Lincoln Exposed kicks off with three crowd-pleasing performances

Being one of the first artists of a four day, 60 act music festival isn't easy. You're setting the tone for audiences. You're laying the groundwork that will help them decide whether they will come out the next night or stay home. The Lincoln Exposed bands at Zoo Bar on Wednesday did everything they could to ensure the former.

A country-blues band, Dr. John Walker and the New Hokum Boys, kicked off Lincoln Exposed at the Zoo Bar Wednesday. They served as a pallet cleanser for what was to come, with older members playing softer music while listeners passively enjoyed the music, sipping on drinks and chatting with friends and family.

Singer John Walker and his crew played both cover songs and originals. Their rendition of Townes Van Zandt's "If I Needed You" demonstrated an appealing combination of the band's taste for country-folk, as well as blues rock.

The four member band put on a relaxing show for the audience, who seemed to enjoy the performance. They exuded chemistry with Walker playing guitar and singing and Peter Blakeslee playing dobro, which created a unique picking sound. Dave and Nathan Morris accompany the two on bass and percussion.

The Tijuana Gigolos took the stage next and made the most of a warmed-up audience. After only one song they had several Zoo Bar patrons on their feet dancing. Before the band even started, listeners were raving about how talented and entertaining the Tijuana Gigolos are. And they definitely did not disappoint. They started off with a jazzy tune, with Josh Hoyer taking the lead on saxophone. Their next song was even more upbeat and lively, mostly due to Marty Steinhausen's intense vocals. His range of notes was incredible and he kept the energy up throughout the entire performance.

By the second song a mixture of people from young to old couples and one seemingly homeless woman were at the front of the stage, dancing and clapping to the beat. The Gigolos fed off the excitement of the audience and appeared to get completely lost in the musical experience. With their entertaining and energetic nature, the Tijuana Gigolos put on my favorite performance of the night far and away.

Son of 76 and the Watchmen went on shortly thereafter. This soul/blues band put on a less intense, yet talent-filled show. The sax player and vocalist for Tijuana Gigolos, Josh Hoyer, is the manager, lead singer, and pianist of Sons of 76. On Wednesday night he worked what must have been some exhausting, but rewarding, overtime. The group started with a slower song but built up their soulful style and played with lots of energy. Josh Hoyer led the band with a phenomenal voice, though he was backed up with great instrumentalists.

All three performances, especially the Tijuana Gigolos, started off Lincoln exposed in style on the Zoo Bar stage.

kelseyhaugen@dailynebraskan.com