DeKalb weekends were injected with new life last weekend, courtesy of Otto’s Niteclub, 118 E. Lincoln Highway. The night spot gave the weekend a shot in the arm Sunday by way of its first ever 18-and-older show.

The alcohol for the upstairs bar was locked away for the night, while downstairs The Underground still served liquor. IDs were checked at the door as well as at the stairway leading to The Underground, and no cups were allowed upstairs at all.

The show featured the Indianapolis-based band Mike and Joe, which played a slate of covers as well as a few original songs.

Otto’s co-owner Duff Rice was pleased with the turnout.

“It was about what I expected,” he said. “And we’re still getting our usual late crowd.”

Rice also pointed out there weren’t any problems with the alcohol setup.

“The police came in, checked it out and gave us the thumbs up,” he said.

Under-age students who weren’t able to enter Otto’s before found the experience fun and refreshing.

“It’s something different,” said freshman undecided major Stephanie Stengel, 18. “You get tired of going to Amnesia’s all the time. It’s good to have other choices now and then.”

Other under-agers agreed.

“I really like the atmosphere. It’s a cool place to catch a band and hang with friends,” said Alex Lakis, a 19-year-old sophomore psychology major.

The show had more than one benefit, though.

“Otto’s has a lot more shows than CAB, so I like the idea of seeing a lot of bands,” said sophomore undecided major Jill Brevin, 19.

While Mike and Joe played to a dry upstairs, those who came to drink had to go underground to enjoy some spirits.

“I don’t mind that they did this. If it brings better shows, then that’s cool,” said Jenny Kaska, a 22-year-old junior special education major. “It’s kind of crowded.”

Another legal drinker agreed.

“I think it’s a good setup,” said 21-year-old junior physical education major Jeff Williams. “But for those of us who drink, it’s hard with less space.”

While a select few might have felt a bit inconvenienced, Rice said having the 18-and-older show helps get people to stay at NIU on the weekends.

“[The 18-and-older show] was a major factor in getting a bigger audience,” Rice said.

He also mentioned the desire to attract bigger bands.

“We want them to see DeKalb as another place to play before Chicago,” Rice said.

While there will be a second 18-and-older show Wednesday featuring Rearview Mirror, Rice doesn’t plan to stop there.

“It’s just the tip of the iceberg,” he said.