MTC’s Light Up the Lawn series says farewell to summer with The Roseline on August 18 and The MGDs on August 25. The series closes out September 1 with Kat King. The free concerts start at 8:30 p.m. on the lawn of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art on the Johnson County Community College (JCCC) campus.
The Roseline Maintains Indie Roots Throughout Success
Eight albums into their career, The Roseline has crafted a songbook that is at once familiar and singular. Hailing from Lawrence, what started as an acoustic folk trio has evolved into a five-piece heartland rock band. They have recorded with the Dutch label King Forward Records and the Bay Area label Ninth Street Opus. Throughout their success, the project has stayed true to their roots as a DIY independent venture.
Founder and principal songwriter, Colin Halliburton, said about the August concert: “We’re hoping for a classic pink and purple Kansas sunset as our backdrop and mild temperatures (fingers crossed/wishful thinking).” The group loves outdoor concerts with fresh air and a lot of sweat; they’re solid ingredients for The Roseline’s brand of rock ‘n’ roll.
“The audience can expect a passionate performance and a diverse set list of songs that spans eight full-length albums and 17 years as a band,” says Halliburton. “We might even throw in a cover or two for good measure.”
The MGDs – Serving Up Electrifying Experiences to the Masses
With a blend of funk and blues, the seven-piece lineup known as The MGDs have played some of the top music festivals in the Kansas City area. In addition to taking the stage at Boulevardia, Middle of the Map and the Crossroads KC Music Fest, the soulful musicians play several clubs and festivals, both near and far.
Since starting out in 2008 as a three-piece between longtime friends, The MGDs have become a powerhouse group that features a mix of keys and brass, complimented by a “poppin’” rhythm section. Their unique flavor of music has added to the tapestry that is the Kansas City music scene.
Featuring plenty of energy, the band’s influences come from a mix of classic and modern sounds from New Orleans and beyond.
Kat King Invites Listeners to Get Up and Dance
Based in Kansas City, Kat King leads a 5-piece indie-pop rock group who’ve released a five-song EP and two singles. In April of 2021, they dropped their first single together “Don’t Wanna Lose.”
In June 2021, the group released their first 5-song EP “Say What You Mean” capturing audiences with feelings of love, loss and self-acceptance while simultaneously inviting listeners to get up and dance.
The band experienced significant momentum throughout 2022 after releasing their single “New Sun.” They performed at Boulevardia as well as the Plaza Art Fair and their next single, “With Nothing in My Way,” was described as “a superlative sad banger” by Nick Spacek of The Pitch.
The ensemble has quickly made a name for themselves as a KC crowd favorite.
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets (no alcohol) for these fun events! No reservations required. To learn more, visit jccc.edu/MidwestTrustCenter.
