DEAN BIRKHEIMER | Go Venue Magazine
Last time I saw Matthew Sweet was September 6th, 2019 when I covered the 2nd annual Shadow Ridge Music Festival. I’ve been waiting 5 years for another opportunity and thanks to 1% Productions and The Waiting Room that opportunity occurred on a frigid February night in Omaha, Nebraska.
Before Matthew Sweet, who I think should open every Maha Festival, we were given the pleasure of listening to Abe Partridge. Abe’s art is pure, passionate and candid. At one point Abe was a Baptist preacher and through art and music has discovered himself. He cannot be grouped into any specific genre. But if he brings to your mind Prine, Earle, Townes and Willie I’m sure he’ll understand. His lyrics are precise, tense and expressive. His voice pointed and craggy. His entire set made us feel as though we were sitting around a campfire being told stories by a masterful storyteller. To help tell the tales, Abe brought along Austin Harper whose work on the slide guitar, that he labeled the “Sad Machine”, added several layers to the story telling atmosphere. The song/story of the night had to be “Alabama Astronauts”. It was simply a well told/sung tale of an Alien invasion at an Alabama trailer park. You can check it out here: Alabama Astronauts. From start to finish, the set was mesmerizing and filled with admiration as the fans would sing along songs they probably never heard before. Any opportunity you get to see Abe Partridge should be acted upon eagerly.
It’s been 5 years since Matthew Sweet has toured, so having the hometown boy return to Omaha was a highly anticipated event. The Waiting Room was packed with fans, but not just local fans. I ran into people from K.C., Denver and Sioux City. Not surprising, though, as Matthew has always had a loyal and large following. Matthew’s band for this evening consisted of Adrian Carter (acoustic), Paul Chastain, Velvet Crush member (bass), John Moremen (lead guitar) and Debbi Peterson (percussion) of The Bangles fame. Sweet‘s style of music can be described as pop with a bite. The bite, however, is not a nibble, it’s a ferocious rip into your flesh that most assuredly leaves a mark. Matthew’s music has consistently been packed with staggering guitar work and memorable hooks. The night was filled with crowd singing and euphoric cheering. Sweet is very comfortable and confident on stage, so much so that even a 20-minute story about stickers, a kick drum and a tattoo did not seem a big deal to him. To him, he was just chatting with some friends. What I enjoy most about Sweet‘s style is the way the music is booming, rapid and a little grubby. If you want to get an idea of what it’s like at a Matthew Sweet show, please check out this latest release of a 1993 concert, WXRT Matthew Sweet Grant Park, or even better, find somewhere, anywhere he is performing and go!
SET LIST
UGLY TRUTH – I WANTED TO TELL YOU – BYRDGIRL – TIME CAPSULE – SOMEONE TO PULL THE TRIGGER – DIVINE INTERVENTION – WINONA – DEVIL WITH THE GREEN EYES – PRETTY PLEASE – YOU DON’T LOVE ME – WE’RE THE SAME – IF TIME PERMITS – I’VE BEEN WAITING – EVANGELINE
ENCORE
GIRLFRIEND – SICK OF MYSELF
Once again, Dave Campbell and the ENTIRE staff at the Waiting Room knocked it out of the park. They seem to never have an off night. Always courteous, always professional and always working as a team. I know Omaha is growing, and more venues are popping up all over the place, but to me venues like The Waiting Room are the heart and soul of Omaha and as long as people like Dave and his crew are around, venues like The Waiting Room will also be around.
Matthew Sweet
[See image gallery at www.govenuemagazine.com]
Abe Partridge
[See image gallery at www.govenuemagazine.com] All images © Dean Birkheimer
Follow our socials, only take a second and is free by finding us on:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
The post MATTHEW SWEET at The Waiting Room appeared first on Go Venue Magazine.
- SEO Powered Content & PR Distribution. Get Amplified Today.
- PlatoData.Network Vertical Generative Ai. Empower Yourself. Access Here.
- PlatoAiStream. Web3 Intelligence. Knowledge Amplified. Access Here.
- PlatoESG. Carbon, CleanTech, Energy, Environment, Solar, Waste Management. Access Here.
- PlatoHealth. Biotech and Clinical Trials Intelligence. Access Here.
- Source: https://newhdmedia.com/matthew-sweet-at-the-waiting-room/
