Band: Jeff Mangum (of Neutral Milk Hotel)
Venue: Liberty Hall
Location: Lawrence, KS
Tickets: $25-$35
Date: 1-18-2013
This show was once in a lifetime. It was magical and brilliant and everything I never knew a show could be. Jeff Mangum is one of the most humble and captivating performers I’ve ever seen.
The venue had a capacity of 1,050 and the show was sold out. Wrap your mind around that. It was packed with a wide range of people. Sitting a few rows back from us was a middle aged woman with a ten year old. On the floor below us, there were forty year-olds and teenagers and every other age group imaginable.
Our view from the balcony.
Our view of the stage was perfect. We decided that we should get balcony seating since we had so far to drive, the pit was bound to be crowded and we deserved a break. I can’t say how grateful I am that we made that decision.
The opening act was pretty lackluster for us. I can’t say if it’s because we were anxious for Jeff’s performance or if the band was really that average. We were able to visit the merch table while the opening act was on, and that was a nice change.
When Jeff finally came on stage, the crowd went nuts for him. He had a guitar stand by his chair with four guitars and a microphone for the guitar and himself. After every song, we went crazy. I’ve often cheered for bands, but I’ve never experienced anything like the depth of appreciation and crazed enthusiasm everyone gave him.
I have to say that the best part of the show was “Ghost.” Midway through playing, Jeff through his guitar across the stage, picked up another and kept playing. The audience kept time with their hands (and we were ON FIRE) and the guy a few seats down from us drummed out the crazy wild drum solo on the balcony.
The atmosphere of this show was unbelievable. It was as inviting as I wish every show was, as forgiving as I wish I could be and more refreshing than Sprite could ever pretend to be. It was magical but wonderfully human at the same time. I can’t recall an evening like it and I’m not sure it could ever be replicated. I wish I had a Pensieve so I could relive the night.
Jeff Mangum Concert Shirt
Here’s the Setlist:
King of Carrot Flowers, Pt. 2 & 3
I Love The Living You -Roky Erickson cover*
Encore:
And now, the final score!
Concert: A+
Venue: A-
Drink Prices: B
Audience: A+
Overall: A
*This is the actual song from the concert. Despite Jeff’s desire to have nothing filmed or photographed, this person recorded the song. I’m torn between gratitude and disdain for not following his wishes.
