew Toro would be amazing and they didn’t disappoint. I had never even listened to Classixx before but they were energetic and fun to watch, their music is simple and addicting to listen to. For both bands the music all flowed together and created a wonderful dance soundtrack for the night.  Thank you Toro y Moi, for coming back and giving KC a show to remember, I forgive you guys for the first time you came, I can’t stay mad at you forever.

Thanksgiving Night in the Lights

Best Coast

     I'll be honest, the reason why I don't have as many pictures for this concert as I normally do is because I was too busy dancing and singing along for most the show. If you've ever listened to Best Coast you know exactly what I mean. A close friend and I always jokingly say Bethany Cosentino gets her lyrics from our diaries. I mean. Come... ON. "I don't know how to tell you I love you", "You drive me crazy but I love you", she's not only speaking for herself but for every other girl in the entire world.

     Almost everyone in the audience was dancing while Bethany perfectly sings about our love lives, I don't think I have ever had so much fun with my peers at a show. Thank you Bethany, for singing all the things I would sing about it if I had an ounce of musical talent in me.

  

Shakey Graves and Shovels & Rope

For this show, I had initially only gone to see Shakey Graves. I had seen many of his live performances online and was taken aback by his talent and intensity, and there was no way I was going to miss his stop in Lawrence.

     As for Shovels & Rope, I had never heard of them before so I honestly had no idea what to expect. After Shakey grabbed everyone's attention with his one man show of singing, playing guitar, and a kick drum at the same time; out walked two darling people, Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent. They proceeded to put on a joyous show that left you in awe of their energy and dedication.

     I was mostly glad that the venue was packed, there have been many times where I've been to The Bottleneck and the crowd is mostly me, my gear, and 10 other people enjoying the show. These two bands need a full crowd shaking their heads and stomping their feet along with them. It's a type of show where it doesn't matter if you like the music or not, you can't deny that these two bands composed of three people total, have talent and passion that can't (and shouldn't) be contained.