Last weekend, I met a friend for some coffee. Conversation drifted toward a subject that comes up from time to time: Why do we live in Omaha? We both had somewhat different perspectives on the subject. For me, the answer is simple. I actually came to Omaha telling myself that I would live here for a while, maybe a few years, and save up a little bit of money to finance a move to a larger city, like maybe Chicago or Seattle. After a while, I began to realize that many of the aspects of big city life that I thought I could only find in other places could actually be found right here in Omaha. Fortunately, I also had two examples of this ready to go immediately: BarCamp Omaha 2009 and the MAHA Music Festival.
As an avid music festival goer, I was particularly stoked to hear about the maiden voyage of the MAHA Music Festival. I’ve attended the Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tennessee for the last three years. (I even managed to bring a few reinforcements in an RV this year.) The drive was well over 12 hours, so I can attest to the fact that it was quite the expedition. Not surprisingly, it was great to hear that there would be a music festival practically in my own backyard. One of the best things about the festival was the fact that the organizers had the foresight to set up two stages: the Main Stage for national artists, and the Local Stage for Omaha artists. Not only could I hear a few national acts, but I’d get a sampling of local bands, as well. Although I like to see plenty of live music, I just don’t see as many local bands as I probably should. Plus, the weather was fantastic.
The festival opened with Jes Winter Band on the Local Stage. If you listen to 89.7 The River with any regularity, it’s distinctly possible that you’ve heard some of their stuff over the last year or so. If not, you can check some music on their website.
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Next up was The Appleseed Cast on the Main Stage. They’re Midwestern (from Lawrence, KS) and their sound is right at home in Omaha, which is known for Saddle Creek Records, and a number of artists associated with the emo sound that kids these days are so fond of.
I actually arrived when Noah’s Ark was a Spaceship took the local stage. Initially, I was reminded of some very early Nirvana, actually. I get the impression that they might still be in the process of finding their sound. I’m looking forward to good things from these guys in the future. Also, I have to admit that their drummer was sporting a brazen mustache. Bravo, sir.
Army Navy is an LA-based band. They’ve garnered a little bit of attention lately due to the release of a new album (done without a record label!), and also a track entitled Slight of Hand that appeared on the Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist soundtrack. Surprisingly, one of their members actually is actually from Iowa, so the band has roots in the area. Festival goer / MAHA volunteer Corey Smith described their sound as reminiscent of REM and The Jayhawks.
Little Brazil was up next on the local stage. They can be seen around the Omaha area frequently. Keep an eye out for them at the Waiting Room. I encourage you to check them out.
After them, I had the opportunity to experience the music of Canadian artist Serena Ryder. At first, I thought she seemed to be a smallish woman, but then she started to sing. Honestly, this young lady has quite a powerful voice. If you haven’t heard her stuff before, you’re missing out. For me, she was the biggest surprise of the festival.
The last local artist of the day to appear was it’s true! You can stream some of their music from their MySpace page, but if you want a live taste, you’ll have to wait a bit, as they’re on the road right now. Look for their triumphant return to Omaha on Halloween night at the Slowdown.
The night ended with the three big acts on the main stage: Big Head Todd and the Monsters, followed by G.Love & Special Sauce and Dashboard Confessional. All three are relatively big name national acts, who have established quite the career over the past few years.
In general, I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that this was the first time this festival took place. Due to the fact that there was such a limited amount of time to create such an event, I’m impressed with the execution. Lewis and Clark Landing is actually a great location for such an event. Since the whole area is paved, there was no mud whatsoever! This would make MAHA the first music festival that I’ve attended after which my shoes weren’t caked with something. The turnout was pretty respectable in light of that fact, but to be fair, Lewis and Clark Landing has finite space available for an audience (river on one side, restaurant on the other, fencing all around), so it seems that there would be an upper limit to the number of attendees that would comfortably occupy that space. In the future, let’s hope that the festival has to expand to larger facilities. Other than that, I can’t wait to see who next year’s lineup includes.
The other event that sprang to mind was the 2009 installment of BarCamp Omaha. This year was my first year as an attendee. I didn’t get in touch with Omaha’s entrepreneurial/startup/creative class community until after last year’s event, but as soon as I learned of it I was disappointed that it had already passed. I didn’t really know what I missed out until this year. I have to admit that I’m still reeling from the energy of it all. My only complaint (similar to my only complaint about Bonnaroo every year) is that I had to make a few tough decisions about which sessions I would attend (Which do I want to see more?). The only regrets that I have are the speakers that I didn’t see and the people that I didn’t get a chance to meet.
Personally, I spent most of my time in the entrepreneur track, but there were one or two speakers in the creative / tech tracks that I really felt like I was missing out on. I’m the kind of person that gets really motivated by new / exciting ideas, so I wanted for some of the sessions to both last forever and also end quickly so I could channel some of that energy into work.
Sometimes we all take for granted just how great Omaha is, but I really love it when people come in from out of town and remind me. At BarCamp this year, that person was Roby Fitzhenry of We Are Always Creative in College Station, TX. Roby kept his session informal and discussion-based, but he was the biggest advocate there that “Ya’ll don’t know how great you have it.” To be honest, I think we all need that reality check from time to time. The last time I heard that, it came from Gary Vaynerchuk when I met him during the 2009 Big Omaha conference.
Anyway, these are the exactly the sort of events that spring to mind when I talk to people about why I love Omaha. Believe me, there are plenty others as well. In fact, just thinking about it has me all fired up, so you’ll have to excuse me for a bit. I have some work to do.
