ROLL CALL: Omaha, NE - The Slowdown 7/6/10

[Admin]

Nebraska is uncharted territory in my Travelogue, so this should be pretty interesting. The Slowdown looks like a pretty awesome venue. I've wanted to go there for a while. Check it out here: www.theslowdown.com.

Will be the ladyfriend's first THS show, so should be an experience within itself.

Who's in?

[tvstimmyg]

I've got my tix and I'm 98% sure I'll be there. I was at the last Slowdown show and the scene was great. I was up front and grabbed beers for my fellow scenesters ... I got no grief on my way back up front. In fact, people parted the sea for me and the brews! I might stay back this time, though, as the sound up front was not the greatest.

Brendan, is this a "special lady friend"? Ya know, as the Dude would say?

Anywho, hope to see everyone there.

[loper]

Hey Brendan,

Quick note, your gift exchange CD is still in regular rotation in the truck and will probably get sampled as it winds it's way to Omaha for the show. You will love the venue. I would suggest if there ever was a venue you decided to leave your front and center position for this would be it. The view and sound on the second level are brilliant. Two tickets in hand but with no babysitter in sight it looks like the wife is staying home so my guest will be a surprise (to them and me). Keep up as the date gets closer and Safe Travels!

[Admin]

Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to make this one either! I'm sorry. I'll explain sometime soon just why.

[tvstimmyg]

Time to give this thread a "bump". Anyone still heading to this one. I've got my room at the Hampton. Gotta love being within stumbling distance of the venue. Does anyone want to meet up before the show? Last show with the Hold Steady at the Slowdown was a blast, but I'd agree with loper that the sound up front is not the greatest. Up in the second level: spectacular!

[tvstimmyg]

Fourth of four shows in five days. A good way to go out. I can't give a real setlist, but it started with "Hornets!" and ended with "Stay Posi" (IIRC). I know the sound at the Slowdown is much better in the balcony, but I couldn't help myself from going up front. I had a spare ticket that I ended up giving to a kid who was standing in line before the show. He was totally stoked to get a free ticket and it felt really good to make his day. The crowd was super polite, but nothing like the intensity of a Twin Cities audience. I felt bad because a few kids who were next to me got completely bummed out by the douchebaggary of some 40-something dudes who pushed their way up front and proceeded to act like it was a Jonas Bros show. I tried to explain to the youngsters that they shouldn't let others ruin their good time... Even told one kid, "you'll have way more fun if you clap along," but to no avail. Always bums me out to see someone not sharing in the joy.

Anywho, I had a great time and would like to thank the people of Omaha for their hospitality. Now it's onto KC to meet up with old friends and enjoy some BBQ!!!

[harper]

Set List (Minus encores)

Hornets
You Can Make Him Like You
Rock Problems
Bangin' Camp
Chips Ahoy!
Stations
Hurricane J
Barely Breathting
....Get Together
Constructive
Multitude
Stevie Nix
First Night
Our Whole Lives
Barfruit
Weekenders
Southtown
Massive Nights
Adderall
Slapped Actress

I was up front and (I believe) next to the afore mentioned 40 something dudes. A little distracting at first, but easily ignored. I've been in situations where "that type" show up and proceed to pick fights, so it could've been worse.

[tvstimmyg]

Jul 8, 2010 0:20:01 GMT -5 harper said:

I was up front and (I believe) next to the afore mentioned 40 something dudes. A little distracting at first, but easily ignored. I've been in situations where "that type" show up and proceed to pick fights, so it could've been worse.

Totally agree. I just felt bad for the young kids who seemed to be completely bummed out by the situation. Hate to see anyone have a bad time at a HS show.

In a semi-related note, I returned to Saint Paul today and went to see Communist Daughter play a free show in Mears Park. They did a fantastic cover of "Knuckles". Evidently the lead singer is friends with Craig. One of the band members told me that they are going to be recording the song soon. I'll post more info as soon as I know it.

[ryan]

Omaha was my first THS show, but dang, it won't be my last. I went alone and squeezed up front, and to the left behind the tiny high school girl who was buried in her cell phone for three hours and completely oblivious to the show.

I don't know if she had a good time, but I sure did!

[jordyc]

Was also my first THS show. I saw nothing but kind people...struck up a convo with some guy and he bought me a Boddington's and a shot! Sorry to hear that some people's show was ruined, but I had a great time.

I run a local Omaha website, so usually I post a few pics/videos when I see a show, but I couldn't help myself with the Hold Steady...I just had a little bit more to say. Give the concert review a read if you please: omaha.net/reviews/hold-steady-whigs

And thanks for posting a setlist, I tried, but I had a few holes in mine!