COC Events

Born from a love of both American roots and the timeless traditions of Celtic music, The Elders have been captivating audiences with their unique fusion of Americana and Celtic rock. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, the band draws on a rich tapestry of folk, bluegrass, and Irish influences, blending them seamlessly with the energy and grit of rock ‘n’ roll. Composed of musicians who share a deep respect for the powerful storytelling traditions found in both American and Celtic music, their sound is an unmistakable mix of banjo, fiddle, electric and acoustic guitars, and pounding drums, driven by the infectious rhythms of both Celtic jigs and the rebellious spirit of Americana. Whether it's the high-energy, foot-stomping anthems or soulful ballads, The Elders create an experience that transports listeners to a place where the old world meets the new, where past and present collide in a celebration of roots music with a rock ‘n’ roll heart. From their Emmy-winning DVD to a celebrated induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and a nationwide PBS concert special, The Elders captivate audiences with the unstoppable energy, heart, and harmony that keep them going strong. The Elders are Ian Byrne (lead vocals and percussion), Kian Byrne (vocals, drums, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, and mandolin), Norm Dahlor (vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitar), Diana Ladio (vocals, fiddle), William "Liam" Latas (vocals, lead guitar, acoustic guitar), and Daniel Loftus (vocals, keyboards, bass guitar). Visit https://www.jccc.edu/midwest-trust-center/events/2025-2026/lutl-elders.html for more information.

Get ready to experience Downtown Olathe like never before at Fourth Fridays! Each month, we bring the streets to life with incredible live music, mouth-watering food trucks, unique local vendors, and community! Last year, we went all out to make Fourth Fridays bigger and better, doubling the vendors and nearly tripling our food truck lineup—and this year, we’re raising the bar even higher! Expect returning favorite bands and new sounds to get you dancing, plus a lineup of can’t-miss food, drinks, and surprises around every corner.  Mark your calendars, grab your friends, and don’t miss out on the best night of the month in Olathe!   More information at: https://fourthfridays.olathe.org/  

Singer-songwriters Beth Watts Nelson and Kelly Hunt join forces to perform original songs that sound as if they have been unearthed with the patina of decades in the songbook of Americana. Beth Watts Nelson Recently ending a 20-year career as a choral director in public schools, Beth Watts Nelson can now be found pursuing her muse in various projects throughout the Kansas City area. Her newest group, Little Miss Dynamite, combined the acoustic forces of some of KC’s finest musicians (Betse Ellis, Brandon Day, and Caleb Gardner) to release their debut album, “Grow Up” in May 2024. Nelson also sings and plays the clawhammer banjo in the fiery old-time string band, Catgut, and is a founding member of the Konza Swamp Band, a long-standing pillar of the local bluegrass scene. Her sweet and soulful duo, Beth and Brandon, plans to release an EP this year. As a solo/duo performer with a voice that cuts straight to your soul, while playing a vintage Martin guitar or clawhammer banjo, she evokes smiles and tears – often at the same time. Kelly Hunt Memphis-raised singer-songwriter Kelly Hunt paints stories as old and offbeat as her Depression-era tenor banjo and parlor guitar, reimagining traditions of folk and old-time music with innovative vigor. Interweaving poetic lyrics, lilting melodies, and intriguing arrangements, Hunt casts a spell. Her 2019 debut album, “Even the Sparrow,” was a finalist for the International Folk Music Awards “Album of the Year.” Her sophomore album, “Ozark Symphony,” was recorded with Grammy-winning musician and producer Dirk Powell and released on Compass Records in 2023.  

ack Alley Brass Band – bringing the spirit of New Orleans to the streets of Kansas City! Since they started in 2018, Back Alley Brass Band has been making serious waves on the live music scene. Recently voted “Best Jazz Entertainment – 2025” in Kansas City, the band has become one of the most sought-after groups for every kind of event. They were also named “Best of KC” by The Pitch in 2024. The high-energy players have a powerful sound that makes this the perfect band to perform at public events, private parties, clubs, and any event where a crowd wants to have a great time The musicians: Trumpets: Justin Crossman, Tom Lawlor, Joe Lu Saxes: Eric Rothmier (Alto), Alex Toepfer (Tenor) Trombones: Matt Hubbel, Matt Fillingham, Chacko Finn Rhythm: Patrick Yeh (Sousaphone), Jeremey Reynolds (Drum Set), Hunter Sprong (Auxiliary Percussion)

The Backyard Garden is an Extension Master Gardener demonstration garden here in Johnson County. It is located at the Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center south of De Soto. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the start of this garden. Why is it so special? This garden showcases research-based, sustainable techniques that can be replicated for home gardeners to grow their own fruits and vegetables in their backyard. Fruit trees, blueberry bushes, squash, cucumbers, herbs, cut flowers, and much more are grown in this 1-acre area. What happens to all this food that is grown here? It gets donated to local food pantries to strengthen our local food systems and combat food insecurity in Johnson County. Are you aware that 1 in 5 Johnson County children is food insecure? In 2024 alone, this productive space donated over 6,000 lbs of fresh, healthy harvest to local food banks. Typically, this garden is only open during Extension Master Gardener workdays or by appointment. However, on Sept. 6 from 10 am to 1 pm, the Extension Master gardeners are hosting a special open house celebrating 20 years of impact, education, and community connection at the Backyard Garden. This is your chance to explore this vibrant living classroom, featuring research-based techniques for growing vegetables, herbs, fruits, pollinator-friendly plants, and native species — all in a home-garden setting. Registration is requested so we can plan for a great day. Let’s celebrate 20 years of garden magic together. Registration link:  Backyard Garden 20th Anniversary Celebration

Billboard charting Sons of Serendip is a unique genre-bending ensemble using emotionally stirring interpretations of pop music, arranged with a unique blend of vocals, harp, piano, and cello. Tickets start at $25. Visit https://www.jccc.edu/midwest-trust-center/events/2025-2026/serendip.html for more information.