By Kady Cramer
Pack your chairs and blankets and head to one of these free outdoor locations for live music this summer.
Summer Concert Series at Ward Parkway Center
Ward Parkway Center’s Restaurant Pavilion, 8800 State Line Rd., features its Summer Concert Series Friday and Saturday evenings from June 3 to September 25. Free and open to the public, music starts at 7pm highlighting a different local artist. Genres range from jazz groups such as the Little Big Band to classical musicians 2 Cellos KC to Irish duo Valentine & Agee to indie artist Joel McNulty. For a full list of performances, visit @WardParkwayCenter.
Sunset Music Fest at Town Center Plaza
Advent Health presents Town Center Plaza’s Summer Concert Series on Thursdays, June 9 – 23 at 5000 W. 119th St. in Leawood, starting at 6pm with live music beginning at 7pm.
The line-up kicks off with Emmy award winning rock band The Elders on June 9. June 16 brings the official Jimmy Buffett tribute band A1A, and the series concludes with the yacht rock tribute band Summer Breeze. The free, family-friendly evening includes local treats from 2Hot 2Handle Wood Fired BBQ and Ohana’s Shaved Ice. Free kid’s activities include face painting and giant inflatable slides. Visit www.towncenterplaza.com for more information.
Grandview Amphitheater Concert Series
The Amphitheater’s Summer Concert Series runs in June and July at 13501 Byars Rd. On Friday, June 24, country music artist and season 2 winner of The X Factor Tate Stevens performs. The July 15 performers include The Recliners and The Stolen Winnebagos. Gates open at 6pm with music beginning at 7pm. Visit www.grandviewamp.com.
The Stolen Winnebagos are a trio with over a decade of experience playing together. Their diverse catalog includes a wide variety of songs from the 1950’s to today, such as classic rock, new wave, grunge, hip hop, punk, alternative, classic country, and modern rock.
Somerset Wine & Cider Bar
Located in the heart of Martin City, Somerset Wine & Cider Bar showcases local talent inside Rosehill Gardens’ courtyard, 311 E 135 St, every Friday and Saturday evening. Expect to find performances from local country rocker Drew Six and singer/songwriter on June 11 and Erica McKenzie. Local food trucks are available and award-winning cider and wine blends from Somerset’s vineyard. For a full list of performances, visit www.somersetwineandciderbar.com.
Nick Schnebelen’s record Crazy By Myself hit #13 on the Billboard Blues Charts in 2019.
Sunday Live Music at Volleyball Beach
Volleyball Beach, 13104 Holmes Rd, invites you to come relax on the party deck and enjoy some local Kansas City bands as they jam out on Sunday nights through August 7. Artists hit the stage from 4-7pm and include Old No. 5’s, Nicole Springer, and Nick Schnebelen. For more information, visit VolleyballBeach.
Red Bridge Shopping Center
Grab some friends, a bite to eat, or just a seat on one of the patios – Red Bridge Shopping Center’s live music nights continue through August 25, Thursday nights, 5-7pm. Located on the north side of the center, 11212 Holmes Rd, the series will include artists such as singer/songwriter
Jillian Riscoe, husband-and-wife country duo The Newkirks, and smooth jazz saxophonist Kenneth Stone. For a full list of performances, visit wwwredbridgeshoppingcenter.com.
Make Music KC
Make Music Kansas City is a live, free musical celebration on June 21, the longest day of the year, with concerts and workshops at venues and parks across the metro. The daylong free-for-all will feature performances in a variety of Kansas City venues such as the KC Zoo, Union Station, Crossroads Arts District, and City Market. Locally you can find The Oscar Polk Allstar Band at his home called “Live’ on the Drive”, 10901 Holmes Rd from 5:30-8pm. For a full list of performances and to learn more, visit www.makemusicday.org/kcmo.