(bright piano music) (upbeat hip hop blues music) (voice says "Hey!")

(upbeat hip hop blues music) (voice says "Hey!")

(record scratching sfx) (harmonica wailing) (voice says "Hey!")

-(record scratching) -(harmonica wailing) (harmonica wails with hip hop scratches) (hip hop music, projector clicking) (intense drum music) [Announcer] Recorded live, it's the Nebraska ETV Network's "33rd Street Sessions."

Presenting the blues style of Nebraska's own Baby Jason and The Spankers.

Featuring lead vocals and guitar by Jason Davis, with Jeremy Woerner on bass and Dan Irvin on drums.

(upbeat blues-rock music, guitar solo) ♪ Well, you sure look good ♪ ♪ But it don't mean a thing to me ♪ (upbeat guitar music) ♪ Yes, you sure look good ♪ ♪ But it don't mean a thing to me ♪ (upbeat guitar music) ♪ I've got a hip shakin' woman ♪ ♪ Shake like willow on a tree ♪ ♪ When my baby walk ♪ ♪ You know she's fine 'n' mellow ♪ (upbeat guitar music) ♪ When my baby walk ♪ ♪ You know she's fine and all ♪ (upbeat guitar music) ♪ And when she stops ♪ ♪ In places, shakes just like a plate full of jello ♪ (upbeat guitar music) (guitar solo, bluesy music continues) ♪ Well, you went away, baby ♪ ♪ You got back way too -- ♪ (fast guitar stinger notes) ♪ Yes, you went away, baby ♪ ♪ You got back way too -- ♪ (guitar stinger) ♪ I've got a hip shakin' mama ♪ ♪ Shake like jello on a plate ♪ (guitar riff) ♪ Well, now shake, little baby ♪ ♪ Shake just for me ♪ (upbeat guitar riff) ♪ Well, now shake, little baby ♪ ♪ Shake just for me ♪ (upbeat guitar riff) ♪ I've got a hip shakin' baby ♪ ♪ Sure look good to me ♪ (blues-rock guitar music) -♪ I let it ♪ -(upbeat blues-rock music) -♪ I let it shake ♪ -(upbeat guitar music) -♪ I let it shake ♪ -(upbeat guitar music) -♪ I let it shake ♪ -(upbeat guitar music) ♪ Now let it shake, little baby ♪ ♪ Shake like jello on a plate ♪ (guitar riff, song-ending music) -(audience applauding) -(audience cheering) Thank you very much.

(guitar chord stinger) [Jason] - Looking back on that footage, I think Danny sums it up well, remarking that we were playing at light speed.

I think we've all relaxed quite a bit since then.

It's fun and daunting to see that stuff and think about trying to play it now.

(chuckles) We're all kind of fearless and just chargin' into the wind and it's fun to see.

But then when I think about other things that I've heard us do over the years, later and certainly since playing later, it's a lot more fun that we have relaxed and we tend to get together and just... -[Jason] Whew!

(Exhales) -(Others chuckle) We look around and just kind of go, whoa bump, whoa bump.

[Jeremy] - Well, there's an exceptional amount of youthfulness and exuberance on that stage.

[Jason] - Yeah.

[Jeremy] - to put it slightly, anyways.

[Jeremy] I mean, we were 19 when that was recorded.

♪ [Jason] - That recording is kind of the snapshot of us ♪ before we really hit the road and - ♪ [Jeremy] - Yeah.

♪ [Jason] - started puttin' in those hours.

♪ [Jason] So what you see happening on that stage ♪ is us just over the moon excited to be in this studio -in front of a crowd.

-Yeah.

And your filters kind of malfunction, it's like, "Oh, I don't wanna forget to show people I can do this."

-You know?

-Right.

Yeah.

And after you play all those hours on the road, you realize that you don't have to empty the jar every night.

You've got your tricks and you know when it feels right.

You've recognized that the crowd shifted to this mood.

Let's go to that thing, we do that way.

And the mojo just kind of starts to come together so much more effortlessly or you're not reaching for it or trying to predict it or construct it.

♪ -It just happens on its own.

♪ -[Jeremy] - Yeah.

♪ [Dan] - We came from an era of chop gurus.

♪ [Dan] - It's all about the chops.

[Jason] - Yeah!

[Dan] Get your chops up so you can go all night ♪ be the fastest, the best, whatever.

♪ Referring to my high school band teacher Terry R. Rush, he said, "Keep rubber bands on your hands and act like you're playing behind the beat.

Find the pock and play behind."

Every night we took a stage, I went in with that mental note.

Then we'd see a crowd, (all chuckle) and it's like we got hit by lightning and we just full throttled the whole night and put people right through the back wall.

(Jason laughing) So as we've matured, it's much better now.

[Jason] - Yes.

[Dan] - But we had a riot every time.

If it was three people, we played like it was 400.

[Jeremy] - Well, we were huge fans of "Austin City Limits."

-[Jeremy] And so -[Jason] - Oh, yeah.

[Jeremy] being able to walk into this space, which I don't think we'd ever seen before, when we had set up.

And just to see the lights, the oozing professionalism of all of it.

But to see the set and the table set up and just like to have that call up, it was just such a tremendous honor to be able to, like - -[Dan] -Super honor.

-[Jeremy] Wow.

[Jason] -Yeah.

And we weren't bar age yet and we only played bars.

[Jason] - Mmmhmm.

[Jeremy] And that was another aspect of it as well, that we could have some younger kids there to actually like, "Hey, this is what we..." Here's the day job type of thing.

[Jason] -Mmhm.

[Dan] - My memories were, of this place right here, was that the entire crowd was based off our friends we invited.

I think looking back, they were as nervous as we were 'cause it was awkward 'cause they're in their cheering like it's a bar, but they're just props.

So we are kind of filming like props and they were like props.

So that was a little bit different for everyone there, but it was a great time and definitely an honor to play here.

[Jason] - Yeah, for real.

That's why bands end up on this stuff, is they're doin' their own thing, they're showing promise or whatever.

They get the nod.

You get to do one of these.

And so to join that fraternity and be one of those bands, it's very confirming and amazing to get to join that club, to be a part of the music that people love that exists on its own without help from a commercial entity.

It's beautiful.

The fact that these shows cover local bands is just amazing too.

It preserves the history of the culture ♪ that's born in this area.

♪ We know of Memphis for certain kinds of music.

♪ We know of Austin or Seattle for certain kinds of music.

But Lincoln, Nebraska, or Omaha have a very similar identity.

And that family is just as strong and proud, I think as any of those other communities.

And shows like this just preserve it.

It's free magic.

You get to see a snapshot from a period.

They share that experience for everyone.

And it's a real gift.

(projector whirring) (guitar leads upbeat blues-rock rock music) (blues-rock music) ♪ Now, listen up, babe ♪ ♪ I got something to tell you 'bout me ♪ ♪ Something you'll understand and set my poor heart free ♪ ♪ And if I come across heavy, I don't mean to be ♪ ♪ I've been watching you for a very long time ♪ ♪ And every time that I'm around you ♪ ♪ You make me lose the rhythm of my rhyme ♪ ♪ No matter what I'm doing, you make me stop on a dime ♪ ♪ You make me shake, quiver, stop, shiver ♪ ♪ Lose my breath ♪ ♪ In a tizzy, feelin' dizzy, all upset ♪ ♪ Hot (indistinct) knees a knockin' lose my voice ♪ ♪ Funny thing about it is I got no choice, whoa ♪ ♪ I wish I was your man ♪ ♪ Don't you know, little girl ♪ ♪ I'd be glad to be in your plan ♪ ♪ Yeah, Nicole, Nicole ♪ ♪ What you do to me you oughta know ♪ ♪ Oh, Nicole, Nicole ♪ ♪ You make me lose all control ♪ ♪ Nicole, Nicole ♪ ♪ You shake me to the depths of my soul ♪ (guitar solo) -(upbeat bass solo) -(audience cheering) (fast bass solo continues) (drum solo) (audience cheering) (drum solo continues) (audience cheering) (full band plays) (guitar leads upbeat instrumental) ♪ Now I know that I haven't taken you by surprise ♪ ♪ Girl, the way that I feel ♪ ♪ I've seen that look in your eyes ♪ ♪ And if you're feeling it too, I hope you realize ♪ ♪ You make me cry and start to grinnin' when you smile ♪ ♪ Start to sweat, I'm really wet ♪ ♪ I'm jumpin' like a child ♪ ♪ And like a swing I'm on a string ♪ ♪ My heart beats out of time ♪ ♪ I want you, wow, I need you now ♪ ♪ I wish that you were mine, whoa ♪ ♪ I wish I was your man ♪ ♪ Don't you know, little girl ♪ ♪ I'll be glad to be in your plan ♪ ♪ Nicole, Nicole ♪ ♪ What you do to me you oughta know-woah ♪ ♪ Nicole, Nicole ♪ ♪ You can make me lose all control ♪ ♪ Nicole, Nicole ♪ ♪ You shake me to the depths of my soul ♪ ♪ Oh, Nicole, Nicole ♪ ♪ What you do to me you oughta know ♪ ♪ Nicole, Nicole ♪ ♪ You shake me to the depths of my soul ♪ ♪ Nicole, Nicole ♪ ♪ You make me lose all control ♪ Look out!

♪ (guitar solo leads band) (guitar, bass, drums sync rhythms to end song) (audience applauding, cheering) [Jason] -Thank You!

[Interviewer] Jason, tell me where'd this band come from?

How'd you put it together?

[Jason] - Originally, I had it going out of different incarnations of friends and stuff.

And eventually, brought it down to a trio, and my bass player and drummer had to quit at the same time.

And I found these guys at a high school talent show, and they were smokin', so asked 'em if they wanted a job.

[Jeremy] Right on.

[Jason] - Been playin' together ever since.

[Interviewer] What high school were you guys playing at?

[Jeremy] - Lincoln High.

[Interviewer] - And were you in a group or what?

[Jeremy] - We've been playing, actually, quite a bit.

He's about the only drummer I've ever played with.

And we just had another buddy that we just kind of screwed around with and like, did Zeppelin covers together [Dan] - Just playin' for fun.

and stuff like that, so -- Yep.

Yep.

Not really a band or anything like that, just kind of... [Dan] - At "Joy Night," the talent show.

[Interviewer] Did you grow up with this music?

[Jason] - Mm-hmm.

When I was a kid my dad played in the first house band at The Zoo Bar and so we kind of grew up on it.

But it wasn't until I was a teenager, I kind of had to branch off and go through my own musical tastes and find myself, so to speak.

And of course I wound back to the blues and, I don't know, I just, I love it best.

(upbeat blues-rock music playing, guitar soloing) ♪ Let me tell you about my baby ♪ ♪ She's a hip ship ready for sail ♪ ♪ Every time I feast my eyes on her ♪ ♪ My blood boils and my (indistinct) ♪ ♪ She can make me move a mountain ♪ ♪ With the wink of an eye ♪ ♪ I could crawl out from a plane crash ♪ ♪ She can make me want to get up and fly ♪ ♪ I can be hit by a truck ♪ ♪ She can take away the sting ♪ (music stops) ♪ She's a funky thing ♪ (upbeat music continues) ♪ Now, she ain't no ordinary woman ♪ ♪ She's the finest as a woman can be ♪ ♪ I've never been without anything ♪ ♪ 'Cause she got everything I need ♪ ♪ I asked her for a nickel ♪ ♪ And she hand me a wad of bills ♪ ♪ I tell her that I got me a headache (indistinct) ♪ ♪ She make me wanna get up off my feet and sing ♪ (music stops) ♪ She's a funky thing ♪ (upbeat music continues, guitar soloing) ♪ Now, I know my baby's fine ♪ ♪ And she knows my only desire ♪ ♪ 'Cause every time she puts arms around me ♪ ♪ She sets my soul on fire ♪ ♪ She can put it right out with a kiss ♪ ♪ And turn me cold as ice ♪ ♪ 'Cause every cool minute that I'm spendin' with her ♪ ♪ I'm living in a paradise ♪ ♪ She knows how to make my bell ring ♪ (guitar chord mimicking bell sound) (audience cheering) ♪ She's a funky thing ♪ (upbeat music) -(audience cheering) -(audience applauding) Thank you so much.

(guitar notes) [Jason] - I had already gotten together with a few friends and we had put together a band, and then it'd break up.

And it's like when you start jammin' and friends remember your band's name -- "Oh that's cool.

I like that music.

I'm gonna start looking for you guys or whatever."

Every time it had to start over, you're starting from zero.

And so this time I wanted to, not because of ego or anything, but just so that I could save myself the work that if this thing went down, I can pick up the scraps and still be Jason from whatever the band with Jason was.

No offense.

-[Dan] - We were scraps.

-[Jeremy] - We're scraps, yeah.

[Jason] - I was trying to work with you guys too.

[Jeremy] - Yeah.

I'm talking with my family at dinner.

I mean-- [Jeremy] - I do like Jason and The Scraps.

At one point the dinner table's kind of quiet.

My dad just said, "How about Baby Jason and the Spankers?"

And food spit out all over the table.

We're all just cracking up.

It's hilarious.

It's like, what a funny name.

(Jeremy laughing) It's got a provocative thing to it, if you will.

You know.

Ultimately, I feel like it came down to this thing that if you go to Austin, Texas, and open the big page of what's going on this weekend, your eyes scan through a hundred bands, Baby Jason and the Spankers is likely to be one of the names that's gonna stick in your head.

It's like, "That's a strange name."

And it served us well.

There was lots of times at gigs where people would come up and be like, "Man, I don't know what you guys do, but I saw that name.

I had to come and check this out."

(upbeat music) ♪ I let it shake ♪ [Jason] - We were an independent band and tried to do our own thing.

Would've been happy to sign a record deal or whatever, but we weren't gonna wait for it.

We saved up our money and made CDs and just tried to find gigs and build up the routing and build up the crowds.

It was nonstop circus fun.

(chuckles) [Jeremy] - Yeah, three-piece high-energy bar band is really kind of the extent of it.

And, but we took a tremendous amount of pride in bein' that three-piece high-energy bar band.

[Dan] - I'd say fortunate.

I wouldn't replace it for the world.

We had great times hitting 96 cities.

[Jeremy] - 96, huh?

Oh, man, whew!

It's amazing that a public television station like this would say, "Hey, we have an idea and we're gonna take these local bands and we're gonna do this."

It was just such an exceptional thing to be a part of.

[Dan]-Local was rare.

That was a great opportunity.

-[Jeremy] - Yeah.

-[Jason] - Yeah.

Nobody was doin' the local scene like that, letting everyone present themselves.

And we never had good video footage.

-[Jason] - Yeah.

-[Dan] - Until that day.

♪ It's like, that's good video.

♪ So that was great to be a local band ♪ with the opportunity to play a real stage, ♪ real mixing booth everything, that was nice.

♪ It was fun for all the kids our age ♪ and everybody to see it on the air.

And I think it helped some crowds and stuff.

[Jason] Mm-hmmm.

Well, at that time we didn't have social media.

You didn't have a page you could post things to and share it with people.

[Dan] - Yeah.

And so when you contacted a bar owner, you'd send what's called your press kit or your promo kit where you've got an 8x10 black and white photo of your band that can easily be reproduced for whatever publications they wanna share with.

You've got bios, you've got some newsplaper clipping-- news paper clippings, all that kind of stuff.

And when we got to do that show, that was like, getting to not just be one of those bands with a press kit, but now we had been on TV so we were kind of at next level.

It made us feel that way.

It was a big responsibility.

It makes you feel like, "Man, this is getting serious.

I love this and I feel like it's going good and let's just lean in harder and see where we can go with it."

[Jeremy] - I mean, we were so fortunate that that was our job.

I mean, that was our full-time gig.

That's what we did.

And to have just the beginnings of that recognition of realizing that, "Oh this is, I think we're maybe onto a little something, at least."

It was huge in that sort of stepping stone sense of establishment and validation, -[Jason] - Mmmm-hmm.

-[Jeremy] - I think.

"Money for nothin' and chicks for free" is a cute song lyric, but the reality is we don't get paid to play.

The play is the bonus.

We get paid to carry heavy crap, put it in a van, spend way too many hours in the van, go to a crappy hotel, get some food, go put on the show, do it all again to get to the next place.

You guys stuck with me for a long time.

[Jeremy] - Yeah.

And built up, we were playing from like Boise to Detroit, Salt Lake City to Memphis down to, like, San Antonio.

-[Jeremy] - Yeah.

-We were just about to crack the coasts.

And we already-- most bands come from the coasts through the country.

And we had built up the Midwest routing from the center, so we were just about to crack, but we were playing all the time.

And it's exhausting.

It is not an easy deal.

[Jeremy] - I think like this show, to tie it back in, it was just another one of those stepping stones -of legitimacy [Jason] - Mmhmm.

-[Jeremy] - and validation.

Where we're like, "No, this is actually a-- This is a business.

We're running it like it" -- Well, we weren't, his dad was.

And so it really did feel like, "Yeah, this is -- this is what we do."

And it wasn't this, like, "Awww, I just play in this, ya know, garage band" kind of thing.

(electric guitar music) -[Perry Stoner] Hey, everyone.

We're here in the newly renovated Ron Hull Studio rockin' away with you.

We've revitalized this space with some state-of-the-art tools and set pieces like the big screens behind us.

And I'm Perry Stoner here with Nikki Bates.

[Nikki] - There is a lot of excitement about all of the opportunities to create programming in this new space, Perry.

[Perry] - Like so many things we do in public media, we couldn't do them without our viewers who support as members.

Hundreds of you generously donated to make this renovation a reality.

We can't say thank you to you enough.

[Nikki] - Yeah, thank you.

30 years ago, this space was filled with a whole different level of excitement as we regularly turned this studio into a concert venue.

[Perry] - Over the last year, we've dug into our vault of old productions and taken another look at the series "33rd Street Sessions."

[Nikki] - Do you remember that?

We've been working to bring you some of the best of the 1990s "33rd Street Sessions" concert programs.

That series produced three to four concert programs a year during the 1990s, and you just got to hear the first song from the 1997 "33rd Street Sessions" show with Baby Jason & The Spankers.

You got to hear Jason, Jeremy, he's the bass player, Dan the drummer, in a conversation we had with them last year.

And it was really amazing to hear them talk about how fresh and exciting their memories of doing the concert still was, what it was like to come into this very studio and perform for their friends and for our cameras.

[Perry] I loved watching the interview with the band and hearing about what that experience meant, and still means, to Jason and his band mates.

There's more music from the original broadcast and more conversations with the band coming up.

And another vintage "33rd Street Sessions" concert with Indigenous is cued up for you to enjoy later in the program.

[Nikki] If this kind of programming is important to you, local programming, we're asking you to show your support by becoming a member of Nebraska Public Media.

For $15 a month, that's a one-time gift of $180, you can choose a special Nebraska Public Media Zoo Bar Pass This Zoo Bar Pass is good for two admissions each, so you can take a friend, to five shows at the Zoo Bar in downtown Lincoln over the next year.

There are some restrictions that apply, so sold-out shows or special shows may not be included, but call 800-989-8236 or go online to nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

Or you can use that QR code in the lower right-hand corner of your screen.

Just scan that with your phone to start your donation right now.

[Perry] - You know Nikki, both Baby Jason & The Spankers and Indigenous played regularly at the Zoo Bar during the 1990s.

Last summer as part of the Zoo Bar's 50th anniversary, Baby Jason, Jeremy, and Dan returned to the club to play a sold-out show.

And Mato Nanji's current version of Indigenous still plays regularly at the Zoo too.

The Nebraska Public Media Zoo Bar Pass is yours for $15 a month or a $180 one-time gift.

[Nikki] - Or you can become a member at the $10-a-month level, that's a $120 one-time gift, and get this Roku Express.

This is an internet-connected streaming device.

You plug it into your smart TV, and it gives you access to a wide variety of apps, including the PBS app, and it works with PBS Passport.

[Perry] - Or for a $5 monthly donation or a $60 one-time gift, you can join the celebration of Nebraska Public Media through the years with this Retro Logos Mug.

One side says, "I've watched Nebraska Public Media since it was..." and on the other side, features of our previous television logos including NETV, Nebraska Public Television, and NET.

So you can show that you've been a proud supporter of Nebraska Public Media through the decades.

Call 800-989-8236 or go online, nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

[Nikki] -Perry, how many of those logos do you remember?

[Perry] - Four, I think.

-(Nikki laughing) -[Perry] - I think four.

[Nikki] - All right, with $60 a year or a membership at any of tonight's thank-you levels, you get the member benefit of PBS Passport.

That is an app for your smart TV or smartphone.

It gives you access to more original episodes of "33rd Street Sessions" that we're only posting on PBS Passport, including the original broadcast episodes from Baby Jason & The Spankers and Indigenous that you're seeing segments of tonight.

So you'll see some bonus content.

[Perry] - Speaking of bonus content, PBS Passport is a great place for that.

It lets you stream thousands of episodes of national and locally produced programming to watch when you want, on your schedule, all on your smart TV, tablet, or even your phone.

So Nikki, I've got a Baby Jason story I want to tell you.

So this is in the 1990s.

[Nikki] Right.

[Perry] -I'm a videographer here, and we were working on a project about one-room schools.

-[Nikki] -Okay.

-[Perry] -The series was called "Last of the One-Room Schools."

So we're in the middle of the Sandhills driving down the road, and I hear this music come on the radio.

And I'm like, "This is not the kind of the music you'd hear in the Sandhills," right?

[Nikki] -Uh-huh.

[Perry] -But it's coming from a local station, and I was just like, I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

And so, you know, I think when we got back to Lincoln or whatever, I looked this up, and that's when I first got turned on to Baby Jason & The Spankers.

It was just really cool music, and I've kind of been a fan ever since.

[Nikki] -That's funny that they're Lincoln-based, but you first heard them out in the Sandhills.

[Perry] -Yeah, exactly.

And I think they were promoting an upcoming event that Baby Jason was gonna perform at, and so forth.

It was cool.

I'll never forget that.

Baby Jason & the Spankers were one of the almost 30 bands who were featured in "33rd Street Sessions."

That was during the '90s.

The music ranged from blues to country, jazz, indie rock, and much more.

It all reflected the vibrant music scene that Nebraska has.

We're putting about half of the original 30 "33rd Street Sessions" episodes from the 1990s on PBS Passport.

We'll be adding more shows throughout September, so keep checking back on PBS Passport for additions to the library.

These are the original broadcast versions of selected shows from the archive.

Call 800-989-8236 or go online to nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate to become a member and support local original programming like this.

[Nikki] - In the last few years, we've been bringing you a different take on the local music scene with a program called "Jam."

"Jam" puts the spotlight on local musicians, just like "33rd Street Sessions," and it's gonna be taping another season here in the newly renovated studio.

You can check out previous episodes of "Jam" at nebraskapublicmedia.org and be on the lookout for new episodes coming your way in the next year.

Well, we're headed back to more music and conversation with Baby Jason & The Spankers in just a few minutes.

But in the meantime, please show your support for local programming like this by becoming a member.

[Perry] -Become a member at the $10-a-month level, or $120 one-time gift, and get Roku Express.

The Roku Express is an internet-connected streaming device that you plug into your smart TV.

The Roku Express gives you access to a wide variety of apps and shows, including the free PBS app and the ability to access the PBS Passport member benefit.

[Nikki] - For $5 a month or a $60 one-time gift, you'll enjoy this Retro Logos Mug.

That mug highlights our current and previous television logos.

We're kind of celebrating the history here with this program, and you can show that you've been a proud supporter of Nebraska Public Media through the decades.

Call 800-989-8236 or go online to nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

Remember, at $15 a month or a $180 one-time gift, you can choose that Nebraska Public Media Zoo Bar Pass.

That's good for two admissions each to five shows over the next year at the Zoo Bar.

Some restrictions do apply.

And at that $10-a-month level, you'll get the Roku Express.

Thank you so much for your support of Nebraska Public Media and let's send it back to the show.

[Jason]- Here's a new one called "Thief in the Night."

(upbeat drums) (rhythmic guitar solo) (guitar solo) ♪ I've got to travel swift ♪ ♪ I've got to travel light ♪ ♪ I got a suitcase full of hearts ♪ ♪ that I stole in the night ♪ (stinging guitar music) ♪ The first one was married ♪ ♪ The next one was engaged ♪ ♪ The third living with a man so it's all the same ♪ (upbeat guitar-driven music) ♪ Now, I don't know where I'm going ♪ ♪ But I know where I been ♪ ♪ I've been jumping from house to house in a world of sin ♪ ♪ But I'm gonna start over ♪ ♪ And I'm gonna live right ♪ ♪ 'Cause I'm so tired of runnin' like a thief in the night ♪ (blues-rock guitar solo) (tempo slows, guitar plays chords, slow notes) ♪ This wasn't my intention ♪ ♪ This wasn't in the plan ♪ ♪ But now, I'm runnin' just as fast as I can ♪ ♪ I couldn't stay ♪ ♪ And I couldn't fight ♪ ♪ Had to pack up and leave ♪ ♪ Like a thief in the night ♪ (rhythmic guitar music) ♪ Now, I don't know where I'm goin' ♪ ♪ But I know where I've been ♪ ♪ I've been jumping from house to house in a world of sin ♪ ♪ But I'm gonna start over ♪ ♪ And I am gonna live right ♪ ♪ 'Cause I'm so tired of runnin' like a thief in the night ♪ (upbeat, rhythmic guitar music) (two beats in unison, song ends) -(audience applauding) -(audience cheering) Thank you.

(audience applauding) This one's for the ladies.

(upbeat guitar chords) (band joins in with guitar) (upbeat instrumental intro continues) ♪ Walkin' down the street just the other day ♪ ♪ I seen 'little cutie just a struttin' my way ♪ (guitar chords, upbeat music) ♪ She looked me in the eyes and she smiled at me ♪ ♪ It almost knocked me over I was weak in the knees ♪ (upbeat music) ♪ She leans a little closer I could smell her perfume ♪ ♪ She giggled and it sounded like a beautiful tune ♪ -(Jason giggles girlishly) -(upbeat music) ♪ I had to pinch myself ♪ ♪ I thought I was in a dream ♪ ♪ 'Cause there's somethin' 'bout women that ♪ ♪ Makes me think I'm gonna scream ♪ Wooow!

Ah, yeah ♪ (upbeat music) ♪ Now, I was in the garage doin' work on my wheels ♪ ♪ When I heard the click and clack of some six-inch heels ♪ (upbeat music) ♪ Rolled out from my car just to see what I could see ♪ ♪ I saw a six-foot blonde staring right back at me ♪ -♪ Good Lord ♪ -(upbeat music) ♪ She asked me how to get down to the grocery store ♪ ♪ I told her down three blocks ♪ ♪ Then, go right four ♪ (upbeat music) ♪ She thanked me and turned and walked away like a queen ♪ ♪ Just the memory of it now ♪ ♪ Makes me think I'm gonna scream ♪ Wooow!

♪ (upbeat music) (guitar solo) (guitar solo, fast notes, upbeat music continues) (guitar mimics human whistle notes) (upbeat music continues) ♪ Now, I'm usually pretty cool and I'm always in control ♪ ♪ But man, let me tell you, women shake me to my soul ♪ (upbeat music) ♪ I don't know what makes me feel this way ♪ ♪ But it's the thing that get me goin' ♪ ♪ each and every day ♪ (upbeat music) ♪ I could be all burnt out and be down on my luck ♪ ♪ And then along comes a woman and I'm right back up ♪ (upbeat music) ♪ In the school of love, you know I'd be the Dean ♪ ♪ 'Cause I fall in love so much ♪ ♪ That I think I'm gonna scream ♪ Wooow!

♪ (upbeat music) (tempo slows, guitar, bass, drums end song) -(audience applauding) -(audience screaming) [Jason] - Thank you!

(audience light applause) (guitar notes) [Dan] -Our disc came out in '95.

[Jason] -Right.

[Dan] - We haven't even graduated yet.

-[Jeremy] - No.

-[Jason] - Yeah.

[Jason] And that's the funny thing is I mean, a testament to the parents of these guys to be willing to let them go into the bar and play.

Not only that, but they would call them in sick on a Friday so that we could get in the van and drive to Chicago and play for the weekend and then haul back.

[Jeremy] - Well, yeah, to that end.

I mean, we weren't established enough yet to go to a Des Moines or a Kansas City and play a Friday night or a Saturday night.

So we'd have a Tuesday night.

Leave right after school, drive to Des Moines.

This would be a Tuesday or a Monday.

And we'd play the show.

And it was always a nine to one booking.

That was your gig.

And you'd tear down and you'd come back home.

And I would...

I remember my high school alarm would would be set for 6:28.

The girl I had a crush on, that was her birthday.

(all laughing) And then I would do a nine-minute snooze and I would go, "Okay."

But we'd get back at quarter to 5:00 and you're still still fairly jazzed up and you would, take 45 minutes -- They moved me to the front of the class when I was a kid, you know, the elbow kept slipping off the desk, (Jason chuckling) [Jeremy] - but it was great.

And to your point exactly, our folks are just...

It was amazing for them to like, "Yeah, you're not gonna...' You know, "Keep your grades up."

But yeah, "This is what you're gonna do, this is your job."

[Dan] - But as far as our parents lettin' us go on the road at 19.

18, 19.

[Jeremy] - 17.

Yeah.

[Dan] - I don't know if you'd do it this day and age, you as a parent, would you...?

I mean, we're in Detroit and then Cleveland.

-[Jeremy] -Yeah.

-[Dan]-And Austin, then Denver.

[Dan] 19 and we thought we were 10-foot tall and bulletproof the whole time and... [Jeremy] - Yeah, I think a lot of that is the times, you know.

I grew up with the classic "Be home when the street lights are on" and there's no phones.

And it was a really good time to be able to do things like that.

[Jason] Yep.

Life was just a little cheaper.

We'd go get the new Truckers Atlas with the spiral bound which you'd want.

You'd find a phone and you'd call up the bar owner.

We're like, "Hey, we're here in Houston somewhere.

Where'd we go?"

When we were in the van back then, you had that network embedded so much more.

The first time you went to play a gig, you'd have to look it up maybe the second time, depending on how funky the place was located.

Pretty soon, I mean, as soon as you start building that crowd in that venue, it's another home.

It feels so good to come down that street in that town and hit the place.

It all just becomes welcoming.

-[Dan] - Bein' familiar.

-[Jeremy] - Yeah.

Well, and you make such great connections and friends on the road and like, oh, that place has got that hilarious sound guy or this place has that and, or they have the best food.

Whatever it may have been.

[Jason] - Or the worst.

[Jeremy] -Yeah usually more on that side of things.

[Dan] - Pre-social media, Jason had the right idea of a mailing list.

I don't know if people remember those, but he would have a mailing list go out and then everybody in Des Moines would know we're playin' that night.

And that took off and got bigger and bigger and bigger.

Can't imagine what we could have did with the internet now.

[Jason] - Yeah, I mean, it was a clipboard.

You just put it on the front of the stage and asked people to sign up if they wanna know.

We got up to, I believe, seven or 800 people on our mailing list.

And that's just, like, amazing.

I mean, you are lucky if papers are gonna cover that you're coming and they're gonna mention you or whatever.

That doesn't always happen.

This mailing list is the way to kind of plant those seeds.

And those people are way better than a newspaper.

They're gonna be like, "Dude, the Spankers are coming, -we gotta go this weekend."

-[Dan] - Yeah.

[Jason] - You build those connections.

We were three musketeers, "All for one, one for all."

We were just trying to have our stuff ♪ that nobody else is playin' first of all, ♪ 'cause we're goin' to these towns.

♪ Every time somebody sees us, ♪ the more we can send 'em home with our stuff stuck in their head that they can't get anywhere else, only furthers our mission, you know?

And it's the magic well that just keeps drawin' you back.

It's a lot of fun.

And that discovery of what happens ♪ when you get together ♪ with other people who have an instrument ♪ and we're all trying to discover ♪ how does this work?

♪ What can we do with it?

♪ And those moments when he does his thing that he figured out and he's got his thing and I do mine and then we see them come together, that's even bigger.

It's like, "Oh, well, I just wanted to play music.

I didn't know we were gonna do magic.

What's going on?"

You know?

It's a remarkable thing.

I wish that everybody would try it.

It's really an amazing and powerful resource that can affect your life, you know, at times when you need it the most.

And for me, since the day I got that guitar, I've stayed focused on creating things, being positive.

It's a good deal.

(Upbeat chuckle) [Jeremy] - I think I love music and I think the importance of music to me just continually grows.

And picking up the bass guitar has been, ♪ I think, it's like chiefly, ♪ the most monumental life-changing decision ♪ I've ever made in my entire life.

♪ And the reason I live in Minnesota ♪ is because of that bass guitar.

♪ And the reason I know these guys ♪ is because of the bass guitar.

♪ And you enter this whole secret fraternity of music ♪ where you know names that not everybody knows.

♪ [Dan] - Music gave me a ton of opportunities.

I played in a Select Symphony.

I gotta go to Mexico City and play with that group.

And like I said, I'm not a big traveler, I'm not, whatever.

But with these fellas, I did get to see 96 cities.

I mean, apartments in Vail, Colorado, and hangin' out having lunch next to the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue in Austin.

That's something I wouldn't duplicate.

But that's, music's been my whole life.

I've been playing drums since I was three.

That's my whole life.

So that's pretty easy right there.

I wouldn't change it for the world.

-(film projector whirring sfx - audience cheering) -[Jason] - Thank you.

-(audience cheering) (audience applauding) (guitar leading uptempo instrumental introduction) ♪ I know the desert can't hold ♪ ♪ All the love that I feel in my heart for ya ♪ ♪ If I could spell it out across the sea ♪ ♪ I know my love would cork it up ♪ ♪ And ain't that a lotta love for one heart to hold ♪ ♪ If the bees only knew how sweet you are, baby ♪ ♪ They would seal up the honey comb ♪ ♪ And if the birds could hear how sweet your voice is ♪ ♪ They would tighten up their song ♪ ♪ And ain't that a lotta love for one heart to hold ♪ ♪ Your lips are so sweet ♪ ♪ Honey, you're my every need ♪ ♪ You got a smile so rare ♪ ♪ Another girl can't compare ♪ ♪ Ain't that a lotta love for one heart to hold ♪ (guitar trills, chord changes, guitar solo) (guitar solo) (musicians rest for a beat, music starts again) ♪ If the cooks in the kitchen had a touch as hot as yours ♪ ♪ They wouldn't need a fire ♪ ♪ I can't think of a word that describes ya better ♪ ♪ Than the sky above ♪ ♪ And ain't that a lotta love for one heart to hold ♪ ♪ - Ain't that a lotta love ♪ ♪ Ain't that a lotta love ♪ ♪ - Ain't that a lotta love ♪ ♪ Ain't that a lotta love ♪ ♪ - Ain't that a lotta love ♪ ♪ Talkin' 'bout me and you ♪ ♪ - Ain't that a lotta love ♪ -♪ Yeah, yeah, na, na, na, na ♪ ♪ - Ain't that a lotta love ♪ ♪ Come on home now ♪ ♪ - Ain't that a lotta love ♪ -♪ Gotta get it, gotta get it ♪ -♪ Gotta get it funky ♪ ♪ - Ain't that a lotta love ♪ ♪ Like the birds and the bees ♪ ♪ - Ain't that a lotta love ♪ ♪ Oh, oh, na, na, na, na ♪ ♪ - Ain't that a lotta love ♪ -♪ Come on home ♪ ♪ - Ain't that a lotta love ♪ (guitar chords in sync with rhythm section) (guitar notes trill) (song ends) -(audience cheering) -(audience applauding) [Jason] - Thank you very much.

-(audience cheering) -(audience applauding) (very fast bass solo) (audience cheering) (drum beat, drums and guitar join in) (guitar solo) ♪ I came home last night and my sweet little girl was gone ♪ ♪ I came home last night and my sweet little girl was gone ♪ ♪ You know that she got lonely and left me all alone ♪ ♪ You know that I jumped down and I began to search ♪ Aaaah!

♪ Well now, I jumped down and I began to search ♪ ♪ And well I was lookin' for that girl ♪ ♪ The one that I love so much ♪ ♪ Said won't ya help me, help me, help me, somebody ♪ ♪ Try to help me, help me, help me somebody ♪ ♪ Help me somebody, get my baby back ♪ (guitar solo, fast, high energy) (guitar stops, drums and bass continue playing) (drums and bass, fastpaced beat) (audience cheering) (fast-paced bass solo with drums continues) (Jason is playing drums, audience cheers) (bass and drums continue at a fast pace) -(guitar playing) -(audience cheering) (Dan playing guitar, soloing) (audience cheers) (guitar solo and high energy instrumental continues) (guitar chords) [Jeremy] - Yeah, I think it's so essential to save this material from the '90s 'cause there's just nothing else that's doing that, that's out there.

Unless it's a grainy video footage with a camcorder on the shoulder type of thing.

And so to have that quality and to just see the magic in the music that was being made in a town like Lincoln, Nebraska is just really somethin' else.

There's not a whole lot that's out there from that period.

And to be able to see it and to be able to have a resource in your town that is dedicated to doing something like that is just...

It means everything on the planet to do that.

[Dan] I think it proves that Lincoln has many, many tremendous musicians.

And every time we went somewhere, we noticed Lincoln didn't have any street cred at all.

It was like, "Where?

What?"

It doesn't have art does it?

I mean, you got Big Daddy & Authorized Personnel and Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, I mean, phenomenal bands.

And I'd put those guys up against any Texas, Florida, New York type thing right now.

The show helped say, look at all these great bands in little Lincoln, Nebraska.

Where's that?

You know?

So it was a very good thing.

[Jason] - Yeah, without havin' these shows, that era could be lost.

The hard work that all those bands have done over those years, goin' out and tryin' to cultivate their crowds and get their identities out there, as well as establish Lincoln, Nebraska-- this is a big part of that.

It's a chance for people to see it with, again, it's an era that didn't have social media, it didn't have cameras in every pocket.

This is a time capsule and it's incredibly valuable, you know?

[Jeremy] - Well, I think too, you've got people that are like, I turn on at 8:00 PM on a Saturday night, and if it's Ken Burns' "Civil War" or it's something else, there's a huge amount of viewers that would not be at a show.

And so to have that available to just people that are like, "Oh, well look at this."

And hopefully they stayed to watch.

But to see the diversity and to see the, like, oh, that's happening right here in my backyard, it's something.

An incredible gift that we get that we get to be a part of.

And that we actually get to be encouraging of it.

I can choose to say, "Yeah, take this.

And I wanna be a sustaining member because I love what you're doing."

And they're the only place I've ever encountered that will give me this content that I adore.

[Jason] - There's really no agenda behind things like Nebraska Public Media.

Their service is to provide us, the community, with a sampling of what's out there.

It's a search that brings the treasures home.

Things that you're not finding elsewhere.

I've mentioned commercial media, you know?

Those things are all driven by other reasons.

The things that you find in Nebraska Public Media and places like that are organic and they have life to 'em.

They have an identity.

They're expressing something.

They're gonna take you somewhere.

It's a different experience that you don't find anywhere else and I love it.

Hey, everybody, this is Baby Jason, these are The Spankers, and we watch, listen and support Nebraska Public Media.

[Nikki] You heard him, Jeremy called public media "a gift" and Jason said public media is a place "that brings the treasures home" and offers viewers content you won't find anywhere else.

I agree with him.

I'm Nikki Bates and I'm here with Perry Stoner.

Nikki, part of that interview is so cool.

They were really sincere, they really appreciated being here, and they both express from their personal experience the value of supporting public media.

I think that poses a challenge to everyone who's watching right now to show your support for Nebraska Public Media too, and that's what we're here to ask you to do.

[Nikki] It was really inspiring to get together with these guys and hear their honest perspectives on the value of public media and the real importance of local programs like "33rd Street Sessions."

Almost 30 years later, they are still so excited about the opportunity they had to perform on "33rd Street Sessions."

Now I love my job as a producer here at Nebraska Public Media and as we talked with Jason, Jeremy and Dan, and talk to other musicians and other fans about "33rd Street Sessions," it really made me proud of all the work that was done right here to produce these programs for you.

These shows offer us historical snapshots into Nebraska's really vibrant music scene.

[Perry] Now, we invite you to make the reasons you watch, the reasons you give, become a member of Nebraska Public Media during this member drive.

When you do, we've got some great thank you gifts, including a special thank you for music fans.

For $15 a month or a $180 one-time gift, you can choose this special Nebraska Public Media Zoo Bar pass.

The Zoo Bar pass is good for two admissions each to five shows at the Historic Zoo Bar in downtown Lincoln over the next year.

Of course, some restrictions are going to apply.

Sold out shows or special events may not be included, but get yours right now by calling 800-989-8236.

Or you can go online to Nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

You can also use the QR code in the lower right corner of your screen to start your donation right now.

[Nikki] Or become a member at the $10 a month level.

That's a $120 one-time gift and get this Roku Express.

This is an internet connected streaming device.

You plug it into your TV and it gives you access to a wide variety of apps and shows including the PBS app, and the member benefit of PBS Passport.

[Perry] You know, Nebraska Public Media began broadcasting in Nebraska in 1954.

That's 70 years of local and national programming served up in your living room.

For a $5 a month or a $60 one-time gift, you can join the celebration of all those years of Nebraska Public Media with this retro logos mug.

It highlights our current and previous television logos so you can show that you've been a proud supporter of Nebraska Public Media through the decades.

Call 800-989-8236 or go online to Nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

Nikki, this whole project of "33rd Street Sessions" and bringing it up from our vault was an idea that you had.

Why don't you give us the viewers, a recap of what that was all about, what you were thinking about when you did that.

[Nikki] - I mean, you talked about the mug and all of these logos and people remembering them.

Well, I am one of them.

I grew up with Nebraska Public Media.

I remember watching "Sesame Street" and "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood," all of those here, and so it was really fun.

I wanted to bring some of those back 'cause I think a lot of people are nostalgic when it comes to this station.

So we went down to the vault and I got to see a lot of fun stuff.

Blow some dust off of some of the old tapes down there and yeah, it was fun to bring this series back.

I think this is one in the not too distant history.

It's 30 years back, but I think we're introducing this to some new audiences now that maybe haven't seen this before, and I hope that this is fun for people who remember it from the '90s to get to see that again.

[Perry] That's right.

Thanks for saying not TOO distant past (Nikki laughing) [Perry] because I remember it.

[Nikki] - It was yesterday.

[Perry] I remember it.

Maybe tonight though, is the first time you're getting to see a "33rd Street Sessions" concert, or maybe you remember the shows from back when they originally aired.

You might have been here in the audience for some of these shows and now you're excited to see them again.

And we're excited to bring them to you again.

Next we'll be taking a look at the band Indigenous and their 1997 appearance here on "33rd Street Sessions."

[Nikki] - And while we were looking in the vault, we found an old interview that was done with Indigenous at the same time.

I don't think that this interview has ever been seen before but we have included it in tonight's broadcast.

We're also screening a beautiful instrumental encore that didn't make it into the original show due to time constraints, so some extra content there.

[Perry] Just like a successful band requires everyone to work together to create the music you love, so does Nebraska Public Media.

We need the participation of our members to help us create dynamic content for everyone across our state to enjoy.

You can do that right now by calling 800-989-8236 and sign up with a $15 a month contribution or a $180 one time gift, and you can choose this special Nebraska Public Media Zoo Bar Pass.

If you're a music lover, this is a really good deal.

The Zoo Bar Pass is good for two admissions each to five different shows at the Historic Zoo Bar right here in downtown Lincoln over the next year.

Some restrictions will apply to this.

Sold out shows may not work for you, special shows may not be included, but the Zoo Bar always has great acts coming in, so there's something there for you.

call 800-989-8236 or online to Nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

[Nikki] Or you can become a member at the $10 a month level or a $120 one time gift and get this Roku Express.

This is an internet connected streaming device.

You plug it into your smart TV to get the content you want through apps, and we hope that the PBS app is one of those because if you're donating $5 or more, you'll be able to get PBS Passport through that Roku.

For $5 a month or a $60 one time gift, we will thank you with this retro logos mug.

It highlights our current and previous television logos so you can show that you have been a proud supporter of Nebraska Public Media through the decades.

Call 800-989-8236 or make that donation online at Nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

And when you do, you'll be a member and take advantage of the member benefit called PBS Passport.

You can see tonight's original uninterrupted "33rd Street Sessions" performances from beginning to end.

[Nikki] Not just those.

you can binge-watch more original concert episodes we're making available only on PBS Passport.

[Perry] As a member, you can activate PBS Passport on your smart TV, smartphone, or tablet.

Watch 'em anywhere, anytime.

Watch on demand or livestream.

[Nikki] PBS Passport lets you unlock several past seasons of Austin City Limits and spectacular concert performances from artists like Mavis Staples, Joe Bonamassa, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Sting, the Rolling Stones.

There are a bunch, Perry.

[Perry] In just a few minutes, Nikki, we're going back to turn the clock back again.

We'll enjoy the 1997 performance of Indigenous that took place right here in this studio.

But before we do, let's take a look at those thank you gifts.

[Nikki] We're gonna go through these quickly so we can get you back to the show.

First we've got that Zoo Bar pass that gets you two entrance into five shows over the next year, and that's with your gift of $15 a month.

Or you can get the Roku Express.

That's at the $10 a month level or a $120 one time gift, and you can access the PBS app through it or for a $5 a month gift, you will get that retro mug.

So as we're looking back through historic programs from Nebraska Public Media, you can reminisce and we thank you for your support of Nebraska Public Media through all those years.

Call that number on your screen and thank you for your support.

(record scratching, country-blues hip hop music) (voice says "Hey!")

(country-blues hip hop music) (voice says "Hey!")

(harmonica wailing) (harmonica, rhythmic voice "Hey!"

record scratches) (projector clicking mixes with music) (intense drum music) (faster drumbeat, drums end) [Announcer] Tonight on "33rd Street Sessions."

From Yankton, South Dakota, the hard-driving blues rhythms of Indigenous.

-(audience applauding) -(audience cheering) (blues-rock guitar music) (blues-rock guitar music) ♪ I've had the blues this morning ♪ ♪ Since my baby's been gone ♪ ♪ I've had the blues this morning ♪ ♪ Since my baby's been gone ♪ ♪ I don't know why she don't want me no more ♪ ♪ I've been opening my arms, baby ♪ ♪ To let you back in ♪ ♪ I've gonna open my arms, baby ♪ ♪ To let you back in ♪ ♪ 'Cause I don't wanna lose ♪ ♪ All the things that we had ♪ ♪ Yeah!

♪ (guitar solo, mid-tempo blues-rock music) ♪ I've had the blues this morning ♪ ♪ Since my baby's been gone ♪ ♪ I've had the blues this morning ♪ ♪ Since my baby's been gone ♪ ♪ I don't know why she don't want me no more ♪ ♪ I've been opening my arms, baby ♪ ♪ To let you back in ♪ ♪ I've been opening my arms, baby ♪ ♪ To let you back in ♪ ♪ 'Cause I don't wanna lose ♪ ♪ All the things that we had ♪ ♪ Yeah!

♪ (guitar solo) (guitar and rhythm section flourish ends song) -(audience cheering) -(audience applauding) [Mato Nanji] - Well, thank you.

(audience applauding) (man whistling) (guitar string bending) (slow drum beat, dramatic guitar solo) (dramatic guitar solo) ♪ The fault's all my own, darlin' ♪ ♪ That you went away ♪ (guitar soloing over slow rhythm) ♪ The fault's all my own, darling ♪ ♪ That you went away ♪ (guitar soloing) ♪ 'Cause you know what you mean ♪ ♪ You know what you mean to me, yeah ♪ (guitar solo line) ♪ Ever since you've been gone, darlin' ♪ ♪ I've been in so much misery ♪ (guitar blues music) ♪ Ever since you've been gone, darling ♪ ♪ I've been in so much misery ♪ (emotive guitar solo line) ♪ 'Cause you know what you mean ♪ ♪ You know what you mean to me, yeah ♪ (guitar solo, fast notes with slower rhythm) (slow, sadder-sounding guitar solo) (audience cheering) (emotive guitar solo notes becoming faster) (emotional guitar solo) (guitar notes ascending) -(audience applauding) -(audience cheering) (guitar solo continues) -(guitar rhythm ascending) -(audience cheering) (passionate guitar solo continues) ♪ I'd give everything I own, darlin' ♪ (audience cheering) ♪ Jus' to keep you by my side ♪ (guitar solo line) ♪ I'd give everything I own, darlin' ♪ ♪ Just to keep you by my side ♪ (fast picking, guitar solo line) ♪ 'Cause you know what you mean ♪ (guitar lick) ♪ You know what you mean to me, yeah ♪ Hey, one more time.

(guitar soloing, fast rhythms) (guitar soloing, slowing tempo) (guitar soloing, picking up speed) (guitar soloing, faster pace) (music stops, only guitar plays) (rhythm section joins, rhythm slows to end song) -(audience applauding) -(audience cheering) [Mato] - Hey, thank you very much!

(random solo notes on guitar strings) (guitar only, playing chords, driving rhythm) (drums and bass join in with guitar) ♪ Not so long ago, we were so in love ♪ ♪ You were the only one I was thinking of ♪ ♪ You said love just fade away ♪ ♪ Like a cloud on a sunny day ♪ ♪ But now I need you ♪ ♪ More than you know ♪ (guitar-driven music) ♪ But now I need you ♪ ♪ I just can't let you go ♪ (blues rock music, guitar solo) ♪ You know I love you ♪ ♪ With all of my heart ♪ ♪ But what can I do ♪ ♪ It's tearin' me apart ♪ ♪ You just slipped out of my hands ♪ ♪ Like a hand full of sand ♪ ♪ But now I need you ♪ ♪ More than you know ♪ ♪ But now I need you ♪ ♪ I just can't let you go ♪ (guitar solo over blues-rock rhythms) ♪ You just slipped out of my hands ♪ ♪ Like a hand full of sand ♪ ♪ But now I need you ♪ ♪ More than you know ♪ ♪ But now I need you ♪ ♪ I just can't let you go ♪ (melodic guitar chords and solo guitar music) (tempo slows, guitar flourish) -(audience cheering) -(audience applauding) [Mato] - Yeah, thank you very much.

-(audience cheering) -(audience applauding) [Perry] We're enjoying a really electrifying performance from the band, Indigenous.

This was recorded in 1997, so it was still pretty early in their career.

Hi everyone, I'm Perry Stoner in the studio with Nikki Bates.

[Nikki] And Fun Fact, Perry.

The audio that they recorded here from this concert that Indigenous did, this became a CD for the band, which they sold as Live Blues From the Sky.

I think it's kind of hard to find a copy these days, so if you find one, you might have a collectible on your hands.

[Perry] Very cool, I did not know that.

The members of the band Indigenous, grew up in the Yankton, South Dakota area.

They started out playing area blues bars like Lincoln's Zoo Bar and clubs in Omaha.

They went on to play on the festival circuit, developing a national and international following.

[Nikki] Stay tuned because we have that archival interview from 1997 with Indigenous coming up where you'll learn more about how they got started along with more music from their 33rd Street Sessions concert that was, again, taped right here in this studio.

That is correct.

We even have a bonus track from the vault that did not appear in the original program.

The 33rd Street Sessions programs were recorded right here in this studio in front of live audiences.

Nikki, I think there might be a few people that don't know how we came up with the 33rd Street Sessions name.

Well, we are located on 33rd Street on East Campus, the University of Nebraska East Campus, so the sessions here that were recorded, 33rd Street Sessions.

The studio in here looks a little different now.

You can see the results of an exciting new renovation behind us that you made possible.

It was all made possible with donor support.

Hundreds of you generously donated to make this renovation a reality and we can't say thank you enough.

[Perry] We can't say thank you enough, and we want to celebrate.

We wanna celebrate the future and remember the past of Nebraska Public Media.

We put together this look back at some popular 33rd Street Sessions concerts from the 1990s.

[Nikki] And these programs are part of our membership drive.

That is why we're here today, because when you become a member at whatever dollar amount is comfortable for you, you are taking the opportunity to say that you value high quality local programming.

If you're already a member, thank you, because all the programming you enjoy on Nebraska Public Media is made possible by the financial support of you, our viewers.

[Perry] And when you do that right now by becoming a member or renewing your membership during this program, we have some great gifts to say thank you and celebrate live local music.

For $15 a month or a $180 one-time gift, you can choose the special Nebraska Public Media Zoo Bar Pass.

This Zoo Bar pass is good for two admissions to five different shows at the Zoo Bar in downtown Lincoln over the next year.

Some restrictions apply on this.

Sold out shows may not work, or special shows may not be included, but there'll be plenty to choose from.

Call 800-989-8236 or go online to Nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

Or you can use that QR code that you see on the lower right corner of the screen to start your donation.

[Nikki] Ooh, I kind of love that for a date night idea.

[Perry] Yeah.

[Nikki] Or you can become a member at the $10 a month level or a $120 one-time gift and get the Roku Express.

This is an internet connected streaming device.

You plug it into your TV and it gives you access to a bunch of apps and shows, one of which is the PBS app, which you can use the member benefit of PBS Passport on there to get that extended library access.

Or for $5 a month or a $60 one-time gift, you can celebrate Nebraska Public Media and our history with this retro logos mug.

It highlights our current and previous logos, so you can show how long you've been a proud supporter of Nebraska Public Media, since -- "I've watched since," it says on the mug.

So call 800-989-8236.

You can go online to Nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate and become a member.

[Perry] In 2006, the family band of Indigenous made the decision to disband and pursue their own musical paths, but guitarist and vocalist, Mato Nanji has carried on with the Indigenous band name.

He continues to tour and record as Indigenous.

And in addition to his Indigenous day job, Mato has been a member of the critically acclaimed Experience Hendrix tour since 2002.

He's actually playing on the Experience Hendrix tour this fall.

You might have seen him playing a local concert along some of the all-star blues players who are regularly featured on that tour, like Buddy Guy, Eric Johnson and former Stevie Ray Vaughan drummer, Chris Layton.

The drummer for Indigenous, Wanbdi, and their bass player, Buffalo Man, have formed recently a new band called, Black Owl Society.

They describe their hard driving blues-based sound as "activism through music rooted in indigenous people's existence."

So be on the lookout for their new music, too.

Nikki, what's some of the memorable things that you've got about working on this project other than going down into the vault where it used to be dusty and kinda unorganized-- [Nikki] We've cleaned it up, and that still is my favorite room in the building, but I loved doing the interviews in here and getting to talk with the band members.

It was really cool how many details they remembered about recording here, even though it was 30 years ago.

It was fun to see some of them who are still playing now and others who aren't that are in completely different careers now.

So it was just kind of fun to see what they're doing now, and it felt really kind of like a reunion when they were back here.

-Yeah.

-I enjoyed that.

I've watched a lot of those interviews and it's really fun to watch.

Was there a particular band that became your favorite or that you just most enjoyed learning about in the process?

There's so many different ones, and I don't wanna play favorites, but I will say one cool thing that happened is with Baby Jason and the Spankers, that we're watching now, the Spankers, Jeremy and Dan, we have a connection.

My father-in-law used to be their music teacher when they were in high school, and that is where Jason found them, was at a music contest, I believe it was a high school music contest.

[Perry] And that was here in Lincoln, right?

[Nikki] Yeah, so kind of a cool connection there.

You know, Indigenous has played and still plays Lincoln Zoo Bar.

The historic Lincoln club has connections with bands that were on 33rd Street Sessions, and previous partnerships with Nebraska Public Media, so that makes this gift particularly fitting.

For $15 a month or a $180 one-time gift, you can get this Nebraska Public Media Zoo Bar Pass.

This is good for two admissions each, so grab a friend and you guys can go to five shows at the Zoo Bar in downtown Lincoln over the next year.

There are some restrictions that apply for sold out shows or special shows.

Call 800-989-8236, or you can go online to Nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate [Perry] Or another option for you to support Nebraska Public Media is becoming a member at the $10 a month level, or a $120 one-time gift, and you can choose the Roku Express.

The Roku Express is an internet connected streaming device that you plug into your smart TV.

The Roku Express gives you access to a wide variety of apps and shows.

It's one way to access the member benefit that we have called PBS Passport.

Or for a $5 a month gift or a $60 one-time contribution, you can celebrate Nebraska Public Media through the years with this retro logos mug.

It highlights our current and previous television logos, so you can show that you've been a proud supporter of Nebraska Public Media through the decades.

Call 800-989-8236 or go online Nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

[Nikki] - And a reminder that when you become a member at any of these donor levels, you also receive the PBS Passport member benefit.

Everyone has access to the free PBS app for your smart TV.

[Nikki] That's right, but it offers many episodes of popular programming from Nebraska Public Media and PBS, free for you to watch when you want on your schedule.

[Perry] Additionally, PBS Passport is a member benefit within the PBS app that gives members extended access to an on-demand library of quality public television programming online.

[Nikki] Again, members making a minimum donation of $5 a month, just $5 a month, gets you PBS Passport.

You can stream thousands of episodes of shows from PBS and our local productions.

[Perry] And it is pretty easy to set up.

Start enjoying Passport right away when you make a donation and start your membership.

800-989-8236, or go online to nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

For a contribution of $15 a month or a $180 one-time gift, you can choose this special Nebraska Public Media Zoo Bar pass.

The Zoo Bar pass to historic Zoo Bar here in Lincoln is good for two admissions to five different shows at the Zoo Bar in downtown Lincoln.

Some restrictions apply, sold out shows or special shows may not be included.

And this pass is good over the next year.

Call 800-989-8236, or go online to Nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

[Nikki] Or if $10 a month fits your budget better, you can get this Roku Express as your thank you gift.

This will allow you to stream shows when you plug it into your TV.

It's gonna give you access, easy access to a bunch of apps and programs, including the PBS app, and you can use PBS Passport, which we've been talking about.

You can get those extra 33rd Street episodes using the Roku Express and using Passport through that.

[Perry] There's a lot of fun and nostalgia in looking back at old programs like 33rd Street Sessions.

And if you're one of those that enjoys nostalgia, become a member at $5 a month and you can celebrate with this mug that has the Nebraska Public Media logos through the years.

Or if you can contribute and get that Zoo Bar pass at $15 a month or $180 one-time gift, that would be a great gift for you if you're a music lover or your friends that love music.

Thanks very much.

Our parents came up with the name Indigenous.

So we looked it up and found out what it meant and said "Yeah, that'll work."

♪ (Mato laughs) ♪ (guitar soloing in background) Our dad, he used to play guitar, ♪ he used to play -- ♪ I guess he used to play everything, bass, drums.

I mean, that's kind of where we all picked it up.

When we first started out, ♪ none of us really wanted to sing, so (chuckles) so nobody wanted to come forward.

So I said, "Well, shoot, I'll try it."

I don't know, so I just been trying ever since then.

Still trying.

(chuckles) But anyways, he used to have like old guitars and stuff down in his basement and stuff like that down in the basement.

And when I started out I wanted to play drums, but we couldn't afford any, so I found his guitar and his amp n' stuff downstairs.

So I just start, tryin' to learn somethin'-- I didn't know nothin' at the time.

♪ (laughs) Tried to learn.

♪ And then after that, over the years, ♪ then he just started showin' me stuff.

♪ And then he taught me how to just sit down and listen.

He said, that's... That's probably the best thing he ever, you know, told me was just sit down and learn, just listen by ear.

But he taught me a lot of the stuff that I know now.

[Wanbdi] - Dad's been my biggest influence because he's the one that taught me.

Otherwise, I wouldn't know anything.

(chuckles) I wouldn't know anything about playing 'cause I didn't know nothing about instruments.

He just bring in some drums ♪ and said sit down, ♪ we're gonna play these.

♪ So I sat down and played 'em.

♪ ♪ (instrumental music) ♪ [Wanbdi] Like when we play blues fests ♪ an' stuff, that's really fun, it's exciting.

[Mato] - It's pretty cool.

[Mato] - Probably one of the funner things.

We like playing festivals.

[Interviewer] - Do you guys do a lot of those, [Interviewer] - (indistinct) uhm, no?

-[Mato] (laughing) -[Wanbdi]-First year -we ever did.

-[Mato] - Just the first year we've kind of been getting into some of 'em.

I'd like to get into more, more festivals.

Myself, I'd like to see us just keep making records and keep playing, get playing more places, just playing more festivals and just traveling more.

-I'd like to see that.

-Yeah.

-[Wanbdi] - I like to see that.

-(laughter) [Horse] - Me too.

[Interviewer] - Same thing for everybody.

- Yeah [Mato] - I don't know if there's ever a day that I don't wanna play, you know, I don't wanna play even if it's just at home, I'll play, I got acoustics and stuff.

That's kind of where a lot of the songs are written too, where we're back home and just fooling around or when we all get together and rehearse something and that's when songs and ideas come in for certain songs.

♪ That's kind of how it all comes together.

♪ (music, guitar solo) [Mato]- Well, whenever I write a song, I just bring these guys all together ♪ and I say, "Just jam on it.

Do whatever you feel."

♪ Or sometimes, I just say, ♪ "Want this kind of a beat or this kind of groove."

And then I say, just jam it.

♪ And there's not really a certain way ♪ I tell 'em to do things, ♪ because the way it turns out, ♪ I think it's a lot of times it's different.

♪ (music, guitar note holding) 'Cause, they all got their own way of thinking ♪ and they all got their own hearts ♪ and I kind of let -- like them (to) use that ♪ and let it come out in their instrument.

They got their own feeling in the way they want things to flow.

So I kind of like them to show that in the way they play, so they can have their own voice.

[Mato] Yeah, thank you very much.

(concert sound) (cheering) (guitar lick, chord, slide guitar sound) (guitar chords, playing Jimi Hendrix style rhythm) (rhythm section joins, accenting first beat) (medium tempo guitar solo with band) ♪ Pretty little baby ♪ ♪ Won't you walk with me ♪ (upbeat blues-rock music riff) ♪ Pretty little baby ♪ ♪ Won't you walk with me ♪ (upbeat blues-rock music riff) ♪ I wonder where you're goin' ♪ ♪ Where you gonna be ♪ (upbeat blues-rock music riff) ♪ Pretty little honey ♪ ♪ Well you look so fine ♪ (upbeat blues-rock music riff) ♪ Pretty little baby ♪ ♪ Well you look so fine ♪ (upbeat blues-rock music riff) ♪ That's why I'm wondering, baby ♪ ♪ Where you gonna be ♪ (upbeat blues-rock music riff) (medium tempo guitar solo) (guitar solo continues playing very fast notes) (guitar solo continues) ♪ There ain't nobody ♪ ♪ To stay with me ♪ (rhythmic blues-rock music) ♪ There ain't nobody ♪ ♪ To stay with me ♪ (rhythmic blues-rock music) ♪ That's why I wonder, baby ♪ ♪ Where you gonna be ♪ (rhythmic blues-rock music) ♪ Pretty little baby ♪ ♪ Won't you take a little walk with me ♪ (rhythmic blues-rock music) ♪ Pretty little baby ♪ ♪ Won't you take a little walk with me ♪ (rhythmic blues-rock music) ♪ I wonder where you're goin' ♪ ♪ Where you gonna be ♪ (rhythmic blues-rock music) Yeah!

(guitar solo over rhythmic blues-rock music) (solo builds, short fast notes then long notes) (guitar solo continues) (Jimi Hendrix style rhythm and single notes) (guitar solo) (guitar and band rhythm slows, ending song) -(audience cheering) -(audience applauding) [Mato] - Yeah, thank you very much.

We'll see you all later.

Thank you very much.

Good night.

We are Indigneous.

(indistinct) Thank you.

(upbeat guitar-driven blues-rock) -(audience cheering) -(guitar solo blues-rock music) (blues-rock guitar music) [Perry] Maybe tonight is the first time you get to see a 33rd Street Sessions concert, or maybe you remember the shows from back when they originally aired in the 1990s.

I've talked to some folks who were here in the audience for some of these shows.

[Nikki] And we are here to talk to you for just a few minutes before we bring you a special bonus.

This is the encore from the 33rd Street Sessions performance by Indigenous.

It was a little too long to include in the original program, but we've saved time to share it with you tonight.

[Perry] I'm Perry Stoner back in the studio with Nikki Bates, and you're watching because live music is important to you, because you value the arts and the community that thrives around the arts, so make the reasons that you watch the reasons you give.

[Nikki] And because this kind of local programming is important to you, we're asking you to show your support by becoming a member of Nebraska Public Media.

When you do, we've got some special thank you gifts for you to choose from starting with some more local music.

With your donation of $15 a month, or a one-time gift of $180, we'll send you this Zoo Bar Pass as a thank you.

This is good for five shows over the next year, and you'll get admission for two people, so you can bring a friend.

Now some restrictions apply, but this is the Historic Zoo Bar in downtown Lincoln.

Again, just like Nebraska Public Media, a lot of history in Nebraska with this, so I'm sure that you'll find a great show to go to and enjoy there.

[Perry] Indeed, and also, we have another option to become a member at the $10 a month level, or a $120 one time gift and get the Roku Express.

The Roku Express is an internet connected streaming device that you plug into your smart TV.

Or we have another option for you to support programming.

It's for $5 a month or a $60 one time gift.

[Nikki] Yeah, this is our retro mug that says, "I've watched Nebraska Public Media since it was..." and if you look on the back, there's all of these logos so you can pinpoint the time when you started watching Nebraska Public Media.

If you grew up with us, call 800-989-8236, or you can go online to Nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate to become a member and choose your thank you gift.

[Perry] And when you are a member of Nebraska Public Media, you can take pride in knowing that you help make all the programs that you and your community enjoy possible.

Programs that enrich the lives of everyone across the state.

[Nikki] Now, we unlocked our video vault to bring back 33rd Street Sessions, and remember, as a member, you can see selected episodes of this legendary concert series on the member benefit PBS Passport.

So start that membership today and you'll get access to those.

Call 800-989-8236 or go online to Nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

For $15 a month or a $180 one time gift, you can choose a special Nebraska Public Media Zoo Bar Pass.

This is good for two admissions each to five shows at Lincoln's Zoo Bar over the next year.

[Perry] Or become a member at $10 a month or a $120 one time gift and get the Roku Express.

It's an internet connected streaming device that you into your Smart TV.

It's one way that you can access the PBS Member Benefit Passport.

For $5 a month or a $60 one-time gift, enjoy the retro logos mug.

It features our current and previous television logos.

Call 800-989-8236 or go online to Nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

[Nikki] Again, Perry, we really enjoyed doing these shows, pulling them out of the vault, but if you wanna enjoy some new music, that Zoo Bar Pass is a great way to do it.

This is good for two admissions to five shows.

Some restrictions apply, but you'll see those at the Zoo Bar.

Again, any of these thank you gifts are available on our website at nebraskapublicmedia.org/donate.

Or you can call 800-989-8236.

We're gonna send you back to the show to see that bonus track from Indigenous on 33rd Street Sessions right now.

(slow tempo blues guitar solo music) (improvised music, sounds building) (guitar plays slow melody with reverb) (guitar solo, bass and percussion more rhythmic) (guitar solo continues, bright major chords) (solo guitar notes, varied tempo, congas) (guitar solo continues) (guitar notes, bass and drums play more quietly) (guitar solo, band dynamics building) (guitar solo) (tempo slows, moodier spare sounds) (guitar rhythm, conga improvisation) (guitar begins new solo line) (guitar solo, medium tempo) (guitar solo, bending string sounds, reverb) (emotive guitar solo) (slower rhythm) (guitar plays notes, chords in minor key) (instruments jam out to end song) -(audience cheering) -(musicians improvising) (song ends with rhythms, big guitar chord) -(audience cheering) -(audience applauding) [Mato] - Hey, thank you very much!

We thank you all for comin' down here tonight.

Thank you very much for coming out.

We do appreciate it.

We are Indigenous.

Thank you.

-(audience cheering) -(audience applauding)