Note: Better Know a Band is a regular series that randomly selects, albeit unscientifically, a Hear Nebraska band profile from the bunch. We ask each band to answer eight questions in hopes that we'll learn something new.
Today's band: Anniversaire. Speaking on origins, they say, "Travis (Ahrenholtz on bass and auxillary percussion) grew up in Denison, Iowa, though technically he hasn't been born yet. Megan (Siebe on cello) grew up Grand Island, but acts like she's at least from Lincoln. Aaron (Jordan on vocals and keys) grew up where the Platte empties into the Missouri. We're not sure about Ben (Eberly on drums and percussion), he just showed up one day."
Next performance: See Anniversaire play Slowdown on Wednesday, Aug. 29 with Bear Stories and Snake Island! Doors are at 8 p.m., and the cover is $7.
Hear Nebraska: In ten words or fewer, tell me what's most interesting about your band.
Anniversaire: Some people say we look like Albert Einstein.
HN: Which member of the band tells the best stories? Please share one favorite with us.
AN: Megan is the best, because she's the worst storyteller. The story doesn't matter: Watching her tell it is so entertaining.
However, one of our favorite stories is one of Ben's. He was at work sorting some freshly printed documents when a law enforcement officer walked in. "You need to come with me." He escorted Ben past his co-workers as he read him his rights, took him out to his patrol car and frisked him. He interrogated Ben about stolen city property, said they had conclusive evidence and Ben would be fined up to $10,000 or be placed in prison for five years.
Ben confessed and, according to him, had his entire life flash before his eyes. When he was finished, the officer walked Ben back into the building advising him that a prosecutor would be contacting him. "Now, take me to Travis…"
As Ben walked in, everyone there started laughing, and there was Travis with a video camera. It dawned on him that the entire thing was a prank pulled by Travis (whom Ben refused to rat out when being questioned). Ben literally thought his life was over. The footage can't be shown for legal reasons. And whether or not Ben stole anything… that's another story.
HN: What is the best setlist you've made and why?
AN: Our favorite set list was from one of our favorite shows. We played last on an evening of the Summer Showcase for the Omaha Entertainment Awards at The Sydney (then Mick's). The stage was so small we couldn't all fit on it, and it took forever to set up, but the place was full of great people who stuck around and we played a mix of old songs, new songs, and some covers. We don't remember all of what we played, but we had a great time.
HN: Do you have any rules for practices? If so, who breaks them and will they ever learn? If not, why not?
AN: Yes. No YouTube. Sadly, we all break this pretty much every time. Sometimes it's for inspiration, but usually it's for cheap laughs.
HN: What do you wish the crowd would do at your shows?
AN: Slow dance.
HN: Is there anything you wish they didn't do?
AN: We wish people wouldn't try to kiss Megan after the set.
HN: Which character from one of your songs would you most like to have a drink with?
AN: There's a serial-killing woman in our song "Gossamer" who we think would be interesting company.
HN: What is your favorite chord and why?
AN: There's a chord in our song "F. Sonata" that we play like an F but is actually a G. It's a psychologically implied chord that doesn't actually contain audible tones… but you hear it anyway. You know what we mean.
HN: In ten words or fewer, tell me where you hope your band will be one year from today.
AN: Carved into Mount Rushmore.
Add your band to Hear Nebraska by registering an account and clicking "Add New Band" under the "My HN" tab. Email michaeltodd@hearnebraska.org with any questions.