MHKmusic update Feb. 6 – Feb. 12

in #music8 years ago

The year is picking up steam and the music scene reflects that. I guarantee there is too much music for any one person to see it all this week, but feel free to try and prove me wrong!

Last week we were treated to an amazing performance by The Manhattan Mob at Auntie Mae’s including trumpet accompaniment. Red State Blues Band popped up again at Manhattan Art’s Center after a temporary break in performing. The Hat hosted a double dose of country with bands performing Friday and Saturday. Comedian and KC native Maeret Lemons was joined by Maggie Stanton, Brett Schmidt and host Jeremy Ricci at Auntie Mae’s. Rickety Downspout put on a free show at Sister’s of Sound; they will bring their bluegrass/country stylings to Auntie Mae’s in April so keep an eye out for that. Manhattan bands spread the word on MHKmusic in Topeka as Headlight Rivals and Philosophy of Lions joined Hatchet Game for a night of rock and roll at The Trap Bar.


The Manhattan Mob at Auntie Mae’s 2.2.17


The Manhattan Mob at Auntie Mae’s 2.2.17


Headlight Rivals at Trap Bar 2.3.17


Philosophy of Lions at Trap Bar 2.3.17 – Image Credit: Seven Black


Rickety Downspout at Sisters of Sound 2.4.17

This week there are some CAN’T MISS shows coming your way, so get ready to schedule your whole week around what is happening with MHKmusic. Philosophy of Lions and The Blackbird Fields will perform at Auntie Mae’s on Tuesday for their monthly free show; this is a perfect opportunity for MHKmusic newbies to see some great music in a great atmosphere at zero cost! Aspiring musicians, poets, comedians and all other entertainers will have an opportunity to hone their skills at the VFW’s open mic night on Wednesday. Thursday night The Lark and the Loon will be performing at Auntie Mae’s with their unique take on roots music; from the recordings on their website, I would say you should get ready to be taken to another world! You will have two opportunities this week to see Rupert Wates, a more than 35 time award winning songwriter; both are house shows and both will be excellent! Virtuoso multi-instrumentalist Molly Tuttle will be performing at the Manhattan Arts Center on Saturday afternoon. If you happen to be traveling to Lawrence on Friday evening you can catch Manhattan band Philosophy of Lions again at The Replay Lounge; this time with The Ovaries-eez. Details on all of this and more are below!

Tuesday 2/7:

@9:00pm Philosophy of Lions w/ The Blackbird Fields at Auntie Mae’s Parlor

Auntie Mae’s brings back their monthly free show this first Tuesday with local Manhattan bands The Blackbird Fields (Guitar/Drum duo) and Philosophy of Lions (four-piece featuring Guitar, Bass, Drums and Sax). Visit your Auntie!

Free Entry

Wednesday 2/8:

@7:00pm Chris Biggs & Friends at Bluemont Lounge

Free Entry

@9:00pm Open Mic Night at VFW

Musicians, comedians and poets will have a chance to hone their craft in front of a live audience. A great way to support your local artists and to enjoy free entertainment! Sign up is at 8:30pm, acts start at 9:00pm.

Free Entry

Thursday 2/9:

@7:00pm Chappie Live at Bluemont Lounge

60s hits, Motown and Rock.

Free Entry

@9:00pm The Lark & The Loon at Auntie Mae’s Parlor

Americana! Sea shanties! Irish dance tunes! Delta blues! Piedmont blues! Jazz! Country! The Lark and the Loon love it all and effortlessly weave genres together for a unique take on roots music.

No Cover Listed (Likely $3 or $5)

Friday 2/10:

@6:00pm The Ovaries-eez w/ Philosophy of Lions at Replay Lounge (Lawrence)

The Ovaries-eez just released a new album, “Moon Birth” – available now at whatevertapes.com – and will be joined by Manhattan’s own Philosophy of Lions for this lovely all ages Matinee show! Worth traveling for if you aren’t already planning on going to one of the other shows on Friday!

No Cost Listed

@7:15pm Rupert Wates at Our HOUSE (see <- link to request address)

Rupert’s unique music is an eclectic mix of acoustic, melodic art/folk, with flavors of jazz, vaudeville and cabaret. Rupert has over 35 performance and songwriting awards and in 2013 was one of 3 musicians named Artist of the Year by Concerts in Your Home hosts. In 2016 he was again awarded this honor and is the ONLY artist to have won this award twice. If you can’t make it to this show, there is a second opportunity on Sunday (see below).

$15-20 Suggested Donation (proceeds go to artist)

@7:30pm KSU Latin Jazz Band at Manhattan Arts Center

Help these amazingly talented students raise funds for their upcoming Cuban tour! Live music, dancing, and Latin foods make for a fun and festive night!

$10 Ticket (Adult); $5 Ticket (Military/Student/Child)

@8:00pm Rebels And Renegades Tour W/ Shallow Side And Seasons After at Devil’s Tail (Junction City)

Rebels and Renegades Tour hits Junction City. Shallow Side, Seasons After and Guns Out at Sundown will be rocking the stage with help from local band Waffle Stomp. This is an 18+ show.

$10 Ticket (advance); $15 Ticket (at the door)

@9:00pm Sam Riggs at RC McGraw’s

“Sam Riggs wears a legacy of honest country, makes good rock, writes lyrics that matter and straps on a stage presence second to none.” — Ray Wylie Hubbard

$12 Ticket

Saturday 2/11:

@3:30pm Molly Tuttle Band at Manhattan Arts Center

A virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and award winning songwriter with a distinctive voice, Molly Tuttle has turned the heads of even the most seasoned industry professionals.

“[Molly Tuttle] sings with the gentle authority of Gillian Welch, yet plays astoundingly fleet flat-picketin guitar like Chet Atkins on superdrive.” – Paul Zollo, American Songwriter Magazine

$18 Ticket (Adult); $11 Ticket (Military/Student/Child)

@7:00pm Logan Mize at The Hat

Logan Mize is a Country artist originally from Clearwater, KS. He currently lives in Nashville, TN. His influences include Elton John, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Alan Jackson, Aerosmith, Bob Marley, Steve Earle, Blackhawk, Van Halen, Waylon Jennings, Tim McGraw, The Dixie Chicks, and Enya.

$15 Ticket (GA); $175 Ticket (Reserved Table)

@8:00pm Monkey Business at RC McGraw’s

Concordia based Monkey Business will be covering rock hits from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s.

No Cost Listed

Sunday 2/12:

@4:00pm Rupert Wates at Lakeside Music (email [email protected] for address)

Rupert’s unique music is an eclectic mix of acoustic, melodic art/folk, with flavors of jazz, vaudeville and cabaret. Rupert has over 35 performance and songwriting awards and in 2013 was one of 3 musicians named Artist of the Year by Concerts in Your Home hosts. In 2016 he was again awarded this honor and is the ONLY artist to have won this award twice. If you can’t make it to this show there is another opportunity on Friday (see above).

$15-20 Suggested Donation (proceeds go to artist)


MHKmusic updates are a public service intended to grow the music scene in Manhattan, KS. They are published weekly on Sunday afternoons.