Nick Hexum Delights At The Waiting Room!

Story and Photos: Spencer Fleming

Wow! What a special show. As a long-time 311 fan I was stoked to see my hero Nick Hexum play a small show at the Waiting Room. To be honest, like most fans there, I was a bit more interested in hearing a few acoustic 311 songs rather than Nick's solo material, but boy I left thoroughly impressed! Paired with The Water Tower Band from Los Angeles, Nick gave his hometown a heartfelt, soul-bearing performance we won't ever forget.

Before each song Nick told a little story about his life and how the song came to be. He waxed nostalgic about growing up in Omaha and even brought out his friend of over 50 years Curt Grubb from the band Grasshopper Takeover to sing on a couple songs.

The room cheered when Nick spoke about the talent show he and Curt played in during elementary school. "We played three Clash songs. We were only supposed to play two, but in true punk rock spirit we played three and the teachers pulled the plug".

Nick played a varied set of solo material, a Water Tower Band song where Nick was a featured vocalist, and of course some stripped down 311 songs. I had so much fun hanging with the 311 Omaha crew and belting out songs we all know and love. I got to take a picture with Nick at the end and thanked him for his vulnerability and playing some songs we wouldn't normally hear at a 311 show.

I'll cherish the memory of this show forever!