photo of Grimer from Crucial Changes
Mrs. Butterworth and Aunt Jemima might be rocking out to Nebraska’s hardcore music this weekend, or at least sweetening the deal.
Sixteen bands are set to perform on Sept. 8 at The Common for the Nebraska Hardcore Showcase. A free pancake feed will also accompany the event, says organizer Brock Stephens.
Stephens, who helped organize the event, says 2012 marks the musical showcase’s third year, and it's different than an average performance.
“It’s more of an event, I would say, than a show,” he says.
Previous years have included bands from outside Nebraska, but Stephens says this year's lineup comprises Omaha and Lincoln musicians. He says that wasn’t a goal for this year’s show, but rather how it worked out.
Bands set to perform at the showcase are 13th Year Bad Vibes, Bruja, Cordial Spew, Defective Youth, Diamondz R 4Eva, Discourse, Ezra, FeederGainer, Feral Hands, Grimer, Powerslop, Purgatory, Red Lion, Relentless Approach and Servus.
Local comedian Zach Peterson is set to emcee the event. Peterson says he became interested in the hardcore/punk rock scene more than a decade ago.
Still, the comedian might face a crowd not expecting laughs. His experience has taught him it can be difficult to hold the audience’s attention when he emcees an event outside of comedy, but Peterson says he’s not concerned about it.
This year’s event will be Peterson’s first Nebraska Hardcore Showcase, and past years suggest he might have a nicely sized audience. Stephens says the 2011 show attracted more than 100 audience members — and he’s banking on a large crowd this year.
photo of Feral Hands from Crucial Changes
The 2012 show will be free, although organizers encourage participants to bring men’s winter clothing donations for The Common’s outreach effort.
The pancake feed and a post show will also be free. Organizers will hold the pancake feed from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
“Fun way to start the day,” Stephens says.
The post show will begin at 11:30 p.m. and feature Gag Reflex, Sister Kisser and Drunk Tank.
Organizers will host both supplemental activities at Middle House on 38th and Farnam.
The Nebraska Hardcore Showcase’s main event is scheduled for 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Sept. 8. All ages are welcome, admission is free, and organizers encourage men’s winter clothing donations.
Rob McLean is a Hear Nebraska contributor and a web journalist based out of Omaha.