McKenzie River Band @ Shadow Lake

Tonight Kennedy and I went to yet another free concert.  Talent-wise, this might have been the best band I've seen for free.  The McKenzie River Band played classic rock and country but I think I would describe it as simply alt country.  One thing about the band, and this will make me sound like an old man, is they seemed very loud for the venue.  When you're literally playing into a solid cement hallway, you can turn it down a little.

About the venue: At the end of the day, you're just at a mall. Even if it isn't quite to the level of Robin Sparkles, it still is very much a mall.  This mall has a very nice courtyard area but it does lack places for kids to run and play.  When Kennedy tried to walk around, she often ended up in the walking lanes since every other spot is taken by someone in a chair.

That brings me to my next point, bring a chair!  There are some places to sit but not many and get there early.  I got there about 20 minutes after the concert had started and it was already very full.  We found a good place to stand near the back of the courtyard but if we had been pushed back much further, we would have been in a parking lot.

There was food available and there are also many restaurants since it is a mall.  I had a cheeseburger, soda and chips and it was really good.  They were also selling beer but I was disapointed it was only Bud Light.  I was really hoping to see an option from Nebraska Brewing Company.  I think they are the best brewery in Nebraska and it seems wrong to see people walking around with Bud Light when Hop God is so nearby.

Final thoughts:  I think I would go back again but in the future I'll get there earlier and I'll bring a chair.  This has been my least favorite venue so far though.
Actual Costs: Burger, soda and chips - $5.75
Up Next: Sand in the City - Qwest Center & Concert at Aksarben Village.