Hips shook and hands waved in the air at the Bijou Theatre Friday and Saturday nights — the Dirty Guv’nahs finally made it home.

The local band’s two-night appearance came after their tour of the southeast for much of 2014. The Knoxville shows kicked off their next tour, “Chasing Forever.”

“The first time we played in this theater was the first time we thought about doing this for a living,” lead singer James Trimble said during Saturday night’s set.

The band’s excitement at being back on the familiar stage showed through their grins when the crowd immediately stood up for the first song. They never sat down.

Before the show, expectation was already growing for the Dirty Guv’nahs high-energy performance.

“I haven’t seen them yet,” Benjamin Pardue, a chef for Thrive Lonsdale, said, “but I have high anticipation for two local bands performing together.”

Fellow local musicians William Wild opened the show with their unique, Knoxville-influenced, sound. Garrett Sale, lead singer of William Wild, said he appreciated the Dirty Guv’nahs performance style.

“I really admire the way they capture Knoxville and have gotten the city behind them,” Sale said. “They can work a crowd.”

The night of groovin’ included several surprise guest appearances. The first was Cereus Bright’s Tyler Anthony, who created a powerful duet with Trimble Band on “Song For My Beloved.”

Later in the set, Tomi Robb, featured in the Guv’nahs third studio album “Hearts On Fire,” joined the rest of the crew to create a powerhouse of sound for several numbers. The Dirty Strings Ensemble wrapped up the guest list.

Adding to the surprises of the night, the Guv’nahs covered several songs during their set, the most popular being “Float On” by Modest Mouse.

The Dirty Guv’nahs had the crowd in the palm of their hands with their nonstop energy. Even when the songs took a turn for slow and sensual, the audience still cheered and swayed.

“These guys work really hard, especially in their hometown,” Bijou Theatre manager Tom Bugg said. “They are about doing something different so it’s not just a regular show.

“I have to tell the lead singer not to stage jump.”

Because of this passion for where they come from, the Dirty Guv’nahs created a unique experience for their fans, and in return they received nothing but adoration.

The constant whoops and hollers of the crowd proved that this six-member brotherhood has made an impact on this city.

“This was truly a moving experience,” Madison White, sophomore in creative writing, said. “Their exuberance is absolutely magical. By the end of the show everyone and the band felt like family.

“The Dirty Guv’nahs are pushing the boundaries of the new funk sound and putting Knoxville on the map.”

Knoxville was glad you could make it home, Guv’nahs.