311 took the stage in front of a packed crowd at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.[Photo by Dean Birkheimer]

DEAN BIRKHEIMER | Go Venue Magazine

Some concerts are memorable because of the music. Others because of the atmosphere. Tuesday August 5, 2026, at Stir Cove in Council Bluffs offered both, as 311 returned to their hometown region to headline the “So Glad You Made It Tour” before a packed crowd.

Mother Nature couldn’t have scripted a better Wednesday evening. A cool breeze drifted across the Missouri River and temperatures settled into the perfect range.

ROME Ramirez got things rolling with a set that honored his years fronting Sublime with Rome while confidently standing on his own. Mixing familiar favorites with his signature laid-back charisma, he eased the crowd into the night with a coolness that was only matched by the glorious weather. We got what we needed from the band, a starter who grabbed our attention and gave us 5 solid innings.

Australia’s Ocean Alley followed with a hypnotic performance that proved why they’ve become one of the most respected rising bands in the genre. Their blend of psychedelic rock, reggae rhythms, and surf-inspired sound translated beautifully to the live stage. Their cover of Players, “Baby Come Back”, might have been the song of the night. The band’s musicianship was flawless, and their atmospheric jams won over the fans. They kept the momentum going as middle relievers and as we wound down to the final bands, they maintained our interest and has us eager to see the shows outcome.

By the time Dirty Heads took the stage, the energy had shifted into high gear. The California veterans delivered a nonstop party filled with singalongs, that included a Joe Walsh cover of “Life’s Been Good.” There was nothing but positive vibes as hit after hit filled the outdoor venue. Their chemistry with the audience was undeniable, turning Stir Cove into one giant summer celebration as hundreds sang every word back to the band. The stage filled up with talent when Rome came back out to join Dirty Heads for “Lay Me Down”.  The band finished with “Medusa” and like the lyrics say, it hit us “right in the kisser” A superb band that much like an 8th inning pitcher, set the show up perfectly for the closer.

For Omaha natives 311, this wasn’t just another stop on the tour, it felt like a family reunion.  From the opening notes, the band’s connection with the crowd was unbreakable. Fans who have followed the group for decades sang every lyric as if they were performing alongside them, creating one massive chorus that must have echoed across the river into downtown Omaha. The band’s signature mix of rock, reggae, funk, and rap remains as fresh and energetic as ever. Classics like, “All Mixed Up,” “Beautiful Disaster,” and “Come Original” ignited wave after wave of cheers, while newer material blended seamlessly into the set. Nick Hexum’s smooth vocals, SA Martinez’s infectious charisma, Tim Mahoney’s unmistakable guitar work, P-Nut’s thunderous bass lines, and Chad Sexton’s powerhouse drumming reminded everyone why 311 has remained one of alternative rock’s most enduring live bands for more than three decades. What made the performance especially meaningful was the hometown pride flowing in both directions. Every mention of Omaha drew deafening applause, and every familiar riff seemed to carry a little extra emotion.  If there was lesson to be learned it was this, coming home never goes out of style. 311 closed out the show in a professional, no-nonsense manner and left no doubt why they were the ones chosen to end it.  I only wish we had extra innings.

311 Dirty Heads Ocean Alley Rome All images © Dean Birkheimer

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