The day started out slow and kept dragging on. The two hour drive to Omaha, Nebraska seemed to stretch on for an entire day. The weather was weird: sunny, rainy, sunny and very much humid. We entered the town I swear I am meant to live in. I felt at home walking the streets and spending way to much time inside Homer's. That town does something to me. I adore that city and its lights more than anything.
As the day stretched on, dusk finally fell over the Anchor Inn with boys and girls in their cutest outfits hoping he will catch a glimpse of them and remember them for the next time. The boys and girls fell into place as Michael Runion took the stage while Deep Sea Diver followed him. The alcohol started to set into some and they felt the amazing vibes and effects it had as Tilly and the Wall tap danced and sang their way through their amazing set. As night officially set, everyone got anxious. The ones they had been anticipating were about to go on. As Conor and the boys of The Mystic Valley Band set in, the crowd became one, or so they should have...
Three hours and five new friends later, the adrenaline rush came to a close for most. For a few lucky ones, it was just at its peak.
"Conor Oberst is a dick." "All Oberst cares about is himself. He doesn't give anyone the time of day" "I've heard he is a huge douche" "All he cares about is himself and his drugs" - these are the words I have read and heard many times.
If a warm smile and a handshake to a couple of strangers on his bus is being a dick, then yes, Conor the biggest dick I have ever met. If letting three outsiders in his house and letting them chill for a few hours after the show means he only cares about himself and no one else. Then yes, the above statements are true.
However, I beg to differ with the statements people make about him. He is so intriguing. The way he talks is captivating; completely in deep thought one moment and laughing about chicken a split second later. He is by far the one person I have dreamt of. The dream became reality quite quickly and faded into another dream just as fast.
Jason was a doll as well. Exact opposite of what I expected him to be. I was going into the night thinking he would be distant and almost forced to be nice to us because Amanda was there. However, that vibe was never put off. Super cool and a really down to Earth guy. I will always be grateful to him for being genuinely nice to us.
Today, I'm not sure whether or not Conor remembers what I look like, but I really do not care. I don't care if he remembers he apologized at least five times for his house smelling bad. I don't care if he remembers taking Lauren's little green lighter. I really do not care.
I got a sneak peak into the life of a great musician that has been there for me for about six years. I got to spend a little time standing next to the great mind that has sang "Hunny, don't you weep. There is nothing as lucky, as easy, or free" night after night into my ear. That is all I really care about.
And, with a sweet smile, opening of the gates and a kiss blown in our direction. We ended the night.
Till next time.
Mr. Oberst,
I adore your shag carpet, it was quite soft.
P.S. We didn't say 'Goodbye' to you. That means we will be seeing you again.
