Conor Oberst

Swathed in mystery, obfuscated by hearsay, hyped by percolating anticipation, Conor Oberst, Omaha's most sensitive songwriting wunderkind, has booked this two-night stand at the 400 Bar to debut a new, as-of-yet-untitled band. While details have thus far been sketchy, Oberst wants it known these will not be Bright Eyes shows, so don't expect to hear any Bright Eyes music. Rumor has it that the talented young founder of Saddle Creek Records is starting a new band with his friend and former touring mate M. Ward, inciting many to assume that these dates, which are the only upcoming shows he's booked thus far, will mark the debut of this highly anticipated new project. While any official explanation from the man himself has not yet emerged, there's enough puzzle pieces out on the table to warrant the sizzling buzz around these two shows. With Nik Freitas. 21+.
Saturdays, Sundays, 8 p.m. Starts: Dec. 29. Continues through Dec. 30, 2007