KC concerts Dec. 26-Jan. 1: Making Movies, Hembree, William Elliott Whitmore

Samantha Fish’s show at Knuckleheads on Saturday is sold out. Yet fans of Fish without tickets aren’t entirely out of luck. Nicholas David, who claims Fish as one of his biggest supporters, is performing on another stage at Knuckleheads. Fish produced David’s album “Yesterday’s Gone” and released it on her Wild Heart Records label last month. The Minnesota native competed on “The Voice” in 2012, but his affiliation with the Southern rock group the Devon Allman Project is more indicative of his orientation. 816-483-1456. Tickets are $15 through knuckleheadskc.com.

Singer-songwriter William Elliott Whitmore often seems more committed to his farm in Iowa than to furthering his career in music. He doesn’t even bother to maintain a dedicated internet presence. Whitmore’s indifference to fame and fortune is part of his charm. His gravelly voice and backwoods form of folk reveal an authenticity that more self-conscious artists never achieve. Although he’s just 41, Whitmore sounds like a wizened drifter playing for transients at an illicit campfire in a rail yard. 785-841-5483. Tickets are $10 through thebottlenecklive.com.

The Grisly Hand plays a twang-laden brand of rock and The Freedom Affair specializes in a vibrant form of retro-soul. Together, the bands represent the dynamic range of danceable music crafted in Kansas City. The wry lyrics of memorable songs like “Country Singles” are accentuated by The Grisly Hands’ powerhouse vocalist Lauren Krum. The throwback soul of The Freedom Affair anthems including “Rise Up” is powered by the vocals of Seyko Groves, Misha Roberts and Paula Saunders. 816-753-5207. Tickets are $8 through therecordbar.com.

The accomplished Kansas City band Making Movies encourages New Year’s Eve celebrants to wear their “best leather jackets, boots, dresses, high heels and fancy costumes” to its “punky, draggy” holiday concert at which “weird is welcome.” Assisted by other dignitaries of Kansas City’s music community, including members of Victor & Penny and The Freedom Affair, Making Movies will interpret The Clash’s “Combat Rock,” the 1982 album featuring the hits “Should I Stay or Should I Go” and “Rock the Casbah.” With Wick and the Tricks. 816-205-8560. Tickets are $22 through thetrumankc.com.

Hembree’s concert at the Bottleneck is one of the region’s most stylish New Year’s Eve events. The meticulous songs of the local indie-pop band incorporate the latest developments in popular music. Elements of the sounds of trendsetting artists including The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, Bon Iver and James Blake find their way into Hembree’s songs. Renditions of new Hembree tracks like “Skyline,” “Culture” and “Almost” will provide an up-to-the-minute soundtrack for monitoring the evening’s countdown clock. With Mess. 785-841-5483. Tickets are $15 through thebottlenecklive.com.

The primary kitchen at Knuckleheads turns out mouth-watering bar food. The East Bottoms roadhouse will be transformed into an equally delectable musical buffet on New Year’s Eve. Celebrants will be able to sample an ear-tickling variety of sounds on three stages. Heather Newman and Katie Guillen are among Kansas City’s top blues-rock acts. Slim Hanson and the Poor Choices specialize in old-school honky-tonk. Partiers who prefer covers will dance to The Zeros and The Instamatics. Also with Stone Cutters Union and Levee Town. 816-483-1456. Tickets are $40 through knuckleheadskc.com.

Daredevils eager to enter 2020 with their ears ringing will congregate at the Replay Lounge on New Year’s Eve. Bummer, one of the region’s loudest bands, is among the attractions. The Kansas City trio’s rip-snorting interpretation of Marilyn Manson’s “The Beautiful People” is the tamest track on its latest release. Marginally tamer sounds will be offered by rap veteran Approach, garage-rock bands Momma’s Boy and Thighmaster and a new project overseen by singer-songwriter Heidi Lynne Gluck. 785-749-7676. Cover charge $5. replaylounge.com.

The earthy combination of blues and barbecue is a Kansas City tradition. The winning tandem will be in full effect at BB’s Lawnside BBQ. Nick Schnebelen is the guitarist for the Kansas City blues-rock band Trampled Under Foot. Athough his flamboyant playing helped the band win the International Blues Challenge in 2008, Schnebelen displays newfound maturity on his 2019 album, “Crazy All By Myself.” Ribs, burnt ends, jambalaya and other house specialties will be served until 11 p.m. 816-822-7427. Tickets are $15 through bbslawnsidebbq.com.

This story was originally published December 24, 2019 at 7:00 AM with the headline "KC concerts Dec. 26-Jan. 1: Making Movies, Hembree, William Elliott Whitmore."