If there’s ever a place where a famous rock musician should indulge in his bluegrass desires, Lawrence is the spot.
Nick Hexum (of 311 fame) brought his Americana act to the Granada on Friday night, treating fans to his journey of self-exploration through bluegrass. The longtime musician was joined by Water Tower, a self-proclaimed punk rock bluegrass outfit out of California, who brought a delightful level of expertise to the stage. It felt like a Kaw River Roots Fest set! Water Tower opened the show, gathered around the old-timey mic Grand Ole Opry style, with their quirky brand of bluegrass originals and covers (their cover of Rancid’s “Radio” was a particular audience favorite) and dedicating a song to Pickleman’s before returning as the backing band for Hexum.
Fresh off his recent release, Phases of Hope and Hollow, Hexum was heartbreakingly transparent with equal parts storytelling and performing. Songs like the autobiographical “Lonely Existence” as well as the gut-wrenching “I Am Open” (a song that details his life in the year since his brother’s passing due to drug addiction) gave fans a peek into the man beyond the party songs he’s generally known for with 311. This was no easy feat, since his fans were charmingly obnoxious and kept requesting “Amber” every other song. But thanks to Water Tower’s beautiful bluegrass picking, gorgeous harmonies, and Hexum’s smooth vocals and knack for storytelling, they won everyone over by the end of the night. Hexum and the band stood elegantly tall in their matching tailored black suits contrasting against the beautiful colors of the stage. It was a delight for the ears and the eyes.
Hexum’s stories were an extra treat for Lawrence due to his local connection. The Omaha native’s parents both went to KU and had their first date at Liberty Hall, so his Lawrence knowledge was not the usual pandering bands make to towns as they’re passing through. Hexum also noted that on their way to Lawrence, the band stopped by his father’s place to deliver a private concert (awwww adorable). He also covered The Everly Brothers and Chappell Roan, jokingly boasting of his knowledge of hits by young pop singers due to having three daughters. He ended with a very bluegrass rendition of “Amber” because OF COURSE the fans were expecting it. But the most delightful aspect of the show was watching him accomplish the impossible: winning over a crowd of former party kids and watching them experience Hexum maturing and developing his body of work. It felt like everyone grew together that night.
Photos from the night below: