Omaha Magazine - July/August 2019 - The Arts and Culture Issue

Friday, August 9th & Saturday, August 10th Ta-Ha-Zouka Park — Elkhorn, NE DAYS & TIMES th

Friday, August 9 , 5 pm -11 pm th Saturday, August 10 , 3 pm -11 pm

FEATURE ATTRACTIONS · Hot Air Balloons Launch around 7 PM & Glow around 9 PM (weather permitting) · Taste Award-Winning Wines Featuring Local Wineries with Over 70 Wines to Taste · Enjoy Live Music from the Best Area Bands, Beer Garden, Marketplace Village & Delicious Foods · VIP Food & Wine Pairings at 6 PM & 8 PM with Carrabbas on Friday & 801 Grill on Saturday · Pony Rides and Fun for the Kids! · New! Free Park N Ride from Elkhorn High School to and from the Festival Entrance

To Order Tickets and for More Information:

www.showofficeonline.com MEDIA SPONSORS:

FESTIVAL HOST HOTEL

TAB L E of CON T E N T S THE USUAL SUSPECTS 004 From the Editor

Arts, Music, Action

006 Between the Lines 008 Calendar of Events 062 Adventure

Jesse Attanasio

089 Obviously Omaha Metaling in Arts

113 Explore!

119 Instagram 120 Not Funny

Ars Gratia Artis

A R T S + C U LT U R E 018 Music

Andrew Bailie

022 Art

Tūdūsō

026 Comedy

Angi Sada

030 Poetry

F E AT U R E S

042 046 052 // 2 //

096

Withlove, Felicia

GIVING 066 Feature

Omaha Conservatory of Music

068 Giving Calendar PE O P L E

CREATING A CITY-WIDE CELEBRATION

056 Profile

BIG THINGS IN THE BIG O ARTS SCENE

058 Gen O

John Heaston and the Omaha Entertainment & Arts Awards

JAZZ TO THE FUTURE The Revitalization of a Scene

JULY/AUGUST 2019

Camden Johnson, Driven to Design Chloe Irwin, Full of Purpose

THE 2018 GRE AT PL AINS J OUR N A LIS M AWA RDS

MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 60PLUS IN OMAHA

DISCOVER VIDEOS AND ONLINE EXTRAS

073 Opener

for select content in this issue.

074 Feature

Art of the Book

078 Health

Seniors Gone Wild

082 Nostalgia

Two Couples, Two Eras, Two Galleries

086 Active Living

Joe Cabral and the GI Forum

DINING 090 Feature

Eateries as Art Galleries

094 Profile

B&G Tasty Foods

096 Review

Mercury

102 Dining Guide SPECIAL SECTION 033 Best of Omaha Campaign

A B O U T T HE COV E R

Food Issue

This month’s cover, featuring local actress Regina Palmer, strives to replicate the energy and vibrancy of Omaha’s arts and culture. It’s fresh, playful, and diverse in mediums and people. We love this city and hope to highlight what makes it so special—the people.

537 trees have been reforested

due to the printing of our last round of publications.

Learn more at printreleaf.com

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OPEN THE CAMERA APP IN YOUR SMART DEVICE.

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Step ENJOY YOUR EXPERIENCE. Watch, click, shop, explore!

read online at omahamagazine.com

FROM THE EDITOR // LETTER BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN, MANAGING EDITOR

ARTS, MUSIC, ACTION OMAHA’S VIBRANT A+C SCENE

OMAHA MAGAZINE HAS long been the

city’s magazine for premier arts and culture articles. In the past couple of years, we’ve informed our readers of musicians from Jocelyn to Josh Hoyer, visual artists from Tim Guthrie to Betni Kalk, and performers from Tracie Mauk to Catie Zaleski.

We have also brought you news of notable former Omahans like Adam Devine, Q. Smith, and more.

This summer’s issue of Omaha Magazine is all about arts and culture. We’ve taken the focus of this publication and expanded it into an entire, themed issue. In our A+C section, we bring you the story of Andrew Bailie, who has been playing music since he was a teenager in the late 1990s, and the visual art duo Tūdūsō explain their collaboration. Late in the section is Angi Sada, fitting because she herself if frequently late to the game, and poet Withlove, Felicia.

In the features section, I spoke with OEAA pioneer John Heaston to get an idea of how this incredible event came to be, and what it has done for the arts community in Omaha.

Speaking of the OEAAs, former editor Doug Meigs is the president this year, and we know he and his board are going to make this event fantastic. But they cannot do it without your help. Find out how to nominate your favorite artist on page 46.

We checked in with 15 popular arts venues and asked each of them about their biggest achievement of the year. In 2019, Omaha debuted world-premier ballets, showed Tony-award winning Broadway theatricals, exhibited significant contemporary artworks, and engaged listeners with unique symphonic and operatic performances, among others.

Jazz is music to some people’s ears, and muzak to others, yet it has a long history in Omaha. Our article on page 54 talks about the revival of jazz music, and its rich history, in Omaha.

While we spotlighted Omaha legends such as Curly Martin, we also talked to up-and-coming performers like Chloe Irwin,

who spoke to us in a rare down time. This teenager can be seen acting in plays put on by everyone from Nebraska Shakespeare to SNAP Productions.

Filmmaker and photographer Jesse Attanasio is our subject for this month’s Adventure story. His company, ONElapse, creates beautiful time-lapse images that show shooting stars, meteor showers— even the sun rising over Omaha.

The Omaha Conservatory of Music fosters the dreams and musical talents of thousands of students in the Omaha area. They moved into the former Temple Israel a few years ago, and it has served them well, enabling them to continue to grow as they help music students grow.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I am a complete book nerd. One of my favorite courses at the University of Iowa was “history of the book,” and when Iowa City flooded in 2008, I remember watching the line of people shuttling books and memorabilia to the top of the library on a news site and yelling at my computer screen: “Save the Gutenberg!”

(The University of Iowa has a piece of an original Gutenberg bible.) These are reasons why I enjoy the story of Bonnie O’Connell, a professor of book arts at UNO. Are any of you readers over the age of 60 and sporting a tattoo? If so, congratulations, you are braver than me. I have never considered a tattoo, being a needle-phobe. As baby-boomers age into their 60s and beyond, there are more people who have tattoos, and we explain to the 60-plus readers what they need to know about getting one.

And there are several notable names in Omaha art, but Joslyn and Rogers are at the top of the list. George and Sarah Joslyn procured an art collection in the early 1900s that started the Joslyn Art Museum, while Bob and Roberta Rogers started Gallery 72, on 72nd Street, in 1972. The two families may have been decades apart, but their stories parallel in interesting ways. The article can be found on page 82.

The GI Forum is known for their Taco JULY/AUGUST

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2019

Thursdays, which pack the house for their crunchy beef-and-tortilla treats, along with the camaraderie of fellow veterans and South Omaha residents. Among the tacos and talking is Joe Cabral and his trumpet. This jovial veteran is the unofficial historian and recruiter for the organization.

Although temperatures in July and August in Omaha can reach wretched numbers of 90 or more, the evenings are often cool enough for a stroll, and there are lots of places around the city to find art outdoors. This has traditionally been true of sculptures, which is why our Obviously Omaha this round is about outdoor sculptures in varying parts of the city.

Those looking to grab a bite to eat while pursuing the art scene should check out the Benson area, which boasts a downtown full of art, music, and food—all of which converge during the first Friday of each month for an event that packs the streets.

And Omaha recently lost a great sandwich joint that also supported the arts. B&G Tasty Foods closed its doors over Memorial Day Weekend, and several artists worked there through its time in Omaha.

Finally, this issue lets the cat out of the bag— at least in my opinion. Mercury bar is a great place to go before seeing a performance at the Orpheum. It’s small, but the drinks are delectable, the cheese plate is divine, and my friend Jamie will tell you the scallops are to die for.

But we can’t forget about our friend Otis Twelve. His column this month discusses the idea of “Ars Gratia Artis,” which translates to “art for art’s sake.”

Omaha is a great arts city, whether talking about music, visual arts, performing arts, avant garde, or more. I need to end this letter so I can go see a show. I hope you enjoy the articles, and we’ll be back in September with our Big Give issue.

JULY/AUGUST 2019 VOLUME 37 // ISSUE 4

EDITORIAL Managing Editor

DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Senior Editor

TARA SPENCER Contributing Writers

LEO ADAM BIGA · RYAN BORCHERS TAMSEN BUTLER · ANTHONY FLOTT · GREG JERRETT ANDREA KSZYSTYNIAK · JENNIFER LITTON · SANDRA MARTIN SEAN McCARTHY · WILL PATTERSON · NIZ PROSKOCIL KARA SCHWEISS · KATE SMITH · OTIS TWELVE JOSEFINA LOZA WELLS · SARAH WENGERT

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200 Years of American Design

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Pulling a familiar everyday object out from under the desk and dining table, this exhibition of chairs surprises us with the imaginative style and creativity found in this seemingly humble piece of furniture. Ticketed exhibition.

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402.884.2000 Omaha Magazine Vol 37 Issue 4, publishes monthly except February, April, August, November, December, totaling 8 issues by Omaha Magazine, LTD, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137. Periodical postage at Omaha, NE, and additional offices and additional mailing offices.

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The Art of Seating: 200 Years of American Design is organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art, Jacksonville, in collaboration with the Thomas H. and Diane DeMell Jacobsen, Ph.D. Foundation and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C. Image: Designed and Manufactured by Kenneth Smythe (b. 1937), Oakland, CA, Synergistic Synthesis XVII sub b1 Chair, 2003, Photo by Michael Koryta and Andrew VanStyn, Director of Acquisitions, Conservation and Photography

2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | www.joslyn.org JULY/AUGUST 2019

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Between A LOOK AT FOUR OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS LAUREN FABER—Marketing Intern Lauren Faber is a senior at Northwestern College in Orange City Iowa, where she is studying business and marketing. Faber’s friends describe her as a workaholic, she always has to stay a little too busy. As an avid traveler, Faber can always be found planning her next trip. Lately, she has taken adventures through Europe, the Tetons, and Mexico. She also runs her own photography business along with taking sports images for her college. In her limited free time, you can find Faber bingeing shows on Netflix, cooking, shopping, or laughing with her friends and family.

GREG JERRETT—Contributing Writer Greg Jerrett has been writing for Omaha Magazine since 2015. He is an old-school newspaperman who likes to brag way too much about being old school, the people he’s interviewed (Tori Amos, Seymour Hersh, Paul Begala, and Steve King), and his small slew of awards, most recently a 2017 Great Plains Journalism Award for Best Magazine News Writing.

Jerrett earned a B.S. in sociology and English from Iowa State University long ago and drinks on the job as a Nightlife bar reviewer for the Go! section of the Omaha World-Herald. His hobbies include Canadian sitcom trivia.

NIZ PROSKOCIL—Contributing Writer Niz Proskocil is an Omaha-based freelance writer covering food, travel, arts, and entertainment.

She is a journalism graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha who has worked as a newspaper reporter and magazine editor. Her work appears in numerous print and online publications. She particularly enjoys writing about travel trends, hotels, and destinations around the globe as a contributing writer for a West Coast-based travel publication.

SAMANTHA WEIDEMAN—Editorial Intern Samantha Weideman is a senior at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, studying journalism and political science. She is the digital editor for The Gateway and communications intern for Omaha Church of Christ. She has served as a member of the Student Publications Board and assisted The Gateway’s marketing team with fundraising events. When she is not writing or studying, Weideman enjoys reading Batman comics, thrift store shopping, attending concerts, and finding new restaurants and coffee shops with her campus ministry.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

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EVENTS

» Exhibitions « PATRIOTIC PERCHES

Through July 14 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. The beautifully hand-crafted birdhouses made by Richard Yost educate visitors about state birds and give a unique combination of art, geography, and horticulture knowledge. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children ages 6-12, free for members and children under 6.

402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

A REGENCY OF STYLE: CULTURAL CHANGES IN 18TH AND 19TH CENTURY EUROPE

Th rough July 21 at The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. The French Revolution and technological advances provoked lifestyle, culture, and clothing changes throughout Europe, making clothing a means of individual expression rather than an indication of social status. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children ages 3-12, free for members and children under 2. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

TYRANNOSAURS: MEET THE FAMILY

Th rough Sept 1 at The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. This exhibition showcases the dinosaurs’ newly revised family tree. The centerpiece of the exhibit is “Scotty,” a replica skeleton of what scientists are calling the largest T. rex. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children ages 3-12, free for members and children under 2. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

JULY/AUGUST 2019

Opening July 11 at Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St. In her solo exhibit, Omaha-born artist Drakeford explores the power of plants to preserve the human spirit and home gardens as places of temporary refuge from the everyday trauma of racial oppression. Th is multi-sensory installation brings a variety of plants together with rugs, textiles, vintage furniture, books, field recordings, and a new video.

Admission: free. 402.933.3161.

—u-ca.org

JENNA JOHNSON, GEORGE SKUODAS, DAVID LOYD

THE ART OF SEATING: 200 YEARS OF AMERICAN DESIGN

Th rough Sept. 8 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. This ticketed exhibit shows the imaginative style and creativity found in this seemingly humble piece of furniture. Tickets: $10 general public adults; $5 college students with ID; free for Joslyn members and youth ages 17 and younger. Museum admission: free. 402.342.3300.

—joslyn.org

AGNETA GAINES, JOAN FETTER, MADELAINE HEALEY

Opening July 1 at Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 405 S. 11th St. The woven natural-fiber art of Gaines, intensely colored paintings of Fetter, and pottery of Healey meet in this Nebraska-centered exhibition full of texture.

Admission: free. 402.342.9617.

—artistscoopomaha.com

INNER EAR VISION: SOUND AS MEDIUM

Opening July 11 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. Th is exhibit is curated by artist Raven Chacon, artist Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe, and art historian Maria Elena Buszek. Admission: free.

402.341.7130.

—bemiscenter.org

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ANGELA DRAKEFORD: HOMECOMING

Opening Aug. 1 at Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 405 S. 11th St. Johnson’s paintings use size, texture, and color to represent the good and bad energies of life and the power of human figures. The figures assembled by Skuodas are fi lled with whimsy and make one question the definition of “junk.” The abstract work of Loyd will toy with ideas of symmetry. Admission: free. 402.342.9617.

—artistscoopomaha.com

CAROL THOMPSON

Through Aug. 2 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. Thompson is a Nebraska artist who grew up in Fremont. Her paintings depict objects and elements of nature including delicate flowers and bird nests.

Thompson focuses on the painting process and uses elements and principles of design in her compositions.

Admission: free. 402.595.2122.

—artscouncil.nebraska.gov

NEBRASKA ARTIST BIENNIAL

Th rough Aug. 4 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. The 2019 Nebraska Artist Biennial is a juried exhibition featuring 50-plus works from the best artists across Nebraska. Admission: free. 402.305.1510.

—gallery1516.org

SARAH KOLAR

Opening Aug. 9 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. Kolar uses everyday textiles—like old T-shirts—to explore societal and political routines in her fiber art.

Admission: free. 402.595.2122.

—artscouncil.nebraska.gov

SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN: ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

OMAHA UNDER THE RADAR

July 5 and 7 at Elmwood Park, 411 1/2 N. Elmwood Road. All’s Well That Ends Well tells the story of one woman’s obsessive love. It is performed by Juno’s Swans, the all-female ensemble. Chairs or blankets are acceptable, and pre-show entertainment is available. 8 p.m.

Admission: free. 402.280.2391.

—nebraskashakespeare.com

July 24-27 at various locations. Th is annual event gives Midwestern and national performers the chance to connect and learn through dance and theatrical performances, art discussions, workshops, and other educational opportunities. Times vary. Tickets: $10 single event pass, $25 Saturday pass, $50 festival pass, $100 VIP pass.

—undertheradaromaha.com

ANDY WOODHULL

EDDIE IFFT

July 5-7 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St. Woodhull has been featured on The Late Late Show, Conan, Comedy Central, and The Tonight Show: Staring Jimmy Fallon. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $17$47. 402.493.8036.

—omaha.funnybone.com

PLAYS OUT LOUD! SUMMER READING SERIES: DAYS OF ABSENCE

July 12-13 at the Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St. Plays Out Loud! is a readers' theater series.

Days of Absence by Douglas Turner Ward is a satire that speaks to race relations in an imaginary Southern town.

7 p.m. Tickets: $5 advanced, free general admission.

402.933-3161.

—u-ca.org

GARTH WILLIAMS: ILLUSTRATOR OF THE CENTURY

Th rough Aug. 11 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. The exhibit will feature artwork by Williams, including illustrations from Charlotte’s Web and Little House on the Prairie, cartoons from his time at The New Yorker, and more. Admission: free. 402.342.3300.

—joslyn.org

CONTEMPORARY TEXTILES

Th rough Aug. 18 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. Marcela Diaz uses traditional fibers of henequen, cotton, and coconut to create handwoven pieces using the textile art from Yucatan. Admission: $5 adults, $4 college students, $3.50 seniors (55+) and students K-12, free for members and children under 5. 402.731.1137.

—elmuseolatino.org

3 FROM NEBRASKA

Opening Aug. 25 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. Th is exhibit features the work of three 20th century Nebraska artists: Eugene Kingman, Augustus Dunbier, and Robert Gilder. Admission: free. 402.305.1510.

—gallery1516.org

CHRIS PORTER

Aug. 1-3 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St. Iff t has made numerous appearances on late-night shows such as Chelsea Lately and Last Comic Standing, and currently hosts his own podcast, The Bingle Show. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $17-$47.

402.493.8036.

—omaha.funnybone.com

BILLY MCGUIGAN’S ROCK TWIST

Aug. 2-18 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Th is live concert experience combines classic rock ’n’ roll hits with a big band twist. The show will cover a variety of artists from The Doors to Frank Sinatra. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets: $42. 402.553.0800.

—omahaplayhouse.com

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JESSIMAE PELUSO

July 18-20 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St. Porter was a finalist on season 4 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing and has a comedy special, “Ugly & Angry.” 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $17-$47.

402.493.8036.

—omaha.funnybone.com

Aug. 8-10 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St. Best known for starring on MTV’s Girl Code, Peluso is now a stand-up comedian. She also has two weekly podcasts, Sharp Tongue and Highlarious.

7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $17-$47. 402.493.8036.

—omaha.funnybone.com

BRIT FLOYD

SWEAT

July 19 at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Th is Pink Floyd tribute show comes to Omaha to celebrate the 40th anniversary celebration of The Wall. 8 p.m.

Tickets: $35-$155. 402.345-0606.

—ticketomaha.com

Aug. 16-Sept. 15 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for drama, Sweat follows a group of American steelworkers who lose their economic security. 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $18-36.

402.553.0800.

—omahaplayhouse.com

TRADITIONAL MASKS

Through Aug. 31 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. Th is exhibition showcases a selection of masks created to be worn during annual celebrations, and festivals, and while performing traditional dances. Admission: $5 adults, $4 college students, $3.50 seniors (55+) and students K-12, free for members and children under 5.

402.731.1137.

—elmuseolatino.org

» Stage Performances « SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN: HAMLET

July 2, 3, and 6 at Elmwood Park, 411 1/2 N. Elmwood Road. After the death of his father and the wedding between his mother and uncle, Hamlet sets out to avenge his father’s death. The event includes pre-show entertainment. 8 p.m. Admission: free. 402.280.2391.

—nebraskashakespeare.com JULY/AUGUST 2019

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

SQUEEZE MY CANS: SURVIVING SCIENTOLOGY

The Omaha Metropolitan Area (OMA) Tourism Awards celebrates front-line employees who go above and beyond to make the Omaha metro area a great tourism destination.

Aug. 16-18 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. This theatrical performance takes the audience on the roller coaster ride that is Scientology. Friday and Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday 6 p.m. Tickets: $20. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

PAW PATROL LIVE!

Aug. 17-18 at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. The six beloved “rescue” dogs from Nickelodeon’s children’s show PAW Patrol are brought to life on a live stage. These pirate pups need all paws on deck to find the hidden treasure and save the day. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Tickets: $22-$135. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS Outstanding Guest Service in a Hotel Raymelle Buxton Johnson with DoubleTree Hotel Outstanding Manager of the Year Christine Patterson with Microtel Inn & Suites Outstanding Customer Service in a Retail Outlet Danette Van Epps with Chocolaterie Stam Best Front of the House Loretta Ashley with Liberty Tavern at Hilton Omaha Outstanding Guest Service at an Attraction Cindy Vanek with Omaha Performing Arts Outstanding Guest Services at a Hotel Christian Hiltbrunner with Courtyard By Marriott at Beardmore Event Center Best Heart of the House Zead Basbos with Embassy Suites Outstanding Volunteer Gayle Strickland, Community Volunteer Outstanding Service In Attraction Operations Brittany Thornton with Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority

2019 TOURISM HERO OF THE YEAR DENNIS PATE

JOHN CRIST

Aug. 20 and 21 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St. Comedian and viral sensation Crist has been named one of the “Top Five Comics to Watch.”

Crist’s humor sometimes revolves around the local church. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $17-$47. 402.493.8036.

—omaha.funnybone.com

PLAYS OUT LOUD! SUMMER READING SERIES: SIMPLY HEAVENLY

Aug. 23-24 at the Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St. Plays Out Loud! is a readers theater series.

This play by Langston Hughes follows the lead character, Simple, as he must choose between responsibility and temptation. 7 p.m. Tickets: $5 advanced, free general admission. 402.933.3161.

—u-ca.org

CHRISTIAN NODAL AHORA TOUR

Aug. 24 at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Mexican singer and songwriter Christian Nodal will perform his “mariacheño,” along with several surprises and mixes unique to this performance. 9 p.m. Tickets: $50-$140. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

» Concerts « FREE CONCERTS:

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

Th is summer, several places will offer an eclectic array of live music from local musicians. These concert series, offered throughout Omaha, provide a fun night out.

• Jazz on the Green (Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St.): 7:30 p.m. Thursdays July 11-Aug. 15.

• Music and Memories (Shadow Lake Towne Center, 72nd Street and Highway 370): 6:30 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 9.

• Music and Movies (La Vista Public Library, 9110 Giles Road): 7 p.m. July 19 and Aug. 9.

• Music in the Park (Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St., Council Bluffs): 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays through July 24.

• Music in the Park (Washington Park, 20th and Franklin streets, Bellevue): 7 p.m. Thursdays through July 25.

• Rockbrook Village (108th and Center streets): 7 p.m.

Fridays through Aug. 30.

• Saturdays @ Stinson (Stinson Park, 2285 S. 67th St.): 7 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 24.

• Vibes (Village Pointe, 17305 Davenport St.): 6:30 p.m.

Thursdays through Aug. 15.

OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

THE BLASTERS

JASON MRAZ

July 2 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. Th is group performs rock ’n’ roll, country, and blues-infused music with passion and honesty. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $30 day of show. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

July 14 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluff s. Mraz performs crowd-pleasing melodies, cheeky humor, and thoughtful lyrics. 8 p.m. Tickets: $42-$105. 712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

EARTH, WIND & FIRE

July 19 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluff s. Critically acclaimed funk band Earth, Wind & Fire are the performers of 1970s hits such as “September” and “Boogie Wonderland.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $50-$123. 712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

CAR SEAT HEADREST

July 3 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. Th is American indie rock band performs a high-energy concert that will open with a set from the Naked Giants. 8 p.m. Tickets: $23 advanced, $25 day of show.

402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

YOUNG THE GIANT

July 3 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluff s. Los Angeles quintet Young the Giant delivers powerful arrangements with adventurous spirit on their new album, Mirror Master. 8 p.m. Tickets: $37 general admission, $152-$232 VIP packages. 712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

MICHIGANDER

July 17 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Michigander features a full band in their live shows performed by frontman Jason Singer. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12.

402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

HULLABALOO MUSIC FESTIVAL

July 18-21 at Falconwood Park, 905 Allied Road, Bellevue. This music festival includes local and regional bands, DJs, artists, food vendors, and a variety of activities in an intimate setting. Guests can camp on the grounds throughout the weekend. Times vary. Tickets: $30 day pass, $80 weekend pass. 402.210.4747.

—mahafestival.com

NEBRASKA WIND SYMPHONY SUMMER CONCERT

CHRIS STAPLETON

July 19 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th July 4 at SumTur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St. Grammy-nominated Chris Stapleton, known for St. Th is Fourth of July concert will feature the 2019 “Tennessee Whiskey,” and “Parachute,” brings country, Nebraska Wind Symphony scholarship award rock 'n' roll, and bluegrass rhythms to Omaha. 7 winner and euphonium player Nestor Pelayo p.m. Tickets: $40-$90. 402.341.1500. performing "The Yellow Rose of Texas." 6 p.m.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com July Tickets: free. 402.216.0122.

—nebraskawindsymphony.com

19

DIANA ROSS

July 20 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluff s. The iconic R&B superstar is known for hit songs such as “I’m Coming Out” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $45-105.

712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

TEMPO OF TWILIGHT

Tuesday evenings though July 23 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Guests can bring chairs, food, and beverages and listen to music on the manicured Lauritzen green. The café will serve a limited menu.

6 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children ages 6-12, free for members and children under 6. 402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

AS CITIES BURN

BARONESS

TAB BENOIT

BUSH AND LIVE

July 5 at Lookout Lounge, 320 S. 72nd St. The progressive post-hardcore sound of As Cities Burn will be evident on their Scream Through the Walls Tour. All Get Out and Many Rooms will be opening. 7 p.m. Tickets: $18 advanced, $20 day of show. 402.391.2554.

—lookoutomaha.com

July 7 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. Benoit’s most recent album Medicine features an energetic sound. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $30 day of show.

402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

July 26 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. Th is metal band from Savannah, Georgia, has seen some turnover in members since they formed in 2003, but guitarist and vocalist John Baizley and his powerful sound has not changed. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $28 day of show. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

July 27 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluff s. 1990s icons Bush and Live are joining forces with special guest Our Lady Peace. 8 p.m. Tickets: $45-$193. 712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 11 //

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

ROCK & ROLL SUICIDE

July 27 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Th is Omaha band performs covers of full-length albums

by Prince, Talking Heads, Bruce Springsteen, and more. 9 p.m. Tickets: $7 advanced, $10 day of show.

402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

WU-TANG CLAN

Aug. 1 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluff s. Hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan is known for hits such as “Protect Ya Neck” and “Bring da Ruckus.”

8 p.m. Tickets: $55-$110. 712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

GARY CLARK JR. WITH THE PETERSON BROTHERS

Aug. 8 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluff s. The electrifying Gary Clark Jr. is taking the stage with The Peterson Brothers. Clark is a rockand-soul omnivore who can survey the entire landscape of American music. 8 p.m. Tickets: $39-$153.

712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY & THE CONSPIRATORS

Aug. 9 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluff s. Th is group brings an electrifying guitar and high-wire, lyrical solos. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35-$133.

712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

BEN HARPER & THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS

Aug. 15 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluff s. Best known for “Steal My Kisses,” Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals team up with the New Orleans-tinged rock, funk, and soul group Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue for a fun and funky summer tour. 8 p.m. Tickets: $44-$106. 712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

OPERA OUTDOORS

BIG DADDY WEAVE

Aug. 2 at Bellevue Christian Center, 1400 Harvell Drive, Bellevue. Contemporary Christian band Big Daddy Weave is composed of a six-person ensemble, accompanied by violinist Jonathan Chu and cellist Becca Bradley. 7 p.m. Tickets: $15-$75. 402.291.0616.

—bellevuechristian.com

O.A.R.

THE SAMPLES

Aug. 10 at Th e Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. Sean Kelly and his band delight fans with music that transcends genres and ages, and shatters the rules of the established music industry. 8 p.m. Tickets: $30 advanced, $80 meet-and-greet. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

August

Aug. 3 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluff s. 1990s band O.A.R. (Of a Revolution) is best known for “Shattered (Turn the Car Around)” and “Peace.” Artists American Authors and Rozzi open. 8 p.m. Tickets: $40-$103.

712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

MAHA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Aug. 14-17 at various locations. Th is summer music festival showcases a vibrant, eclectic mix of national and local musicians and artists. Th is year’s lineup includes Lizzo, Jenny Lewis, Courtney Barnett, Matt and Kim, Oh Sees, DUCKWRTH, and more. 4 p.m. Wednesday, 7 p.m. Thursday, 5 p.m.

Friday, and 1 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $10-$320.

—mahafestival.com

14-17

STEF CHURA

Aug. 7 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. In Stef Chura’s debut studio album, Messes, she reflects on her experiences performing in the Michigan underground scene. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

// 12 //

JULY/AUGUST 2019

PINBACK

Aug. 15 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. In their four albums over a dozen years, Pinback has perfected their hybrid of pop, folk, rock, reggae, and funk, growing to be one of the most popular and well-respected pop bands of the last decade. (Note: this is also the opening band for Maha.) 7 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

Aug. 23 at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St. Th is free opera concert under the stars features highlights from the coming season as well as some of opera’s greatest hits. 7 p.m. Tickets: free.

402.346.7372.

—operaomaha.org

RINGO STARR & HIS ALL STARR BAND

Aug. 23 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluff s. Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band features Toto’s Steve Lukather, Santana’s Gregg Rolie, Men at Work’s Colin Hay, multi-instrumentalist Warren Ham, drummer Gregg Bissonette, and Hamish Stuart. In a night of classic hits, each band member will bring songs like “Africa” and “Yellow Submarine” to the set. 8 p.m.

Tickets: $55-$182. 712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s/shows

PETROCK

Aug. 23 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. PetRock brings the sights and sounds of 1970s rock to life— minus the disco. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

JOSÉ GONZÁLEZ

Aug. 28 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Swedish singer-songwriter José González delivers tender, yet impactful acoustic arrangements, punctuated with soft vocals and thoughtful lyrics. 7 p.m. Tickets $30 advanced, $35 day of show. 402.345.7569.

—theslowdown.com

Aug. 2 – 18

Aug. 16 – Sept. 15

A high-energy concoction of rock ‘n’ roll mega hits with a big band twist!

Nominated for three Tony Awards.®

On sale now!

On sale July 23

presenting sponsor:

St. Frances Cabrini The spiritual home of the Little Italy and Old Market neighborhoods since 1857.

6915 Cass St. | (402) 553-0800 | OmahaPlayhouse.com

stcabriniomaha.org 10th and Williams Street JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 13 //

It’s an eclectic mash-up of trendy vendors, food & entertainment

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

» Family & More « FARMER’S MARKETS

PRESENTED BY

Midtown crossing at TURNER PARK 31st Avenue & Farnam street

May 3 1• July 26 Augu June 28 • st 30 • September 27

Gardening season is open in Omaha, and those desiring fresh produce will find plenty of options in the area, along with artisan cheeses, farm-raised meats, freshly baked breads, assorted treats, and craft items.

• Council Bluffs (Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St.) 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays (closed July 4).

• Old Market (11th and Jackson streets) 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays.

• Village Pointe (168th and Dodge streets) 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Saturdays.

• Aksarben Village (67th and Center streets) 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays.

• Papillion (84th and Lincoln streets) 5-8 p.m. Wednesdays (closed Aug. 28).

• Night Market (Turner Park @ Midtown Crossing) 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Last Friday of the month.

• Florence Mill (9102 N. 30th St.) 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sundays.

• Rockbrook Village (108th and Center streets) 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays.

• Gifford Park (33rd and California streets) 5-8 p.m.

Fridays.

6 pm to 10 pm

FREE MOVIES media sponsors

sponsors

omahafarmersmarket.org/night-market

Laugh, cry, and relax with classic and current movies on starry summer nights. Bring a blanket or a chair, and the whole family. All movies begin at dusk.

• Monday Night Movies at Midtown Crossing (Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St.): through July 29.

• Music & Movies in the Park (Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St., Council Bluff s, IA.): Fridays through July 26.

• Starlight Movies (SumTur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St., Papillion, NE.): July 5, Aug. 2, and Aug. 16.

TURNER PARK NIGHT MARKET

May 31-Sept. 27 at Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St. The Omaha Farmer’s Market and Turner Park bring visitors family-friendly activities, vendors, food, entertainment, and more. 6-10 p.m. last Friday of each month.

Admission: free.

—midtowncrossing.com/events/

SUMMER STREET SERIES

July-September in Benson, Military Avenue & Maple Street. Benson First Friday takes to the street for the summer months. Th is fresh take on the monthly community event will feature interactive and live artists, an artist's market, performers, food vendors, and activities for all ages. 5 p.m. Admission: free.

—bensonfirstfriday.com

LEASHES AT LAURITZEN

1123 Jackson Street

// 14 //

bigbrainomaha.com | 402.342.2885

JULY/AUGUST 2019

July 1 and 8, Aug. 5 and 12 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Canines are invited to walk the grounds and enjoy the great outdoors. Th is is an informal, fun way to enjoy and explore Lauritzen’s 100 acres and miles of trail with the family and four-legged friends.

6 p.m. Tickets: $10 for non-members, $5 for dogs, free for members. 402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

RALSTON’S ANNUAL INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

July 4 in Downtown Ralston, 7400 Main St. Th is year’s theme is “Independence Day the Ralston Way,” as this community tradition continues with a fun run, live music, parade, fire department water fight, chicken dinner, beer garden, and a spectacular firework show.

Times vary. Admission: free. 402.339.7737.

—ralstonareachamber.org/independence-day

DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIR

July 11-14 at Village Pointe, 17305 Davenport St. Th is is a celebration of the county where urban and rural meet, with something for everyone—live music, a parade, and a livestock show at Chance Ridge Event Center. Times vary. Admission: free.

—douglascountyfair.org

RIVERJAM, “THE WOODSTOCK 50TH ANNIVERSARY EXPERIENCE”

July 12-14 at Riverwest Park, 23301 West Maple Road. RiverJam will pay tribute to the greatest music festival of all time—Woodstock—with more than 40 DJs, bands, and artists performing on three stages; food trucks; a beer garden; vendors; and more. Times vary.

Tickets: $15-$325. 402.953.4731.

—eventbrite.com

RAILROAD DAYS

July 13-14 at various locations. Visitors can explore the exhibits and collections at five of the area’s railroad-themed attractions—Lauritzen Gardens, the Durham Museum, RailsWest Railroad Museum, Union Pacific Railroad Museum, and the Historic General Dodge House. One pass includes admission and transportation between all five locations. 9 a.m. Tickets: $15 family pass, $5 single pass. 402.501.3841.

—omaharailroaddays.com

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

BREW AT THE ZOO

July 13 at Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St. Guests can stroll through the upper part of the zoo, listen to live music, eat, and play games while sampling unique brews from local breweries. 8 p.m. Tickets: $70 for members, $80 for non-members, $120 VIP admission. 402.733.8401.

—omahazoo.com

UNLEASH COUNCIL BLUFFS

FAIRYTALE BALL

July 27 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Th is enchanting night at the museum is fi lled with encounters from princesses and princes, horse-drawn carriage rides, a wishing well, and activities including crafts and archery training. Dinner is included and costumes are encouraged. 6 p.m. Tickets: $20 for members, $35 for non-members. 402.342.6164.

—ocm.org

July 20 in downtown Council Bluff s. Th is Missouri River city will host a party for the 20,000-30,000 bicyclists as the starting point for this year’s RAGBRAI. The public is welcome to this event, which includes opening ceremonies, food, and music by Taxi Driver and the Polka Police. Noon. Admission: free. 712.256.2577.

—ragbraicb.com

NEW AMERICAN ARTS FESTIVAL

BENSON DAYS

RIVER’S EDGE TACO FEST

July 27-28 along 60th and Maple streets. Benson Days is a family-friendly summer festival that celebrates the neighborhood’s creative culture. Saturday’s activities include a pancake breakfast, parade, street festival, and beer garden. The Indie 5K/10K Race will be held Sunday morning. Times vary. Admission: free.

—bensondays.com

THE COLOR RUN 5K

108th & Center rockbrookvillage.com

Aug. 2 in Benson at Military Ave. and Maple St. Th is festival celebrates the arts, ideas, and cultures of Omaha’s refugee and immigrant communities with workshops, performances, art, food, and music. 4 p.m. Admission: free. 402.342.6164.

—@BensonFirstFriday on Facebook

Aug. 3 at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, 4200 Avenue B, Council Bluff s. Fifteen of the area’s best taco-centric restaurants will offer a wide range of mouthwatering taco creations. The day will include national and local musical performances, live Lucha Libre wrestling matches, and the Chihuahua beauty pageant and race. 11 a.m. Tickets: $20 advanced general admission, $30 general admission, $100 VIP pass.

—riversedgetacofest.com

July 27 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. The popular traveling 5K returns to Omaha. Participants run the route while paint powder colors August the streets—and the runners. 8 a.m. Tickets: $25-$50 adults, $15 children ages 5 and under.

—thecolorrun.com

Why Helix is Better Most machines work front-to-back.

Why Helix Is Better Why Helix Istradition Better The Helix turns on its side—

literally.

With lateral side-to-side) Most machines work(or front-toMost machines front-tomovement, youwork use more muscles, back. The Helix turns tradition on which back.

The Helix turns more tradition means you burn fat on than during its side— literally. With lateral its side— literally.

With lateral the same a traditional workout—in ( or side-to-side) movement, you ( or side-to-side) movement, you amount of time. use more muscles, which means use more muscles, which means you burn more fat than during a you burn more fat than during THANK YOU a traditional workout– in the same traditional workout– in the same OMAHA! amount of time. amount of time.

NEBRASKA BALLOON AND WINE FESTIVAL

Aug. 9-10 at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, Elkhorn. As the name implies, guests can sip Nebraska wines and view hot air balloon launches. 5 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $19 wine tasting package at the gate, $15 wine tasting package in advance, $14 general admission, $7 children under 12, children 5 and under free. 402.346.8003.

—showofficeonline.com/NebraskaWineBalloon

9-10

NEBRASKA ASIAN FESTIVAL

July 27 at Lewis and Clark Landing, 515 N. Riverfront Drive. Th is family-oriented event celebrates, promotes, and educates the public on Asian heritage.

Guests can enjoy food, fun activities, and cultural performances throughout the day. 11 a.m. Admission: $5, free for children under 12. 402.216.9081.

—nebraskaasianfestival.com

MAHA DISCOVERY

Aug. 15 at MCC Center for Advanced and Emerging Technology, 5300 N. 30th St. This conference, formerly known as Big Omaha, celebrates entrepreneurship and innovation. Speakers include media theorist and author Douglas Rushkoff, Partpic co-founder Jewel Burks Solomon and Martha Legg Miller, a small business advocate for the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Tickets include entry to Maha Music Festival. 8 a.m.

Tickets: $135-$240.

—mahafestival.com

Full Service

Ha i r, Na i l s a nd S ki n Call today to schedule your appointment

11025 Elm St. / 402.397.7383 / reveomaha.com

Vote for us! QVC:76035

RIVER FEST 2019

August 16-17 at American Heroes Park, Bellevue.

Th is festival will include helicopter rides, a pancake breakfast, carnival, car show, beer garden, a fireworks display, and performances by Red Delicious and High Heel. 5 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. Saturday. Admission: $1.

402.898.3000.

—@Bellevuemusicfestival on Facebook

MAGA ZINE YEAR

OF THE

Great Plains Journalism Award OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM/SUBSCRIBE JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 15 //

We Don't Coast.

We Toast.

July 19 & 20 | Empire Room Omaha www.omahacrush.com // 16 //

JULY/AUGUST 2019

OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR

OMAHA FASHION WEEK

Aug. 18-24 at Omaha Design Center, 1502 Cuming St. Omaha Fashion Week is the nation’s fifth-largest fashion event, showcasing 65-plus designers each year on the runway and providing mentoring, educational opportunities, and a professional showcasing platform.

6 p.m. Tickets: $40-$80. 402.937.1061.

—omahafashionweek.com

Four Old Market

MILLARD DAYS

Aug. 20-25 at Andersen Park, 136th and Q Streets.

Th is full week of activities includes a parade, a carnival, a beer garden, horse shows, tractor pulls, and live music. Times vary. Admission: free, $25 for carnival.

402.679.5258.

—millarddays.com

ARTS BLOCK PARTY

Aug. 24 at Cass St. between 72nd and 69th streets.

Guests can tour the Omaha Community Playhouse, Omaha Conservatory of Music, and Omaha Academy of Ballet, eat, watch live performances, and more. 10 a.m. Admission: free.

—artsblockpartyomaha.com

DUNDEE DAY

Unique holiday décor, ornaments, collectibles and gifts for every season.

Chocolates and fudge made in our own kitchen, plus many other sweet temptations.

oTannenbaum.com • 402-345-9627

OldMarketCandy.com • 402-344-8846

Travel essentials plus downtown’s largest selection of souvenirs and Nebraska-made gifts.

Authentic Italian desserts, coffee, and FlavorBurst TM soft serve ice cream.

OldMarketSundries.com • 402-345-7646

DolciOldMarket.com • 402-345-8198

Aug. 24 in Dundee, 50th Street and Underwood Avenue Th is street festival celebrates and highlights the Dundee neighborhood with a parade, 5K run, art and craft vendors, book sale, pancake breakfast, food trucks, live music, and a beer garden. 8:30 a.m. Admission: free.

—dundeeday.org

All located at 10th & Howard

LOESSFEST 2019

Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, 4200 Avenue B, Council Bluff s. LoessFest is a weekend extravaganza featuring musical performances, family attractions, food vendors, and open-air movie screenings.

—loessfest.com

SEPTEMBERFEST

Aug. 30-Sept. 2 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Th is “Salute to Labor” festival offers four days of entertainment, educational and artistic displays, a carnival, parade, beer garden, and food. Times vary.

Admission: $7 per person per day, parade is free.

—septemberfestomaha.org Event times and details may change.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm

OMAHA’S PREMIER BUSINESS to BUSINESS Magazine

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM /SUBSCRIBE JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 17 //

A+C Music

STORY BY SEAN McCARTHY

and a love rekindled

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

JULY/AUGUST

// 18 //

2019

“I was the worst musician in the room for three years, and that is the absolute best thing that could have ever happened to me�

-Andrew Bailie

// 20 //

JULY/AUGUST 2019

A+C Music

sked when he received his first guitar, singer-songwriter Andrew Bailie almost reflexively rattles off “May 1, 1999.”

During this time, he was still pursuing his love of hockey, which he started playing at age 5. While in his youth hockey league, the 15-year-old Bailie stayed at a hotel in Albert Lea, Minnesota. At the hotel, one of the players brought out a guitar and began passing it around to other kids. After hearing one of the fathers play “Iron Man,” Bailie was converted.

“The next year, I wasn’t playing hockey anymore,” he says.

In March, Bailie released his debut album, Wasteland. It is a summation of two decades of playing in local bands, studying under a nationally-acclaimed drummer, and taking any gig that was available in New York City. His album was recorded in two 10-hour stretches at Grand Street Recording in Brooklyn, where it was also mixed. At times marrying jazz and blues, Wasteland also has moments of ’90s-era alternative rock (Bailie’s falsetto brings comparisons to the Afghan Whigs’ Greg Dulli).

In high school, Bailie was so committed to pursuing a career in music that he missed the first week of his senior year to attend a week-long guitar workshop at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He considered enrolling full-time at the college until he ran into Seth Ondracek and Matt Arbeiter. The three started gigging together, forming Jazzwholes in 2003.

Higher education could wait.

“It was supposed to be a year off before college. It turned into about a decade,” Bailie laughs.

The Jazzwholes got a house gig at Goofy Foot Lodge, which later became the now-shuttered House of Loom. Their Sunday performances usually lasted four hours. During one night off, Bailie and his bandmates went to see percussionist Dana Murray perform at Mick’s (now The Sydney) in Benson.

“It was not like any drumming we had ever seen,” Bailie says.

Bailie knew that Murray taught fellow drummers, but he was heartened to hear that he also taught other musicians. For homework, Murray had Bailie watch

YouTube videos to learn guitar parts. In a phone interview, Murray remembers having Bailie listen to Miles Davis’ Nefertiti, then quizzed him on the players.

Murray, not interested in teaching guitar to hobbyists, encouraged Bailie to move to New York City to hone his craft.

Murray himself lived in NYC for a time, but returned to Omaha in 2005 to raise his family. Murray believes bringing students out of their comfort zones is one of the best ways to make a career as a musician.

“I always encourage them to leave the nest of Omaha and go to bigger cities,” Murray says.

Arbeiter, who also studied under Murray, took that advice and moved to New York in 2010. In 2012, Bailie followed suit, moving to the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. For two years, he lived in a five-bedroom house, “college-dorm style.”

“In two years, I think we had about 15 people that lived there,” Bailie says.

Arbeiter and fellow musician Nicholas Semrad began feeding Bailie gigs as soon as he arrived in New York. Speaking from his apartment in Brooklyn, Arbeiter said Bailie has a natural ability on the guitar.

“The first thing that comes to mind about Andrew is he’s a very raw, pure talent,” Arbeiter says.

Bailie’s first performance was at The Bitter End, where Joni Mitchell and James Taylor once played. Semrad put Bailie in touch with a few gospel performers, and he began playing a regular church gig in East Brooklyn.

Eventually, Bailie got the attention of Cory Henry, who asked him to join his band, Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles.

This gave him the opportunity to tour internationally. The constant exposure to artists made Bailie a better listener to his own playing.

“I was the worst musician in the room for three years, and that is the absolute best thing that could have ever happened to me,” Bailie says.

In addition to playing with Cory Henry & the Funk Apostles, Bailie has played with Talib Kweli. He was also invited to Lauryn Hill’s house for a writing session

where Hill sang, and he played backup with other musicians. The session lasted almost four hours.

After living in New York for five years, Bailie moved to Maine, partly to work on his debut album. He says Wasteland is about the cycle of addiction. Instead of targeting specific addictions like alcohol or heroin, he says the album was about whatever eats away at both individuals and society.

“Are we addicted to the old ways that are going to kill us, or are we going to turn around and figure out some new stuff, and break the chain?” Bailie says.

One song on Wasteland, “Mr. Sunshine,” is about his cousin, Lowell Ensel, an aspiring filmmaker who died at age 20 from testicular cancer that had metastasized to his lungs. Bailie received the news of Ensel’s death 10 minutes before he was supposed to play at The Shrine in Harlem.

“He was just a bright spot in everyone’s life,” Bailie says.

Bailie’s stay in Maine ended in 2018 when Murray, his former instructor and mentor, invited him to come to Omaha and visit his new studio. Bailie helped on some of the records Murray was producing, and he quickly rekindled his love for Omaha and its arts scene.

“So much more is happening now then when I left seven years ago,” Bailie says.

“Some incredible bands have showed up since I left, and some really great talent— not just in music, but in art as well.”

Though Bailie now considers Omaha home, he returned to New York in May to play Rockwood Music Hall in support of Wasteland with his former bandmate Arbeiter. His old musician friend Semrad contributed a track to the album (“Sem_rad”).

To Murray, the album is a representation of Bailie’s growth both as a musician and a person.

“I think it's great. I think it's a great body of work. I think it documents a moment in time where he was on a creative level,” Murray says.

For more information visit andrewbailiemusic.com

a+c art // Story by greg jerrett photography by bill sitzmann // design by matt wieczorek

tuduso

AND THE

halfJULY/AUGUST

// 22 //

2019

blood

p. .r. i .n. t. s.

Left: Victoria Hoyt Right: Demetria Geralds

// a+c arts //

art is life

Victoria is on the natural dye side. I’m on the fashion design side. So where we overlap is where is our sweet spot is.”

Art can often be perceived as an individual journey wherein one person, working in isolation, develops their own artistic skills in order to broadcast their singular vision to a wide audience.

According to Hoyt, Tūdūsō is “all about documenting the process” of collaboration, a major component of experiential learning, which is more than just a matter of learning on the job or hands-on experience. Reflecting on the experience is a key component. Taking note of that process in and for the community is part of this year’s mission for the Union and Tūdūso.

as the poet said, but art is not always everything. Art can be a means to an end, a way to hone interpersonal skills, a way to network, to explore career options, or even learn a new language.

But two of this year’s fellows at the Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St., make one great team called Tūdūsō, and together they are approaching their tenure in a slightly different way.

Tūdūsō are not just individual artists making beautifully designed clothing with natural dyes—they are explorers in the art of collaboration.

Tūdūsō (pronounced tuh-do-so) are Victoria Hoyt and Demetria Geralds.

According to their bios from the Union, the two artists explore cross-disciplinary approaches to naturally dyed textiles and garments as well as sow the seeds of education through teaching exhibitions, entrepreneurship, and outreach.

Tūdūsō works to create new spaces of possibility by honoring what takes time, from making items by hand to building relationships. Tūdūsō is not only their name, it is their mission: To do sewing and sowing in all of their projects.

“We like to think of our collaboration as more than just the design,” says Hoyt, whose artistic skill set is working with natural dyes. “When we applied to the union we wanted to focus on collaborations in general, of how to collaborate and how to be a designer/artist duo. You have to negotiate space, you have to figure out not only schedules and time and goals, you have to have somebody you’re accountable to.”

Finding the rhythm that makes working together a success is what’s most important for Geralds.

“We’ve known each other for a few years now. But we’re still just finding our rhythm in this space,” she says, referring to their studio at the Union, which is crowded with the accoutrements of fashion: swatches, thread, dying equipment, and hand-crafted clothing in various stages of completion. “There’s this place where you kind of come together. It’s right there in that middle space. Where your sweet spot is. It’s what we’re talking about now as we’re doing a mood board.

An example of this sort of community engagement is found in Joslyn’s Fashion Arts Mentor Program at Yates Community Center, where Geralds has been the mentor for the past two years.

This program is designed specifically for high school students with a refugee background.

According to Joslyn’s website, many parents, including those of the museum’s students, want to see their children succeed in recognizable benchmark careers such as law or medicine and overlook the possibilities that an education in the arts can provide including entrepreneurship, leadership, and other practical skillsets.

“Many times, families will want children to go into careers that ‘make sense’ like doctors, nurses, and so on. So to become a fashion designer is major because they have to present it to their family and the family has to be in agreement,” Geralds says, adding that witnessing families as they see their children’s talents come through is “kind of cool.”

“The artistic qualities that are in them come to the surface and leadership qualities come to the surface, too, but it’s not just about art all the time, it’s something bigger, more than just learning to sew, it’s everything that you bring to the table.”

Hoyt uses natural dyes, so gardening is one of the ways she plans to work in the community with a focus on neighborhood gardening, landscaping, and dye gardens. Native plants can be used in dye-making so collaborating with other Nebraska gardeners is a good fit.

Tūdūsō works to gain greater acceptance for artistic collaborators in a world where artists seem to gain more from their individual efforts than from their partnerships.

“Collaboration is not really rewarded,” Hoyt says. “Individuals get grants, individuals get titles, and you have to really make room. I just got invited to a show and I want to do that with Demetria so it’s both of us, but I feel like that takes a little bit of pushing.”

“We’ve had some moments along the way, but we iron them out,” Geralds says.

“Every collaboration is not able to do that, but I’m glad that we are.”

“We continually try to figure out different opportunities and ways to keep going,” Hoyt says. “I’m very clear what Demetria’s goals are and as long as the collaboration is going toward that, it’s good. But as it starts going this way, we have the choice to make different decisions.”

“Not everybody is cut out for collaboration,” Geralds says, “but then every collaboration can go in many different directions. We wanted to be an example of good collaboration. Victoria might collaborate with artists completely different from fashion design, and I might collaborate with artists completely different from natural dye. We want to push artists to see themselves mixed with other artists that they would never even consider.”

Visit u-ca.org for more information.

"When we applied to the union we wanted to focus on collaborations in general, of how to collaborate and how to be a designer/artist duo.

You have to negotiate space, you have to figure out not only schedules and time and goals, you have to have somebody you're accountable to.''

-Victoria Hoyt JULY/AUGUST 2019

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A+C Comedy // STORY BY TARA SPENCER

Photography by BILL SITZMANN // Design by MATT WIECZOREK

JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 27 //

// A+C Comedy //

A

A NGI SADA MAY BE LATE, BUT SHE ALWAYS SHOWS UP.

“I’m so professionally tardy, my child was a month late,” she says.

Strangely, she says, she was actually early for her first open mic. At first she didn’t plan on going onstage, but she changed her mind. “I was like, ‘I’m doing it. F*@# this. I’m funny.’”

Sada’s story sounds somewhat typical of a comedian. She was the class clown and labeled “best sense of humor” and “most obnoxious” in her senior superlatives, “which actually speaks more to the quality of my audience than me,” she says.

She learned to use comedy as a way to win people over at an early age.

“I was this smart, nerdy kid, and I was chubby and I had wild, uncontrollable hair so I was an easy target,” she says. “It was either be quicker on the draw or get into a lot of fights.” Sada adds that she did, in fact, get into a lot of fights growing up.

“At one point I thought my name was actually ‘Go to the hallway.’”

She says as soon as she figured out how to get people to laugh, she was obsessed.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

“I couldn’t stop,” she says. “Comedy is my heroin, in that way—because I’m afraid of real heroin.”

It’s not surprising Sada understands how to use comedy.

She says some of her earliest memories are of her parents volleying jokes across the kitchen or the dining room table.

As they got older, her dad became sick. “They couldn’t sleep in the same room anymore but listening to them shout across the hallway and joke around with each other was probably one of my favorite things about growing up with them.”

She also recalls growing up watching MTV Half Hour Comedy Hour and discovering one of her favorite comedians, Lizz Winstead. One joke that stuck in her head was about driving through Nebraska and discovering a Runza and immediately realizing she needs to get out of Nebraska. Twelve-year-old Angi connected with her. “I was like, ‘same girl, same.’"

Another favorite was Phyllis Diller, who Sada remembers seeing on Johnny Carson when she was little and being immediately enthralled. “Everything about her was bigger than life, and she couldn’t have weighed more than 105 pounds.”

These early influences helped shape her comedic voice, which is, well, candid.

Dave Rohde, owner of Backline Comedy Theater, describes Sada’s style of comedy is “IDGAF.” “I think she’s very direct and honest…she’s pretty open,” he says, adding that she has a low tolerance for most “dudes.” “Definitely not afraid to stand up and speak for what she believes in.”

That much is clear in even the briefest of conversations with her—or in watching her sets. Sada is a champion of equal rights across the board and has been working toward making the Omaha comedy scene more inclusive.

Which is why she started FLOcase, a (mostly) monthly comedy showcase featuring all that is femme. The F-L-O stands for Funny Ladies of Omaha.

“When I first started comedy, I noticed there were a lot of shows being booked that were primarily straight, white, cis men. Which you know, I mean, they deserve their time in the sunshine too—they’ve been so marginalized. But I was like…how do we make shows more diverse?”

The answer formed in an alleyway outside Barley Street Tavern. Sada was hanging out with cohort comedians Serenity Dougherty and Katie Anderson. They were discussing this issue and decided to start a Facebook page for people to hash out ideas and get feedback from people “who see things from our paradigm.”

She says they decided to make it femme, not female.

“That way it was inclusive—including gay men who identify as femme, including women who are lesbians, including cis and trans women—inviting everybody to the table.”

“ I C O U L D N ’ T S T O P, COMEDY IS MY

HEROIN,

I N T H AT WAY — B E C A U S E

I’M AFRAI D O F R EAL H E R O I N.” -ANGI SADA

They decided to put on a show a mere three weeks later, with some help from the good people of 1% Productions.

Sada says Dougherty thought she was crazy when she suggested pulling it off in that time. She maintains she is not. “But I haven’t taken my Adderall in like 18 years, so we’ll see what happens.” [For the record, she adds that she is not selling it on the streets, either.]

They attached a philanthropic arm to the show, with donations going to Youth Emergency Services. Sada says they “broke even” on the first show, with roughly 35 attendees. “We paid our room rent and high-fived each other.” The second show, though? “Standing room only.” And they collected nearly 100 packages of feminine hygiene products for YES. The decision to make YES their benefactor is due the the fact that Sada is a self-described “basic bitch.”

“I saw a video on Facebook about people who were living on the streets and having to come up with creative ways to manage their lives while they menstruate,” she says. YES helps young homeless people in the community by providing shelter, food, clothing, and hygiene products.

Sada, a single mother who worked many years in youth development with Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands may have also had an inf luence in that decision. Maybe. Or it could have been the BB factor.

While Sada sees changes happening in Omaha’s comedy scene, she believes they could be happening faster. “I think we need to do a lot more working together and reaching across communities and spectrums,” she says. “Obviously we bump into things like language barriers. My Spanish isn’t great but it’s functional. It can get the job done, if I don’t have a panic attack about speaking it—this is Trump’s country.”

All jokes aside, Sada has been working hard to make those changes happen. And people have noticed.

Rohde says that while the community has grown over the last few years— there’s not just one or two parts anymore—there is room for improvement.

“I’d like to see a continued effort on more diversity,” he says. “And Angi’s been a big proponent of that.”

No matter what happens in the scene, Sada says she’ll continue showing up, even if she’s late. At least until she gets that Netf lix money and can afford a beach getaway.

“At that point you’ll probably just find me doing lines off Kevin Hart’s butt.”

Her advice for other comics? Show. Up. Even if you don’t go on the first time. Also, don’t do drugs.

JULY/AUGUST 2019

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2019

A+C POETRY // STORY BY KATE SMITH

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

GLIMPSES OF HOPE Using her signature from past love letters as her artistic name, Withlove, Felicia’s smooth voice is peaceful and powerful.

As it fills the space, the audience is left hanging on every word.

N // A+C POETRY //

“Poets, we see the world in figurative language and colors—alliterations and similes and metaphors.

Everyone doesn’t see the world like that. But if you can come to a space and you know that there are other people that feel the same way, you feel like you have a family.”

Webster has since moved to a supporting role for open mics, no longer speaking every weekend.

Instead, she hosts events, runs workshops, performs with her band—Withlove, Felicia and the Light—and works on projects with the Nebraska Arts Council, WhyArts, Collective for Youth, and Omaha Community Playhouse. All this while also being a long-term substitute teacher at King Science and Technology Magnet Center and a mother to her 16-year-old son.

No two performances are exactly the same. Walking onstage she has a framework in mind, but at the microphone, the words she strings together to share her message are unique to that moment.

“We call it ad-libbing, but I think it’s a little deeper than that,” says spoken word poet and artist Felicia Webster, aka Withlove, Felicia.

“Sometimes I feel like it’s whatever energy needed to move through me— whether it’s an angel or an ancestor—and what they needed to say in the moment.”

Webster was first exposed to the art of spoken word while in Philadelphia for college. Moved by the love and passion that was shared in that space, she brought the tradition back to Omaha in 1998, creating some of the first spoken word open mic events in the metro: InFoRhyThMz, Poetic Fusion, and Verbal Gumbo.

For Webster, poetry means taking her own experience and sharing it in a way that others can relate to.

“I am really clear about inspiring, empowering, healing, and offering people a light through the word,” Webster says. “Maybe there is a glimpse of hope in something I’ve written or shared that touches someone else.”

Webster’s open mics foster safe spaces for artists to share their work. She says that the vulnerability, transparency, and sometimes nervous energy the artist shares with the audience should be met with love and gratitude.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

There are currently two topics that bring spirit to Webster’s art.

“The first one is love. Love is such a powerful verb that all of us need to execute more often. The other one is healing, encouraging, inspiring, and empowering the divine feminine.”

“I am really clear about inspiring, empowering, healing, and offering people a light through the word, maybe there is a glimpse of hope in something I’ve written or shared that touches someone else.”

Though much of her art is spoken, Webster understands the importance of leaving a written legacy.

“The manifestation of a spoken word artist is that you write the words and then you breathe life into those words,” Webster says. “But there are pieces that sometimes need to be read.”

She is currently working on a project in honor of her mother, Lilian Webster, who died in March. She credits her mother with introducing her to language, stories, and music at a young age and wants to pay tribute to her with a line of greeting cards—something her mother loved.

Webster says the support she received from her parents, teachers, church members, counselors, and librarians helped her find her divine purpose in poetry. She passes this love, passion, and sometimes pain on through the microphone.

Visit withlovefelicia.weebly.com for more information.

OMAHA MAGAZINE // BEST OF OMAHA CAMPAIGN

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Omaha Magazine values the opinion of the public. That is why we started a contest that allows the public to vote on their favorite places in Omaha. In 1992, our Best of Omaha contest started as a fun event, with categories such as “Most WellKnown Omahan” and “Best Place to Buy Tapes” (as in cassette tapes. Does anyone remember those?).

Through the years, the contest has grown, and the number of voters has grown.

Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha contest now boasts 20,000-plus individual voters annually with 300-plus different voting categories and over 700 businesses nominated each year.

We only accept one ballot per verified email in order to avoid vote-stuffing. To ensure the contest’s validity, a minimum of five categories must be completed.

Publisher Todd Lemke says he is always excited to see the public come out and vote for Best of Omaha: “It is a true sampling of Omaha’s opinion during this point in time.”

It doesn’t take much time to vote, and there are no paid advertisements on our online ballot (bestofomaha.com). We also leave the category fields blank so voters are not swayed to vote for certain businesses.

What has not changed, however, is that the contest is a service to the community.

Our annual Best of Omaha issue (which readers receive with a year’s subscription) provides a directory for those new to Omaha as well as a resource for longtime locals to find the best of the best in the city.

To encourage voting and to say thank-you, many local businesses offer discounts that the public can obtain simply by showing their proof-of-voting certificate. Anyone who completes the Best of Omaha voting ballot will receive the certificate and discounts that come with it. Who you vote for does not affect your ability to receive the discounts.

In order to become a “Best of Omaha,” restaurants, retailers, and businesses need your vote. Voting begins July 1 and continues through Aug. 20. And you can feel good about voting in Best of Omaha because we are the city’s legitimate “best of ” contest (which we started in 1992).

Take a few moments and peruse this special gold-bordered advertising section. In here, you will find many businesses that are campaigning for your vote. Perhaps your favorite is here, or a business you haven’t been to in a while but think of fondly.

Like the local businesses you love, our voting system is fair, convenient, and free from manipulation.

VINCE LEISEY President and CEO First, I want to thank Omaha Magazine for the opportunity to represent our amazing community and help support the annual Best of Omaha voting. The businesses and their leaders exemplify what it means to be the best through their hard work, service, and dedication to their business and our community.

I was born into real estate and worked in sales at Ambassador Real Estate after college. When my mother passed away in 2001, I took over the family business and began growing it. We’ve grown from 100 agents at that time to over 900 agents today.

Our Village Pointe office is the most productive real estate office in North America, and we have helped many of you buy or sell.

I have the unique perspective of real estate to see the impact local businesses have on our community. It’s large companies transferring residents to Omaha that helps us continue to grow. It’s start-ups succeeding in our community that may help a new employee buy their first home. But most importantly, it is the people of Omaha that help make this a great place to live and work.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019 . BESTOFOMAHA.COM

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SHOW US SOME LOVE

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// FEATURE //

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK //

// 42 //

JULY/AUGUST 2019

Creating a

JOHN HEASTON AND THE OMAHA ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS AWARDS

STORY BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN

JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 43 //

// FEATURE //

Los Angeles has its Oscars, New York City its Tonys, and Omaha the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards.

And though Louis B. Mayer created the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (and thus the Oscars) in order to stave off unionification, one man in Omaha is largely responsible for creating the OEA As as a method of unifying artists in Omaha.

John Heaston, publisher of The Reader, was brought an idea in 2006 to hold an awards ceremony in which Omaha artists would be honored for their work throughout the year. The Reader was asked to be the organizer of the event, but the committee decided to make it more community-based, so they decided to set up the organization as a 501c3. Heaston threw his publication’s hat in the ring by promoting it in the magazine, and he threw himself into helping create the best awards ceremony he could.

“The OEA As would not exist without him,” says Emily Cox, the show’s current producer and a past board member.

Heaston has been instrumental in bringing together some of Omaha’s most notable artists to be part of the event. In the first show, the organization honored musician Luigi Waites with the lifetime achievement award.

“We were trying to tell him we wanted him to be a presenter, when we were actually trying to give him an award,” Heaston recalls. “He thought he was going to go visit family, but then we contacted his family and got them to come here so we could get him to the awards ceremony.”

“John has a knack for attracting talent and giving [people] a platform—which is what the OEA As are all about,” says Brent Crampton, who won Best DJ/ Electronic the first year. “So in a way, the ref lex to start the OEA As was just an extension of who John is: a passionate connector that wants to mobilize talented people in his community.”

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

In the beginning, the awards show was simply that—an awards show.

The honors were presented using a PowerPoint presentation to announce the categories and artists. As the event has grown, it has become a series of events for the entire arts community, incorporating art shows, music showcases, and workshops to teach artists about marketing and other points about the business of creating art.

Growing pains were inevitable, but Heaston always believed in the community, and the event.

“John [knew] there were plenty of times when this could have fizzled out,” Cox says. “He says, ‘Let’s think about this.’

When people push back and present problems, he says, ‘Well, let’s fix it.’”

Cox recalls the year the event changed presentation formats, saying it was Heaston’s ability to collaborate that made the change happen.

“It was when we decided we were going to change from a PowerPoint to creating the videos where we show footage of an art show or a concert,” Cox says. “It was going to be a huge task of getting the data, then we decided to get small interviews, asking people, ‘What do the OEA As mean to you?’ John was the one who stepped in and said, ‘I’ll get people to help.’”

And he does, because for Heaston, this event is a pure labor of love.

“I think the lifetime achievements are especially moving,” Heaston says. “I think for artists to be recognized by other artists means a lot to them.”

He remembers musician Conor Oberst coming up to accept awards and saying that if there weren’t people in Omaha to buy cassette tapes when he was a kid, he might not be where he is today. He recalls promoter Matt Markel winning his lifetime achievement award after suffering a stroke and being humbled and honored by the acknowledgment.

Though Heaston is the constant in this event, he recognizes that it is not all about him.

“There’s been an incredible group of unsung heroes that have volunteered countless hours,” Heaston says. “It’s an extremely thankless job. Invariably there’s someone who doesn’t like the nominees or the honorees and has a different opinion.”

Still, it’s worth it for him, and the artistic community he fosters, when he sees the best of Omaha art come together early each year.

“What I loved about them the most was that it was the only time of year that all these artists and musicians got together under one roof,” Crampton says. “To pull so many creatives together in one space is a pretty incredible feat, and [it] gave us a sense of solidarity. What other event does that?”

“There’s no other time when you have all these artists across the three major disciplines together,” Heaston says.

And the artists certainly think this event is worth the energy it takes to put together.

“The best part is the joy and happiness afterwards,” Cox says. “I think it’s useful to all of the local musicians. It’s on a lot of their one-sheets*.”

Heaston has steered the OEA As for many years, taking strides to make sure the OEA As will be a part of this community.

“He wants to see so much of Omaha thrive,” Cox says. “He’ll do anything to keep this going.” *A one-sheet is a single page overview of a band and/or music used by PR agents, distributors, and other industry professionals to determine how sellable your band is to any given audience.

“SO IN A WAY, THE REFLEX TO START THE OEAAs WAS JUST AN EXTENSION OF WHO JOHN IS: A PASSIONATE CONNECTOR THAT WANTS TO MOBILIZE TALENTED PEOPLE IN HIS COMMUNITY.”

Brent Crampton

-

NOMINATE AN ARTIST

BY DOUG MEIGS

Did you see a phenomenal theatrical production within the past year? What’s the best new album by a local band? Which gallery hosted Omaha’s best art exhibit?

Now is your chance to call out the best of Omaha’s artistic communities with the Omaha Entertainment & Arts Awards.

Public nominations for the 2020 OEAA awards show are open now through Aug. 31.

The preliminary nominations will be voted on by the OEAA Academy. Awards for work (produced or exhibited between Sept. 1, 2018, and Aug. 31, 2019) will be announced at the 14th OEAA ceremony in February 2020.

Visit oea-awards.org to vote, and visit omahamagazine.com to read past winners' opinions about potential nominees.

Doug Meigs is president of the OEAA board of directors and former executive editor of Omaha Magazine, an OEAA sponsor.

John Heaston

JULY/AUGUST 2019

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FEATURE // STORY BY TAMSEN BUTLER AND DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN

in the arts

scene

It is no wonder Omaha’s art scene in 2019 has been collaborative. With many of these 15 featured venues and organizations w illing to work together to create transformative, creative experiences for the communit y, art fans may feel as though they’re scrambling as they try to attend every thing.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

JULY/AUGUST 2019

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// FEATURE //

Not many communities can boast a large thriving arts scene, let alone one featuring so many places willing to work together. Omaha is fortunate to be the home to so many artists who join together to provide experiences for the community.

Though each art organization has a mission to bolster creativity within the Omaha area and beyond, they go about it in different ways. While some places actively pursue diversity and community engagement, others put their focus on education and changing the way people think. This year means something different for every venue within the Omaha art scene, but one thing is certain—they have been busy.

American Midwest Ballet

Marketing director Jolie Koesters says 2019 has been an important year for the dance community in Omaha.

“After six years in the making, American Midwest Ballet brought the world premiere of Erin Alarcon's ballet version of The Wizard of Oz to life on the Orpheum stage in front of a sold-out audience.

The company also took the production on the (Yellow Brick) road for a tour in Sioux City, Iowa. The Wizard of Oz featured lavish sets, over 185 costumes, and 85 performers, including the company's 27 professional dancers.”

Bluebarn Theatre

In 2019-2020, Bluebarn looks forward to throwing their doors wide open and welcoming new voices that resonate throughout the community. They will bring one-of-a-kind adventures to Omaha while fostering professional artists, locally and nationally. Season 31 will feature bold new creations not seen anywhere else, diverse and surprising theatrical events, and emerging and veteran artists doing their finest work. They continue to invest in Omaha's creative class through their artist's fund and remain committed, now more than ever, to cheerily subversive experiences that connect people to humanity.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts launched its Sound Art + Experimental Music Program, a new track within their international residency program designed for artists working in sound, composition, voice, and music of all genres. The program includes a performance venue, opening in October, that will offer free live shows for the public to experience the latest innovations by local, national, and international sound artists and experimental musicians.

“The program offers a new form of support for artists working in an expanding field and aims to build greater appreciation and new audiences for experimental forms of music and sound through free live performances,” says executive director Chris Cook.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

CHI Health Center

“It’s hard to narrow it down to really ‘one thing’ we’re focusing on, because it takes a lot of smaller elements to make every one of our huge events a success,” says director of communication Kristyna Engdahl. “It takes hundreds of people to make our concerts, conventions, and sporting events a possibility. So in short, our focus in 2019 will be to stay the course.

We’ll continue to provide the top-tier events and premiere experiences our community has come to expect of the CHI Health Center. We’ll continue to land some of the most sought-after acts in the country and serve as a catalyst to lure new visitors to our city.”

El Museo Latino

“As the only Latino art and history museum in the Midwest, El Museo Latino is focusing on expanding our in-house and outreach programs to better serve the growing greater Omaha and surrounding communities,” says executive director Magdalena Garcia.

El Museo Latino has continued to serve in 2019 as one of a handful of Latino museums within the United States, making it an important cultural and educational center—one the Omaha area is fortunate to host.

By offering educational programs year-round, El Museo Latino helps bring a different perspective to the surrounding community.

Holland Performing Arts Center and Orpheum Theater (Omaha Performing Arts)

“For 2019, I’m proud of Omaha Performing Arts’ expansion of our education and community engagement programs across the entire state of Nebraska,” says Joan Squires, president of Omaha Performing Arts. “We provide experiences with incredible touring artists from Broadway, top dance companies, and amazing jazz artists, reaching over 100,000 students at the Holland Center, Orpheum Theater, and beyond. And I’m also especially proud that OPA is bringing Hamilton to our community in September.”

Hot Shops Art Center

Managing partner Tim Barry says to keep an eye out for information about a celebration as Hot Shops Art Center celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2019.

“We can’t believe it,” he says. “We blinked our eyes and 20 years went by.” They purchased the building in the second week of November 1999. Hot Shops is now known as a center of creativity. “It’s a great place to see where art is made,” says Barry. He’s not yet sure what the anniversary celebration will look like, but chances are good it will be creative and innovative.

Kaneko

Kaneko’s director of operations Andrew Bauer says the coming season will focus on influence. “We’re exploring the influence of living in a creative community and the effect that has on people,” he says, continuing that 2019 has been a collaborative year with programming, performances, and “working with artists and other organizations within a creative spirit.” Bauer further says, “Thinking differently leads to innovation.” This is one of the reasons Kaneko puts such a focus on educational programs. “We get to see what other people don’t get to witness—the ripples of creativity and what they do to a community.” Kaneko invites everyone to break their mindset and think differently in 2019.

Joslyn Art Museum

“Joslyn Art Museum’s 2019 focus is the continued expansion of diverse voices and perspectives presented in our galleries,” says Amy Rummel, director of marketing and public relations. “Through exhibitions, collections, and public programming, the museum is committed to showcasing more women artists and more artists of color in its galleries.” The year began with the 30 Americans exhibition, featuring 30 contemporary African American artists.

“Several significant new contemporary and European acquisitions will be announced in the coming months,” Rummel hints. They will also celebrate the six-year anniversary of the return to free general admission.

Omaha Community Playhouse

Omaha Community Playhouse continues to offer theater for everyone.

Sometimes that means taking steps to make the theater a more accessible space, as they did in January with their first sensory-friendly performance. Other times, they take steps to ensure everyone in the community has the opportunity to experience live theater by offering ticket discounts and donations. They also offer programming that appeals to all members of the community. As OCP’s artistic director Kimberly Faith Hickman explains, “The shows are temporary. What we’re really building is a sense of community and a sense of belonging, and that is something that can last forever.”

Omaha Symphony

This year is proving to be a collaborative one for the Omaha Symphony as they join symphonies from other cities in celebrating the 150th Golden Spike anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad. “Transcend is a co-commissioned piece created by Chinese-born composer Zhou Tian,” says public relations manager Stephanie Ludwig. “It’s our opening concert for this season.”

Tian went on a tour of the Transcontinental Railroad route in preparation of the piece, including stops at The Durham and the Union Pacific Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs.

“We’re really excited for Transcend,” Ludwig says.

JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 49 //

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Opera Omaha

Community engagement has been the focus of 2019 for Opera Omaha. Their Holland Community Opera Fellowship brings opera into new environments to promote the value of creativity. “Partnerships with the community are very important to us,” says director of marketing and public relations Rebecca Brown. Opera Omaha works with community partners to cultivate and grow the fellowship program, which in turn benefits the community with creativity and diversity.

Additionally, Opera Omaha’s One Festival is a collaborative effort with the Omaha arts community that challenges what people think about “opera.”

The Durham Museum

“We want to continue to delight our visitors with varying exhibitions that will expose them to new and interesting experiences,” says director of communications Jessica Brummer. The Durham’s focus for 2019 isn’t much different than it is any other year; they strive to bring the community together through engaging exhibitions and fun, family-friendly events.

Their educational programs, coupled with their interesting exhibitions, make The Durham a place for fun and learning— this year and beyond.

The Rose Theater

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The Rose is expanding their class offerings and youth productions for students interested in acting, singing, dancing, and design. They have seen their classes and youth productions grow and are preparing for an exciting announcement about their education programs. On stage, The Rose is offering new productions and familiar favorites. The world-premiere production of Howie D: Back in the Day will feature the theatrical debut of Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough in a semi-autobiographical musical about his middle-school life.

By popular demand, Elf the Musical will return to The Rose stage after a sold-out run in 2018.

Art can be a ref lection of the community, and if this is the case, it’s safe to say that Omaha is thriving in 2019 and has many bold plans for the future.

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Art can unify a community—it’s one of the reasons why these places do what they do. They offer shared experiences to bring people together and prompt conversations. Omaha, as a whole, benefits from these offerings.

to-Busi essne ss sin MA

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A rt is important to any communit y as a means of expression, learning, and connectedness. W hether a llowing people to look at visua l art, listen to a concert, or participate in an art learning program, these venues of fer myriad opportunities for communit y members to f lex their creative muscles and feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves.

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To

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F u t u r e The Revitalization of a Scene FEATURE // STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA // DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION BY DEREK JOY

53

Jazz // FEATURE //

ONCE SAW MAINSTREAM POPULARITY in clubs, concert halls, and showcases. Any city with a sizable black population boasted a jazz-and-blues scene, and Omaha was no exception. Its robust past was North Omaha-based and part of a circuit that included Chicago and Kansas City.

With a central location, rail passenger service, booking agencies, and dynamic clubs, Omaha was an intersection for artists. Importing and exporting talent made the city “like the Triple A of baseball for black music—the next stop was the big leagues,” according to the late Omaha music great Preston Love Sr., namesake of Love’s Jazz and Art Center. In his memoir, he describes the jumping North O of his youth—catching music legends at packed clubs back when North 24th Street teemed with folks out on the town.

The scene fed a thriving commercial district. Cafes, bars, barbershops, beauty salons, movie theaters, taxi stands, and gambling establishments did brisk business. But following late ‘60s civil unrest, this street of dreams struggled. Businesses closed or relocated. Urban renewal failures disrupted neighborhoods. Residents fled for better opportunities. Negative perceptions kept investors away. As clubs and musicians disappeared, this once pulsating scene declined—the heyday turned distant memory. With its heart gone, greater Omaha’s jazz and blues scene withered.

Legacy Informs Revival Veteran drummer Curly Martin came of age in the ‘50s and ‘60s, when North O brimmed with players and venues. Today, he’s a fl ashpoint for shedding light on the history and making jazz relevant again.

He is adamant “you can’t be taught jazz or blues.”

“We had mentors. Preston Love was one of my biggest mentors. I was a junior in high school, 16 years old, when I got the gig with his band. I got permission to go on the road and said bye to Tech High.”

He insists the only way to learn is to “just hang out and play, man.”

“My whole thing is about the music and passing on the knowledge,” says Martin, who’s forming a foundation to mentor youth, The Martin Mentoring Lab. He’s presented jazz labs at Hi-Fi House in the Blackstone District and is doing the same at The Jewell in the Capitol District.

“I believe the audience is in Omaha— they just don’t know what they’ve been missing because it’s been gone for so long,” says Kate Dussault, formerly of Hi-Fi House. “Omaha has this really unique opportunity right now, which is why we’re creating this foundation as a place where people can come and learn by osmosis.” // 54 //

JULY/AUGUST 2019

In Martin, Dussault found a kindred spirit.

“He reveres jazz like I do—as black classical music. Curly’s determined to bring jazz back to Omaha and [Hi-Fi House is] doing everything we can to help him.”

His son Terrace Martin, a noted musician and producer in Los Angeles, is leading a similar charge on the coast.

“It’s a whole new clique going on,” Curly says. “All these young musicians catching hold and putting all this together—passing the work and knowledge around.”

The Grammy-nominated album Velvet Portraits, featuring Curly and Terace, was recorded at producer Rick Carson’s Omaha-based Make Believe Studios.

Carson says Terrace, with artists like Kamasi Washington and Robert Glasper, are leading “a jazz resurgence,” adding, “The jazz they’re playing isn’t straightahead jazz, it’s this jazz mix-up of hip hop, funk, R&B, and soul.”

“Terrace is sitting right at the nexus of hip hop and jazz,” Dussault says. “He’s a sought-after producer who works with Kendrick Lamar and Herbie Hancock.

He’s part of that whole crew bringing this new sort of jazz and making playing jazz cool again to young people.”

Th at synergy travels to Omaha in work Terrace, Curly, and others do at Hi-Fi, Make Believe, Holland Performing Arts Center, and The Jewell. None of this new activity may have happened, Dussault notes, if Martin hadn’t asked Hi-Fi “to help him bring back jazz at the club level.”

“At the time, in my estimation, jazz truly was dead in Omaha,” she says. “Love’s Jazz was doing a little smooth jazz and you had great shows at the Holland, but you can’t develop a jazz audience at $35 and $65 a ticket. So we came up with a concept of doing shows where Curly and company perform jazz and tackle history he thought otherwise would never be told. He’s really a big believer if kids don’t see it, they can’t aspire to play it— and then we’ll never turn this around.”

Dussault committed “to celebrate the history with Curly and guys he grew up with that had a pretty important impact on the canon of jazz, blues, R&B, even rock. We brought back his friends. We underwrote the shows and we were full almost every time.”

Make Believe captures interviews and performances of Martin and guest musicians. The result is an archive of artists who lived North O’s jazz and blues past.

Filling the Void Recent standing-room-only Holland performances confi rm what Martin and Dussault already knew. “There’s an audience for this music—but you have to reintroduce it,” she says. “Omaha has to work on audience development.”

She adds that there has been serious neglect of the scene, not just in Omaha but around the country. “It needs to be respected, coddled, and brought back.”

Omaha Performing Arts executive director Joan Squires saw the same void.

Filling that gap became the mission of its Holland Jazz Series and 1200 Club.

“Nobody was presenting, in any real consistent way, the major touring jazz artists and ensembles here, and we felt it was important we do it,” Squires recalls. “Jazz is an important art form and something we’re very committed to. We do it not just for what’s on the stage but also for the education components the artists bring to our community.”

OPA’s jazz program launched in 2007.

The main stage concert hall series features “a mix of very established jazz masters and renowned artists along with up-and-coming talent,” she says.

Jazz on the Green fell under OPA’s domain when Joslyn Art Museum sought someone to take it over.

“We jumped at the chance, because it’s certainly a big part of our mission and it’s a beloved series,” Squires says.

“Midtown Crossing’s opening made for a perfect location. All the pieces came together to take that series to a whole new level. We’ll regularly get 8,000 to 10,000 people at a performance. It’s extraordinary.”

Omaha saxophonist Matt Wallace, who toured with Maynard Ferguson and played the prestigious Blue Note and Birdland, likes the city’s new jazz landscape.

“In general, I think the scene is very healthy right now between the players we’re producing and the available venues.

The whole scene depends on schools doing well and having places to play.

It’s very systemic. If one part is missing, there’s an issue. I’m very encouraged by what’s happening.”

He’s impressed by The Jewell, which opened last fall.

“What happens with most clubs is they get one of two things right—either it sounds great or it looks great. Th is club actually got all of it right. Another thing I like is that when you walk in you get a history of artists who played at the Dreamland—Nat King Cole, Dinah Washington, Duke Ellington.”

Jewell owner Brian McKenna’s club is a conduit to Omaha’s jazz past.

“There are two stories here,” McKenna says. “There’s the generation of Curly Martin and the previous generation of Preston Love. Each became enchanted with the sounds and players of their eras.

They met the artists who came through and ended up playing with them.”

Back in the Day Martin and his buddies learned to play jazz on the North Side, jamming alongside big-time touring artists.

They became respected industry journeymen. Martin has brought some— Stemsy Hunter, Calvin Keys, Ron Beck, and Wali Ali—back to gig with him in Omaha.

North 24th Street landmark Allen’s Showcase, Martin says, “was a musicians’ hangout. It was just about music, period.

You went to the Showcase for one reason only—to hear the best of the best. Th at’s what black music was about. Th at was the place for the players. The Sunday jam session was notorious. It went from 10 in the morning till 1 the next morning.

You had time to play, go home, change clothes, eat, come back.”

The Dreamland Ballroom was where people went to see the major artists at the time. “We knew it as a blues place— Little Richard, Etta James, BB King…

You never could dance in the damn ballroom because it was packed tight,” Martin says. “You know where us young musicians were at—right up to the stage looking up.”

“Th at’s how we met ‘em all. We had a chance to sit-in and play with them.…

Later on, when we got 20, 21, they remembered us. Th at’s how we got gigs.”

Once musicians sufficiently honed their craft here, they left to back big-name artists on major concert tours and hit records. They found success as sidemen, session players, composers, producers, and music directors. Some, like Buddy Miles, became headliners.

The same scenario unfolded a generation earlier at the Dreamland, Club Harlem, Carnation Ballroom, and McGill’s Blue Room. Anna Mae Winburn, Preston Love, and Wynonie Harris broke out that way.

On the North O scene, mostly black talent played in front of integrated audiences on the strip dubbed The Deuce.

Driving riff s, hot licks, and soulful voices fi lled myriad live music spots.

“Everybody was coming north,” Martin says.

“When I came up, we were not leaving Omaha for New York or Los Angeles.

There was that much work. There were that many great musicians and venues.

Then there were all the cats coming back and forth through Omaha. We were seeing the best in the world…why go anywhere?”

An infrastructure supported the scene in terms of black hotels, rooming houses, and restaurants. A&A Records was “a kick-ass music store with eight listening booths.”

“We had all that going on,” Martin says.

“I’d come out of my house every morning and hear music on every corner. It was a fairytale, man. At night, you had to dress up—suit and tie, shoes shined. It was classy. Twenty-fourth and Lake was like being on Broadway. It was like that back in the day.”

Further making the scene special were clubs such as Backstreet, Apex Lounge, The Black Orchid, and The Green Light.

At Off Beat Supper Club emcees introduced Cotton Club-like revues and floor shows. “It was killing,” Martin says. “It was the most popular black club in North Omaha.”

After-hours joints added another choice for late nights out. High stakes games unfolded at the Tuxedo Pool Hall. The Ritz and Lothrop movie theaters and social halls provided more entertainment options.

“North Omaha was a one-stop shop when it came to music. There was more to it than just jazz. Th at was just part of it. The history of North Omaha is not simple at all, especially about the music.

There was just tons of music.”

And transcendent talent.

From Gene McDaniels hitting gold with “A Hundred Pounds of Clay” to Lalomie Washburn writing Chaka Khan’s megahit “I’m Every Woman,” it’s clear the talent was there.

“Cats getting record deals with Chess Records in Chicago. I can go on and on,” Martin says. “They were hometown stars in the ‘hood—and we all grew up together.”

Continued to page 72 JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 55 //

PEOPLE // STORY BY SARAH WENGERT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

amden Johnson is here to break down the right brain/left brain barrier.

The divide between creatives and analytical types completely fails in light of Johnson’s dual passions of art and engineering. Johnson creates stark, stirring, eclectic black-and-white graphic art under the moniker VECxTOR. He also graduated from University of Nebraska at Omaha in May 2019 with his master’s degree in architectural engineering, and an emphasis on lighting and electrical design.

“It just naturally comes together for me,” Johnson says of his passion for art and engineering.

Johnson became interested in art around age 10, continued to pursue art classes and dabble in design programs throughout high school, and originally thought he might pursue a career in graphic design.

“I took art throughout high school,” he says. “I did ceramics, took some graphic design, and other art classes.”

His interest in engineering was also sparked when he attended Omaha North High School, an engineering magnet.

“I took an engineering elective all four years at North and really enjoyed the architectural engineering side of it, so I thought I’d pursue that as an occupation,” Johnson says. “I enjoy that it’s very design-oriented, but also very technical-oriented. The two subjects I excel at most are art and math, and it’s a good mix of both.”

While he produces limited commission work, Johnson considers his VECxTOR output more of a hobby. He also considers it an important “creative outlet where I can do whatever I want creatively and work in a lot of different styles.”

“I’m always coming back to digital art because it’s fun, and also to learn new programs and methods,” Johnson says.

“My art’s gone through many different styles because I’m always finding different tools and programs to use.”

While he enjoys doing work in various styles, he maintain his black-andwhite theme.

“I started out doing very minimal geometric designs, just vector illustrations, and as I grew as an artist and used different programs, I continued with the black-and-white thing,” Johnson says. “My art is really eclectic in terms of style, so the black-and-white theme ties it together.”

Johnson says that minimalist approach translates well to his lighting design work.

“Lighting design definitely also has that more minimalist feel, just because that’s modern aesthetics,” he says. “I took a lighting design class last year where we had to do conceptual sketches, and a lot of times I’d just take some of my minimal art and use that as a concept of what the lighting design could be developed from.”

Johnson’s main area of interest, when it comes to architectural engineering, is lighting design, and he says it’s actually not that unusual for a right brain/left brain barrier breaker like himself to gravitate toward that specialty.

“At least in my class, students going into lighting design were the ones who were more artistic—it’s definitely the more artistic side of engineering,” he says.

“Most structural or mechanical students don’t have a more art-focused mind, whereas people doing lighting design, you kind of need an artistic mind to go into that, but also to have the technical knowledge to design and incorporate it all. That technical part involves the power needed for a space, lighting levels, safety regulations—things like that— where the design side involves how it looks, what kind of emotion it should evoke in the space, and how people move through the space.”

After a year-long internship at Engineering Technologies, Inc. (ETI) and his May graduation, Johnson accepted a full-time job at ETI and is now putting his dynamic design skills to good use.

Visit instagram.com/vecxtor to check out Johnson’s VECxTOR work.

Driven to design C A M D E N J O H N S O N ' S I N T E R P L AY BETWEEN ART AND ENGINEERING JULY/AUGUST

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2019

JULY/AUGUST 2019

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GEN O // STORY BY JENNIFER LITTON // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Full Purpose of

Young Actress Lives for the Stage

G

retna High School freshman Chloe Irwin was introduced to theater by her grandmother, Carolee Groux. “I got into community theater because my grandma took me to a lot of shows and that’s how I got interested.”

Soon after, Irwin went to her first audition for The Christmas Carol at Omaha Community Playhouse.

“We got to the rehearsal and there’s just billions of kids,” says Chloe’s mother, Kelly Groux, an RN at Methodist Women’s Hospital.

Young Irwin, then age 10, stood out from the crowd. She got the part and dove into a robust child-acting career. This busy starlet regularly lights up the stage at places such as OCP, The Rose Theater and Nebraska Shakespeare.

Her most recent roles include parts in Dollmaker’s Gift and Christmas Carol.

This spring, she went a month without performing onstage. “It’s one of the most bizarre things ever, like it never happens,” she says.

Like most children, she watched television, but her takeaway was unique. “That’s where the wanting began,” she says. “The wanting to get better at what I’m doing and it built from that.”

Her desire mixed with talent is not without work. “I’m also researching and practicing and rehearsing,” Irwin says. “I’m doing more and more shows and going to rehearsals and building up my public speaking skills.”

She has also joined the speech team at school and has won multiple first-place awards in dramatic interpretation, as well as winning an Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award for Outstanding Youth Performer for Parade.

“Speech is like a 'choose your adventure,' which is really interesting and you can advocate for whatever you feel needs more voice,” Irwin says.

Groux says that as a child, Irwin was always a free thinker and expressed herself differently through her clothing choices, such as wearing a shawl as a skirt and a swimsuit when she wasn’t swimming. Chloe enjoys riding her bike to Goodwill to create her fun outfits. For this appointment at Crane Coffee near Dundee, the teenager wore a minimalist, industrial-type dress paired with Doc Marten boots. “You find the weird stuff that no one would wear.”

Theater gives her purpose. “I feel like without being able to do community theater, I don’t really know what I would be doing,” Irwin says.

“It’s what I love and kind of my life.”

She enjoys being able to use theater to tell stories. “It really inspires me to be able to let peoples’ voices be heard and to help people be understood and be advocated for in areas where they don’t feel comfortable,” she says.

“So many people may not be able to feel they can speak out for what they want or what they believe in or what they need in the world,” Irwin says. “I think being able to do that through theater and the arts is really awesome.” She particularly enjoyed telling the story, through her acting, of a transgender journey in Mama’s Girls for SNAP Productions.

JULY/AUGUST

// 59 //

2019

Her career has not been without a glitch in the road. She was diagnosed with Diabetes Type 1 in 2014. At the time, she was in the production of A Wrinkle in Time.

While for many, this setback may have taken them out of the production, Irwin was able to get exactly the help and medicine she needed due to her mother being a nurse, and she was able to return to the stage to finish the production until she could begin a more structured plan of care.

She is thankful for the opportunities Omaha community theater allows her. “We have so many talented people running theaters and so many different opportunities and I think it’s so inspiring.”

Irwin is continuing her life’s passion this summer, playing Younger Dumaine in All’s Well That Ends Well at Shakespeare on the Green July 5 and 7.

Visit nebraskashakespeare.com for more information about the play in which Irwin performs this summer.

“I feel like without being able to do community theater, I don’t really know what I would be doing...It’s what I love and kind of my life.”

-Chloe Irwin

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// 61 //

Slshooting owing down time the stars

to speed up images

adventure // story by ryan borchers

It is rare for a person to see a shooting star, one that streaks across the night sky at just the right moment, right when one looks up.

Photographer and filmmaker Jesse Attanasio, aka ONElapse, knows that it can take a lot of time and legwork to see and capture a sight like that.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK //

JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 63 //

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“Sometimes, I feel like I can find a really good composition, and it’s already there. I’ll take the picture, and I’m like, ‘I don’t have to do anything, I can just put it out there,’ ” he says. “And then sometimes, I can see it, but I’m not in the right element. There has to be a storm or something. So I’ll go to the same spots dozens of times, over and over, until I’m stuck in that situation.”

Attanasio displays the fruits of his labor on his website. His video “Exhale,” for instance, is 2 minutes and 45 seconds of sped-up landscapes where the viewer watches clouds roll, storms brew, suns rise and set, and more.

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How Attanasio came to develop ONElapse, a kind of portmanteau of Omaha, and timelapse, was also a time-consuming process.

Attanasio grew up in La Vista as a skateboarder, but he discovered after several injuries that he would rather take photos of skateboarders. He worked in television production for a short time in high school, but then he realized he did not enjoy working in that field, preferring instead to make and edit his own work.

“Kind of like with taking photos of weddings and stuff,” he says. “I’ve never wanted to do that because I don’t want someone else telling me how my art should be, so that’s always how I’ve felt about everything.”

Attanasio, who also works full-time as a graphic designer, now makes his own decisions about the art he wants to make. He does a great deal of traveling to make it happen.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

“My first trip, I drove six hours and camped out overnight and saw the Milky Way,” he says. “And I was just, like, ‘This is incredible.’ ” His images often seem magical, and so is his method for finding them. For “Exhale,” Attanasio was on the road and simply stopped in different places given the weather in these locations. It is a common scenario for him.

,

, sometimes, it s just finding a random place , that s just so unique, , it s impossible not to ,, take a photo.

“Honestly, most of the time, I just fall into it.” He might see a storm and then think of a barn he’s driven by.

He’ll want to see how the barn looks in a storm.

“I try to find unique situations in common places,” he says. “And then sometimes, it’s just finding a random place that’s just so unique, it’s impossible not to take a photo.”

It is an art form that requires time and patience. Shooting a sunset can take two to three hours while shooting the stars takes three to six hours. Those star time lapses, however, take a full eight hours of photography and videography.

He says he sets up his cameras and goes back to the truck while the shots are happening. He whiles away the time listening to comedy podcasts and taking stills with a third camera, usually of his dog “being crazy.”

Even now, Attanasio says, he gets a feeling akin to euphoria when a project comes together.

“What I wanted to happen is happening,” he says. “I wake up at 4 a.m., and I go out to this spot, and it works out exactly how I wanted it to. I got crazy pictures and my timelapses are going good. The adrenaline that’s going through me is, like, I don’t see how it still happens that way.

“In the moment, I’m just, like, ‘I should not be this alert and excited. It doesn’t make sense.’ I feel like a kid.”

Visit onelapse.com to view Attanasio’s work.

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// 65 //

“When people understand the importance that a young person’s encounter with music has on their success in life and their understanding and love for culture, I think that it’s a very compelling case” -Paul Smith

Mark Kresl

A

GIVING FEATURE // STORY BY ANDREA KSZYSTYNIAK // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Cantoring the Praises of Omaha

How Omaha Conservatory of Music Cantered Toward a New Home

A

At the Omaha Conservatory of Music, the modern history of music in Omaha is being written every day. Thousands of students take advantage of brand new facilities as they study their musical instruments, attend music classes, and participate in concerts.

It was a labor of love for many artsminded donors in the community to bring together a place where young people can explore music.

The space is remembered by many community members as the former home of Temple Israel. They vacated the space in 2013 to move to the Tri-Faith campus, located at 132nd and Pacific streets.

OCM eyed the empty building for a while, says Mark Kresl, the conservatory’s director of development.

Kresl says that they put the building on their dream list of places when Temple Israel first announced their move. This was based on the central Omaha location and the large size of the building.

However, OCM was not financially prepared to make a large purchase at that point. Bluestone Development bought the property at that point, with plans to put up apartments, but neighboring Fairacres balked at this idea. In 2014, Bluestone put the property back on the market, and the board decided the time was right to move—in part because the lease was up at their then-current location, the basement of Westside Community Conference Center.

The committee worked quickly to secure the funds to pay for the building and renovating it from a place for cantors to a place for choir members. Paul Smith, a founder, current board member and former board chair with the conservatory, headed up a capital campaign that so far has raised $16.6 million.

The project totaled about $19 million, and they have yet to raise about $1.7 million so they can retire the loan.

Smith and his committee reached out to the community’s major arts funders.

Among these are notable names such as The Sherwood Foundation, The Holland Foundation, and Cindy and Mogens Bay. They also spoke with other community members who don’t support the arts as often, but who the OCM thought would help. Smith says the conservatory’s community history as a changemaker for youth helped donors to get behind supporting the organization.

The space is thoroughly modern, but remains architecturally linked to its past as a home for Temple Israel. Remnants of the building’s former tenants can still be seen throughout the space.

When remodeling, keeping the building tied to its past as a religious center was an important consideration. Omaha Conservatory of Music executive director Ruth Meints says Temple Israel served as an iconic building in the neighborhood. It had a history of bringing people together.

“We felt like we wanted to continue that history of community,” Meints says.

Artifacts from the original temple remain tucked throughout, including an inscription on the cornerstone. Ornate wooden seats, which the conservatory reupholstered, were left behind. They are now used as seating in an area where students often wait to be picked up by their parents.

The temple’s sanctuary was transformed into the Simon Concert Hall, which seats 525 people. It gets its name from the Simon family, who contributed money to help the conversatory makes its move. And the temple’s former chapel now serves as the Smith Recital Hall, named after donors Paul and Annette Smith. Original stained glass windows and mid-century modern chairs were kept in the chapel area. The space also retains the temple’s original carved wooden doors.

The classrooms that served as the temple’s religious school were subdivided into smaller spaces for lessons and practice. The walls of the rooms feature four to six layers of damped drywall to deaden outside sound.

But, by and large, the structure of the temple was perfect for the conservatory as is.

“We really didn’t change the footprint very much,” Meints says.

That footprint now hears the footsteps, and feet tapping out a beat, from musicians learning to their chosen art form.

“When people understand the importance that a young person’s encounter with music has on their success in life and their understanding and love for culture, I think that it’s a very compelling case,” Paul Smith says. “I think it kind of sells itself why we want something like this in our community.”

Visit omahacm.org/support for more information.

JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 67 //

GIVING

CALENDAR JULY/AUGUST 2 0 1 9

July 29 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

20TH ANNUAL CINCF GOLF TOURNAMENT

Benefiting: Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek —cincfoundation.org

July 29 (11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.)

HELP BUILD A HOUSE GOLF EVENT Benefiting: Gesu Housing Location: Champions Run —gesuhousing.com

July 29 (noon-5 p.m.)

SWING 4 KIDS GOLF BENEFIT

Aug.

18

Aug. 18 (1:30-4 p.m.)

GROW WITH US GALA omahasprouts.org

This gala to benefit City Sprouts features local gourmet chefs preparing signature dishes that use the organization’s fresh produce for a unique dining experience. The event, held at Metropolitan Community College Institute for Culinary Arts, will be sure to please palettes.

July 8 (10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.)

ANGELS AMONG US/BLAND CARES GOLF OUTING

Benefiting: Angels Among Us Location: Champions Run —myangelsamongus.org

July 8 (11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.)

26TH ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

Benefiting: Keep Omaha Beautiful Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek —keepomahabeautiful.org

July 11 (5:30-9 p.m.)

STAND UP AGAINST BULLYING: A NIGHT OF COMEDY FOR A GOOD CAUSE Benefiting: RESPECT Location: Scottish Rite Masonic Center —respect2all.org

July 13 (5-11 p.m.)

RELAY FOR LIFE OF GREATER OMAHA Benefiting: American Cancer Society Location: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village —cancer.org

July 13 (9-11:30 p.m.)

OWL RIDE

Benefiting: Meyer Foundation for Disabilities Location: Lewis & Clark Landing —owlride.org

July 18 (6:30-9 p.m.)

July 20-21 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Benefiting: Merrymakers Association Location: Pitch Pizzeria West Omaha

Benefiting: Local animal rescue and shelter groups Location: Ralston Arena

SONGS AND SUDS 2019 —merrymakers.org

July 21 (8 a.m.-noon)

PINNACLE BANK CHAMPIONSHIP

Benefiting: TeamMates Mentoring Program Location: Indian Creek Golf Club

HEAD FOR THE CURE 5K RUN/WALK Benefiting: Head for the Cure Foundation Location: Lewis & Clark Landing

—teammates.org

—headforthecure.org

July 20 (8:30 a.m.-noon)

July 25 (5:30-10 p.m.)

PURPLESTRIDE OMAHA 2019 Benefiting: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Location: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village

LINKS TO A CURE GALA

Benefiting: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista —cff.org

—pancan.org

July 26 (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.)

July 20 (10 a.m.-noon)

LINKS TO A CURE GOLF BENEFIT

TRIMMING CLAWS FOR A CAUSE

Benefiting: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Location: Quarry Oaks Golf Club

Benefiting: Heartland German Shepherd Rescue Location: The Green Spot —heartlandgsrescue.org

July 20 (10 a.m.-noon)

NAMI WALK

Benefiting: NAMI Nebraska Location: Elmwood Park —naminebraska.org

July 20 (6:30-11 p.m.)

EIGHTH ANNUAL BLUE WATER BASH —boystown.org

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July 19-22 (times vary)

Benefiting: Boys Town Okoboji Camp Location: Boys Town Okoboji Camp

// 68 //

PICK-A-POOCH ADOPTION DAYS 2019

—cff.org

JULY

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July 28 (7:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)

PACKER GOLF CLASSIC

Benefiting: Omaha South High School Alumni Association Location: Eagle Hills Golf Course

—omahasouthalumni.com

July 29 (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.)

FRESH START CLASSIC

Benefiting: Fresh Start for All Nations Location: Shadow Ridge Country Club —freshstartclassic.org

Benefiting: Partnership 4 Kids Location: Tiburon Golf Club —p4k.org

Aug. 1 (6-9:30 p.m.)

11TH ANNUAL DANCE FOR A CHANCE Benefiting: Youth Emergency Services Location: Omaha Design Center —yesomaha.org

Aug. 2 (11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.)

FAIRWAYS FORE AIRWAYS

Benefiting: Lungs4Life Foundation Location: Tiburon Golf Club —lungs4lifefoundation.org

Aug. 2 (4-11 p.m.)

NEW AMERICAN ARTS FESTIVAL

Benefiting: Lutheran Family Services Location: Benson First Friday —bensonfirstfriday.com

Aug. 3 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.)

SPIRIT OF COURAGE GOLF TOURNAMENT

Benefiting: Jennie Edmundson Foundation Location: Dodge Riverside Golf Club —jehfoundation.org

Aug. 3 (6-10 p.m.)

SPIRIT OF COURAGE GALA

Benefiting: Jennie Edmundson Foundation Location: Mid-America Center —jehfoundation.org

Aug. 4 (noon-3 p.m.)

SPIRIT OF COURAGE TEXAS HOLD’EM POKER TOURNAMENT

Benefiting: Jennie Edmundson Foundation Location: Mid-America Center —jehfoundation.org

Aug. 9 (5:30-8:30 p.m.)

14TH ANNUAL HOLY SMOKES

Benefiting: Heart Ministry Center Location: Seventy Five North —heartministrycenter.org

Aug. 10 (7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)

AQUA-RUN 10K RELAY AND 2K WALK Benefiting: Aqua Africa Location: Elmwood Park —aqua-africa.net

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OMAHA STORMCHASERS AND CHASERS CHARITIES JERSEY AUCTIONS Benefiting: National Wild Turkey Federation Location: Werner Park

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Aug. 11 (7-11 a.m.)

BOXER 500 RUN & WALK

Benefiting: Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force Location: Werner Park —coloncancertaskforce.org

Aug. 12 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)

15TH ANNUAL GOLF CHALLENGE Benefiting: QLI Location: The Players Creek at Deer Creek —qliomaha.com

Aug. 16 (8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)

STEP OUT FOR SENIOR WALK-A-THON Benefiting: Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging Location: Benson Park

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Aug. 16 (6-9 p.m.)

Th e go od life awai ts .

JEFFERSON HOUSE “STAND UP FOR KIDS!” COMEDY NIGHT Benefiting: Heartland Family Service Location: Fremont Golf Club —heartlandfamilyservice.org Aug. 16 (5-8:30 p.m.)

WINE & BEER EVENT

Benefiting: ALS in the Heartland Location: Shops of Legacy —ALSintheheartland.org

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Aug. 16 (6-10 p.m.)

EXPOSED: IT’S PERSONAL ANNUAL BENEFIT Benefiting: Project Pink’ d Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista

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Aug. 17 (9 a.m.-noon)

WALK TO DEFEAT ALS

Benefiting: ALS Association Location: Werner Park

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Aug. 17 (9 a.m.-noon)

NEBRASKA EPILEPSY RUN, WALK, AND ROLL Benefiting: Midwest YouCan Foundation Location: Chalco Hills Recreation Area —midwestyoucan.org

Aug. 17 (all day)

PAINT-A-THON

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// GIVING CALENDAR //

Aug. 18 (7:30 a.m.-noon)

CORPORATE CYCLING CHALLENGE

Benefiting: Eastern Nebraska Trails Network Location: Heartland of America Park —showofficeonline.com

Aug. 18 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)

VINTAGE WHEELS AT THE FORT

Benefiting: Douglas County Historical Society Location: Historic Fort Omaha —douglascohistory.org

Aug. 19 (11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.)

HEROES FOR THE HOMELESS GOLF BENEFIT Benefiting: Stephen Center’s Pettigrew Emergency Homeless Shelter Location: Shadow Ridge Country Club —stephencenter.org

Aug. 20 (10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)

12TH ANNUAL METHODIST GOLF CLASSIC Benefiting: Methodist Hospital Foundation Location: Tiburon Golf Club —methodisthospitalfoundation.org

Aug. 23 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

GOLF CLASSIC

Benefiting: Youth for Christ Location: Tiburon Golf Club

Aug.

23

—goyfc.org

Aug. 24 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.)

SUPERHERO FESTIVAL & 5K SUPERHERO RUN Benefiting: CASA for Douglas County Location: Stinson Park at Aksarben Village —casaomaha.org

Aug. 24 (1-10 p.m.)

SOL FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL

Benefiting: Malcolm X Memorial Foundation Location: Malcolm X Memorial Foundation —malcolmxfoundation.org

Aug. 24 (5:30-9:30 p.m.)

MADONNA CELEBRATION

Benefiting: Madonna School Location: CHI Health Center Omaha —madonnaschool.org

Aug 24 (5:30-9:30 p.m.)

SUMMER BASH FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER Benefiting: Metro Area Youth Foundation Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista —nebraskaoptimists.org

Aug. 26 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

12TH ANNUAL JESUIT ACADEMY GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting: Jesuit Academy Tuition Assistance Fund Location: Indian Creek Golf Course —jesuitacademy.org

Aug. 26 (noon-6 p.m.)

21ST ANNUAL GOODWILL GOLF CLASSIC

Benefiting: Goodwill Industries Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek —goodwillomaha.org

Savor the experience

Aug. 30 (7-10 p.m.)

2019 MYSTERY BALL AUCTIONS Benefiting: Chasers Charities Location: Werner Park —chaserscharities.org

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// 71 //

// FEATURE //

Continued from 55

Restoring what was lost In the ensuing decades, clubs closed and the economy dwindled.

As the North O scene waned, new metro artists emerged—Dave Stryker, Jorge Nila, Dereck Higgins, Steve Raybine, and the Potash Twins.

There were still veterans around for up-and-comers to learn from.

Matt Wallace learned under Luigi Waites.

“Playing with older, more experienced guys your game has to come up—there’s just no way around it,” Wallace says. “I try carrying that on.”

Drummer Gary Foster is grateful to his mentors. “I had so many experiences of people taking their time with me, from Bobby Griffo to Charles Gamble to Luigi to Preston, and Preston’s sons Norman and Richie. They were very open.”

Bobby Griffo, aka Shabaka, “was just a prime mover in the North Omaha modern jazz scene. Anybody that was anybody played with him,” Foster says.

Griffo ran the Omaha Music School and led the big band Arkestra that included prime players Timmy Renfro, Mark Luebbe, Gamble, and Foster.

Omaha’s jazz scene hung on “The Showcase was still going. The Howard Street Tavern had Tuesday night jam sessions. Luigi normally had a night there (and at Mr. Toad’s). A lot of people came in to play,” Foster recalls. “Jack DeJohnette’s band. The Johnny Otis Revue. Dizzy Gillespie and Earl Hines came to town and did a jam session at Howard Street.”

“Th at stuff went on all the time. The big one was at Kilgore’s. Chick Corea was in town to play the Music Hall. He wanted to know if there was anything going on and we took him to Kilgore’s. He sat in all night playing drums. He didn’t even touch the keyboard.”

Foster says jazz could also be heard at places like The Gaslight and Julio’s.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

“And there were still all kinds of little after-hours clubs. I remember one down by the stockyards. I walked in there with my drums—this young white boy with all these black musicians in an all-black club. When the guys sitting at the bar turned around, their coats opened and they were all carrying pistols. They were like, ‘Don’t worry, you’re with the band, you’re cool, you don’t have to worry about anything here.’”

But things slowed to a crawl from the 1990s on.

“Clubs stopped hiring the caliber of jazz artists they once did,” he says. “There were always good local players playing, but it was just a niche thing. Nobody was really making any money at it. We turned to other music to keep gigging. You had to do what you had to do to make it. We played jazz because we loved it.”

The same 10 jazz players played all the gigs. “Th at’s why I moved to New York,” Foster says. Stryker, Nila, and Karrin Allyson preceded him there.

Climbing Back Foster is glad the jazz scene has picked up.

Hope for the future Besides the Holland and Jewell, other outlets for jazz include the Ozone Lounge, Omaha Lounge, Havana Garage, Harney Street Tavern, and Mr. Toad’s.

Education is also key to engaging an audience.

LJAC hopes to have artists at The Jewell work with elementary school students, and OPA is introducing the genre to pre-schoolers through Jazz at Lincoln Center’s WeBop program. Another facet of cultivating audiences is radio jazz programming. Artists still depend on air play.

“What’s changed is musicians’ ability to get their music out there,” KIOS-FM jazz host Mike Jacobs says. “We get a lot of music produced and marketed by musicians themselves. The major labels have gotten away from doing straightahead jazz. A lot of artists produce a hybrid jazz-pop sound. They’re like gateway artists to the classic stuff.”

Jacobs’ KIOS colleague Christopher Cooke is cautiously optimistic The Jewell and other jazz spaces will re-energize things here. He hopes to one day see a “real summer jazz festival in Omaha.”

Mark’s Bistro owner Mark Pluhacek helped feed the resurgence with a regular jazz program at Jambo Cat beneath his eatery. Though it gained a following, that wasn’t enough to prevent its closing.

Meanwhile, Martin helps to build appreciation for the past and a foothold for the future. “It’s about the music coming fi rst. I’ve been blessed and I have to pass it on,” he says.

Chuck Kilgore, a musician and former club owner, played at and booked Jambo Cat, which he called “the perfect venue.”

Even perfect wasn’t good enough.

“Curly was around for a scene that doesn’t exist anymore,” Carson says, “and he’s still connected to the people who made that music...No one is putting him and those dudes on the pedestal. But they’re world-class musicians. They’re clearly exceptional talents.”

The truth, Kilgore says, is that few entrepreneurs are willing to risk an investment when there’s “almost certain” small returns.

“Jazz is mostly subsidized these days the way symphonic music is,” Pluhacek says.

“It’s underwritten for it to survive. It’s not what people are listening to in huge volumes, so it has to be supported in other ways.”

Pluhacek enjoyed Jambo’s run while it lasted.

“It all came together. It was wonderful.

We realize the importance of it. We hope the energy for jazz just grows and gets better.”

Martin wants North O’s renaissance to be informed by what went before.

“How you going to know what we need, when you don’t know what we had?”

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ETIRING AND RETIRED seniors have varied interests in the arts and provide many contributions to the Omaha community.

Retired UNO professor Bonnie O’Connell has a love of books and the art of printing. In her career, she taught book arts—letterpress printing, typography, book design, bookbinding, and papermaking—and she continues to create and exhibit the art of books in her renovated home studio.

Jesse Neese, a nuclear ink tattoo artist, says that tattoos are becoming more popular with seniors. They are the largest growing demographic for tattoos.

There are a variety of reasons why people obtain ink, including tattoos for medical reasons. Interestingly, insurance will sometimes even pay for tattoos to cover surgery scars.

A common interest in the arts unite two couples from different eras. George and Sarah Joslyn came to Omaha in 1880, and Roberta and Bob Rogers arrived here in the 1950s. Neither were artists themselves but were motivated to support and grow the arts in Omaha. Their unique, but combined, stories is our Nostalgia piece this month.

You will want to be sure and read our story about Joe Cabral, a prominent member of the Omaha Chapter of the GI Forum. This club was formed in 1948, and has been going strong since.

The affable Cabral serves as an unofficial membership coordinator and historian, and can often be seen playing his trumpet at the club.

Contributing Editor

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FEATURE // STORY BY SANDRA MARTIN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

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acclaimed and accomplished artist in the Omaha art scene, Bonnie O'Connell has been a professor of book arts at the University of Nebraska at Omaha for over 30 years.

Her “passionate” love affair with books began in her childhood, when she discovered how much she loved to read. “As a young girl, I was often happiest when I was reading,” O'Connell recalls. “One of my favorite places to go was the library.”

O'Connell says she has always been drawn to the intricacies of language and the way her imagination could be engaged by a great writer.

“Also, I loved the physicality of books... the way they had their own beauty and tradition,” she says. “I became fascinated by letter forms and calligraphy and the way books were designed and presented.”

It was in college in the late '60s that her appreciation for books eventually led her to consider the possibility of making them. So she switched her major from journalism to art, with a focus on design.

Today, this field of study is known collectively as “book arts,” and includes letterpress printing, typography, book design, bookbinding, and papermaking.

At the time, her classes included lettering—which would be called calligraphy today—and letterpress printing.

“Once I started taking those classes, I was pretty much hooked,” O'Connell recalls.

“I had decided this was what I wanted to do. I just wasn't sure how I was going to be able to do it.”

After graduating in 1969 and paying off student loans (which she says you could actually do in those days), O'Connell moved to Chicago and went into advertising, where she did prep work for commercial printing. “Back then you didn't design everything on the computer, so I worked with drafting tables and T-squares. I learned a lot,” she says, “but I was not very happy doing it.”

In 1971, at 25, O'Connell got married and the couple moved to Illinois. It was there that O'Connell met a University of Illinois professor who published poetry.

“He offered me an apprenticeship with him,” she says. “Since I didn't have a job and was newly relocated where I didn't know anyone, it was a real stroke of good fortune.”

When her husband was accepted into the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop, the couple moved to Iowa City in 1972.

“We bought a big farmhouse, which had plenty of room for a studio,” she says.

“So I bought a press (it was relatively cheap, as letterpress printing was becoming obsolete) and some paper and started my own printing business.”

O'Connell, who retired last May from her long and illustrious teaching career, says she is looking forward to having more time to devote to her own works of art. Her eclectic creations—which fill her office from floor to ceiling in an overwhelming display—include assemblages, collages, relief prints, and other unique art forms.

Over the next 12 years, O'Connell published 23 collections of contemporary American poetry (about 150-200 copies per collection), doing all the typesetting and printing herself. “I couldn't afford to pay employees,” she says.

“I'm always searching for evocative materials to use in my work,” she says. “I've tapped the natural world as well as flea markets for all sorts of printed journals, postcards, talismanic objects, framing devices, and other unique and interesting items.” Recently, O'Connell's work has become more "activist" in theme, stemming from her desire to make a statement. She also produces art for what's known as portfolio exchanges, where printmakers collectively produce a grouping of work that becomes the basis for an exhibition.

“This type of printing is known as small press printing,” she explains. “It was small compared to commercial literary productions but big for press done by hand.” She also says that small press was the major way for poetry to get published in those days, unlike today when writers have multiple online publishing choices.

“Printing a writer's poetry was a mutually beneficial arrangement,” O’Connell says.

“The poet's work would get published and circulated, and I was able to receive grants from organizations that supported the publication of contemporary poets.”

Eventually, O'Connell began tackling bigger print jobs, but when she started teaching at UNO in 1985, she phased back. “I couldn't keep up that type of production, and I was also becoming more interested in other aspects of books, such as making paper,” she says. “I love the tactile qualities of paper, even though it's incredibly difficult to make uniform sheets refined enough for small press printing.”

For now, O'Connell is facing the daunting challenge of moving her many years of accumulated materials, prints, 2,000plus books, supplies, etc. into a home studio that is being renovated to hold it all. She says the next year will be one of transition after teaching for so long, but she will continue to create and exhibit the art that has been so much a part of her life.

“I happen to be in that small group in the art world who finds their passion for artistic expression through making a book, versus perhaps making a painting or a sculpture,” she says. “That's my passion...that's my art.”

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HEALTH // STORY BY WILL PATTERSON // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

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Jesse Nesse

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YNN AND THOM SINNETTE,

both in their 60s, received tattoos from Nuclear Ink tattoo artist Jesse Neese around five years ago.

“I didn’t go in looking to have half of my chest done, but then I went in and spoke with Jesse,” Lynn says.

For years Lynn disliked a poorly done tattoo on her chest. Neese offered a cover-up solution. He worked with her to craft a tattoo that was visually appealing but also effectively concealed the old tattoo.

“You can have an awesome idea, but not have the art experience to flesh it out,” Neese says.

Neese uses his tattoo experience and art degrees to work with clients. He believes the best designs are made when he and the client collaborate on a final product.

Neese and client Michael Rolf have a friendly relationship. They talk consistently during the hours it takes Neese to work on Rolf ’s tattoo.

The tattoo stretches across his chest and onto both his arms. It features Alaskan wildlife and scenic imagery in honor of the trip he and his wife planned on taking.

The tattoo serves as a memorial for 55-year-old Rolf. His wife passed away three years ago, and they always wanted to take a trip to visit Alaska together.

Rolf and his son went on the trip in her memory.

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“I get asked by seniors frequently if their skin is difficult to work on,” Neese says.

“Really it depends on the area of the body.

The only time it ever is difficult is when there has been a lot of sun exposure.”

The tattoo industry has been held to higher standards since the the time when today’s seniors were getting tattoos in their teens and 20s. It’s one of the reasons some clients are surprised by his workplace sanitation.

Rolf recalls a time when he was younger where he hosted “tattoo parties.” During such parties, a tattoo artist would come over and give quick, small tattoos to people.

“If I think of it now, it's horrifying,” Rolf says. “Because, like, he would tattoo me, dip the needle in alcohol, and start on the next guy.”

That practice is a stark contrast from current sanitation standards. Neese teaches a seminar for fellow tattoo artists on how to prevent the transmission of disease in a tattoo parlor.

“It’s made me a bit particular about things,” Neese says.

Joseph “Smitty” Smith of Big Brain Productions says the senior group is their largest growing demographic each year.

He attributes that to several factors, such as no longer having to worry if it will affect their career or standing with their neighbors. But he thinks there are often deeper motivations.

“Once you’ve collected some experience in life, you kind of want to celebrate that, and things that motivate people to get tattoos are, like, the birth of a loved one…Or maybe at that age they’ve survived a health problem, like breast cancer.”

Those with a few more years are likely to have a few more surgical procedures. More invasive operations can leave scars people carry for the rest of their lives.

“I’m very pro-tattoo now that I’m older,” Rolf says. “I can make more responsible decisions, and I know what I want.”

Smith says tattooing over scars is “100 percent safe,” as long as the artist knows what they’re doing.

Neese has built up a strong reputation as an Omaha tattoo artist. Some clients find him from out of state or keep returning to him after they move away.

While Neese has customers from all demographics and backgrounds, he has a notable number of loyal, older clients.

And they have some concerns.

“It’s just different from the rest of the skin on your body and that poses a challenge, because you’re going from regular skin—so your machine is running at a speed of a depth that would be suitable for regular skin—and then you hit that

scar tissue and it would be too deep," he says. "So if you go over it too fast or too hard, you can damage it pretty easily. It takes a little bit of experience to be able to control that with your hand and with your eyes—with the feel—instead of just setting up your machines to run on that.”

Neese says that many people don’t realize that their insurance provider can sometimes pay for tattoos that cover up surgical scars. Whether clients are tattooing a scar to match their skin tone or covering it with colorful art, the tattoo can be claimed as a necessary part of the healing process.

Doctors can help their patients secure an insurance payout for a cover-up tattoo if it could improve their patient’s mental health.

“It can really help someone reclaim a lot that has been lost through a surgical process,” Neese says.

As it turns out, seniors face the same hurdles as other age groups when approaching a tattoo parlor. Foremost, though, medications have to be compatible with the tattooing procedure. Blood thinners usually need to be skipped in the preceding days. Smith says diabetes can also affect healing, specifically on extremities, such as the ankle or foot.

Neese recommends all his clients speak with their doctors beforehand if they take any medication that might cause extra bleeding or hinder healing.

Making tattoos last into the golden years can be difficult—especially for those who enjoy spending their days under the sun.

Lynn always makes sure to protect her tattoos with sunscreen when catching some rays. She says that she has not noticed any of the colors fading since she initially got the work done years ago.

As for those who might be on the fence, the Sinnettes have this advice for anyone contemplating a tattoo: “If you’re a senior and you want a tattoo, just go for it,” Rolf says. “It’s your body.

Don’t let anyone tell you shouldn’t have tattoos. I love my ink.”

“You live once, what the heck,” Lynn says.

“Just get a good one.”

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NOSTALGIA // STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

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John Rogers and artist Denise Brady

-John Rogers

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Well before the museum opened in 1931, the couple fostered the art community in their home built in 1903 near 39th and Davenport streets.

Much of the diverse art the Joslyns collected later seeded the art museum Sarah created as a memorial to George, who died in 1916. Some of it was unconventional at the time for a couple of their stature, Bello says, representing no particular style or era and including everything from traditional landscape painting to depictions of commoners in everyday life to the relatively new medium of photography.

Not only did the Joslyn home serve as an unofficial gallery of sorts, Sarah often worked behind the scenes for several visual and performing arts organizations.

“The Joslyns were also big proponents of Omaha’s early theater scene as far back as the 1890s.

arrived in Omaha in 1880. Bob and Roberta Rogers arrived to the city in the late 1950s. Although the two couples were from different eras and never met, they both embraced their adopted city, were successful entrepreneurs, and supported the arts—especially the visual arts—but didn’t create art themselves. Most importantly, they both created lasting legacies: the Joslyns through Joslyn Art Museum and Joslyn Castle; and the Rogerses through Gallery 72, now transitioning to a namesake nonprofit gallery called Roberta & Bob Rogers Gallery (RBR G).

Omaha wasn’t even 30 years old when Vermont natives George and Sarah Joslyn relocated so George could open a branch office for a printing company that had hired him the year before.

Within 16 years, he owned the company he renamed Western Newspaper Union and subsequently built a fortune selling preprinted newspaper pages to publishers, who added their own local content.

The Joslyns became some of Omaha’s earliest art patrons, says Kelli Bello, Joslyn Castle Trust’s manager of communications and development.

“While they loved Omaha deeply, they saw a lot of needs, and one of the greatest needs was a house for creative pursuits for all people to enjoy art,” she says.

“Obviously, their most important notable gift was the Joslyn Memorial [now the Joslyn Art Museum].”

They turned what was a cow pasture across the street from the castle into what was the first community playhouse, donating land and seed money to develop a physical structure for the pursuit of theatrical arts,” Bello says.

Sarah was active in the arts through her final years, and the home was bequeathed to the Society for Liberal Arts to serve the community after her 1940 death.

Bello says. “Sarah Joslyn felt that art supported the spiritual needs of the community just as much as any church.”

Roberta and Bob Rogers—who were from Gulfport, Mississippi, and Ottumwa, Iowa, respectively—arrived in Omaha in the late 1950s when Bob was offered a job managing a local factory.

“And we just ended up staying here,” their son, John, says.

Like the Joslyns, the Rogerses were successful entrepreneurs, although their business was a Mister Donut franchise they sold in 1971. As they were building their business in the 1960s, they also began amassing a collection of art through their travels and eventually started selling some of it out of their home.

“They both had a strong interest in contemporary art, from the mid-century forward,” John says. “You’d probably get some arguments from a few people, but my parents were the ones who really set the tone for contemporary art in Omaha.

They said, ‘we’re going to have a full spectrum of contemporary art styles.’”

In 1972, they opened Gallery 72 on 72nd Street just south of Dodge Street.

Through the years, Gallery 72 exhibited and represented established and emerging artists with a mission to build a supportive and cohesive arts community, John says. Their diverse collection included works from notables like Henri Matisse and Salvador Dali, but the Rogerses also opened their space for artist community gatherings, public events, and performances. Bob and Roberta were honored with the Governor’s Arts Award in 1990.

Gallery 72 moved to 27th and Leavenworth in the mid-'70s. John, a retired high school physics teacher (brother Bob Jr. became a photographer), began assisting his parents with “backroom” tasks in the mid-'90s and took on a larger role after his mother’s death in 2001. The year after his father’s 2012 death, John moved Gallery 72 to its current location at 18th and Vinton streets, where he is now transitioning the commercial gallery to the nonprofit RBR G and carrying on his parents’ legacy.

“Every year since 1972 there has been a show under the auspices of Gallery 72,” John says. “Part of my motivation for doing this is that I think visual artists need facilities to show their work, and to support the artists they need gallery space and representation so patrons can find their work…There is a dearth of good galleries in Omaha and there’s gobs of pop-up galleries that do interesting things and they’re good to have around.

But Omaha could use another three or four commercial galleries if Omaha would financially support those galleries.”

Like the Joslyns before them, neither Bob nor Roberta were artists themselves.

“Their art was their gallery,” John says, adding that none of the four [George, Sarah, Bob, and Roberta] were motivated by the desire to promote their own work, but to simply support and grow the arts in Omaha.

And their vision went beyond just a gallery or just a museum.

“If you’re a big-minded city, you have to have these things," John says. "Big cities have active visual arts and performing arts, and lots of interesting things in the community.”

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@the GI FORUM // 86 //

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ACTIVE LIVING // STORY BY JOSEFINA LOZA WELLS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

HE LUNCH CROWD FOR Taco Thursday is thick and talkative.

Booming laughter bounces from every corner of the GI Forum restaurant on south 20th Street.

Working-class clientele, families, and the occasional white-collar professional fill this old South Omaha standby.

Among the aromas of seasoned beef and fried tortilla shells wafting in the air is Joe Cabral, a longtime musician and member of the club.

Cabral is a regular at the Thursday lunches, and the club. Similar to a VFW post, the South Omaha Veteran’s and Community Club (formerly the Omaha American GI Forum chapter) started as a Mexican-American veterans and civil organization but is all-embracing and housed upstairs from the restaurant.

Through the restaurant and other fundraising ventures, the club supports local military—both active and retired—and their families.

At the national level, the American GI Forum was founded in 1948 by the late Dr. Hector P. Garcia of Texas— who served his medical internship at Creighton University's St. Joseph Hospital—to combat discriminatory injustices against Mexican-American veterans returning from World War II. Nebraska’s Omaha chapter was formed in 1957. Regulars have been returning to the GI Forum in South Omaha ever since.

Any effort to learn more about the history of the GI Forum inevitably leads to Cabral, a cheery 81-year-old who is fiercely proud of the establishment. Cabral is a longtime musician and member of the military and community service club. He’s known for raising spirits and sparking astounding conversations.

“I’ve always been blessed with friends,” he says, adding that his wife, friends, and music have kept him going. Many of his best memories are rooted at the GI Forum’s building at 2002 N St. In fact, Cabral was born in a house across the street and still lives nearby.

At one point in time, nearly ‘every Mexican from South Omaha belonged to the GI Forum.’

-Joe Cabral “The GI Forum, when it started, was just that little building on the corner,” he recalls. “[It was] half of our size now.”

The building had a church basementlike setting, but with a bar and crowded tables and chairs that were rearranged on the weekend for dances. Back in the 1980s, then a young trumpet player in a polka band, Cabral would stop by the GI Forum to have a beer and entertain friendly banter.

“I got involved mostly through music,” he says.

Cabral met a few fellow musicians and began playing rancheras—traditional Mexican songs—at the military and community service club. Cabral pauses a moment, then begins rattling off member names whom he believes were influential to the music and social scene in South Omaha.

At one point in time, nearly “every Mexican from South Omaha belonged to the GI Forum,” he says to illustrate how influential and important the club was to the growth, development, and cultural preservation of Mexican-Americans living in the area. To this day, the restaurant’s walls form a museum of the chapter’s members—decorated military service that spans decades—and the forum’s founding.

Many of those South Omaha people who belong to the club are there because of the affable trumpet player.

“He’s a great member recruiter,” says Philip Lordemann, who served in the U.S. Air Force from 1977 to 1982. He was attracted to the club because of its core values, but he joined after hearing about how inviting its members were, he says.

He heard it from Cabral. “He talked me into it.” says Lordemann, now the club’s commander. “I’m a friend of his son’s, and [Cabral] heard about my service and said, ‘you ought to join our club.’ He’s probably the number one reason I’m there.”

Cabral not only takes care of ensuring continued membership of the club, he takes care of the club itself.

“I make sure that we have coolant, and that we have air, and that the pavilion is nice,” Cabral says, downplaying his role as head of the maintenance committee.

“I’ve been doing this since 2006 when we expanded the building.”

Indeed, the building did expand. Thanks to Cabral and other’s recruiting efforts, the club doubled in occupancy from about 60-70 people to about 130.

But its his love of music that people recognize.

“He’s an entertainer first and foremost,” Lordemann says. “He enjoys playing at the club. One nice benefit we have is he doesn’t charge us to play.”

And he’s willing to play whenever and wherever.

“If it’s someone’s birthday, he’ll get up and play ‘Happy Birthday’ for them,” says Lordemann. “We’ve got our auto show coming up, chances are he’ll be up there playing. Any time there is something going on where music would make people happier, he’s there. It seems like he’s always got his trumpet with him.”

Visit giforumomaha.org for more information.

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OBVIOUSLY OMAHA // STORY BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN AND TARA SPENCER // PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Metaling in Arts

01

Notable Omaha Statues

The sun is high, the temps are rising, and the dogs need to be let out. Seriously, though, summer evenings are a perfect time to take a stroll around Omaha, and with so much public art to view in the area, there is no reason why you cannot get a bit of culture along with exercise. We all know the sculpture “He Ain’t Heavy” at Boys Town, but when was the last time you visited it, and actually looked at the sculpture? These six pieces are notable for several reasons—whether it be the artist or the subject matter—and they are worth another look the next time you are in the area.

02

04. “PIONEER COURAGE”

01. “GENERAL GEORGE CROOK”

Corner of 14th Street and Capitol Avenue

General Crook House Museum

5730 N. 30th St. 402.455.9990 douglascohistory.org

One of Omaha’s earliest notable figures, captured in bronze by Michael Knudson, is located on the campus of Metropolitan Community College.

The statue sits among the plants in the garden, a somewhat unlikely posture for this military man, who stood up for Chief Standing Bear’s rights in the 19th century.

02. “IMAGINE”

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

8200 Dodge St. 402.955.5400 placzekstudios.com/sculptures/monumental-sculptures-2/childrens-hospital This sculpture by artist Matthew Placzek features 19 umbrellas spiraling up a 75-foot-tall stainless steel ribbon inside the window-encased stairwell. More noticeable while driving down Dodge Street are the five larger-than-life bronze children, holding umbrellas and dancing.

03. “ODYSSEY”

24th Street Bridge

712.309.3000 iowawestfoundation.org/initiatives/iowawest-public-art/art/albert-paley Albert Paley’s iconic gateway into Iowa and the city of Council Bluffs stands 100 feet above interstates 80 and 29.

The installation consists of four works of art constructed of bronze with a green patina, corten steel that develops a rust color, and brushed stainless steel to reflect sunlight.

JULY/AUGUST

402.602.3930 firstnationalcampus.com/fnc/html/en/ sculpture_park/pioneer.html The bronze collection by sculptors Blair Buswell and Ed Fraughton features four pioneer families and their covered wagons departing westward from Omaha along a dry creek. The disturbance stampedes a nearby group of bison and flushes a flock of geese from water in an adjacent stainless steel piece, Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness (Kent Ullberg).

03

05. “TREE OF LIFE” 24th and L Street

402.444.7000 publicartomaha.org/art/info/357/ Tree+of+Life South Omaha has historically welcomed immigrants from many nations, and David Dahlquist captured that sentiment in metal when he created this statue. The tree’s leaves are actually cross-cultural symbols associated with the ethnic groups who brought large populations to South O—Czechoslovakians, Poles, Croatians, Central Americans, and South Americans.

04

05

06. “THE WORK CONTINUES” Boys Town

Father Flanagan Drive 531.355.1300 boystown.org/blog/Pages/work-continuesstatue-new-symbol-new-era.aspx In 2017, for their 100th anniversary, Boys Town unveiled a new sculpture created by Placzek. The statue shows a girl on a man’s back, a reimagining of the statue of the young boy on his brother’s back.

The original statue remains on the Boys Town campus.

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2019

06

[ DINING FEATURE // Story by Anthony Flott ]

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2019

That surge comes from Benson First Fridays, which includes music, visual art, and performance art,often on display or performing in the area restaurants and watering holes.

I

t’s not unusual, on a warm summer night, to see a line of people waiting to purchase a uniquely flavored ice-cream cone, such as Zen Blend Coffee, from Ted & Wally’s. But on the first Friday of the month, people can expect to wait longer than normal.

“We do see a surge in business,” owner Joseph Pittack says.

That surge comes from Benson First Friday, which includes music, visual art, and performance art, often on display or performing in the area restaurants and watering holes.

Don’t expect to see or hear masterpieces from Bach or Picasso.

The type of performance art Pittack remembers best (especially from the infancy of Benson First Friday) isn’t exactly the stuff one finds in the halls of Joslyn Museum.

“Back in the early days,” Pittack says, “BFF was doing crazy things like mud wrestling.”

And that was OK. “The shock value of it brought a lot of people out,” he says.

But seven years after its founding, Benson First Friday's collaboration with businesses, especially restaurants and bars, has made 60th and Maple streets a hot spot for hungry art lovers and for emerging and established artists.

“I can’t think of anywhere here that’s like Benson,” says Jeanne Ohira, Pittack’s sister and co-owner of Ted & Wally’s.

A walk through the central area of this known neighborhood on the first Friday of April offers dozens of artfully crafted eating and drinking options. Beer lovers could go to Benson Brewery for an ale and music by an Omaha-based songwriter and guitarist; sushi aficionados could view the Rad Women of Omaha exhibition while noshing on tuna rolls; and those adventurous enough to try a Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese at Star Deli were treated to an open-submission spring art exhibition.

The collaboration between artists and foodies was begun in 2012

by Alex Jochim and Jamie Hardy. Jochim was an artist seeking exposure for his work and that of fellow artists who also tended bar at Jake’s Cigars & Spirits (6206 Maple St.).

[ photography by bill sitzmann // design by matt wieczorek ]

A

[ DINING FEATURE ]

“

t the time, there wasn’t much entry accessibility for artists in Omaha,” says Jochim, who still slings Singapores at Jake’s. “There was definitely an art scene, but for emerging, younger artists, there weren’t very many opportunities.”

He and Hardy planned the original Benson First Friday as a one-time gig. But it’s been going strong ever since, and is now a registered nonprofit that stages monthly events stuffed with art.

The Old Market also has First Fridays, but Benson offers more opportunity for up-and-coming artists to show, as opposed to those already established. Jay Muller, owner of Star Deli, says he believes it’s because it started out on a smaller scale—and it’s not as expensive.

Because Benson businesses are mostly locally owned, this means no need to climb the chain of command for approval of a new exterior mural or to host an exhibition.

“It’s more about the emerging community, including the businesses. A lot of them are locally owned and just starting out here,” he says. “The people who are the artists are also our patrons.”

Because Benson businesses are mostly locally owned, this means no need to climb the chain of command for approval of a new exterior mural or to host an exhibition.

“A lot of the buildings are owned by the business owners, so they’re more hands-on,” Ohira says.

Adds her brother Pittack: “Benson is probably more organic…that’s what sets them apart. They’re kind of a ground-up kind of thing.”

The lack of corporate cash also necessitates cooperation, meaning “The community there is more collaborative,” Ohira says.

A second factor prompting restaurants and others to connect with the art world is the value artists bring. At basement bar Kaitei, tattooers painted murals, and Ted & Wally’s boasts thank-you drawings from artists. Other pieces are for sale, hanging on the walls at no cost to the artist.

“You’re helping us by giving our space an aesthetic,” Pittack says.

“And we’re helping you by giving you prime exposure with the number of people in our line.”

Muller stumbled onto the value of working with artists when the woman who is now his wife, Laurie Sewell-Muller, walked into Star Deli’s old location on Saddle Creek and offered to hang works by her and her art-student friends.

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

The move to Benson roughly six years ago strengthened their connection to the art scene. “[We] immediately had plans for it to be a gallery,” he says. “The first BFF was held inside the deli before we even opened for business.” He adds that they were lucky in finding the space, “before everything started blowing up.”

A third reason for success is recognition among artists that Benson is legit. Jochim has gone from dealing with a handful of artists to “incorporating hundreds” into BFF initiatives.

Among them is C.J. Esparrago, a tattoo artist and painter who has showcased his art at Jerry’s Bar, Daisy Jones’ Locker, and the Warlock Gallery.

“I love that it’s thriving, and I feel like that pull encourages more artists to show their work,” Esparrago says. “Benson as a whole has become one of my favorite parts of Omaha. Lots of creative people, different culinary experiences, and several great venues, DIY and otherwise. I think as a creative person it’s hard not to be drawn to an area like this.”

Knowing actual eyeballs will be seeing their work also puts a measure of pressure on artists, says David Utterback, head chef and owner of Yoshitomo.

“Artists can’t show the same show over and over here, so they have to be constantly producing new pieces,” Utterback says.

“Sometimes you need the deadline.”

Esparrago says his first Benson show at Jerry’s helped him land his tattoo apprenticeship.

“Which was a huge deal for me,” Esparrago says. “Every show since has been a success. I’ve sold a few pieces and, most importantly, got my name out there a couple of times.”

The exposure starts early, too.

Utterback’s Yoshitomo provides the empty bay he owns next to his restaurant as a gallery for Benson High School students.

“When I was a younger artist, the only places to show work was at school, and the thought of ever pursuing art beyond a hobby never felt realistic,” Utterback says. “I think letting students show here and seeing their work out in public is important to instill confidence and help them feel connected to the rest of the community.”

Esparrago—and many other artists—appreciate that generosity.

“These business owners are supporting both music and visual arts by opening their doors to the public for nothing more than the growth of Omaha’s art scene.”

Jochim agrees. “It’s a community effort, 100 percent.”

Visit bensonfirstfriday.com more information.

“I’ve never been closer and happier with a group of people in my life than the group of people who I’ve had working with me these last 10 years” -Eddie Morin

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DINING PROFILE // STORY BY WILL PATTERSON // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

THE END OF A

Tasty Era Tasty Foods B&G

FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

The fast-food industry has dwindled in quality over the past few decades.

While the big players in the industry focused, and still focus, on cutting costs, Eddie Morin focused on keeping the “old-fashioned” fast-food business alive.

B&G Tasty Foods held a special place in Omaha’s restaurant lineup as an establishment that served quality food with a heavy dollop of nostalgia. While patrons found a variety of diner-esque choices, the restaurant’s specialty was loose meat sandwiches.

“It’s an old food. Everyone used to know what it was and [now] they’re kind of like ‘what is that?’” Morin said in an interview this spring.

A loose meat sandwich is similar to a burger in components and different in preparation.

The beef is cooked in a loose batch instead of individual patties. The final product is finely ground beef, already cooked in sauce, pressed between two steamed buns.

Morin first started working at B&G Tasty Foods in 2001. In 2009 he was presented with the opportunity to buy it from the previous owner, and did. Morin fought to keep one of Omaha’s last loose meat sandwich shops running, complete with all the classic aesthetics.

Kevin Donahue worked alongside Morin at B&G Tasty Foods before the restaurant switched ownership. He was a long-time employee who split his time between the kitchen and his music career.

He witnessed Morin grow from a coworker into a caring business owner.

“It’s really like a family," Donahue said in April. "He takes time to select who’s going to work here. He makes sure that they’re going to fit in and be able to pull their weight."

“You don’t have to be best friends with the people you’re working with, but you should kind of look forward to going in and seeing people,” Morin said.

Donahue said that Morin gathered a group of employees who were empathetic to the needs of one another—such as when Donahue would leave on tour with his band. Building a healthy and effective work culture was one of Morin’s achievements.

“A lot of people think we came into existence a few years ago and [used] a designer or architect,” Morin said. “Really, it’s just kind of an evolution over 60 years.”

“It’s nice to be in an environment where you can laugh, have fun, and it doesn’t feel like you’re dragging your feet throughout the day,” Donahue continued.

This may have been due to a creative atmosphere that developed over time. Though Morin isn’t an artist himself, he managed to keep creative spirits in his orbit. As the son of two graphic designers, he says that befriending and working with artists came naturally.

Morin said he tried to consider his employee’s perspectives—even when he didn’t understand them. For example, he described the way that younger employees would come to him with frequent situations that interfered with work. Morin said that as an adult the problems seemed insignificant, but he recognized that his younger employees didn't see it that way.

"Everything is relative," Morin said. "Some of them haven’t experienced very many hardships, so a little, tiny thing throws them for a loop. I think showing that you’re concerned and will make arrangements really is the key to keeping people around.”

Unfortunately, the food service industry has not been kind to those preserving a quick, made-from-scratch meal. Morin announced the closure of B&G Tasty Foods in April.

Their last day was Memorial Day, May 27.

B&G faced insurmountable challenges.

One battle Morin had was the illusion surrounding a loose meat sandwich’s appearance. Customers expected it to be cheaper than the burger—which B&G Tasty Foods delivered on—but it actually cost slightly more in labor and ingredients to produce.

Sales tripled during the decade under Morin’s leadership. However, that was not enough to combat increasing operating costs.

“Just because we have lots and lots of customers and people who love us doesn’t necessarily mean we're making money,” Morin said.

The B&G Tasty Foods employees have formed plans to keep their connection alive by meeting up a few times throughout the year to carry on their holiday party traditions.

“I’ve never been closer and happier with a group of people in my life than the group of people who I’ve had working with me these last 10 years,” Morin said.

“Very close behind them is our wonderful customers. There are so many of them I’m going to miss.”

JULY/AUGUST 2019

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Raising

FLIGHT NOTES

Steamed mussels with shallot, white wine, and cream, served with toasted baguette.

Niz Proskocil

DINING REVIEW

STORY BY

Matt Wieczorek

bar

DESIGN BY

the

Bill Sitzmann

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Downtown Omaha’s Mercury offers quality food and drink in a cool, casual setting.

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Desert Scorpion is bulldog gin, Braulio, peach syrup, moscato grappa, white vermouth, and fresh and dried lemon.

FLIGHT NOTES

Pan-seared scallops served with roasted parsnips, asparagus, and a brown butter vinaigrette.

DINING REVIEW

FLIGHT NOTES

W

Where's a good spot to grab a bite and drinks before a show?

For many event-goers heading to a concert, play, or other performance downtown, Mercury is a popular pick. The cocktail lounge at the corner of 16th and Harney streets draws pre- and post-show crowds, and it hits all the right notes: top-notch drinks, a proximity to several arts and entertainment venues, and an appealing menu of dishes perfect for sharing.

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Charcuterie and cheese has meats and cheeses served baguette and sides of jam, pickles, and roasted garlic.

A cheese-only option is available.

FLIGHT NOTES

Small plates such as steamed mussels and meat-and-cheese boards, sandwiches, salad, and soup are available, along with heartier steak and chicken dishes. The food menu is short, but it’s solid and doesn’t skimp on creativity. Everything my dining partner and I tried was high quality and well prepared.

DINING REVIEW

I

It’s a comfortable and inviting place, equally suitable for relaxing at the bar with a glass of red, enjoying happy hour with friends, or noshing on late-night snacks available until 2 a.m. Guests can kick back with cocktails on one of the couches or settle in at a table for a casual meal.

The latter is the route we took during a recent visit.

Earlier this year, Mercury added some new dishes to its seasonally changing menu. Among the new offerings are pan-seared scallops.

Elegantly plated, the dish features three big, sweet scallops with a deeply golden crust, served with roasted parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and brown butter vinaigrette. Brown butter also shows up in the honey glazed carrots. Cooked until tender but still bright, sliced carrots are served on a bed of creamy polenta, topped with toasted walnuts for a nice textural contrast, and sprinkled with snipped chives.

Toasted bread dunked in rich, melty beer cheese? Yes, please. Mercury’s beer cheese fondue, served with slices of crusty baguette, is a comforting, decadent dish. The only downside is that, if you linger over it too long, it cools off quite a bit and loses its gooey goodness.

Rigatoni with bolognese is a memorable gem. Made with a blend of ground chicken and pork, the lush, meaty sauce—boosted with Calabrian chili for a little heat—clings to the pasta’s ridges and delivers big-time flavor. A dusting of grated Grana Padano cheese provides a salty-savory finish. A vegetarian version of mushroom bolognese is also available.

Opened in May 2016, Mercury has a laid-back vibe and doesn’t feel cramped, even when it’s busy. There’s a variety of seating formats, including sleek, low-slung couches arranged around coffee tables. Chic light fixtures, bright red chairs, vintage tile, exposed brick, and plenty of plants add to the visual appeal.

The idea behind Mercury, says co-owner Clark Ross, was to create a comfortable atmosphere with quality drinks at affordable prices, the kind of place where he and the other owners would want to hang out. After moving from Baltimore to Omaha in 2011, Ross led the bar program at the Boiler Room Restaurant in the Old Market, followed by a stint at Nite Owl in the Blackstone District before opening Mercury.

Located on the ground floor of the Limelight apartments, the bar occupies the former space of Brodkey’s Jewelers.

Mercury owners, including certified sommelier Sara Mellor, converted an old walk-in vault into a wine cellar. Around 100 wines are on hand (a dozen offered by the glass), along with a selection of beers and 350-plus spirits.

From the list of seasonal cocktails, the Fashion Club refreshes with its blend of gin, mulled wine, fresh lemon, and sparkling wine. We also enjoyed the Sadie Hawkins, a variation on the French 75, that combines gin, pomegranate, fresh lime, apple, and prosecco. The bar also excels at the classics, including an elegant and balanced Martinez cocktail made with gin and vermouth.

MERCURY

329 S. 16TH ST. | 402.922.4222 FOOD

SERVICE

AMBIANCE PR ICE

OVERALL

$$

Even the ice has an artisanal quality. Mercury uses a Clinebell machine, typically used by ice sculptors, to produce 300-pound blocks of pure ice that are broken down with saws and chisels into pristine, crystal-clear cubes. Ice is a key cocktail ingredient, so it’s important to do it right. “We take it seriously,” Ross says.

The bar recently unveiled an outdoor patio—perfect for people-watching, relaxing on a warm day, and fueling up before an event at the Orpheum Theater a few steps across the street. Blocks away are the Holland Performing Arts Center, Bluebarn Theatre, CHI Health Center, Film Streams, Slowdown, and many more venues a short walk away.

(5 STARS POSSIBLE)

Visit mercury-omaha.com for more information.

101

- Sponsored Content AMERICAN

CHARLESTON’S - $$$

140th and Dodge streets (402-431-0023) 76th and Dodge streets (402-991-0055) Charleston’s is a casual, upbeat restaurant with a menu filled with dishes prepared from scratch daily.

We focus on providing our guests with excellent prices and selecting the highest quality ingredients. Whether you are new to Charleston’s or a long-standing guest, we look forward to seeing you soon!

—charlestons.com/locations

Get a Little Saucy.

DJ’S DUGOUT - $

SPEZIA SPECIALTIES WOOD FIRE STEAKS & SEAFOOD INNOVATIVE PASTA—RISOTTO—GNOCCHI FRESH SALMON DAILY

Saturday Lunch 11 am - 4 pm

1/2 Price Cocktails Daily 4 - 6 pm NO CASH VALUE. EXPIRES 8/31/2019 Not Valid With Happy Hour or Any Other Promotions. One Per Check.

Catering

Sunday Brunch 11 am - 2 pm Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys

. Private Party Rooms . Walk-Ins Welcome 3125 South 72 nd Street

(Easy access off I-80, take 72nd Street Exit)

402.391.2950 . Call today to make your reservation

636 N. 114th St. (402-498-8855) 1003 Capitol Ave. (402-763-9974) 10308 S. 23rd St. (402-292-9096) 2102 S. 67th St. (402-933-3533) 180th and Q streets (402-292-9096) 192nd and West Maple St. Highway 75 and Oak Hill Road (402-298-4166) Catch all of the action at six Omaha-area locations. DJ's Dugout features burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers, and an impressive drink menu along with HD TVs and projectors. Home to Blazin’ Pianos, Omaha’s only dueling piano concept.

—djsdugout.com

JAMS- $$

7814 Dodge St. (402-399-8300) 17070 Wright Plz, Ste. 100 (402-810-9600) 1101 Harney St. in the OldMarket (402-614-9333) Jams is an Omaha restaurant legacy, an “American Grill” that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties. The dishes are made with high-quality ingredients that pair well with award-winning wines or creative cocktails.

—jamseats.com

KITH & KIN - $$

Lunch Specials

With Free Glass of House Wine HAPPY HOUR M-F / SAT & SUN BRUNCH

402-991-1552 5018 Underwood Ave. Kith & Kin comes from a southern term that means “friends and family.” We offer a family-friendly restaurant in a beautiful space with scratch-made food at a reasonable price. Southern hospitality is our main objective.

Located in the heart of Dundee. Welcome to the family.

—kith-kin.us

Thank You, Thank You,

Thank You

For Continually Voting For Us!

Serving Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat 3001 S. 32nd Ave / Omaha, NE 402.345.5656

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LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED 16920 Wright Plz, #118 / Omaha, NE 68130 On the corner of 168th & West Center St.

402.884.8966

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

rotellasbakery.com

LE PEEP - $

69th & Pacific (402-933-2776) 177th and Center streets (402-934-9914) 156th Street and W. Dodge Road (402-408-1728) 120th and Blondo streets (402-991-8222) Le Peep puts a wholesome perspective on your favorite neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot. Fresh.

Simple. Elegant. Inviting. We put the emphasis on people, both patrons and staff. We focus on providing each of our guests the fresh food and friendly service that they have come to expect. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

—lepeepomaha.com

Always a Large Selection of Fresh Fish!

4150 S. 144 TH ST. • 402.894.9411 • CHARLIESONTHELAKE.NET

THANK YOU FOR VOTING OUR PASTA

Rockbrook Village (108th & Center) 402.391.2585 www.pastaamore.com

NUMBER #1

We can accommodate parties of 30 or more, by reservation only Catering Available

DINNER HOURS // Mon-Thur: 4:30-9PM, Fri & Sat: 4:30-10PM

Like Us on Facebook

LISA'S RADIAL CAFE - $

402-551-2176 817 N. 40th St. American. Cafe. Diner. Vegetarian-friendly. Glutenfree options. This old-school diner serves hearty portions of American comfort classics for breakfast and lunch. Family-owned and operated. This business is a must if you’re in the area. People rave about our chicken-fried steak, stuffed French toast, coffee, and friendly staff. Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

STELLA’S - $

402-291-6088 106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue Since 1936, we’ve been making our world-famous Stella’s hamburgers the same way. The family secrets have been handed down to each owner, ensuring that your burger is the same as the one you fell in love with the first time you tried Stella’s. And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back! Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Sunday.

—stellasbarandgrill.com

ICE CREAM

TED AND WALLY’S - $

402-341-5827 1120 Jackson St. Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream in the Old Market. Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt and ice. We offer your favorites, plus unique flavors like margarita, green tea, Guinness, and French toast.

Special orders available.

—tedandwallys.com

ITALIAN

LA CASA PIZZARIA - $$

402-556-6464 45th and Leavenworth streets La Casa Pizzaria has been serving Omaha its legendary Neapolitan-style pizza and pasta for 60 years. We offer dine-in, carry-out, party facilities, catering, and now pizza shipments to the 48 contiguous states. Open Tuesday-Saturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

—lacasapizzaria.net

Pitchpizzeria.com @pitchpizzeria

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

5021 Underwood Ave. Omaha, NE 402-590-2625

17808 Burke St. Omaha, NE 402-289-4096

6350 E. Thomas RD. Scottsdale, AZ 480-272-7500

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

LOMBARDO'S BISTRO & BAR - $$

402-884-9800 13110 Birch Drive We are a locally owned and operated neighborhood eatery with an Italian flare. We offer a full, madefrom-scratch menu along with extensive wine, craft cocktail, and craft beer lists. Casual is the best way to describe the warm and friendly service you will come to enjoy when choosing us. We offer dine-in, carry-out, catering, a daily happy hour (3-6:30 p.m. and all-day Sundays), live music Tuesdays and Sundays, and half-price bottles of wine on Wine Down Wednesdays.

—lombardosomaha.com

LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - $$

402-345-5656 3001 S. 32nd Ave. The restaurant is located in a residential neighborhood, surrounded by charming homes. Everyone is greeted with homemade bread, a bowl of fresh tomatoes and basil, a bowl of oven-roasted garlic cloves, specially seasoned olive oil, and (at night) a jug of Chianti! The menu includes a large variety of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, and even a delicious New York steak. Traditional dishes such as lasagna, tortellini, and eggplant parmigiana are also available. Lunch offerings include panini, salads, and one of the best pizzas in town. Patio seating, full bar, and a great wine list complete the atmosphere. No reservations, except for private rooms.

—losolemio.com

PASTA AMORE - $$

402-391-2585 11027 Prairie Brook Road Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine, and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as linguini amore and calamari steak, penne Florentine, gnocchi, spaghetti puttanesca, and osso buco. Filet mignon is also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannoli.

Lunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner starts at 4:30 p.m.

Reservations recommended.

—pastaamore.com

One of Omaha’s Best Happy Hours!

Walking Distance to CHI Health Center Omaha & TD Ameritrade Park CLEAR BAG POLICY IS IN EFFECT

402.346.9116 | 501 N. 13th Street | theMattOmaha.com /the old mattress factory omaha

@Matt_factory

Mon. – Fri. 3—6 PM Fri. & Sat. After 9 PM julios.com/cateringmenu 123rd & Center | 402-330-2110

PITCH - $$

402-590-2625 5021 Underwood Ave. An OpenTable's Diners' Choice for 2014 HotSpot Restaurant in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven. The menu also features seafood, hand-cut steak, housemade pastas, and burgers full of flavor.

Our goal is to provide you with local, housemade, and imported ingredients. We offer a happy hour menu through the week. Our bar provides an array of in-house concoctions as well as your traditional libations. Our wine selection is well-thought-out and most impressive. You will enjoy Pitch. Monday 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 3-10 p.m.

—pitchpizzeria.com

BEER • COCKTAILS • WINE • SALADS BURGERS • SAUSAGES • PRETZELS 402.502.9902 6209 MAPLE ST. • BENSON BARCHEN BEER.COM

BEER GARDEN & BEER HALL

JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 105 //

SPEZIA - $$$

ICE CREAM ● EST 1986 ●

Home -Made in Omaha

402-391-2950 3125 S. 72nd St. Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you'll find a casual elegance that's perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers' Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended.

—speziarestaurant.com

MEXICAN

FERNANDO’S - $

7555 Pacific St. (402-339-8006) 380 N. 114th St. (402-330-5707) Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily.

Catering and party rooms also available. MondayThursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m.

—fernandosomaha.com

JULIO’S - $

402-330-2110 2820 S. 123rd Court Locally owned since 1977, Julio’s prides themselves on serving the finest Tex-Mex cuisine and offering top-notch customer service. Our loyal customers are the reason we have been around for nearly 40 years.

We have an extensive menu that has both classic and innovative dishes—giving everyone the opportunity to find something they love. Salivating for Southwestern fare? We have tacos, tostadas, a dozen different enchiladas, and classic fajitas. And, of course, nachos!

—julios.com

LA MESA - $$

Thanks for Voting Us # BREAKFAST YEARS in a Row!

11

1

NOW OPEN 69th & Pacific • 993-2776 177th & Center • 934-9914 156th & Dodge • 408-1728 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) | Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day!

LEPEEP.COM // 106 //

JULY/AUGUST 2019

158th Street and W. Maple Road (402-557-6130) 156th and Q streets (402-763-2555) 110th St. and W. Maple Road (402-496-1101) Fort Crook Road and Hwy 370, Bellevue (402-733-8754) 84th Street and Tara Plaza, Papillion (402-593-0983) Lake Manawa Exit, Council Bluffs (712-256-2762) Enjoy awesome enchiladas, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouth-watering margaritas, and more at La Mesa. Come see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s No. 1 Mexican restaurant 16 years in a row.

Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

—lamesaomaha.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

MARGARITA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $

402-393-7515 4915 S. 72nd St. Margarita's is a business with more than seven years in the food world. We offer authentic Mexican food where you can enjoy a nice moment with your family.

—margaritasmenu.com

ROMEO'S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $

90th and Blondo streets (402-391-8870) 146th Street and W. Center Road (402-330-4160) 96th and L streets (402-331-5656) Galvin and Avery roads, Bellevue (402-292-2028) 29th and Farnam streets (402-346-1110) Romeo's is your friendly, family Mexican food and pizza restaurant.We take real pride in serving our guests generous portions of the freshest, most flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients available. Zesty seasonings and the freshest ingredients combine to ensure the ultimate in flavor. Our savory taco meat is prepared every morning at each location. Make sure to try our chimichangas; they're the best in town.

—romeosomaha.com

SPECIAL DINING

BÄRCHEN BEER GARDEN - $

402-502-9902 6209 Maple St. Located in Benson, Bärchen is a modern American beer garden and beer hall influenced by German communal drinking culture. Indoor seating for approximately 125 people and outdoor seating in our beer garden for approximately 125-150 people. The laid-back atmosphere pairs well with our 30 rotating taps, international beer list, unique sausage & sandwich menu, and locally made pretzels. We are family and dog friendly—all are welcome. Hours: Tues-Thurs 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information or to host an event, please email gm@barchenbeer.com —barchenbeer.com

BRUSHI BISTRO+BAR - $$

402-884-6878 721 N. 132nd St. Swiss-trained chef Paul Braunschweiler combines the best of Europe’s epicurean delights with an American flair. Brushi’s casual and open atmosphere combine to create a true bistro experience. Fresh ingredients highlight the menu.

Happy Hours and nightly specials. Private dining available. Patio seating weather permitting.

—brushiomaha.com

CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $

402-345-1708 3578 Farnam St. Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia—Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best Reuben sandwich, we are a Midtown beerlover’s destination. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Kitchen hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. Closed Sunday.

—beercornerusa.com

FIRST WATCH - $

1222 S. 71st St. (402-932-5691) 2855 S. 168th St. (402-330-3444) 3605 N. 147th St. (402-965-3444) 304 Olson Drive., Papillion (402-965-3444) 2015 Pratt Ave., Bellevue (402-991-3448) We begin each morning at the crack of dawn, slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffins, and whipping up our French toast batter from scratch. Everything is made to-order here at First Watch. We use only the finest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around.

—firstwatch.com

GERDA’S GERMAN RESTAURANT & BAKERY - $

402-553-6774 5180 Leavenworth St. Omaha’s only authentic German restaurant, a little piece of Germany in the metro. Inspired by Gerda's recipes for homemade spaetzle, schnitzels, and rouladen. Fresh-made soups, red cabbage, sauerkraut, and dumplings are a few other treats. Stay for a dessert of Black Forest cake or grab a fresh bakery item for breakfast on your way out. Check hours online.

—gerdasgermanrestaurant.com

WALKING DISTANCE

TO CHI HEALTH CENTER OMAHA & TD AMERITRADE PARK YOUR PRE-GAME HE AD QUARTE RS FOR LUNCH, DINNE R OR YOUR NE XT EVE NT!

GREEK ISLANDS - $

402-346-1528 3821 Center St. Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carry-out and delivery available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., FridaySaturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

—greekislandsomaha.com

501 N. 13TH ST • 402.346.9116 • THEMATTOMAHA.COM / theoldmattresfactoryomaha

@Matt_factory

J.COCO - $$$

402-884-2626 5203 Leavenworth St. The building that once housed a beloved neighborhood grocery has a new future. Built as a grocery back in 1925, it is now home to J. Coco. Our seasonal menus, rooted in tradition, showcase our natural ingredients. Local, organic, and sustainable when available. We feature craft bartending, housemade desserts, and pastas. We celebrate the traditional with a modern twist. Lunch: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5 p.m.-close.

—jcocoomaha.com

KOREA GARDEN AUTHENTIC ASIAN CUISINE AND SUSHI - $$

402-505-4089 5352 S. 72nd St. Lunch specials served Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring signature Korean dishes like bulgogi, doenjang jjigae, and grilled mackerel. Menu includes appetizers, traditional specialties, rice, noodles, soup, and beverages.

—koreangardenomaha.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

Omaha’s Authentic German Restaurant Family-owned since 1976

E U R O P E A N A M E R I C A N C U I S I N E

Gerda’s Family is carrying on her traditions and recipes, stop in for fresh bakery items and classic German dishes.

10 minutes from Downtown Omaha 5180 Leavenworth | 402.553.6774 gerdasgermanrestaurant.com

Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben!

Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

3578 Farnam St • 402-345-1708 www.beercornerusa.com

7 21 N . 13 2 N D S T R E E T O M A H A , N E 6 815 4 4 0 2 . 8 8 4 . 6 8 7 8 B R U S H I O M A H A . C O M

JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 107 //

PARADISE BAKERY - $

17305 Davenport St. (402-934-5757) 120 Regency Parkway (402-991-3000) Paradise Bakery offers freshly prepared baked goods made from scratch every morning with the finest ingredients available. Offering a variety of meals including soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Our associates are extremely proud of the reputation Paradise has earned for providing exceptional service and producing the finest-quality products.

—paradisebakery.com

TAJ KABOB AND CURRY - $

402-933-1445/402-238-4317 654 N. 114th St. Taj of Omaha shares its love of traditional Indian cuisine with friends and family in the Omaha area.

The owners invite you to come enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and new menu. Taj offers both lunch and dinner specials, delivery and catering services, and a free party room.

—tajofomaha.com

STEAKHOUSES

jamseats.com

CASCIO'S - $$

402-345-8313 1620 S. 10th St. Cascio's is Omaha's No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties. We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking.

—casciossteakhouse.com

THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$

402-391-7440 2121 S. 73rd St. Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one-of-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done. Lunch Monday­- Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., cocktail hour 3-6 p.m., dinner nightly 5 p.m.

—droverrestaurant.com

Stella’s Bar and Grill Thanks to our customers for voting us the “Best Burger in Omaha” “Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd • Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm // 108 //

JULY/AUGUST 2019

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

VOTED OMAHA’S #1 SPORTS BAR

DOWNTOWN - 10th & Capitol MIRACLE HILLS - 114th & Dodge MILLARD - 180th & Q AKSARBEN VILLAGE - 67th & Center BELLEVUE - 23rd & Cornhusker PLATTSMOUTH - Hwy 75 & Oak Hill

We Appreciate Your Vote for Best Steakhouse BestofOmaha.com/22884

NEW LOCATION COMING SOON!

ELKHORN - 192nd & Maple

DJSDUGOUT.COM Bringing Italy to Omaha Since 1919

Take a Taste of Italy Home Today!

Tues-Thurs: 8:30am-8pm Friday: 8:30am-8:30pm Saturday: 7:30am-8pm Sunday: 7:30am-6pm

An Omaha favorite for over 100 years (1919-2019)

402.345.3438 621 Pacific St, Omaha NE orsibakery.com

Best Greek

Open for Happy Hour 4-7pm Daily Dining Room Opens at 5pm Daily Private Dining Room Available All Day 140 Regency Parkway Omaha, NE 68134 FlemingsSteakhouse.com/Omaha 402.393.0811

Family Owned Since 1983 Family Owned Since 1983 Catering ~ Party Room Available CATERING / PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE Homemade, Fresh Food ~ Always HOMEMADE, FRESH FOOD, ALWAYS. 3821 Center St. 402/346-1528

3821 Center St / 402.346.1528

GreekIslandsOmaha.com GreekIslandsOmaha.com

JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 109 //

VOTED #1 16 YEARS

IN A ROW

FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE - $$$$

402-393-0811 140 Regency Parkway At Fleming’s, a steak is never just a steak. It’s the culmination of a meticulous process of selection, preparation, and service that ensures it reaches your table at its very best. We obsess over every detail so that you’ll savor every bite. This is why we offer the finest USDA Prime beef, available both wet- and dry-aged and broiled at 1,600 degrees or iron-crusted. You can elevate your selection even more with our indulgent steak companions, including truffle-poached lobster, diablo shrimp, and lump crabmeat. Each dish is crafted from scratch by our culinary team and served by our skillful staff. Reservations recommended.

—flemingssteakhouse.com

JOHNNY'S CAFÉ - $$$

OMAHA – 158TH & MAPLE (402) 557-6130 BELLEVUE – FT. CROOK RD & 370 (402) 733-8754

OMAHA – 110TH & MAPLE (402) 496-1101 PAPILLION – 84TH & TARA PLZ (402) 593-0983

OMAHA – 156TH & Q (402) 763-2555 COUNCIL BLUFFS – LAKE MANAWA EXIT (712) 256-2762

The Original Whiskey Steak

is Coming Back!

@The Drover Restaurant & Lounge | Gift Cards Available 2121 S. 73 St. | (402) 391-7440 | DroverRestaurant.com Open Monday - Friday 11am - 2pm | Dinner nightly from 5pm // 110 //

JULY/AUGUST 2019

402-731-4774 4702 S. 27th St. Years of quality dining and hospitality make Johnny's Café a restaurant to remember. We serve only the finest beef the Midwest has to offer. Aged steaks and prime rib are the specialties, with homemade bread and pies to complete a meal. An excellent wine list adds to the enjoyment at one of Omaha's original restaurants. Hours: MondaySaturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

—johnnyscafe.com

STEAK & GRAPES - $

402-884-8966 16920 Wright Plaza, Suite No. 118 We are obsessed with really, really good grapes; creative, gourmet comfort food; and a funky, fun atmosphere in which to share them. We search all over the world to find you great wines. Many wines come from our relationships with smaller, undiscovered vineyards, which offer a great value to our guests. Wine is supposed to be fun. We pour heavy and will open any bottle for our guests to try by the glass. When you taste a new varietal at Steak & Grapes, let us know how it changed your concept of what wine is supposed to be. Our gourmet comfort food is made fresh, using eco-friendly and local ingredients.

As for the fun, we instigate it, but count on you to see it to fruition (literally through the fruit).

Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Join us for Saturday and Sunday brunch.)

—steakandgrapesomaha.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD ITALIAN SPECIALTIES 7 private party rooms Seating up to 400 Lots of parking

1620 S. 10th Street

402-345-8313

www.casciossteakhouse.com

OMAHA’S ORIGINAL STEAKHOUSE

• Proudly serving visitor & locals for 90 years.

• Featured on CNN.com Best Meat Cities in America • Serving hand cut steaks, aged on premise and slow roasted prime rib with pride.

www.romeosOMAHA.com

402.731.4774 johnnyscafe.com 27th & ‘L’ St., Kennedy Frwy, ‘L’ St. Exit 8 Minutes from Downtown Omaha.

Best Of Omaha 13 Years Running

WHERE WHERE GOOD GOOD FOOD FOOD AND AND GOOD GOOD SERVICE SERVICE NEVER NEVER GO GO OUT OUT OF OF STYLE. STYLE.

JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 111 //

// EXPLORE CALNENDAR //

STAY & PLAY IN SARPY COUNTY!

The Sarpy County Fair is coming to Springfield, July 31 - August 4.

Extreme bull-riding, rodeo, parade, carnival rides and more. Plus a Saturday night concert featuring country singer Rodney Atkins!

Located just a few minutes south of Omaha, Sarpy County awaits with a wonderful mix of fun things to see and do. Enjoy over 25 miles of biking/hiking trails. Stay in one of our premier hotels. Spend the day at a family fun center. From parks, lakes and winery to malls, specialty shops, and theatres, Sarpy County is the perfect destination for your next getaway.

For a full list of shopping, restaurants and area events, visit us at

GoSarpy.com.

BELLEVUE • GRETNA • LA VISTA • PAPILLION • SPRINGFIELD • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE • OMAHA METRO

Werner Park, Papillion

Papio Bay Aquatic Center, Papillion

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail Kayaking on the Platte River

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

ALLIANCE HERITAGE DAYS July 16-21

NEBRASKA ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW Aug. 4

Lincoln. This is Lincoln’s official celebration of Independence Day, featuring food, music, fireworks, and more. 402. 441.7547.

—lincoln.ne.gov

throughout Alliance. Celebrating 4o years of Alliance heritage and histor y, this five day event brings carnival rides, various vendors , live musical enter tainment, a parade, and games . 3 0 8 .762 . 5 4 0 0 .

–cityofalliance.net

RED, WHITE, KABOOM! July 3 at Ag Park in

ZOOFEST July 19-20 at the Zoo Bar in

KOOL-AID DAYS Aug. 9-11 throughout

NEBRASK A UNCLE SAM JAM! July 3 at Oak Lake Park,

Columbus. Independence Day is widely celebrated in Columbus, with live music, activities, a bouncy house, and more.

Fireworks starting at dusk. 402.564 .2769.

—thecolumbuspage.com

49TH ANNUAL FLEA MARKET July 4-5 at City Park in Fairbury. This annual event features more than 215 vendors selling everything from dishes to clothes.

A Fourth of July Celebration will take place the first day. 402.768.3222.

—fairburyfleamarket.com

Lincoln. This festival will feature allday performances from national and local musicians along with food, drinks, and merchandise for sale. 402. 435 .8754 .

—zoobar.com

CORNHUSKER STATE GAMES July 19-28,

varying locations in Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding communities. This amateur spor ting event offers par ticipants the oppor tunity to compete in Olympic contests like gymnastics, track and field, and swimming as well as events like horseshoe pitching and chess. 402 . 471. 25 4 4 . — cornhuskerstategames.com

JULY

4-5

1898 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION July

4 at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island. This summer tradition includes a parade, a concert, pie-eating contests , and games . 3 0 8 .3 85 .5316 .

—stuhrmuseum.org

OREGON TRAIL DAYS July 11-14 throughout

Scottsbluff. This is one of the oldest community festivals in Nebraska. The celebration includes a kickoff barbecue, a bicycle ride to the top of Scotts Bluff National Monument, a chili cook-off, and horseshoe tournament. 308 .632 . 2133 .

—oregontraildays.com

JOHN C. FREMONT DAYS July 12-14 throughout

Fremont. Held every second week of July, this event celebrates explorer John C. Fremont with free activities, historical tours, car and bike shows, vendors, antiques, and live enter tainment. 402 .727.9428.

–johncfremontdays.org

GERMANFEST July 13 throughout Syracuse.

This festival celebrates German culture with a grand parade, ribfest, tractor pulls, and live music entertainment. 402.269.3242.

–gosyracusene.com

APOLLO 11 MOON LANDING 50TH ANNIVERSARY July

at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island. Dozens of street rods, hot rods, customized vehicles, and historical American automobiles will be on display at the museum’s 1890s Railroad Town. 308.385.5316.

—stuhrmuseum.org Hastings. Celebrate America’s beloved powdered drink mix, which was created in Hastings, with this weekend festival.

Events include Kw ickest Kool-A id Drinking Contest, Jammers Boat Races, and a fun r un/walk . 402 . 461 . 8 405 .

—kool-aiddays.com

COLUMBUS DAYS Aug. 15-18 throughout

Columbus. Attendees can spend the weekend listening to live music, participating in a cornhole contest and bed races, watching a parade, and more. 402 .56 4 . 2769 .

—thecolumbuspage.com/events/columbus-days

150TH NEBRASKA STATE FAIR Aug. 20-Sept. 2

at the state fairgrounds in Grand Island.

Fairgoers can participate in traditional activities like watching livestock exhibits, riding on midway rides, and eating lots of fried food. Concerts include Theory of a Deadman, Trace Adkins, Cody Jinks , and more. 30 8 .3 82 .1620.

—statefair.org

20 at Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland. Retired astronaut Clayton Anderson will present information about the future of space flight. The celebration includes hands-on activities, a free planetarium show, and the Apollo 11 AUG. launch video. Also happening that day is a Makers Market. 402.944.3100.

–sacmuseum.org

20

CARDI B July 26 at Pinnacle Bank Arena

in Lincoln. This hip hop artist and winner of BET, Billboard, and iHeartRadio Music awards comes to Lincoln with guest performers Saweetie and Kevin Gates. 402.904.4444.

—pinnaclebankarena.com

NEBRASKA STAR PARTY July 28-Aug. 2 at

Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine. This week-long event dedicated to nature and the stars will entertain children and adults alike. Guests can learn how to explore the night sky and take educational tours of the surrounding area. 402.333.5460.

—nebraskastarparty.org

IOWA

INDEPENDENCE DAY July 4 at Living History Farms in Urbandale. History fans can celebrate America’s birthday with a day of pie-eating contests, foot races, a town parade, and more. The celebration will also include the Walnut Hill Bluestockings playing baseball according to 1875 rules. 515.278.5286.

—lhf.org IOWA CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL July 5-7 in

downtown Iowa City. This three-day event brings a weekend of live jazz per for mances and food . Fireworks will ignite over the University of Iowa Pentacrest on Friday night. 319.337.7944 .

—summerofthearts.org JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 113 //

COORS LIGHT GRANDSTAND CONCERT SERIES • KUM & GO STAGE

IOWA STATE FAIR

GRANDSTAND LINEUP THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

for KING & COUNTRY

with special guest ZACH WILLIAMS 8 P.M. | $45 | 40 | 35

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16

MONDAY, AUGUST 12

toby keith

Luke Bryan ‘What Makes You Country’

8 P.M. | $60 | 55 | 45 | 20

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13

with special guest JON LANGSTON 8 P.M. | $80 | 75 | 70

with special guest CARLY PEARCE 8 P.M. | $47 | 37 | 27

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

8 P.M. | $80 | 75 | 70

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14

(Limited Tickets Available) 8 P.M.

8 P.M. | $45 | 37 | 32

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9

Chainsmokers Slipknot

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11

Zac Brown Band: The Owl Tour

Dan + Shay

Pentatonix: The World Tour

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15

Hootie & the Blowfish ‘Group Therapy Tour’

Foreigner

with special guest NIGHT RANGER 8 P.M. | $42 | 32 | 27

with special guest BARENAKED LADIES 8 P.M. | $75 | 65 | 55

8 P.M. | $85 | 75 | 70

ON SALE NOW

IOWASTATEFAIR.ORG

800.514.3849

JULY

TIMES & DATES VARY

USUI REIKI CLASSES, HERBAL FIRST AID FOR KIDS (CAMP FOR KIDS AGES 8-13), SELF-CARE SATURDAY (THIRD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH), AND AROMATHERAPY 101 SIMPLICIT Y WELLNESS YOGA AND MORE 14450 EAGLE RUN DRIVE, NO. 250

JULY 13

INTRO TO WOODWORKING CLASS

AUGUST

ADVANCED AROMA THERAPY, USUI REIKI, AND SELF-CARE SATURDAY (THIRD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH)

10:30 A.M. - 3 P.M.

TIMES & DATES VARY

BENCH, 1441 N. 11TH ST.

SIMPLICIT Y WELLNESS YOGA AND MORE 14450 EAGLE RUN DRIVE, NO. 250

AUG. 9 & 10

NEBRASKA BALLOON & WINE FESTIVAL

AUG. 23-24

FIRST ANNUAL OMAHA FIRE FEST, AND MIDWEST & NEBRASKA CHAMPIONSHIP CHILI COOK-OFF

TIMES VARY

4 - 11 P.M.

TA-HA-ZOUKA PARK, ELKHORN

MILLER’S LANDING ON THE RIVERFRONT, 51 FREEDOM PARK ROAD

AUG. 25

8 P.M. - MIDNIGHT

// 114 //

MATT BRAUNGER WITH ZACH PETERSON AND HOST MALLORY FINCH O’LEAVER’S PUB, 1322 SADDLE CREEK ROAD

JULY/AUGUST 2019

with special guest RACHEL PLATTEN 8 P.M. | $50 | 40 | 35

Tickets for all concerts are on sale at iowastatefair.org or by phone at 800.514.3849. Convenience charges apply and Fair admission tickets are not included. Please visit iowastatefair.org to see concert maps for reserved seating and pit area. The Iowa State Fair Ticket Office will open July 8, 2019, for walk-up orders only (while supplies last).

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

SATURDAY IN THE PARK July 6 at Grandview Park in Sioux City. On July Four th weekend , Siou x Cit y hosts a free music festival. 712 . 27 7. 2575 .

—saturdayinthepark.com

THE TRUCKERS JAMBOREE July 11-13 at

I-80 Truckstop at Walcott. This 40th anniversary event includes a super truck beauty contest, an Iowa pork chop cookout, Trucker Olympics, exhibits, and musical entertainment. The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum will also be open. 563.284 .6961.

—iowa80truckstop.com/trucker-jamboree

ANIMEIOWA 2019: POST-A-PIG-ALYPTIC July

12-14 at Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.

The biggest anime convention in Iowa is back for another year of cosplay, guest appearances, panels and more. 515.564.8000 —animeiowa.com

80/35 MUSIC FESTIVAL 2018 July 12-13

at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines. This annual music festival will enter tain with over 50 musical per for m a nces , i nc lud i ng Por t uga l the Man and Elle King as headliners.

—80-35.com

NORTH LIBERTY BLUES & BBQ July 13 at

Centennial Park in North Liberty. This festival is all about smoked meat and smoking-hot music. A long with the ‘que and the blues, the event includes children’s activities and a beer garden.

—northlibertyblues.org

JULY

13

CHRISTMAS IN JULY July 13 in

downtown Oskaloosa. This event will cool people off, inviting them to celebrate Christmas in the summer with games, activities, live music, and more. Funds raised will benefit Painting of Lights lighting display. 641.672.2591.

—oacdg.org

IOWAY CULTURE DAY July 13 at Living History

Farms in Urbandale. Attendees can spend the day exploring the Ioway culture—the namesake of the state of Iowa. Events include a tractor-cart ride to a 1700-style Ioway farm where people can learn how the Ioway constructed their homes, farmed, and prepared food. In addition, speakers will impart their personal knowledge of Ioway tradition and technology. 515 .278.5286.

—lhf.org

TOUR DE BREW July 13 at Millstream Brewery

in Amana. Millstream Brewery brings a unique twist to this event that allows visitors to bike to different breweries for beer tastings. Food will be available at the end of the tour. 319 .622 .3672 .

—millstreambrewing.com

THE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SPEED is

great for large group gatherings, small events or for an outing with the family. Racing and automotive history comes to life with more than 150,000 square feet of museum space, which includes cars, engines, parts, toys and memorabilia. See these stunning, historymaking exhibits today! For more info, visit www.lincoln.org/omahamag

JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 115 //

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

M A RSH A L LTOWN A RT FES TIVA L July

20 in downtown Marshalltown. O ver 50 a r tist s w i l l d isplay t hei r a r t at t h is su m mer fes t iv a l . Ac t iv it ies i nc lude f ac e p a i nt i ng , fo o d v e nd or s , a nd l i v e e n t e r t a i n m e n t . 6 4 1 . 7 5 2 . 2 7 8 7.

—marshalltow nar tfestival.org

R AGBR A I July 20-28 in multiple cities

across Iowa. Thousands of bicyclists will converge upon Iowa for one week.

This year ’s event travels the state from Council Bluffs in western Iowa to Keokuk in eastern Iowa. Cyclists are invited to come for the ride and stay for the homemade pie found in each tow n along the route. 515 . 2 8 4 . 83 41 .

—ragbrai.com

NORDICFE S T July 25-27 in downtown

Decorah. Th is tow n promotes its Scandinavian heritage by welcoming visitors from around the world for a festival full of traditional craf ts, fo o d , c olor f u l p a r ade s , mu s ic a l p e r for m a n c e s , a n d a S at u r d a y night fireworks show. 8 0 0.382 .3378 .

—nordicfest.com

ITALIAN A MERICAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL OF IOWA July 26-27 at Western

Gateway Park in Des Moines. At tendees c a n p a r t ic ip ate i n g r ap e s tompi ng , a s t r e e t c h a l k a r t c omp e t it ion , a nd bocce or cannoli- eating contests; l i s ten to a v a r ie t y of b a nd s ; w atc h cook ing demonstrations; and eat lo t s of It a l i a n fo o d . 5 1 5 . 7 7 0 . 9 8 3 9 .

—ita lia n festiva lof iowa .com

N AT ION A L B A L L OON CL A S SIC July

26-Aug. 3 at the National Balloon Classic Memorial Balloon Field in Indianola. This event promises a spectacular visual experience, with nearly 100 hot-air balloons adorning the sky, live music, glowing lights, and fireworks at night, along with other family-friendly attractions. 515.961.8415.

—nationalballoonclassic.com

IOWA STATE FAIR Aug. 8-18 at the Iowa

FIRS T S AT URDAY E V EN T July 6 and

TUGFEST Aug. 8-10 in LeClaire. Tugfest

AN E VENING WITH JANE FONDA July 9 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City. Academy awardwinning actress, author, and activist Jane Fonda will talk about her life and career, followed by a Q&A session with audience members. 816.994 .7222 .

—kauffmancenter.org

State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. One of the country's largest state fairs includes a cow sculpted from butter, the Bill Riley Talent Search finals, and any food that can be stuck on a stick or fried. Featured entertainers include The Chainsmokers, Pentatonix, Hootie and the Blowfish, and comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. 515 .262.3111.

—iowastatefair.org began in 1987, with ten 20-member tug teams pulling with all of their strength on a 2,700 foot, 680 pound rope that spans the Mississippi River between LeClaire, Iowa and Port Byron, Illinois. Each year the teams pull to see who will claim the breath-taking alabaster statue of a Bald Eagle in flight.

—tugfest.com

BOOMFEST Aug. 24 in Vinton. Pyromaniacs

will appreciate the Boomtown fireworks spectacular, which ends the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association's annual meeting.

While the fireworks fiends are gathering, festival attendees can partake in the arts and crafts festival, which includes artisans and crafters, a farmers market and food vendors, and activities for the kids. 319.472.3955.

—vinton.info/boomfest

Aug. 3 at Shoal Creek Living History Museum in Kansas City. This free event will introduce guests to the Missouri of the 19th centur y through historical demonstrations and activ ities .

Re-enactors dressed as outlaws, mountain men, and other characters will participate in skits and gunfights. 816 .792 . 2655 .

—shoalcreeklivinghistor ymuseum.com

SANTANA WITH DOOBIE BROTHERS July 11

at Sprint Center in Kansas City. Fifty years after their breakthrough performance of "Evil Ways" at Woodstock, Santana performs in Kansas City with the Grammy awardwinning Doobie Brothers, known for their song “What a Fool Believes.” 816.949.7100.

—sprintcenter.com

S ILV E R S CR E E N S ON T H E S A N D : INCREDIBLES 2 July 12 at Longview

FRY FES T Aug. 30 at the Iowa River

Lake Beach in Blue Springs, Mo. This lakeside event features a movie on an inf latable screen and concessions. 660.269.8705 x2040.

—makeyourdayhere.com

AUG. Landing in Iowa City. Hawkeye fans will enjoy this annual celebration of historic football coach Hayden Fry, which includes tailgating, live music, and autograph sessions from current F OO D T R U CK B R U N CH July 14 and former football players. 319.337.6592. in Kansas City. This outdoor event —fryfest.com br ings K a nsas Cit y vendor s a nd ar tists together for a day of food , MISSOURI coffee, and shopping. 816 .931 . 40 0 0.

—theroasterie.com

30

F OUR T H OF JU LY E X T R AVA G A N Z A

July 4 at Howard Hils Athletic Complex in Moberly. This July Fourth celebration includes games, inflatables, food trucks, and live entertainment. Fireworks will begin at dark. 660. 269 .8705 x 2040.

—moberlymo.org

K C F RINGE F E S T I VA L July 14-28 in

2-4 at Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in St. Charles. Guests will be entertained with music by artists from around the country (and the world) with styles rooted in rock, country, and more. Performers include Hozier, K acey Musgraves , a nd Bra nd i Ca rli le . 51 5 . 3 3 3 . 4 62 8 .

—hinterlandiowa.com

K ANSAS CIT Y RIVERFEST 2019 July 4 at

SHAWN MENDEZ July 19 at Sprint Center

105TH ANNUA L MESK WA K I POW WOW

2019 K ANSAS CIT Y AIR SHOW July 6-7

HIN T ERL A ND MU SIC FE S TI VA L Aug.

Aug. 8-11 in Tama. This four-day powwow by the Meskwaki tribe is the only one of its kind in Iowa and features dancing, singing, handcrafts, food, games and fun.

—meskwakipowwow.com

// 116 //

JULY/AUGUST 2019

the Berkley Riverfront in Kansas City. This family-friendly event will include food vendors , a cor nhole tour nament, live shows from the U.S. Air Force Band of MidAmerica’s Jazz Ensemble, and one of the largest fireworks shows in the Midwest.

—kcriverfest.com at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport.

This two-day event features aerobatic performances, demonstrations, and an appearance by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

—kcairshow.org

Kansas City. This is a 14-day festival of unjuried, uncensored performing and visual ar ts from local, national, and international artists. 816.359.9195 .

—kcfringe.org in Kansas City. This Grammy-award nominated singer is known for his hit songs, "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back,” and " Treat You Better.” 816.949.7100.

—sprintcenter.com

AQUAPALOOZA July 20 at Lake of

the Ozarks. This summer event held at Osage Beach brings boating events, live musical enter tainment, activities, and prizes. 573 .348.9797.

—funlake.com/aquapalooza

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

RUBL ECON 2019 July 20 at the Relics Event Center in Springfield. Loca l artists will come together for a day of cosplay, costume contests, cash prizes, toys, comics, and more. 417.882 .0070.

—facebook.com/THERUBLECON

K H A L ID July 21 at Sprint Center in Kansas City. This Grammy awardnominated singer is known for his hits “Talk,” and “Location." 816.949 .7100.

—sprintcenter.com

M A RY J. BLIGE WI T H N A S Aug. 6 at

Starlight Theatre in Kansas City. Mar y J. Blige is a Grammy award-winning singer known for her songs “No More Drama” and “Be Without You.” Nas is known for his songs “Daughters” and “ Too Many R appers .” 816 .3 63 .7827.

—sprintcenter.com

HE ART OF AMERICA HOT DOG FESTIVAL

Aug. 10 at Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. Baseball and the allAmerican hot dog are the themes of this event. Guests can sample specially produced dogs while listening to music.

Tickets to the festival include admission to the museum, which highlights AfricanAmerican baseball players. 816.221.1920.

—nlbm.com

E T HNIC ENRICHMEN T FES TIVA L Aug.

TORON TO DAYS July 5-7 at the Toronto Reservoir, Cross Timbers State Park and Toronto Wildlife Area. Celebrating 150 years of Toronto, this three day event brings attendees vendors, booths, games, musical entertainment, and a parade.

The event will close with a fireworks show at the state park. 620.637. 2985 .

—facebook.com/torontobooster

JUNQUE 'N’ DONU T S FL E A M A R K E T July 13 at Louisburg Cider Mill in Louisburg. Vendors will set up shop to showcase their treasures. Event goers can peruse around or stop into the Mill for cider donuts. 913 .837.5202.

—louisburgcidermill.com

AMELIA EARHART FESTIVAL July 19-20 in

Atchison. In this annual celebration of the city’s own heroine, Atchison’s community will entertain attendees with a carnival, an outdoor concer t, food, aerobatic displays, historical presentations, and a finale of fireworks. 8 0 0. 23 4 .185 4 .

—visitatchison.com

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DODGE CIT Y DAYS July 25-Aug. 4 in Dodge

City. This two-week celebration marks the 59th year of a festival that includes multiple barbecue contests, a ninja warrior obstacle challenge, performances by the Dodge City Cowboy band, a car show, and an "arts, crafts, and things" show. 620.227.3119.

—dodgecitydays.org

16-18 at Swope Park, 3999 Swope Parkway in Kansas City. Mor e t h a n 6 0 d i f fe r e nt c u l t u r e s w i l l b e h igh l igh t e d a t t h i s ROCK & F OOD T RUCK S July 27 in event , w ith vendors selling native downtown Topeka. Several local rock foods and craf ts , and people ’n’ roll bands will perform at this performing ethnic music festival, with concessions available JULY and dances. 816.513 .7553 . from food trucks. 800-235-1030.

— eeckc.net —visittopeka.com

IRI S H F E S T Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at

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Crown Center in Kansas City. Celtic Pr ide w ill be celebrated through 30 bands on seven stages, heritage work shops a nd d isplay s , comedy, genealogy, and a massive children's area.

—kcirishfest.com

A NDERSON COUN T Y FAIR July 29-Aug. 3 in Garnett. This free, annual event includes carnival rides, tractor pulls, a demolition derby, and free musical enter tainment featuring the Dirty Bourbon Band. 785 . 4 48.6767.

—andersoncofair.com

SANTACA LIGON DAYS Aug. 30-Sept. 2 in

ROOTS FESTIVAL Aug. 23-24 in Paola. This

Independence. More than 300,000 people will attend this Labor Day festival, which commemorates the origin of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon trails. 816.974.7333.

—santacaligon.com

K ANSAS

2 019 SUNDO W N S A L U T E July 3-7 at

Historic Heritage Park in Junction City. This five day event celebrates independence with vendors, food, a carnival, a car show, and live musical entertainment. 620.225.3277.

—sundownsalutejc.org

30th-anniversary festival features a wide variety of live music, ethnic dancers, arts & crafts, food vendors, the East Central State Barbecue Championship Cook-off, games and carnival rides. 913.294 .6427.

—rootsfestival.org

Event times and details may change.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

JULY/AUGUST 2019

// 117 //

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NOT FUNNY // COLUMN BY OTIS TWELVE // PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL SITZMANN

ARS GRATIA ARTIS

“I

ART FOR ART’S SAKE

don’t know art, but I know what I like.”

That’s an old maxim that originated with Monty Python, or Archie Bunker, or Will Rogers, or Mark Twain, or North Carolina Sen. Jesse “liberals are going to hell” Helms—or maybe Francis Bacon wrote it in the 16th century and forged William Shakespeare’s signature.

Whoever said it, we all believe it. Nobody is a better critic of art than we are. We walk up to a painting, or out of a concert hall—we put down a book or examine a statue—and we turn to whoever might hear us and say, “I don’t get it.”

Judgement thus rendered, we start looking for a food truck.

Some folks like the masters of painting—Rembrandt, Vermeer, Caravaggio, Michelangelo. Some love the impressionists—Renoir, Monet, Paul Cezanne (although he is truly post impressionist).

Many admire Salvador Dali’s moustache and melted clocks. Some love the happy little trees that Bob Ross taught us to paint on TV, or those big-eyed orphan/puppy/kitten paintings. And don’t get me started about the genius of Arthur Sarnoff’s masterpiece, “Dogs Playing Poker.”

In music Beethoven was a grouch but we love his music. Mozart was a spoiled child star. Franz Liszt had groupies.

Chopin was heroic. Gershwin made Fred

and Ginger dance. Bernstein kidnapped Romeo and Juliet and schlepped them to the West Side. The Beatles turned rock into pop into art. And Keith Richards has become a monument just by surviving.

The great sculptor Auguste Rodin was a thinker—we have all imitated the pose.

Degas and his ballerina…Michelangelo and his David…and his Pieta…Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi created our Statue of Liberty. And what the heck is that thing on the Council Bluffs overpass?

As for literature, did you actually read James Joyce’s Ulysses? No, you didn’t, but you have an opinion about it, don’t you? Did you listen to Cole Porter when he told you to Brush Up Your Shakespeare? “Just declaim a few lines from Othella, and they’ll think you’re a hell of a fella.” Do you read bestsellers? Did you love Joseph Heller’s Catch-22, or did you puzzle out The Da Vinci Code? Hint: she’s his great-great-great-great-etc.-granddaughter.

Do you ever read or listen to the art of poetry? They even have competitive poetry now. They call those events “slams,” although no actual physical contact occurs—that is, no one dives in to savagely block an attempted couplet.

The slams are pretty exciting and it’s a way that more and more young people are introduced to the art form. As for me, I marvel at the fact that I actually know our state poet. I knew him back when he was just a county poet. It’s even

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JULY/AUGUST

// 120 //

2019

more remarkable to me that one of our great poets actually wrote a poem that mentioned me—really, I keep a copy in my wallet.

What is art?

That question has caused a few thousand books to be published over the years, as philosophers from Aristotle to Snoop Dog have attempted to explain why this odd bipedal species we belong to makes music, recites rhymes, tells stories, and draws pictures on cave walls, canvas, and our own bodies. Tolstoy says that art “Is a means of union among men.” And Tolstoy had a beard, so he must be right.

Go out and find art. Go out and support art. When you find it, tell others what you found. If you know an artist, support them. Our lives are art when we open ourselves the uncommon wonder to be found in every common thing.

Art is all around us. You may not be able to define it, but you’ll know when you like it.

Otis Twelve hosts the radio program Early Morning Classics with Otis Twelve on 90.7 KVNO, weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m.

Visit kvno.org for more information.

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