A trait that has always separated legendary musicians from an ordinary ones is the ability to stand out among their peers and be unique.

Such is the case for jazz legend Luigi Waites.

Waites, who has played with jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald and opened for musical greats like James Brown, is a regular performer in Omaha’s Old Market District.

With encouragement from opening act Shelter Belt, Waites made his way to Ames and the Boheme, 2900 West St.

A crowd gradually filled the intimate setting to experience the legendary talents of Waites, but what many didn’t know is that he is a percussionist.

“I was expecting guitar, but it had an awesome feel,” says Jhenn Fredenberg, an employee of the Boheme. “I liked what I heard.”

Waites’ instrumental choices, like xylophone, were paralleled by his outgoing personality that kept the audience engaged.

During his set, Waites pulled out his camera to snap a few shots of a photographer for payback and received several laughs.

Waites got laughs not only for his physical comedy, but for his unique stories.

One of his stories focused on a recent date — which included dinner at the Laundromat’s new vending machine — ensuring a breakout of laughter.

When it came to his musical abilities, Waites left many impressed with his crescendos, battle-style playing with drummer Paul Sim and the addition of mallets before each song.

“I didn’t know what I was coming here for, but I was impressed,” says Zac Plansky, junior in production and operations management.

“I’ve never seen anyone play the xylophone with four sticks before.”

Before ending his set, Waites got the crowd going once again by straddling the bass drum and hammering it with noteworthy rhythms.

“It was just so easy for him,” says Stephanie Meimann, senior in child, adult and family services. “He just kind of did his thing — really impressive.”

Shanna Bivens, a music major at Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., came to see Shelter Belt, but was very impressed by Waites’ performance.

“It was so unstructured and it reminded me of John Cage,” Bivens says.

“It was on the fly.”

Throughout his career, Waites has been bestowed many honors and awards, including “Nebraska Artist of the Year.”

Fredenberg says she was pleased by the number of people who turned out and lent their support to the bands.

“I’m glad Ames has something to offer that’s not so mainstream,” Fredenberg says.