Sorry for the lack of update yesterday. Things are just getting back to normal with Lazy-i’s server. The archived Blogger entries are now available again. And just as the weather finally becomes spring-like, I come down with a chest cold. Life sucks!

Anyway, according to the One Percent Productions website, the line-up for the June 17 Memorial Park Bright Eyes Concert appears to be in place. The openers are Welshman Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals — apparently a friend of Oberst’s — and Neva Dinova, who recently signed to Saddle Creek Records. This came as something of a surprise as some of the organizers had said they didn’t want the concert to be a “Saddle Creek showcase.” A number of non-Creek Omaha bands had been rumored to be in contention for the opening slots. In the end, the decision was likely Oberst’s and Oberst’s alone. Certainly Mayor Mike Fahey isn’t a fan of Rhys’ 2005 solo debut Yr Atal Genhedlaeth. In fact, no one around here has even heard it before, except Oberst. Regardless, just imagine the crowd singing along to “Rhagluniaeth Ysgafn” or “Y Gwybodusion” or the infectious “Chwarae’n Troi’n Chwerw.” Does it get any better than that?

Then there’s Neva Dinova, a band that to this day would be hard-pressed to sell out Sokol Underground. Ah, but they’re on Creek now, certainly that’ll make the difference to the thousands of Omahans who are on the fence deciding whether or not they should go to the free show. Fact is — and Oberst and the organizers know this — it never mattered who opened the concert since anyone who shows up will be there to see Bright Eyes anyway. If you’re Oberst and Creek, why not put your most recent signing on the bill? And though Rhys debut was released on a subsidiary of Rough Trade, I wouldn’t be surprised if his next one comes out on Oberst’s Team Love label. Industrious? You bet.

Now go back and read my Acid Test in the Park column and think about how many people will show up for the concert. Better yet, ask yourself how many Omahans will be there, because certainly the biggest draw now will come from rabid Bright Eyes fans from around the country who will be making a pilgrimage to see their beloved savior at his only non-festival appearance this year in the United States. It’s only one month away…

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