Indigo Girls Review and Thursday Live Music Events
Rock, metal, hip-hop and jazz all happening Thursday
Indigo Girls at The Astro LaVista, April 16th, 2024
One of the best things about an Indigo Girls show is that they change up their set list every night. They are one of the few acts that respect the craft of the set list. Most bands and artists just play the same songs in the same order for either chunks of their tours or their entire tours. The Indigo Girls having such a huge catalog of viable songs and a loyal fanbase cool with hearing deep cuts, surprises, and of course the “hits” allows the Indigo Girls to craft cool set lists every night. That is what makes their live shows more interesting, more in the moment, and, well, just more of a live show. Last night at The Astro, we got a set list with a lot of deep cuts and plenty of fan favorites. Early in the set, they called a few audibles even, cutting “Three Hits” as if it were almost a mistake on the list, and then stopping a very deep cut of “Ozilline” from their 2010 album Come On Now Social mid song as Amy Ray’s instrument “was going down hill,” something to do with the strings being too stretched or something. She said she had too much respect for us as an audience to continue. There was no shortage of stringed instruments, as guitar after guitar in every shape and size, banjos, and more were brought out to the stage for every song. Emily Sailers is such a treat to watch play the guitar. Lyris Hung accompanied the duo the entire night on violin and took a solo tune that thrilled the audience.
They must have called another audible, as “Kid Fears” was not on their printed set list but was played mid-set. I have been to shows where they didn’t play that, and that is the song that is most important to me. So, getting it mid-set allowed me to really relax for the rest of the show as my anxiety went away from needing to hear it. Some of the popular favorites that were performed were “Get Out the Map”, “Power of Two,” and of course they closed with “Closer to Fine,” with the entire audience signing. I think the highlight of the night was an absolutely stunning version of “Share the Moon” from 2011’s Beauty Queen Sister. I also loved hearing Emily take the lead on “Country Radio," my favorite song off their current album Look Long, “Fill It Up Again," and "Shitkickin." I also enjoyed Amy’s impassioned “Faye Tucker” off of Come On Now Social. The duo encored with “Go” and the setlist says they did “Galieo” (my Uber arrived quicker than expected) and they added in a little Neil Young “Cortez the Killer” for good measure as well. It was another fantastic performance from The Indigo Girls, those two plus hours went by quickly. They are such a constant and comfort in so many people’s lives, including mine, and it’s nice to convene with each other and wrap ourselves in what the duo has crafted for us.
If you want to plan your weekend, the full-week calendar is HERE There are a lot of 420-themed shows this Saturday.
Finland will be in the house at Waiting Room on Thursday, as long running death metal band Insomnium performs. These guys have been doing this for three decades now. Joining them are bands that rhyme Omnium Gatherum and Wilderun.
Over-the-top glam metal revivalists Steel Panther will be at The Admiral on Thursday. They are touring on 2023’s album On the Prowl.
Hip-hop artist Hexxx will be at Maloney’s Live in Council Bluffs on Thursday. The touring artist will perform his new song, "Big Devil,” just released yesterday. It has an old West Coast rap vibe to it.
Buck’s Bar and Grill on Thursday will have rodeo cowboy and country musician Ross Cooper. His 2023 album “Lightning Heart” is a true country song-writer album with a modern sound, but some tips of the hat to traditional country.
Metalcore band Fit For A King will be at Bourbon Theater in Lincoln with Chelsea Grin, Kingdom of Giants, and Soulkeeper
The Zoo Bar will have YOUR FAVORITE BAND-The Red Evises, on Thursday, and New York pianist and vocalist Gary Negbaur will be at the Jazz at the J series.
Thursday April 18th
Insomnium with Omnium Gatherum and Wilderun at The Waiting Room 7PM (Omaha)
Kevin Lloyd’s Hammond B-3 Jam at The B. Bar 8PM
Open Jam at Down Under Lounge 8:30 PM (Omaha)
John Rogers at Vino Mas 6:30PM (Omaha)
Hexxx at Maloneys Live 7PM (Council Bluffs)
Jason Mayer at Copacabana 9PM (Omaha)
Meatbodies & Cathedral Bells with Garst at Duffy’s Tavern 7PM (Lincoln)
Steel Panther with Stitched Up Heart at The Admiral Theater 8PM (Omaha)
Ross Cooper at Bucks Bar and Grill 9PM (Venice)
Fit For A King with Chelsea Grin, Kingdom of Giants, and Soulkeeper at Bourbon Theater 6PM (Lincoln)
Red Elvises at The Zoo Bar 6PM (Lincoln)
Gary Negbaur at The J Omaha 7:30PM (Omaha)
EDM Club Night at Storm Cellar 9PM (Lincoln)
Panik at The Drinkery 7PM (Omaha)
Swampboy Blues Band at Therapy Bar and Grill 8PM (Omaha)
Jazz Night at The Tavern 8PM (Omaha)
Open Mic Night at Dry Spokes 7PM (Omaha)