Review & photos by Rachel Jablonski
The small town of Hallam, Nebraska, about 25 miles outside of my hometown Lincoln, has weathered quite a disaster. Last weekend, a wicked storm whipped through producing a tornado that has literally crumbled the town. Houses were flattened, life possessions destroyed, and even a school ripped to pieces. Life has been turned upside down for residents. But volunteered help and support from surrounding Nebraska communities has left victims of circumstance with hope as their lives are slowly rebuilt.
Eighty-five miles from Hallam one week later, California’s Bleed the Dream made their way to Omaha, Nebraska to play a show with The Matches, Maxeen, and Matchbook Romance at the Ranch Bowl. Unfortunately, like the town of Hallam, Bleed the Dream has also suffered misfortune recently. Bleed the Dream drummer, Scott Gottlieb, has been diagnosed with leukemia forcing him to endure treatment and suspending him from the band temporarily. Worse yet, Scott is without health insurance. But, like the clean up volunteers and financial contributors for Hallam, concerned and caring fans have pitched in to help Scott in his time of need with both monetary donations and well wishes. If you would like to contribute to a fund setup to help Scott or would like to wish him well please visit the band’s website to find out how. Support would surely be much appreciated by the band.
Missing a piece of their four-some, Bleed the Dream may be rather solemn, but they mask it quite well on stage. Unexpectedly, the set began with three acoustic songs. Stage black and all three band members seated on stools with Keith Thomson and Dave Aguilera playing guitars, the songs were heartfelt and well rehearsed. Wondering if we were in for an entire acoustic set, which would be rather different for the band, the pleasure of electric waves were shortly upon us.
For the rest of the set Aaron Stern, drummer of Matchbook Romance, sat behind the drum kit. Bleed the Dream finished the set strong with their heavy, punky sound and few welcomed screams. The band seemed more comfortable on stage as their touring experience has grown and I found the band to seem improved. The crowd was much larger and much more supportive than when Bleed the Dream was in town in March. The energy was improved and the set tighter. The band will be on the Warped Tour come July and though Scott will not be playing the tour, I look forward to his return with the band to Omaha soon.