Andy Frasco & The U.N. – Try Not to Die Tour w/Kris Lager – Cedar Rapids, IA

Doors Open at 7:00 PM

Opener Kris Lager at 8:00 PM

Andy Frasco & The U.N. at 9:15pm

Andy Frasco & The U.N. have long been the high-flying DIY renegades of the touring scene known and loved for their kaleidoscopic musical fusion and one-of-a-kind onstage audacity. Now celebrating their longevity, the band is shaking things up with L’Optimist (Fun MachineRecords/Soundly), as its title suggests, Frasco’s most hopeful and enthusiastic collection thus far. A testament to Frasco’s wide-ranging influences and boundless energy, his band’s sixth released studio album sees the magnetic frontman continuing to chart his path of self-exploration and personal discovery through increasingly introspective lyricism and musical adventure.

Songs like “Everything Bagel (Feat. Artikal Sound System)” and the deeply moving “Iowa Moon” touch on matters of the heart and mental health, emotional struggle and the sheer vulnerability of the human experience, all relayed through a wildly eclectic approach navigating funk, jazz, surf rock, blues, swing, gospel, reggae, exotica, and more with horn-blasted positivity and soulful power. “I fight depression every single day,” Frasco says, “and the only way to fight depression is through optimism. I try to write optimistic songs because optimism keeps me going. As humans, I don’t think we’re all that much different. Everyone needs a little optimism to keep going.”

Having spent the first part of his career making his bones as a fun-loving frontman with a self-proclaimed “gift of gab,” Frasco pushed his song writing in more personal directions with 2020’s Keep On Keepin’ On and 2022’s Wash, Rinse, Repeat.

Kris Lager

Hailing originally from Lincoln, Nebraska and currently based out of Omaha Kris Lager is a ‘MUST-SEE TO BELIEVE’ singer/songwriter, guitarist, and entertainer. A true and rare trifecta of an artist who possesses a signature style musically and vocally, who can write catchy and memorable songs while also being an impressive showman, all in one.

Possessing a charisma and charm that could only be fortified from decades on the road honing his craft. Kris Lager started out as a ripping young blues guitar player who spent the majority of his early days playing his heart out.  It wasn’t until he made a conscious effort to connect with his audience and open his eyes when he realized there was something more to the equation.

“My whole world as a performer changed when I started making eye contact with everyone around me”.  It seems simple, but it is so powerful and awakening”.  Explains Kris.  I try to convey that message to every young performer who asks what my secret is. It’s as simple as just looking at your audience and at the band.  There’s a quantum energy that happens when we notice each other, smile, and vibe with each other. It changes the whole dynamic of the situation.’

“That’s what we are here to do: to connect, congregate, sing, and dance and guess what I? I am here and ready for this moment! I got just the medicine you need!” Explains Kris with a laugh.

What People Are Saying:

​World-Renowned Musician and Podcaster, Andy Frasco called Kris “His favorite songwriter!” and also said Kris has inspired a lot of his songs and his desire to have an upbeat and positive stage persona.

Multiple Grammy Award winning and Legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll Producer, who has mixed two of Kris’ albums, Jim Gaines (Santana, SRV, Van Morrison, Steve Miller) says Kris has “A great voice and great songs!”  

Paste Magazine explains the music as “The kind of toe-tapping rhythm that sometimes you just need to make it through a day.”

NEW ALBUM: ‘Black Dirt Troubadour’

Kris Lager has just released another album of stellar and heartfelt originals entitled ‘Black Dirt Troubadour’ on his own Fervent Ameba Records.  The album was recorded to tape and mixed by Travis Huisman at Catamount Recording and is another entry into a legendary catalog of original compositions. The release is currently only available on streaming services with a soon to be announced release on vinyl in 2025

Black Dirt Troubadour focuses on Kris’ lyrics and songwriting over guitar work and band interplay.  Perhaps, a maturity into a new era where he’s leaning more and more into his Americana and country roots.  Songs like ‘That’s Why I Play’, ‘What You Don’t Know You Have’, and ‘Trouble in My Home’ paint a picture of a troubadour in search of something he doesn’t’ exactly know, but can feel inside the sanctuary of a song.

The opening track ‘You Deserve All Of The Love’ is a radio ready sentiment the whole world needs to hear and in a just world would. Another crowd favorite on the album is ‘The Little Things’,  a nod to his three children. Wil’ This Night Away’ sounds like a lost track from The Rolling Stones with a struttin’ Keith Richards guitar riff and great vocal sing along hook. 

There’s also plenty of rootsy guitar driven goodness like ‘Boogie Trance’, ‘Time To Spend’ and the shuffling ‘I’m Here For You’.  There’s a dash of reggae soul with ‘There’s Nothin’ That Can Get In My Way’ and also a piano track as well with ‘Just A little Peace’ featuring Kris on Grand Piano.