DEAN BIRKHEIMER | Go Venue Magazine
“If beauty was in the eye of the beholder, he was going to be one hell of a beholder.”
Tom Cardamone, From the Poem, NIGHT SWEATS
Stir Cove, located just outside Omaha in Council Bluffs, is a fantastic venue for a show of this caliber. The open-air amphitheater had just the right vibe for the evening. It is intimate enough to feel personal, but large enough to host the hundreds of fans in attendance. The weather in the 60s felt like a gift from the concert gods. The cool breeze combined with the warmth of the music created the perfect backdrop for the night’s musical journey. Everything came together for the soulful energy that Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats would bring to Stir Cove on the South of Here tour.
Before we get into the show review, just a quick word regarding Nathaniel Rateliff’s Marigold Project. The Project is a foundation established in 2017 by Nathaniel Rateliff. The Marigold Project supports community and nonprofit organizations working on issues of economic, racial and social injustice. More info on this project can be found here.
The opening act this evening was Hannah Cohen. Hannah brought a refreshing vibe to the night. With her smoky voice, she captured the crowd with an intimate set. Tracks like “Dusty” and “Draggin’”, both from her latest album “Earthstar Mountain” showcased her ability to seamlessly blend folk and indie-pop, and while she’s a far cry from Rateliff’s robust sound, her atmospheric tones made for a perfect prelude to the night. The contrast between Cohen’s soft, wistful melodies and Rateliff’s powerhouse energy was complementary and set a contrast, but also emphasized the depth of emotions that both artists bring through their music. There is no doubt in my mind that Hannah Cohen fan based grew extensively on this night.
When Nathaniel Rateliff and his band, (Joseph Pope III (bass), Patrick Meese (drums), Mark Shusterman (keyboards), Luke Mossman (guitar), Andreas Wild (horns), Jeff Dazey (horns), and Daniel Hardaway (horns) stepped on stage, the crowd reaction was booming. The band delivered a performance that lived up to the high expectations set by their musical catalog. From the tender moments to the high-energy anthems, they showcased their versatility as a band and the depth of Rateliff’s songwriting. Rateliff’s magnetic stage presence and the band’s cohesive sound felt like a spiritual revival of soul and rhythm. Rateliff, who’s known for his passionate and charismatic delivery, was in rare form. He paced the stage, leading the crowd in a fervent singalong to hits like “Look it Here.” and “A Little Honey”. Rateliff would crack jokes, weaving in personal anecdotes that made it clear he was just as invested in connecting with the audience as he was in performing. One of the evening’s standout moments came during a soulful rendition of “You Worry Me”. The intensity of the song was amplified by Rateliff’s vocals, which ranged from gravelly whispers to soaring howls, supported by the rhythm section’s tight grooves. The set wrapped up with an encore that felt like a true celebration. Rateliff and the band returned to the stage for spirited versions of “S.O.B. and “Love Don’t”. The band gave everything they had, and the crowd responded with heartfelt appreciation and dancing. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, this show was a reminder of why Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats continue to be one of the most electrifying live acts around. Make sure to catch them the next time they roll through your town, because, South of Here or not, their live performance will take you somewhere unforgettable. Take a moment and check out the album, South of Here, as well as videos and merchandise here.
Nathaniel Rateliff
Hannah Cohen
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