by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

What’s it mean that there are still tickets available to tonight’s Hold Steady show at The Waiting Room? I figured this one would have sold out weeks ago. But maybe we’re seeing a College World Series effect? Or maybe the Hold Steady’s audience is starting to slip… The band hasn’t released a formal full length since 2010’s Heaven Is Whenever. Meanwhile, frontman Craig Finn released a solo album last year and came through town on a solo date at Slowdown Jr. For whatever reason, I’m more interested in seeing Hold Steady at TWR than Slowdown, maybe because the band will seem less disconnected to the audience (Slowdown’s big stage can seem a mile away some nights). I’ll likely be there… if there are any walk-up tickets left. Opening is gritty Siltbreeze band Mount Carmel, who sounds like a modern-day version of Montrose. Yeah, get there early. $18. 9 p.m.

Tomorrow night is the debut of a brand new Omaha band at The Barley Street (and you know how much I like debut performances). Called Night Pirate, the band is like a supergroup of O’Leaver’s veterans. The line-up: Tim Feelger (Latitude Longitude) on bass; Steve Micek (The Stay Awake) on drums, and frontman Jason Ludwick (Bombardment Society) guitar and vocals. Did I say supergroup? I meant super-duper group.  The band is opening for We Live in Sod Houses and headliner Kite Pilot, so you have to get there early early early. $5, 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, just up the street at The Waiting Room Saturday night is the Blue Bird album release party. Bone up on your Blue Bird knowledge prior to the show by listening to a stream of the entire album at bluebirdlovesyou.com. Also on the bill: Skypiper, Lonely Estates and The Big Deep. Your $7 cover will also get you a copy download of the Blue Bird disc. Show starts at 9.

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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 © 2012 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.