Celebrate the last few weeks of summer at free Light Up the Lawn concerts presented by the Midwest Trust Center and Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. All concerts start at 8 p.m. on the Nerman Museum lawn on the Johnson County Community College (JCCC) campus.
August 14—The Swallowtails
At the core of The Swallowtails, you will find two musicians magnetized by a curiosity to connect and be understood. The genre-bending exploration between Miki P (guitar and vocals) and Rachel Lovelace (bassoon and vocals) has established the band as a premier act in Kansas City and naturally grown a large and loyal following as people connect with both the music and the musicians. Whether on record or on stage, the duo’s bond is unmistakable – songs that guide listeners back home to themselves, illuminating the inner worlds The Swallowtails so carefully build between artist and audience.
August 21—Katy Guillen & The Drive
Established in 2019, Katy Guillen & The Drive is an independent Indie Roots Rock band from Kansas City, founded by partners Katy Guillen (Vocals, Guitar) and Stephanie Williams (Drums). Their sophomore album, Make That Sound,has been making big waves in the indie music scene since its release last fall. Glide Magazine describes it as “a relentless rock vibe, combining Wet Leg’s modern edge and Courtney Barnett’s knack for guitar-based hooks,” and Rainbow Rodeo declared, “It’s raw, it’s tight, and it’s utterly compelling.” The last half of 2025 saw the band touring relentlessly on the new record with dates across the Midwest and Northeast, as well as a tour down the West Coast supporting British guitar legend Robin Trower. This year, the band will take the new album to more cities across the country, including a tour through Alaska.
August 28—Found A Job
Formed in 2012, Found A Job – A Tribute to Talking Heads is an 8-piece band that primarily performs music from albums released during Talking Heads’ Expanded Heads era (“Remain in Light,” “Speaking in Tongues,” and “Stop Making Sense”). The ensemble also covers songs outside of that era, including radio hits such as “Road to Nowhere, ” “And She Was,” “Take Me to the River,” “Once in a Lifetime,” and “Burning Down the House.”
Currently, the band plays 2+ hours of music, complete with choreography a la the classic concert movie “Stop Making Sense.”
The band has played several regional festivals (such as Boulevardia and Briarfest) and has sold out venues all across Kansas City. Every November, they perform the classic concert film “Stop Making Sense,” complete with props, choreography, and costumes (including the iconic Big Suit!).
Learn more
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets (no alcohol) for these fun events! Come early to pick your spot and enjoy tasty bites from a local food truck.
All concerts are free and open to the public, with no reservations required. In case of inclement weather, check jccc.edu/mtc for concert updates.
Make plans now to soak in the last moments of summer 2026 at these free concerts – and don’t miss a full season of events for all ages at MTC, beginning September 18.
