#patrick newbery

Oberst took time to talk between songs. The band laughed and nodded along as he went on to describe the tour: “This is a family band situation. We are all wearing overalls, no one is allowed to order entrees, it’s all shared plates…” The band is Matt Focht on drums, Stefanie Drootin on bass, MiWi La Lupa on guitar, and Patrick Newbery on keys.

“Blue Angels Air Show” was ushered into the setlist by a strong showing of distaste for the current administration. Oberst talked about children in cages, tax on french wine, and Trump “only being friends with dictators” in a vicious rant that was met with a standing ovation from the crowd.

“This is a song about the good old days when you could watch planes fly around and feel good about it”

The set finished with “Till St. Dymphna Kicks Us Out”. It’s a song about being with your friends at a place where you feel at home — much like what it seems like it is for the band to be on stage at the end of this short but strong tour.

A cover of Waylon Jennings’ “If You See Me Getting Smaller” opened the encore. It was so warm and special. Vocals were shared between Miwi La Lupa and Oberst. The pair have been friends for many years, even living together back in Omaha in the past.

Oberst talked about his “salt of the earth” mother Nancy before the next song. She is a strong believer in fate. While he doesn’t agree with the ideals of fate, he dedicated “If the Brakeman Turns My Way” to her.

“There’s zero right with the world, but the fact that you’re all here means so much to us. This is for my mom, Nancy.”