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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 23 | JUNE 5 - JUNE 11 | 2019 ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, HEALTH, PERSONAL FINANCE, & MUSIC NEWSWEEKLY

LIVE

Hamilton

LOCAL

Earthbound & Down â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

OUTDOORS

Managing Your Plants

STREAM

The Neville Brothers

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOCUS ON THIS WEEK!

JUNE 11 | 2019

YOUR

LY 23 | JUNE 5 MUSIC NEWSWEEK VOLUME 3 ISSUE NAL FINANCE, & MENT, HEALTH, PERSO FREE ARTS, ENTERTAIN

THE ARTS

HEALTH

Cancer Survivors Benefit from Quitting Tobacco OUTDOORS nts

Managing Your Pla

LIVE

Hamilton

LOCAL

thbound & Down –

Ear

BENSON

STREAM

The Neville Brothe

SPORTS

OUTDOORS

FAMILY Managing your Plants With Hail Damage By Scott Evans Nebraska Horticulture ext.

EVENTS

FINANCE

The Individual 401k By Michael Herek Sponsored By Blue Capitol Wealth

ON TEN 26

REAL ESTATE

THIS WEEKS FEATURE

Age of the Developer By Eric Cano

REVIEW

Ben Kweller - Heart Attack Kid & Fences “A Mission”By Tatiana Ballinger

THE STREAM

Getting to Know That Big Easy Goodtime Sound: The Neville Brothers By Jesse D. Stanek

LOCAL Earthbound & Down – Bound for the Airwaves By Andy Roberts 17

LIVE

Hamilton Star Leslie Odom Jr. is Symphony’s 2018/19 Season Finale By Howard Schwart

HAPPY HOUR

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

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) 208-6545 focusomaha@gmail.com www.focusomaha.com

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First Friday Old Market Held the first Friday of each month, 6-9pm, First Friday is a free event celebratCurator-led Tour | Lui Shtini: Tempos June BFF Artist Market, 5p-10p ing local creativity in our historic neighBemis Center For Contemporary Arts Military Ave. & Maple St., Benson borhood. Visit galleries to explore fresh 724 South 12th Street, Omaha, 6p-7p Featuring: + Over 60 local artists, makers & perspectives and meet the artists. Join Bemis Center’s Chief Curator and vendors! + Mind and Soul 101.3 FM’s very PARK FREE | RIDE THE TROLLEY Director of Programs Rachel Adams for a own Buddi3 Da Gawd keeping some pep lively and informative tour of “Lui Shtini: in your step as BFF’s on-street DJ + LIVE Tempos”. Lui Shtini’s process translates Performers + LIVE Artists + Food Trucks & To make your First Friday experience even better they’re offering free parking abstracted thoughts into two-dimensional More! forms, birthing the intangible. His works in ------------------------------------------------------ and free rides on Ollie the Trolley, 6-9pm. Park free in the lot behind the Creighton “Tempos”—both drawings and paintings— Shawnequa Linder: We Are Different are shrouded in a layer of mystery, eliciting The B Side of Benson Theatre, 6058 Maple physician’s clinic (SW corner of 13th & Leavenworth). Park there and hop aboard hints of the underlying subject matter. Street, Omaha , 6p-11p the trolley to circulate the neighborhood. This is a unique opportunity to discuss the “We Are Different” explores the artist’s Ollie the Trolley sponsored by participating context and overarching theme of the exunique way of painting portraits. Each has hibition and gain insight into the curatorial its own identity through color, emotion and galleries. -----------------------------------------------------process. texture. The color reflects an emotional Oma-flora // Brandon Bullard @ 7p ------------------------------------------------------ state, and the texture is the chaos within Petshop, 2725-2729 N 62nd St, Omaha Hanns Zischler Opening Reception 6p-9p the subject matter. Petshop invites you to the opening reception The Garden of the Zodiac, 1042 Howard for Brandon Bullard’s “Oma-Flora” during St. “We Are Different” is on display throughBFF Omaha’s First Friday event on Friday, LIGHT LAID ASLEEP/LIGHT AWOKEN out June at the B Side Gallery, 6058 Maple June 7th from 7-10pm. Pinhole Color Photographs 2010 - 2018 Street. through August 4th. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THURSDAY JUNE 6

FRIDAY JUNE 7

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23

Oma-flora is an immersive installation of flora gathered in Omaha. As an artwork, its materiality, organization, and form is aimed at squeezing feelings, thoughts, and conversations around nature, culture, architecture, politics, experience, memory, or time. Oma-flora will also coincide with the completion of a public art work on the east side of 1912 ! -----------------------------------------------------Summer Group Art Show 5:30p-8:30p The Frame Srvice, 3564 Farnam, Omaha Come Join us, First Friday (June 7th) for a Group Art Show, featuring an eclectic mix of woodwork, multimedia, and traditional painting. Participating Local Artists: Gabriel Boylan, Dan Crane, Meghan Stevens, Nenad Sudar, JK Thorsen, and Kristae Zandbergen. Opening event 5:30-8:30. Beer/Wine provided by Beertopia ------------------------------------------------------

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23 5

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23

Concerts are free for garden members or are included with paid garden admission. -------------------------------------------------------June 11 | Taxi Driver · Featured dinner special: Chicago Dogs Register today at https://omahachildrenwith all the toppings and kettle chips schoir.org/summermusiccamp. · Featured dessert: Chocolate cake -------------------------------------------------------· Also featuring: Freshly popped popcorn TUESDAY, JUNE 11 SONGS OF SUMMER OUTDOOR These family-friendly outdoor concerts CONCERT, 3401 PATRICK AVE, OMAHA provide a unique atmosphere to enjoy Mission Church Presents the Songs of wonderful musical entertainment. Weather Summer Outdoor Concert. This is a FREE Here are some of the activities you can permitting, concerts are held outdoors. In event for all ages. expect: case of rain concerts may be moved indoors - Carnival games for all ages and HUGE FREE food, FREE T-shirt Tye Dying or cancelled. prize tent (we provide the shirt!) Due to the unique nature of the concert - Pony rides series, guests are allowed to bring chairs, - Face Painting They will have performances throughout - Rock wall climbing food and beverages on Tempo of Twilight the night including J.Crum and JeVon - Hungry Hippo nights only. The gift shop is open and the Mickles. - Wrecking Ball café serves an abbreviated menu. We enSpoken word by Shannon Monque. - Hurdles courage visitors to carpool when possible Dance performance by Leonas Dance - Wate r Tag Company. This event is hosted by comedian as there is limited parking available. - Kids crafts Jarell Roach - Miniature golf -------------------------------------------------------- https://www.lauritzengardens.org/Visit/ - Nail painting Events_and_Exhibits/Tempo_of_Twilight/ TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 6P - Much, much more! index.asp TEMPO OF TWILIGHT, LAURITZEN -------------------------------------------------------GARDENS, 600 BANCROFT, OMAHA Learn more at relevantcommunity.org/ SUNDAY, JUNE 9 This outdoor concert series brings a specelkhorndays http://www.elkhorndays.com/ tacular lineup of local entertainment to the ROSE DAY AND SHOW -------------------------------------------------------- garden for a harmonious blend of music LAURITZEN GARDENS, 100 BANCROFT TUESDAY, JUNE 11-Friday, JUNE 15 ST, OMAHA, NE 68108 and nature. Omaha Children’s Choir Summer Music Camp Join the Omaha Rose Society for their Tuesday evenings from June 11 through Citylight Benson Church annual Rose Day and Show, to promote the July 23, 2019 Give your child the chance to embark on culture and appreciation of the rose. 6 to 8 p.m. a musical exploration of empowerment, Members Only Concert June 4, 2019 inclusivity, and how to use their voice to be Public viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 5 June 11, 18 and 25, July 2, 9, 16 and 23, a changemaker in our city! p.m. See a wide-variety of rose blooms on 2019 display, as well as an array of spectacular We’re all here on this planet no matter floral arrangements. Tuesday evenings from June 11 - July 23 where we’re from. Our differences and 6 to 8 p.m. uniquenesses make us all better humans Visit with consulting rosarians to learn and we should all help each other to get June 11, 18 and 25, July 2, 9, 16 and 23, along and succeed. about roses and their care. 2019 The end of camp will culminate in a camp art show and performance on Friday, June 14 at 5pm.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 OMAHA SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL 1200 MIKE FAHEY ST., OMAHA 135 of the nation’s finest visual artists, three stages of continuous entertainment including national performers and a large hands-on Children’s Fair (Sat & Sun only). Food, World Music, special events and artist demonstrations. -------------------------------------------------------FRIDAY, JUNE 7 FIREWORKS BONANZA & GROUNDBREAKING, STONEBRIDGE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 15801 BUTLER AVE, OMAHA Kick off your summer right with an amazing Fireworks display! This is the first event of our summer First Fridays at StoneBridge hosted at the Omaha Campus. This year is going to full of awesome activities for the whole family. There will be air games, live music, food trucks, an awesome fireworks display and so much more! In addition to the Fireworks, we are so excited to be celebrating a Groundbreaking ceremony for the new Auditorium at the Omaha campus. It is going to be an awesome night that you will not want to miss! -------------------------------------------------------FRIDAY, JUNE 7 | 7:30P-10:30P FREE MOVIE MARY POPPINS RETURNS SUMTUR AMPHITHEATER, 11691 S 108 Free popular movies under the stars all summer long. Gates and concessions open at 7:30 pm with movies starting at dusk. Movies and dates are subject to change. See SumTur.org for the latest schedule. -----------------------------------------------------FRIDAY, JUNE 7- SUNDAY, JUNE 9 ELKHORN DAYS Help celebrate the town of Elkhorn during our 2018 Elkhorn Days Celebrations! Elkhorn Days has been a tradition in our community for over 60 years. For 3 days in June we celebrate our growing community with many activities. 10a-Daily Yaymakers at Elkhorn Parade 12p- Family Fun at Ta-Ha-Zuka Park Hosted by Relevant Community Church The Family Fun Festival at Elkhorn Days is an afternoon filled with games, activities, rides, inflatables, prizes and more. The best part is that all these activities are completely FREE. Just look for the more than 50 “Play for Free” signs around Ta-ha-zouka Park and instantly join in the fun!

Omaha Children’s Choir Summer Music Camp is a high quality choral music experience based in a summer camp atmosphere. Summer Music Camp is open to all students entering grades 1-8 in the 2019-2020 school year. We also offer an Itty Bitty edition for children ages 3-5.

These family-friendly outdoor concerts provide a unique atmosphere to enjoy wonderful musical entertainment. Weather permitting, concerts are held outdoors. In case of rain concerts may be moved indoors or cancelled.

At camp, we offer an array of enriching music related activities and team bonding challenges to build musical knowledge and meaningful friendships. Campers are placed in an age-appropriate ensemble where they will experience musical elements of rhythm, melody, and harmony through singing, instrument, and movement.

Due to the unique nature of the concert series, guests are allowed to bring chairs, food and beverages on Tempo of Twilight nights only. The gift shop is open and the café serves an abbreviated menu. We encourage visitors to carpool when possible as there is limited parking available.

In addition to regular rehearsals, campers will attend each of the following breakout sessions: Fighting Injustice through Art, World Music Drumming, Orff, Dalcroze, and Kodaly-based Activities (xylophones and other small percussion instruments), and Music Production.

Dinner specials are available at $7 per person (with bottled drink) and $6.50 per person (with canned drink). Additionally, chicken salad sandwiches, fruit cups or watermelon, salad cups (chef’s choice of: pasta, coleslaw, orzo or potato), cookies, chips, novelty ice cream treats and beverages will be available. Menu subject to change.

Explore the Robert H. Storz Family Rose Garden to see more than 200 varieties of garden roses. Show the best blooms that your garden has to offer. Anyone is welcome to enter their roses from their own home garden for the show. Horticultural entries will be accepted from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Entries must remain in place until the end of the show. For more information, contact Don Swanson at (402) 493-5986 or visit www.omaharosesociety. com More information about Rose Day can be found at www.omaharosesociety.com.

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WHAT’S YOUR FOCUS? www.FocusOmaha.com Online & In Print

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23 7

WEDNESDAY JUNE 5 Happy Hippie Hour with Carrie Jean The Down Under Lounge, 3p ----------------------------------------------Dr. Webb Music The Down Under Lounge, 4:20p ----------------------------------------------Keystone Center Show and Shine Keystone Center, 5p ----------------------------------------------2019 Tech Omaha HH, Slowdown, 5p ----------------------------------------------Neckbeard Deathcamp w/ Theories Lookout Lounge, 6p ----------------------------------------------Hadden Sayers Solo Acoustic Show Wed 6 PM · The B Side of Benson Theatre ----------------------------------------------The 70’s Band, Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Ray’s Piano Party, Mr. Toad, 7p ----------------------------------------------Ladies Night, Rednecks, 7p ----------------------------------------------Trivia, Stocks n Bonds, 7p ----------------------------------------------David Hawkins Trio w. Mitch Towne & Andrew Janek, The Jewell, 7p ----------------------------------------------Mischief at Bike Night Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------The Loftus Party LIVE Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Comedy Open Mic Barley Street Tavern, 8p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke and Trivia party Bogie’s West, 8p ----------------------------------------------Thursday Night Trivia, Nifty Bar, 8p --------------------------------------------Karaoke w/ DJ Mad Matz Reverb Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Aly Peelers Open Mic Night The Down Under Lounge, 8p --------------------------------------------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

THURSDAY JUNE 6 Jeremiah Dane, Vino Mas, 5p ----------------------------------------------- Jarekus Singleton, Chrome Lounge, 6p ----------------------------------------------John Worsham, Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Joel Fraham w/ Dana Murray and Mitch Towne, The Jeweell, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Th Dive Kings, Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 8p ----------------------------------------------Acoustic Open Mic Night The New Frontier Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------Christopher Titus Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Trivia, The Sociable Inn, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------- Thursday Night Trivia, Nifty Bar, 8p ----------------------------------------------Harry Potter Trivia, The Cove, 8p ----------------------------------------------L7 w/ Le Butcherettes, The Slowdown, 8p ----------------------------------------------Prophet Massive +more for Rad Kadillac 13 Year Anniversary Party The Waiting Room, 8p ----------------------------------------------Frets & Relaxation, Vince & Virginia Kathryn Barley Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------Ladies Night Copacabana Cocktail Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------Thirsty Thursday Karaoke Forte Music Hall, 9p ----------------------------------------------Héctor Anchondo Solo Harney Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------KoZee Karaoke, KoZee Lounge. 9p ----------------------------------------------Chris Shelton, Dubliner Pub, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Jump Cut w/ Darrell & Patrick Conrad The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p

FRIDAY JUNE 7 BFF, Benson, 5p ----------------------------------------------Chris Jones The Cove Lounge, 5p -----------------------------------------------

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23

On The Fritz, Bogie’s West, 7p ----------------------------------------------Music by The 145 Therapy Bar & Grill, 7p ----------------------------------------------Dan Cummins Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p/9:45p ----------------------------------------------Gravespawn and Dark Apostle Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 8p ----------------------------------------------Irie Minds Rathskeller Bier Haus, 8p --------------------------------------------A Day To Remember -Raisin’ Hell In The Heartland Tour, Stir Cove, 8p ---------------------------------------Ghostemane w/ Ho99o9 (Horror) & Horus the Astroneer, The Waiting Room,8p ----------------------------------------------Feel Good Fridays Featuring Tyi Hakeem The Omaha Lounge, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Sebastian Lane’s Barley Street Blues Jam Barley Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------Live Music with Bob Fields and Swing Time Copacabana Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Linoma Mashers Summer Concert Event Growler USA, 9p ----------------------------------------------Daniel & the Deliverance Harney Street Tavern, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Luther James Band Live!, Havana Garage, 9p ----------------------------------------------Peace, Love, Etc, Ozone Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Elevate, Reverb Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Undisco Kids w/Like a Tiger The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Cam & Mike, Dubliner Pub, 9:30p

SATURDAY JUNE 8 Wayward The Down Under Lounge, 6p --------------------------------------------R&B Soul Vocalist Tyi Hakeem The Jewell, 7p ----------------------------------------------Dan Cummins, Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p --------------------------------------------Noah’s Ark Was A Spaceship / Eric in Outerspace / TFOA, brothers Lounge, 8p --------------------------------------------Karaoke & Music Smitty’s Garage, 8p --------------------------------------------Trivia & Karaoke Night Stumble Inn, 8p --------------------------------------------- THE STRUMBELLAS & The Moth & The Flame, Slowdown, 8p --------------------------------------------David Ryle Barley Street Tavern, 9p ---------------------------------------------

Live Music from Blue House Copacabana Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Witchsister / Butter Boys / CatBeret / The New Rosenbergs, Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 8p ----------------------------------------------Domestic Blend, Harney Street Tavern, 9p --------------------------------------------Coyote Bill Boogie Band Live Havana Garage, 9p --------------------------------------------Trivia Night, Julio’s, 9p ---------------------------------------------Joystick, Ozone Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------Flight Metaphor Acoustic, Danny Sabra Reverb Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------DJ Devon Dupree, The Cove, 9p --------------------------------------------Cam & Mike, Dubliner Pub, 9:30p --------------------------------------------Armful of Tiger Lillies w/ Randall Gruber & TBA, The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p

SUNDAY JUNE 9 Rose Day and Show, Lauritzen Gardens 11a ----------------------------------------------Sweet Cases After Party w/ Teacherz Petz Therapy Bar & Grill, 6p --------------------------------------------Puttin’ on the Ritz Sokol Auditorium, 2p --------------------------------------------Susie Thorne on Sunday featuring Michael “Gooch” Gurciullo The Jewell, 7p -------------------------------------------Free Booze BINGO The Down Under Lounge, 8p -------------------------------------------Karaoke, The Down Under Lounge,10p

MONDAY JUNE 10 Escape From- Double Feature The Down Under, 3p --------------------------------------------Free Pool Billiards, Big John’s, 6p --------------------------------------------Aly Peeler and Andrew Bailie Monarch Prime & Bar, 6:30p --------------------------------------------Ozone Big Band, Ozone Lounge, 6:30p --------------------------------------------Bar Bingo, Molly’s Pub Ralston, 7p --------------------------------------------Trivia Mafia Monday’s Vis Major Brewing Co, 7p --------------------------------------------Michelle Eva Bleu featuring B. Baldwin The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p --------------------------------------------Service Industry NIGHT Addy’s Maple, 9p --------------------------------------------Blue Monday Blues Jam The Down Under, 9p

TUESDAY JUNE 11 Lauritzen Gardens Tempo of Twilight Lauritzen Gardens, 6p --------------------------------------------Songs of Summer Outdoor Concert Mission Church, 6p --------------------------------------------Spontanious Combustion Ozone Lounge, 6:30p --------------------------------------------Open Jam, Barley Street Tavern, 7p --------------------------------------------Acoustic Open Mic Night The New Frontier Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------The Blues w/Héctor Anchondo The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p --------------------------------------------MANDOLIN ORANGE & Andrea von Kampen, Slowdown, 8p --------------------------------------------Spencer’s Trivia Dojo The Down Under Lounge, 8p --------------------------------------------The Record Company w/ Buffalo Gospel The Waiting Room, 8p --------------------------------------------Slingshot Dakota ~ Muscle Cousins O’Leaver’s Pub, 9p --------------------------------------------Industry Night w/ DJ Sam EC Parliament Pub West, 9p --------------------------------------------Mandolin Orange w/ Andrea von Kampen, Slowdown, 9p

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23 9

THURSDAY JUNE 6

Sublime w/ Rome Prophet Massive SUMTUR AMPHITHEATER WAITING ROOM

SATURDAY JUNE 8

Kill Tony Summer Tour

WAITING ROOM

SATURDAY JUNE 8 & SUDAY JUNE 9

Leslie Odom Jr. HOLLAND CENTER

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23

THURSDAY JUNE 6

L7 SLOWDOWN

SATURDAY JUNE 8

FRIDAY JUNE 7-SUNDAYJUNE 9

45th Annual Summer Arts Festival OLD MARKET

TUESDAY JUNE 11

The Record Company â&#x20AC;&#x201C; All of this Life Tour 2019 Puttin On The Ritz SUMTUR AMPHITHEATER WAITING ROOM

FRIDAY JUNE 7

Fireworks Bonanza & Ground Breaking STONEBRIDGE CHURCH

TUESDAY JUNE 11

MANDOLIN ORANGE w/ Andrea von Kampen SLOWDOWN

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23 11

THIS WEEK

Blair’s Gateway to the West days June 6-9 Bennington Daze June 7-9 Carter Lake Festival June 8 Elkhorn Days June 7-9 Springfield Days June 7-8 Papillion Days June 12-16 Ralston Independence Day Celebration July 3-4

UPCOMING EVENTS

John C. Fremont Days July 12-14 Greta Days July 25-28 Benson Days July 27-29

Ladies Day Out in Blair! June 6, 2019 10a-8p Friday, June 7 Gateway June Jam Depot @ Lion’s Park 6p - 8p Saturday, June 8 Car Show 17th & Lincoln to Grant St. 8a - 12p registration @Blair PD Parking Lot PARADE 12p-1p Blair, Ne

BLAIR’S GATEWAY TO THE WEST Sunday, June 9 DAYS JUNE 6-9 Midtown Mayhem @ 10a ------------------------------------------------------

BENNINGTON DAZE JUNE 7-9 benningtonfoundation.com/events Don’t miss the community event of the summer, organized by our friends at Bennington Daze, Inc. From a free BBQ to a children’s tractor pull, Bennington Daze has something for everyone.

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23

Friday, June 7 Picnic in the ParkFREE FOOD beginning at 6p at the Elementary Football Field. First come, first serve. Free Ice Cream Sundaes6:30-8:30pm, Bennington Elementary Football Field KICK-OFF at Nates Stumble Inn 9pm Saturday, June 8 Support the BHS Cheerleading Squad during Bennington Daze by stopping by the Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, June 8th from 7:30-10:30 am Support the BHS Music Boosters during Bennington Daze at their Mattress Sale. Check out the showroom of quality, name brand mattresses in the Bennington Elementary Gym on Saturday, June 8th from 7 am to 5 pm 10am Parade 2pm at Stumble Inn-Acoustic Music 8pm Taxi Driver at Warehouse

ELKHORN DAYS JUNE 7-9 www.elkhorndays.com/events/

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SPRINGFIELD DAYS springfieldne.org/quality_of_life/ springfield_days Jun 7 - Jun 8

Friday night’s events begin at 5:30p.m. with the Knights of Columbus Hot Dog dinner & Family Dance plus fun & games at the Community Building. The night ends with the Outdoor Movie behind Springfield Memorial Library. The movie is provided by HD Sight & Sound. Don’t miss it!

GET YOUR FOCUS ON! www.focusomaha.com Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23 13

Ben Kweller Fences “A Mission” “Heart Attack Kid” By Tatiana Ballinger By Tatiana Ballinger A long awaited single from another American native was released earlier this year in February with patient surge. Our friend Ben Kweller of Austin, Texas, has a new album to be released sometime this year called “Circuit Boredom.” Forever and new fans stay tuned. Ben is the best friend a kid could ask for. Trust knowing you can always turn back to their folk song releases that will empower you by knowing his stories. He even took the time to remind you that he has you in mind, when he says, “I got your back, heart attack kid. It doesn’t matter what you did,” as a true diplomat who we could all learn from. Kweller has stayed supportive of his fans over the years with vast musical and cinema collaborations. A new listener can start anywhere on the timeline of Ben’s clear and distinctive voice sans brooding exclusive affection. He understands something we all wish we could. We hear it in his songs. If we could only repay Ben Kweller and company for their genuine work over the years. We are held over from the performance in Denver, Colorado at the Lost Lake Lounge last May 30. A classic set of solo Ben with piano, guitar, and harmonica; an entourage for new hits like “Heart Attack Kid” and “I See Stars.” Catch him at the Waiting Room Lounge July 21, 2019.

A pacifying number from the left coast called “A Mission” from the band Fences streams with lyrics about being lonely in the throws of a socialite. This song would fit a white Christmas light-wrapped gazebo slow dancing movie scene. The muse is water, but he does not swim. The alcohol is a prison, but he has been writing. Ear muscles flex to the damp curves of this song. Easily flowing to a familiar morose tone like trying to stay happy on your day off in a field of dandelions; it is harder than it looks. We hope the rest of the new album this summer has more skeletal components to allow for improvised crescendo and raspy growls from the members of Fences on tour this year.

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23

and late-night jam-fests with the stage crammed with local friends and guests, sweaty, foot-flashing dance parties with the musicians exhausting both the crowd and themselves. A recent addition to TNB catalog is the richly preserved “Authorized Bootleg: Neville Brothers (Live, Warfield Theatre, San Francisco, CA, Feb 27, 1989).” The collection is a portable party in your pocket, the setlist crammed full of TNB classics: “Fire on The Bayou,” “Junk Man,” “Yellow Moon,” “Tell it Like it Is,” and a pleasing smattering of instrumental jams right back down to commiserate with us New Orleans funk isn’t James Brown or and medleys. This set does a great job of earth-bound listeners. “Big Chief” taps into George Clinton. N’awlins funk is The Neville the native N’awlins spirit, a Mardi-Gras party highlighting the impressive musicianship of Brothers, Wild Magnolias and The Meters. TNB and their live band circa ’89. Really, what in a headdress. The drumming and bass are It’s less gimmicky and more textured, layers TNB do best is good time music to be played infectious throughout the live set, tight and of percussion and counter-rhythms, the grooving. TNB manages to sound like a full-on with good time friends. TNB will be a perfect bass still out front and leading the charge addition to your Summer playlists. party even when they slow it down, it’s just but doing so in a more refined fashion. The the nature of its music. brass-Jazz history of New Orleans plays a Records to Stream/Download: huge role, horns played with a graceful and The Neville Brothers: “Live At Tipitina’s While the band’s live shows are the stuff of subtle nuance as opposed to serving as mu(1982)” legend, memories waiting to be shared and sical exclamation points. The Cajun/Zydeco The Neville Brothers: “Fiyo on the Bayou” a one-of-a-kind live music experience, TNB influence is always cooked into the stew knew the way around the studio as well. “Fiyo The Neville Brothers: “Yellow Moon” one way or another, making it sound more The Neville Brothers: “Authorized Bootleg: on the Bayou” is considered the band’s highlike World music than R&B or Soul. N’awlins Neville Brothers (Live Warfield Theatre, San water mark in terms of studio releases and funk is World music, it’s Bayou, gators, and for good reason. The grooves are monstrous, Francisco, CA, Feb 27, 1989) crawfish on a picnic table. Its’s brass bands marching down the street as part of a funeral the playing ferocious. The record is short and sweet, eight songs clocking in at 36 minutes, procession. It’s funk fit for the swampiest but the grooves are deep and the music is of circumstances and nobody does it better infectious, a powerful statement in a small than The Neville Brothers. package. “Hey Pocky A-Way” is a pure funk party, dance music for the sweaty late nights. Aaron Neville, with the bulging biceps and “Sweet Honey Dripper” and “Fire on the fiery falsetto, has achieved a small degree Bayou” (spelled differently from the album of mainstream success, including a few hit duets with Linda Ronstadt. However, for the title) continue the blistering energy but the most part, the music of The Neville Brothers album’s highlight remains when they slow it down a bit and cover Jimmy Cliff’s iconic (TNB) remains a well-hidden secret for New “Sitting Here in Limbo.” The timeless melody Orleans natives and funk aficionados. The takes on a slightly mysterious tilt when The Neville Brothers became a musical reality in 1976 when four brothers, Art, Charles, Aaron Neville’s work it up, adding a refreshing dimension to a classic song. and Cyril decided to take the music of their childhood, the music of their hometown New Orleans and put a modern twist on the city’s In 1989 TNB released “Yellow Moon,” one of the best albums of the 80s. While it’s timeless sonic legacy. Known for blistering live shows, funk jams stretching into the wee obvious the record was released when it was, it remains timeless because of just how well hours, TNB were the darlings of the city’s legendary Jazz Fest and a musical force to be TNB do what they do. Not only is the musicianship on the album excellent, the flavors reckoned with. and moods varied, darting between classical flourishes and African percussion, mixing it Let’s just jump right into the live stuff. “Live up like they do down Louisiana way. Aaron’s At Tipitina’s (1982)” is a solid hour and a lead vocals and playful Soul-scat stand out on half of Neville gold. The recording quality is “Yellow Moon,” propelling the album’s variamong the best you’ll find when it comes to live TNB and the playing is from a time when ous themes onward, avoiding musical stagnation. The title cut is a Swamp-Samba, special the band was still young and hungry. The hometown guests filling out the band’s sound, set finds the brothers bouncing effortlessly a subtle island sway played under jazz horns. between deep-soul funk promenades and the softer, gentler stylings Aaron has become It has a great mood and doesn’t sound like anything other than TNB. known for. Tipitina’s is homecourt for these gentlemen and the playing has the little extra But again, TNB made their name and earned something you only get in front of a hometheir striped on the stages of NOLA’s legtown crowd. “Tell It Like It is” finds Aaron stretching his vocals up and down the scales, endary Jazz and Heritage Festival. Both free shows in the park under the afternoon sun straining for the emotional highs and sliding

Getting to Know That Big Easy Goodtime Sound: The Neville Brothers By Jesse D. Stanek

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.

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23 15

Earthbound & Down–

Bound for the Airwaves By Andy Roberts

A release party last Friday, May 31, to debut the single “Trapped” to the music world in Omaha and beyond is intended as a launching pad for Omaha-based Earthbound & Down. For the curious, the name comes from one of the band’s songs and they feel it just fits their vide. Earthbound & Down is Mike Schartiger on lead guitar and vocals, Justin Redlinger on bass and vocals, drummer Logan Swander, and lead vocalist Justin Koenig. Their path to Omaha’s vibrant music scene goes through Ohio. “We started playing music in Ohio together in 2010,” Schartiger said of his work with Redlinger. After leaving the University of Akron, Omaha native Redlinger returned to the metro area and Schartiger helped him move back. He liked what he saw on the trip – they had been working on music in Ohio – and it wasn’t long before he followed Redlinger. “The music isn’t the same in Ohio,” Schartiger said. “It’s a whole different animal.” Shortly later moving to Omaha the musical duo met Swander.

The band had gone through a few changes in vocalists while looking for the right fit for their three-part harmonies. They seem to have found it. “I really like our harmonies together,” Schartiger said. Redlinger added, “When Justin Koenig came in the band, he fell in love with the single we just released.” The song was quickly recorded in what they are calling a great studio session, and it’s just the start. “We can’t wait to record the rest of the EP,” Redlinger said. “We have a lot of good feet to put forward.” Schartiger agreed. “We’re really confident we’re going to be able to go in there and crank out the rest of the EP before the year’s end,” the guitarist said. “We’re probably going to do another single release in July or August.” They’re calling “Trapped” a reward to loyal fans and promise that after the EP there’s another album’s worth of material is waiting. Schartiger and Redlinger do most of the writing but Swander contributes and their friend Michael Ternosky, who remains in Ohio, has contributed to some songs including “Trapped.” Schartiger’s ideas generally turn into something new once the other band members join in the development of the songs. For Koenig it has been a perfect fit. “There’s not really that many people I’ve met in life that have that exact same passion as me . . . I just felt immediately welcomed,” he stated. Earthbound & Down described the band’s strengths as being a power trio with “very powerful vocal.” The new single highlights the harmonies in

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impressive fashion, and they can fill an evening with two and a half to three hours of originals and covers. “We rock,” Redlinger said. “We dynamically play our set . . . there’s dynamics.” Schartiger “I think the one thing that separates us from most bands is our energy level.”

likely to start with a trip to Des Moines, Kansas City, Lawrence, and Kearney or Grand Island.

Pearl Jam and The Dave Matthews Band with a touch of Warren Haynes, Sublime and The Allman Brothers. There’s a touch of reggae, too. Describe your sound . . . “We rock and we jam and we take you to outer space,” Redlinger said. Still in their musical, Earthbound & Down have played The Down Under, The Harney Street Tavern and Reverb. They will be playing at River Jam at River West Park in July. Touring is not in the cards at the moment, but they are

For more about Earthbound & Down https://www. facebook.com/ EBND17/

It helps that they now have something to promote. You can check out “Trapped” on Facebook. “Stay tuned,” Schartiger said. “There’s a lot of fun things coming.”

Hamilton Star Leslie Odom Jr. is Symphony’s 2018/19 Season Finale By Howard Schwartz

While the city waits for Hamilton to arrive this fall, one of the Broadway sensation’s original stars is paying Omaha a visit this weekend. For the few not in the know, Hamilton is the hip-hop musical that has become the biggest Broadway sensation of at least the past halfdecade. Leslie Odom Jr. – a Tony and Grammy Award – winner – who played Aaron Burr (“Sir”) in Hamilton, will close the Omaha Symphony’s 2018/19 season with two performances. The first show is Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Both performances are set for the Holland Performing Arts Center. Odom Jr. may be best known for his role as Burr in Hamilton where he won the Tony for Best Actor in a musical when he played the historical figure whom we all remember historically for killing the title character in a duel. He picked up a Grammy as a principal soloist on the original cast recording album. His Broadway debut came at the age of 17 in Rent.

Odom Jr.’s talents extend to Hollywood, where he shared the screen with Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer in Kenneth Branagh’s adaption of Murder on the Orient Express and appeared in the 2012 film Red Tails. He’s made a mark on television in the cult classic Smash and recurring roles in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Person of Interest. A December 2017 solo performance at Jazz at Lincoln Center was broadcast as an hour-long PBS special in 2018. He also is the author of Falling Up: How to take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning. Somehow, he is fitting a trip to Omaha into his schedule. The solo shows have drawn rave reviews. Writing about an April 1 performance, Dallasbased critic Shawn Stalter said: “Leslie Odom Jr. showcased a unique combination of deep, warm and caressing vocals which seamlessly combined with the sensual percussion, guitar, bass and piano of his talented band. This rich musical tapestry blended into a flowing, textured and smile-inducing sound.” Jodi Duckett wrote in The Morning Call, “His voice was silky, he showed good range and sang some parts a cappella. Everything seemed to have a bit of a Latin style, due to the strong presence of conga and djembe drum.” The performance will be conducted by Music Director Thomas Wilkins and will feature songs from Odom’s self-titled 2016 jazz album, including “Look for the Silver Lining,” “Autumn Leaves,” “I Know That You Know,” and “The Guilty Ones,” as well as selections from Hamilton.

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Cancer Survivors Benefit from Quitting Tobacco In 2016 there were an estimated 15.5 million cancer survivors in the U.S. and that number is expected to increase. Only about ½ of the cancer survivors who smoke report making a quit attempt within the past year, even though quitting tobacco can improve survivors’ longevity and quality of life. The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline wants to help all Nebraskans live long and healthy lives, and one way to do that is through providing free access to smoking cessation resources. “For those who are ready to quit, visiting with a healthcare provider is a good first step,” Alan G. Thorson, M.D., president of the Nebraska Cancer Coalition (NC2), said. In honor of National Cancer Survivors Day, many of our organization’s partners will engage in local celebration events across Nebraska. These cancer centers, clinical practices, and other health care providers provide access to many resources that can help you quit using tobacco.”

and Prevention Tips from Former Smokers® ad campaign. Some of the stories highlight cancer survivors who have successfully quit

Smoking not only causes cancer but also interferes with cancer treatment. Cancer survivors have already overcome so much, but those who smoke are at a greater risk for— · Having their cancer recur. · Medical issues from cancer treatment. · Dying from their primary cancer and from secondary cancer of a different organ. · Dying from other causes such as pneumonia and infection. Nebraskans looking for free help quitting tobacco should call the Nebraska Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669). The Quitline is confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In Douglas County, the Metro Omaha Tobacco Action Coalition (MOTAC) offers numerous resources to quit smoking. Those can be found at www.motac.org. Another source of inspiration to quit can come from the Centers for Disease Control

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23

smoking after their diagnosis. Visit cdc.gov/ tipsfor more. Tobacco use is the primary cause of lung cancer and it is responsible for over two thirds of lung cancer deaths globally. In the U.S., smoking causes 90% of all lung cancer deaths.

Did you know that more women die of lung cancer than from breast cancer? Don’t let tobacco take youth breath away. #WNTD2019 #NoTobacco #NeverTobacco

THURSDAY, JUNE 6

Classic Car Cruise-In, Quaker Steak, 5p Beer Garden; CD 105 Live/DJ, Food Specials -----------------------------------------------------The Broadways McCoys @ Thunderbowl, 6:30p

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

Domestic Blend, McCoy’s Thunderbowl, 6p -----------------------------------------------------Forgiven Sinner, CrossRoads Church, 7p -----------------------------------------------------A Day To Remember -Raisin’ Hell In The Heartland Tour, Stir Cove, 8p

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

2019 Perennial Plant Sale Historic General Dodge House, 9a -----------------------------------------------------NotUTwo, McCoy’s Thunderbowl, 6:30p -----------------------------------------------------Twisted Whiskey, Cellar19 Wine & Deli, 7p ------------------------------------------------------

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Creighton Bluejays Nebraska Huskers By Focus Omaha

By Focus Omaha

The Creighton Baseball team suffered a 6-0 setback to Michigan in the opening game of the NCAA Tournament at the Corvallis Regional on Friday, May 31., but battled back to take the Wolverines to a final regional championship game on Monday night. For the Jays and their fans, it didn’t end well, but 41-13 for the season was a big step for the program.

The Husker baseball team started off with a bang winning their first NCAA Tournament game since 2008 on Friday over UConn 8-5.

Michigan starter Karl Kauffmann was dominating and allowed only six hits in 8 2/3 innings for a 6-0 win. Facing the defending national champions in an elimination game the Creighton Bluejays accepted the challenge, delivering a 4-1 win over Oregon State on Saturday, June 1. The comeback continued on Sunday when CU eliminated Cincinnati 6-1 win as junior Ben Dotzler delivered seven-innings of one-run ball in just his second start. In a second Sunday game, the Jays were down 7-4 heading to the ninth inning with the season on the brink. The Bluejays used a seven-run ninth inning to stun the Wolverines with an 11-7 win and force a Monday night winner-take-all for the Corvallis Regional title.

Senior left-handed pitcher Nate Fisher, making his 15thstart of the season went 4.2 innings and allowed five runs. Robbie Palkert earned the win by throwing 3.1 scoreless innings and recorded four strikeouts. Freshman Colby Gomes earned his team-high 13thsave of the season, putting him in a tie for third on Nebraska’s single-season saves list. On offense, in the top of the first, Cam Chick reached on a one-out error, but a strikeout and fielder’s choice ended the inning. In the bottom of the first, UConn plated two runs on three hits to take the early lead. Each of the first two batters singled before a bunt pop-up double play. Pat Winkel hit a two-run home run to put the Huskies on the board. Angelo Altavilla smashed a leadoff home run in the top of the second for NU’s first run of the game. Each of the next three Husker batters produced outs. In the bottom of the second, Connecticut added two runs to take a 4-1 lead, using three hits in the frame.

Nebraska scored four runs in the top of the third to take a 5-4 lead. Each of the first six batters reached base, as Gomes, Jaxon Hallmark, and Cam Chick each singled before An early 4-1 lead fell apart after starter Mitch Ragan walked two batters to open the Aaron Palensky walked to load the bases. Spencer Schwellenbach drove in one run with fourth. Michigan went on the plate five runs an RBI single before Altavilla did the same. A in the inning and never trailed again. Jack double play and strikeout left one runner on Strunc tried to rally his club with a second base. The Huskies managed two hits during homer on the night to open the seventh, the bottom of the third, but couldn’t score but Michigan responded with six runs in the bottom of the inning on the way to a 17-6 win either runner. and the regional title. In the top of the fourth, Mojo Hagge reached on a leadoff bunt single but was left stranded Michigan advanced to meet UCLA in the after three consecutive strikeouts. UConn Super Regionals in Los Angeles. managed a pair of hits in the bottom of the

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fourth, but the score remained a 5-4 lead for the Big Red. NU scored one run in the top of the fifth to extend its lead to 6-4. Schwellenbach reached on a one-out walk before advancing to second on a wild pitch. Gunner Hellstrom drove him in with an RBI single. The Huskies scored one run in the bottom of the fifth to trim the deficit to 6-5. UConn compiled three hits during the frame. The Huskers added a run in the top of the sixth to make it 7-5. Hagge drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch before stealing third. Chick was hit-bypitch to put runners on the corners before Palensky’s RBI single. Schwellenbach walked to load the bases but a strikeout ended the inning. In the bottom of the sixth, UConn managed a pair of two-out singles and the runners made it to second and third before a groundout left them stranded.

asaw Bricktown Ballpark on Saturday night. Trevor Boone hit the go-ahead three-run home run for the Cowboys. Senior right-handed pitcher Matt Waldron, making his 14th start of the season, recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts in 7.2 innings and allowed two runs. It marked the first time a Husker pitcher had more than 10 strikeouts in a game since 2010 when Michael Mariot had 12 against Southeast Missouri State. Shay Schanaman and Colby Gomes each came on for relief appearances for the Big Red.

Game 3 The Nebraska baseball team (32-24) fell to UConn, 16-1, in an NCAA Regional elimination game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on Sunday afternoon. The Huskers, making their fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last six years, saw their 2019 season come to an end after going 1-2 at the Oklahoma City Regional. It In the top of the seventh, Hellstrom singled marked Nebraska’s 16th NCAA Tournament but was left on base after three straight appearance in program history, and 13th strikeouts. Connecticut had two baserunners appearance in the last 21 years. in the bottom of the seventh via base hits, but they were both left stranded in a scoreless Erstad Steps Down inning for the Huskies. Nebraska Head Baseball Coach Darin Erstad announced Monday afternoon that he had The Huskers went down in order in the top resigned from his position. Erstad guided the of the eighth. UConn left a runner stranded Husker program for the past eight seasons, on third after he hit a one-out double in the leading the Huskers to a Big Ten Championbottom of the eighth. ship and four NCAA Regional appearances. NU added an insurance run in the top of the ninth. Schwellenbach laced a leadoff single before advancing to second on Hellstrom’s one-out single. Joe Acker smacked an RBI double to drive in one run before back-toback outs ended the inning. UConn managed one hit in a scoreless bottom of the ninth. Game 2 Leading 5-2 after eight innings, Nebraska (32-23) allowed four runs in the top of the ninth as No. 9 Oklahoma State escaped with a 6-5 win in NCAA Regional action at Chick-

“I have made the extremely difficult decision to step away from coaching,” Erstad said. “I love this team. I love our staff and I love Nebraska. The bottom line is I do not want to miss seeing our kids grow up. I want to thank our administration and academic staff for all of their support over the last eight years. GBR forever.” Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos said Erstad was the right individual to lead the Husker program but understands Erstad’s choice to spend more time with his family.

“Darin earned the right to lead this baseball program well into the future, and I was hopeful that would be the case,” Moos said. “Darin loved the opportunity to represent Nebraska every day and did an outstanding job. He’s a Nebraska guy who loves this program and is a proven winner. With all that said, I respect and admire that Darin’s priority now is to spend more time with his family as his children grow up.” Erstad took over the Nebraska program in June of 2011, and finished with a record of 267-193-1. Erstad’s 2017 team captured the Big Ten regular-season title and he was named Big Ten Coach of the Year for his leadership. Four of his eight teams finished second or better in the conference, and his teams reached the Big Ten tournament championship game in 2013, 2014 and 2019. Nebraska qualified for NCAA Regional play in 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2019. The Jamestown, N.D., native is one of the top players in Nebraska baseball history. A twosport star at Nebraska, Erstad was a firstteam All-American and Big Eight Co-Player of the Year in 1995. In addition, Erstad was a two-time academic all-conference pick and was the starting punter on Nebraska’s 1994 national championship football team. He was inducted into the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame in September of 2018. The No. 1 overall pick in the 1995 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, Erstad spent the majority of his career playing for the Angels, where he won three Gold Gloves (2000-02-04) and was selected for the American League All-Star team in 1998 and 2000. He was part of the Angels 2002 World Series Champion team.

Omaha Mavericks

deep into the game before falling 5-2 on Friday evening. Omaha’s Payton Kinney notched eight strikeouts with five runs, seven hits and just one walk allowed through 6.0 innings of work. Grant Suponchick tossed 2.0 scoreless innings with a strikeout and allowed just one Bruins hit. Breyden Eckhout launched his third homer of the season and was 1-for-3 at the plate. UNO ended its tournament run with a 24-6 loss to No. 2 seed Baylor on Saturday. Baylor’s catcher Shea Langeliers set an NCAA single-game tournament record with 11 RBIs on a 5-for-6 day at the plate – including three home runs and a double. The Bears totaled 23 hits with five home runs. The Mavericks tallied two homers and had only one team error. Eckhout notched his second home run of the tournament and went 3-for-4 at the plate. Parker Smejkal went 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and a team-high three RBIs. It wasn’t the end to the season the Mavericks wanted, but the overall program continues to establish itself in the NCAA Division One.

By Focus Omaha

The Omaha baseball team’s historic 2019 season to an end on Saturday in Los Angeles. The Mavericks (31-24-1) faced a tall task in the opening against the NCAA Tournament’s overall No. 1 seed in UCLA. They battled

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Managing your Plants With Hail Damage By Scott Evans Ne. Hort Ext. okra, tomatoes that were stripped of their foliage should be replaced. Stems that were damaged will be avenues for pathogens to enter and it might just be easier to replace than deal with a headache further down the season.

For many of us in the Omaha area, we woke up early May 28th to a thunderous roar of hail. Depending on the location in town the size of the hailstones ranged from pea to quarter sized. Our back yard it was quarter sized and lasted for about 10 minutes. Large leafed plants took the hardest hits. Hosta, rhubarb, lungwort, peonies, and more took the brunt of the damage. One of the first things we should not do is cut plants down to the ground. The best advise it to wait a few days up to a week to see what recovers and what does not. Peonies for instant need as much leaf surface area to take in energy for next year. If we would to cut them back now we would deny the plant the remainder of the season to take make energy. This could lead to issues down the road such as lack of flowers and smaller plants. However, those stalks that have been damaged (bent or broken) should be mitigated. Cut below the break and try to leave stalks with as many leaves possible. Hosta plants look like they went through a blender and care should be taken as you start to assess the damage. Leaving as much leaf material intact will be the most beneficial thing to do. It will take a few days before you will know which leaves will make it and which will not. We often forget that the petiole (leaf stalk) photosynthesizes. It might look tacky but leaving the petioles will aid in the recover the plant.

Trees and shrubs that were damaged should be left alone. All that should be done is to prune damaged branches that might be broken. If the branch has more than 1/3 of the bark stripped it will probably be a candidate for removal. Consult an arborist if you have questions or if you need to lift a chainsaw above your head.

There are some mixed feelings about the use of fertilizers after a major weather event. Colorado State University does recommend a light application of a low (less than 10%) nitrogen fertilizer. If in doubt you can skip fertilizing altogether. Spring has been educational this year and it looks like Mother Nature has one or two lessons left to teach. I just hope the next lesson is . . . a little more gentle.

Annuals that were hit hard from hail will probably need replaced. There are a few exceptions. Petunias and sweet potato vines usually recover from damage. However, impatiens, coleus, vinca flower, salvia, begonias, and more may need to be replaced depending on the damage and your level of patients. Vegetables such as eggplant, peppers,

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23 23

The Individual 401k By Michael Harek If you’re self-employed or own a small business, you’ve probably considered establishing a retirement plan. If you’ve done your homework, you likely know about simplified employee pensions (SEPs) and savings incentive match plans for employees (SIMPLE) IRA plans. These plans typically appeal to small business owners because they’re relatively straightforward and inexpensive to administer. What you may not know is that in many cases an individual 401(k) plan (which is also known by other names such as a solo 401(k) plan, an employer-only 401(k) plan, a single participant 401(k) plan, or a mini 401(k) plan) may offer a better combination of benefits. What is an individual 401(k) plan? An individual 401(k) plan is a regular 401(k) plan combined with a profit-sharing plan. However, unlike a regular 401(k) plan, an individual 401(k) plan can be implemented only by self-employed individuals or small business owners who have no other full-time employees (an exception applies if your full-time employee is your spouse). If you have full-time employees age 21 or older (other than your spouse) or part-time employees who work more than 1,000 hours a year, you will typically have to include them in any plan you set up, so adopting an individual 401(k) plan will not be a viable option.

other types of retirement plans. With an individual 401(k) plan you can elect to defer up to $19,000 of your compensation to the plan for 2019 (plus catch-up contributions of up to $6,000 if you’re age 50 or older), just as you could with any 401(k) plan. In addition, as with a traditional profit-sharing plan, your business can make a maximum tax-deductible contribution to the plan of up to 25% of your compensation (up to $280,000 in 2019). Because your 401(k) elective deferrals don’t count toward the 25% limit, you, as an owner-employee, can defer the maximum amount of compensation under the 401(k) plan, and still contribute up to 25% of total compensation to the profit-sharing plan on your own behalf. Total plan contributions for 2019 cannot, however, exceed the lesser of $56,000 (plus any catch-up contributions) or 100% of your compensation. For example, Dan is 35 years old and the sole owner of an incorporated business. His compensation in 2019 is $100,000. Dan sets up an individual 401(k) plan for his retirement. Under current tax law, Dan’s plan account can accept a tax-deductible business contribution of $25,000 (25% of $100,000), plus a 401(k) elective deferral of $19,000. As a result, total plan contributions on Dan’s behalf can reach $44,000, which falls within Dan’s contribution limit of $56,000 (the lesser of $56,000 or 100% of his compensation).

What makes an individual 401(k) plan attractive? One feature that makes an individual 401(k) plan an attractive retirement savings vehicle is that in most cases your allowable contribution These contribution possibilities aren’t unique to an individual 401(k) plan will be as large to individual 401(k) plans; any business estabas or larger than you could make under most lishing a regular 401(k) plan and a profit-shar-

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ing plan could make similar contributions. But individual 401(k) plans are simpler to administer than other types of retirement plans. Since they cover only a self-employed individual or business owner and his or her spouse, individual 401(k) plans aren’t subject to the often burdensome and complicated administrative rules and discrimination testing that are generally required for regular 401(k) and profit-sharing plans.

Your individual 401(k) plan assets are fully protected from your creditors under federal law if you declare bankruptcy. However, since an individual 401(k) plan generally isn’t subject to ERISA, whether your plan’s assets will be protected from your creditors outside of bankruptcy will be determined by the laws of your particular state.

Self-employed individuals* and small business owners with significant compensation can Other advantages of an individual 401(k) plan already contribute a maximum of $56,000 by Large potential annual contributions and using a traditional profit-sharing plan or SEP straightforward administrative requirements plan. An individual 401(k) plan will not allow are appealing, but individual 401(k) plans also contributions to be made above this limit (an have advantages that are shared by many exception exists for catch-up contributions other types of retirement plans: that can be made by individuals age 50 or older). An individual 401(k) is a tax-deferred retirement plan, so you pay no income tax on plan An individual 401(k) may not meet your future contributions or earnings (if any) until you needs. If your business grows and you hire a withdraw money from the plan. And, your full-time employee who is not your spouse, business’s contribution to the plan is tax that employee will generally need to be includdeductible.* ed in your plan. If that happens, you no longer have an individual 401(k) plan; you have a regYou can, if your plan document permits, ular 401(k) plan and profit-sharing plan, and designate all or part of your elective deferrals you lose the benefit of the individual 401(k) as after-tax Roth 401(k) contributions. While plan’s simplified administration rules. Roth contributions don’t provide immediate tax savings, qualified distributions from your * If your business is unincorporated, your plan Roth account are entirely free from federal compensation is based on your net income. income tax. This means that you must deduct one-half of your self-employment tax as well as any plan Contributions to an individual 401(k) plan are contributions to determine your compensation completely discretionary. You should always base. Effectively, this means that an unincortry to contribute as much as possible, but you porated business with one owner-employee have the option of reducing or even suspendcan deduct profit-sharing contributions of up ing plan contributions if necessary. to 20% of the owner-employees earnings after An individual 401(k) plan can allow loans and the deduction for one-half of self-employment may allow hardship withdrawals if necessary. tax. Similarly, special rules apply in calculating An individual 401(k) plan can accept rollovers the annual additions limit. of funds from another retirement savings vehicle, such as an IRA, a SEP plan, or a previous employer’s 401(k) plan. Disadvantages Despite its attractive features, an individual 401(k) plan is not the right option for everyone. Here are a few potential drawbacks: An individual 401(k) plan, like a regular 401(k) plan, must follow certain requirements under the Internal Revenue Code. Although these requirements are much simpler than they would be for a regular 401(k) plan with multiple participants, there is still a cost associated with establishing and administering an individual 401(k) plan.

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Age of the Developer By Eric Cano The development world has changed from before the market crash until now. Before developers were big real estate companies that would go buy acreages, work with the city to add streets, utility connections, and subdivide the land into lots. These companies would then sell the lots to builders. Custom builders would mostly buy lots from these developers. There were some big builder companies that would develop and exclusively build on these lots. Companies like Benchmark Homes, Celebrity Homes, and Hearthstone Homes. When the market crashed, many builders went out of business, although a few were able to stay afloat. Some of the builders that held on started to produce their own developments. With smaller custom builders, it wasn’t easy to create their own development so they would need to buy from these bigger custom builders that took advantage of buying land in the market crash. These bigger builders were not so open to selling lots to the smaller builders.

What’s trending in Omaha? Why is commercial real estate a good investment? He’ll offer helpful tips for buyers in a seller’s market, and much more!

A few investors saw the opportunity to develop older parts of town. Now there are several developers working these older parts of town and bringing life to them. While some are using existing structures and dressing them up, others are building new structures. Most of these areas have both commercial and residential, sometimes these structures are multi-use. Most of them will stay in one area. Places like Benson, continued on page 27

Let Eric answer the tough questions:

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23

Get REAL ^estate

with Eric

Aksarben, Midtown Crossing, and the Dundee area. All of these areas have grown, including downtown and north downtown. Some less known areas are Blackstone, Capitol District, and 10th St. One new area with a lot of promise is the Rooftop District. This is around 31st and Leavenworth. What makes this area stand out is that it has new urban style townhomes, trendy apartments redevelop-

ing Leavenworth from 30th to 35th St, and two big parks nearby. The townhomes are amazing. The commercial side will transform the area and add rooftops to their structures, which many of the townhomes already have. They will feature restaurants, bars, barber shop, professional offices, and shared workspace for those that want to have a place to do work without having a full office, and many more types of tenants. The parks may allow for some summer events for the community. There are many other areas with potential and I will try to keep you informed as I talk to the developers. If this living and work lifestyle interests you, give me a call to show these places to you. Also, contact me if you have a business and want to expand to these areas. until then,â&#x20AC;? Keep Moving Forward Omaha!â&#x20AC;?

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Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23

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 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

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23 29

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

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23

Focus | June 5 - June 11 | Volume 3 Issue 23 31