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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9 | FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5 | 2019 ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, HEALTH, PERSONAL FINANCE, & MUSIC NEWSWEEKLY
LOCAL Scabby Ghouls
LIVE The Rare Candies
SPORTS College Basketball
STREAM Dolly Parton
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| 2019 ARY 27 - MARCH 5
YOUR
FREE
| FEBRU NEWSWEEKLY VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9 NAL FINANCE, & MUSIC ENT, HEALTH, PERSO ARTS, ENTERTAINM
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FOCUS ON THIS WEEK! THE ARTS
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LOCAL
Scabby Ghouls – Scary But Fun Omaha Punk By Howard Schwartz LOCAL
Scabby Ghouls
LIVE
The Rare Candies
SPORTS
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FAMILY
College Basketball
STREAM
Dolly Parton
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LIVE
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FINANCE
Omaha’s The Rare Candies Head to Austin’s SXSW By Jesse D. Stanek
EVENTS
Your Daily Guide
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ON TEN
Top Ten Events By Focus Omaha
There’s Still Time to Contribute to an IRA for 2018: By Michael Herek Sponsored By Blue Capitol Wealth
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STREAM
Getting to Know the Backwoods Barbie: Dolly Parton By Jesse D. Stanek
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HAPPY HOUR
We gathered up some of the BEST Happy Hour spots around the Omaha metro.
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THE SHOPS AT COUNTRYSIDE VILLAGE 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. 16
FOCUS ON BENSON
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HEALTH
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
BHECN awarded $375,000 Mental Health Awareness and Training Grant By Focus Omaha
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SPORTS
Creighton Bluejays, Nebraska Huskers & Omaha Mavericks By Focus Omaha
Friday, March 1 First Friday Old Market, 6p Held the first Friday of each month, 6-9pm, First Friday is a free event celebrating local creativity in our historic neighborhood. Visit galleries to explore fresh perspectives and meet the artists.
free to all for this event. Learn more about the #30Americans exhibition at http://bit.ly/JAM-30Americans -----------------------------------------------Sunday, March 3 Shatterproof: Bruning and Miller Hot Shops Art Center · 2p Les Bruning and John Miller present PARK FREE | RIDE THE TROLLEY “Shatterproof,” an extraordinary fine art spectacle! Please attend the artists’ To make your First Friday experience even reception 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March better we’re offering free parking and free 3 at the Nicholas Street Gallery at Hot rides on Ollie the Trolley, 6-9pm. Park free Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas Street in the lot behind the Creighton physiin Omaha. Show runs from March 3 to cian’s clinic (southwest corner of 13th & March 28 Leavenworth). Park there and hop aboard -----------------------------------------------the trolley to circulate the neighborhood. Through March 8 Ollie the Trolley sponsored by participat- Into Purer Light by Jeremy Caniglia Public · Hosted by Creighton University ing galleries. -----------------------------------------------Lied Art Gallery, 2500 California Plz Friday, March 1 A Creighton University alumnus and a Tessa Randolph & Lucas Randolph, 7p painter with a noted Omaha name will S tar Deli, 6114 Military Ave, Omaha open the Lied Art Gallery’s first exhibition Tessa Randolph was recently redesigning of the new year. her 3 year-old, Lucas’, bedroom. While brainstorming ideas on the type of art she Jeremy Caniglia, MEd’16, will exhibit wanted to create for the space, she decid- paintings and drawings in a show titled ed to give Lucas a try at drawing some“Into Purer Light.” The pieces are Canithing of his own. She gave him a pencil and glia’s latest figurative works and are an excanvas and loved the design that came ploratory journey into the Greek concept from his unbridled creativity. It inspired of the afterlife. her to take Lucas’ free flowing doodle and -----------------------------------------------build on it with color. Through March 23 Effects of PTSD | Elizabeth Boutin OPENING RECEPTION: Meet the artists Fred Simon Gallery,1004 Farnam St. March 1st 7-9pm. The exhibition will be Elizabeth Boutin unpacks her memories open through March 31st. Please contact and journals onto canvas based on the artist directly for artwork inquires and time she spent volunteering as a Amersales. ican Red Cross Volunteer. She assisted -----------------------------------------------with wounded soldiers during Operation Saturday, March 2 | 12p-4p Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Family Festival Freedom, during which time she encounJoslyn Art Museum tered many wounds, hardships, and the 2200 Dodge St, Omaha discovery that time can not heal all things. Explore the “30 Americans” exhibition, One important take-away from her time where spoken word artists Devel Crisp and Shukura Huggins will present original as a military spouse and volunteer are the painful effects of PTSD. work inspired by the art on view (1:30 She only started to delve into these pm and 2:30 pm). Hear inspiring gospel memories and harmful mental condition music from the voices of Salem Baptist Church Mass Choir (12:30 pm; pictured in in 2014, and has taken to her art historical event photo). See majorette-style dancing and painting expertise to share her story and relate to with others with similar from the young talent of I Heartbeat stories. Free. Dance (2 pm). And experience a vibrant -----------------------------------------------performance by professional dancers and Through March 31 drummers from African Culture Connec- Here Comes The SUn tion (3 pm). Plus put your hands and mind Artists’ Coop Gallery, 405 South 11th to work when you contribute to a collabwww.artistscoopomaha.com orative art project and create something The thirty-four members of the Artists’ special to take home as a memento! Cooperative Gallery will share new Activities and exhibition admission are works and selected favorites during the
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Focus | - February 27 - March 5 | Volume 3 Issue 9
All Member show “Here Comes the Sun” February 26 to March 31, 2019. The artists will host an opening celebration during Omaha First Friday at the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 405 S. 11th St., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2019. Gallery hours are 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. -----------------------------------------------Through May 12 Dinosaur UpROAR, Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft St., 9a to 5p daily Don’t miss this life-sized adventure through the fauna and fearsome flora of Lauritzen Gardens that’s fun for the whole family. Dinosaur UpROAR offers a realistic glimpse into the prehistoric world, allowing visitors to experience what life was like millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The indoor exhibit will feature 20 life-sized installations positioned throughout the garden,
where massive creations by Guy Darrough will appear right at home nestled among plants that have survived through the ages and jungle-like landscapes. The carefully crafted dinosaurs will range in size from a 14-inch Sordes to a massive 33-ft. Daspletosaur, and plant fossils of Nebraska and a collection of prehistoric plants will also be highlighted. With discovery stations and plenty of educational activities and special events scheduled throughout the exhibit, it is bound to be a RAWR-ing good time in the garden. Included with paid garden admission or membership ($10 adults, $5 children 6-12, free for children under 6).
Focus | February 27 - March 5 | Volume 3 Issue 9 5
Friday, March 1 Earth Night Family Night 5:30p-8p Union Pacific Railroad Museum 200 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA Spring is right around the corner so in March we’ll be exploring nature and how to care for our environment. Learn about how important Bees are to our ecosystem with the Omaha Bee Club and so much more! -----------------------------------------------Friday, March 1 | 6:15p-8p After Hours: Family Fun Night W. Dale Clark Library, 215 S 15th St. Bring the whole family for a free, funfilled evening at the W. Dale Clark Main Library featuring games, food and laughter. This month’s activities are all about creativity. There will be make-andtake projects and snacks! Saturday, March 2 Heat the Streets: Run & Walk for
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Warmth, Stinson Park at Aksarben Village, 1920 S. 67th St., Omaha Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth is a timed 5K and untimed, family-friendly walk. Proceeds from the event go to local energy assistance programs to help seniors, people with disabilities and low-income families pay their utility bills. The event is held in the cold winter months to bring attention to those who struggle to keep the lights on and heat their homes. -----------------------------------------------Saturday, March 2 Kids Spring Fishing Weekend Cabela’s, 12703 Westport Pkwy Join us at Cabela’s as we kick of Spring Fishing with a fun kids weekend! Games, Crafts, Photos, Giveaways and Prizes. Saturday, March 2nd 12-5 PM and Sunday, March 3rd 12-4 PM. -----------------------------------------------Saturday, March 2 | 11a - 2p Taste, Tour & Tickets
Focus | - February 27 - March 5 | Volume 3 Issue 9
Werner Park (Sarpy County, Nebraska) 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion The Storm Chasers are hosting their 6th annual ‘Taste, Tour & Tickets’ event this Saturday. In addition to free admission, fans will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase $5 Baseline Box seats for Opening Night at Werner Park during the event, and also taste 3 new ballpark concessions items for $5, including BBQ potato skins, bacon wrapped pork on a stick and a pasta station. The Storm Chasers are once again partnering with the American Red Cross for a blood drive at the ballpark from 10a until 2p in the visiting team clubhouse. Those in attendance will also be able to “Tour” the new and exciting additions to Werner Park for the 2019 season, including the Hospitality Club, George Brett Suite, revamped Storm Front Team Store and Sarpy County
Tourism offices, in addition to popular areas such as the Storm Chasers home clubhouse and press box. Tours will be free of charge to all in attendance and will leave every hour on the half hour beginning at 11:30am. For more information please visit omahastormchasers.com and follow us on Twitter @ omastormchasers and at facebook.com/ omahastormchasers. -----------------------------------------------Sunday, March 3 | 12p - 6p Hooley 2019: An Irish Celebration Omaha Firefighters Hall, 6005 Grover St. An Irish celebration for the whole family! Irish music, Irish dance, great food and drink, huge silent auction, raffles, and much more! Proceeds benefit the charities of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Get tickets at www.laohomaha.com -----------------------------------------------Family events continued onto the bottom half of page 7.
EVENTS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 The 3rd Ultra Artist Showcase CUBE Ultra Lounge, 10p FRIDAY, MARCH 1
Earth Night Family Night, Union Pacific Railroad Museum, 5:30p-8p ---------------------------------------------Knockout Parties - DJ Jake - Every Friday The Mile Away Hall & Tavern, 7p
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THE LEGENDS OF COMEDY 90s EDITION The Grass Wagon, 8p
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Bo’Dell & The Relics, Amerisports Bar, 8:30p SATURDAY, MARCH 2 Winter-Be-Gone 5k and 10k Walk Childrens Square, 9a ---------------------------------------------Mickey Dean Cellar 19, 7p ---------------------------------------------Bo’Dell & The Relics, Amerisports Bar, 8:30p Amerisports Bar, 8:30p
Family events continued from page 6. Through April 23rd I LET THEM IN. Conditional Hospitality and The Stranger, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 South 10th St. “I let them in. Conditional Hospitality and The Stranger” is a two-person exhibition featuring videos by Kader Attia and Candice Breitz, curated by Taraneh Fazeli, 2018 Bemis Curator-in-Residence. Amidst the current “migration crisis,” these artworks interrogate who is afforded the right to speak or the ability to be understood considering dominant representational narratives and the political, socio-psychological and technological systems that shape our understandings of self and the communal. http://bemiscenter.org/iletthemin -----------------------------------------------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.
FOCUS OMAHA WHAT’S YOUR FOCUS? Focus | February 27 - March 5 | Volume 3 Issue 9 7
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 27 Happy Hippie Hour with Carrie Jean The Down Under Lounge, 3p ----------------------------------------------Dr. Webb Music The Down Under Lounge, 4:20p ----------------------------------------------Beer, Bingo & Trivia Kros Strain Brewing Co., 6p ----------------------------------------------Baad Combination Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------CD 105.9 Whiskey Wednesday Library Pub, 7p ----------------------------------------------Traitors, Vctms, Downhearted, Kovacs & Deathwish, Lookout Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------Trivia, Stocks n Bonds, 7p ----------------------------------------------Acoustic Open Mic Night The New Frontier Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------On Your Feet Orpheum Theatre, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Sweet Tea Duo The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Comedy Open Mic Barley Street Tavern, 8p ----------------------------------------------Thursday Night Trivia, Nifty Bar, 8p --------------------------------------------Donavon Frankenreiter w/ Matt Grundy Slowdown, 8p --------------------------------------------Aly Peelers Open Mic Night The Down Under Lounge, 8p --------------------------------------------The Grateful Ball: The Travelin’ McCourys & Jeff Austin Band The Waiting Room, 8p --------------------------------------------DJ Lay-C, Bar 415, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke w/ Host Adam Flohr Brokedown Palace, 9p ----------------------------------------------Matt Cox Harney Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------- Open Mic Night (Hosted by Stathi) The B. Bar, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Wednesday Night Karaoke with Brixz Brokedown Palace, 10p
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 28 Framing the Flame: Art That Ignites Joslyn Art Museum, 5p -----------------------------------------------
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Niner Tasting Event WineStyles Omaha, 5p ----------------------------------------------- Paul Nelson Chrome Lounge, 6p ----------------------------------------------Seeking Safety: Stories of Refuge in Omaha Bemis Center For Contemporary Arts, 6p ----------------------------------------------Great Minds: Steve Everette & Stefano Miceli, KANEKO, 6p ----------------------------------------------Smooth Jazz with Ed Archibald Ozone Lounge, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Colin Roberts, Vino Mas, 6:30p ----------------------------------------------Kris Solo SHOW B Side of Benson Theatre, 7p ----------------------------------------------Acoustic Open Mic Night The New Frontier Bar, 7p ----------------------------------------------PWP Live Presents: WrestleRama The Waiting Room Lounge, 7p ----------------------------------------------4 Year Ann. w/ Jay Influential, Altura, C10, Phantom Killer, Kaptain Kurt, Molten Lookout Lounge, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Jon Dore Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------On Your Feet Orpheum Theatre, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Trivia The Sociable Inn, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Colonel’s Chicken A Fairy Tale UNO Theatre, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Scrubs trivia Farnam House Brewing Company, 8p ----------------------------------------------Tablao - no cover Growler USA, 8p ----------------------------------------------Thursday Night Trivia Nifty Bar, 8p ----------------------------------------------Porcupine featuring Greg Norton of Husker Du with Relax, It’s Science Reverb Lounge, 8p ----------------------------------------------Andy Frasco & The U.N. w/ Wild Adriatic Slowdown, 8p ----------------------------------------------Gottberg Barley Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------Ladies Night Copacabana Cocktail Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------Thirsty Thursday Karaoke Forte Music Hall, 9p -----------------------------------------------
Focus | - February 27 - March 5 | Volume 3 Issue 9
Ricky Szablowski Harney Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------KoZee Karaoke KoZee Lounge. 9p ----------------------------------------------OPEN MIC with ANNIE DEE “Ladies Night” Pageturners Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke with DJ Status Rehab Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Karaoke Night Brokedown Palace, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Chris Shelton Dubliner Pub, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------The Shineys w/Mace Hathaway The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p
FRIDAY MARCH 1 Raise Glasses, Not Taxes Brickway Brewery, 4p ----------------------------------------------Mace Hathaway The Cove Lounge, 5p ----------------------------------------------High Country American Legion Post #1, 7p ----------------------------------------------Daniel & the Deliverance Firewater Grille, 7p ----------------------------------------------Harper and Lee w/Ryan Nordstrom - LIVE The Well, 7p ----------------------------------------------Brahms’ 4th, Holland Center, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Jon Dore Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p/9:45p ----------------------------------------------On Your Feet, Orpheum Theatre, 7:30p ----------------------------------------------Jitterbugs’ Night Out Fraternal Order of Eagles, 8p ----------------------------------------------Feel Good Fridays Featuring Tyi Hakeem The Omaha Lounge, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Iris DeMent with Pieta Brown The Waiting Room, 8p --------------------------------------------Floyd, Slowdown, 8:30p ----------------------------------------------Sebastian Lane’s Barley Street Blues Jam Barley Street, 9p ----------------------------------------------Ecstatic, Chrome Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Blue House Copacabana Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------Grunge Pop Forte Music Hall, 7p ---------------------------------------------
Fusion Force Harney Street Tavern, 9p ----------------------------------------------The 402 Ozone Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Magick K Acoustic Rathskeller Bier Haus, 9p ----------------------------------------------Retro Night: Shari Stone Houston Alexander Rehab Nightclub, 9p --------------------------------------------Elevate #32 w/ Panos & Sentenza Reverb Lounge, 9p ----------------------------------------------Matt Gatewood Beer Can Alley, 9:30p ----------------------------------------------Aris, Randall Gruber & Come Back Sandy The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p
SATURDAY MARCH 2 --------------------------------------------The Langer’s Ball Dubliner Pub, 9:30p Joe Reynolds Music Neighber’s Bar, 9a ----------------------------------------------Cabin Fever Indoor Poker Run Dillon Brothers, 11a ----------------------------------------------Taste, Tour & Tickets Werner Park, 11a ----------------------------------------------Tøj Boutique Coffee & Shop Classic Rock Coffee, 2p ----------------------------------------------DJ Nick the Quick Old Mattress Factory, 4p --------------------------------------------Karly Jurgensen Gorat’s Steak House, 6p --------------------------------------------Swampboy Blues Trio Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 6p --------------------------------------------- The Kello-G Show, Wired Pub, 6p --------------------------------------------Dierks Bentley Burning Man Tour CHI Health Center, 7p --------------------------------------------Twisted Insane w/ Atilli with J Longoria, Abstrakt, & Aj the Dread & more Forte Music Hall, 7p --------------------------------------------First Listen: ‘Impact EP’ by Mark Patrick Hi-Fi House, 7p --------------------------------------------The Love Down Below features Enjoli & Timeless, KANEKO, 7:30p --------------------------------------------Jon Dore, Omaha Funny Bone, 7:30p --------------------------------------------- On Your Feet Orpheum Theatre, 7:30p ---------------------------------------------
Win Lander Infusion Brewing Company, 8p --------------------------------------------The Matt Amandus Jazz Trio Jambo Cat, 8p --------------------------------------------Karaoke & Music Smitty’s Garage, 8p --------------------------------------------The 7O’s Band Starsky’s Bar, 8p --------------------------------------------Trivia & Karaoke Night Stumble Inn, 8p --------------------------------------------- Alec John and The Sky Surfers w/ Soul Ghost & In the Attic Barley Street Tavern, 9p --------------------------------------------Ecstatic , Chrome Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------Chris Shelton Copacabana Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------Drunken Roots / Wasted Highway Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 9p --------------------------------------------Big Daddy Caleb & The Chargers Growler USA, 9p --------------------------------------------- Sailing in Soup Harney Street Tavern, 9p --------------------------------------------Héctor Anchondo Band Havana Garage, 9p --------------------------------------------Trivia Night, Julio’s, 9p ---------------------------------------------Wicked Fun On The Q St Bar, 9p --------------------------------------------The Confidentials Ozone Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------Secret Weapon , Perry’s Place, 9p --------------------------------------------Solo Safe, Domesic Blend & Histrionic Reverb Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------DJ Shif-D, The Cove Lounge, 9p --------------------------------------------That 1 Guy , The Waiting Room, 9p --------------------------------------------Jerry Pranksters The Down Under Lounge, 9:30p --------------------------------------------The Langer’s Ball Dubliner Pub, 9:30p --------------------------------------------Impakt presents: Kill Paris Karma Nightclub, 10p --------------------------------------------Thelma and The Sleeze ~ Muscle Cousins ~ CatBeret, O’Leaver’s, 10p
SUNDAY MARCH 3 --------------------------------------------The Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball SandBar Grille, 10p Omaha comic book convention Comfort Inn & Suites, 10a --------------------------------------------2019 Walk & Roll for Disabilities
Oak View Mall, 10:30a --------------------------------------------Pączki Day Party The Polish Home, 12p --------------------------------------------The Matchsellers’ Bluegrastronauts American Legion Post #1, 2p --------------------------------------------Avoid, A Sense of Purpose, I Am The Pendragon, Flourishing Illusions Dr. Jack’s Drinkery, 7p -------------------------------------------Open Night The Omaha Lounge, 7:30p -------------------------------------------Darling West (Norway), Graham Ulicny + Bach Mai Pageturners Lounge, 8p -------------------------------------------LIQUID STRANGER LSDREAM, Champagne Drip, G-REX, Luciil, Slowdown, 8p --------------------------------------------FREE Booze Bingo! The Down Under Lounge, 8p ---------------------------------------------
MONDAY MARCH 4 Lucy Arnell Band, Odd Pets, DJ Need A Stack, The Sydney, 9p --------------------------------------------Gunar’s Karaoke- Extra Soul The Down Under Lounge, 10p Happy Hour! The Down Under Lounge, 3p --------------------------------------------Aly Peeler and Andrew Bailie Monarch Prime & Bar, 6:30p --------------------------------------------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 --------------------------------------------Rayland Baxter w/ Dirt House
TUESDAY MARCH 5 Slowdown, 8p --------------------------------------------Karaoke Dubliner Pub, 10p --------------------------------------------Gunar’s Karaoke- Extra Soul The Down Under Lounge, 10p Mardi Gras Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 11a --------------------------------------------Open Acoustic Jam Therapy Bar & Grill, 5:30p --------------------------------------------Scott Evans and Friends Ozone Lounge, 6:30p
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Dierks Bentley CHI HEALTH CENTER
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ADRIAN BELEW Saul Zonana SLOWDOWN
Events continued from page 9 --------------------------------------------Open Jam hosted by Scott Moyer Barley Street Tavern, 7p --------------------------------------------Trivia, Goldeez, 7p --------------------------------------------Mitch Towne Jazz Organ Trio Jambo Cat, 7:30p --------------------------------------------Open Mic Jam, Brokedown Palace, 8p --------------------------------------------Adrian Belew with Saul Zonana Slowdown, 8p --------------------------------------------Trivia, The Down Under, 8p --------------------------------------------Matt Hackett Trio Pageturner’s Lounge, 9p ---------------------------------------------
Charla’s March Madness Karaoke
The Down Under Lounge, 10p
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Not, an original one act play. He is actively involved in drama club and speech team, in which he recently won his rst novice competition. Noah Fowler, Mosche/Jacob/Boxer Doll Noah is a teenage actor who also plays saxophone. He has taken part in one previous show at The Rose and plans to go into theater for his profession. Dina Saltzman, Anna/School Girl Doll productions at the Omaha Community Pogroms in the 1900’s Dina is thrilled to return to The Rose Playhouse, including Little Fiona in Shrek The word Pogrom is a Russian-language Theater after playing Elmer in last season’s The Musical (2018), James Trotter in James production of Newsies. Other 2018 credits term which was adopted in the English and the Giant Peach (2018), Chip in Beauty language to describe the mass violence include Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden which occurred in the late 1800’s directed and the Beast (2017) and A Christmas Carol at the UNO Theater, and West Side Story at at Jews in the Pale of Settlement. The word (2015 – 2018) playing the roles of Girl with Stagedoor Manor in Loch Sheldrake, NY, Sled, Belinda Cratchit and Fan. Pogrom means “to destroy-to demolish where she received the award for Best violently.” Featured Actress. She recently performed Chloe Irwin, Rosa with the New York Pop’s at their gala at Chloe is fifteen and a ninth grader at The Pogrom issue originally began in 1791 Carnegie Hall. Dina is a member of the Gretna High School. She is a freshman when Catherine the Great created the award-winning Rose Brigade. She is a Pale of Settlement which included most of class representative and is active in One freshman at Central High School and Act and Speech as well as many clubs for present-day Ukraine and Belarus, as well studies dance, acting and voice. Dina social justice. Some of Chloe’s favorite as parts of Lithuania, Moldova, and Poland. roles include: Mary Phagan in Parade at the is looking forward to studying musical Before this time, there were very few theater at Oklahoma City University this Omaha Community Playhouse for which Jews in the Empire and while Jews were summer. she won an Outstanding Youth Actor reluctantly permitted to live, they were award from the Omaha Entertainment forbidden to move to other parts of the Abby Gerdts, Mama Arts Awards this year, Jessica in the world Abby Gerdts is an actress, singer, and Empire unless they agreed to convert to the state religion of the Russian Orthodox stage debut of Prancer at The Rose in teaching artist recently relocated to the 2016 (OEAA award), and Cordelia in King church. Midwest from New York City where Lear (OEAA nominated) for Nebraska she was based for 20 years. This will be The provocation for the pogroms was said Shakespeare in 2017. Chloe has enjoyed Abby’s rst performance in Omaha but to be the assassination of Tsar Alexander many roles at The Rose Theater including: has performed in numerous productions the II, when the Jews were implied Ramona Quimby (Ramona) in 2014, Wrinkle in the United States and abroad during falsely as the conspirators. The Russian in Time (Charlie - TAG nominated) in her career. She is a co-founder of Artists press was also suspected of encouraging 2014, and Honk! (Downy) in 2016. Chloe Striving to End Poverty (astep.org), a these falsehoods which has been widely has been in various shows throughout nonprofit organization that provides arts disputed. the community including: Creighton education and empowerment programs for University, SNAP Productions, Nebraska under-served youth around the world. As This era is the backdrop that serves as the Shakespeare, Bellevue Little Theater and the Program Director for ASTEP and as a setting for The Doll Maker’s Gift. Nora is Papillion/LaVista Community Theater. consultant for other arts organizations, she a small girl with a big imagination. After has taught and created arts programing for Annlynn Casey, Solder/Fairy Doll their cousins’ village is attacked, Nora’s students of all ages in the United States, Annlynn is a freshman at Duchesne family is forced to flee to America. At the the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, the Academy and is currently the freshman last moment, they discover that they don’t Czech Republic, Switzerland, Qatar, the class president. She is on the Marian/ have enough money to afford everyone’s United Arab Emirates, Turkey, India, China, Duchesne Trapshooting Team. She passage and must face the stark reality of attended Gomez Heritage (K-4) and Marrs and South Africa. Abby is a graduate of The leaving young Nora behind. Juilliard School’s Drama Division. Magnet Center (5-8) in the Omaha Public Nora is left in her shtetl, which means Schools. Annlynn was part of the Dual Steve Hydeen, Papa/Guard “little town” in Yiddish, the language of Language Program (Spanish). She dances, Steve Hydeen is thrilled to be returning to Eastern European Jews, with a family sings, and plays the string bass, guitar, and the stage of musical theater. For the last friend who is a doll maker until they can piano. She played Camile in Goosebumps 15 years of his professional artistic career, earn enough money for her safe passage. the Musical and Nana in Peter Pan at The he has been performing as an improv While spending time with this friend, Nora Rose Theater. She has been fortunate to actor and teacher with 88improv and the learns how all obstacles can be overcome develop her skills through participation 402 Arts Collective. Steve is passionate with the help of good friends and a tight in many classes and opportunities at The about teaching improvisation to others, knit community. Rose Theater, especially joining The Rose young and old, for the foundational life Brigade. skills learned through the art-form. About the Cast and Creators After obtaining a theater degree from Maddie Smith, Nora Chuck Sams, Solder/Captain Doll Northwestern College (Orange City IA) Maddie is a seventh grader at BrownellChuck is thrilled and honored to make his Talbot School. She is excited to be making Rose Theater debut in The Doll Maker’s Gift. in 2002, Steve and his wife moved to the Omaha area to assist in the founding of her Rose Theater debut in The Doll Maker’s He is a freshman at Gretna High School Gift. Her previous theater credits include where he recently played Benjamin in Su er 88improv, and stayed to raise their three children. He feels incredibly blessed to
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have this opportunity to join the The Rose Theater and the ensemble of The Doll Maker’s Gift in the sharing of this precious story. Patrick Wolfe, Zalushka/Uncle Abraham Patrick is honored to be on The Rose stage again after appearing in Newsies where he was exhausted watching those kids tap their hearts out! Other favorite roles include Colonel Mustard in Clue: the Musical and Captain Hook in Peter Pan. His most beloved role is as father and husband to an active family of 4 kids that is just as likely to be on a ball field as on stage. Patrick is grateful for how hard they work to “hold everything together” and is proud to be part of the team that brought this story to life for you! Sue Gillespie Booton, Choreographer/Pola/ Aunt Rebecca/Ticket Doll Sue Gillespie Booton’s national tour credits include Annie Get Your Gun, Beehive, and Grease. Her latest Rose Theater credits include Elf the Musical (Sam, Mrs. Santa Claus), Madagascar (Gloria), Shrek (Dragon, Mama Bear), Cat in the Hat (Thing #1), Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly (Mrs. McBee), Pinkalicious - The Musical (Dr. Wink/Allison), Charlotte’s Web (Templeton/ Narrator/ Goose), Cinderella (Fairy Godmother), and Miss Nelson is Missing (Miss Nelson/Viola Swamp). Other regional credits: Rocky Horror (Columbia), Ring of Fire (Ensemble) and Always, Patsy Cline (Louise,) for Artist Repertory Theater. She was an original cast member in Omaha’s longest running musical, Beehive (Brenda Lee, Petula Clark, Janis Joplin), and appeared in shows on Royal Caribean, Carnival, Royal Viking and Europe’s Sally Cruise Lines. Choreographic credits include Disney’s Elf the Musical, Newsies, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Madagascar, Mary Poppins, A Christmas Story, Tarzan, Madeline’s Christmas, High School Musical, The Cat in the Hat, HONK! and Annie - The Musical. She was the 2018 Omaha Arts Entertainment Awards “Best Choreographer” recipient for Newsies, 2015 Theater Arts Guild Best Choreographer nominee for Tarzan, the 2014 National Freddy G recipient for outstanding musical theater educators, and awarded the 2014 Theater Arts Guild Education Award. She is The Rose Theater’s Resident Choreographer and Director of BROADWAY at the Rose and The Rose Brigades. Fran Sillau, Director/Book Writer Mr. Sillau serves as the Accessibility Coordinator at The Omaha Theater Company (The Rose), where he coordinates educational opportunities for students with disabilities and ensures that every individual who passes through
the doors of The Rose can access all programing equally. He also directs MainStage productions and some of his credits at The Rose include Shrek: The Musical TYA, Go,Dog.Go!, and Hanna’s Suitcase. Sillau serves as Artistic Director of Circle Theatre, a company dedicated to creating theater that includes artists with disabilities.(www.circletheatreomaha. org). Circle Theatre has produced several TYA plays. Under Sillau’s leadership, the Circle co-commissioned My Broken Doll, a play based on the life of holocaust survivor Beatrice Karp, adapted by Ernie Nolan, and Over The River, a play about friendship by Ellen Struve. Both plays are currently touring the state of Nebraska. In December of 2016, Sillau directed a regional premiere of A Charlie Brown Christmas. This production incorporated American Sign Language, Shadow interpreting, Audio Description, as well as actors with various physical and developmental disabilities. Sillau is a former Aurand Harris Fellowship recipient and a former winner of The Access Grant from The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He served as a Teaching Artist Fellow for VSA: The International Association for Arts and Disability and is a frequent contractor for The Kennedy Center. He is frequently called upon to facilitate about theater and disability, and has conducted workshops on theater and inclusion in Iowa, Nebraska, Kentucky, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Florida, Tennessee, New York State, Washington State, Connecticut, and at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C. He holds an MFA in Directing and Inclusion from Goddard College. His professional activities can be found at www. Fransillau.com.
Blog), Women Making Musical Theatre: Institutions Hold the Power to Effect Change (HowlRound), You Might Make A Killing’... If You Don’t Starve First (Musical Theater Today), was on NYMF’s 2017 Expanding Representations of Gender Identity and Sexuality on Stage panel and co-curates Tank-aret. She frequently writes songs for Honest Accomplice Theatre. EllaRose is an Ars Nova Uncharted resident, Dramatists Guild Fellow, The Civilians R & D Group alum (and former coordinator), Music Theater Today Contributing Editor NYFA Fellowship Playwriting/Screenwriting Finalist, a BOH Cameronian Arts Award Nominee (Best Lyrics), recipient of the Anna Sosenko Grant and a NAMT grant, and a proud member of ASCAP and the Dramatists Guild. BA: Brown University; MFA: NYU Tisch. www.ellarosechary.com Makulumy Alexander-Hills, Orchestrator Makulumy Alexander-Hills is a music director, arranger, and orchestrator based in New York City. He has worked throughout the country, collaborating with Rhizome Theater Company (Nice Town Normal People), The American Repertory Theater (Finding Neverland, Violet), and TheatreWorks (Triangle). New York-based projects have included Ragtime on Ellis Island and several NYMF performances. He is currently pursuing graduate studies in Music Theory at Columbia University.
Sammy Buck, Lyricist Sammy Buck’s shows have been performed on five continents. With composer Daniel S. Acquisto, he wrote the book and lyrics for Like You Like It (Playscripts/Broadway Licensing, Broadway Records Studio Cast RADcording) and StinkyKids® The Musical (TRW, O -Broadway Alliance Award: Best Family Show, Vital Theatre). Bookwriter/ EllaRose Chary, Book Writer co-lyricist: Small Town Story (American EllaRose Chary is an award-winning Theater Group/SOPAC, NYTB commission, New York based writer. Musicals: Richard Rodgers Award Finalist, Village Cotton Candy and Cocaine (Theater C Originals, NAMT Writers Residency Workshop Production), TL;DR: Thelma Grant). Book: Leonard Bernstein’s Cast Louise; Dyke Remix (The Tank PrideFest), Patchwork (Prospect Theater Commission; Party (Roundabout). Lyrics: The Doll Democracy Prep High School Production), Maker’s Gift (Rose Theater) and And Then I Wrote A Song About It (Luna, Queer. People. Time. (Catwalk Residency), Diversionary). Film: Red Hook (eOne Films, The Doll Maker’s Gift (The Rose Theater), The Lorikeet (The Flea Theater commission), on Net ix/Showtime/Amazon Prime), Fade to White (Free Range Humans, on Amazon and the Malaysian musical Marrying Me Prime). Emmy® winner with TVLand digital (BOH Cameronian Arts Award Winner). and creator of Structure! The Musical, Other projects: Patriettes (The #Fword Finalist), The Lake and Mill (Drama League; Or Everything You Need To Know About Musicals You Can Learn from Star Wars. Judson; Finalist, Kernodle New Play Winner, MAC Dottie Burman Award. Award) and The Civilians’ Songs For A Member of BMI and The Dramatists Guild, New World Lobby Project at City Center Inc. www. sammybuck.com (Encores! O -Center). EllaRose is an advocate for inclusion in musical theater both on and o stage, and to that end wrote Brian Feinstein, Composer Brian Feinstein began his career in Is The Pipeline A Pipe Dream For Emerging Women In Musical Theater? (Lilly Awards continued on page 15
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entertainment at the USC School of Cinema & Television and completed his master’s degree at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. His original compositions have since earned him rave reviews in The New York Times, six ASCAP Plus Awards, a Jonathan Larson Fellowship and the Anna Sosenko Trust Award. His original musical Girlstar, directed by two-time Tony Award nominee Eric Schaeffer, recently premiered at the prestigious Signature Theatre in DC. Other credits include: Mimi LeDuck starring the legendary Eartha Kitt (Off-Broadway), The Top Job (licensed throughout the US), The Circus Is Coming To Town (awarded best family musical in Southern California), among others. Brian’s compositions have been performed by the Boston Pops, the Indianapolis Philharmonic and a wide array of musicians and vocalists across the country, in Europe and on television. Brian is currently the resident composer and Program Associate for the 92Y’s Musical Theater Department in NYC. He also enjoys volunteering with the TriState Basset Hound Rescue League. www. BrianFeinsteinMusic.com Jerry Brabec, Music Director Jerry Brabec, tenor, is an Ordained Deacon on the clergy staff at Omaha St. Paul United Methodist Church where he serves as Minister of Worship. His responsibilities include the overseeing of liturgical preparation for the congregation of 500. He also serves as choral director for Temple Israel’s Kol Rina. Awarded the Master of Music degree from the University of Nebraska, he studied choral conducting with Dr. Cina Crisara and Dr. Z. Randall Stroope. As a chorister of the acclaimed Robert Shaw Festival Chorus at Carnegie Hall, he sang for five years under the baton of the late Robert Shaw, was twice selected one of six participants in the Alice Parker Melodius Accord Fellowship Program and frequently continues his conducting studies with Ms. Parker during January in New York. At the Rose for the past ten seasons, The Doll Maker’s Gift marks his 36th show as a visiting music director/vocal coach. He also serves as music director for the nationally acclaimed Rose Brigade, one of the award winning offerings of the “Broadway at The Rose” program. Formerly, Jerry taught at the high school level for Council Bluffs Community Schools, served as associate artistic director of the Omaha Clarion Chorale, and as artistic director for the Kanesville Chorus and Renaissance Faire of the Midlands.
Community Playhouse, watching her actress mother. She performed in Aladdin’s Lamp at Omaha Junior Theater—a predecessor of The Rose. (She is grateful no video exists). Deborah began her career at the Upstairs Dinner Theater as Producer/ General Manager of this live, professional theater. In 1984, the Upstairs’ turnaround became the subject of a Harvard Business School case study, Lyric, Inc, still taught in business curriculums nationwide. In 1987, Deborah moved to New York City. She worked for off -Broadway’s Second Stage Theater for one year. In 1989, Deborah joined the Broadway producers Dodger Productions. There she created and built Big League Theatricals, an industry leader that produces, books and general manages national tours of Broadway shows. Representative productions included: Guys and Dolls, The Secret Garden, Into the Woods, Driving Miss Daisy and The Who’s Tommy, the most profitable production of this multimedia Broadway musical. Deborah left Big League Theatricals after nine years, but she still partners with the company as producer on specific national tours. Recent offerings include Dreamgirls, Hair, and The Producers, and A Christmas Story—The Musical by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen). This holiday musical is in its fourth year of seasonal touring. Show Specifics Musical Drama for Ages 8+ Run Time: 75 minutes without an intermission Tickets $20 General Admission Call (402) 345-4849 or purchase online at www.rosetheater.org. Discount ticket vouchers are available at all area Hy-Vee stores. Reservations are required. Date/Time February 22- March 10 Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm & 5 pm, Sundays at 2 pm Location: The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam Street, Main Stage
Deborah Denenberg, Co-Producer Deborah grew up at the Omaha
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BFF March 1st @ 5p - 2a @ Petshop (2727 N 62nd St) Opening Reception: Oddities: Lisa Guevara, Natasha Scholz, & Aleah Beranek https://www.facebook.com/ events/2699035273470216/
& On display: Joteria: Santi Mora-Amaral https://www.facebook.com/events/1652923794807174/
@ The Barley Street Tavern Sebastian Lane’s Barley Street Blues Jam https://www.facebook.com/events/294257947866481/
@ Burke’s Pub Window displays
@ Mayflower Mobile Gallery(MaMO) (5603 NW Radial) Closed for March BFF while we prepare for some awesome upcoming exhibitions! Like the MaMO page for updates! @ Maple St. Construct No Road Most Traveled | Levi Robb https://www.facebook.com/events/250526452498751/
@ The Sydney March BFF w/ Bed Rest/Miwi La Lupa/Field Club https://www.facebook.com/events/1209275695886771/
@ The B Side of Benson Theatre @ Envy Tequila Bar 2019 Restore Nebraska Reception, Featured Arts: Nick Russell Starting at 10:30 check out the Drunk Spelling Tours of the historic theatre - $5 from 7-10 Bee and raffle. Half the proceeds will be given https://www.facebook.com/events/2844316359127220/ back to BFF!! @ Star Deli Tessa Randolph & Lucas Randolph @ Lion’s Mane Vintage https://www.facebook.com/events/418801885552995/ BFF SWAG & BFFzz Issues Available ~ Come check out the sweet new designs by local @ FullHouse Bar / Karaoke! artist Hannah Switzer! PLUS, take 20% off past BFF designs! @ Reverb Lounge https://www.facebook.com/LionsManeVintage/ Elevate Dance Party #32 w/ Panos & Sentenza https://www.facebook.com/events/817906998549586/ @ Revival Heather Tomasello Art Free crystal necklaces for members! @ Jake’s Cigars https://www.facebook.com/events/353061398619806/ BFF March: Ramanda Fuelberth aka Bastardcat @ Daisy Jones’ Locker https://www.facebook.com/events/717262375335232/ BFF Artist Showcase: Kristen Boe https://www.facebook.com/events/2200986303487703/
@ Warlock Gallery Anna Nicholauson & Brad Watkins! @ CHOICE Custom Framing & Gallery “Out Of Ordinary” (revisited) work by outsider https://www.facebook.com/events/2167700630211213/ artist William F. Dorfler on view through May @ The Waiting Room Lounge 1 Iris DeMent with Pieta Brown https://www.facebook.com/events/403444030399601/ @ The Little Gallery Benson Try Again Opening Reception @ Mayne St. Market https://www.facebook.com/events/319985068622026/ Falafel, gyros, and curry fries! Open late, until 8pm @ The HideAway A Bizarre Bazaar, Craft & Art Market featuring Keep your eyes peeled for another BFF special a wide variety of local crafters, artists, clothprojections: After dark / Artist TBA iers and vendors. https://www.facebook.com/events/2308466802520150/
https://www.facebook.com/BensonFirstFriday
@ Citylight Arts Project (5603 NW Radial) Featured Artist: Maggie Scott’s debut solo show! PLUS, and indoor market with local artists and vendors https://www.facebook.com/events/813071219030118/
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BHECN awarded $375,000 Mental Health Awareness and Training Grant By Focus Omaha
Suicide prevention among Nebraska veterans goal of grant The goals of the grant are to:
Brent Khan, Ed.D. Whether it is military culture, the atrocities of war, or multiple deployments, the simple fact is the rate of suicide among the nation’s veterans has been on the rise since 9/11. The increase is hitting those in the 18 to 34 age range the hardest, said Brent Khan, Ed.D., principal investigator of a three-year $375,000 Mental Health Awareness Training Grant aimed at suicide prevention among veterans in Nebraska.
· Foster alliances with veterans, families of veterans and local and state agencies to create effective recruitment methods and provide veterans culturally specific mental health training and referral pathways for services; · Train families, caregivers and service providers to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness; and · Give trainees and other nonbehavioral health professionals the ability to have a heightened sense of mental health awareness and knowledge to respond safely. The grant allows BHECN to partner with public health agencies, veteran groups, and mental health agencies across the state to provide training. There are 130,000 veterans living in Nebraska.
Some live in poverty, some suffer from alcohol and substance use abuse and others live in rural areas with little “It’s pretty bad right now,” said Dr. Khan, access to primary health care, let alone who also is co-director of the Behavioral behavioral health services, Dr. Khan said. Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN) at the University of Nebraska “A lot of vets don’t access their VA Medical Center. benefits, so they are just out there,” he “The combination of the stress involved in military service, traumatic events experienced and a lack of support and stigma has led to the rates of trauma and mental illness being excessively high,” he said.
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said. More needs to be done to help them transition back into civilian life once their tour and, more likely than not, multiple tours of duty are done. BHECN was created in 2009 when the Nebraska legislature passed LB 603 to address the statewide crisis in mental health access. Since then, BHECN has received two national awards and is considered a best practice for innovative programs to recruit and retain licensed mental health professionals in rural and
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urban communities. Housed at UNMC, BHECN has a unique partnership with all of the graduate behavioral health training programs in Nebraska and is dedicated to improving access to behavioral health care across the state. For more information about BHECN, visit www.unmc.edu/bhecn or follow it on Facebook and Twitter.
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Creighton Bluejays
pretty cool. It shows the loyalty and support they get here at Nebraska. Just hostile environments in the Big Ten. I think our attendance has been the No. 1 in the country as a conference for 43 years. It speaks for itself, but we have great venues. If you got to go on the road and play, you know it’s going to be difficult. It doesn’t matter if that team is ranked first in your league or 14th in your league, it does not matter. You know it’s going to be difficult.”
By Focus Omaha Fans had several good reasons to be nervous when the Jays played at DePaul last Wednesday. With less than four minutes to play, CU had the lead – the same scenario that ended with losses the previous four games.
Nebraska Huskers
This time it was different as five mean reached double-figures against the Blue Demons and a four-game losing streak was snapped. Footnote: that as the first time Creighton had defeated the same opponent on the road six straight By Focus Omaha seasons since a seven-year streak over Grinnell from 1929-36. Most of those Despite only committing five turnovers wins came during a time when there and holding Purdue to 37.7 percent was a center jump after every basket. shooting, the Huskers still couldn’t pull off the W and fell 75-72 against the Ty-Shon Alexander led CU with 16 Boilermakers at Pinnacle Bank Arena points and tied his career-high with six on Saturday. assists. Martin Krampelj had 14 points and seven rebounds with Davion Mintz There are, however, several positives getting a dozen and freshman point Nebraska can take away from this loss guard Marcus Zegarowski dropping 11 including: points. Senior Connor Cashaw scored a season-high 10 in what was basically a • Glynn Watson Jr. getting out of his slump as he finished with a season-high homecoming game. 25 points which included five 3-pointCU (15-13, 6-9 Big East) made it backers. He also held Boilermaker star to-back wins on Saturday as Kaleb Carsen Edwards to 3-of-16 shooting. Joseph had a career-high 16 points and Martin Krampelj compiled his fifth • James Palmer Jr. only scored 15 points, but added a season-high 8 double-double. That gave the Bluejays assists. a second consecutive regular season sweep of Georgetown with an 82-69 • Tanner Borchardt continuing to find win. CU trailed for just 23 seconds. a way to contribute. Borchardt’s seven The Hoyas had been gaining serious momentum and tournament talk before rebounds marked the seventh time this season he has grabbed seven or more the loss. rebounds in a game. He also added 4-5 from the free throw line. Krampelj finished with game-highs of 22 points and 10 rebounds. Joseph’s Purdue Coach Matt Painter comment16 points came in just 18 minutes and ed on playing at Nebraska and the overthe two were joined in double figures all Big Ten environment after the game, by Ty-Shon Alexander with 14 and 11 “For Nebraska, they have great fans. from Davion Mintz. Creighton is off Indiana has great fans. You know you’re until next Sunday when it visits No. 11 going to go into a hostile environment. Marquette. The Golden Eagles own a To be able to come here in blizzard-like 106-104 overtime in in Omaha from conditions and see all these fans, it’s January 9.
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Nebraska’s road to victory doesn’t get any easier as they will face #9 Michigan on Thursday at 6pm and then head to #6 Michigan State on Tuesday at 6pm.
Trailing 28-20 at halftime in the game at North Dakota State, Omaha rallied as Matt Pile had his ninth double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Zach Jackson led all scorers in the game with 16 points while KJ Robinson backed him with 15 points. South Dakota State escaped its game against South Dakota that afternoon, so the Jackrabbits hold a half-game lead in league standings. Omaha moves on to a Thursday game at Oral Roberts.
#40 MATT PILE
Omaha Mavericks By Focus Omaha Omaha took down Western Illinois in the home finale Wednesday night, scoring a 77-63 win at Baxter Arena.
#21 ZACH JACKSON
All five starters scored in double figures for the ninth time this season, led by Zach Jackson’s game-high 21-points. KJ Robinson finished with 17 points. JT Gibson chipped in 13 point, and Omaha got a dozen each from Matt Pile and Mitch Hahn. The Mavericks (18-9, 12-2 Summit League) may become known as the Comeback Kids after overcoming a double-digit deficit for the fifth time.
#5 KJ ROBINSON
Scabby Ghouls – Scary But Fun Omaha Punk By Howard Schwartz
Be afraid. Be very afraid. Well, maybe: “Be ready for fun is a batter take on things. The Scabby Ghouls, a four-piece horror pop-punk band from Omaha is set for an album release party on March 15 at Lookout Lounge. The Scabby Ghouls include the husband and wife combination of Denise and Louie Hazard on guitars and vocals, Alex Steffens on bass, and drummer Nathan Christensen. They have been together for around 18 months and started playing shows almost immediately. “We’re sort of in between a pop punk and a Misfits horror punk sound . . . sort of a ‘Scooby Doo’ horror punk sound,” Louie Hazard explained. Denise Hazard added: “We like to call it Spooky Punk . . . We’re not quite scary enough to be horror . . . we’re just our own little flavor.” They started with covers and before long the band was working in originals.
The last couple months have been devoted to recording with Doug Becker at Anytime Studios. Most of the work was done in October and November. Louie Hazard is happy with the results. “It was great,” he said, pointing out Becker is in three local punk bands himself. “He uses Pro Tools and has excellent equipment . . . we’re really thrilled with it.” Denise added, “He also came up with some ideas to take the songs to another level.” That included double-tracking vocals. The Hazards say there’s a variety in the songs with sounds ranging from a Misfits feels to surf legend Dick Dale. “We have a song that’s kind of Green Day,” Louie Hazard said. There is an emphasis on keeping it light and fun.
The Lookout and some Benson venues have been the sites for past shows. “The Lookout has been a second home to us.” Steffens stated.
For more information on The Scabby Ghouls and their album release party: www.facebook.com/events/943047686083831/
www.facebook.com/TheScabbyGhouls/
Putting the lineup together probably was easier than settling on a name. In time-tested tradition, the members were kicking around names but most of them already were taken. The Scabby Ghouls evolved out of a couple existing “Also, songs you can dance to,” Denise names and now refers to someone who Hazard said. “We wanted something goes around taking copper wire and for everybody to come and have a good getting into hijinks. time.” The self-titled album has seven tracks. The band formed as Louie was teaching Louie Hazard said they have a style Denise guitar. He recently was in in mind when they start writing but it Omaha death metal band Orpheus and always ends up sounding like The Scabby has been in other punk and metal bands Ghouls. More recording is in the works in the past. The Scabby Ghouls is her and the band has booked some shows first band, but she has previous stage with national acts. That includes a May experience performing slam poetry 28 show with punk legends T.S.O.L. – while wanting to be in a band. Her voice something they still find hard to believe. and his guitar help distinguish the band The Scabby Ghouls plan to be ready with from others on the scene. a top stage show. Louie Hazard promises Steffens was in Eponymous until to “go nuts” all over the stage. about a year ago. Christensen has “We’re really excited to bring the album been in bands for years, including Rift to everybody,” Denise promised. and Bitch Dust. He designs flyers and The big night is March 15 – so until then, creates artwork for bands including keep it Scabby – and Spooky. The Scabby Ghouls album.
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Omaha’s The Rare Candies Head to Austin’s SXSW By Jesse D Stanek It happens every year, just as consistent as the seasons changing, from December through the end of February beginning of March, acts seem to take time off from touring. A combination of Winter weather and family-oriented holidays keeps the stages empty, venues get by booking local favorites and theme nights. Then, all of the sudden, in the shadows of Austin, TX’s industry staple South-By-Southwest (SXSW), the musical masses take to the road again, filling out venue calendar’s from coast to coast as they make their way to and from Austin. As we find ourselves in the midst of this touring bonanza,
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Focus wanted to take a look at one of the homegrown artists making the pilgrimage for the first time this year. Omaha power-pop outfit The Rare Candies, featuring songwriter Josh Medlock (guitars/vocals), Daniel Butler (bass/vocals), Dillon Adkisson (guitar) and Mark Winkelbauer (drums) released its first EP “You Call This Living?” in 2018. The songs are hookdriven, pop for the music streaming/ social media set, tunes both at once driving and well-crafted, songs making you nostalgic for a time period you’re not sure you even lived through. The crunchy guitars and simple build-ups
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at times sound reminiscent of acts like Weezer, but the overall feel is something new, something pure, rare and saccharine-sweet. The four-piece will make their first SXSW pilgrimage this year as part of Lincoln radio station KZUM’s Nebraska Exposed 2019 showcase. Crafted by KZUM staff and online tastemakers HearNebraska, the showcase seeks to shine a spotlight on acts from a variety of genres and styles. “We’re kind of the only pop rock band on the line-up,” Butler said during a recent phone interview. “They’re really trying to represent a good cross selection of artists.” The showcase will bring together acts from Lincoln and Omaha, some veterans of the scene and others new up and comers, a diverse selection representing genres as varied as hip-hop, punk and Americana. This year’s performers include: The Rare
Candies, Orion Walsh, Matt Cox, Evan Bartels & The Stony Lonesomes, The Fey, Death Cow, SAS, Sebastian Lane Band, J Crum, M Shah and Will
Hutchinson. Shangri-La is the Austin venue that has been home to Nebraska Exposed since 2012 and allows the acts to reach a much larger audience than just touring alone ever could.
Cuts like “Dynamite” and “We Were Friends” show a band getting comfortable with their own sound, finetuning out the disparate elements and settling into a comfortable groove. The EP sounds very coherent, like a band Rare Candies founder and songwriter who has figured out the kind of music Medlock was surprised to find the band it wants to play and has hit the ground had made it through KZUM’s somewhat running as one of the area’s most arduous selection process, mainly disciplined and enjoyable pop acts. because he was unaware the band had submitted an entry. “Dan [Butler] sort of You can get a taste of what The Rare did most of this without my knowledge,” Candies have to offer by downloading/ Medlock offered with a chuckle. “You streaming the EP from either Apple know submitting our music and filling Music or Spotify, or by visiting out applications for events, that was all therarecandies.bandcamp.com. The Dan.” KZUM Nebraska Exposed 2019 Showcase will take place on March 13 The band stands out for the mere fact as part of the Midcoast Takeover at they make pop music, somewhat of a SXSW in Austin. The Candies will play rarity among the seedy Benson divea few shows on the way down and the bars and downtown Lincoln venues way back, including a stop in Dallas which have become the backbone of the playing with friends from the road. “It’ll Nebraska music scene. “Living,” while be a great experience,” Medlock offered. only 5 songs and 14 minutes long, hints “It’ll get us a modicum of exposure but at the hummable melodies and timeless mainly it’ll just sort of be a vacation for progressions making The Rare Candies the guys.” an act worth checking out. “None of this was planned out or even thought out,” If you want to catch them before they Medlock said. “The live band is really head off, they’ll be having a send-off just a vehicle for the songs. I just like show at the Downunder on Sunday, writing songs. I like the straight-forward March 10th from 8-10pm. poppy stuff, the 90s guitar stuff. You know songs about girls and food.”
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There’s Still Time to Contribute to an IRA for 2018:
2018 income phaseout ranges for determining deductibility of traditional IRA contributions:
2018 income phase-out ranges for determining eligibility to contribute to a Roth IRA:
By Michael Herek
You can contribute to a traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, or both, as long as your total contributions don’t exceed the annual limit (or, if less, 100% of your earned income). You may also be able to contribute to an IRA for your spouse for 2018, even if your spouse didn’t have any 2018 income.
Traditional IRA
You can contribute to a traditional IRA for 2018 if you had taxable compensation and you have not reached 70½ by December 31, 2018. However, if you or your spouse was covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan in 2018, then your ability to deduct your contributions may be limited or eliminated, depending on your filing Even though tax filing season is well status and modified adjusted gross underway, there’s still time to make a income (MAGI). (See table.) Even if you regular IRA contribution for 2018. You can’t make a deductible contribution to have until your tax return due date (not a traditional IRA, you can always make a including extensions) to contribute up nondeductible (after-tax) contribution, to $5,500 for 2018 ($6,500 if you were regardless of your income level. Howage 50 or older on December 31, 2018). ever, if you’re eligible to contribute to a For most taxpayers, the contribution Roth IRA, in most cases you’ll be better deadline for 2018 is April 15, 2019 off making nondeductible contributions (April 17 for taxpayers who live in Maine to a Roth, rather than making them to a or Massachusetts). traditional IRA.
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Roth IRA
You can contribute to a Roth IRA even after reaching 70½ if your MAGI is within certain limits. For 2018, if you file your federal tax return as single or head of household, you can make a full Roth contribution if your income is $120,000 or less. Your maximum contribution is phased out if your income is between $120,000 and $135,000, and you can’t contribute at all if your income is $135,000 or more. Similarly, if you’re married and file a joint federal tax return, you can make a full Roth contribution if your income is $189,000 or less. Your contribution is phased out if your income is between $189,000 and $199,000, and you can’t contribute at all if your income is $199,000 or more. And if you’re married filing separately, your contribution phases out with any income over $0, and you can’t contribute at all if your income is $10,000 or more.
Even if you can’t make an annual contribution to a Roth IRA because of the income limits, there’s an easy workaround. If you haven’t yet reached age 70½, you can make a nondeductible contribution to a traditional IRA and then immediately convert that traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll need to aggregate all traditional IRAs and SEP/ SIMPLE IRAs you own — other than IRAs you’ve inherited — when you calculate the taxable portion of your conversion. (This is sometimes called a “back-door” Roth IRA.) Finally, if you make a contribution — no matter how small — to a Roth IRA for 2018 by your tax return due date and it is your first Roth IRA contribution, your five-year holding period for identifying qualified distributions from all your Roth IRAs (other than inherited accounts) will start on January 1, 2018.
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Getting to Know the Backwoods Barbie: Dolly Parton
haunting “Jolene,” a song which despite its jealous message and almost prayerful vulnerability, has become a bit of a symbol of personal empowerment. In 1974 she professionally parted ways with Wagoner (the pair remained close Considering Dolly’s Appalachian friends) and wrote the smash hit “I Who wouldn’t want to have coffee and down by circumstance. Lines like Will Always Love You” about their time deviled eggs with Dolly Parton on some “London Bridge is falling down/ Daddy’s upbringing was Pentecostal as all Hell, it comes as little surprise that JC has together. Elvis wanted to do the song, front-porch near Pigeon Forge in the drunk again in town,” balance precarihills of Eastern Tennessee? In 2019 it’s ously between fairytale and after-school always been close to her heart, religious when his people informed Parton the and gospel songs flavoring her catalog King always takes a 50% royalty on safe to say Parton has moved beyond special. since her early days. When Parton was any song he covers, Dolly balked at the the realm of country music icon, safely Parton’s heart wrenching “Coat of Many starting out, Wagoner was her muarrangement, a move many at the time nestling herself into the cannon of sic-city mentor, performing countless thought foolish but ended up putting popular American cultural icons, taking Colors” is one of the most beautiful duets together. Wagoner also served as millions in Parton’s bank account after songs ever written, a perfect example her rightful spot amidst the likes of producer on many of her earlier records, Whitney Houston made it the seventh of everything we ask of songwriters: Madonna, Aretha, Beyoncé and other including 1971’s “Coat of Many Colors,” best selling single of all time as part of insight through experience, a deep and artists with enough pizazz to go by a a record startling in it’s simple brilliance the soundtrack for the film “The Bodyunrelenting belief in something larger single name. and one that announced Dolly to the than the individual, love of family, perguard.” While Dolly would go on to chart a severance through pain and a thumbnail songwriting world as a force to be reckMusic for film was always one of Dolly’s oned with. The title cut remains one of staggering 110 singles and 26 #1 hits on sketch of one of the many beautiful fortes. In the 80’s she starred alongside Parton’s most memorable and a classic the Country charts, her less-than-auslittle things we humans do to make life Jane Fonda and Lilly Tomlin in the hit American piece of music, a song with picious upbringing as one of 12 children worth living. Parton wrote the song on movie “9 to 5,” and the accompanying more depth and “real truth” than 99% living in a one room cabin near Locust the back of one of Porter Wagoner’s single would remain one of her most of popular radio fare. “Here I Am” is a Ridge, greatly informed her career and dry cleaning receipts while the two songwriting. This country girl straight toured the US. It’s not just a song based goose-bump inducer, Dolly announcing iconic. The film was eventuality successfully adapted to the stage, earning her relevance to the world at large, her out of the Appalachian mud filled out on her childhood experience; it’s also Parton several Tony nominations and voice soaring over the simple “Goldenlike a rock star and left an indelible mark a poignant reflection on the kind of playing at theaters the world over, the Age-of-Nashville” arrangements. on popular music. Despite her sex-pot deep-held, real life truths that inform story’s message of not taking shit off figure, Parton’s best work carries a our perception of the world and the way Parton sailed through much of the the boss-man resonating with millions. childlike innocence, albeit an innocence we interact with others. Parton’s voice 1970s and 80s doing what she does, In 1983 Parton scored her biggest hit cut short by life’s inevitable cruelties, hinting at ecclesiastical heights when writing country hit after country hit. Not dueting with Kenny Rogers, a cover of but not yet beaten she sings of only did she pen “Coat of Many Colors” the Bee Gees “Islands in the Stream,” during this period, she also wrote the my personal choice when forced to do
By Jesse D. Stanek
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the love her mother put in “every stitch” and then swinging back towards dismay and disbelief when the other children don’t recognize the coat’s homemade beauty.
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karaoke, for obvious reasons. “We ride the dynamic artist, Parton joined up it together, ah-ah, making love with each with the enigmatic bluegrass/folk record other, ah-ah.” label Sugar Hill and in 1999 released the bluegrass masterpiece “The Grass is In 1987 she teamed up with two other Blue.” The record is filled with the best Country songbirds, Emmylou Harris bluegrass players going, pickers like Sam and Linda Ronstadt and released the Bush, Bela Fleck, Bryan Sutton and Jerry gorgeous collection “Trio.” The record Douglas. Coming on the heels of the remains to this day some of the best success of “O’Brother Where Art Thou?,” vocal harmonizing ever recorded. The the record helped give bluegrass a shortalbum didn’t have any smash hits, in fact lived popularity in the mainstream. much of the music gave a nod to country There’s a lackluster Billy Joel cover (“Silmusic’s religious roots, songs like “To ver Dagger”), but most of the tunes are Know Him is to Love Him” and “My Dear Dolly penned or public domain classics. Companion” find all three songstresses Songs like “Travelin’ Prayer,” “Cash on at the pinnacle of their vocal powers. the Barrel head,” “Steady As the Rain” The musicianship and production is and “Train, Train” remain some of Dolly’s the best money can buy, if you were a most ambitious and fun reimaginings. music-city musician in the 80s and you didn’t want to work with Parton, Harris In 2018 Dolly contributed to the and Ronstadt you were in the wrong soundtrack of the film “Dumplin’,” a movtown. ie as much about Dolly’s persevering influence as about the young lead and The 90’s found Dolly a Queen without a her travails in the beauty pageant world, country, Nashville had moved away from a cinematic statement on being happy in the “older sounding” legacy acts and was your own skin and following your heart. welcoming a new batch of hit-makers, Two messages fitting perfectly with Para generation of singers and musicians ton’s sunny side-of-the-street demeanwhose work would be characterized by or. The Soundtrack features duets with over-production and glossed up overthe likes of Mavis Staples, Sia, Miranda the-top perfection. The time of stale Lambert and Elle King as well as remixes and sterilized country radio was in full of classics like “Jolene” and “Here You force and Dolly wasn’t a part of it. Ever Come Again.” It’s safe to say Parton’s
enigmatic voice and style is every bit larger-than-life as it has always been, her message of empowerment and staying true to thine own self still resonating with millions. She has created hundreds of jobs in her home county with her theme park Dollywood and several of her charitable causes have created income and resources for this often-forgot corner of the world.
Records to Stream/Download: Dolly Parton: “Coat of Many Colors” Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton: “Duets” Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris: “Trio” Dolly Parton: “The Grass is Blue” Dolly Parton: “Dumplin’ (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)”
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BARRETT’S BARLEYCORN 4322 Leavenworth St. M-F 4P-6P $2.25 Domestic Bottles $3.00 Well Drinks BROKEDOWN PALACE 8805 Maple St. Happy Hour 12P-6P $4 28 oz Domestic Frozen Mugs $5 28 oz Nebraska Brewing Cardinal Pale Ale Frozen Mug CADDYSHACK 2076 N 117th Ave & 7007 S 181st St M-F 2P-6P $1 Off Beer, Wine & Wells TUES- HAPPY HOUR All Day 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! JERZES 501 Olson Dr, Papillion, NE 68046 Daily Specials! 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
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