A Magical Night of Music and Connection at The Waiting Room Lounge with The Strumbellas and Cece Coakley
By Mitch West
On April 30, 2024, The Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha, Nebraska, hosted an unforgettable evening of music as The Strumbellas brought their "Part Time Believer" tour to the Cornhusker State, joined by rising singer-songwriter Cece Coakley. The night was a heartfelt celebration of live music, fostering community through dancing, tears, and shared moments of connection. This concert review explores the emotional performances by The Strumbellas and Cece Coakley, highlighting why this show was a standout experience for Nebraska music fans.
Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid
Cece Coakley’s Heartfelt Songwriting Captivates Omaha
Cece Coakley, affectionately dubbed the "Hummus Queen of Tennessee," made her Nebraska debut with a performance that resonated deeply with the audience. Her setlist blended new tracks from her 2023 release "Happy Adjacent" with fan favorites from her 2022 EP "Tender." Songs like "You're Red" and "Anything" struck a chord, capturing the bittersweet essence of long-distance friendships and the nostalgia of returning home.
A highlight of Coakley’s set was "865," a deeply personal song inspired by a chance encounter with a past bully after she dropped out of college to pursue music. The raw emotion in her lyrics and delivery connected with the crowd, showcasing her ability to weave life’s complexities into relatable storytelling. Another standout moment came when Coakley honored a fan’s request to perform "Perfect Strangers" from "Tender," proving her lesser-known tracks still carry emotional weight.
Coakley closed her set with "Halfway," inviting the audience to sing along and creating a sense of unity. Her warm stage presence and relatable lyrics left concertgoers reflecting on past loves and yearning for connection. With her undeniable talent, Cece Coakley’s Nebraska debut solidified her as an artist to watch, and fans are already eager for her return to The Waiting Room Lounge.
Photo Credit: @thatonemitchkid
The Strumbellas Deliver a Cinematic Emotional Journey
Since forming in 2008, Canadian alternative band The Strumbellas have crafted music that celebrates life, love, and togetherness. Their April 30 performance at The Waiting Room Lounge was a testament to their ability to forge powerful emotional connections through live music. Supporting their latest album, "Part Time Believer," released in February 2024, the band delivered a diverse setlist spanning their discography, marking their first U.S. tour in over five years.
The Strumbellas kicked off with tracks like "Running Scared," "Running Out of Time," "One Day," "Let You Down," "Holster," and "Steal My Soul" from "Part Time Believer." They also treated fans to beloved songs such as "Salvation" from "Rattlesnake," "We Don’t Know," "Shovels & Dirt," "Young & Wild," and "Wild Sun" from "Hope," plus "Greatest Enemy," "Home Sweet Home," and "In This Life" from "We Still Move on Dancefloors." A surprise cover of Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ "Maps" added a thrilling twist to the evening.
The band’s "Believer Box" created a poignant moment, with frontman Simon Ward reading a handwritten note from Omaha fan Kelly: “I believe we were all meant to be here today.” This sentiment set the stage for a heart-wrenching performance of "Diane" from their 2012 debut album, "My Father and the Hunter," leaving the audience visibly moved. In an intimate gesture, The Strumbellas stepped offstage to perform "Wreckage" among the crowd, fostering a shared sense of community. The night concluded with their viral hit "Spirits" from "Hope," delivering a euphoric finale to an unforgettable concert.
A Night to Remember at The Waiting Room Lounge
The Strumbellas’ "Part Time Believer" tour stop at The Waiting Room Lounge, with Cece Coakley’s captivating opening set, was a masterclass in emotional storytelling through music. Both acts demonstrated the power of live performances to bring people together, creating a night filled with dancing, reflection, and connection. For Nebraska music fans, this concert was a reminder of why The Waiting Room Lounge remains a premier destination for live music. As The Strumbellas and Cece Coakley continue their rise, this Omaha show will remain a cherished memory for all who attended.
