by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

When was the last time I went to a show? Well, I guess that would have to be Mark Mallman way way way back on Nov. 29. That’s right, it’s been more than two full weeks. It seems like an eternity, but the fact is, there just haven’t been any national shows that have piqued my interest, and the local shows have involved bands that I’ve seen countless times, and have fallen on nights where the temps have been more than enough to convince me to stay inside (plus, I’ve suffered though bouts of the stomach flu and a head cold). Let’s face it, it’s been a quiet last few weeks show-wise, but the volume is about to be ratcheted up as folks return home for the holidays, signaling the annual round of “reunion shows,” and we’ve got quite a spate in store through the end of the year.

Not the least of which is another grand and glorious Mousetrap reunion show. Whilst researching a column in support of that Mousetrap show here in Omaha at The Waiting Room Dec. 29 and in Lincoln at the Bourbon Theater Dec. 28, I came across this recently produced short film called “I Shot Myself Today,” that stars Mousetrap frontman Patrick Buchanan, shot entirely in Moscow. It’s quite a head trip. And there’s quite a story behind it. But you’ll have to wait until next week to hear about that. Until then, check out the film right here on YouTube. It’s as weird and trippy as anything you’d expect from Buchanan.

* * *

Tonight at The Waiting Room it’s the first of two nights of Homeless for the Holidays benefit concerts. Tonight’s line-up features Jake Bellows, The Whipkey Three, No Blood Orphan, Orion Walsh, and The Fergesens. The $10 cover goes to Sienna Francis House. Show starts at 8:45.

* * *

Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2010 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.