Grasshoppers took over the Music Box in Omaha last Friday night – and not for the first time.

Grasshopper Takeover, an Omaha band that divides living between Los Angeles and Omaha, ended the three-band concert at the Music Box, a local bar that delivers quality-sounding music.

Curt Grubb, James McMann, and Bob Boyce, the three masterminds behind the Takeover exemplified once again what great music is all about.

Grasshopper Takeover began later than expected, but was worth the wait. With a strong following in Omaha, Grasshopper had everyone in the Music Box up on their feet dancing and singing along to every song.

The set began with an audience favorite, “Noel,” from the “International Dance Marathon” album.

The energy present in the first song was carried through the entire hour and a half set and beyond. Three new songs from Grasshopper’s upcoming album were revealed, intermixed with old favorites. The new songs prove that once again a good band can evolve and continue to create wonderful music. Faster lyrically, but keeping the rock it is known for, Grasshopper always keeps the listener enthralled.

Also on their new album and present at the concert were jamming instrumental sessions. These sessions exemplified every ounce of talent present in each of the three performers.

Before GTO took stage, two bands began to set the mood.

Mandown, the first, put forth an amazing rock show, with interactions with the audience adding even more.

Mandown is consistently evolving its music and keeping the audience wanting more.

The absolute rock music put forth by this band provotes even the most insecure audience member to move to the beat. The audience received this band well, and were disappointed when the short set was over so soon.

The second band, Carolyn’s Mother from Denver, was a huge disappointment for the followers of Mandown and Grasshopper. The instrumental beginning and end of the set brought some credibility, but the middle left everything to be desired.

The lead singer took the stage as if it were a padded room in an insane asylum, speedily circling around the entire stage. This energy should have been left out of the physical motion and put into creating better music.

The talent was obviously present and although a Pearl Jam influence was involved, it came out sounding worse than Creed.

Despite the lacking Carolyn’s Mother, Mandown and Grasshopper Takeover stole the show and gave two impressive performances.

As Grasshopper bassist James McMann eloquently stated, “It was a really fun show.”