The announcement that got pulled back last week is back on again:
Conor Oberst announced that he’s scheduled “an intimate solo show” Nov. 3 at the The 40th Street Theater, 4006 1/2 Hamilton St. Originally a Vaudeville theatre, it recently was restored to its former glory by former Bensonite John Hargiss. WOWT did a story on the restoration last month, which you can read here.
Tickets for this special show go on sale at Pageturners Lounge, and at Ground Floor Guitars and Almost Music in the Blackstone District. Tickets are $35 cash only, and there is a strict limit of two tickets per person. Theater capacity is 200. The show will be seated, first come first served, with doors opening at 7 p.m. Opening the show is Hartford/Focht (Matt Focht and wife Crystal Hartford).
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Couple shows tonight.
At fabulous O’Leaver’s Dressy Bessy headlines. The Denver indie band, which released music on Kindercore back in the ’90s and early ’00s, is associated with the Elephant Six Collective and The Apples in Stereo, among others. Their new album, Kingsized, is out on Yep Rock. Opening is our very own Little Brazil and Arc Flash. 9 p.m., $8.
Also tonight, M34N STR33T is performing as part of a “walking interactive performance art event on South 10th Street.” They’re literally giving away beer (Brickway) and food at the gig (but you have to have a ticket), which is sponsored by Heartland 2050, and which you can learn more about here. Mean Street goes around 8 p.m., rain or shine (It’ll probably be moved inside). Go to the event page and follow the rules regarding free tickets.
From the label’s earliest days, there have been those who have sworn there’s a “Saddle Creek sound” that iconically identifies every act on the roster. And, of course, they’ve always been wrong. There is no sonic common denominator that linked Bright Eyes with Cursive with The Faint, nor with late-comers like Ladyfinger, Rilo Kiley or Son Ambulance, and certainly not with latter-day acts starting as far back as Tokyo Police Club through the list of artists you may already have forgotten, like Rural Alberta Advantage and Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson.
If there was a common thread among Creek artists, one could point toward solid song-writing and an uncompromising approach to the music that seemed genuine and unselfish. No one can accuse a Saddle Creek act of trying to write a hit song to benefit themselves or the label. Just didn’t happen (as far as I know). Instead, acts were — and are — free to make their own decisions based on the music they want to make, for better or worse, and commerce be damned.
Maybe that same philosophy drives the label’s roster decisions. After all, how does an act like Sam Evian fit into Saddle Creek’s history of signings? What qualities did the staff hear that made them decide, “We need to sign this guy; he belongs on Saddle Creek Records”? It certainly wasn’t a commerce-driven decision. I can’t imagine anyone thought, “Sam Evian’s gonna make this label a fortune.” It’s a head-scratcher.
Sam Evian, Premium (2016, Saddle Creek)
So no, after listening to Premium for the past few weeks, the new album by Sam Evian, I can’t figure out why the label signed them. But then again, who would have thought that recent roster additions Big Thief and Hop Along were natural Saddle Creek bands? None have ties with Nebraska or sound like anyone else on the label.
Sam Evian’s music has a casual pop sound, an easy-going, loping meter augmented by glowing guitar tones, lilting synths and Sam Owens’ (the real Sam Evian) cooing voice that add up to the perfect soundtrack for walking barefoot along a West Coast beach at sunset. Call it Indie Yacht Rock; these tracks would sound right at home next to ’70s FM soft rock heroes Boz Scaggs, Player, Stephen Bishop, 10 cc and Bertie Higgins.
There are modern touch-stones as well. I was reminded of laid-back Kurt Vile and Foxygen. Highlights include the screaming sax solo on “Dark Love,” the 10 cc-sh “I Need a Man” and opening track and natural first single “Sleep Easy.” The whole album is warm and pretty and easy to take in, but unlike some of the more substantial Saddle Creek releases over the years, that good feeling is rather fleeting. Like a walk on the beach, the golden moment is lost after the sun goes down. This isn’t life-changing music, but it’s fun.
How does the album fit into the Creek catalogue? For those who’ve come to expect a quality product from the Saddle Creek imprint release-after-release, they won’t be disappointed. And maybe that’s the only requirement that matters. Premium comes out Sept. 30.
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I felt as if I had to write something about Saddle Creek after a post on Facebook a few days ago about tonight’s Off With Their Heads show at Lookout Lounge suggested I only write about O’Leaver’s and Saddle Creek bands. Pshaw… (though, yeah, I do write a lot about Saddle Creek and O’Leaver’s…).
Minneapolis punk band Off With Their Heads records for Epitaph. They’ve toured with Bad Religion and Dropkick Murphys, among others. Openers include West Coast act Bad Cop / Bad Cop (Fat Wreck Chords), Omaha hardcore act Stronghold and The Ridgways. $15, 8 p.m.
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Quick Note: That big (but actually quite small) show I mentioned last week that I didn’t get to announce will be announced tomorrow at noon… probably.
From the porch of my house on Sunset Trail I could see the lights glowing from the stage through the trees. This was no ordinary block party, it was the Parkwood Lane Bluegrass Festival, an event that’s been held since 2014 along the said neighborhood street between Western and Underwood. It’s gotten bigger every year; this year’s featured performer was Clarence Tilton. Next year I expect Wilco to headline.
Despite the stage and professional sound (Hiddleston is first class), it really is just an annual block party. The street was blocked off on either end and long tables were set up leading to the stage, which was a riser surrounded by white Christmas lights strung from poles. It was like a small-town concert, with kids tooling around on push-scooters screaming and laughing, people in groups drinking beers and wine, a portable fire pit and kiosk loaded with flat-panels that showed night college football games for those who couldn’t bear missing a snap.
What I found interesting was how everyone knew everyone; whereas I didn’t know anyone on the street. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised — I don’t live on Parkwood Lane. But then I got to thinking about how many people I really know on my street; know by name. Or who know me. The number is maybe five or six? That’s what happens when you don’t have kids. If you have kids, well, you’re going to know everyone in a four-block radius…who has kids. That’s how it’s always been and should be.
Anyway, we sat on a hay bale and listened as the Clarence Tilton gang ripped though a set of alt-country songs that deserve attention from the rest of the world. At the core is the Weber Brothers on electric guitars and vocals, surrounded by some of the tightest-playing musicians in Omaha. Though alt-country in style, the music reminded me of bands like The Rave-Ups, The Reivers, The Windbreakers and Uncle Tupelo. It’s music that will appeal both to country fans and fans of good, upbeat, tuneful indie music. In fact, I don’t know why they haven’t been discovered by a label. Their debut album, which came out last year, is among the best things produced out of Nebraska.
Though I didn’t see anyone doing a two-step (which got me thinking, these guys really should try playing a few sets at Bushwackers in Ralston) the neighborhood looked like it was having a good time. And the sound was immaculate. We left after about an hour, and of course, was able to continue listening from our house, and didn’t mind at all…
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Tonight there’s a pretty cool electronic/dance show at Lookout Lounge. I haven’t been able to find a shit-ton of info about the headliner, Terror Pigeon, on the interwebs. The best info was from this 2014 Stereogum article:
“…formed as Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt, it’s a collective that was created in 2008 by then-SUNY Purchase student Neil Fridd. They signed to David Byrne’s Luaka Bop label and put out one full-length in 2010, the charmingly-titled ‘I love you! I love you! I love you and I’m in love with you! Have an awesome day! Have the best day of your life!’ They were written up in The New York Times and played shows at SXSW, CMJ, and around DIY venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan. Their emoji-heavy website shows that they’ve been touring consistently for the past four years since the release of their debut. With “Girl!,” they’ve officially started the rollout for their sophomore album, called Live It Up Before You Die It Up!, which will be released through Nashville-based label Stay Magical.”
Their music reminds me of Matt & Kim, sorta, though I like TP’s music a lot more. Also on the bill is Real Dom, a lap-top dance dude. Locals Thick Paint (Graham Ulicny of Reptar) and Big Slur (Dan Scheuerman of Deleted Scenes) open. $5, 8 p.m.
Another deep weekend of shows. The big one is tonight. Bob Mould and his band kick of their tour at The Slowdown’s big room. Mould’s supporting his new album, Patch the Sky (2016, Merge), which continues in the same roaring guitar style as 2012’s Silver Age (thankfully). Opening is Minneapolis band Fury Things, who just played some dates with Weezer. Surprisingly, this $25 show has yet to sell out. If you’re planning on going, you may want to get your ticket online. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Also tonight, Boston band Guerilla Toss headlines at Milk Run. The band’s latest album, Eraser Stargazer, was released earlier this year on the amazing DFA label (LCD Soundsystem). Opening is Saxophone Juice (Reptar’s Graham Ulicny) and fan favorite, TBA. $8, 9:30 p.m.
Tomorrow night, Almost Music in the Blackstone District is hosting a pretty cool in-store. Headlining is New Zealand legends The Renderers (Flying Nun, Merge, Siltbreeze, Ba Da Bing). Their pal Simon Joyner and his band are opening the show, along with Razors. $5, BYOB, 8 p.m. Fun!
Also tomorrow night, Low Long Signal headlines at fabulous O’Leaver’s. Helping them out are Armful of Tigers and The Sleeperhits. $5, 9:30 p.m.
Hey, don’t forget the Punk Rock Flea Swap at The Brothers Lounge tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon from 4 to 8 p.m. Antiques, vendors, food, fun. More info here.
Finally, Sunday night is the big benefit for Rene Orduna at The Slowdown.
From the Facebook invite: “…the heart and soul and master chef of our beloved Dixie Quicks, Rene Orduna, has recently been diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer and is currently bravely battling for his life with his husband, Rob Gilmer, at his side. Rene will be traveling to the Mayo Clinic soon for life-saving care. We are raising money to help with their extensive medical expenses, travel, medication and the toll the illness is taking on their ability to work at the restaurant.”
In addition to a silent auction, there will be performances by High Up, Simon Joyner and Closeness, and a special appearance by Dixie Drag. $15 suggested donation at the door, which opens at 6 p.m (music starts at 7). If you can’t make it (or even if you can), throw some bucks at the GoFundMe campaign.
That’s all I got. If I missed your show, put it in the comments section. Have a great weekend.
Drat. Here I was all set with a show announcement and then the rug gets pulled from under my feet. It happens, it happens…
Regardless, something tells me this show will be announced sometime soon, so keep watching the social media skies. If it happens, you’ll be lucky to get a ticket.
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A show I can tell you about:
Scottish folk-rock band Frightened Rabbit returns to The Slowdown tonight. The band is on the road supporting Painting of a Panic Attack (2016, Atlantic). These guys kind of fell off my radar the last few years. Into It. Over It., a.k.a. Chicago emo dude Evan Thomas Weiss (Triple Crown, Topshelf), opens at 8 p.m. Tix are $18.
Also tonight, Portland indie band Blind Pilot headlines at The Waiting Room, with River Whyless. $16, 9 p.m.
And The Matador is at fabulous O’Leaver’s tonight with Those Dirty Thieves and Jump the Tiger. $5, 9 p.m.
Digital Leather’s 2006 release, Monologue, originally released by Empty Records, just became available on Bandcamp. Included are four unreleased songs recorded around the same time as the Monologue sessions. With no new Digital Leather releases on the horizon (as far as I know, Shawn Foree has a way of dropping records that surprises everyone, including his band members), this will have to get us through…
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It was just like old times in Minneapolis last night as Conor Oberst showed up as the surprise opening act at a Jenny Lewis concert that celebrated the 10-year anniversary of her debut solo album, Rabbit Fur Coat. Coverage is here at the City Pages site. Oberst’s surprise set was appropriate considering RFC was released on Conor’s own Team Love label. Lewis and the Watson Twins will be touring the record through Sept. 17. Will Oberst make any more guest appearances? Maybe. His next tour doesn’t launch until Sept. 28, presumably to support his new album, Ruminations, (Nonesuch Records), which doesn’t drop until Oct. 14.
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Currently listening to: The Album Leaf, Between Waves (Relapse Records) — The album came out Aug. 26 and is very much a throwback to a time when instrumental bands like Album Leaf and Tristeza were a dominant force in indie. Jimmy LaValle was always smart enough to know that he didn’t need to force a vocal on a song that could stand by itself without a human voice. And when he does decide to add vocals, it’s only because it makes sense in the bigger picture…
Atlanta 4-piece Gringo Star is keeping alive the sound their grand-parents adored — ’50s and ’60 rock ‘n’ roll.
“Our grandad started out in radio in the ’40s and ’50s in Columbus, GA.,” said Nick Furgiueles, who started Gringo Star with his brother, Peter, in 2007. “He was a huge promoter of R&B back when it was still super segregated, and he was playing black music and putting on shows with Little Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Sam Cooke & the Soul Stirrers, a lot of Gospel shows. So we grew up hearing all these stories, listening to all this music. Our grandfather was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame posthumously. And my grandma — all her photo albums are like Jackie Wilson shirtless backstage, hanging out.”
The sounds of those AM gems reverberate in Gringo Star’s modern take on classic rock infused in surf, garage, doo-wap and psychedelic. The band’s been playing around with indie brethren like The Black Angels, Wavves and Best Coast for years, then at SXSW they caught the attention of Nevado Music execs who put out their new album, The Sides and In Between, just last week. Hear the band play it live tonight at O’Leaver’s.
I sent the Gringos the ol’ Ten Questions survey and Nick was kind enough to fill it out.
1. What is your favorite album?
Nick Furgiueles: David Bowie- Ziggy Stardust
2. What is your least favorite song?
Everything by Fleetwood Mac
3. What do you enjoy most about being in a band?
Doing interviews
4. What do you hate about being in a band?
Doing interviews
5. What is your favorite substance (legal or illegal)?
The jalapeño.
6. In what city or town do you love to perform?
Bacup, England
7. What city or town did you have your worst gig (and why)?
Savannah, GA, we recently played a daytime show that was outside and it was no cooler than 108. And the stage was in the sun.
8. How do you pay your bills?
Usually I write a check.
9. What one profession other than music would you like to attempt; what one profession would you absolutely hate to do?
I always wanted to be a professional baseball player, but I’d hate to be a police man, having to constantly ticket and leech off the public to maintain the war machine.
10. What are the stories you’ve heard about Omaha, Nebraska?
In 1879 the trial of Standing Bear v. Crook was held at Fort Omaha. During the trial General Crook testified on behalf of Standing Bear, leading the court to recognize American Indians as persons. This was the first time this occurred in a U.S. Federal Court.
Gringo Star joins Hussies and Eklectica tonight at O’Leaver’s, 1322 So. Saddle Creek Rd. Entry is $8, show starts at 9 p.m. For more information, go to liveatoleavers.com.
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Hey, remember that festival that took place a few weeks ago called Maha? Well, I went to it and wrote this long-ish review for everyone’s favorite arts and music alternative monthly, The Reader. And now that review is finally online. No, this isn’t Throwback Thursday, and yet here I am, asking you to step into the Wayback Machine and read my thoughts and ruminations about Nebraska’s premiere one-day indie music festival. Of course if you prefer the analog version, you can pick up the latest issue of The Reader, which is on news racks ’round town.
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Better Friend at The Sydney during Benson First Friday Femme Fest, Sept. 2, 2015.
Speaking of festivals, I swung by Benson First Friday Femme Fest last week for a drop in on Lincoln band Better Friend at The Sydney (seein’ as they came highly recommended by a certain executive at Hear Nebraska). Fronted by vocalist Meghan Munyon the band cranked out a rough but lively set of dark rock they describe as punk on their Facebook page, though I think leans more toward mid ’90s-era emo (as opposed to, say, ’80s-era emo — there is a distinction (at least in my book)). Munyon is a howler in a sort of Thalia Zedek vein, and when one of her guitarists adds a layer of scream/screech vocals, the emo turns to screamo. The crowd of around 30 seemed into it, and there’s a lot of buzz about these folks, though I think we’re just seeing where they’re starting off. Where they go next, well, now that could be very intriguing…
As for Femme Fest, there’s little doubt that the annual event (in its second year) has surely become “a thing” that will continue for years to come.
Some call Labor Day weekend the last weekend of summer. But the last time I checked, summer doesn’t end officially until Sept. 21. And I plan on soaking in every last day of it. Anyway, a new tradition (at least for the last year or so) is Benson First Friday Femme Fest, or #BFFFF. I’ve never been to one before and likely won’t again since I have my own Labor Day weekend tradition that involves New York City. This year is the exception. I’m here. I’m going.
What exactly is the point of Femme Fest other than to gather bands together that include women in them to play together on one night? I’m not entirely sure. There used to be a time when rock ‘n’ roll was exclusively a boys’ club. Take a look at the pop charts (or any chart) and you’ll see that’s no longer the case. In fact, women performers, singer-songwriters and rockers dominate just about every genre, if not in sheer numbers, in overall quality (sorry guys, but times have changed).
That doesn’t mean there still aren’t problems when it comes to women in rock, or that gigs like these aren’t appropriate (or necessary). In the press releases I’ve received for this event from #BFFFF organizers, a clear mission for Femme Fest is never spelled out. The closest I’ve seen was the following written by organizer Rebecca Lowry for the pages of BFFFF sponsor Hear Nebraska:
“Over my years watching the form of the music community shift and change, I am amazed at how quickly this has become a community consumed by women in music. The sheer number of us has drastically increased, and continues to do so, shaping some of the best music to come from our state.”
The specifics: 56 bands at eight venues for $10. Here’s the sched. See you there:
The Waiting Room Lounge 6:30 – 7:20 :: OPENING CEREMONY :: All Young Girls Are Machine Guns/Omaha Girls Rock 7:30 – 8:05 :: KMK 8:15 – 8:50 :: Mary Ruth McLeay 9:00 – 9:35 :: The Hottman Sisters 9:45 – 10:20 :: Dani Cleveland 10:30 – 11:05 :: Lexi Robles 11:15 – 11:50 :: La Guerre (Lawrence, KS) 12:00 – 12:35 :: High Up 12:45 – 1:30 :: HEADLINER :: CJ Mills
Reverb Lounge 7:30 – 8:05 :: Blue Bird 8:15 – 8:50 :: Field Club 9:00 – 9:35 :: Edem Soul Music 9:45 – 10:20 :: Keiria Marsha’ 10:30 – 11:05 :: Lady Scientist 11:15 – 11:50 :: DJ P2K 12:00 – 12:35 :: SharkWeek
The Barley Street Tavern 7:30 – 8:05 :: The Shineys 8:15 – 8:50 :: Badland Girls 9:00 – 9:35 :: Annie Dilocker 9:45 – 10:20 :: White Bee (Detroit, MI) 10:30 – 11:05 :: Tara Vaughan 11:15 – 11:50 :: Briner 12:00 – 12:35 :: Kait Berreckman Music
SoundCheck Rehearsal Studio 7:30 – 8:05 :: Soul Tree 8:15 – 8:50 :: The Ronnys 9:00 – 9:35 :: Calling Cody 9:45 – 10:20 :: Molly Gaughan & The Dustbunnies 10:30 – 11:05 :: Tiny Monsters 11:15 – 11:50 :: Edge Of Arbor 12:00 – 12:35 :: Pleiades & the Bear
Burke’s Pub 7:30 – 8:05 :: Ragged Company 8:15 – 8:50 :: The Toppings 9:00 – 9:35 :: The Ragabonds 9:45 – 10:20 :: 24 Hour Cardlock
10:30 – 11:05 :: Dammit Daniel 11:15 – 11:50 :: Wagon Blasters 12:00 – 12:35 :: The Electroliners
Pizza Shoppe Collective 7:30 – 8:05 :: Aly Peeler 8:15 – 8:50 :: Emily Ward 9:00 – 9:35 :: Cat Deluca 9:45 – 10:20 :: Wendy & The Lost Boys 10:30 – 11:05 :: Virginia Tanous 11:15 – 11:50 :: Belles & Whistles
The Sydney 7:30 – 8:05 :: DOOM BLADE 8:15 – 8:50 :: Shen Teh Music (La Crosse, WI) 9:00 – 9:35 :: No Thanks 9:45 – 10:20 :: Better Friend 10:30 – 11:05 :: Screaming Plastic 11:15 – 11:50 :: Domestica 12:00 – 12:35 :: The Clincher
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#BFFFF isn’t the only thing going on tonight.
Over at fabulous O’Leaver’s it’s the return of Gramps (Django Greenblatt-Seay’s joint) with openers The Edge Of and the stage debut of Win/Win. $5, 9:30 p.m.
Meanwhile Milk Run is hosting American Cream (Nate from STNNNG) along with Robust Worlds (Chris from Vampire Hands) and Alcools (Mike from Almost Music). $5, 9 p.m.
Closeness at O’Leaver’s April 30, 2016. The band returns Saturday, Sept. 3.
Tomorrow night (Saturday) it’s back to O’Leaver’s for Closeness (The Finks’ sublime new jam (review)). Joining them are Silversphere (the band formerly known as The Lepers) and Little Ripple. $5, 9:30 p.m.
Speaking of festivals, Saturday is the Nebraska Hardcore Showcase at the Lookout Lounge. Acts include Bad Blood, Bib, CBN, Circle VII, Crease, Culture War, Dilute, Downtrod, DWNR, Feral Hands, Flak, Hercules, Jocko, Lost Boys, No Thanks, Pisswalker, Relentless Approach and Sister Kisser. All for just $5. Runs from 2 to 11 p.m. Yes! BTW, Bib is listed as kicking the showcase off at 2 p.m. And Bib might be the hottest new noise/punk band in the area. See what the hype’s all about.
Finally on Sunday, Reverb Lounge is hosting a special show featuring Simon Joyner, David Nance and headliner Neil Michael Hagerty & The Howling Hex (Drag City Records). $8, 8 p.m. Hey, we all have Monday off, right? Might as well get blasted Sunday night…
That’s all I got. If I missed your show, put it in the comments section. Have a great third-to-last weekend of summer.
How is it, you ask, that I’m able to go out to a rock show during the busy work week? Well, instead of my annual trip to NYC, this year I’m enjoying a “stay-cation” right here in beautiful Omaha. So naturally I don’t have to get up at 5 a.m., which allows for late-night rock ‘n’ roll fun. Like last night’s show at O’Leaver’s.
Triathalon was on deck when I rolled in at around 10:30 to a very sparsely attended show. I’m talking fewer than 20 people were sitting around watching the Savannah four-piece play laid-back R&B-infused rock masquerading as baby-making music for nerdy indie types, all (or mostly sung) in a Beckian falsetto.
Triathalon at O’Leaver’s Aug. 31, 2016.
For the last tune, frontman Adam Intrator put down the guitar and provided some gnarly shoulder-rollin’ dance moves that got everyone smiling. Also smile-inducing was how he ended every song in the set with a spoken “Thank you.” Nothing wrong with good manners.
Local heroes Eric in Outerspace closed out the show after a lengthy set up as no one could figure out what was wrong with the stage monitors. After a lot of fiddling around, I don’t think it got figured. It didn’t matter to the audience, however, because we could hear the band loud and clear.
Despite apparently being under the weather (you couldn’t tell) frontman Sean Paul and company crushed a set of indie rock songs that stylistically recalled Pavement, Nirvana and assorted ’90s-era indie bands like Vitreous Humor and (I’m not sure why) a slowed down version of New Sweet Breath. There were times when Paul’s voice sounded a bit gravelly but that only added a weathered world-weary nuance.
Favorite songs included one about how much he hates summer and another that featured a grand-build all-hands-on-deck guitar-attack ending. I’m listening to the band’s Soundcloud tracks now and there ain’t a one that I don’t like (especially this one playing right now called “Trailing Away,” which I think was that grand-build song I just mentioned). Check them out when they play O’Leaversfest Sept 23 with Bien Fang and Flowers Forever (reunion?).
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Milk Run has another of its 4-band specials tonight. The headliner is Chicago act Dowsing (Asian Man Records). They call their sound “Chicago emo.” Yeek. Joining them is Diners, which calls their sound “Arizona desert bedroom pop,” and which seems to be an apt description. Laid-back groovy. Opening are locals Timecat and Bed Rest. $7, 9 p.m.
Also tonight, Brothers Lounge is hosting a deathmetal show with Horrendous, Flak and Manslaughterer. $5, 9 p.m.
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