Sounds Good: Jason Boland @ Granada, Turnpike Troubadours @ Crossroads KC, The Sluts @ Replay

Thursday, May 21st

Jason Boland and the Stragglers at the Granada in Lawrence – Free Outdoor Show

The Granada has been doing this a few times a year lately, throwing a free outdoor event to try and lure folks to downtown Lawrence after the students have evacuated, leaving a trail of broken grills, burned couches, and coconut water.  It’s a pretty cool thing to do because a) no students, and b) Jason Boland can easily sell enough tickets in these parts to merit a full-on $15 – $20 per head show.  It’s something for nothing, folks, come and get it.

Saturday, May 23rd

Turnpike Troubadours at Crossroads KC

If you haven’t yet caught a Troubadours show in the KC area, well, that’s on you.  Because over the last few years, as their popularity has surged on the back of their storybook tunes and relentless touring, these Oklahoma boys have played at multiple venues, including the Granada and Liberty Hall in Lawrence, as well as Crossroads KC last summer.  Word is this young red-dirt band is working to release a new album sometimes soon – their first since 2013’s Goodbye Normal Street, which hit No. 14 on the Billboard Country charts. Indeed, when I saw these guys over the winter they busted out a handful of brand new tunes that should polished to a shine by now.

The Sluts at the Replay in Lawrence

This guitar and drum duo does not sugar coat, well, anything.  Ever since emerging on the Lawrence scene a few years ago, they’ve become one of the best local acts, busting out heavy, scuzzy, yet catchy as hell indie rock songs.  And they just landed a decent gig opening for the Offspring and Radkey on June 7th for the Buzz Under the Stars show that’s put on by 96.5 The Buzz.  Check out their bandcamp here.