The Killigans and 8th Wave Unite for an Explosive Performance at the Niner, Full of Beer, Brass and Banter

Audrey Kay xx

Oh, how I love the 49'er.  Besides the fact any time I forget they are cash only I have to waste two dollars on a fee to use the ATM, there is not a whole lot NOT to like.  Some of my favorite local bands of all time I first saw in this bar, and this time it was no exception.  Though I am already a committed Killigans devotee, seeing 8th Wave live was no less than an absolute pleasure.  There were so many high points throughout the night, not complete without a few low points, but altogether a fine showcase of talent and 8th Wave ended the night with quite the "wow" factor.  With trombones, trumpets, a little rap and a unique mixture of genres ranging from punk, ska, and swing, these bands really helped me realize why I love local music so much.  They each have tried and true originality and the willingness to step over the boundary of playing "safe" music.

Seeing The Killigans is always a real treat for me.  I get out to Lincoln as often as I can to see them, and that does not always happen frequently as I like, so when I hear they are gracing the stage in Omaha, any prior plans go out the window.  I have only seen them one other time in the metro area at The Slowdown, and that show was very similar to their hometown performances.  Case in point, it was their CD release party, and so MANY Lincoln fans were present to put off the same type of vibe you would find at say, a Knickerbockers show.  Saturday was a bit different from the typical, and that was a slight disappointment for me.  By no means am I referring to the performance itself.  As usual, The Killigans put on a top-notch act and played every song completely on point.  What was disappointing was the crowd.  Okay, I realize that a good chunk of the bar is filled with tables and chairs (way too many, in my opinion) but there was almost nobody up front throughout their entire performance.  I have grown so accustomed to the signature Killigans revelry of beer spilling, moshing, drunk people jumping off the stage, and the like.  It was almost painful for me to see people sitting there so jaded and not fully taking in the music.  Even if I am not their biggest Omaha fan, I sure felt like I was that night (and one other guy, who I am pretty positive was from Lincoln, anyway).  Especially when they played my absolute favorite, Whiskey and Gin, I was the only person up there dancing like a drunken idiot and singing all the words, but I am not one to let reserved crowd response stop me from having a good time.  Their shows are just not ones that I can sit still for very long at.  One of the highlights was something I have not seen at any of their other shows; Brad hung up his guitar to fully focus on vocals and the others put down their string instruments for brass.  It had a very 1940's swing appeal to it, and incredibly appropriate to help warm the crowd up for 8th Wave.  It was a tremendously welcome surprise for me, and one I hope to see more of at future shows.  I waited ALL night to hear "Liquor Store", their usual closer, and was desolately dissatisfied when it was not played.  In all honesty it is normally a huge crowd pleaser, and they would not have gotten the same reception out of that song as they would with a more enthusiastic crowd. It may have been a let down, so it was probably for the best anyway. Whatever the case, I do not care if it is a jam-packed room or I am the only damn person who showed up, this band is spectacular in every way, shape and form and will look forward to each and every show.  Missed them?  They will be back next month at the same place with The Filter Kings!  I suggest you do not miss that one, as I expect a much fuller turnout of fans who will really bring to life the "kegger-esque" out-of-control party I know it can be.

8th Wave played round two of their reunion that night, and it became apparent who most of the crowd was there for.  Everyone simultaneously started making their way up to the front and leaving their chairs behind.  This was my first time seeing them, and I only heard of them not so long ago (hey, I AM young), but really loved what I heard when I gave them a listen.  Along with many other bands, 8th Wave’s songs online do absolutely no justice for their live performance, and I was incredibly impressed with their very "in your face" demeanor.  Trumpet player, Steve Ahl, was definitely not having the sitting down crap, and told everyone if they were not standing within five minutes, they were going to "throw the tables over and fucking leave".  Sure enough, everyone was quick to get their asses up and move up front.  That type of confidence and straightforwardness is what helps to take a good show all the way to a great one.  Growing up, I was exposed to a little ska, but not much. Most of what I heard was from some of the trendier bands such as The Toasters, and 8th Wave captured a lot of the characteristics that I enjoyed while having a personal take on the genre as well.  While still holding dear the elements that make up ska; trumpets, trombones, speedy percussion and tons of energy, they throw in some rap bridges, upbeat punk rudiments and every once in a while taking things down a level with a ballad or two.  It was a very laid back routine and so much fun to see the band do their job musically, while not taking the act too seriously.  Though everyone in the band is off doing their own thing these days, it is good to see they still have such a good bond and have fun with their performance reliving their glory days.  Many fans were present, singing along to every word to some old school favorites like "White Trash Girl" and "Uh Oh Nicole", including the band’s number one fan, trombone player Jimbo’s mom.  Speaking of Jimbo, you want to talk about crowd interaction!  I do not think a single person up front got past almost getting whacked in the face with his instrument as he ran about the bar playing and getting on top of tables, which really hyped up everyone even further.  Not a person in the building expected their somewhat improvised, jaw-dropping finale.  They would have put The Who to shame when drummer Ryan Emswiler was the first to begin an insane and extremely entertaining ending that resulted in a kicked-over drum set, a shattered-to-bits guitar, and other gear thrown about the stage.  If a bang is what they wanted to go out with, mission was beyond accomplished.  Incredible show and  I hope another reunion is in the cards.

Audrey Kay xx

5.18.10