When Hembree threw their big ten-year anniversary show at Liberty Hall over the weekend, it really felt like they had arrived. We’ve watched these musicians progress over the years, moving from one band to another, until they finally collided with their current lineup. But their big move to L.A. and nonstop touring has really brought them to a place that’s worthy of big stages. This did not feel like a hometown show where a few friends got back together. It felt professional, choreographed, fine-tuned (and worthy of the massive stage at Liberty Hall). Hembree grew up, and we’re finally seeing them at a point in their development where they can headline big stages just as good as any other big indie rock band out there. Isaac Flynn, Alex and Austin Ward, and Eric Davis are at their performance peak.
They properly chose Lawrence over KC as the location for this hometown celebration, and even brought in a few former members who had been with them since the beginning. The band saw a rotating cast of friends grace the stage, from Jim Barnes to Garrett Childers and even pulling in Marty Hillard and Katlyn Conroy for a couple of showstopping numbers. And yes, frontman Isaac’s father made a cameo.
Hillard and Conroy were already part of the big night due to the reunion of Cowboy Indian Bear, which brought in a few curious fans from “the old days” in Kansas City. When you looked around the room and saw which musicians and fans had emerged for the special occasion, we couldn’t help but get some major “Middle of the Map Fest” vibes (rip to one of our favorite festivals). The reunion worked because, by grand coincidence, all members happened to be on the same continent for a change. Though most of them have moved onto what we consider very successful careers (Conroy’s work as Cheery is really going to take her places), we put our disdain for nostalgia aside and enjoyed the moment.
Lauren Lovelle and the Midnight Spliffs opened up the night thanks to Lovelle’s proximity to the musicians in Hembree, having grown alongside them in the Lawrence scene. Believe us when we say Lovelle’s band is the next big thing. This town is head over heals for the spliffs (what should we call their fans… Spliffers?… we’ll work on it and get back to you). She has really come to life with her live act since we first saw her a year ago. That spunk and charisma onstage is infectious, their tunes are instant earworms, and it’s undeniable that they’re destined for something bigger. Like Hembree, they knew how to not be swallowed by the large stage. We’ll be a little disappointed if, after all this praise, you don’t check them out at least once.
You can see photos from the night below, cameos and all.