The end of September this year is live with concerts. Thankfully, the Cardinal has the back to back lineup of awesome shows every Louisvillian should check out.

Thursday September 17

The Milk Carton Kids:

These guys may or may not have been heard of in more underground indie rock circles. The lead singers Kenneth Patengale and Joey Ryan are a part of the found again folk genre, taking their music all the way to Conan’s late night show and a Grammy nomination. Similiar artists: John Denver, Avett Brothers, and Old Crow Medicine Show. They melodic duo plays tonight at 8pm in the Kentucky Center’s Bomhard Theater. Tickets are $35.

Friday September 18th 

Joan Shelley:

“In the fall, life starts over again.” Maybe Louisville feels the same way, there is something about folk music making people want to sway around a campfire in Kumbayah unison, perhaps this is why the second night continues with just a “girl and her guitar,” as Forrest Gump’s Jenn-ay would say. If you ever wondered what the fictitious Jenny would write about, I’d say this is pretty darn close. Shelley is a local vocalist and guitarist, making quite the name for herself. Warning: don’t listen to her music before the show, at the risk you’ll want to van it across the country. Or do listen to her music before the show, and fall in love with Shelley all the more. She plays this Friday at 8pm at the Kentucky Center’s Bombard Theater. Tickets are $15.

Tuesday September 22nd

The Chris Robinson Brotherhood

This group might be better for backyard barbeques attracting an older crowd, but their show could have a lot of potential. Their lyricist Chris Robinson is packed with soul, and presumably so is his brotherhood. There is a heavy influence of electric guitar and keyboard, so it’s like the Doors are introduced to the Remember the Titans soundtrack – surely that’ll make an interesting night, right? Playing at the Mercury Ballroom at 8pm, tickets sell for $25.

Wednesday September 23rd

Cody Simpson and Aer

Attention U of L students, Aer is coming to the Mercury Ballroom this Wednesday at 8pm, and it’ll make a midweek treat to get you through the rest of this half semester. Their number one single, “Float My Boat,” is one of many college kid anthems, right next to Mac Miller (coming near us in October), and Ignition Remix. “Too hungover to know the difference between this and that /Weekends losing meaning, every evening like the last.”

We understand, Aer.

Tickets start at $30.

Thursday September 24th

Lyfe Jennings on the Funny Lyfe Tour

For better or worse, musician Lyfe Jennings had a life altering experience when he was imprisoned for five years. The native from Toledo, Ohio grew up in his church choir; an obvious influence for his music after his release from prison. You don’t have to relive the glory days of 90s R&B by singing in the shower, just come to Jennings’ show this Thursday at 8:30pm at the Mercury Ballroom. Tickets start at $27.50.