FocusV3I17

YOUR

FREE

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 17 | APRIL 24 - APRIL 30 | 2019 ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, HEALTH, PERSONAL FINANCE, & MUSIC NEWSWEEKLY

LIVE

Lisa, Lisa & the Acoustic Jam

LOCAL

Bathtub Maria

SPORTS

Photo Credit Fabien Montique

Baseball Updates

STREAM

Bruce Hornsby

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOCUS ON THIS WEEK!

APRIL 30 | 2019

YOUR

LY 17 | APRIL 24 MUSIC NEWSWEEK VOLUME 3 ISSUE NAL FINANCE, & ENT, HEALTH, PERSO FREE ARTS, ENTERTAINM

4 SPORTS

LIVE

ustic Jam

Lisa, Lisa & the Aco

Photo

ue Credit Fabien Montiq

LOCAL

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FAMILY

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COUNCIL BLUFFS

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EVENTS

Baseball Updates

STREAM

Bruce Hornsby

Bathtub Maria

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THE ARTS

ON TEN

THIS WEEKS FEATURE

Jagwar Twin By Focus Omaha

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THE SHOPS AT COUNTRYSIDE VILLAGE

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SEE WHAT’S NEW IN BENSON

17 THE STREAM Getting to Know Spider Fingers: Bruce Hornsby By Jesse D. Stanek

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HEALTH

Nebraska Shares Underage Drinking Data, Prevention Tips During Alcohol Awareness Month By Focus Omaha

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SPORTS

Creighton Bluejays, Nebraska Huskers & Omaha Mavericks Baseball By Focus Omaha

21 LOCAL Bathtub Maria – It’s All in the Name By Andy Roberts

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LIVE

Lisa, Lisa & the Acoustic Jam By Howard Schwartz

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FINANCE

IRS plans to modernize business operations By Michael Herek Sponsored By Blue Capitol Wealth

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FOCUS WAS OUT, WHERE WERE YOU?

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HAPPY HOUR

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

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

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.

Focus 7914 W Dodge Rd. # 413 Omaha, NE 68114 (402) 506-4309 focusomaha@gmail.com www.focusomaha.com

Saturday, April 27& Sunday, April 28 10a-4p, Handmade Omaha Spring Art & Craft Bazaar, Bancroft St Market, 2702 S 10 Shop local and shop handmade at the 7th annual Handmade Omaha Spring Art & Craft Bazaar!

Free admission and free parking.

Local makers will be selling their unique goods, everything from jewelry to soap, kids goods, and gifts!

-------------------------------------------------------Saturday, April 27 | 11p-2a Dia del Niño 2019 El Museo Latino, 4701 S 25th St, Omaha Celebrate DIA DEL NIÑO at El Museo Latino on Saturday, April 27, 11am - 2pm.

FREE admission, games, books, prizes, and more!

-------------------------------------------------------Sunday, April 28 Poetry Night (Spoken Word Sunday) Cali Commons/ 518 N 40th St, Omaha Check out some local talent and hear some great art spoken, Located at an art center in midtown area Omaha, Cali Commons 518 N 40th street .

Snack and beverages provided and we are asking for a $5 entry or a donation as we are working to continue revitalizing the art scene for Omaha to local and surrounding artist and Patrons of art and newcomers who just want great vibes and new things to do!

-------------------------------------------------------Through April 28th Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge This exhibition chronicles Oliver Jeffers’ development and success as a children’s book artist, including illustrations from The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home, both The New York Times #1 Best Sellers. A Mind’s Eye Gallery exhibition.

-------------------------------------------------------Through April 28th BFA Thesis Exhibition, Lied Art Gallery, 2500 California Plaza This exhibition chronicles Oliver Jeffers’ development and success as a children’s book artist, including illustrations from The Day the Crayons Quit and The Day the Crayons Came Home, both The New York Times #1 Best Sellers. A Mind’s Eye Gallery exhibition. www.creighton.edu --------------------------------------------------------

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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 4 Human Condition, KANEKO, 1111 Jones St. Varied and complex, human experience encompasses a wide range of emotional, physical, environmental and situational circumstances.

Amidst our exploration of existence, we come to find that these circumstances are crowded with variances––variances that exist between work and action, power and strength, property and wealth, humility and pride, and the earth and the world. By positioning ourselves between these variances, we are provided an identity that creates a tangible understanding of what it means to be human. Human Condition will provide audiences with a range of creative encounters that explore the physical and psychological experiences that we all face, as human beings. Captivating sculpture, emotive dance performances, lectures from renowned thought-leaders and hands-on educational experiences will encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the question of how we define what it means to be human. www. thekaneko.org -------------------------------------------------------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.

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

Through May 5 ‘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.

-------------------------------------------------------Through June 2 Carolyn Albracht & Jennifer Radil: Depth & Accumulation Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. Painters Carolyn Albracht and Jennifer Radil sift through the ebb-and-flow nature of their medium, self, the stories people create, and the balance of depth and frivolity. www. artscouncil.nebraska.gov

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17 5

Saturday, April 27th | 8:30a-1:30p 2019 Omaha March for Babies Lewis & Clark Landing - 345 Riverfront Dr. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Walk - 10 a.m.

Join us before AND after the walk for family fun!

Sign up and Registration your team by visiting, marchforbabies.org/event/omahane -------------------------------------------------------Saturday, April 27th | 9a-12p The Durham Museum 801 S 10th St, Omaha, Nebraska 68108 Join us at the Nebraska Science Festival Expo and participate in fun and engaging hands-on learning opportunities. There will be a wide variety of booths to promote science and its impact in our everyday lives.

In addition, the Omaha Children’s Museum will perform their “Mad Scientist Show” at 10:30a.

Check the website, www.nescifest.com, for

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a list of participating booths and to download the FREE expo ticket.

-------------------------------------------------------Saturday, April 27th | 6p-9p Nebraska Humane Society, 8929 Fort St. Join us at the Nebraska Science Festival Expo. Dining with Dogs, presented by Baxter Subaru and hosted by Friends Forever, cordially invites you and your dog for a night of fun and food- all benefiting the animals at the Nebraska Humane Society.

https://nehumanesociety.ejoinme.org/diningwithdogs -------------------------------------------------------Sunday, April 28 | 11a-2p Stinson Park, 2232 South 64th St., Omaha www.safenebraska.org The YMCA of Greater Omaha and National Safety Council, Nebraska present Healthy Kids Day®.

Join us for tons of family fun activities!

Inflatables, Zumba, Mascot Races, Obstacle Courses, Bike Helmets and so much more!Goodie bags & Helmets will be given away while supplies last. Thank you to Children’s Hospital & Medical Center for providing the helmets for this event.

-------------------------------------------------------Dinosaur UpROAR Through May 12th | 9a-5p Daily Healthy Kids Day® is the Y’s national initia- Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. tive to improve the health and well-being of Don’t miss this life-sized adventure through This one-of-a-kind event gives you and kids and families. The Y is so much more than the fauna and fearsome flora of Lauritzen your dog the chance to enjoy a night out on sports, swimming, gymnastics, and a place Gardens that’s fun for the whole family. the town! We’ll kick off the evening with for kids to hang out. The Y supports families Dinosaur UpROAR offers a realistic glimpse cocktails, keepsake photos and yappy-tizin their efforts to teach healthy habits and into the prehistoric world, allowing visitors ers bound to get tails wagging. Throughout keep kids active and learning, preparing to experience what life was like millions of cocktail hour, you’ll be able to participate in them for a brighter future. It’s part of the years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth. the silent auction while sipping pup-tinis!

Y’s promise to strengthen communities. The The indoor exhibit will feature 20 life-sized YMCA of Greater Omaha’s Healthy Kids installations positioned throughout the As the night continues, you and your fourDay® celebrates kids’ health and continues garden, where massive creations by Guy legged companion will get to enjoy dinner, to teach healthy habits for kids and families, while we do a little begging at the table, since Family events continued onto the encourage active play, and inspire a lifetime we’re there to help the animals! bottom half of page 7. love of physical activity.

More info on the event website:

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

EVENTS THURSDAY, APRIL 25 Midwest 8-Ball Championship Mid-America Center, 8a -----------------------------------------------------Project-X, CUBE Ultra Lounge, 9p -----------------------------------------------------Music Bingo, 3rd Base Bar & Grill, 8p

SUNDAY, APRIL 28 Midwest 8-Ball Championship Mid-America Center, 8a -----------------------------------------------------River City Ringers Spring Concert Broadway United Methodist , 7p

www.focusomaha.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 26 The 402, Amerisports Bar, 8:30p SATURDAY, APRIL 27 Spring Health Fair All Care Health Center, 11a -----------------------------------------------------The 402, Amerisports Bar, 8:30p -----------------------------------------------------A showcase at the oface , Oface Bar, 9p -----------------------------------------------------Jacked, Whiskey Roadhouse, 9p

thousands of youth climate strikes and marches all over the world to protest our Family events continued from page 6. governments inaction on climate change and finding solutions for a sustainable future!

Darrough will appear right at home nestled among plants that have survived through the We will come together as a community to ages and jungle-like landscapes. call on local leaders, elected representatives, and national figures to ACT on the crisis The carefully crafted dinosaurs will range facing our generation and those that follow. in size from a 14-inch Sordes to a massive 33-ft. Daspletosaur, and plant fossils of NeThere will be youth speakers, petitions to be braska and a collection of prehistoric plants signed, and a platform to share YOUR VOICE will also be highlighted. With discovery and passion for our planet. After all, this is stations and plenty of educational activities the only one we have! and special events scheduled throughout the -------------------------------------------------------exhibit, it is bound to be a RAWR-ing good Sunday, April 28 | 11a-2p time in the garden.

Ladle of Love Open Door Mission, 2828 N 23rd St E. Included with paid garden admission or You’re invited to taste delicious soups and membership ($10 adults, $5 children 6-12, breads, prepared by area Chefs, vote for free for children under 6). your favorite Soup of the Day, view artwork -------------------------------------------------------- created by guests who have found safe Saturday, April 27th | 2p-4p shelter at Open Door Mission, and enjoy live Rally for the Planet Cajun style music by Omaha’s Prairie Gators.

Memorial Park, Bridge over Dodge St. There will also be a silent auction with text Join Students for Sustainability and the to bid! Get your tickets today!

Omaha Students Union for the youth led and Thank you to our Sponsors: organized Rally for the Planet on Saturday, Oriental Training, Mangia Italiana, PITCH April 27, from 2-4 pm.

Patricia Catering & Liberty Tavern Dino’s Storage.

We will gather underneath the Dodge Street Bridge in Memorial Park- everyone is welcome, being your signs, your spirit, and your passion!!

WHAT’S YOUR FOCUS?

This rally is being held in solidarity with

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17 7

WEDNESDAY APRIL 24

THURSDAY APRIL 25

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 Happy Hippie Hour with Carrie Jean The Down Under Lounge, 3p ----------------------------------------------Dr. Webb Music The Down Under Lounge, 4:20p ----------------------------------------------Bill Chrastil, Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Ray’s Piano Party, Mr. Toad, 7p ----------------------------------------------Trivia, Stocks n Bonds, 7p ----------------------------------------------Acoustic Open Mic Night The New Frontier Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Music By Adam Lee Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------School Of Rock, Orpheum Theatre, 7:30p --------------------------------------------Charlie Alley, The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Comedy Open Mic, Barley Street Tavern, 8p ----------------------------------------------Echo3zdown, Zarkilor, Jakob Kermit & Keilbach Bandit, Karma Nightclub, 8p ----------------------------------------------Thursday Night Trivia, Nifty Bar, 8p --------------------------------------------Karaoke w/ DJ Mad Matz Reverb Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Adventure Club w/ Armnhmr, Wooli, William Black, The Slowdown, 8p ----------------------------------------------Aly Peelers Open Mic Night The Down Under Lounge, 8p --------------------------------------------PWP Live Presents: WrestleRama The Waiting Room, 8p --------------------------------------------Vic Nasty, Bar 415, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke w/ Host Adam Flohr Brokedown Palace, 9p ---------------------------------------------- Open Mic Night (Hosted by Stathi) The B. Bar, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Wednesday Night Karaoke with Brixz Brokedown Palace, 10p

Wine Walk, Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce, 4p ----------------------------------------------Figs Duo Reunion // Riverwest Park Benefit The Down Under Lounge, 4:20p ----------------------------------------------The Ranch Taco Ride-Run Bellevue Berry Farm, 5p ----------------------------------------------The Ivy Ford Band, Chrome Lounge, 6p ----------------------------------------------Nate Bray, Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 6p ----------------------------------------------Chad Stoner, Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Louder Than a Bomb Finals Holland Center, 7p ----------------------------------------------Acoustic Open Mic Night The New Frontier Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Tony LaMar, Vino Mas, 7p ----------------------------------------------Laughs for Life Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------School Of Rock, Orpheum Theatre, 7:30p --------------------------------------------WWE Presents NXT Live!

Ralston Arena, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Trivia, The Sociable Inn, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Poetry & Popcorn, Emery’s Cafe, 8p ----------------------------------------------Tablao - no cover , Growler USA, 8p ----------------------------------------------We Alien Tour: The Widdler Karma Nightclub, 8p ----------------------------------------------Thursday Night Trivia, Nifty Bar, 8p ----------------------------------------------The Cactus Blossoms Reverb Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Alec Benjamin w/ Alexander 23 The Slowdown, 8p ----------------------------------------------La Dispute/ Gouge Away / Slow Mass The Waiting Room, 8p ----------------------------------------------R&B Thursdays featuring Sherri MC The Omaha Lounge, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------DFM, Bar 415, 9p ----------------------------------------------The Bedrock w/ Aage Birch

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Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

Barley Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------Ladies Night Copacabana Cocktail Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------Thirsty Thursday Karaoke Forte Music Hall, 9p ----------------------------------------------Whitherward, Harney Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------KoZee Karaoke KoZee Lounge. 9p ----------------------------------------------Vince Swaney Open Jam The Down Under Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Chris Shelton Dubliner Pub, 9:30p

FRIDAY APRIL 26 Jessica Errett, The Cove Lounge, 5p ----------------------------------------------Nate Bray Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 6p ----------------------------------------------On The Fritz, Bogie’s West, 7p ----------------------------------------------Jaguar James Band Live!

Classic Rock Coffee Co., 7p ----------------------------------------------Teacherz Petz, Firewater Grille, 7p ----------------------------------------------Josh’s B-Day Battle Royale Featuring From This Day Foward, Silence Is Madness, Finch Hollow, Animal Leggos & Sir Guy Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Celebrate Jazz!

Omaha Conservatory Of Music, 7p ----------------------------------------------George Thorogood and The Destroyers Good To Be Bad Tour - 45 Years of Rock Ralston Arena, 7p ----------------------------------------------Dragons Love Tacos, The Rose Theater, 7p ----------------------------------------------The DiBaise Brothers Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------Cirque du Soleil, CHI Health Center, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------School Of Rock, Orpheum Theatre, 7:30p --------------------------------------------Lovelytheband w/ Flora Cash & Jagwar Twin, Slowdown, 8p --------------------------------------------Feel Good Fridays Featuring Tyi Hakeem The Omaha Lounge, 8:30p

Quarter Holiday / Heartland Hallows / Isaiah Dominguez &Las Olas Barley Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------Toke / TenDead / Dope Corpse / Flaccid Cactus, Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 9p ----------------------------------------------The 9s - no cover, Growler USA, 9p ----------------------------------------------Jarrod Turner Band Harney Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------Sweet Tea Music , Havana Garage, 9p ----------------------------------------------End of School Bas h, Karma Nightclub, 9p ----------------------------------------------The 7O’s Band , On The Q Bar, 9p ----------------------------------------------Red Delicious, Ozone Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Patrick Conrad Live Rathskeller Bier Haus, 9p --------------------------------------------OCEANZ EP Release Show w/ SharkWeek, Darkwood, DJ KevyCav, TrvpSquad b2b Odinson, Reverb Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Come Together Band, Stocks N Bonds, 9p ----------------------------------------------DJ Animale, The Cove Lounge, 5p ----------------------------------------------CD Release Show w/ The Regulation and Ghost Town Radio The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Lemon Fresh Day Two Fine Irishmen, 9p ----------------------------------------------Great Team Hero American Dream, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Dicey Riley, Dubliner Pub, 9:30p

SATURDAY APRIL 27 Junkstock: Spring Edition 2019 NOW AT Sarpy Co. Fairgrounds,9a --------------------------------------------School Of Rock, Orpheum Theatre, 2p --------------------------------------------Zach’ Vinyl Afternoon The Down Under Lounge, 3p --------------------------------------------- Bray and The Nightcrawlers Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 6p ----------------------------------------------School Of Rock Orpheum Theatre, 7:30p ---------------------------------------------

Movements, Boston Manor, Trash Boat & Drug Church, The Waiting Room, 9p --------------------------------------------Karaoke & Music, Smitty’s Garage, 8p --------------------------------------------Trivia & Karaoke Night, Stumble Inn, 8p --------------------------------------------- Music By Twisted Whiskey Therapy Bar & Grill, 8p --------------------------------------------Dr. Webb, Infusion Brewing Company, 8p --------------------------------------------Music By Twisted Whiskey Therapy Bar & Grill, 8p --------------------------------------------Moses Prey // Servant Shop // Smokin’ Shepherd, Barley Street Tavern, 9p --------------------------------------------- Sailing in Soup, Growler USA, 9p --------------------------------------------- Ro Hempel Band, Harney Street Tavern, 9p --------------------------------------------Trivia Night, Julio’s, 9p ---------------------------------------------Joystick, Ozone Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------Priests, Gurr, Reverb Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------Lemon Fresh Day Two Fine Irishmen, 9p ----------------------------------------------Dicey Riley, Dubliner Pub, 9:30p --------------------------------------------- Katy Guillen w/The Scott Moyer Band The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p

SUNDAY APRIL 28 Junkstock: Spring Edition 2019 NOW AT Sarpy Co. Fairgrounds,9a --------------------------------------------School Of Rock, Orpheum Theatre, 1p --------------------------------------------Damn the River Benefit Concert w/ Kris Lager Band, Héctor Anchondo Band, Mr. E & the Stringless Kite, Matt Cox & Brady Wells of Domestic Blend The Down Under Lounge, 4p --------------------------------------------School Of Rock, Orpheum Theatre, 6:30p --------------------------------------------FREE Booze Bingo!

The Down Under Lounge, 8p --------------------------------------------Jeremy Enigk – Ghosts Tour Tomo Nakayama, Reverb Lounge, 8:30p --------------------------------------------Pigeons Playing Ping Pong & Twiddle Slowdown, 9p --------------------------------------------Down Under Sunday Night Karaoke The Down Under Lounge, 10p --------------------------------------------Andrea Leeper’s B-Day Party!, Bar 415, 10p

MONDAY APRIL 29 Avengers Infinite Happy Hour The Down Under Lounge, 3p ---------------------------------------------

Guitar 101: KIDS (402) Arts Collective, 3:30p Ozone Big Band Ozone Lounge, 6:30p --------------------------------------------Early Karaoke Forte Music Hall, 7p --------------------------------------------BINGO at Southwest Infusion Brewing Company, 7p --------------------------------------------Poker Night Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p --------------------------------------------Michelle Eva Bleu w/ B. Baldwin The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p --------------------------------------------Jeremy Enigk Ghosts Full Band Tour Slowdown, 8p ----------------------------------------------Pub Quiz w/ Rob & Sara!

The Sydney, 8p --------------------------------------------The Drums with Tanukichan The Waiting Room, 8p --------------------------------------------Open Mic, Barley Street Tavern, 9p --------------------------------------------DJ Howie’s Karaoke Grant St. Bar, 9p --------------------------------------------Open Mic and Molly’s Molly’s Pub, 9p --------------------------------------------Poker Night Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p --------------------------------------------Leggy ~ No Thanks ~ Talent Show O’Leaver’s, 9p --------------------------------------------Open Jam With Jason Figueroa The Down Under, 9p --------------------------------------------Down Under Sunday Night Karaoke The Down Under, 10p

TUESDAY APRIL 30 Open Jam w/ Tony Romero Therapy Bar & Grill, 6p --------------------------------------------Billy Troy, Ozone Lounge, 6:30p --------------------------------------------Open Jam hosted by Scott Moyer Barley Street Tavern, 7p --------------------------------------------Trivia, Goldeez, 7p --------------------------------------------Open Mic, Growler USA, 7p --------------------------------------------Hector Anchondo The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p --------------------------------------------Open Mic Jam, Brokedown Palace, 8p --------------------------------------------Houston & the Dirty Rats /Atomic Lights / Fiscal Spliff /TSquares Lookout Lounge, 8p --------------------------------------------Howling Giant w/ White Wolf T-Shirt & Battling Giants, Reverb Lounge, 8p continued on page 11

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Cirque Du Soleil Crystal CHI HEALTH CENTER

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FRIDAY APRIL 26

Guns N Hoses Boxing Challenge BAXTER ARENA

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Adventure Club w/ Armnhmr, Wooli, & William Black SLOWDOWN

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Movements Boston Manor / Trash Boat Damn the River / Drug Church Benefit Concert WAITING ROOM DOWN UNDER

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

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Hippo Campus w/ Samia SOKOL AUDITORIUM

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Pigeons Playing Ping Pong & Twiddle SLOWDOWN

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LovelyThe Band, Flora Cash & Jagwar Twin SLOWDOWN

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The Drums WAITING ROOM

Events continued from page 9 Trivia, The Down Under, 8p --------------------------------------------Turbo Tuesdays w/ Vic Nasty, Bar 415, 9p --------------------------------------------Karaoke, Forte Music Hall, 9p --------------------------------- Open Mic (standup), The Backline, 9p --------------------------------Let’s Rock! A Karaoke Experience The Down Under Lounge, 10p

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17 11

For some the path to success comes more easily than others For many it is music, whether listening to, writing, or performing provides the escape one needs to deal with life’s struggles.

Jagwar Twin frontman Roy English told Focus, “I felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere else when I was younger and the world didn’t really make sense to me.” He started attending punk shows where he saw people opening up and decided to start his own band.

But this is where the story really gets interesting for the Los Angeles native. As we all know, kids can be cruel. Instead of embracing his choice of expression, fellow students started a blog about how bad his band was.

Many of us would have chosen to stop playing and live out our lives in relative obscurity, but not English. He decided to His early struggles are reflected in his first overcome the obstacle and practiced eight song to receive significant attention last year. hours a day to become a better singer, stating “Loser” received more than 3 million Spotify streams along with major play listing from Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon. Reflecting on the success of “Loser” English stated:

“There’s no limit to human potential.”

He was eventually introduced to GRAMMY award winning producer Jeff Bhasker (Kanye West, Harry Styles) who set him on the path to success. But life has its ups-and downs and the music industry can be particularly difficult.

Eventually, English hooked

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up with producer S1 (Kanye West, Lorde) and rock producer Linus, who brought a lifestyle and diet that consisted of Himalayan shillijit tar, fasting, saunas, ice baths and meditation during studio sessions all with the goal of removing ego from the process and Jagwar Twin – a name with roots in Mayan mythology - was born.

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

“I think people just connected to it. At some point everyone feels like they don’t fit in. It was me just going back to my younger self and exploring those feelings. I wanted to take the power back.”

continued on page 13

English has this to say for others struggling with adversity,

“On some level, everyone feels like they’re in the wrong place or situation. Follow your intuition and drive. You know what you need to know already.

Trust that.”

His music is inspiring, the sound somewhere between upbeat and mesmerizing, and any past issues with his voice have been long resolved as he sounds much like Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine.

The band’s album, Subject to Flooding, will be released on April 26 featuring two brand new songs and some new mixes. He will also be playing in a killer line-up at the Slowdown that same night which includes LOVELYTHEBAND and Flora Cash.

English said, “We’re way bigger than one person, we want our fans to come together in one place, the space and sound.” and concluded, “ Omaha is so beautiful. It’s one of my favorite places to visit and play.”

LOVELYTHEBAND, Flora Cash & Jagwar Twin Slowdown 729 N 14th St. Doors: 7:00 pm/Show 8:00 pm $22 ADV/$25 DOS All Ages Connect to Jagwar Twin on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram https://www.facebook.com/ JagwarTwin/ https://twitter.com/ JagwarTwin https://www.instagram.com/jagwartwin/

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17 13

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Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

ment. I’m fairly restless creatively. I was never a very good Top 40 band guy because I never liked to play the same thing every time. Too often songwriters approach their songs like museum pieces. I don’t subscribe to that. I think of my songs as living beings that evolve and change and grow through the years.”

Hornsby released the gorgeously complex “Absolute Zero” a few weeks back and Spider Fingers is onto something with this one.

At first listen “Absolute” is hard to place, there’s no obvious single and on some of the cuts Hornsby is asking us to listen a little deeper, forcing us to critically hear the phenomenal musicianship before much of the record makes sense. Hornsby enlists special guests jazz legend Jack DeJohnette and indie darling Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) to bring the collection to life, disparate talents minute engineered for the radio schlopp, in for disparate tastes but both leaving a solid favor of complex arrangements and flavors footprint on the record. During the cut “Fracfrom every sonic well available, trading tals” Hornsby sings “I can be so jagged and his pop-chops for jazz flirtations and even angular,” the subconscious description aptly bluegrass rips. It would be a shame to have describes the album. The next song, “Cast an artist as talented as Hornsby limited to Off” is a beautifully strange number, Penned the pop idiom.

by Hornsby and Vernon, the song plays with electronic textures, finds the two unique Don’t get me wrong, I love both “Mandolin singers dancing around one another and just Rain” and “The Way it Is,” they are great songs with infectious melodies at their core, when you think it’s a 70s R&B slow-jam, like much of Hornsby’s output, it takes a turn however, the Huey-produced singles are for the unexpected. “Never in this House” is a world away from the beautiful creations the record’s slowly uplifting jam, Hornsby’s those songs have morphed into over the fingers dancing behind his smooth vocal past 30 years. “Intersections 1985-2005” timber, his continuing message of positive is an excellent introduction to the depth social uplift takes center stage on this one and variety of Hornsby’s work. This is the collection of an artist who has not so much and it never comes across as forced beliefs, just one man expounding on what makes continually reinvented himself as one whose playing is just too damn good to ever sense to him. define the artist in the first place. Hornsby After playing in a Grateful Dead cover band is a jazz-cat with a nose for pop, a classical in college with his older brother, Hornsby composer with a feel for the everyday Joe, joined Garcia, Weird and crew in the early photo by Sarah Walor a musical explorer who from time to time will 1990s and played over 100 shows with the ask you to listen a little deeper, to go down band before parting ways to work on his own a road with him and just see where you pop Bruce Hornsby is a restless musician. The vision. He remains an integral part of the out. “Intersections” is a great compilation Virginia-born pianist is the kind of artist post-Garcia Grateful Dead world, playing in that it has a little bit of something for who never tires of searching, the kind of with a plethora of off-shoots. Hornsby’s vivid everyone. Beginning with the re-imagined visionary who can take a step back from the and often colorful piano runs served as a hits, these drawn-out, work-ups are flipped day-to-day madness and let it all marinate, perfect counterbalance to Garcia’s searching upside down and spit out with aplomb and culminating in a musically delicious stew guitar playing. Perhaps the best recorded, that comes out delicious and different every unique flair, retaining just enough of their widely available recording we have of Bruce former selves to make the differences obvitime. Most folks know Hornsby best for playing in the Dead world is a spectacular ous. Along with other Hornsby crowd-favor- Jerry Garcia Band show from Hampton, VA his string of hits in the 1980s. Tunes like “Mandolin Rain” and “The Way it Is” brought ites like “Spider Fingers,” “White-Wheeled in late 1991. Bruce sits in the whole night Limousine,” “Rainbow’s Cadillac” and “The his inventive piano playing to the world-atand the setlist is top-notch, featuring covers End of the Innocence” (with which co-writer of tunes from Jimmy McCracklin, Van Morlarge. And while both the aforementioned Don Henley scored a hit), “Intersections finds rison, Peter Rowan, Bob Dylan, The Band, songs are good, honest songs, the versions Hornsby diving into the esoteric end of the you’re familiar with (the radio singles) were alongside a couple Garcia originals, notably both engineered by hit-maker-extraordinaire pool with some inventive runs and playful the ferocious version of “Run for the Roses” dalliances. His covers of Elton John (“MadHuey Lewis and are not good examples of which finds Garcia and Hornsby sparring man Across the Water”), Pink Floyd (“ComHornsby’s work. This is a musician’s musiback and forth, egging each other on and cian, one of the most virtuosic ivory-ticklers fortably Numb”) and The Grateful Dead pulling each other back before crashing on in the biz, a man who plays and sings with the (“Jack Straw”) are respectful in their homage the beach like the last rideable wave on a singular passion of his heart, who continually but unique in their delivery and scope. bluebird day. crafts songs destined to remain a part of During a recent interview Hornsby explained our musical lexicon for generations. Aside his musical philosophy: “To be creative, spon- In 2007 Hornsby teamed up with Ricky from a few-one offs (“Long Valley Road”), Skaggs and his Grammy-winning bluegrass the songs from Hornsby’s debut record with taneous in the moment and make music in band Kentucky Thunder to release one of the present tense, that’s what we’re all about The Range remain the lion share of his radio the most inventive, refreshing takes on that live.

I write the songs, we make the records offerings. His later work veers strongly away high-lonesome sound in the past decade. and then the records become a departure from that couple-skate, milkshake with two Drawing inspiration from a legendary Leon point, the basic blueprint, the basic arrangestraws, pop-culture bland, 3-and-a-half-

Getting to Know Spider Fingers: Bruce Hornsby

By Jesse D. Stanek

Russell record featuring New Grass Revival.

Their cover of Rick James’ “Super Freak” is a blistering take on a funky classic, a reinvention staying true to the original but born again in a cowboy hat. As you can imagine, the piano playing is fast and virile, trading licks with Skaggs and crew like it’s supposed to be in Bluegrass, as if the genre were missing a key instrument for the past 75 years.

1998’s double album “Spirit Trail” remains a personal favorite, Hornsby shedding his Top-40 skin for good and finding rebirth as a jazzman not afraid to dabble in both rock and roll and funk. Songs like “Sunflower Cat (Same Dour Cat)” and “Swan Song” are both beautifully catchy and intriguing, Hornsby’s mad-hatter vocal freestyling every bit as fiery as his piano playing. “Fortunate Son” is one of my all-time favorite Hornsby tunes and is still a live staple. Where CCR’s “Fortunate Son” was about that Senator’s Son born with a silver spoon, Hornsby’s take on the idea is a grateful look back (pun intended) on a life full of challenges and triumph, heartbreak and happiness. “I’ve stared down the devil and had to look away, called out to the angels but no one ever came, laid down on an even and double zero played, it’s all about I’m a lucky one, such a fortunate son.” “Spirit Trail” finds Hornsby stepping comfortably into his role as songwriter/arranger, it’s a musical masterpiece that gets better with each listen.

Records to Stream/Download: Bruce Hornsby: Absolute Zero Bruce Hornsby: Intersections 1985-2005 Jerry Garcia Band: Pure Jerry: Coliseum, Hampton, Virginia, November 9, 1991 (Live) Bruce Hornsby & Ricky Skaggs: Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby Bruce Hornsby: Spirit Trail

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.

WWW.FOCUSOMAHA.COM

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Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17 17

Nebraska Shares Underage Drinking Data, Prevention Tips During Alcohol Awareness Month

By Focus Omaha

Lincoln – April is Alcohol Awareness Month – and given Nebraska’s higher-thanaverage binge-drinking rate, the Division of Behavioral Health at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is sharing on a new study about how young adults misuse alcohol.

“Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in Nebraska,” said Sheri Dawson, director of the Division of Behavioral Health at DHHS. “The rates of underage drinking, binge drinking [generally defined as five or more drinks in two hours for men or four in the same time frame for women], and alcohol-impaired driving continue to be higher in Nebraska than the U.S average.

Alcohol misuse within Nebraska places a significant strain on the health care system, the criminal justice system, and the substance use disorder treatment system.

While alcohol misuse is a cause for concern among people of all ages in Nebraska, it is particularly an issue among young adults, ages 19-25.”

•

Among all respondents in 2018 about one in three (33.4%) reported binge drinking in the past month which than previous years (43.8% in 2010, 47.1% in 2012, 44.9% in 2013, 37.4% in 2016).

Impaired Driving among 19-25-Year-Olds in Nebraska • There have been incremental decreases in past year alcohol-impaired driving in each survey administration. Reported past year driving under the influence of alcohol has decreased from 30.3% in 2010 to 19.8% in 2018.

• Past-month driving after binge drinking has also decreased from 8.4% in 2010 to 4.0% in 2018.

Attitudes and Perceptions Related to Alcohol among 19-25-Year-Olds in Nebraska • The rate of Nebraska young adults who perceive a moderate or great risk of harm (physically or in other ways) from binge drinking has increased from 71.1% in 2010 to 78.3% in 2018.

In addition to the Division’s extensive • The amount of risk an individual believes preventative work in this area - which binge drinking has significantly impacts includes Across Ages, an underage drinking their behaviors. In 2018, those who program; Responsible Beverage Server reported no risk from binge drinking Training, and Communities Mobilizing had a significantly higher past month for Change on Alcohol, which addresses binge drinking rate of 56.0%, compared underage drinking access – the Division of to 21.3% for their peers who reported Behavioral Health also helps administer great risk. the Nebraska Young Adult Alcohol Opinion • Underage binge drinking of all forms, Survey, which was created in 2010 to capture whether for those under 18 or those and measure attitude about alcohol use. The ages 18 to 20, was viewed as wrong survey targets 19 to 25-year-olds across or very wrong. Nearly all (92.8%) of the state, and in 2018, 1,967 respondents Nebraska young adults perceived it is completed the survey. Learnings include: wrong or very wrong for individuals under the age of 18 to get drunk and Alcohol Use and Binge Drinking among 76.6% perceived it is wrong or very 19-25-Year-Olds in Nebraska wrong for individuals ages 18 to 20 to • About two-thirds of respondents in get drunk in 2018.

2018 (65.1%) reported using alcohol in • Social norms attitudes were more the past month. favorable towards legal-age binge • Among past-month alcohol users in drinking, with 28.0% of 2018 survey 2018, slightly over half (51.9%) reported respondents reported that it is wrong or binge drinking in the past 30 days which very wrong for individuals 21 and over is significantly less than previous years to binge drink.

(64.8% in 2010, 68.3% in 2012, 66.3% in • There was also strong disapproval of 2013, 56.3% in 2016). providing alcohol to minors, with 77.9%

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Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

•

of young adults perceiving it as wrong • or very wrong to provide alcohol to individuals under 21 years old in 2018.

Young adults believed that half (48.5%) of their peers binge drank alcohol in the past 30 days, which is higher than the percent that actually binge drink • (33.4%). In addition, young adults believed that nearly one in three (30.1%) of their peers drove after binge drinking in the past 30 days which is much higher than the percent who reported driving after binge drinking (4.0%).

Concerned about a loved one’s alcohol use?

A few suggestions for starting a meaningful conversation: • Try to be objective and open. Do your best to keep an open mind and remain curious. Your child is more likely to be receptive this way.

• Ask open-ended questions. These are questions that elicit more than just a “yes” or “no” response and will lead to a

more engaging conversation.

Let your teen know they’re being heard.

Use active listening and reflect back what you are hearing. For example, you can say, “I’m hearing that you feel overwhelmed and that you think drinking helps you relax. Is that right?”

Discuss the negative effects of alcohol, and what that means in terms of mental and physical health, safety and making good decisions.

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Sun, May 5 // 1:00 PM CT at Northwestern Evanston, Ill. Mon, May 6 // 3:30 PM CT at Northwestern, Evanston, Ill. Fri, May 10 // 6:35 PM CT vs. Arizona State Hawks Field at Haymarket Park

Creighton Bluejays

Nebraska Huskers

The weekend series on Staten Island started Thursday with senior starter Mitch Ragan in full command giving up just two hits in a complete game 5-1 win over Seton Hall.

Ragan took a no-hitter into the sixth inning and allowed just one more hit in the ninth as he improved to 5-1 on the season.

As anticipated, the Huskers once again had trouble on the road against an above .500 team in the Hawkeyes this past weekend at Iowa City. Nebraska lost two-out-of-three games at Duane Banks Field and saw their six-game Big Ten winning streak come to an end in the first game of the series. Iowa’s Zeb Adreon hit a walk-off single to right field that brought the runner in from second base to win Friday’s series opener. This was the third time the Huskers have been beaten by a walk-off in league play.

By Focus Omaha

A pair of home runs and five RBIs from junior Will Robertson helped the Bluejays to an 11-1 win in Friday’s game. Denson Hull needed only four pitches for the first two outs but required a bases-loaded strikeout to end the first inning. Jason Allbery knocked one out in the second to add to the long-ball fun.

-- After allowing a solo home run to open the bottom of the first inning, Creighton starter Evan Johnson held Seton Hall to just two hits over seven frames as the Bluejays swept the Pirates with a 3-1 win on Saturday, April 20th.

The win pushed the Bluejays to 22-8 on the season and 5-1 in Big East play, Nebraska comes to town Tuesday followed by a Wednesday trip to Kansas. Three games with league foe Xavier begin on Friday.

By Focus Omaha

Game two was tied 3-3 after the top of the fifth before the Hawkeyes managed to score 13 runs over the next two innings to defeat Nebraska 17-9. But, this Husker team proved its resiliency once again by salvaging the series with a 3-2 win in Game 3 and managed to only fall a half game behind first place Indiana in the Big Ten standings.

Sun, May 12 // 1:05 PM CT vs. Arizona State Hawks Field at Haymarket Park Thu, May 16 // 6:35 PM CT vs. Michigan Hawks Field at Haymarket Park Fri, May 17 // 6:35 PM CT vs. Michigan Hawks Field at Haymarket Park Sat, May 18 // 2:05 PM CT vs. Michigan Hawks Field at Haymarket Park Wed, May 22 - Sun, May 26 Big Ten Tournament Omaha, Neb. (TD Ameritrade Park)

Omaha remains in the Summit League lead with a 24-10-1 overall mark and 16-2 in league action. Up next a Tuesday evening home game with Kansas State and a weekend series starting Friday with South Dakota State.

The Huskers will face Creighton in the rubber match at press time before returning to Lincoln for a three-game series against Illinois.

The Fighting Illini are currently 6-6 in the Big Ten and are 25-13 overall.

NEBRASKA BASEBALL SCHEDULE Tue, Apr 23 // 7:00 PM CT at Creighton, Omaha, Ne. (TD Ameritrade Park) Fri, Apr 26 // 7:35 PM CT vs. Illinois, Hawks Field at Haymarket Park Sat, Apr 27 // 2:05 PM CT vs. Illinois, Hawks Field at Haymarket Park Sun, Apr 28 // 11:05 AM CT vs. Illinois, Hawks Field at Haymarket Park Sat, May 4 // 2:00 PM CT at Northwestern Evanston, Ill.

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Sat, May 11 // 2:05 PM CT vs. Arizona State Hawks Field at Haymarket Park

Back in the Summit League, Omaha baseball snagged its sixth shutout win of the season on a 5-0 victory at Purdue Fort Wayne on Friday afternoon. The Mavs improved to 4-0 this season against the Mastodons as Joey Machado threw 6.0 innings of shutout ball.

Weather forced Saturday’s game to be delayed but Omaha came out Sunday and took two for the series sweep with 13-2 and 4-2 victories in the Easter doubleheader.

Matt Bondarchuk returned to the line with five singles and four runs as Payton Kinney had six strikeouts while allowing only two runs to improve to 8-0 on the season.

Six Mavericks recorded a hit in the series finale let by Breyden Eckout’s fourth-inning homer. Spencer Koelewyn posted seven strikeouts during mound duty to improve to 4-1 on the year.

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

Omaha Mavericks

By Focus Omaha

Omaha dropped its mid-week home game against Nebraska, 8-5 in Wednesday evening’s game at Werner Park. The Mavericks recorded five hits with two errors while the Huskers notched 11 hits. UNO fell to 0-3 in mid-week games for the 2019 season. Parker Smejkal had a team-high two hits with a pair of RBIs.

WWW.FOCUSOMAHA.COM

Bathtub Maria – It’s All in the Name

By Andy Roberts It should have been the first question, but long-time Omaha residents may have figured out where Bathtub Maria got the band’s name.

It comes, no kidding, from the many statues of St. Mary in bathtub shrines throughout much of South Omaha. “Good old South Omaha bathtub Marias,” Cami Cavanaugh Rawlings acknowledged.

Cami and Shell Cavanaugh Rawlings are two of the songwriters who form the basis of this Omaha band with guitarist-singer-songwriter Gary Lind joining them. The rhythm section of Tim Knowles on bass and Bill Naidenovich on drums and percussion making things click as never before.

The band has been together for about three years with the lineup set as it is about a year ago. “I really think this is the best one,” Cami Cavanaugh Rawlings said. The has described itself as what happens when you cross a rock bassist, rock ‘n’ roll drummer, hippy guitar player and two singer songwriters.

The evolution from

several earlier bands – including Lavender Couch, Goodbye Sunday, and Phoenix Rising seemed inevitable.

“Cami and I have been writing together for quite a while,” Shell said. “Neither one of us really wanted a duet so we kind of put our feelers out.”

The ladies work with Lind goes back to the 1990s when he did sound. He also owns a studio where they have recorded.

“It’s funny because we put a shout out on Facebook and Gary responded that way,” Cami said. “As songwriters we have the exact people we need to flesh out our songs.

“If you listen to some of Shell’s work with Phoenix Rising, and my old band was Goodbye Sunday,” she continued. “This is a perfect amalgamation of our work.”

Shell said part of what makes this combination work is the songs the ladies write are easy on the ears. Usually what happens is Cami will

Photo By: Chip Duden

come up with a basis for verse and chorus and Shell adds lyrics.

“I know what I really admire all four of the musicians I play with so much. They are working toward being masters of their craft,” she stated. “In an age when things can be kind of plastic sounding, it’s nice to hear something of substance.”

Cami added: “We all really like each other . . . Tim and Bill together – amazing rhythm section.”

Their original material ranges from a driving blues to a heavier rock and there is more to come.

“She (Shell) does have a lot of lyrics out there and I just have to play my guitar more,” Cami said.

Once they have the start they take the beginnings of the song to the rest of the band, knowing things will change. Lind’s music and the contributions of the other guys will be worked into the continuing evolution of the band.

“We’re going to blend that into the sound,” Shell offered.

On May 4 Bathtub Maria will mark the release of a four-song self-titled EP of original material. The EP has been on CD Baby since winter, and they joke they are releasing the physical product because their moms are not as into digital distribution as some younger folks.

That event will take place at Growler USA beginning at 8:30 p.m. and will feature cake, beer specials, and the CD for sale. The following weekend Bathtub Maria is part of the Omaha Girls Rock fundraiser where they will be one of six acts.

The band is, without a doubt, excited about this next step.

“It really shows the variety of music we play,” Cami said.

For more on Bathtub Maria: www.facebook.com/pg/BathtubMaria/about

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17 21

Lisa, Lisa & the Acoustic Jam

By Howard Schwartz

This outfit is not to be confused with Lisa, Lisa & Cult Jam.

Or Cousin Katie & the Flaky Biscuits. Not even with The Personics.

Lisa, Lisa & the Acoustic Jam is the latest project from Lisa Marcuccio who you know from the two aforementioned bands – not Lisa, Lisa & Cult Jam.

Lisa Lisa & the Acoustic Jam involves multiple friends playing great music and rotating in and out of shows. Drop in for a set and you may hear a guitar duo or a trio with keyboards thrown in.

Marcuccio was ready to do something different.

“The goal . . . is that I wanted to do something besides The Personics,” she said. Deciding to capitalize on her vocals she looked to add guitar players. She knows a few.

There is Terry Olson from Soul Dawg and Jay Hanson of Yesterday and Today plus Jeff Carlson of The Fishheads.

“So I played with Jeff and with Jay. Both of those guys were in The Personics at one time,” she recalled. Olson was in Cousin Katie and the Flakey Biscuits – which is pretty much on hold. The rotating players mean those who follow the band get a little different show each time they see them play.

For now it will be shows with The Personics and Lisa, Lisa.

“It’s a great artistic release,” she emphasized as Lisa, Lisa covers everything from Weezer to Chris Stapleton and Roberta Flack.

“Sometimes we do an acoustic version of a song you never heard an acoustic version of before.”

Think of what that must be like for Olson when he takes a break from the funk of Soul Dawg!

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“I don’t consider myself a lead singer or a front man so I’m kind of a fish out of water,” he said. “But Lisa has a way of persuading.”

He calls this band “a discovery” for him and a way to extend his performing career.

“It’s working better the more we do it,” Olson said. “The first couple were tough.”

Marcuccio said the shows often start with the band as background music. Before long, the audience hears what’s going on and they become involved. It’s only a matter of time before the evening turns into a singalong.

“The great thing is that with two or three people you have the ability . . . you can do smaller shows that hit more people,” Marcuccio stressed.

While Marcuccio said Lisa, Lisa & the Acoustic Jam is more fun than it sounds, it’s also a bit scary.

“You’re sort of naked out there. You don’t have that band behind you to pick up any mistakes,” she pointed out.

While The Personics may rock out more, the music in Lisa, Lisa & the Acoustic Jam is something Marcuccio knows well. “I grew up listening to my sister’s Eagles albums and Phoebe Snow,” she recalled.

For Olson, the change is major but enjoyable.

“It is a completely different approach,” he said, with the guitar being more a lead

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

instrument as opposed to an accent in funk.

“Acoustics don’t behave like electrics do. . . the more open strings you can use the better.”

The band has played smaller and medium sized Omaha bars and traveled to Colorado.

The next show for Lisa, Lisa & the Acoustic Jam is May 11 at the Bull and the Bear.

Marcuccio hopes this newest musical venture is only getting started.

“I want to keep playing. I love the smaller places,” she said. “I think it’s a lot of fun . . . you’re just really able to connect with each other.”

For more on Lisa, Lisa & the Acoustic Jam: https://www.facebook.com/Lisa-Lisa-theAcoustic-Jam-528738967557882

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17 23

IRS plans to modernize business operations

By Michael Herek and easier tax filing services by integrating tax processing systems that increase cost-effectiveness, enable real-time processing of returns and deploy data analytics to combat fraud.

Modernized IRS Operations: The

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service released a six-year plan to modernize IRS business operations.

Modernization is essential for the IRS to provide American taxpayers with excellent service, help them meet their tax obligations and enforce the law with integrity and fairness to all.

“The IRS supports one of the largest and most complex business operations in the world, proudly serving millions of individual filers, small businesses, tax-exempt organizations, and large corporations,” said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “Technological innovation is vital to the IRS successfully executing its mission, including protecting taxpayer data, enhancing services to taxpayers, and ensuring the health of the nation’s tax system.”

IRS will improve operational efficiencies by reducing system complexities, which will accelerate the pace of change and the adoption of emerging technologies to reduce costs and manual effort. This approach includes procuring software that completes laborious tasks in seconds through automation and artificial intelligence, eliminating error-prone manual work and increasing speed and accuracy.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection:

The IRS’s systems contain a high volume of sensitive taxpayer data, representing a unique target for cyber attacks. The Service has recently encountered increasing advanced cyber threats. The plan introduces unparalleled data and refund fraud protections, protecting against approximately 1.4 billion cyber attacks annually and proactively responding and anticipating the changing threat environment.

The plan is organized around four “Modernization Pillars” critical to the IRS’s mission and future development:

Taxpayer Experience: The IRS will de-

ploy a range of new and enhanced technology solutions to help taxpayers understand the law and resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

Advanced programming will empower taxpayers with information about their account, tax obligations, and payment options while protecting taxpayer information and data.

Core Taxpayer Services and Enforcement: The IRS will continue to

evolve core tax systems to provide quicker

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Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

IRS Tax Reform Tax Tip 2019-45 Now that the April tax-filing deadline has come and gone, many taxpayers are eager to get details about their tax refunds. When it comes to refunds, there are several common myths going around social media.

Five common myths:

Myth 1: Getting a refund this year means there’s no need to adjust withholding for 2019

To help avoid an unexpected tax outcome next year, taxpayers should make changes now to prepare for next year. One way for a taxpayer to do this is to adjust their tax withholding with their employer. The IRS encourages people to do a Paycheck Checkup using the IRS Withholding Calculator to determine

whether their employer is withholding the right amount. This is especially important for anyone who got an unexpected result from filing their tax return this year. This could have happened because the taxpayer’s employer withheld too much or too little tax from the employee’s paycheck in 2018.

Myth 2: Calling the IRS or a tax professional will provide a better refund date

Many people mistakenly think that talking to the IRS or calling their tax professional is the best way to find out when they will get their refund. In reality, the best way to check the status of a refund is online through the “Where’s My Refund?” tool at IRS.gov or with the IRS2Go mobile app. Taxpayers without Internet access can call the automated refund hotline at 800-829-1954. “Where’s My Refund?” has the same information available to IRS telephone assistors, so there is no continued on page 25

need to call unless “Where’s My Refund?” says to do so.

Myth 3: Ordering a tax transcript is a ‘secret way’ to get a refund date Doing so will not help taxpayers find out when they will get their refund. “Where’s My Refund?” tells the taxpayer their tax return has been received and if the IRS has approved or sent the refund.

Myth 4: ‘Where’s My Refund?’ must be wrong because there’s no deposit date yet

Updates to “Where’s My Refund?” on both IRS.gov and the IRS2Go mobile app are made once each day. These updates are usually made overnight. Even though the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, it’s possible a refund may take longer. This means that in some cases, a taxpayer who filed later may receive their refund sooner than someone who filed earlier in the season. The IRS contacts a taxpayer by mail when it needs more information to process their tax return. Taxpayers should also remember to consider the time it takes for the banks to post the refund to the taxpayer’s account. Taxpayers waiting for a refund in the mail should plan for the time it takes a check to arrive.

a tax refund to be larger or smaller than expected. Situations that could decrease a refund include: -The taxpayer made math errors or mistakes -The taxpayer owes federal taxes for a prior year -The taxpayer owes state taxes, child support, student loans or other delinquent federal nontax obligations -The IRS holds a portion of the refund while it reviews an item claimed on the return The IRS will mail the taxpayer a letter of explanation if these adjustments are made.

Some taxpayers may also receive a letter from the Department of Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service if their refund was reduced to offset certain financial obligations.

Myth 5: ‘Where’s My Refund?’ must be wrong because a refund amount is less than expected There are several factors that could cause

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Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

AN EVENING WITH GOV’T MULE AT BOURBON THEATRE

TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2019

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Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

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

RATHSKELLER BIER GARDEN 4524 Farnam St. Monday to Saturday – 3P to 6P | 10P-Close Sunday – All Day BOSO – Buy one second one for $.25 SCRIPTOWN 3922 Farnam M-F 4P - 6P $1 Off Beers & $1 Off Well Drinks SMITTY’S GARAGE 7610 Dodge St. Everyday 3P - 6P & 9P - CLOSE $2.50 Domestics THURSDAYS $1 OFF Local Beer Draws THE BULL & THE BEAR LOUNGE 11341 Davenport St M, T, W 2P - 6P SUN 12P - 2A THE CASUAL PINT 8718 Countryside Plaza M, W, TH 4P-6P TUES All Day $1 Off All Draft Beers.

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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Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17

Focus | April 24 - April 30 | Volume 3 Issue 17 31