Stratgazer's SUMMER JAM 2026

As fall is in full-swing, let’s take a look back at Stratgazer’s Summer Jam that was mid-August. Cory O’Meara puts on Summer Jam annually, and this was the first time I attended.

Grinders at 1826 Locust Street hosted. This is a lively outdoor venue with a stage that has displayed national touring acts. Grinders regularly hosts local shows, too.

The Facebook event page read: “SUMMER JAM is an outdoor festival celebrating Kansas City music and art. A day of live music, local artists, vendors, and street performers. . .Live painting by Morgen Agesen.”

The first performer was Jimmy Peck.. I have seen him before, and his music is very chill, honest, and authentic. He covers subjects of recovery, love, loss and spirituality. Surprisingly, he did a cover of Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” Another song that stood out in the set is his original “Society.” This is a song that seeps into your bones and makes you truly hear every word.

Space Dragon was the first band. The 3-piece set out ready to rock-n-roll! Their songs are catchy and funky. They have a 90s rock vibe with some punk attitude, and raspy vocals teetering towards blues territory. 

Unfortunately, I missed Dirty Blvd’s set because I was inside getting a slice of pizza. . .The Loaded “Baked” Potato Pizza has potatoes indeed ON the pizza. It sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it does with bacon and green onions. Basically a baked potato as a pizza. So good!

Spaceborne Killers is one of KC’s most electrifying bands at the moment. They simply kick ass, with fierce powerhouse vocals and soaring energy. Their set included a cover of Wolfmother’s “Woman.”

Beyond The Grey represents dark, gloomy grunge rock. Their rhythm section was thunderous. They express that they want their music to “help people out of a dark place and help them see hope.” One of their passions is suicide prevention and mental health awareness, especially relating to veterans. 

My Waking Dream was an excellent follow. The hard rock band is newer to the scene as a band, and they have played VooDoo Lounge a couple times. My Waking Dream bites with a hard rock edge. Their music sinks their teeth in and kept the energy going. 

Atypical is a band whose name I have seen on a near daily basis on social media. If you have not seen them, you definitely need to. The 5-piece hard rock band is the most conventional to get into, but do not underestimate this band. They take the stage and they own it. By this time of the day, more people had started flowing in, and there was a large crowd in front of the stage watching as Atypical danced and strutted across the stage. 

Laura Bowen was next. She had a full band backing her swagger and black leather rock-n-roll attitude. She is a powerhouse vocalist and hypnotic. Hearing “Born To Run” live was an awesome experience.

I think this was the first time I had seen Freaky Things. This came as a surprise upon reflection. . .Their glam-rock swagger visually looks like the 1980s hair metal bands with big hair, bold eyeshadow, and even bolder clothing. Their choreography on stage was hypnotic. They are pure par-tay! A very fun band.

KcEMO closed out the night with a set full of Linkin Park covers. There was a lot of crowd sing-a-longs. By this time, the sun had gone down; the dark sky held a beauty in the melancholy. 

Summer Jam was a long day but a fun day jam packed with local music. Summertime is prime time for the flowing of music and drinks, and Stratgazer and Grinders provided the perfect environment for such a day to occur.