Light Up the Lawn: Beth Watts Nelson & Kelly Hunt

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and food for Americana music on a summer night!

Beth Watts Nelson and Kelly Hunt performing on stage

The Midwest Trust Center and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art present Beth Watts Nelson & Kelly Hunt, who will perform a live music concert as part of the 2025 Light Up the Lawn Concert Series.

Singer-songwriters Beth Watts Nelson and Kelly Hunt join forces to perform original songs in an outdoor concert. In their beautiful set, the musicians share their unique sound composed from influences pulled from decades worth of Americana music.

Beth Watts Nelson

Beth Watts Nelson 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. 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.

As a solo/duo performer with a voice that cuts straight to your soul, she combines her voice with her vintage Martin guitar or clawhammer banjo, evoking 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 unique arrangements, Hunt casts a musical 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.

Grab your chance to see some of the best live music that Kansas City has to offer in this FREE concert on the Nerman Museum lawn. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets (no alcohol) and get ready for an amazing night! No reservations required.

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