Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone (formerly Sandstone Amphitheater)

Omaha’s 311, hip hop icon and fellow “green” advocate Snoop Dogg and opener Fiction Plane came, saw and musically conquered Capitol Federal Park’s largest and most excited crowd of the summer.

Despite a potential disparity between which fans would stay for which performers, the massive fan assembly seemed poised for equal portions of Snoop and 311 (with Fiction Plane added for good measure).

Not only did the night house top-notch performers and a bevy of attendants, it was also the first concert in recent memory not plagued by pre-show or post-show downpours.

Read a review by the Star’s Bill Brownlee here.

Click here to read a review from The Pitch’s Wayward Blog.

All photos by Paul Chokota

After a rain-laden soundcheck and about half an hour of sprinkles, last night’s show headlined by Hinder and Staind was met with the enthusiasm of fans who wouldn’t let being soggy stop a good time.

Opening acts Jet Black Stare and Alterbridge got the crowd warmed up while visitors took a look at the venue’s new seating arrangements and sipped (or chugged) Capitol Federal Park’s $5 beers.

Among the tents of vendors, many attendees were surprised and excited to receive free concert tickets to upcoming Cap Fed Park shows, including The Rock and Roll Dream Concert and the Benefit for Greensburg.

The mild night of heavy rock ended with dry fans and and smooth traffic.

Read a review of the show here.

All photos by Paul Chokota

It was a hot, humid day framed by heavy showers, but it was filled with enough enthusiasm to make none of that matter.

This year’s Vans Warped Tour sported some of the biggest names of the summer in a diverse rock lineup that ranged from the pop of Paramore to the metal riffs of August Burns Red.

Though the challenges of maintaining green practices during an event as large in scope and scale as the Warped Tour are demanding, with the help of staff and concert goers, the day ended as a success.

Read The Pitch’s take on the day here.

The Star’s Timothy Finn had this to say about his time at Warped.

To sum it up, fans turned out by the thousands to see their favorite acts throughout a scorching day and faced the downpour that brought the show to a dramatic close.

The Devil Wears Prada performing “Still Fly”

Forever the Sickest Kids performing an acoustic set:

All photos by Paul Chokota

Saturday saw thousands of music fans from across the metro filing in to share in the excitement of Mix 93.3’s 13th annual Red, White and Boom summer music event.

Fair weather helped the predominantly young crowd enjoy a diverse pop and rock lineup, headlined by 2007 American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.

Emceed by Mix’s radio personality Swank, the day of music included an expert Guitar Hero III performance.

The crowd proved receptive to Capitol Federal Park’s green initiative by properly sorting their recyclables and taking all of the supplied “green” buttons from Kansas City’s environmental group Bridging the Gap. The buttons include information on how individuals can take steps to a more sustainable future, reminding those who wear them to participate in bettering tomorrow through social responsibility.

The Kansas City Star’s Timothy Finn was at the concert and shares his synopsis here.

John Kreicberg of The Pitch shares his take on the show here.

Check out select performances from the show, reposted from Mix 93.3’s Web site:

Jordin Sparks: No Air

Metro Station: Shake It

Boys Like Girls: Thunder

The Last Goodnight:

Lifehouse:

All photos by Paul Chokota

PickRset is a website that collaborates with bands to get fans involved in choosing set-lists for the concerts they attend. For instance, you can help pick the set list for the Mayhem Tour on July 22nd at Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone.

Mix 93.3’s 13th Annual Red White and Boom is Saturday June 28th. This year’s show features Lifehouse, Gavin DeGraw, Boys Like Girls, Metro Station, Blake Lewis, Ferras, The Last Goodnight, DJ Kirby, and the winner of Mix 93’s Battle of the Bands Competition. Tickets go on sale Saturday May 3rd at 10am through all Ticketmaster Outlets and www.ticketmaster.com.

The Mayhem Festival featuring Slipknot and Disturbed comes to Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone Tuesday, July 22nd.  The show begins at 2:00pm. Tickets to the concert are $48, and are on sale Saturday May 3rd through all Ticketmaster Outlets and www.ticketmaster.com.

The O.A.R. All Sides Tour comes to Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone Sunday July 20th. The show begins at 7:30pm with opening act, Steel Train. Tickets to the concert are $30.50, and are on sale now at all Ticketmaster Outlets and www.ticketmaster.com.