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Mother Mother with Winnetka Bowling League

September 20, 2024 – Steelhouse – Omaha, NE

On Friday night, September 20, 2024, Steelhouse in Omaha, Nebraska, played host to Mother Mother’s 2024 tour. The evening kicked off with a dynamic performance by the openers, Winnetka Bowling League, and the audience definitely got their money’s worth!

Winnetka Bowling League is a pop-rock band formed in 2018, hailing from Los Angeles, California. Known for their catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, the group has quickly made a name for themselves in the indie music scene. The band consists of frontman and songwriter Ross Lodato, guitarist and keyboardist Justin Gocke, bassist and guitarist Jameson Wiggins, and drummer Tanner Wiggins.

Their debut EP, Winnetka Bowling League, showcased their knack for blending upbeat pop with heartfelt storytelling, garnering attention from fans and critics alike. Songs like “Drive” and “Kiss Me” became fan favorites, capturing the essence of youthful experiences and emotions. While they haven’t won major awards yet, they’ve received praise from various music outlets and built a dedicated following-over 429 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify to be exact.

With a fresh sound and infectious energy, Winnetka Bowling League is definitely a band to watch as they continue to grow and evolve in the music world, and they gave Omaha fans a performance to remember.

From the moment they hit the stage, the energy was infectious. Ross Lodato’s charismatic presence had the crowd engaged right away, and you could tell everyone was having a great time. They opened with “pulp,” and the singalong was epic—it’s one of those songs that just makes you feel good.

The band’s blend of catchy pop-rock and relatable lyrics really shines in a live setting. Each member brought their own flair, especially Justin on guitar, who added some killer riffs. They sprinkled in a few new songs, and if those are any indication of what’s to come, fans are in for a treat!

The vibe was super laid-back, and they shared stories that made the concert feel personal. By the end of their set, everyone was dancing and singing along. If you get a chance to see Winnetka Bowling League live, don’t hesitate—they have great music and good vibes!

After a brief intermission, it was time for Mother Mother!

In case you’re not familiar, Mother Mother is a Canadian indie rock band formed in 2005 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Known for their unique sound that blends pop, rock, and folk influences, the group has gained a dedicated fanbase both in Canada and internationally. The band consists of lead vocalist Ryan Guldemond, his sister and backing vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Molly Guldemond, guitarist Jasmin Parkin, bassist Michael Barbiero, and drummer Ali Siadat.

They burst onto the scene with their debut album, Touch Up, in 2007, but it was their 2011 album, Eureka, that really put them on the map, featuring hits like “The Stand” and “Hayloft.” Over the years, they’ve released several successful albums, including O My Heart and No Culture, showcasing their signature harmonies and thought-provoking lyrics.

Mother Mother has received various awards and nominations, including Juno Award nominations for Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year. With their ability to evolve and experiment with sound, they continue to capture the hearts of fans and critics alike, solidifying their place in the indie music scene.  Currently, they have over 8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and their latest singles “Devil Town” and “Explode!,” are definitely worth adding to your playlist.

A Mother Mother concert is an emotional rollercoaster, and this show was no exception! From the moment they hit the stage, the atmosphere was electric, enhanced by stunning stage lighting that shifted with each song, casting vibrant colors that mirrored the energy of the music.

The band opened with “Nobody Escapes,” and right away, you could feel the crowd’s excitement. Ryan Guldemond’s vocals were hauntingly beautiful, and the harmonies with Molly were nothing short of magical. They have an incredible ability to draw out emotions, making you feel every lyric deeply. When they played “Hayloft,” the crowd erupted, singing along passionately—it was one of those moments where you could just feel the connection between the band and the audience.

Between songs, the band shared stories that added a personal touch, creating a sense of intimacy despite the larger venue. The lighting danced along with the rhythm of the music, accentuating the highs and lows of their set. By the end of the night, it felt like a collective catharsis, leaving everyone with a mix of joy and nostalgia. If you ever get the chance to see Mother Mother live, do it—you won’t be disappointed!

Mother Mother Setlist:

  • Nobody Escapes
  • Arms Tonight
  • Hayloft II
  • The Matrix / Where Is My Mind?
  • Problems
  • Explode!
  • Back to Life
  • Video Games (Lana Del Rey cover)
  • Bit by Bit
  • Body
  • Sleep Awake
  • Dirty Town / Neighbour / Wisdom / Ghosting / Little Pistol / It’s Alright
  • Oh Ana
  • Wrecking Ball
  • Verbatim
  • Hayloft

Encore:

  • Grief Chapter
  • Burning Pile

Winnetka Bowling League

Mother Mother

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