A moment from the Benson Days parade Saturday morning…

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Sleepy week of music, at least until Wednesday when everything explodes. But until then, not much happening.

My only music outing this past weekend was at Benson Days, which has grown to impressive proportions. The street was loaded with vendors and food options Saturday. It could still get bigger, but how much bigger? Do you really want it to be like, say, Ralston Days with its carnival, rides and an audience that looks like a Juggalo convention? No.

Benson Days featured a stage on 61st St. Unlike last year, the roster was mainly acoustic singer/songwriters, at least early in the afternoon. Things got spicier later on, but I was gone by then.

And… that’s all I got. I’m posting this early because I’m headed to Austin on biz this morning and won’t be back until Wednesday (which means no update tomorrow, unless I snap some pictures of 6th St. (look for them on my Instagram – instagram.com/timmymac29)). And that’s okay because there really is nothing going on over the next day or so except pub quizzes.

But then on Wednesday… hoboy…

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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 © 2014 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Looking over this weekend’s shows I’m going to be spending a lot of time in Benson…

It starts tonight at the Sweatshop Gallery with a stellar garage-rock lineup. Top of bill is Digital Leather, currently riding a wave of adulation courtesy of their split LP with The Hussy. Joining them is Skeleton Man for what is said to be their final show ever (They said the same thing about the Stones in 1971, 1981, 2012…). Rounding out the five-band (!) bill is Coaxed, Fletch and Stomach. $8, 8 p.m.

Meanwhile, up the street at The Waiting Room, it’s a metal reunion headlined by Nightmare featuring Benn Sieff, Barry Engle, Rick Halverson and Randy Cotton — yes, that Randy Cotton. I thought that was him at Little Brazil the other night. He looks exactly like he did the last time I saw Ravine perform. Randy’s other band, Members of the Press, also are on the bill along with Black on High. $7, 9 p.m.

Also in Benson tonight, the Barley Street has a tasty show with Love Technicians (CD release show), Life is Cool and John Klemmensen and the Party. $5, 9 p.m.

Leaving Benson, Miniature Tigers plays at The Slowdown tonight with The Griswolds, Finish Ticket and Young Rising Sons. $14, 9 p.m.

Yelp users are invited to a free show tonight at House of Loom featuring Matt Whipey and Manic Pixie Dream Girls. 8 p.m. and free with your Yelp account. More info here.

And finally at fabulous O’Leaver’s All Young Girls Are Machine Guns opens for Freakabout. $5, 9:30 p.m.

Oh yeah, and ’90s grungers Filter are playing at Sokol Aud tonight with Helmet and Local H. Just $10. 8 p.m.

Tomorrow (Saturday) is Benson Days, though it’s more like Benson Day (singular). We’re talking parades, beer garden and vendors all along Maple St. but at the center of it all is an all-day concert with a pretty decent local line-up.

12 p.m. – Mitch Gettman
1 p.m. –  All Young Girls are Machine Guns
2 p.m. – Brad Hoshaw
3 p.m. – Andrew Janousek
4 p.m. – DJ Set
5 p.m. – The Love Technicians
6 p.m. – Saturn Moth
7 p.m. – Her Flyaway Manner
8 p.m. – Super Ghost
9 p.m. – John Klemmensen and the Party

Since you’ll be right there, might as well check out new bar 1912 (which you read about here), which will be hosting an open house. Their taps are turned off until next Thursday, but you can still get a tour and see its swinging rooftop deck.

Saturday night at The Waiting Room it’s a benefit for the Child Saving Institute they’re calling “Love Notes: Women Making a Difference for Women and Children Through Music.” Featured artists include Virginia Tanous, Belles and Whistles, Sarah Benck, All Young Girls are Machine Guns and Edge of Arbor. $7, 8 p.m.

World famous Brothers Lounge is hosting a rare gig with Powerslop, Astral Menace, Garoted and St. Paul’s Jaw Knee Vee. $5, 9 p.m.

Finally, down at Slowdown Jr. it’s “sugar-fried bop-pop duo” Slushy from Chicago. Opening is garage rockers Lunch. And something they’re calling the “Slowdown Sock Hop.” $5, 9:30 p.m.

That what I got. If I’m missing anything, put it in the comments section. Have a great weekend.

Pssst… did you get your tickets to Sebadoh at Reverb Sept. 28?

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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 © 2014 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.