Omaha is known for its unique and diverse music scene. With hundreds of big name acts in numerous genres performing throughout the city, it is not difficult for local Omaha residents to find a concert or show that appeals to their particular musical tastes.

On Monday, the band AWOLNATION brought its energizing electronic rock beats to the Omaha scene as they performed at the Sokol Auditorium. The concert was a big draw for Omaha fans, and was supported by Red Bull, which was available at the venue.

Front man Aaron Bruno kept the crowd engaged and enthusiastic as he sang to the rock-style tunes created by the other four band members.

Before AWOLNATION took the stage, there were two opening performances prepared that stimulated the crowd for the main attraction to come. A Canadian band named Mother Mother was the first opening performance, and another band named Blonfire performed shortly after. These performances seemed to go over well with the crowd which was brimming with excitement by the time AWOLNATION performed.

Arts & Sciences sophomore, Alex Malek, was one of many in attendance at this concert. Malek has been a major AWOLNATION fan for about two years after the song ‘Sail’ inspired her to begin exploring what else this band had to offer.

“Overall, the concert was awesome,” Malek said. “My friend Kiley and I were a little bit skeptical when we first walked in because we seemed out of place compared to the rest of the crowd, but there ended up being people of all ages there. I loved the energy of the crowd. Everybody was crowd surfing, dancing and singing along but the best part was definitely AWOLNATION’s performance. The band sounded even better live, and they were so upbeat and friendly with the audience.”

Nursing sophomore Kiley Markle also attended this concert with Malek. Markle agreed to attend after Malek posted about the concert on Facebook asking if anybody wanted to go with her. Although Markle had never listened to many of AWOLNATION’s songs before going to this concert, she really enjoyed the mix of electronic and instrumental beats.

“I’ve been to a lot of concerts, and I’ll go to mostly anything,” Markle said. “One of my favorite things to do is just go to a show and hear someone new. I’ve found some of my favorite music that way. I’ve discovered that I like outdoor concerts a lot more than being stuffed into a tiny room with people all over me.”

Although Markle thoroughly enjoyed this concert, she admitted that the Omaha music scene has “a little ways to go” before it can compare to a show at Red Rocks in her native Colorado.