Damn, Replay! Has it already been 25 years? Seems like only yesterday we were discovering the joys of a dive venue at one of the hottest corners of Downtown Lawrence. The little corner bar at 10th and Massachusetts has become an institution in the local music scene not just for its out-of-this-world live shows and lineups (which sometimes feature bands right before they hit it big), but for their cast of colorful characters that make it through the door. The Replay has always kept its doors open to all types of music, from bluegrass and folk on the patio to raging punk and hardcore throwdowns inside—and it seems that no matter which show you end up at in Lawrence on any given evening, chances are you’ll end your night at the Replay. So to celebrate this anniversary ahead of their weekend-long celebration, we asked musicians who live in Lawrence why they continue to go to the Replay after all these years.
Name: Jason Meier
Band: The People’s Punk Band / Blackheart Saviors
Why do you go to the Replay?
“I still frequent the Replay after all of these years because it really does feel like a 2nd home to me. I’ve celebrated a lot birthdays for both myself and lots of friends there. I’ve sadly mourned the losses of several friends and family there too. I was even a groomsman in my one of best friends’ wedding on the patio there once. I helped run the old North vs South music fest for four years in the early 2000’s there and continue that now as part of Lawrence Field Day Fest. I’ve also played probably close to a hundred shows there now with a wide range of acts both inside and on the patio to very packed houses and completely empty rooms. But the best part has been becoming friends with owner Nick Carroll and a bunch of the employees over the years. All of this is why I think it’s the best hangout/ townie bar in the state of Kansas and a place I hope to continue to be able to frequent for at least another 25 years.”
Name: Lizz Weiler
Band: Vedettes
Why do you go to the Replay?
“Rock shenanigans, Dana and the rest of the staff, patio shows and patio DJs, meeting future bandmates, playing hundreds of shows with your best friends, Halloween shows, watching littles play pinball when St Pat’s lands on a Saturday, PBR crowns on your birthday, wakes, celebrating some Presidents and protesting others, breaking sunglasses in the pit, Old Style and then Hamm’s, shelter from the storm (literally).”
Name: Katlyn Conroy
Band: La Guerre
Why do you go to the Replay?
“I go to the Replay for the nostalgia of all of the great bands I’ve seen and the memorable shows I’ve played there. Plus it’s my favorite local atmosphere with the lights, the art and all of the familiar faces.”
Name: Tyler Gregory
Why do you go to the Replay?
“Ever seen the show cheers? That pretty much explains it. I mean, that’s how it feels. Everyone is family.”
Name: Kristoffer Dover
Band: The Sluts
Why do you go to the Replay?
“The Replay has been my spot since my first trip inside. It was love at first sight. The lights are low, the beer is cheap, and the whole vibe is ‘Come as You Are’. Dance party outside, rock show inside. It’s the best place of which I know, and the reason The Sluts exist at all.”
Name: Ryan Wise
Band: The Sluts
Why do you go to the Replay?
“Our band plays some of our best shows there. Hell, with the staff, the bands, and the vibe, I’d say it’s one the best fuckin’ Miller Lites in town.”
Name: Sean Hunt
Approach
Why do you go to the Replay?
“I go to the Replay because it has been like a second home to me inside of Lawrence (which has become my home base). I have been treated with love, respect and care as a artist and it allowed me the perfect stepping grounds to showcase all of my artistic endeavors.”
Name: Kimberly Simonetti
DJ Kimbarely Legal
Why do you go to the Replay?
“I go to the Replay for the unique shows, local bands, and they have a guaranteed dance floor. I love to dance. I go to the Replay because they are pro-women and pro-queer. I go to the Replay because they gave me my first real DJ gig about 10 years ago and they have been wonderful and supportive ever since. I go to the Replay because my friends are everywhere I look. They are consistently one of the best live music venues and bars and Lawrence.”
Name: Cuee
Why do you go to the Replay?
“Replay knows how to show you a good time. Great shows, dope DJs, and people actually dance… bonus: first time inside Replay was for a performance. By far one of the most diverse and intimate experiences.”