For music lovers in Lawrence, Field Day Fest has become one of the most exciting events of the Summer. What started as strictly a rock music festival years ago has now grown into a music festival featuring rock, indie, hip hop, experimental, and more. Now in its fifth year, Field Day Fest has become a bustling weekend of activity that leaves concert-goers with too many options to keep track of.
That’s why we talked to some of the performers at this year’s festival to help you get a feel for the event. This year’s lineup features an array of musicians, some new and some returning as veterans. The performers (you can see their set times below their names) dish out some tips on surviving the three-day event, as well as which acts will have people talking.
Alice M.
Band: Wendy Moira
Wendy Moira will be performing on Saturday at the Bottleneck at 10:00 p.m.
Which act do you recommend everyone see at Lawrence Field Day Fest?
“A band/artist you haven’t seen before! Or one you’ve never heard of.”
Why?
“Spice up your life, noob!”
Favorite Field Day Fest memory?
“(Literally) running from one venue to another to try to see EVERYONE.”
Advice for anyone attending the show:
“Wear practical/comfy shoes! Drink a shit ton of water— even if you’re not drinking alcohol, it’s bound to be hot pretty much everywhere you go… Treat venue staff with respect and tip your bartenders, dammit. And most of all, don’t be a skeeze.”
Kwame
Kwame will be performing on Saturday at the Replay at 9:00 p.m.
Which act do you recommend everyone see at Lawrence Field Day Fest?
“The Lincoln Marshall show at the Replay (spoilers: I’m opening for that). So yeah, definitely peep that for some real good hip hop, haha.”
Why?
“Because I’m dope, Approach and MilkDrop are dope, the rest of the acts are dope… so like, why not!?!”
Favorite Field Day Fest memory?
“This is my first LFDF so I’m stoked to make some new memories when this whole thing pops off!”
Advice for anyone attending the show:
“Go to every show with an open mind and open ears, take in every act, and enjoy. This is a time to broaden one’s musical taste so just have fun and vibe out with all the acts you see.”
Jason Meier
Band: The People’s Punk Band
Jason will be performing with The People’s Punk Band on Saturday at the Bottleneck at 11:00 p.m.
Which act do you recommend everyone see at Lawrence Field Day Fest?
“Definitely The Pedaljets.”
Why?
“They’re true KC rock n’ roll legends and royalty who don’t get nearly the props that they deserve after all of these years. More people my age and younger need know what folks my age and older already know about them.”
Favorite Field Day Fest memory?
“I would probably have to say Radkey’s Bottleneck show the 2nd year. They had been playing in Lawrence for maybe a year before it. But that was the show that truly ‘broke them’ in this town as they had a ton of hype going into it, played to a huge crowd and absolutely crushed it. Need less to say they’ve not played to an empty room in this town ever since.”
James Thomblison
Band: Arc Flash
James will be performing with Arc Flash on Saturday at the Replay at 7:00 p.m.
Which act do you recommend everyone see at Lawrence Field Day Fest?
“I’m very excited for the High Dive showcase. BUMMER, Conquerors, them Heat boys; and of course Shy Boys rock the hardest at the lowest decibel I’ve ever seen.”
Favorite Field Day Fest memory?
“I think this year will be my favorite so far because I’m playing all three days. CS Luxem on Thursday at the Taproom, Psychic Heat on Friday at the Jackpot, and Arc Flash on Saturday at the Replay matinee.”
Advice for anyone attending the show:
“My advice for anyone attending is hydration is the key to any successful party.”
Garret Marsh
Band: Real Adults
Garret will be performing with Real Adults on Friday at The Bottleneck at 10:15 p.m.
Which act do you recommend everyone see at Lawrence Field Day Fest?
“It’s hard to narrow down to just one considering EVERY band is worth seeing in this festival. If I had to narrow it down to a showcase, it would definitely be High Dive’s at the Jackpot.”
Why?
“Because High Dive happens to be our favorite local label. All of the bands they have on are incredible.”
Favorite Field Day Fest memory?
“Our favorite memory would have to be last year considering it was our FIRST EVER SHOW. Quinton called us the night before asking if we could fill a spot for a band that couldn’t make it. So naturally, we said heck ya.”
Advice for anyone attending the show:
“Our advice for anyone attending the show would be to try and make it to as many of the shows as possible. Every venue is packed to the brim with talent this year.”
Liz Weiler
Band: Vedettes
Liz will be performing with Vedettes on Friday at the Replay at 10:30 p.m.
Which act do you recommend everyone see at Lawrence Field Day Fest?
“Bummer, Godzillionaire, The People’s Punk Band.”
Why?
“Because loud, heavy goodness!”
Favorite Field Day Fest memory?
“Gregg from Federation of horsepower playing guitar outside the Replay on Mass – like on Mass in the intersection!”
Advice for anyone attending the show:
“Hydrate, positive mental attitude, and rock out!!!”
Michael Dye
Band: Godzillionaire
Michael will be performing with Godzillionaire on Thursday at the Taproom at 12:15 a.m.
Which act do you recommend everyone see at Lawrence Field Day Fest?
“Without question if you haven’t seen them already, you need to see Young Bull.”
Why?
“Young Bull is exactly what the Lawrence scene needed; pure rock and roll complete with a solid frontman, rhythm section, and guitar solos. Its like witnessing a finely-tuned freight train and equally as loud. A must-see band for sure. A combination of several longtime musicians creating a fresh new vibe of their own.”
Favorite Field Day Fest memory?
“Having worked at The Bottleneck for three of the four Field Day Fests, my favorite memory is how it all began. I don’t believe anyone, including Cameron [Hawk], thought it would be as big and in demand five years later. We had a long time period in this scene where bands would mostly just stick to their own. It still occurs for the most part, but people like Cameron keep throwing these awesome shows which forces hands together. I love everything about it and hope it goes clear into year 10 and beyond.”
Advice for anyone attending the show:
“My advice for first time Field Day Fest attendees and vets alike is to escape your comfort zone. With all the bands playing in multiple venues its easy to take a chance. I get it, your favorite band plays *insert venue* so you’d rather just stay there all night. Do yourself a favor and wander from venue to venue. You might be surprised how many awesome bands you’ve missed out on. Thats what this whole thing is all about.”
Carl Smith
Band: Toughies
Carl will be performing with Toughies on Thursday at the Replay at 12:30 a.m.
Which act do you recommend everyone see at Lawrence Field Day Fest?
“CS Luxem.”
Why?
“He writes really lovely songs and puts a lot of emotion into every show he plays, whether it’s one man or full band.”
Favorite Field Day Fest memory?
“My favorite Field Day Fest memory is convincing all of my friends to go see my future girlfriend’s band.”
Advice for anyone attending the show:
“Pace yourself, it’s a long weekend.”
Kainen Spooner
Band: WIDES
Kainen will be performing with WIDES on Friday at The Bottleneck at 9:15 p.m.
Which act do you recommend everyone see at Lawrence Field Day Fest?
“Bummer.”
Why?
“TO ESCAPE THE MORTAL COIL THRU EXPERIENCING THE BEEF WALL.”
Favorite Field Day Fest memory?
“One time I found a really cool pair of shoes in a tree during Field Day Fest. They fit.”
Advice for anyone attending the show:
“Hit this.”