Writer/Photographer: Amanda Lomax

Conor Oberst – The Politician? It’s a stretch for the indie singer-songwriter, I know, but, when you’ve been living in DC for several years the lines between performance, entertainment, and politics begin to blur. Oberst’s Bright Eyes‘ show at the 930 Club gave me pause to think that, as a showman, the man rivals DC’s best in terms of charismatic appeal. Even the title of his recent release, People’s Key, sets a democratic tone in the World Capital of Democracy. It’s been said, “A great politician knows his environment and adjusts accordingly,” and Oberst’ carefully crafted set list shows he is paying attention to the nuances of his constituency. A beautifully choreographed tableaux of material evenly gleaned from his past 5 1/2 albums, which like Washington DC itself, certainly had something for everyone. Professional and pressed in his button-down, Oberst led his own Music Party to victory over the Nation’s Capital one rocker/folkster/hipster vote at a time.

The show opened with forced energy on “Another Travelin Song”, “Old Soul Song”, and “Four Winds,” and a sleepy Oberst had barely opened his eyes to the crowd. Tour burnout or a chip on his shoulder? Quickly though, folky favorite “Bowl of Oranges” focused the band. A guitar lick screamed “Kick It” straight from the Beastie Boys, “Fight for Your Right”, then a big inhale, and Oberst raised his electric guitar above his head and shook it to heavy strobes on “Hot Knives” and “Take it Easy Love Nothing”. The crowd bought-in and Oberst addressed his first electorate: the rockers.

A beautiful trumpet solo led by Nate Walcott, then gave entree to “Landlocked Blues,” and invited the folkies, especially the lady-folkies to the show. The pretty folk song morphed into an anti-government anthem. “If you’re still free start running away / Cause we’re coming for you!” The ladies swooned.

Having won over the ladies, Oberst amped up the testosterone. Oberst gave a shout-out to the eldest of the two beautiful Swedish sisters of opening act First Aid Kit by way of invitation, “she’s 18 – she’s packing heat,” to the cheers of the guys. Walcott’s trumpet turned oddly jazzy before disappearing into a masculine “Lover I Don’t Have to Love,” and the edgy mood continued through “Shell Games” with Oberst repeatedly shouting “show me the money DC!” Finishing up the manly segment, Oberst dropped a nice F-bomb for good measure as he introduced “Time Code”: “This one’s for all of you who think their fucking i-shits will save them.” The boy-hipsters went wild. Then he deftly cleared the stage save for himself and his guitar, and strongly, sweetly talked through “First Day of My Life,” a fave across all genres.

The show had been perfectly nice – but almost forgettable – up to this point. So as if to channel forgettable, dead President Martin Van Buren, Bright Eyes threw a fantastic curve ball. Highlighting DC darling Laura Burhenn, they covered a 2003 Gillian Welch song, “Wrecking Ball.” A gospel organ masterfully played by Nate Walcott, a sweet duet with Laura’s vocals, electric guitar, and a wholesome vocals echoed Rolling Stones-style blues at its best.

Encore downshifted. With a proverbial rolling up of the sleeves, Oberst shed his button down for a teeshirt and became a Man of the People. Burhenn played on the squeezebox, and smiles abounded. During this feel-good romp, few noticed a truly Nixonian move: cue cards brought to stage to ensure Oberst “remembered” all the words to “Let’s Not Shit Ourselves.” The crowd was happily paid no mind. Oberst then indulged a good ten minutes in true Cheney form, lauding and thanking his band Halliburton-style. Ever the Common Man, Oberst then turned back to his fans: shaking hands as he finished the encore, with “Road to Joy” and “One For You, One For Me.”

Just after a lovely stage dive, Bright Eyes exited the stage. But, not before taking special care to wave to each section of the club one by one. Slowly, deliberately he made eye contact with every last fan. as if to say, “Thank you my plebes – I know I can count on your support.” After a show like Sunday’s, he probably can.