October 12, 2019 – The Waiting Room – Omaha, NE

On Saturday night October 12, 2019, The Waiting Room Lounge (outside), in Omaha, Nebraska, played host to Blue October and New Dialogue.  The cold temperatures weren’t enough to keep hundreds of fans away, as both bands put on a stellar show. 

Los Angeles-based group, New Dialogue was the first to take the stage.  The band is currently signed to RED Music label, and consists of Taylor Morrow (lead vocals), Ela Kitapci (vocals & guitar), Jason Rodriguez (drums), Michael Sevilla (guitar), and Jeff Badaagliacca (bass guitar).  Their sound can best be described as Indie Pop.  The group was dressed for the weather, and despite mentioning how cold it was, they all expressed appreciation for being able to play for the Omaha crowd.  A standout song for me was, “Pilgrim”, a feel-good anthem that boasts the message, “you can be anyone”!  Prior to this event, I wasn’t familiar with New Dialogue, but their unique sound and upbeat personalities made me an instant fan.  My feelings were echoed by the hundreds of fans in attendance, as they showed New Dialogue a lot of love with screams, cheers, and applause. 

After a brief intermission, blue lights, fog, and dramatic instrumental music began to play as Blue October took the stage.  Blue October was formed in Houston, Texas in 1995, and has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success.  The band has had eleven Top 40 singles, seven studio albums, certified platinum albums, and millions of records sold worldwide.  Lead vocalist, Justin Furstenfeld, was joined onstage with his bandmates, Jeremy Furstenfeld (drums, percussion), Ryan Delahoussaye (violin, piano, backing vocals), Matt Noveskey (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Will Knaak (lead guitar).  The backlit stage with blue lights and fog created kind of a mysterious feel as Justin began their set with, “Coal Makes Diamonds”, from their 2016 album, “Home.”  Their eighteen-song set list featured popular songs from their past studio albums, and an incredible four-song encore performance.  The crowd seemed to love all of their songs, but obviously went crazy when the band played megahits, “Hate Me”, and “Into The Ocean”.  Blue October’s unique Alternative Rock sound and infectious energy makes it easy to see why they’ve amassed a huge following of fans, and overwhelming success.  This concert was awesome! 

Blue October Set List: 

• Coal Makes Diamonds
• Say It
• Bleed Out
• King
• Into the Ocean
• Home
• The Worry List
• A Quiet Mind
• Ugly Side
• I Want It
• Daylight
• James
• Colors Collide
• Hate Me

Encore: 

• I Will Follow You
• Your Love Is Like a Car Crash
• Fear
• I Hope You’re Happy