July 16, 2019 – The Bourbon Theater – Lincoln, NE
The Bourbon Theater in Lincoln, Nebraska played host to Portugal. The Man and Quinn Christopherson on Tuesday night July 16th. The theater was jammed packed and although I didn’t get confirmation, I’m assuming the concert was sold out.
Both acts, originally from Alaska, were visiting Lincoln for the first time.
Quinn Christopherson, accompanied by his bandmate Nick Carpenter, took the stage to open the show. I hadn’t had the chance to hear any of Christopherson’s music beforehand, but his relaxed appearance and sometimes strange mannerisms captured my attention. Christopherson, a transgender man, sang heartfelt songs that emphasized his emotions. I’m pretty sure the audience didn’t know how to take him at first, but after a few songs, they started to understand and appreciate his talent, especially when he sang his award-winning song “Erase Me”, which highlights his experience coming out as transgender. Although he’s in his late 20’s, Christopherson had an almost childlike demeanor, and when he started screaming some of his lyrics and moving around the stage more, the audience came alive. He was a perfect choice to start the show.
After what seemed like an unusually long time to set up for the headliner, Portugal. The Man took the stage and introduced a local Native American Nebraskan, who spoke about the importance of voting against the Keystone Pipeline. The band has a history of political activism, and I thought this was an interesting and effective way to convey their message.
A short introduction video from MTV’s Beavis & Butthead played while the video screen backdrop played clips from some of the band’s music videos. The laser lights, video screen, and fog machines definitely helped create a “party-like” atmosphere, and the crowd loved it. The band opened the show with two cover songs from Metallica and Pink Floyd, before playing a few songs from their 2017 album, “Woodstock”. The crowd came unglued when the band started to play the 2018 Grammy Award-Winning, “Feel It Still”, but after about 30 seconds into the song, they had to pause due to technical difficulties. Moments later, they started the song again, and proved why it won so many awards last year. If I had to describe their music, I’d say it’s a cross between Alternative Rock, Indie, and Funk, but whatever you want to call it, they know how to put on a show! The Lincoln crowd loved them, and from start to finish, Portugal. The Man delivered an absolutely awesome concert.
Set List:
- For Whom the Bell Tolls
- Another Brick in the Wall Part 2
- Purple Yellow Red and Blue
- Number One
- Live in the Moment
- Creep in a T-Shirt
- Children of the Revolution
- Atomic Man
- Keep On
- Feel It Still
- Modern Jesus
- All Your Light (Times Like These)
- And I
- Noise Pollution
- Hip Hop Kids
- Holy Roller (Hallelujah)
- Encore: Sleep Forever