I'm sure it happens at almost every show. A guitarist's string breaks, a mic stand falls over, a drum stick flies out of a drummer's hand. I've only recently started making a point of noticing these events and watching how people cover up the accidents. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 17, Worried Mothers, Jealousy Mountain Duo and Yuppies rocked the front room of The Slowdown. Yes, each band had their bobbles, but I'm pleased to report all recovered smoothly. 

With an insistent pounding of a keyboard chord, Worried Mothers came on stage: Levi on drums, Dave on guitar and vocals, Erica on keyboard and Brynn on guitar. (They choose to withhold last names.) Their set was full of warped guitar warbles, emotional screaming vocals and several broken guitar strings by the second song. (Dave continued to strum what few strings were left, as if he hadn't noticed it was only two.)

Few cheers came from the semi-empty front room, but Dave made a point of saying, "Thanks, Anna." in reply to one particular set of woos and claps. Their set was awesomely weird, and I seriously hope to see the native Iowa band appear soon.

Next up was a two-man German band with Mick Barr on electric guitar and Weasel Walter on drums. The craftsmanship of their individual instruments really came out when they could play opposing rhythms and end up with a harmonious sound. The guitar part was sporadic and leisurely while the drums were hard-hitting and quick (a drum stick flew from Walter's hand, but with a quick lick of the lips, another stick was in hand). Their set was nothing short of instrumental excitement. The crowd was receptive, and at least one mustered up the energy to stand from a spinning chair with tall boy in hand and moved closer to the stage.

Last but not least, Yuppies graced the stage with a full audience standing at their feet. Boogs on vocals, Jeff on bass, Kevin on drums and Noah on guitar (again, on a first-name basis) delivered a catchy trashy punk, garage-band sound. Lyrics were muffled and a little hard to understand, but the haunting verse, "Sometimes thoughts manifest themselves with help," stuck out. Each member appeared to be so into their instruments, they hardly peered out into the dark buzzing room.

The crowd had obvious devoted followers with a group of girls swinging their hips and singing along stood in front as well as some heavily bearded scruffy dudes peppering the audience. Their set list ran together with each song blending nicely into the next with a smooth closing of the night. After the music, a guitar was thrown down — on purpose or not — and Yuppies exited the stage. I'd say the show was over.

Kelsey Hutchinson is a Hear Nebraska Intern. She is finally getting the hang of this whole journalism thing. Reach her at kelseyhutch@hearnebraska.org.