Indie rock band Bright Eyes delivered an impassioned performance for an enthusiastic crowd Saturday night at the remodeled concert venue The Admiral.
The energy at the show was electric as Omaha native and lead singer Conor Oberst received a warm welcome from fans, who packed into the concert space and lined the balcony railing.
Bright Eyes performed a mix of songs from their formative years in the 1990s to selections from more recent albums such as Down in the Weeds, Where the World Once Was, which the band released in 2020 after a nine-year hiatus.
The songs displayed Bright Eyes’ signature melancholy lyrics and created a moody atmosphere. However, the band also showcased their versatility: smooth brass and string instruments added warmth and interesting textures to many of the songs.
It seemed fitting that opening night for The Admiral—the 96-year-old venue formerly known as Sokol Auditorium—should feature a well-loved band returning to its roots in Omaha.
The concert space had a fresh coat of dark paint on the walls and ceiling, along with functional improvements, including updated bathrooms. Between songs, Oberst recalled that he had played in Sokol Auditorium many times, and he likened the feeling of performing in the remodeled venue to stepping into the Twilight Zone.
Although Bright Eyes has explored eclectic musical ideas over the years, Saturday’s performance showed that the band has stayed true to its alternative-rock sound and its loyal fanbase in Omaha.
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