Bassnectar at the Sokol

I’ve seen Bassnectar about six times but I was still excited to see him this time.  Last year he played at the Slowdown, but this year he moved things over to the Sokol Auditorium.  Wow!  What an amazing time!  Bassnecatar played mostly new tracks, and I’m not going to lie I don’t have his new album yet so everything was new to me.  I think he went a little soft on this album and a little bit more poppy, but I really enjoyed it.  I love the samples he used from The Far East Movement and Kanye West.

One thing I love about Bassnectar is that he has flawless transitions ALL of the time.  I also love his crew.  For a while I decided to stand behind the director of screen coordination and was very impressed at his skill and ability to switch from screens to screens while playing a synth.  Yes, when Bassnectar switches songs sometimes that synth noise you hear is a man playing a synth.

The crowd was amazing at the show!  Very energetic as always.

I brought some friends to the show that had no idea what Bassnecatar was or what they were getting into.  It was very funny to see them just stare at all the people.  Bassnectar has the ability to bring out a wide range of artists.  There were frats guys, hippies and 40 year old married couples.  I loved it!  I love how music can bring people together.

If you were at the show and have some pictures to upload you should email them to me.

And thank you Sokol for knowing that there would be a long line for the toilets.  I highly applaud you for renting port-a-potties!

What Venue is for You?

Whether you are a band searching for a venue to play at or just an avid fan looking for shows that are close to you, here is a breakdown of venues that are located in Omaha, Nebraska.

The Waiting Room:

Address: 6212 Maple Street Omaha, NE: Map
Ticket Information:  Information for tickets
Line-up: Waiting Room Line-up and events
History of Venue: The Waiting Room was opened by Marc Leibowitz and Jim Johnson who created One Percent Productions, an Omaha-based booking company.  The venue is four years old and has been recently renovated with new sound and light equipment.
Why you want to play here:  Great sound system and lights, medium-sized intimate venue that is capable of being filled.
Why you don’t want to play here: As great as the venue is, the owners and employees are the complete opposite.
Why you want to see a show here:  Great sound and lighting.  This is a medium-sized venue and you will have a great chance to interact with the bands and performers.  There are great drink specials and some of the staff is friendly.
Why you don’t want to see a show here:  Some of the employees are rude and will kick you out
All ages show policy: Information and form
Overall review: ★★★✰✰

The Slowdown:

Address:  729 North 14th Street Omaha, NE 68102 (402.345.7569) Map
Ticket Information: Information for tickets
Line-up: Event and Line-up
History of Venue:  Complete history and complete list of all events (Very impressive website)
Why you want to play here:  It’s the newest venue in town.  It has sound and lighting that is above excellent.  The owners and employees are friendly.  There are two stages that you can play on depending how many tickets you expect to sell.  There is a small stage that local bands usually play on and there is a wall that will slide and open up a large venue that is closed off unless being used.  There is an amazing balcony that opens up as well and the stage is large enough for acts like Of Montreal who have elaborate stage settings.  This is probably the best place to get a gig at in Omaha.  Booking information is referred to Val Nelson.
Why you don’t want to play here:  If you find a reason, let me know.
Why you want to see a show here:  The best bands in town play shows here.  There are more regional and national acts.  The location is a quick taxi cab ride from any downtown location.  The sound and lighting will amaze you.
Why you don’t want to see a show here:  There is no reason, just remember to bring a valid ID.  They are sticklers about IDs, but aren’t all venues in town?
All ages show policy: Information and form
Overall review: ★★★★★

The Hole:

Address:6005 Maple St. Omaha, NE 68104 (Enter through alley)
Ticket Information: Ticket Information
Line-up:  Event and Line-up
History of Venue:  the Hole began as the brain child of Donny Diederich, former pro skater and owner of Convicted Skate Shop. The Hole is an all ages venue that, unlike other all ages venues in Omaha, doesn’t have to abide by the Omaha city ordinance which states that “any person under the age of 18 must have a notarized permission slip from their parents to attend shows”. This is because the Hole DOES NOT serve alcohol and we strictly enforce a NO ALCOHOL/DRUGS rule! If you bring alcohol or drugs into the Hole you will be asked to leave and perhaps banned from coming to future events. The Hole believes that music is a wonderful gift that people should be able to enjoy, no matter your age! The Hole is a DIY collaboration of like-minded individuals that strive to maintain a safe and enjoyable venue for bands and fans of all ages to enjoy!
Why you want to play here:  People always show up and have a good time!
Why you don’t want to play here:  It’s a small venue with rudimentary equipment and lighting.
Why you want to see a show here:  It’s a fun place with a wide audience.
Why you don’t want to see a show here: You will feel old even though you aren’t.  With an all ages policy, there are middle school aged kids here.  Hello high school flashbacks!  Be prepared.
All ages show policy: Everyone is welcome, no permission slip needed.
Overall review: ★★★★✰

The Sokol and Sokol Underground:

Address:  2234 S. 13th St. Omaha, NE 68108  (Driving Instructions)
Ticket Information:Tickets are sold at Homer’s Music
Line-up:  Event and Line-up
History of Venue:  Interesting article on the history of the Sokol Auditorium.
Why you want to play here:  There are two venues the Auditorium and the Underground.  Both venues offer a different “feel”.  The Auditorium is for acts that will gather a large crowd.  There is a balcony and separate room for merchandise tables.  The Underground is smaller and dingy, but a good kind of dingy, the kind of dingy a music venue is supposed to have.
Why you don’t want to play here:  Some people won’t go to a show here because of the neighborhood that it is located in.
Why you want to see a show here:  There are amazing bands that come and the place is always packed.  It’s fun to be in the middle of a crowd and feel other people’s sweat, this is how music is supposed to be enjoyed.  However, if you don’t like being in the crowd you have the option to arrive early and watch the band from the balcony.  There are even benches on the balcony that you can sit on.  However, if you use them I would have to consider you a wallflower.
Why you don’t want to see a show here:  The parking is a little tough, but just arrive early and it shouldn’t be that big of an ordeal.  Don’t leave anything valuable in your car, your windows could get smashed out.  Take a taxi if you can.
Overall review:  ★★★★★

If you have any specific questions about the venues or booking then just send me a comment.  I am more than willing to answer any questions that you may have.

Glassjaw

Glassjaw? Who is that? What is that?  Is it a man, monster, myth, legend?  Well obviously it’s all of the above.  I’ve been a huge fan of Glassjaw for years and shit myself when I found out that they had a show scheduled for none other than the Sokol Underground (everyone’s old stomping ground).  It was an awesome show.  There’s really not much more that I can say.  I was excited to be back at the Sokol Underground listening to a band that I loved from years ago.  It was very nostalgic.

(Will post pictures soon)

Coyote Bones

I haven’t seen or heard much from this band for a long while, but I still love them.  Coyote Bones started in 2006 and has been road tripping since.  This band had originally formed to see friends and place music for them.  Coyote Bones then turned into a full fledged band that’s been recording and touring ever since. Their sounds are/were always evolving, the live show just kept getting better and better, and then they disappeared.  I feel the need to feature them because I miss seeing them live.  Their shows and music are very heartfelt, and they are the nicest people in the world.  I wonder where they vanished to?
Some bands that have influenced their sound are, of course, The Faint, Tilly and the Wall and other favorite locals such as Connor Oberst.
As far as I know they have no new shows coming up and I couldn’t even tell you the band members names because I can’t find any information about them anywhere.  If you know anything about them, send me a comment.
So checkout their videos and dance!:

Eagle Seagull

So it just snowed in Omaha, and I’m not digging it.  Now I can’t drive my Corvette down the street at 100 mph with the wind in my hair and Eagle Seagull on the radio.  I guess I could never do that, but that’s besides the point.  Eagle Seagull is the kind of band that you would listen to while cruising around on a warm summer night or while you’re hanging out with some good friends and talking about nothing.  They are just so soothing and relaxing, kind of like the Omaha Symphony.  I never really listen to their lyrics because I frankly can’t understand the lead singer, but I love their instrumentals.  I always think bands are amazing when I focus on theirs instrumentals first and then their lyrics. Sometimes I feel that the lead singer isn’t actually saying anything, but that he’s just using his voice as an instrument.  I’ve never actually had the chance to see Eagle Seagull live, but I would love to if I could.
The band consists of:

• Eli Mardock – vocals, keys, guitar
• Austin Skiles – guitar, bass
• J.J. Idt – guitar, bass, keys
• Mike Overfield – bass, synth
• Britt Hayes – drums
• Carrie Butler – violin, keys, vocals

Checkout their live music videos if you’re like me and haven’t had a chance to see them live:

The Show Is The Rainbow

So let’s say your family has one of those uncles.  Yes, the one that’s creepy and no one talks to.  Well, that would be the Show Is The Rainbow.  Darren Keen, who is The Show Is The Rainbow, brings creepy humor to his odd rap music.  I’m not sure if you can call it music, but maybe a dramatic rap/music/video/opera/skit/porno.  I have no idea what to call it, but some people like it.
The first time I saw The Show is The Rainbow I had to walk out of the room and ask myself if life was real because what happened on that stage was mind shattering.  Darren Keen has odd music videos that accompany him with his sets.  These videos are interactions with himself during the show, so he’s basically talking to himself.  After listening to his music, you either love him or hate him.  But the one thing you know is that you just saw him naked on the stage.  His music might be weird, have no point and consist of talentless instrumentals, but Darren puts on an amazing live show.  And because he is such a great performer, this Lincolnite has gained international fame.

For tour information checkout his MySpace: The Show Is The Rainbow

Vverevvolf Grehv

Vverevvolf Grehv isn’t one of my favorite bands, but Dapose is a very talented musician. Vverevvolf Grehve is very unique and has a sound that will leave you confused or inspired, depending on what kind of music you’re into.

Vverevvolf Grehc is actually pronounced Werewolf Grave, and was created by Dapose.  Dapose is the guitarist/bassist/keyboardist of The Faint.  The music of Vverevvold Grehv combines fingers screeching down a  chalkboard death metal, the tempos of speed metal, and some crazy noise music.  This unique sound falls under genres such as snare rush and idm (intelligent dance music).

Dapose is influenced by the works of Merzbow, the writings of Howard Bloom, and many classic composers that changed the way that music was viewed a long time ago.  You could say that Dapose is a modern musician trying to change the way that music is viewed today.  Vverevvolf Grehv is now on tour with Skinny Puppy.  If you’re interested in checking out tour dates, then checkout Vverevvolf Grehv’s Myspace page.

 

Bear Country

Do you want to dance?  Do you want to jump up and down and scream?  Do you want to turn around and sway back and forth while listening to sweet harmonies, melodies and pretty voices?  Then you should checkout Bear Country.

Bear Country is a five member group that includes:

Susan Sanchez – Vocals
Mike Schlesinger – Vocals, Guitar
James Maakestad – Vocals, Slide Guitar
Aaron Markley – Keys
Cody Peterson – Drums

Bear Country is on Slumber Party Records and has released one record called “Our Roots Need Rain”.  Their next record will be released sometime in the next few months and is entitled “Frozen Lake”.  If you are interested in checking out Slumber Party Records you can find out when their new CD will be released and can order it off of their site when it becomes available.

If you are interested in hearing Bear Country’s new songs then checkout their MySpace Page.

Bear County does not have any upcoming shows, but you should always checkout the 1% Productions Page for updated lineups and show schedules.

Sometimes Bear Country also plays house shows at Hotel Frank.  Check them out, see if you like them.

Adam Robert Haug

You’ve probably never heard of Adam Robert Haug, but that won’t be the case for long.  Haug is an up-and-coming solo artist that has recently moved to Omaha and exploded onto the music scene.  By combining electric loop pedals and folk guitar, his unique voice just carries you away to another world.  I honestly can’t say I’ve ever heard a voice like his, it’s magical.  While you’re listening to him you can just close your eyes and drift off to your own little happy place, something that not many bands, or solo artists for that matter, can do.

I really love how Haug uses loop pedals.  A loop pedal enables the artist to record something while he/she is playing the song live and then have immediate feedback. This pedal can record any sound the artist has created and can then have it keep playing while the artist continues to play something else over the previously recorded sound.  Depending on what type of loop pedal the artist uses, he/she can get multiple layers of sounds, and can therefore have a multitude of sounds being made at the same time, creating a full-band sound or more than one voice at the same time.

I also love how his lyrics are so real.  You can tell that he’s singing about things that have happened in his life, the lessons he’s learned and the love that he’s had, because there is actual feeling in his voice.  He also writes about the “legendary” Hotel Frank and other things that you might know about in Omaha.

If you’re looking for some places to see this unsigned artist then check out his MySpace for upcoming shows. You can also listen to many of his songs on his MySpace.

I wish there were some more music videos, but definitely checkout his MySpace and listen to the recordings.  I recommend “Are You Coming Down Adam” and “I Break My Own Heart”, but my favorite is probably “A Goh Ghost”.

The Goodlife

My favorite band of all time is The Goodlife, and  since life isn’t that awesome right now, I’ve been listening to way too much of them.  They are awesome, purely, insanely, and beautifully talented musical geniuses.  If I’m ever feeling down, pissed off, or over-joyously happy, this is the band that I listen to.  However, I can only listen to The Goodlife when I’m emotionally distraught or ecstatic.  I think that this is because the lyrics are so heart-wrenching, displaying mixed emotions with vicious, heart-battering detail.  I guess I can relate to the lyrics when I’m upset and get some kind of twisted joy while listening to them when I’m happy, but who knows.

The Goodlife consists of: Tim Kasher (vocals, guitar), Stefanie Drootin (bass), Roger Lewis (drums, and Ryan Fox (guitar, keys) and are of course signed to the infamous Indie label of Omaha, Saddle Creek.  If you’re a music buff, then you probably know the name Tim Kasher.  After all, he’s the third greatest human being to ever exist (next to Zeus, Stephen Hawking or myself of course) and the lead singer of Cursive.

I really like the idea behind most of The Goodlife’s music.  Tim Kasher has a passion to write, which you can hear in his lyrics, and his music often is written to screen plays that he writes.  The Goodlife’s last album: Help Wanted Nights, is the sound track to Kasher’s most recent screen play, that he happened to just finish in the later part of 2008.

The Goodlife’s music videos are also very entertaining.  I really love how most of them are shot in Omaha, and if you’re from here, you can definitely recognize where they were shooting the music videos.  If you’re also a fellow Creighton student, then checkout Heartbroke because you can see some Creighton “hot spots” such as Ted and Wally’s and Pettit’s Pastry.  I wish I would have seen them filming this music video, because I would have had to of tried to talk myself into a cameo role.

The Goodlife do not often play local shows, but when they do, they are very secretive.  Shows are announced just days, if not hours before stage time and tickets sell quickly.  So seeing them live is a really special treat.

If you can’t or haven’t been able to checkout The Goodlife live, then checkout these live performances of them:
Lovers Need Lawyers (Music Video)
Empty Bed (Music Video)
Poisoned (Skit)
A Little Bit More (Live)
On the Picket Fence (Live)