Jim James (and others) play concert for Obama

[cmccubbin@work]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2620&u_sid=10253594

A rock star from Omaha wants a political rock star from Illinois in the White House.

Conor Oberst and his band Bright Eyes performed a free concert Thursday night in support of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama.

A capacity crowd of nearly 700 people gathered for the concert at Slowdown, a rock club near the Qwest Center Omaha. The event featured performances from Bright Eyes, M. Ward, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Secret Life of Sparrows and Jim Ward.

Tickets to the concert were handed out for free on Tuesday for those who registered to vote or signed a card pledging to support Obama.

Many who attended the concert, including Laura Feilmeier of Omaha, were at Obama's earlier rally at the Civic Auditorium.

Feilmeier, 23, said she came to show her support for Obama and because Bright Eyes and M. Ward are among her favorite musicians.

"He has heart," she said of the presidential hopeful. "He inspires me to care about politics."

From the stage, Oberst reminded the young crowd to set alarm clocks early to attend Saturday's caucus.

"We can't do it alone," Oberst said, "but together it will be very, very easy."

Later, he joked that everyone at the rally was invited to his house for coffee Saturday morning.

James said he was honored to support Obama.

"I was very moved by Mr. Obama's words, very moved," James told the crowd.

Campaign volunteers spent the evening answering questions about Obama and encouraging people to attend Saturday's caucus.

By 11:30 p.m., volunteers had collected names of about 40 people who pledged to caucus or who wanted to be a volunteer.

The signatures were in addition to the 350 people whose names were collected Tuesday.

Volunteers acknowledged that the majority of fans were there for the bands.

But that didn't discourage them.

"It's a way to get his message out," volunteer Nick Velis, 24, said of the concert. "Every vote counts."

[cmccubbin@work]

did anyone know this was going down?

wonder what songs he played?!?

[BH]

I heard about this yesterday, but it only listed Bright Eyes, M. Ward and Jim Ward.

[aMD]

did anyone know this was going down?

wonder what songs he played?!?

my guest is gideon.

can we get confirmation that it was OUR Jim who played this show?

[...vacuuman...]

can we get confirmation that it was OUR Jim who played this show?

here's your confirmation right here: http://lindsaytrapnell.blogspot.com/2008/02/obama-in-omaha.html

very cool!

[mjkoehler]

Well fuck. Why am I not living in Omaha anymore? At least on Thursday.

[getinthevan]

It could just be a shadow, but in the picture on that blog, I think it looks like Jim has a beard.  

[The DARK]

Prehaps they all played Chinese Translation together? That would make sense.

Such a beautiful song...

[Ive got an EVIL plan babe]

Here is a more detailed blog about the show.  This blog is written by the same person from the link posted above.  You'll have to scroll down to the post made on 2/7/08.

http://www.omahype.com/

[TheBigChicken]

Isn't JJ on a Bright Eyes album though only as a voice on the opening track :-?...

[getinthevan]

Isn't JJ on a Bright Eyes album though only as a voice on the opening track :-?...

He sings on the first song, At The Bottom of Everything on I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning.

[mjkoehler]

Great, now I miss Omaha even more.  ::)

[Kory]

The beard is BACK!  :D

[Taterbug]

JIM must be a democrate. I hope all you republicans are listening  ;D

[BluesPower]

Grrrrr

I live in Omaha but had no idea that Jim James would be playing this.  I would have sat through that boring Bright Eyes crap for this.  Damn.

My Morning Jacket needs to come back to Omaha.  There show in 2002 here was fucking  awesome.

[mjkoehler]

Hey Blues, Where in Omaha you at (North O, Florence, Benson, Ralston, Millard, Papio etc.)? Nice to see some other Nebraskians on here.

[tomEisenbraun]

haha, looks like the scruff is growin back on in! every tree needs to shake free of its leaves now and again...

[barge34]

I live in Omaha as well.  I did not attend the show as I had no idea JJ would be there.  I have been pissed all week because of it.

Here are some great pics though.  Can't wait for Radio City!!!

http://kaylabenker.com/photos/obamarally/

Oh...and one other thing.  He is allegedly still in town.  A buddy of mine who works with Saddle Creek records and The Slowdown said he was in Conor Obersts studio working on the Monsters of Folk album.

ok....back to lurking.

[getinthevan]

Oh...and one other thing.  He is allegedly still in town.  A buddy of mine who works with Saddle Creek records and The Slowdown said he was in Conor Obersts studio working on the Monsters of Folk album.

ok....back to lurking.

Wait, you can't just casually mention something like that and go back to lurking.  

[BH]

Oh...and one other thing.  He is allegedly still in town.  A buddy of mine who works with Saddle Creek records and The Slowdown said he was in Conor Obersts studio working on the Monsters of Folk album.

:o  I wonder what it will be comprised of?  Covers?  New originals?  How exciting!