Story and Photos: Audrey Wright
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Now back to the story....
Having never been to The Waiting Room for an outdoor show, this particular one peeked my interest. I have always been a huge fan of this venue. The staff is always welcoming and the hospitality is wonderful. I was excited to see how things would play out with the slight change of scenery. The Waiting Room closed off Military Ave and brought in an outdoor stage giving a boost to their capacity compared to the 400 maximum for indoor shows.
Even with the expanded head count the show sold out really fast so I knew I would have to leave early for parking. It took me a good twenty minutes to find parking in the Benson neighborhood. That’s not surprising at all. As I drove down Maple Street past the venue, the line went clear down the street and wrapped all the way around. People even camped out the night before. The last time I had seen anything like this was the Greta Van Fleet show in Saginaw, MI.
Charlie Hickey was the first to play with his band.
Very calm and chilled out vibes during his set. There was a lot of switching back and forth from electric to acoustic which gave everyone a run for their money. Phoebe Bridgers even joined Charlie on stage for his last song of the evening. He has a new album out titled Nervous At Night that dropped May 20th. You can check out more about Charley Hicks here: https://www.charliehickey.com/
There was a little time in between sets as more people poured into the venue. I met up with my friend Jaclyn who I had never met before in person. We have been internet friends for a long time. It was great to finally meet face-to-face. I also met a fellow photographer who had been doing film for eight years. This was his biggest show he has ever shot before so he was very excited. It’s really cool to see other photographers in their element doing their thing.
Phoebe Bridgers and her band walked out in skeleton onesies to the song "Down With The Sickness" by Disturbed. The crowd went wild. I made my way to the photo pit excited to capture all the action. The crowd was so pumped to see her play. I have to admit, previously I wasn't super familiar with Pheobe's full catalog, but after catching this show I'm now an official fan.
Phoebe and her band really gave the crowd what they were waiting for and even more. The atmosphere was amazing all night.
Phoebe made the comment that the last time she had played in Omaha was at O’Leavers Pub. Now there were hundreds of people packed in like sardines to see her play. Pheobe has been gaining momentum the last few years with appearances on several late night shows including SNL: Saturday Night Live. She's been nominated for four Grammys and has collaborated with high profile artists such as, Taylor Swift, Kid Cudi, and Omaha native, Connor Oberst.
If Pheobe isn't on your radar, make sure to check her out! Pheobe and her band are continuing the tour throughout the summer and they're even making their way back through the Midwest headlining the Hinterland Music Festival.
I would like to thank The Waiting Room and the team at 1% Productions for always being awesome. Thank you to Phoebe Bridgers and her team for the wonderful time. You can catch the rest of the Reunion Tour on the dates below!
6/3 - Milwaukee, WI @BMO Harris Pavilion
6/4- Chicago, IL @Hungtington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
6/7- Toronto, ON @RBC Echo Beach
6/8- Montreal, QC @MTelus
6/9 Portland, ME @Thompson’s Point
6/11- Washington, DC @The Anthem
6/12- Washington, DC @ The Anthem
6/13- Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony Summer Stage
6/15- Brooklyn, NY @Prospect Park Bandshell
8/7- Saint Charles, IA @Hinterland
8/18- Spokane, WA @Spokane Pavilion
8/20- Vancouver, BC @Orpheum Theatre
8/23- Redmond, WA @Marymoor Park
8/25- Tourdale, OR @Edgefield Ampitheatre
8/27 Paso Robles,CA @Vina Robles Amiptheatre
8.28- Los Angeles, CA @This Ain’t No Picnic
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Phoebe Bridgers
Charlie Hickey
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