Lied Across Kansas brings live music to rural communities

LAWRENCE (KSNT) – Lied Across Kansas is announcing its fall 2025 and spring 2026 schedule, featuring two bands across eight locations in rural parts of the state. 

The Lied Center in Lawrence has been bringing the performing arts to rural communities across Kansas for a decade. Their program Lied Across Kansas has the goal of providing performing arts to people and places who might otherwise not have access. Students, educators and community members have been able to experience the arts through workshops, performances and conversations with world-class artists—free of charge because of the program.

Derek Kwan and Anthea Scouffas with the Lied Center told 27 News they have worked together every spring and fall to find talented artists who also have a true gift of connection, especially with young people. These artists will travel hundreds of miles to perform and host workshops for K-12 students and their parents. Some events are small, for 10-15 kids, whereas others involve entire schools and families. 

“We have found that the best way to reach community members is through the schools,” Scouffas said. “The schools all play a vital role in each of these smaller communities serving as gathering sites for all sorts of community-wide activities and events.”

Lied Across Kansas is bringing “The Westerlies“, a jazz, new classical, and Appalachian folk quartet to Jetmore, Greensburg, Protection and Coldwater from Nov. 19-21 this year for their “South of 70” tour. For the “North of 70” tour, “Our Band“, a folk fusion band from Massachusetts, will play in Sabetha, Mankato, Osborne and Hoxie from April 6-10. 

You can watch The Lied Center’s video about the program here or check out the website for the program to learn more.

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