Wow! Packing the house on a Monday night in Omaha is no easy feat. But that’s exactly what I found upon arriving at Sokol last night (5.13) for Elle King and Barns Courtney.
1% Productions and 89.7 The River did a great job getting the word out. I heard several radio ads over the last three months and the show was in my Facebook feed constantly.
The first band on the bill was the young gun with all the hits, Barns Courtney. I was excited to see Barns again after shooting photos when he was at the Waiting Room last year opening for the Wombats.
I didn’t know anything about him then, but he was an excellent opening act and totally won me over. Since then, I’ve learned that Barns’ music has been featured in several movies, TV shows, video games, and more commercials than you can shake a stick at!
Barns stepped on stage in a burgundy crushed velvet suit and slick brown boots. With long shaggy hair and a dreamy smile you could tell he was here to rock.
Barns and his band proceeded to shake and shimmy their way into the crowd’s hearts. Barns had them feeding from his hand by the end of the night!
During the song “1999” there was a noticeable pop of energy in the room. Everyone jumped up like “Oh this is my favorite song!” You could tell this was a big radio hit.
As the set came to a close, Barns played the smash hit “Fire” and told the crowd “Everyone get down real low.” Barns leapt over the barrier and got right in there with all the fans. As the chorus kicked in, everyone jumped up in celebration. It was a really fun moment for those involved and spectators alike.
Several fans, myself included, got to talk with Barnes after the show until he was whisked away by his tour manager. Come along Barns, schedules to keep!
I can’t wait to see Barnes and his crushed velvet swagger rock out again.
After a short break, Elle King graced her court with her presence.
With a soulful, smooth voice the crowd was entranced in her natural beauty. The first few songs were fairly light. With a folksy-pop sound, and just the right amount of twang, this gave the room a nice chill vibe.
About four songs in things started rockin a bit more with the hit “Shame.” Things picked up even more when Elle strapped on a banjo and proceeded to jam!
I’d like to tell you more about specific songs that were played, etc. but I’m still getting to know Elle’s body of work. I can tell you that Elle puts on one heck of a show and I really enjoyed her set.
From what I experienced, the crowd had a great time with Elle and Barns too, dancing and singing the night away. It was a great way to start the week!
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