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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 13 | MARCH 27 - APRIL 2 | 2019 ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, HEALTH, PERSONAL FINANCE, & MUSIC NEWSWEEKLY

LOCAL

Michelle Eva Bleu

LIVE Havana Cuba All Stars - Asere

SPORTS

Baseball & Basketball

STREAM Van Morrison

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOCUS ON THIS WEEK!

- APRIL 2 | 2019

YOUR

LY 12 | MARCH 27 MUSIC NEWSWEEK VOLUME 3 ISSUE NAL FINANCE, & MENT, HEALTH, PERSO FREE ARTS, ENTERTAIN

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THE ARTS

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LIVE

Havana Cuba All Stars - Asere By Howard Schwartz SPORTS

LOCAL

STREAM

Michelle Eva Bleu

LIVE

rs Havana Cuba All Sta

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FAMILY

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Basketball

- Asere

Impact

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EVENTS Your Daily Events Guide 10

ON TEN

Top Ten Events By Focus Omaha

FINANCE

Investing as a Couple: Getting to Yes By Michael Herek Sponsored By Blue Capitol Wealth

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HAPPY HOUR

We gathered up some of the BEST Happy Hour spots around the Omaha metro.

Focus is your FREE Arts, Entertainment, Health, Personal Finance, & Music Newsweekly.

12 THIS WEEKS FEATURE We’ve brought all of these elements together for the first time, ALL in one weekly format.

Our goal is to provide you, the customer, with the best possible publication to suit all of

your needs.

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THE SHOPS AT COUNTRYSIDE VILLAGE

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THE STREAM

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FOCUS ON BENSON

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HEALTH

Getting to Know The Belfast Cowboy: Van Morrison By Jesse D. Stanek

Douglas County Health Department and Partners Offer Free Well Water Tests

By Focus Omaha

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SPORTS

Creighton Bluejays & Nebraska Huskers By Focus Omaha

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LOCAL

Michelle Eva Bleu – Driven to Create By Andy Roberts

Focus 7914 W Dodge Rd. # 413 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 208-6545 focusomaha@gmail.com www.focusomaha.com

Wednesday, March 27 I Have a Voice: Art & Poetry Exhibit College of Saint Mary, 7000 Mercy Rd, CSM will be hosting “I Have a Voice” Art and Poetry Exhibition / Wine & Cheese reception.

Get this on your calendars for Wednesday, March 27, 6 – 7:30 p.m. in CSM’s Gross Auditorium. This dynamic mother-daughter duo will use art and poetry to give voice to black women of America. The women they bring to life triumphed over oppression, racism, selfdoubt and gender inequality. *NOTE: This event was originally scheduled for Feb. 20 but was moved due to weather.

-------------------------------------------------------Thursday, March 28 Sip & Paint For Sweet Cases Therapy Bar and Grill 5059 S 108th St, Omaha Ladies Night - Sip & Paint for Sweet Cases Thursday, March 28th, 6pm to 8pm Cost is $20 per person *includes wine glass, stencils, painting supplies and paint, along with a quick art lesson on “How to Paint your glass” Cocktails can be ordered at the bar (price does not include drinks).

You must Pre-Register and pay fee prior to event as space is limited. You can pay online using Paypal https://paypal.me/sweetcasesomaha?locale.x=en_US Proceeds benefit Sweet Cases for Sweet Faces Car Show Fundraiser. Helping children in our Community receive duffel bags filled with essential items instead of trash bags as they enter foster care. For more information go to www.notrashbags.com or Sweet Cases Car Show Fundraiser Contact info: April Sevilla 402-671-8469 (text is best) scsfomaha@gmail.com -------------------------------------------------------2019 SPRING FESTIVAL March 29, 30, 31, 2019 Ralston, NE RALSTON ARENA, 7300 Q St. Fri. 11am-9pm; Sat. 9am-6pm; Sun. 10am-5pm Adults $9; Seniors $8; Children Under 10 are Free.

Free Parking in the Ralston Arena Lot & Additional Free Parking from the gravel lot just West of Horsemen’s Park (6303 Q

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Street). The shuttle runs continuously to and from Ralston Arena and will drop you right at the front door!

-------------------------------------------------------Friday, March 29 Movement Series: mode of being KANEKO, 1111 Jones St., Omaha As part of The Movement Series, Tbd. - An Omaha Based Dance Collective presents mode of being, an evening length production examining the shared elements of human nature. Through movement, dancers will explore the external behaviors, rituals, and patterns we engage in on a daily basis, as well as the internal ability we have to experience life through a range of emotions. These shared acts of humanity are widely varied, but can overlap and intersect – connecting us in ways that can be easily seen, and other times only felt. Mode of being will feature a live, original score, created in direct conversation with the choreography and exhibition.

The performance will take place in galleries on both the second and main floors. The first half of the performance will be upstairs, with standing room only. Audience members will then be asked to move from the second floor, to the main floor. If special assistance, or an elevator is needed, please communicate with KANEKO staff prior to the performance.

Seating for the second half is on the main floor. The movement has been specifically designed for the seating arrangement, and visibility will be different depending on where you sit. You will have a unique perspective of the show, no matter where you are seated.

Arriving early to select your seat is highly encouraged. *Limited tickets are available for these performances. Once tickets are sold out, there will not be a waitlist or ticket resale. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Tickets: General Admission | $10 Students | $5 Members & Children | Free Performances: Friday, March 29 | 7 PM Friday, March 29 | 9 PM Saturday, March 30 | 7 PM -------------------------------------------------------Friday, March 29 | 7:30p Legally Blonde the Musical Lied Education Center for the Arts 2500 California Plz Ste 101, Omaha Join Creighton University Theatre for

Focus | March 27 - April 2 | Volume 3 Issue 13

LEGALLY BLONDE, with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hach, from March 27 March 31, 2019!

The Department of Fine and Performing Arts, a division of The College of Arts and Sciences is presenting LEGALLY BLONDE, the musical.

Creighton’s production will take place in the Lied Education Center for the Arts on the Main Stage. LEGALLY BLONDE is directed

by Dr. Amy Lane, with musical direction by Stephen Sheftz and choreography by Megan Torbert.

Performances run March 27 - March 30 at 7:30 p.m. and March 31 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: boxoffice.creighton.edu or call 402280-1448 --------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday, April 2 Sacred Earth & Healing Arts of Tibet Om Center, 1216 Howard St, Omaha SACRED EARTH & HEALING ARTS OF TIBET APRIL 2-14, 2019 • OM CENTER 1216 Howard St. • Old Market • Open Daily 1-5 pm for mandala viewing TICKETS: www.CompassionOmaha.org • www.OmCenterDaily.com 402.345.5078 • “All Event” Tix Available The monks wanted to stop in Omaha one more time before they return to the Monastery in India!

Blessings & Healing Sessions - home, business and personal - AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT: OM Center | 402.345.5078 -------------------------------------------------- --------

Saturday, April 6 | 2p-5p Timon of Athens Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St,Omaha Timon of Athens, a reading directed by Interim Artistic Director, Sarah Brown. Play by William Shakespeare.

FREE ADMISSION! Join them at 2 PM for a meet and greet with the Nebraska Shakespeare staff and reading cast, to enjoy a glass of wine, and see the amazing art exhibited. The reading will start at 3 PM, and a discussion will follow.

-------------------------------------------------- ------Through April 31 Here Comes the Sun Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 405 S 11th St, Omaha, NE 68102 The thirty-four members of the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery will share new works and selected favorites during the All Member show “Here Comes the Sun” through March 31. Gallery hours are 12 p to 6 p Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a to 10 p Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6p Sunday.

-------------------------------------------------- ------Through May 5 Indecent by Paula Vogel Blue Barn Theatre, 1106 S 10th St Omaha Thurs-Fri: 7:30p/Sun (March 31 & April 14): 2pm/Sun (April 7): 6pm Admission: $35 Adults/$30 Seniors/$28 Military/Educators Phone: (402) 345-1576 Inspired by the true events surrounding the controversial 1923 Broadway debut of Sholem Asch’s God of Vengeance—a play seen by some as a seminal work of Jewish

culture, and by others as an act of traitorous libel.

Tony Award-winning INDECENT charts the history of an incendiary drama and the path of the artists who risked their careers and lives to perform it. A glorious celebration of the power of theatre to harness the very best of the human spirit.

-------------------------------------------------- ------Through June 23 American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St Omaha American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith, explores America’s bold experiment in a government “of, by, and for the people.”

Featuring engaging multimedia experiences, immersive design, and artifacts from the Smithsonian and state historical organizations, it demonstrate that democracy relies on our active participation.

------------------------------------------------------‘30 Americans’ Exhibition Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St Admission: $10 Adults/$5 College Students/Free for Members & Youth ages 17 and younger Phone: (402) 342-3300 This exhibition brings together over 60 works by contemporary African American artists focusing on important issues of racial, gender, and sexual identity; ongoing narratives of racial inequality in the United States; poverty; racial stereotyping; and the power of protest.

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Focus | March 27 - April 2 | Volume 3 Issue 13 5

Friday, March 29 | 6:30p Creighton vs. Illinois State NCAA Men’s Baseball Game & Fish Fry, TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, 1200 Mike Fahey St. Catch some ball as Omaha’s Creighton Bluejays take on the Illinois State Redbirds at Omaha’s storied TD Ameritrade Park. Admission includes game entry and meal voucher. Tickets can be purchased at the TD Ameritrade Park Omaha box office on the day of the game.

---------------------------------------------------------Friday, March 29 Movement Series: mode of being KANEKO, 1111 Jones St., Omaha As part of The Movement Series, Tbd. - An Omaha Based Dance Collective presents mode of being, an evening length production examining the shared elements of human nature. Through movement, dancers will explore the external behaviors, rituals, and patterns we engage in on a daily basis, as well as the internal ability we have to experience life through a range of emotions. These shared acts of humanity are widely varied, but can overlap and intersect – connecting us in ways

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that can be easily seen, and other times only felt. Mode of being will feature a live, original score, created in direct conversation with the choreography and exhibition.

---------------------------------------------------------Saturday, March 30 Light It Up Blue for World Autism Awareness Day Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge 705 Riverfront Dr, Omaha The Munroe-Meyer Institute and Autism Action Partnership invite you to take part in a cross-state event to increase understanding and awareness. Shortly after 7 p.m., the pedestrian bridge will light up blue to mark World Autism Awareness Day, the kickoff of World Autism Month. The bridge will join a number of regional, national and international landmarks, which will be lit blue on April 2 to mark the day and raise awareness of autism.

---------------------------------------------------------Sunday, March 31 | 11a 2019 Walk & Rally for Hope Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th Street, Omaha ALS in the Heartland’s annual community walk

Focus | March 27 - April 2 | Volume 3 Issue 13

- inside once again at Baxter Arena in Omaha!

Carnival-like games, live music, food, vendors, a raffle, a ceremonial walk lap, and more!

ALS in the Heartland s not funded by, nor affiliated with, the national ALS Association. All funds raised by ALS in the Heartland remain in Nebraska and Iowa to solely and immediately support people with ALS living in those states.

REGISTRATION IS LIVE! To start a team, join a team, or donate, visit: http://www.firstgiving.com/alsintheheartland/2019-Walk-Rally-for-Hope ---------------------------------------------------------Packer Pasta Dinner | 11a - 3p Cascio’s Steak House, 1620 S 10th St. We’d like to invite you to our Packer Pasta Dinner...it’s all the greatness of our annual Spaghetti Dinner with a few tweaks! Changes include a new location at Cascio’s Steakhouse, multiple meal options on an amazing Pasta Bar, and a cash bar to quench your thirst! What is not changing? Great food, fantastic prizes and lots of Packers to reconnect with! $10 per person; $6 for kids under 10. More details at www.OmahaSouthAlumni.com/Dinner.

Sunday, March 31 | 1p Pirates Ahoy!

Holland Center Omaha, 1200 Douglas St. Enrico Lopez-Yañez, conductor Ahoy, matey! All hands on deck to sail the Seven Seas in search of Blackbeard’s treasure.

Beware the notorious Captain Guerrero and his salty crew of scalawags who are also on the hunt and will stop at nothing to get to the treasure first.

-----------------------------------------------------Through April 7 Winnie The Pooh The Rose Theatre, 2001 Farnam St, Omaha Winnie the Pooh creates a musical menagerie of lovable stuffed animals to the stage.

From Pooh to Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit, Kanga and more, audiences will be delighted by this adaptation of A. A. Milne’s classic stories.

Winnie the Pooh runs March 22 through April 7, 2019, with performances on Fridays at 7p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Interpretation for audience Family events continued onto the bottom half of page 7.

EVENTS THURSDAY, MARCH 28 The 4th Ultra Artist Showcase CUBE Ultra Lounge, 8p --------------------------------------------------Music Bingo 3rd Base Bar & Grill, 8p FRIDAY, MARCH 29 Blue House Amerisports Bar, 8:30p --------------------------------------------------Midwest Move Makers Tour OFace Bar, 9p

Chili Feed Benefit For Scott Beckman Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4p

--------------------------------------------------The Sandman - Comedy Hypnosis The Gathering Room, 6p --------------------------------------------------Petty Cash Band Live at Apple Jacks at the Patch, Pioneer Trail Orchard - Winery/Bar & Grill, Pumpkin Patch, 7p --------------------------------------------------Blue House Amerisports Bar, 8:30p SUNDAY, MARCH 31 Helping Hands Pancake Feed Bluff City Masonic Lodge #71, 7a

SATURDAY, MARCH 30 Nebraska Brick Days-Omaha 2019 Mid-America Center, 9a --------------------------------------------------Spring Season Kickoff Squirrel Cage Jail of Pott Co., 11a Family events continued from page 6.

Breitz, curated by Taraneh Fazeli, 2018 Bemis members who are deaf or hard of hearing will Curator-in-Residence. Amidst the current “migration crisis,” these artworks interrogate be offered at the 2 p.m. show on Saturday, who is afforded the right to speak or the March 30. Audio description services for audiences who are blind or have low vision will ability to be understood considering dominant representational narratives and the political, also be available at this performance. A sensocio-psychological and technological systems sory-friendly performance will be presented that shape our understandings of self and the at the 5 pm performance on Saturday, March communal. http://bemiscenter.org/iletthemin 30. Tickets for Winnie the Pooh are available for $20 by calling The Rose Box Office at (402) ---------------------------------------------------------Through April 28th 345-4849 or online at www.rosetheater.org.

Rose members receive four free tickets to the Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge production.

This exhibition chronicles Oliver Jeffers’ -----------------------------------------------------Through September 1 | ATTIC ADVENTURES development and success as a children’s book artist, including illustrations from The Day the Omaha Childrens Museum, 500 S 20th St Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Attic Adventure offers a variety of handsHome, both The New York Times #1 Best on learning experiences for children in the Sellers. A Mind’s Eye Gallery exhibition. imaginative setting of Omaha Children’s ---------------------------------------------------------Museum’s attic. The exhibit contains popular components from past exhibits alongside new Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and interactive spaces that utilize items commonly Aquarium Passes, 3701 S 10th St, Omaha Free Passes to Lauritzen Gardens can be found in attics like instruments, stuffed animals, and dress-up clothes. The wide variety of checked out for Members of Omaha exhibits and types of play allow for children to Public Libraries and Council Bluffs Library! pursue their own interests and self-direct play. Adults ages 18+ who are Douglas County residents or have a non-resident paid membership Intertwined with the exhibit is a scavenger to OPL are eligible to check out the tickets. hunt that encourages children to explore the Accounts with outstanding balances greater exhibit as they observe, solve, and decode. than $25 may start a payment plan in order Included with museum admission. ocm.org ---------------------------------------------------------- to obtain a ticket. Expired accounts must be renewed and outstanding fines must be paid in orThrough April 23rd | I LET THEM IN. der to obtain a ticket. Due to the great demand Conditional Hospitality and The Stranger, and limited supply, tickets cannot be held or Bemis Center, 724 South 10th St. reserved. Tickets are good for one-time use.

“I let them in. Conditional Hospitality and Only one ticket per library card and customer can The Stranger” is a two-person exhibition be issued. featuring videos by Kader Attia and Candice

Focus | March 27 - April 2 | Volume 3 Issue 13 7

WEDNESDAY MARCH 27 Happy Hippie Hour with Carrie Jean The Down Under Lounge, 3p -------------------------------------------------------Dr. Webb Music The Down Under Lounge, 4:20p -------------------------------------------------------Kros Strain Brewing Fun Run Kros Strain Brewing Co., 6p -------------------------------------------------------The Brits Ozone Lounge, 6:30p -------------------------------------------------------Adam Larson Quartet Feat. Peter Schlamb & Mitch Towne, The Jewell, 6:30p -------------------------------------------------------Trivia, Stocks n Bonds, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Riverside Chats: Kara Eastman The B Side of Benson Theatre, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Acoustic Open Mic Night The New Frontier Bar, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Colin Roberts Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Jeremiah Dane Vino Mas, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Mainstream Jazz Quintet Jambo Cat, 7:30p -------------------------------------------------------Come From Away Orpheum Theatre, 7:30p -------------------------------------------------------Trivia, The Sociable Inn, 7:30p -------------------------------------------------------The Shineys Growler USA, 8p -------------------------------------------------------Thursday Night Trivia Nifty Bar, 8p -------------------------------------------------------WrestleRama The Waiting Room, 8p -------------------------------------------------------DFM Bar 415, 9P -------------------------------------------------------Jessica Errett & Hannah Aldridge Barley Street Tavern, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Ladies Night Copacabana Cocktail Lounge, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Thirsty Thursday Karaoke Forte Music Hall, 9p

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-------------------------------------------------------KoZee Karaoke KoZee Lounge. 9p -------------------------------------------------------Dayseeker, Wither, Decay, Main State & Been Better Lookout Lounge, 9p -------------------------------------------------------She Said/ They Said Open Mic Pageturner’s Lounge, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Latin NIght Rehab Lounge, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Chris Shelton Dubliner Pub, 9:30p

THURSDAY MARCH 28 Acoustic Open Mic Night The New Frontier Bar, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Spoken & Awake At Last w/ Saints of Lust, Silence Is Madness & Leggos Lookout Lounge, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Switchfoot, Sokol Underground, 7:15p -------------------------------------------------------Mainstream Jazz Quintet Jambo Cat, 7:30p -------------------------------------------------------Come From Away Orpheum Theatre, 7:30p -------------------------------------------------------Comedy Open Mic w/ Dusty Stehl Barley Street Tavern, 8p -------------------------------------------------------The Shineys, Growler USA, 8p -------------------------------------------------------Thursday Night Trivia Nifty Bar, 8p -------------------------------------------------------Aly Peelers Open Mic Night The Down Under Lounge, 8p -------------------------------------------------------The Nadas, Matt Whipkey / Wasted Highway The Waiting Room, 8p -------------------------------------------------------DJ Lay C, Bar 415, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Jessica Errett & Hannah Aldridge Barley Street, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Karaoke w/ Host Adam Flohr Brokedown Palace, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Smokin’ Shepherd ~ Solo Safe ~ James and The Hat, O’Leaver’s Pub, 9p

Focus | March 27 - April 2 | Volume 3 Issue 13

Open Mic Night (Hosted by Stathi) The B. Bar, 9:30p ------------------------------------------------------Wednesday Night Karaoke with Brixz Brokedown Palace, 10p

Barley Street, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Simplicated Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Scott Moyer Band Harney Street Tavern, 9p -------------------------------------------------------FRIDAY MARCH 29 Joystick Ozone Lounge, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Jump the Tiger / Gallivant / Jack and the Happy Hour at the Holland Giant, Reverb Lounge, 9p Holland Center, 5p --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Unexpected Rap Battle League Presents : #BattleMadness2, Wired Pub & Grill, 9p Creighton vs. Illinois State NCAA Men’s -------------------------------------------------------Baseball Game & Fish Fry The Broadways TD Ameritrade Park, 6:30p -------------------------------------------------------- The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p ‘100 Years of Nat King Cole’ featuring Clint Holmes & The Christian Tamburr Trio SATURDAY MARCH 30 The Jewell, 6:30p -------------------------------------------------------Bring Your Own Vinyl Saturday Jessica Errett The Down Under Lounge, 3p The Cove Lounge, 5p -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------Lemon Fresh Day w/ The DiBaise Bros.

Human Condition Public Tours Chrome Lounge, 6:30p KANEKO, 6:30p -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------‘100 Years of Nat King Cole’ featuring Clint Persuaders , Firewater, 7p -------------------------------------------------------- Holmes & The Christian Tamburr Trio The Jewell, 6:30p Aorta Omaha Presents Boundaries, Distin-------------------------------------------------------guisher, Castaway, Lookout Lounge, 7p -------------------------------------------------------- Live Music w/ John Kennedy & Friends Vino Mas, 7p Darling Cole -------------------------------------------------------Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p -------------------------------------------------------- Old Dominion: Make It Sweet Tour w/ Jordan Davis and Mitchell Tenpenny Indecent by Paula Vogel CHI Health Center, 7:30p Bluebarn Theatre, 7:30p -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------Come From Away, Orpheum Theatre, 7:30p John Heffron -------------------------------------------------------Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p/9:45p -------------------------------------------------------- Karaoke & Music Smitty’s Garage, 8p Midnight Devils w/ Wick & Tricks, Asmo, & -------------------------------------------------------Suicide Spark Sister Trivia & Karaoke Night America Dream, 8p -------------------------------------------------------- Stumble Inn, 8p -------------------------------------------------------Jay Leno The Matt Amandus Jazz Trio Holland Center Omaha , 8p -------------------------------------------------------- Jambo Cat, 8p -------------------------------------------------------Basement w/ Salt Creek, Dear Neighbor The Kerwins Slowdown, 8p -------------------------------------------------------- Therapy Bar & Grill, 8p -------------------------------------------------------The Nadas with Matt Whipkey & Wasted The King’s Company, Superman’s Hero & Highway, The Waiting Room, 8p -------------------------------------------------------- Smith’s Cloud, Barley Street Tavern, 9p -------------------------------------------------------TyiHakeem & Friends Letdown, The Long Awaited, Midwest The Omaha Lounge, 8:30p -------------------------------------------------------- Coastal & Liar Wire, Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Friday Night Word Fights

Chris Saub, Growler USA, 9p -------------------------------------------------------5yr Anniversary Party w/ Domestic Blend Harney Street Tavern, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Trivia, Julio’s, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Murderhouse, Sovereignty & Witherfang Lookout Lounge,9p -------------------------------------------------------The M80’s, Ozone Lounge, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Joe McCarthy Live Rathskeller Bier Haus , 9p -------------------------------------------------------2nd Annual Dance Like Cassie Scholarship Fundraiser with The Prairie Gators, Prime Time Pickers & Room 100 Reverb Lounge, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Jim Jones Rhythmz Lounge, 9p -------------------------------------------------------ADULT., Cult Play, HXXS Slowdown, 9p -------------------------------------------------------The Bishops 24th B-day Bash Rhythm Collective / Dr. Webb / Flavortown Mafia / DJ Stryker The Waiting Room, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Gethasum & Earthbound & Down The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p -------------------------------------------------------CIRQUE NOIR brothers lounge, 10p -------------------------------------------------------Soul Ghost ~ Spirit Fox, O’Leaver’s, 10p

SUNDAY MARCH 31 Packer Pasta Dinner Cascio’s Steak House, 12p -------------------------------------------------------NBC Corn Hole Tournament Nebraska Brewing Company, 1p -------------------------------------------------------Come From Away Orpheum Theatre, 1p -------------------------------------------------------Pirates Ahoy!

Holland Center, 2p -------------------------------------------------------Winnie the Pooh The Rose Theater, 2p -------------------------------------------------------Still Here American Legion Post #1, 3p -------------------------------------------------------4th Annual Wining in the Dark Nosh Wine, 4p -------------------------------------------------------Omaha Sister City Gala Milo Bail Student Center, 5p -------------------------------------------------------Rock the Nest Trivia Night 2019 Omaha Design Center, 5:30p -------------------------------------------------------Bonehart Flannigan, Matt Woods & McCarthy Trenching, O’Leaver’s Pub, 6p

John Heffron, Omaha Funny Bone, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Liz Cooper & The Stampede Reverb Lounge, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Trevor Hall w/ Dirtwire Slowdown, 7:15p -------------------------------------------------------Verse Sunday!! Corleone Tunes!!!

The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p -------------------------------------------------------FREE Booze Bingo!

The Down Under Lounge, 8p -------------------------------------------------------The Kings Company/Superman’s Hero/ Smith’s Cloud Barley Street, 9p -------------------------------------------------------Karaoke The Down Under Lounge, 10p

MONDAY APRIL 1 Happy Hour!

The Down Under Lounge, 3p -------------------------------------------------------Aly Peeler and Andrew Bailie Monarch Prime & Bar, 6:30p -------------------------------------------------------Ozone Big Band Ozone Lounge, 6:30p -------------------------------------------------------continued on page 11

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TUESDAY APRIL 2

Laura Jane Grace & The Devouring Mothers~ O’LEAVER’S PUB

Events continued from page 9 Early Karaoke Forte Music Hall, 7p -------------------------------------------------------BINGO at Southwest Infusion Brewing Company, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Michelle Eva Bleu w/ B. Baldwin The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p -------------------------------------------------------Hand Habits & Tomberlin Slowdown, 8p -------------------------------------------------------Karaoke Dubliner Pub, 10p -------------------------------------------------------Karaoke The Down Under Lounge, 10p

TUESDAY APRIL 2 Culinary Fight Club Blended Burger Battle!

Blatt Beer & Table North, 6p -------------------------------------------------------Open Mic Night, Therapy Bar & Grill, 6p -------------------------------------------------------Adam Lee, Ozone Lounge, 6:30p -------------------------------------------------------Open Jam hosted by Scott Moyer Barley Street Tavern, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Friends Trivia Big Red Restaurant & Sports Bar, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Light It Up Blue for World Autism Awareness Day , Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Early Karaoke, Forte Music Hall, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Mean Girls Trivia, Goldeez, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Isaiah Dominguez, Growler USA, 7p -------------------------------------------------------BINGO at Southwest Infusion Brewing Company, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Heart & Soul, Slowdown, 7p -------------------------------------------------------Mitch Towne Jazz Organ Trio Jambo Cat, 7:30p -------------------------------------------------------Laura Jane Grace & The Devouring Mothers O’Leaver’s Pub, 7:30p -------------------------------------------------------Hector Anchondo The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p -------------------------------------------------------Open Mic Jam , Brokedown Palace, 8p -------------------------------------------------------Rob Noyes with Jon Collin & David Nance Reverb Lounge, 8p -------------------------------------------------------Trivia, The Down Under, 8p -------------------------------------------------------SOB X RBE – Strictly Only Brothers Tour Sneakk / Peacoat Gang The Waiting Room, 8p -------------------------------------------------------Karaoke, The Down Under, 10p --------------------------------------------------------

Focus | March 27 - April 2 | Volume 3 Issue 13 11

COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world will make its Omaha debut at the Orpheum Theater for a limited engagement March 27-31, 2019.

Tickets, starting at $32, are available at TicketOmaha.com, in person at the Ticket Omaha* Box Office located inside the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. or by calling (402) 345-0606.

The touring production of COME FROM AWAY will star Kevin Carolan (Disney’s Newsies),Harter Clingman (Peter and The Starcatcher), Nick Duckart (In the Heights), Chamblee Ferguson, Becky Gulsvig (School of Rock the Musical), Julie Johnson (Memphis), Christine Toy Johnson (The Music Man), James Earl Jones II (The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess), Megan McGinnis (Les Misérables), Andrew Samonsky (South Pacific), Danielle K. Thomas (Avenue Q), Emily Walton (August Osage County), Marika Aubrey, Jane Bunting, Michael Brian Dunn, Julie Garnyé, Adam Halpin and Aaron Michael Ray. With a book, music and lyrics by Tony and Grammy Award nominees Irene Sankoff & David Hein,COME FROM AWAY is directed

by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley (Come From Away), musical staging by two-time Tony nominee Kelly Devine(Come From Away, Rocky), with music supervision

by Grammy nominee Ian Eisendrath (Come From Away), scenic design by Tony Award winner Beowulf Boritt (Act One), costume design by Tony

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Award nominee Toni- Leslie James (Jelly’s Last Jam), lighting design by two-time Tony Award winner Howell Binkley(Hamilton), sound design by Tony Award nominee Gareth Owen (End of the Rainbow), orchestrations by Tony nominee August Eriksmoen (Bright Star), music arrangements by Grammy nominee Ian Eisendrath and casting by Telsey + Company.

COME FROM AWAY tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

COME FROM AWAY began performances on Broadway on February 18, 2017, and officially opened to critical acclaim on March 12, 2017, at Broadway’s Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (236 West 45th Street), and continues to play to standing-room-only audiences.

New Musical,” 3 Toronto Theatre Critics Awards including “Best New Musical,” 3 Dora Awards (Toronto) including “Outstanding New Musical/Opera” and “Outstanding Production,” and the 2017 Jon Kaplan Audience Choice Award (Toronto).

The Tony Award-winning musical launched a second company in Canada with a sold out four- week engagement in Winnipeg and is currently playing to standing-room-only audiences in Toronto at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.

COME FROM AWAY is produced by Junkyard Dog Productions (Randy Adams, Marleen and Kenny Alhadeff and Sue Frost), Jerry Frankel, Latitude Link, Smith & Brant Theatricals, Steve & Paula Reynolds, David Mirvish, Michael Rubinoff, Alhadeff Productions, Michael Alden & Nancy Nagel Gibbs, Sam Levy, Rodney Rigby, Spencer Ross, Richard Winkler, Yonge Street Theatricals, Sheridan College, Michael & Ellise Coit, Ronald Frankel, Sheri & Les Biller, Richard Belkin, Gary & Marlene Cohen, Allan Detsky & Rena Mendelson, Lauren Doll, Barbara H. Freitag, Wendy Gillespie, Laura Little Theatricals, Carl & Jennifer Pasbjerg, Radio Mouse Entertainment, The Shubert Organization, Cynthia Stroum, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Gwen Arment/Molly Morris & Terry McNicholas, Maureen & Joel Benoliel/Marjorie & Ron Danz, Pamela Cooper/Corey Brunish, Demos Bizar/Square 1 Theatrics, Joshua Goodman/ Lauren Stevens, Just for Laughs Theatricals/ Judith Ann Abrams Productions, Bill & Linda Potter/Rosemary & Kenneth Willman, and La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theatre.

The Mark Gordon Company will produce and finance a feature film adaptation of COME FROM AWAY. Two-time Tony Award On September 11, 2001, the world stopped. nominees, Grammy nominees and Outer On September 12, their stories moved us all. Critics Circle Award and Drama Desk Award winners Irene Sankoff and David Hein, who Following sold-out, record-breaking, critically wrote the book, music, and lyrics, will adapt acclaimed world premiere engagements at the feature screenplay for the project and La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley will Theatre, COME FROM AWAY landed on direct. MGC’s Mark Gordon will produce. the “Best Theater of 2015” lists in the Los Angeles Times, Seattle Times, San Diego A “Best Musical” winner all across North Union-Tribune, and Times of San Diego.

America, the smash hit musical has won the Charles McNulty of the Los Angeles Times Tony Award for “Best Direction of a Musical” called the show “An affecting, stirring and (Christopher Ashley), 5 Outer Critics Circle unpretentious new musical. Christopher Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding New Ashley’s production lets the simple goodness Broadway Musical,” 3 Drama Desk Awards of ordinary people outshine sensational evil,” (NYC) including “Outstanding Musical,” 4 and Bob Verini of Variety raved, “Superb!

Helen Hayes Awards (D.C.) including “OutCanadians Irene Sankoff and David Hein have standing Production of a Musical,” 4 Gypsy forged a moving, thoroughly entertaining Rose Lee Awards (Seattle) including “Exceltribute to international amity and the indomi- lence in Production of a Musical,” 6 San Diego Critics Circle Awards including “Outstanding table human spirit.”

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COME FROM AWAY was originally co-produced in 2015 by La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theater. COME FROM AWAY

continued on page 13

(NAMT Festival 2013) was originally developed at the Canadian Music Theatre Project, Michael Rubinoff Producer, Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada and was further developed at Goodspeed Musicals’ Festival of New Artists, in East Haddam, CT. The Canada Council for the Arts, The Ontario Arts Council, Steve, and Paula Reynolds and The 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle WA also provided development support.

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and reflective songs, Morrison giving you glimpses into his soul but never quite letting you in the door, keeping you on the front porch while the dogs behind the screen whimper and beg. Songs like “Warm Love” and “Snow in Anselmo” would become live staples as well as crowd favorites.

This record along with 1974’s live Van Morrison never set out to change the ing, it wasn’t long before Them was firmly double record world or shed light on society’s many ills . . established as one of Northern Ireland/ “It’s Too Late to . he just wants to rock your gypsy soul. He Britain’s best live acts. The band received Stop Now” showbegan performing in the later part of the a modicum of success with two Morrison case Morrison at 1950s and is still releasing some of the most originals, “Gloria” and “Here Comes the the end of an exsoulful music you’ll ever hear. Morrison is an Night.” Like much of Morrison’s work, both tremely creative ace with his phrasing, twisting and turning songs live on as covers the world over, and productive lyrics, always delivering a musical moment screaming from speakers in clubs, bars and period in his career. “Too Late” is worth remembering. Despite the staggering theaters anywhere R&B or rock is served.

Morrison’s best live record, finding amount of music he’s released, Morrison Morrison parted ways with the band after doesn’t do duds. Any song he touches with their first US tour, a trip allowing Morrison to The Belfast Cowboy at the top of his game. The collection features that old Irish Soul is better for the play, his become enamored with both Frank Sinatra some of Morrison’s best versions voice lending authenticity, and soulfulness and James Brown. He has borrowed from that hits the ears like fresh lemonade at your both with staggering success throughout his of timeless tunes like “Listen to The Lion,” “Cyprus Avenue,” “Here favorite childhood swimming hole. career.

Comes The Night” and “Into The Mystic.” Unlike other soul singers Listening to Van Morrison can be a spiritual In 1970 Morrison released “Moondance,” during the same time-frame like experience. Diving back through his stacks a record I would put on my deserted island Brown and Sam Cooke, Morrison of albums can seem daunting: heavy subject list. A timeless piece of art with a sophistidoesn’t dance on stage. There’s matter, poetic mysticism, some of the best cated spiritual lean and a mellow, laid-back backing musicians in rock, soul, and jazz. A vibe, an old wooden ship bopping along calm no splits or twirling, he lets his singing do the heavy lifting, percrash course seeking to put a finger on that seas with the warm wind filling the sails forming vocal gymnastics backed elusive aspect of music that can so strongly from behind. “And it Stoned Me” starts the tie some songs or artists to our own spiritual record off hitchhiking with fishing poles on a by a top-notch rock and soul band. narrative. Morrison always had a bit of a beautiful country day and before long we’ve Right before the turn of the century, J.D. Salinger mystique: semi-hermit, rarely got “barefoot gypsy boys singing praise performs, says a lot with few words, hard round the campfire” right into “Crazy Love,” Morrison released a two-and-a-half-hour to understand and even harder to label one of the best love songs ever written. The collection “The Philosopher’s Stone,” featuring a host of songs from periods throughout or pinpoint. Much like Salinger’s timeless record’s masterpiece is the singularly enigcast-about Holden Caulfield, Van strives matic “Into The Mystic,” a song fraught with his career. The collection is impressive for its mere expansiveness, songs like for musical genuineness and avoids the beauty and spiritual connection and one of phony, staying true to himself regardless of the best opening stanza’s in all of music: “We “Western Plain” and “John Henry” finding Van strutting his shit with the best of ‘em, commercial or critical aspirations. To many, were born before the wind/ Also younger he’s just the guy who sings “Brown Eyed Girl” than the Sun/ ‘Ere the bonnie boat was won/ bad-ass Irish swagger not afraid to point but to those in the know, those who have As we sailed into the mystic.”” When Morri- fingers and call out the fools. The collection traveled with Van down his often narrow son digs down deep with those golden pipes also highlights the softer side of Morrison, songs like “Bright Side of the Road,” “There and winding paths, those who have read the and bellows “And I wanna rock your gypsy liner notes and studied the lyrics into obfus- soul” it’s one of the most beautiful moments There Child” and “Lover’s Prayer” serving as an excellent reminder of the spiritual and in all of music. The expanded version issued cation, those who hang on every word and note, Morrison is more of a musical medicine in 2013 and available for download has some metaphysical places Morrison is capable of taking us. “Philosopher’s Stone” will make great extras and outtakes, including a ten man than just a recording artist with a few you happy to be along for the ride. minute “I’ve Been Working,” an exhausting well-known hits. blues workout, Morrison using every ounce To get a taste for what Morrison has been He was born George Ivan Morrison in 1945. of charisma and vocal play at his disposup to lately, he’s alive and well, I really like His father worked the Belfast shipyards and al. Shortly after in 1972, he released the his 2018 record with Jazz big-wig Joey cultivated a love for all things blues, gospel country-flavored “Tupelo Honey,” a record DeFrancesco “You’re Driving Me Crazy.” Deand country in young Van. By the age of 13 every bit as awe-inspiring as “Moondance” Morrison was a touring musician, earning but unfortunately not currently available for Francesco made a name for himself playing with the likes of Miles Davis, fusion guitarist his bread with his voice and playing the download.

John McLaughlin, John Scofield, vibraphone guitar and saxophone. In 1964 he formed legend Bobby Hutcherson, and drummer the seminal Irish folk/rhythm and blues band 1973’s “Hard Nose The Highway” picks up Them. Due in no small part to Morrison’s right where its predecessor “Saint Dominic’s Elvin Jones. Handling both the Hammond Organ and trumpet on this outing, DeFranimpeccable singing and intelligent songwrit- Preview” left off, with earnest, passionate cesco’s chops are on full display. It’s a lot of

Getting to Know The Belfast Cowboy: Van Morrison

By Jesse D. Stanek

fun to hear a wizened Morrison play around in the jazz format, scooting and scatting to his heart’s delight and putting a curious turn on old favorites like “Have I Told You Lately” and “The Way Young Lovers Do.” Records to Stream/Download: Van Morrison “Moondance (Expanded Edition)” Van Morrison “Hard Nose The Highway” Van Morrison “It’s Too Late to Stop Now (Live)” Van Morrison “Philosopher’s Stone” Van Morrison & Joey DeFrancesco “You’re Driving Me Crazy” Focus On The Stream/Getting to Know is a weekly column by contributing writer Jesse Stanek. Each week the column will introduce (or in the case of many artists reintroduce) the reader to a different band or artist and tell you why they’re worth checking out. The column will recommend albums by the artist/band to stream or download.

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Douglas County Health Department and Partners Offer Free Well Water Tests

By Focus Omaha

A limited number of free well water testing kits are being offered to private homeowners affected by the recent flooding through a partnership involving the Douglas County Health Department, the Sarpy-Cass Health Department, Midwest Labs, and the PapioMissouri River Natural Resources District.

Anyone in Douglas County who suspects their private drinking water well may have been compromised by the flooding is asked to go to the Waterloo Fire Department at 405 South Seventh Street in Waterloo on Wednesday, March 27, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to pick up a free test kit. Sarpy County or Cass County residents can go to the Sarpy/Cass Health Department offices in Papillion or the Louisville Senior Center during the same hours for their test kits.

Test kits can be returned to the distribution sites the following day between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in Waterloo, from 8 a.m. until noon at the Sarpy/Cass Health Department, or from 9-11 a.m. in Louisville. Those who can’t return their samples the next day will need to deliver them to Midwest Labs at 13611

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B Street in Omaha within 24 hours of the sample being collected.

All test kits include detailed instructions on how and when to collect the samples as well as procedures for disinfecting the wells.

Additional instructions and information are available by contacting the Douglas County Health Department at 402-444-7481 or the Sarpy/Cass Health Department at 402-3394334.

Until the results of the testing are completed, everyone who gets their drinking water from a well should continue to use bottled water.

Please be aware that if a contaminated well has been disinfected, it will require a second test to confirm the unhealthy elements have been removed.

This offer is made possible with the help of Midwest Laboratories and the PapioMissouri NRD which have agreed to cover the testing costs.

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Creighton Bluejays

Nebraska Huskers

Creighton topped Memphis 79-67 on Friday in the second round of NIT play. That put the Jays at 20-14 on the year and in some elite company as the program joins Gonzaga, Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, Florida, and Syracuse as the nation’s only teams with 20 or more wins 19 of the last 21 seasons.

AThe Nebraska men’s basketball season ended in the second round of the NIT tournament on Sunday, with the Huskers losing to TCU 88-72. The Huskers finished the season 19-17 and the future of Tim Miles remains up in the air.

By Focus Omaha

The Memphis game was an intense fastpaced game that saw Creighton lose most of a 17-point lead before a strong finish sealed the deal. Earlier in the week they had dispatched Loyola-Chicago, a Final Four team last year coached by CU alum Porter Moser, 70-61 in the opening around.

All five Creighton starters hit double figures for the second game in a row with Mitch Ballock and Marcus Zegarowski each scoring 14. Marin Krampelj and Davion Mintz had a dozen apiece and Ty-Shon Alexander dropped in 12. Freshman Christian Bishop came off the bench for ten rebounds and eight points.

CU moved on to a Tuesday night quarterfinal meeting with TCU in Fort Worth with the winner heading to New York City.

By Focus Omaha

The Nebraska baseball team (11-7) will face Creighton Tuesday evening at press time.

The Huskers enter the week on a five-game winning streak after a perfect 5-0 start to their home schedule, which included sweeps against Air Force and Michigan State. The Bluejay’s also enter the night on a winning streak, having emerged victorious in four consecutive games.

This game will also be Creighton’s home opener at TD Ameritrade Park, home of the College World Series, after multiple cancellations due to weather and field conditions. It begins a five-game road trip for the Huskers before NU returns to Hawks Field on April 5. During this stretch, Nebraska journeys to Minnesota (March 29-31) and Kansas State (April 2). The Huskers host 2018 NCAA Tournament qualifier Purdue, April 5-7, at Hawks Field.

Later this season, Nebraska and Creighton meet again on April 9 at Hawks Field at 6:35 p.m. (CT). The game will be televised on Fox Sports 1. The series finale between the squads is scheduled for April 23 at TD Ameritrade Park at 7 p.m. (CT). It will be televised on CBS Sports Network.

The Huskers are ranked 40th in the latest RPI, released by the NCAA on Monday.

Creighton is No. 42 in the RPI.

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Michelle Eva Bleu – Driven to Create

By Andy Roberts

This promises to be a good one.

Michelle Eva Bleu is working on her first album. She said she’s not shooting for the charts and doesn’t look to “blow up,” but has a musical statement she wants to put out there.

“I don’t have any . . . expectations,” she said. “I think it was really important for me to do this album. I have a vision.”

The vision and the album continue to take shape, and it’s something that started years ago. Bleu was around 12 years old when she wrote her first song.

“I was really into gospel – Christian pop music . . . I don’t play those songs anymore.”

Her heart and ears where turned by the soulful voices of blues and soul singers like Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, and Susan Tedeschi. One of her earliest memories is listening to Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” and gazing at the Robert Crumb cover art.

Bleu started college to study music but dropped out when she got pregnant with her first daughter. She returned to school and earned her degree in biology and pre-med.

With that done, it was back to music.

block strikes and a song may sit around for a time before it is finished.

For several months she has been working on this first album which is anticipated to be completed by the end of summer.

“Like a neo-soul, funk, blues album,” Bleu said of the full-length effort. “I’m not going to release any singles . . . I’m going to wait ‘til the whole project’s done.”

While she has worked with a regular band in the past, this project is different with many people, including rappers, poets and other artists set to appear on the album. She’s recording once a month while working a fulltime job plus a part-time job as a single mom.

“It’s like a really big collaboration,” Bleu stated. “It’s just something I feel I have to achieve.”

Until the album is completed, you can hear Blue every Monday night downtown at the Omaha Lounge.

For more on Michelle Eva Bleu: /www.facebook.com/pg/MichelleEvaBleu/ about/?ref=page_internal

Bleu said stressful situations including “relationships” provide the source for much of her songwriting inspiration.

“It’s just an outlet for my emotions, my experiences.”

She also writes poetry and sometimes puts old words to the music.

“I just noodle around on my guitar and come up with a nice chord progression or a riff,” she said.

Sometimes writer’s

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Havana Cuba All Stars - Asere

By Howard Schwartz

They sang, they danced, they harmonized and generally exploded off the stage.

Such was the performance on Saturday night of the Havana Cuba All Stars Asere during their powerful Nebraska debut on Saturday night at the Orpheum Theater.

Asere – a Spanish Cuban word of African origin – basically means: “I greet you.”

Everyone at the Orpheum can understand that after this stunning performance.

From 12 to 15 people took the stage at any point during the two-set performance. It was a festive sound, perhaps closer to folk and

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traditional sounds that urban American jazz, but the spirit transcended language barriers.

Singing mostly in Spanish, with horns, percussion and acoustic guitars, the crowd often was moved to dancing in the aisles.

Asere first formed in the 1990s to create roots music with a contemporary feel. New songs and strong personalities have carried them into the current day with a show that is dazzling musically and visually. African rhythms combine with a Spanish musical tradition to make a sound distinctly their own. Multiple Cuban styles are stirred into the mix, and you can even hear the occasional troubadour ballad.

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While Asere doesn’t sound like Santana, it is easy to imagine the guitar legend fitting into their sound. It may have been their first Nebraska show, but it is safe to say all who were there would welcome them back to the city.

band prepared to exit the stage. “We feel like home.”

For more on Asere: http://www.asere.org/

“Thank you, Nebraska,” shouted trumpeter and music director Michael Padron as the

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Investing as a Couple: Getting to Yes

By Michael Herek In a perfect world, both halves of a couple share the same investment goals and agree on the best way to try to reach them.

It doesn’t always work that way, though; disagreements about money are often a source of friction between couples. You may be risk-averse, while your spouse may be comfortable investing more aggressively--or vice versa. How can you bridge that gap?

vestments. Though diversification and asset allocation can’t guarantee a profit or ensure against a loss, they are ways to manage the type and level of risk you face--including the risks involved in bickering with your spouse.

It takes two Aside from attempting to minimize marital strife, there’s another good reason to make sure both spouses understand how their money is invested and why. If only First, define your goals one person makes all the decisions--even Making good investment decisions is difficult if that person is the more experienced if you don’t know what you’re investing for. investor--what if something were to happen Make sure you’re on the same page--or at to that individual? The other spouse might least reading from the same book--when have to make decisions at a very vulnerable it comes to financial goal-setting. Knowing time--decisions that could have long-term where you’re headed is the first step toward consequences. developing a road map for dealing jointly with investments.

If you’re the less experienced investor, take the responsibility for making sure you have In some cases, you may have the same goals, at least a basic understanding of how your but put a different priority on each one or resources are invested. If you’re suddenly have two different time frames for a specific the one responsible for all decisions, you goal. For example, your spouse may want should at least know enough to protect to retire as soon as possible, while you’re yourself from fraud and/or work effectively anxious to accept a new job that means with a financial professional to manage your advancement in your career, even if it means money. staying put or moving later. Coming to a general agreement on what your priorities If you’re the more conservative investor ... are and roughly when you hope to achieve • If you’re unfamiliar with a specific each one can greatly simplify the process of investment, research it. Though past deciding how to invest. performance is no guarantee of future returns, understanding how an investMake sure the game plan is clear ment typically has behaved in the past Making sure both spouses know how and or how it compares to other investment (equally important) why their money is possibilities could give you a better invested in a certain way can help minimize perspective on why your spouse is marital blowback if investment choices don’t interested in it. work out as anticipated. Second-guessing rarely improves any relationship. Making • Consider whether there are investsure that both partners understand from the ments that are less aggressive than beginning why an investment was chosen, as what your spouse is proposing but that well as its risks and potential rewards, may still push you out of your comfort zone help moderate the impulse to say “I told you and might represent a compromise so” later. position. For example, if you don’t want to invest a large amount in a single Investing doesn’t have to be either/or. A stock, a mutual fund or exchange-traddiversified portfolio should have a place for ed fund (ETF) that invests in that sector both conservative and more aggressive inmight be a way to compromise. (Before

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Focus | March 27 - April 2 | Volume 3 Issue 13

•

investing in a mutual fund or ETF, carefully consider its investment objective, risks, charges, and expenses, which can be found in the prospectus available from the fund. Read it carefully before investing.) Or you could compromise by making a small investment, watching for an agreed-upon length of time to see how it performs, and then deciding whether to invest more.

Finally, there may be ways to offset, reduce, or manage the risk involved in a particular investment. Some investments benefit from circumstances that hurt others; for example, a natural disaster that cuts the profits of insurance companies could be beneficial for companies that are hired to rebuild in that area. Many investors try to hedge the risks involved in one investment by

purchasing another with very different risks. However, remember that even though hedging could potentially reduce your overall level of risk, doing so probably would also reduce any return you might earn if the other investment is profitable.

If you’re the more aggressive investor ...

• Listen respectfully to your spouse’s concerns. Additional information may increase a spouse’s comfort level, but you won’t know what’s needed if you automatically dismiss any objections. If you don’t have the patience to educate your spouse, a third party who isn’t emotionally involved might be better at explaining your point of view.

• Concealing the potential pitfalls of an investment about which you’re enthusi-

•

•

astic could make future joint decisions more difficult if your credibility suffers because of a loss. As with most marital issues, transparency and trust are key.

A spouse who’s more cautious than you are may help you remember to assess the risks involved or keep trading costs down by reducing the churn in your portfolio.

Remember that you can make changes in your portfolio gradually. You might be able to help your spouse get more comfortable with taking on additional risk by spreading the investment out over time rather than investing a lump sum. And if you’re an impulsive investor, try not to act until you can consult your partner--or be prepared to face the consequences.

What if you still can’t agree?

You could consider investing a certain percentage of your combined resources aggressively, an equal percentage conservatively, and a third percentage in a middle-ground choice. This would give each partner equal input and control of the decision-making process, even if one has a larger balance in his or her individual account.

choice and put a smaller portion in an option with which a spouse is comfortable.

The conservative partner would invest the bulk of his or her money in a relatively conservative choice and put a smaller piece in a more aggressive selection on which you both agree.

Or you could divide responsibility for specific goals. For example, the more conservative half could be responsible for the money that’s being saved for a house down payment in five years. The other partner could take charge of longer-term goals that may benefit from taking greater risk in pursuit of potentially higher returns. You also could consider setting a predetermined limit on how much the risk taker can put into riskier investments.

Finally, a neutral third party with some expertise and a dispassionate view of the situation may be able to help work through differences.

Another approach is to use separate asset allocations to balance competing interests.

If both spouses have workplace retirement plans, the risk taker could invest the largest portion of his or her plan in an aggressive

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BARRETT’S BARLEYCORN 4322 Leavenworth St. M-F 4P-6P $2.25 Domestic Bottles $3.00 Well Drinks BROKEDOWN PALACE 8805 Maple St. Happy Hour 12P-6P $4 28 oz Domestic Frozen Mugs $5 28 oz Nebraska Brewing Cardinal Pale Ale Frozen Mug

NOSH WINE LOUNGE 1006 Dodge St. Everyday 4P- 6P Reverse HH 10P -12A $3 domestic beers and wells, $2 off Glasses of Wine, $4 House Wine PADDY’S McGOWN’S PUB & GRILL 4503 Center St. Happy Hour Specials from 3-6pm

CADDYSHACK 2076 N 117th Ave & 7007 S 181st St M-F 2P-6P $1 Off Beer, Wine & Wells TUES- HAPPY HOUR All Day

PITCH PIZZERIA 5021 Underwood Ave. 17808 Burke M-F 3P-6P $5 off any appetizer $5 off any pizza

COHEN & KELLY’S LOUNGE 13075 W Center Rd M-F 4:30P - 6:30P Drink Specials

OMAHA TAP HOUSE 1401 Farnam St. & 579 N 155th Plz M-F 3P - 6P & ALL DAY SUNDAY $1 Off All TapBeers $4 Svedka, $4 Windsor, $4 Sauza Silver, $4 Cruzan Rum

DUBLINER PUB 1205 Harney St. Nightly Drink Specials & Happy Hour 1P - 7P Everyday !! $1.00 off Pints and Bottles GETAWAY LOUNGE 4745 S 96th St M-F 2P - 6P $2 Busch Lite Bottles $2.25 Busch Lite Tall Boys $3 Fireballs $3 Apple Pie Shots JERRY’S BAR 6301 Military Ave Happy Hour Prices ALL Day EVERYDAY! JULIO’S 123rd & Center M-F 3P – 6P & FRI & SAT AFTER 9M $1 off all Tap Beer, $3 House Margaritas, $8 Pitchers of Bud Light & Miller Light, $2 Tacos & $8 Nachos KOZEE LOUNGE 5813 N 60th St. Daily Drink Specials!

LEAVENWORTH BAR 4556 Leavenworth St. M-F 12P-7P LOOKOUT LOUNGE 320 S 72nd St. EVERY DAY 4-7, MIDNIGHT - 2 AM $2 PBR, $2.50 Domestic Bottles , $3 Wells, $3 Fireball MALONEY’S IRISH PUB 1830 N 72nd St. M-F 3P-7P $1.00 off any beer

RAILCAR MODERN AMERICAN KITCHEN 1814 N 144th St. M-F 3:30-6:30P $4 Well Drinks $3 Off Signature Cocktails

THERAPY BAR & GRILL 5059 S 108th St Monday-Friday 3-6pm $.50 cents off Bottles, Drafts, & Wells THE SOCIABLE INN 4917 S 136TH ST M-F 2P-7P $2.50 Pints, $2.50 Domestic Bottles TIGER TOM’S 7103 Military Ave M-F 4P-6P $12 Domestic Buckets Timber Wood Fire Bistro 8702 Pacific St – Countryside Village M-F Patio Only 11A-7P M-SAT 2P- 6:30P & SUN 2P-10P $2 Off Local and Craft Drafts, $2.50 Tier 1 Import and Domestics, $3 Tier 2 Import and Domestics, $3 Off Signature Cocktails, $4 Well Drinks, $2 Off Glass of Wine, $1 Off Tap Wine. & Select Gourmet Food

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Friday – 1/2 Price Growler Refills Sunday – Ladies Day. $1 Off All Pints for Ladies from 1P–8P THE DOWN UNDER 3530 Leavenworth St. MON-SAT 3P-7P SUNDAY-All Day

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