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.