Part Time Believer Tour - Reviewed

By Mitch West

Photo Credit: The Strumbellas

A Magical Night of Music and Connection at the Waiting Room Lounge

Tuesday night at the legendary Waiting Room Lounge was nothing short of magical as The Strumbellas brought their "Part Time Believer" tour to the good life state, with support from rising singer-songwriter Cece Coakley. It was a night that fostered a sense of community, filled with dancing, tears, excitement, and hand-holding – a true celebration of the power of live music.

The tour followed the February release of The Strumbellas' new 12-song album, "Part Time Believer," marking the band's first return to the United States in over five years. As the anticipation built, Cece Coakley took the stage, setting the tone for an evening of heartfelt songwriting and emotional connection.

Cece Coakley Hits Home with Heartfelt Songwriting

Coakley's performance was a poignant exploration of life's bittersweet moments, from the pangs of long-distance friendships to the nostalgia of returning home... [Cece Coakley review to follow]

The Strumbellas Bring Powerful Emotional Connection to the Stage

Since forming in 2008 and releasing their debut album "My Father and the Hunter" in 2012, the alternative Canadian group The Strumbellas have been crafting music that brings people together... [The Strumbellas review to follow]

Cece Coakley at The Waiting Room Lounge 4.30.24 Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid

Cece Coakley Hits Home with Heartfelt Songwriting we all can relate too.

Cece Coakley's performance in Nebraska was a poignant exploration of life's bittersweet moments, from the pangs of long-distance friendships to the nostalgia of returning home. The rising singer-songwriter, dubbed "The Hummus Queen of Tennessee," made her debut in the state to a warm reception on a late April evening. Coakley captivated the audience with a setlist that seamlessly blended new material from her recent release with fan favorites from her past EPs. Songs like "You're Red" from 2023's "Happy Adjacent" and "Anything" from 2022's "Tender" struck a chord, resonating deeply with the crowd's collective experiences.

One standout moment came with the performance of "865," a track from "Happy Adjacent" born from a poignant encounter. After dropping out of college to pursue her musical dreams, Coakley found herself back at her parents' home, broke but determined. A chance encounter with a past bully at the mall left her in tears, inspiring the deeply personal lyrics of "865."

Throughout the evening, Coakley's songwriting showcased her ability to capture the complexities of life, love, and heartbreak. "Perfect Strangers," a fan request from her 2022 EP "Tender," proved that even her lesser-played tracks still pack an emotional punch, as the fan who requested it revealed in the moment from the front row.

As the night drew to a close, Coakley invited the audience to join her in singing "Halfway," fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Her warm presence and relatable lyrics left the crowd pondering past loves, both cherished and bittersweet, and yearning for someone to hold.

Coakley's songwriting encompasses the things we all wish we could have said to that special someone, delivered in a way that strikes at the heart. With her undeniable talent and ability to connect with audiences, it's clear that Cece Coakley will be making her way back to Nebraska soon, and her fans will be eagerly awaiting her return.

The Strumbellas at Waiting Room Lounge 4.30.24 Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid

The Strumbellas Bring Powerful Emotional Connection to the Stage

Since forming in 2008 and releasing their debut album "My Father and the Hunter" in 2012, the alternative Canadian group The Strumbellas have been crafting music that brings people together to celebrate life, love, happiness, and togetherness. Their songs have a way of making you think of someone special and providing solace during rough patches. Having been a fan of their recorded music, finally witnessing The Strumbellas perform live was an experience that exceeded all expectations.

The band's set was a powerful, cinematic emotional journey. They treated the audience to a diverse setlist spanning their entire discography, including standouts like "Running Scared," "Running Out of Time," "One Day," "Let You Down," "Holster," and "Steal My Soul" from their latest release, "Part Time Believer." They also delighted fans with beloved tracks like "Salvation" from "Rattlesnake," "We Don't Know," "Shovels & Dirt," "Young & Wild," and "Wild Sun" from "Hope," as well as "Greatest Enemy," "Home Sweet Home," and "In is Life" from "We Still Move on Dancefloors." The band even delivered an incredible cover of Yeah Yeah Yeahs' "Maps."

Between songs, The Strumbellas brought out their "Believer Box," containing handwritten sentiments from fans in attendance. They pulled out and read a powerful message from Kelly from Omaha, which stated, "I believe we were all meant to be here today." This moment was later followed by a heart-wrenching performance of "Diane" from their debut album, leaving not a single dry eye in the house.

In a truly intimate gesture, the band left the stage and joined the crowd on the floor for a powerful rendition of "Wreckage" from "Part Time Believer." They returned to the stage to cap off the night with their massive viral hit "Spirits" from "Hope," providing the perfect ending to a perfect evening.

This Strumbellas show was one of the best concerts experienced in a long time, and no one in attendance wanted it to end. It was a night filled with special moments and a powerful emotional connection that solidified the band's ability to bring people together through their music one in which we all shared.