Split Lip Rayfield reunites at Kaw River Roots Festival in Lawrence

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A Lawrence crowd welcomed Split Lip Rayfield as the band performed together for the first time since 2019 on Friday night at the fourth annual Kaw River Roots Festival.

“The group is credited with helping to shape a new genre by blending elements of bluegrass, punk rock, hard rock, and country music into a unique and powerful sound,” according to their Kansas Music Hall of Fame bio.

The band formed after Wichita and Lawrence musicians met at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield nearly three decades ago.

Of course “The Stitchgiver” — the band’s iconic homemade gas tank bass — took the stage Friday as well.

The festival continues Saturday, June 22, featuring the Tim O’Brien Band, Arkansauce and many other acts. More information is available at this link.

August Rudisell/Lawrence Times A huge Lawrence crowd cheers for Split Lip Rayfield. The Kansas Hall of Famers performed together for the first time since 2019 on Friday at the Kaw River Roots Festival in downtown Lawrence.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times The Unfit Wives perform.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times Betsy O and the Hollaback Boys perform on the outdoor stage.

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August Rudisell (he/him) has been a photographer and videographer for The Lawrence Times since March 2021. He is a former dispatcher, he avidly consumes and creates local news, and he would love to meet your dog when out and about at a community event.

See more of his work for the Times here.

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