We’ve all been there: bored on a Saturday night with nothing to do. The group chat is indecisive on where they want to go and you’ve taken to Google. Luckily, Lawrence has an awesome array of options when it comes to entertainment. Not only do venues like the Granada and Liberty Hall bring in nationally known musical acts, but local bars are showcasing homegrown acts on Friday and Saturday nights for your listening pleasure.
Not only is it just a great idea to get involved in supporting local musicians, but it’s a magic beyond anything I’ve ever personally known. Discovering new music by experiencing it live is transcendent. There’s just something about connecting to a band while they’re in front of you that enhances the music itself.
There’s always been a strong link between music and memory, and I find that when you find something that sounds just right, that fits you in that exact moment so strongly, you can listen to it later and recreate those sentiments. By taking the time to go out and experience those things, you can create lasting memories with your friends and also form a bond with the musicians themselves.
I write this from a place of recent euphoria. Over this spring break I was lucky enough to see Melanie Martinez play in Kansas City. I assumed there would be an opening band, though I had no idea who they were. When a band called Alvarez Kings from Sheffield, England stepped out on stage, I was immediately captivated. It’s been so long since I’ve been somewhere where I didn’t know the openers, let alone really formed a bond with them. While they played just about every song in their repertoire, I found myself falling further and further into the lyrics and the sounds they created. The best part? Since they’re relatively unknown, they’re more than happy to interact with fans. Individual band members went out of their way to like my Instagram posts, ones that weren’t even of them but of the venue.
If a band from England is that willing to go out of their way to show their appreciation, I can’t help but want to hit the local music scene. I’ve never been a musician myself, but I’ve always been fascinated by music and the sentiments they can create. More so, I’ve always been interested in the creative processes behind it and the connection between music and artist.
My challenge is this: hit the dive bars and go see a local band play. Buy them a drink, start a conversation. Do yourself a favor, and do your local band a favor. You won’t be sorry. Check out awesome bands like The Greeting Committee, Hospital Ships, Bears and Company and Beautiful Bodies.
Photo credit: Granada, Liberty Hall, Alverez Kings, The Greeting Committee, Hospital Ships