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com/news/1997/sep/14/music_scene_thrives_in/
By Anne
Tangeman
MUSIC SCENE THRIVES IN DOWNTOWN LAWRENCE
Lawrence's rich nightlife offers everything from alternative to zydeco.
Most college towns have at least some semblance of a music scene, but Lawrence's is a particularly healthy one.
Consider Kansas University's KJHK-FM 90.7 (which garnered national recognition for alternative programming in the
'80s), the community-run KAW-FM 88.9 and the commercial KLZR-FM 105.9 as well as the incredible number of area
bands that perform at downtown clubs.
Lawrence is a thriving community, whose residents -- both town and gown -- listen to and play everything: bluegrass,
folk, alterna-country, punk, indie (whatever that means these days), blues, jazz, acid jazz, ska, rockabilly and several
styles that defy description.
Although there are a few nightclubs scattered around other parts of town, the majority are situated in the downtown
area. A stroll down Massachusetts Street will introduce you to most establishments, and probably a few street
musicians.
The Bottleneck, 737 N.H., offers national alternative acts, open mike nights and on Sunday nights the Swing Set,
which features swing and big band music and fancy white tablecloths.
The Granada, 1020 Mass., which shares owners with The Bottleneck, presents mostly large national acts and a DJ
for dance nights.
Jacki Becker, of Pipeline Productions, has booked bands at The Bottleneck and The Granada for several years and
said students can look forward to a variety of national bands this fall.
"Regularly you're going to have Son Volt, Wilco, the Urge from St. Louis. ... These are all national, credible bands,"
she said. "Reverend Horton Heat is a regular. H.O.R.D.E. Fest bands like the Samples and Jack O'Pierce always
seem to come to town two or three times a year, and we love to have them. The Jesus Lizard appears twice a year."
Another of the larger venues is Liberty Hall, 644 Mass. Housing two movie theaters and an eclectic video store, the
historic building also has played host to Marilyn Manson, Richard Thompson and the winter Warped Tour. In its earlier
days, acts included Husker Du, Black Flag and even blues great Willie Dixon.
Regular events at Liberty Hall include the springtime Brazilian Carnival and public radio station KANU-FM 91.5 's
Goodtime Radio Revues and Imagination Workshops.
The Replay Lounge, 946 Mass., is always hopping and features some of the most cutting-edge indie, garage and
punk bands. You never know what kind of band you might find at The Replay, and low cover charges encourage
everyone to give newer music a listen.
The bar is also known for its large outdoor patio and extensive selection of pinball machines.
The Jazzhaus, 926 1/2 Mass., is a popular place for not only jazz and blues, but also reggae and roots rock favorites
like the Bel Airs, who perform several times a year.
The Jazzhaus has had its share of legendary performances and surprise visits, too. Branford Marsalis once stopped
off after a Lied Center performance for a little jamming.
Other places that present live music are Rick's Place, 623 Vt.; Louise's, 1009 Mass.; Harbour Lights, 1031 Mass.;
Dos Hombres, 815 N.H.; Jester's, 1105 Mass.; and occasionally, Rudy's Pizzeria, 704 Mass. Latino dance music is
popular downtown and can be found at the Coco Loco, 943 Mass., and at Tremors nightclub, 729 N.H., which
features a variety of dance music.
One legendary spot a little off the beaten path, the Outhouse, has been recently resuscitated. After housing some of
the most popular punk acts in the '80s, the cinderblock building in the middle of a cornfield, lay dormant for a time.
This year it has been featuring punk and hardcore acts on a regular basis.
Shows are for all ages and cost a couple of dollars for several bands.
Kansas University's Student Union Activities also brings in some of the biggest acts throughout the year, particularly
for the Day on the Hill concert, which featured They Might Be Giants last May.
Remember that the drinking age is 21, and it is strictly enforced.
Fortunately, several venues have opened their doors to those 18 and over, marking their hands while banding the
wrists of those old enough to drink. Those who try to drink and are not old enough, not only cause the police to fine
and eventually shut down the bars, but in turn, bars also occasionally stop doing 18 and over shows.
So if you like the music, keep it legal.
Overall, Becker believes the Lawrence music scene is strong.
"In a four-block radius there's six or seven places to see live music. I think, in general, that's really out of this world,"
she said.
"I don't think you're going to find a lot of communities of our size that offer that, and can bring huge bands like Marilyn
Manson and Korn to bands like Karate at The Replay. You get a little bit of everything from acoustic to metal."