By Karynn Brown
Dec. 7, 2017
This Saturday, “Wreck the Halls” comes to 1867 Bar for a night of holiday music with a rockstar flair. An annual event put on by local band, The Killigans, the holiday show serves as one-part rock show, one-part winter clothing drive and one-part ugly sweater party.
2017 marks the sixteenth year of “Wreck the Halls,” which will also feature performance by Sweats, Bomb Earth and 138, a Misfits Tribute.
In years past the event has featured midwestern touring bands including Chicago’s 6’10. This year, artists are from Lincoln and Omaha exclusively. Omaha natives 138, a Misfits tribute band, will share the stage with longtime Lincolnites Bomb Earth and The Killigans, as well as youngster in the local scence, Sweats.
The Killigans have been using their loyal local fan base to raise winter gear for outreach programs at the annual event throughout the years. This year, they will be collecting new or gently used hats and gloves for Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach. Past drives have benefited the People’s City Mission.
The show always been a favorite local showcase and a change to have fun with lots of local bands. Previously held at Knickerbockers, this year the show will move to 1867 Bar. From a snow machine, to a toilet paper gun, to Christmas-themed snacks thrown into the crowd, “Wreck the Halls” lives up to its name every year.
This year’s event will also feature an information booth by Nowear BMX, a local organization started by Karl Hinkley the sponsors youth BMX biking programs. Working since 2010, Nowear BMX is a brand, community, and stunt team based in Unadilla, Neb. Aiming to create a supportive community for extreme sports, the company sells bike parts and gear, as well as providing a practice space for BMX and holding competitive events. Their yearly Corn Huckit Jam draws crowds and live music to Unadilla each August for a classic BMX jam.
The event promises to be a mixed bag of high energy music. The Killigans have a classic, anthem-laden punk-folk sound that has landed them in Universal Studio’s Robin Hood,” produced five full-length albums and a single. After making music for over a decade their sound is confident and well-loved.
Revived locals Bomb Earth will also be playing the show. Started in 1999 as Westside Proletariat and after a break in 2006, the five-piece hardcore/metal/punk band has returned to the stage and studio in 2017 dubbed Bomb Earth. Bomb Earth and The Killigans have been longtime friends and have played together for years. Bomb Earth drummer Ben Swift has previously played with The Killigans as a stand in and permanent drummer for 10 years.
Sweats is a newer rock band made up of seasoned musicians from the likes of Universe Contest and Dirty Talker. They played previously this year at Duffy’s and The Bourbon. Their sound is a stripped down grunge rock style, with heavy punk influence. Sweats promises to fit perfect with The Killigans’ and Bomb Earth’s heavy handed rock. 138 is a Misfits tribute band from Omaha, playing covers of the iconic horror punk band.
The event asks a $5 cover charge and encourages attendees to bring new or gently hats or gloves, and to dress in their ugly sweater best for a night of holiday hard rock and local goodwill.
More information via the Facebook event page.
Karynn Brown is an editorial intern with KZUM.
