Omaha Magazine September 2024 Hotel

Boys Town's

OPEN agaiN 9.10.24

5,000 years of human creativity in art across three buildings. 100 works new to the collection on view. Three outstanding exhibitions. One stunning new building.

Hours: Tue–Sun, 10 am to 4 pm; late until 8 pm on Wed and Thu; closed Mon. The Durham Cafe and The Shop open during regular Museum hours. Free general admission to all, always.

joslyn.org

“spouses to support spouses.

These people are just the beginning of the generosity evident throughout this special issue. Every donation and effort, no matter how small, makes an impact, and we couldn’t be prouder to serve a community so filled with some of the most generous residents in the country.

With gratitude, Kim Carpenter Editor-in-Chief, Omaha Publications kim@omahapublications.com

*Note: The hotel edition of Omaha Magazine has a different cover and does not include all of the editorial content included in the magazine’s full city edition. For more information on our city edition, visit OmahaMagazine.com.

RealEstate Company

RealEstate Company

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

003 From the Editor Omaha Gives

006 Between the Lines

007 Calendar of Events

028 Adventure Omaha Hell Hounds

030 History Eugene Eppley

065 Obviously Omaha Women in Philanthropy

083 Explore!

088 Not Funny Doctor Piaget

ARTS + CULTURE

014 Music Grace Heldridge

016 Sound Art Shaquire Jones

020 Film FourLights Films

022 Video Arthur the Irish Wolfhound

DINING

Boys Town Overlook Café

070 Chef Profile Lyle's Pizzeria

072 Review Shahi India Grill

077 Dining Guide

Listen to the entire issue here. Open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code.

THE LINES Between

A LOOK AT THREE OMAHA MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS

GREG ECHLIN —Free Lance Sportswriter

No stranger to covering golf’s major championships, Greg Echlin recalled being at the U.S. Open in 1995 on Long Island when a Stanford University amateur named Tiger Woods was in the field. He also covered Nebraska’s biggest golf event ever in 2013 when the Omaha Country Club played host the first time to the U.S. Senior Open. Thinking back, if only Mutual of Omaha-sponsored Fred Funk could have won instead of finishing runner-up! Greg also covers grassroots stories that hit close to home and, in June, was awarded first place by the Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA) for the “Best Sports Feature” among cities of comparable market size on a 2023 baseball story. Greg is based in Kansas City, but when he’s not covering the Chiefs in the Super Bowl as he did last February for nine days in Las Vegas, he continues to make trips to Omaha for some of the city’s biggest sports events. He counts himself as a fan of Omaha.

BELLA MCATEE Content Creator

Omaha Magazine content creator and self-declared “Coolest Person in the Office,” Isabella McAtee is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, but has grown up in Omaha. She attends the University of Nebraska Omaha studying Journalism with a concentration in Emerging Media and a Theatre minor. As content creator, she started the Omaha Magazine TikTok account (@omahamagazine). When she isn’t filming around Omaha and in the office, she spends her free time going to every cute coffee shop in the metro, watching movies so she can write a Letterboxd review, hitting up a farmers market or thrift store, and cooking to a Bossa Nova playlist. If you don’t think Isabella is busy enough, she also has her own freelance photography business. She has loved spending her “Brat Summer” being the editorial intern for Omaha Magazine and is excited to keep working at the publication. If you’ve read this far and don’t follow our TikTok, first of all, that’s awkward… and second of all, go follow right now or she will rage!

SEPTEMBER 2024 VOLUME 42 // ISSUE V

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief

KIM CARPENTER

Associate Editor & Staff Writer

NATALIE VELOSO

Assignment Editor & Staff Writer

CLAUDIA MOOMEY

Content Creator

BELLA MCATEE

Content Studios Omaha Managing Editor DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN

Contributing Writers

TAMSEN BUTLER · GREG ECHLIN· KYLE EUSTICE · BRANDI LONG-FRANK · SARA LOCKE

HOLLY MCATEE · CHRISTOPHER MCLUCAS · KARA SCHWEISS DOUGLAS “OTIS TWELVE” WESSELMANN CREATIVE Creative

Executive

STAY IN THE KNOMAHA!

The metro is jam packed with tons do—art, concerts, theater, festivals—we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive list and highlighted picks!

COMPILED BY ISABELLA MCATEE

Music Art Family

CAGE THE ELEPHANT: NEON PILL TOUR

CHI Health Center

September 16, 6:30 pm 455 N 10th St. chihealthcenteromaha.com

The widely-known Grammy-winning rock ensemble from Kentucky, Cage The Elephant, will light up the CHI Center celebrating their new album “Neon Pill” this month. The band has been on the rise since their formation in 2006. They have racked up Grammy Awards for “Best Rock Album” for “Tell Me I’m Pretty” and “Social Cues,” had songs included in hit soundtracks, and are hitting over 5 billion streams. Their success has been built upon their familial and long-term foundation, with brothers, lead vocalist Matthew Shultz and rhythm guitarist Brad Shultz, tracing the group’s origins to high school. The band utilizes their art as a therapeutic outlet from staggering riff s to intense hooks. After a five-year creative hiatus, they returned to the scene with “Neon Pill.” Matthew Shultz said the group “found a uniqueness in simply existing” through making the album. Don’t miss a chance to exist within the uniqueness of Cage The Elephant. 402.341.1500

THE JOSLYN REOPENING

Joslyn Art Museum

September 10, 1 pm 2200 Dodge St. joslyn.org

The wait is fi nally over to get your art fi x from The Joslyn. Th is long-awaited reopening showcases the work from their two-year construction and renovation sequence, bringing to light 100 fresh works, four diverse exhibitions, and an additional building. While revamping the spaces they already have, the new addition, the highly-anticipated Hawks Pavilion, was the centerpiece of this construction project. The building combines new and old by connecting the original 1931 structure to the 1994 addition. It will increase the museum’s space by 40% while bringing accessible artwork to the public. The Joslyn’s website describes the building as being “weightless” and reminiscent of the fluff y clouds above the Great Plains. It is not only inspired by nature but also surrounded by sculpture gardens built across the entire site to tie the buildings together visually. Go witness “Your Museum, reimagined.” 402.342.3300

BECOMING JANE: THE EVOLUTION OF DR.

JANE GOODALL

The Durham Museum Through October 13 801 S 10th St. durhammuseum.org

Renowned English primatologist and anthropologist, Dr. Jane Goodall, has dedicated over six decades to studying the intricate social dynamics of wild chimpanzees, earning her the esteemed title of the world's foremost expert on these creatures. She is known primarily for her 1960 discovery that chimpanzees both create and utilize tools. She also impacted the scientific community by keeping a standard for ethics and prioritizing the safety of the animals throughout her studies.

The Durham’s captivating multimedia exhibition pays homage to Dr. Goodall's remarkable life and groundbreaking work. It has many must-see features, including a life-size hologram of Dr. Goodall, projections of Gombe Stream National Park, a multimedia presentation on the early life of Dr. Goodall, a replica of her research tent, and real artifacts from her life. “Becoming Jane” will allow visitors to take a step into the life of the brilliant 20th-century conservationist and gain a fi rsthand understanding of her tireless dedication to conservation. 402.444.5071

A N R

» Exhibitions « R AVEN HALFMOON: FLAGS OF OUR MOTHERS

rough September 15 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Th is exhibition showcases a curated selection of both new and borrowed works spanning the past fi ve years, off ering a unique glimpse into Raven Halfmoon's evolving creative exploration. Halfmoon's artistic practice encompasses a range of stoneware sculptures, from torso-scaled to colossal-sized pieces, some reaching heights of nine feet and weighing over 800 pounds. Drawing inspiration from ancient Indigenous pottery, Moai statues, and land art, Halfmoon delves into the intricate interplay among tradition, history, gender, and personal narrative. 402.341.7130 —bemiscenter.org

EVENTS

PAUL STEPHEN BENJAMIN: BLACK OF NIGHT

rough September 15 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Discove r "Black of Night," an exhibition by artist Paul Stephen Benjamin featuring new and recent video installations, paintings, text-based works, and sculptures. Th is collection serves as a conceptual exploration of identity, race, and patriotism, with a particular focus on the connotations of the color black in society. Benjamin skillfully weaves together history, text, imagery, and sound from popular culture to engage in a dialogue about the absence and presence of color. Th rough his thought-provoking work, Benjamin invites viewers to join him in an ongoing investigation of blackness. 402.341.7130

—bemiscenter.org

A BALM IN QUIET BEAT BY JORDAN ACKER ANDERSON

rough September 19 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Lauritzen Gardens presents an exhibition by artist Jordan Acker Anderson, featuring new paintings inspired by the botanical wonders found within the gardens. Anderson's work is a reflection of her unique style, characterized by abstract symbolism, repetitive mark-making, and vibrant colors. Each painting serves as a visual meditation on themes of impermanence, our relationship with cyclical time, and the profound connection we share with nature. 402.346.4002

—lauritzengardens.org

POSTHUMOUS COMMENTARY BY GABRIELLA QUIROZ

rough September 19 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Experience a new collection of artworks by Nebraska-based artist Gabriella Quiroz, showcasing symbolic depictions of flora and fauna brought to life through oil paints and colored pencils. Quiroz's pieces are rich with symbolic imagery, inviting viewers into a world where nature's beauty is vividly portrayed. 402.346.4002

—lauritzengardens.org

Concerts

KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD

September 6, 7 pm, at Astro Amphitheater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Australian psychedelic rock band, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, is coming to Omaha to stir up Astro Amphitheater. They are known to be incredibly hardworking, having released 25 albums each fi lled with their bold rock sound. They take inspiration from Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, and more to create their original sound. While they could never fit 25 albums into a setlist, the audience will get their favorites and some surprises that were written between the lines of works. 531.283.5212

—theastrotheater.com

GARY CLARK JR.

September 9, 7 pm, at Astro Amphitheater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Praised by The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, and Alicia Keys, as well as performing in the 2018 "American Idol" fi nale, Gary Clark Jr. is defi nitely a stage presence with whom to be reckoned. Th is year, he is taking his talents on tour to share his newest work, “JPEG RAW,” his sixth and largest album. Hear how he distorts chords, sings with soul, and brings the stage to life. 531.283.5212

—theastrotheater.com

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER IN CONCERT

September 11, 7 pm, at Orpheum eater, 409 S 16th St. Th e epic tale of “Avatar: Th e Last Airbender” will come to life through this live orchestra concert at The Orpheum Theater. For the fi rst time, fans can rewatch the memorable moments from the show on the big screen while being immersed in the soundtrack, all thanks to Emmy award-winning composer and musician Jeremy Zuckerman. Take a once in a lifetime trip through the four nations. 402.661.8501

—ticketomaha.com

SOFT KILL

September 12, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Lead by Tobias Grave, the Chicago-born punk band, Soft Kill, will bring The Slowdown up to their speed. They are able to turn hard subjects of addiction and loss into emotionally deep yet rhythmically upbeat works of art. They have 11 albums from 2011 onward, with “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City” being a 2020 Billboard chart topper. Come early to catch openers Béton Armé, Concrete Elite, and Nocturnal Prose. 402.345.7569

—theslowdown.com

CROWDED HOUSE: GRAVITY STAIRS TOUR

September 13, 7 pm, at Astro Amphitheater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Since their 1986 debut which led to them going platinum, Crowded House has been world-renowned. Their songs have been covered by Miley Cyrus, U2, Ariana Grande, and more. For four decades, the band has sold out cross-continental tours, sold over 15 million records worldwide, been awarded an MTV VMA, a Brit Award, and 13 Australian ARIA awards. The tour focuses on their newest album, which is about the struggle of going through life being weighed down. 531.283.5212 —theastrotheater.com

JOYWAVE

September 18, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Bringing out their fourth studio album “Cleanse” since their last one was released in 2020, Joywave is fi nally hitting the road to share their art. The new album was born from the fearful uncertainty of the pandemic and encapsulates all the angst, unrest, and desire they felt through lockdown. Catch their opener, HUNNY, the Northern LA group who is known for hit songs such as “Cry For Me.” 402.345.7569 —theslowdown.com

ZIGGY ALBERTS

September 18, 8 pm, at e Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Th e Australian-born singer-songwriter, Ziggy Alberts, most known for his fi rst studio album “Laps Around the Sun,” will be coming to The Waiting Room stage. In November of 2018, he hit number 2 on the charts of the ARIA charts for Australian Artist Albums because of his studio album success. The tour, the 2024 NEW LOVE WORLD TOUR, gives fans a look into his work and anticipation for something new. 402.884.5353 —waitingroomlounge.com

MOTHER MOTHER

September 20, 8 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Known as Canada’s most popular alternative rock band, Mother Mother will be coming down to America to support their most recent album “Grief Chapter.” The band is widely known for going viral on TikTok amidst the pandemic in late 2020 which caused an incredible increase in streams and fans. With the tour only features 16 dates, Omaha’s stop is not one to miss. 402.345.0606 —steelhouseomaha.com

TAO PLAYS RHAPSODY IN BLUE

September 20 & 21, 7:30 pm, at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Th is program highlights Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from “West Side Story” and “Symphony No. 1” by William Grant Still and features renowned pianist and composer Conrad Tao. Tao will perform a number of his own pieces accompanied by Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” in celebration of its 100th anniversary. New York Magazine called Tao “the future of classical music” in reference to his many awards, titles, and the mark he leaves on a stage. 402.345.0202 —ticketomaha.com

BUILT TO SPILL

September 21, 8 pm, at e Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Having three of their albums placed within the top 50 of Pitchfork’s Top 100 Albums of the 1990s list, the indie rock group from Boise, Idaho, has stayed active yet changing since their creation. They center around lead vocalist and guitarist Doug Martsch, who is the only band member who has consistently been in the group. They have made nine full albums since their founding and are hitting the road for their “There’s Nothing Wrong With Love 30th Anniversary Tour.” 402.884.5353

—waitingroomlounge.com

NOAH FLOERSCH

September 21, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Born and raised in Omaha, Noah Floersch is coming back to the heartland with his fi rst tour. His journey goes back to middle school when he decided to start writing and learning chords. Floersch continued to tinker musically, releasing on SoundCloud in high school, then getting on Spotify in college where he gained traction. He subsequently moved to Nashville, where he told the Nashville Voyager that he is “storytelling as honestly and authentically as possible.” See an Omaha-grown artist tell his story onstage.

402.345.7569

—theslowdown.com

THE HOLDUP: I OWE THE IRS 60K DOLLARS: THE TOUR

September 23, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Stylistically inspired by reggae, hip-hop, and R&B, this groovy pop performer brings in over 150 million streams worldwide and frequently sells out mainstay stages. A one-man force in the studio who writes, produces, and performs everything you will hear live, The Holdup’s concoction of genres and inspirations gives him his own brand of sound. His tour is in support of his newest album “I Owe The IRS 60k Dollars.”

402.345.7569

—theslowdown.com

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL

September 24, 7 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Since 1999, the Florida-born rock band has had nine studio albums produced and has won the MTV2 award at the MTV VMAs. Additionally, both “Heatseekers” and “Top Independent Albums” climbed to the number one album spot on the Billboard charts. They have been included on motion picture soundtracks, sold out major tours, performed at festivals, and now they are touring with their 2022 album and re-recordings of classic hits. 402.345.0606

—steelhouseomaha.com

RIVAL SONS & CLUTCH: THE TWO-HEADED BEAST TOUR

September 24, 7 pm, at Astro Amphitheater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Omaha rock fans are getting the chance to see Rival Sons and Clutch kick it onstage as a two-headed beast. The co-headlining tour will feature each band’s most celebrated album. For Clutch, it’s “Blast Tyrant” and “Great Western Valkyrie” for Rival Sons. Th e two alternative rock ensembles have shared fan bases, and this tour is an opportunity to bring them together. With Omaha being one of the 23 stops on the duo’s tour, you won’t want to miss it. 531.283.5212

—theastrotheater.com

FOR KING + COUNTRY: UNSUNG HERO TOUR

September 27, 7 pm, at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. Th e Grammy-winning Christian rock brothers who have collaborated with Dolly Parton, Tori Kelly, and Lecrae, among others hope, to see you in the audience for their celebratory tour. Th e performance is to share the soundtrack of the movie they made about their mother, “Unsung Hero,” which debuted via Lionsgate this April. The duo revealed that the movie was based upon the music and their story. Now that you’ve seen the fi lm, go see the inspiration. 402.341.1500

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

ROBERT GLASPER

September 27, 7:30 pm, at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Having fi ve Grammy Awards, an Emmy, and a Peabody to his name, Robert Glasper is a well-known name. His breakout album “Black Radio” put him on the map and inspired his Black Radio series, which he believes to be his calling. He has been featured on soundtracks, played keys for Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfl y” album, composed scores, and co-written and produced albums for artists such as Mac Miller. Now on “Black Radio III,” Glasper is still at it. 402.345.0202

—ticketomaha.com

QUINN

XCII: ALL YOU CAN EAT TOUR

September 30, 8 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Th is year Quinn XCII enters a new era with three new EP’s titled “Breakfast,” “Lunch,” and “Dinner.” The collection of projects lives in a unique world centered around his alter-ego Mustard Mike, a fi ctional character who is a restaurant owner and chef known for his humor and sarcastic manner. 402.345.0606 —steelhouseomaha.com

STAGE PERFORMANCES

KILLERS OF KILL TONY

September 7, 7 pm, at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The number one live podcast in the world, “Kill Tony,” is bringing fan favorite comedians that killed it on the podcast to one punchline-packed setlist for “Killers of Kill Tony.” The lineup includes Kam Patterson, David Lucas, Hans Kim, David Jolly, and Jessie ‘Jetski’ Johnson. See them all take the stage to do longer versions of their standup bits and riff off of one another and the audience. 402.345.0202 —ticketomaha.com

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MUSICAL

September 6-22 at e Rose eater, 2001 Farnam St. Watch the pages of Jeff Kinney’s 290 billion-copy selling graphic novels come to life. First a book series, then a movie franchise, and now a musical performance, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” tells the witty and comedic story of Greg Heffley’s journey through the middle-school food chain. See familiar characters Rodrick, Rowley, Patty, Chirag, Fregley, and more take the stage. Grab a ticket for this musical, but be wary of those with the cheese touch! 402.345.4849 —rosetheater.org

JERSEY BOYS

rough October 13 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. The jukebox musical story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, which won the Tony award for Best Musical, a Grammy, and an Olivier award, will be making its regional premiere. See the boys' highs and lows in this rollercoaster telling of the band whose music left a mark on an entire generation. Featuring well-known hits such as “Sherry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” and more. 402.553.0800 —omahaplayhouse.com

ASHLEY GAVIN

September 13th & 14th at e Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. Best known for her viral crowd work stand-up clips on TikTok and chart-topping podcast, Ashley Gavin is making her way down to The Funny Bone for two nights of shows. The New York-based comedian has also been featured on “Netfl ix is a Joke,” Comedy Central, Hulu, and was Carnival Cruiseline’s fi rst ever openly queer comedian. Bring your friends for this 21 and up show fi lled with authentic audience engagement and improvised bits. 402.493.8036

—omaha.funnybone.com

JOE PERA

September 21, 8 pm, at e Admiral, 2234 S 13th St. The multitalented Joe Pera is bringing his humor to you with the PERAs tour. Pera has done podcasting, multiple projects with the “Adult Swim” broadcast, appeared on the hit adult cartoon “Bob’s Burgers,” and is selling out seats for this stand-up tour. He takes mundane, everyday encounters and brings to light their awkwardness with subtle delivery that grants booming laughs. Catch the New York native in Omaha at The Admiral. 402.345.7569 —admiralomaha.com

BRINCOS DIERAS

September 18, 8 pm, at Orpheum eater, 409 S 16th St. Known to be “the most irreverent clown in all of Latin America,” Brincos Dieras will be at The Orpheum clad in his trademark makeup and accompanied by Kevyn Contreras, another face of the comedic genre known as the “Two Tone Comedian” for his blue-and-red look. The shows, performed in Spanish, are always unique, ever so engaging, and for the whole family. Catch the international sensation from El Paso, Texas. 402.661.8501 —ticketomaha.com

PETE LEE

September 27th & 28th at e Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. The fi rst comedian to earn a standing ovation on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” is coming to Omaha to hear your applause. Lee’s humor stems from his Midwestern roots in Janesville, WI. Since his New York debut in 2005, Lee has been everywhere from Comedy Central, CBS, and NBC to the NFL Network’s Top 10. Recently, he started a new podcast called “Snugglestorm,” where he sits down with LA comics and riff s. 402.493.8036 —omaha.funnybone.com

SYMPHONY OF ILLUSIONS WITH MICHAEL GRANDINETTI

September 28 & 29 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. A truly magical musical show is coming to the Holland stage. Master illusionist Michael Grandinetti will perform live magic while the Omaha Symphony plays a mystical selection of songs. The orchestral lineup includes hits by John Williams, known for composing works for “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter,” Alan Silvestri of “Back to the Future,” Stravinsky, and more smashing compositions. Be fully immersed within magic with this oneof-a-kind experience. 402.345.0202

—ticketomaha.com

DANE COOK: FRESH NEW FLAVOR

September 29, 7:30 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Dane Cook is at it again with another comedy album tour. He is the star of 42 fi lms, an occasional TV actor, and a well-celebrated comedian. After making the highest charting comedy album and going platinum, he has made a name for himself as a trailblazer in the comedy scene. For his new tour “Fresh New Flavor,” see what Dane has been cooking comedically. 402.345.0606

—steelhouseomaha.com

FAMILY, FESTIVALS, & MORE

AFRO FEST OMAHA

September 1, 2 pm, at Heartland of America Park at e Riverfront, 800 Douglas St. In the midwest, there is no compatible celebration of African and Afro-diasporic cultures to Afro Fest Omaha. Come to get a taste of the live music, authentic cuisine, arts and crafts, dance, and family activities, and leave impacted by the community presence. The event highlights 40 small businesses, from clothing and jewelry to food and drinks, all being unique in their craft. Also featuring youth educational opportunities, Afro Fest is the place to be in Omaha.

—afromaha.com

6TH ANNUAL SHADOW RIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL

September 6, 5 pm, at Shadow Ridge Country Club, 1501 S 188th Plaza. The Shadow Ridge Music Festival is West Omaha’s biggest annual outdoor music showcase. Th is year’s festival will highlight O.A.R, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Freddy Jones Band, and The Nadas. O.A.R. (Of a Revolution) is the headliner of the event. They have sold out shows at Madison Square Garden, released 10 studio albums, and have hits on the Billboard charts. Catch them and the rest of the festival lineup at this show, which will have guests of all ages jamming out. 402.333.4020 —shadowridgecountryclub.com

TACOBERFEST

September 6 & 7, at Scriptown Brewing, 3922 Farnam St. Every September in the Blackstone District, Scriptown Brewing brings a mixture of German and Latino traditions together in this culture-combining festival, which features beer, margaritas, live performed polka and mariachi, MULA tacos, pretzels, and the signature Guten taco. Come for the tacos and stay for the incredible atmosphere. Bring your friends and family to experience it all just before the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage month. 402.991.0506 —scriptownbrewing.com

NIGHT SKIES AT LAURITZEN

September 7, 8 pm, at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Astronomical enthusiasts and amateurs alike will come together at Lauritzen Gardens for a night of gazing at the stars amidst the greenery. Take a tram ride through the gardens all the way to the rose garden where participants will use the Omaha Astronomical Society’s telescopes to view planets, stars, moons, and other deep space objects. Don’t miss a night under the stars to learn and experience Omaha’s botanical gardens like never before. 402.346.4002  —lauritzengardens.org

THE RANCH OF TERROR

rough October 31st at Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Patch, 11001 S 48th St. After 35 years, Nebraska’s longest-running haunted attraction is ready for another season of screams and surprises. Take a walk through their eerie haunted house, wander through the ghost town, stop by the zombie jail, and ride the “DARKNESS” haunted hayrack ride—if you feel brave. The hayrack ride features 20 plus acres of frights from experienced actors and professionals. If you get too scared, you can spend some time in the harvest barn or grab some food. 402.331.5500 —bellevueberryfarm.com

DINNER, DRINKS, AND DRAG

September 12th, 7:30 pm, at e Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. Enjoy The Funny Bone’s full drink and dinner menu while you watch some of the midwest’s most iconic divas and macho king entertainers lip sync and dance to hit songs. Drag has now hit the mainstream and is known for competitive shows like "RuPaul’s Drag Race" and being the destination for bachelorette and birthday parties alike. Make it a group aff air and bring your friends along for this extravagant ride. Nighttime entertainment has never been this fabulous nor slayed this hard. 402.493.8036 —omaha.funnybone.com

OSC CORNHOLE CLASSIC

September 14, 11 am, at e Blackstone District, 36th & Farnam St. Th e second annual OSC Cornhole Classic is upon us. Th is rain or shine event will be a battle of the best cornhole players and also those attending for the incredible food, beer, live music, football, and more. Register your dream team for only $45 and receive one drink ticket per player. It’s double elimination, so get your training on and be ready to give it your all. —omahasports.org

FAMILY WILD DAYS

September 14th, 10 am, at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Join your kiddos for a day camp at Camp Brewster! Held at the newly renovated Camp Brewster Lodge, Family Wild Days is your opportunity to have fun with crafts, nature, friendly competition, hiking, and a scavenger hunt with the whole clan. At the end of the festivities, enjoy some hot dogs and s’mores by the fi re while you make those lifelong memories with your kids. 402.731.3140 —fontenelleforest.org

PUSS IN BOOTS PRESENTS: SHREKTEMBERFEST

September 20-22 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S 20th St. Bring the little ones to the Omaha Children’s Museum to experience the magic of Fairytale Land from the hit movie “Shrek.” You can expect thrilling science shows, themed crafts and activities, colorful displays, possible character appearances, and more at Puss in Boots’ fi rst ever Shrektemberfest. A part of OCM’s Family Fun Weekend series, the three-day extravaganza is sponsored by Runza and Oriental Trading Company. 402.342.6164 —ocm.org

2024 BRIDAL & WEDDING EXPO

September 22, 1 pm, at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. Now that you have said “yes,” your bridal journey has just barely begun. Known to be the largest reoccurring consistent bridal show in America, The Nebraska Bridal & Wedding Expo is your place to get in contact with wedding experts. Find your dream gown, venue, officiant, photographer, caterer, florist, and more. Grab your bridesmaids, family, friends, and fi ancé for free food, music, giveaway prizes, and a day of exploring wedding possibilities. All with free admission if you register online. 402.341.1500 —chihealthcenteromaha.com

JUNKSTOCK: HARVEST EDITION

September 27-29 at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. After the Waterloo tornado earlier this year, Junkstock crew and the community came together to quickly rebuild and still have Junkstock Spring Edition. Now, they invite the community to come back down for Junkstock Harvest Edition. Be welcomed by a giant pumpkin house, hop on a hayrack ride, shop local and vintage, and eat some fall treats—all while grooving to live music with the family. New this year: order your tickets online for a free $5 event voucher! 402.819.9002

—junkstock.com

OMAHA WHISKEY FEST

September 28, 1 pm, at Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass St. Grab a friend and a glass—‘tis the season for Omaha Whiskey Fest. Taste over 400 samples from 65 brands, learn about the creation and history, have cigar lounge access, be gifted a swag bag and custom glassware, and get connected to a whiskey-loving community. Splurge on a VIP pass to receive even more. Hosted at the Hilton, room packages are available to make a night out of Whiskey Fest and stay safely off the roads after the event.

—omahawiskeyfest.com

THE DINNER DETECTIVE OMAHA

rough September 28 at Double Tree Omaha Southwest, 3650 S 72nd St. The award-winning, largest, and most unique murder mystery dinner show in America, The Dinner Detective is the perfect night out. What makes this show stand out is it has no tacky costumes, unwanted song and dance, or robotically recited monologues, and is set in present day. Every guest is a suspect and everyone is wondering who is an actor and who is an attendee until someone is killed. Help solve the case and catch the thrill of being the top sleuth. 866.496.0535

—thedinnerdetective.com

Excepti “Everything

Mezzo-soprano and Omaha native Grace Heldridge has an aura befitting her name grace abounds in both appearance and talent.

The 25-year-old now finds herself in Berlin, Germany, as of August 2024.

“My family went to St. Peter’s Church downtown growing up, so I joined choir there in sixth grade, and then really wanted to start taking voice lessons,” Heldridge recalled. “My mom asked our choir director at our church if I could take [lessons] with his wife, who was an opera singer. That’s where I got my start with [singing]. I also grew up dancing I did ballet and played piano as well.”

“My role is to basically work on her vocal technique and continue to guide her as her voice matures operatically,” Folsom explained. “It’s a very intense relationship at times because you’re teaching and mentoring and guiding a young artist based on what you think may be right for their next steps.”

In February, Heldridge was presented with the opportunity to travel to Berlin for the audition cycle, a new experience for her. “It was a two-round process,” she recounted. “I did an initial audition for them where I sang my arias, and they also asked for a monologue. Then, the second round was on stage at the opera house, which was super cool. After that, I did an interview with the artistic staff there, and the next week, I found out I got the job!”

Having taken German classes during her undergraduate studies, Heldridge is familiar with the native language of the land that sets the stage for her new adventure. “Opera students are typically

Mezzo-Soprano Grace Heldridge Takes Berlin

A&C MUSIC // STORY BY CLAUDIA MOOMEY // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

This solid musical foundation led to early confidence in terms of her eventual career path, that of a mezzo-soprano, or a female opera singer with the second highest voice type. Heldridge’s vocal range is slightly lower than a soprano and moderately higher than an alto. “I decided in eighth grade that I wanted to be an opera singer,” she shared. “I did a little solo at church and was like, ‘Oh I love this so much, I want to do this forever.’ From that moment on, I was set on it, and I never stopped wanting to do it.”

Armed with passion and a never-give-up attitude, Heldridge attended the University of Kansas to obtain her undergraduate degree, then swiftly transitioned to the Boston Conservatory at Berklee for her master’s.

“I’ve been teaching Grace for three years,” said Rebecca Folsom, professor of voice at the Boston Conservatory. “I first heard her in the Spring of 2021 and was immediately impressed with her vocal abilities and her level of intelligence.”

Under Folsom's tutelage, Heldridge has completed her Performance Study certificate and her lush lower registers and lustrous tone quality has graced prominent operatic programs, such as the Seagle Music Festival in the Adirondack region of upstate New York.

That relationship has clearly paid off; years of training allowed Heldridge to travel to Berlin to audition for the Komische Oper Berlin the Berlin Comic Opera which is located on the glamorous Unter den Linden thoroughfare of the German capital and dates back to the late nineteenth century. A modern addition to the opera house features a neon hashtag that reads “#allesaußergewöhnlich,” or “everything exceptional,” a nod to the innovative and cutting-edge performances that take place on the Komische Oper’s stage.

“Last season, I think I did about 35 auditions,” Heldridge recalled. “There’s an online place called ‘Young Artists program tracker,’ where all the companies in the US and around the world list their auditions…so you just apply for different companies and Young Artist programs, and it’s just the way to get started.”

With only one spot open per voice type, Heldridge put her vocal talent up against hundreds of other performers. “It’s been a huge career goal of mine to work in Europe, especially Germany, because I’ve heard incredible things about it, and it’s where so much of this music that I sing was created, which is so cool,” Heldridge said.

required to take language courses in Italian, German, and French,” Heldridge explained. “We also take diction courses in Italian, German, French, English, and often Czech and Russian, in which we learn to speak and sing with authentic pronunciation.” Continuing to hone her German language skills, Heldridge is aiming to master the language.

The mezzo-soprano will spend two years in Berlin for the program, but is optimistic about extending that time. “I’ve always wanted to sing there, so if it works out well, I might stay,” she shared.

Folsom also looks forward to Heldridge’s future as an opera performer.

“Grace is very strong mentally and has the ability to persevere; you have to be able to take lot of criticism,” she explained. “But she is also a sensitive person, which is very important in being able to bring different characters to life. She can take a concept and run with it.

“I’m really proud of her and all she’s accomplished,” Folsom beamed. “She’s definitely deserving of this career and has a great chance.”

To learn more and watch videos of Grace Heldridge performing, visit graceheldridge.com.

Confidence Man

A/C Sound Art

Confidence, Man

STORY BY CHRISTOPHER MCLUCAS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

Shaquire Jones Sound Artist

TThe Union for Contemporary Art, located along Omaha’s storied N 24th Street, was once known as The Blue Lion Building. I used to get my hair cut there after Youngbloods closed. To see your city change over time can be frightening. What can alleviate that fear is meeting the people who are leading the change. Shaquire Jones, who curates experiences through performing arts, is a current fellow at the Union. When we sat down for our interview, the pitter-patter of raindrops became a metronome for our conversation.

“I want people to know my names,” Jones said. “Recently, I created an alias, ‘Scottie Pigeon,’ a DJ persona I’m super proud of. I want people to know I’m a hard-working individual, and I believe in everything I do. I wouldn't do it if I didn't care. I believe in myself, and I believe in the product and the product is me. That’s the exhibition of my life right now.”

The communal space that Union artists share connects their lofts as a hub; it’s equipped with a kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer to help facilitate daily chores. Other fellows walked through with soft footsteps and head nods of forgiveness for their perceived intrusion on this interview.

A multi-disciplinary artist who explores dance, music, and culture, Jones is intentional in his representation of and for Black men within the performing arts. While a student at Lincoln University of Missouri, one of the oldest historically Black college and universities in the US, he was both a choreographer and the lead for the school’s dance troupe. After graduating and returning to Omaha in 2017, he helped to establish and lead the AP’s Legacy Dance Studio, a performance-based dance organization. Other roles include serving as lead choreographer for the Omaha Beautillion, a formal and traditional rite of passage from adolescence into young adulthood for high school male seniors in the Omaha area, regularly performing with Omaha Performing Arts and Opera Omaha, being a company dancer with the TBD Dance Collective, and volunteering his time with the KUUMBA Dance Troupe at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

An award-nominated DJ, Jones has worked with multiple organizations, including Juneteenth Joyfest, Kiewit Luminarium, the College World Series, and Google. As if all this hasn't keep him busy enough, Jones’ “day job” sees him in his role as the Traveling Exhibits Coordinator for the Omaha Children’s Museum.

“There’s no opinion of my art that can affect my art. I strive to complete who I am, my limitations are perceived as, ‘I don't have this right now, but I will get there.’ The things I overcome become statistics. I say to myself, ‘This will be another thing you’ve done; what makes you believe you can’t do this?’”

Barry Thomas, the director of Equity & Diversity for Omaha Public Schools, is an Omega Psi Phi fraternity brother and mentor to Jones. Thomas has a rich history with him and a collaborative future as a peer and a fellow Omega.

“Shaquire is nothing like anyone in his generation. By giving him your attention, you will know about parts of Omaha you didn’t know existed,” Thomas said. “He's not connected Shaquire is braided into not only Omaha, but the country as well. If I wanted to do something different, I would call Shaquire.”

The soft drumbeat of rain had picked up and become a storm, but that didn’t worry two midwesterners. We paused for a time and listened to the plunking of hail, the powerful gusts of wind, and watched the sun rays that streamed through the windows fade from the floor.

“Coming up in a diverse background made me know what kind of experience I was looking for,” Jones reflected. “I want to be a dynamic thinker to be of value and my collegiate experience at an HBCU allowed me to be around and gather like-minded people. Once you find your way, you don't feel like you’re searching for something anymore. You’re where you’re supposed to be, heading in the direction you want and moving at your own pace.”

Thomas' excitement when talking about Jones spills out of the speaker. I feel lucky that we didn't decide to video chat I don't know what the excitement and energy would have done to my phone.

“By opening the different arteries of his life, people will see the extraordinary way he lives and will be motivated by him,” Thomas said. “Shaquire is helping the people of Omaha to see the silos that they exist in. He reminds us that it is up to us to dismantle them and rebuild institutions where we care for and respect one another.”

The rain and wind had passed, along with the darkness of the storm. The only rumblings were the dishwasher and the murmured discussions of the Union offices below. Jones' energy mimicked the storm; he has a flow but no cadence for what he does. He’s only predictable in the beginning, and when he starts, you must decide if you’ll wait the storm out or walk through it.

“I want people to know life is precious. Living in the moment is as important as reflecting on what life has brought to you,” he said. “We are where we are unmistakably. By accepting this, we’ll cherish what we have and what we’ve done thus far. While knowing we are not what we have done, a person can be and do anything they want.”

Follow Shaquire Jones on Instagram at shaquiret.jones.

“I want people to know life is precious. Living in the moment is as important as reflecting on what life has brought to you.”

Conversations Through Performance

theater play became the impetus of a film, which became the impetus of a production company for four people trying to shine the lights on vulnerable populations: those with depression, those who are LGBTQ+, and more.

The project is the brainchild of Katie, or K., Evans (she/they). Evans graduated in May 2022 with a BFA in theater from Nebraska Wesleyan University. One of her final plays was titled “Dancing with Georgia.”

The work centers on Kasper Hart, a musician who returns to their small hometown on the five-year anniversary of the suicide of their first love. The show also covers sensitive topics such as violence, abortion, and sexual assault.

The resulting script created a controversy among the student body, especially after some of the darker parts of the script were leaked.

Evans said the script was never censured, but at one point, she rewrote part of the piece, as it wasn’t quite right.

“In the original draft, the ending was different than the one that went on stage. That was a choice I made because it was more impactful,” she said.

One actor after another became concerned about the writing, and, in the end, the entire cast changed hands.

“The result ended up being something not quite as bleak as the original script. I think it was overall quite well-received,” said Jay Chipman, Ph.D., professor of communication/theater and theater department chair at Nebraska Wesleyan.

The success of the play was fulfilling to Evans, allowing her to leave college on a high note.

“These dark parts reached people and that was the point,” Evans said. “So, when it was over, a lot of us in the show felt empty in a way.”

Evans found a way to fill the void during a walk around the lake with her friend, and the play’s director, Sydney Nethercot, near graduation. Nethercot asked, “Why don’t you make a movie?” At that point, she realized this story was meant to be bigger, to be seen on screen.

“For me personally, the controversy of the whole thing was difficult,” Evans said. “It made it more important to me, and it made me want to tell it. They were feelings that I had written, and it was dehumanizing for me as a person. I immediately thought, ‘Why don’t we just do it again on film?’”

Evans and fellow actors Cameron James, Jack Liegl, and Cartney McGuigan were available to reprise their stage roles on screen. Isa Luzarraga was brought in to portray Stevie, as the original actor had since moved out-of-state. Nethercot ended up not being part of the film.

It was the crew, however, that became part of the longer-term project known as FourLights Films.

Peyton Savington had been in theater with Evans during her senior year and was brought on as director for that first film. Savington brought in her significant other of three years, Daniel Cole, as production assistant.

The fourth member of the team is Ian Zabel, an actor and friend of Evans. He was brought on as the director of photography. Like Evans and the others, he knew nothing about filmmaking, but dove in

headfirst and has discovered a passion for the medium. In fact, the entire group discovered a new creative passion.

“After that movie, we realized we all really liked it,” Evans said. “And so we started with another one. And we just decided it was worth all getting together and trying to figure it out as we went along the way.”

That’s when Evans created FourLights Films. The production company’s mission is to focus on sensitive subjects such as those featured in “Dancing in Georgia.” Their tagline is “No Filter, No Hiding, No Shame.”

Their second feature, “I21,” premiered in late May and has two versions. The plot centers on a young person who is frustrated, but determined, after the disappearance of some close friends on their 21st birthday. In one version, Evans plays the lead role of Isa; in the other version, Cole plays the lead role of Isaac. Two other films are in the works, and a mini-series titled “Jobs of the Afterlife” is available on YouTube and Patreon.

“I’m really excited about that company and the good work that they’re doing,” Chipman said. “It’s a really great example of how something happened in terms of undergraduate education that allowed them to take a great next step in terms of doing professional work.”

To learn more, visit fourlightsfilms.com.

STORY BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

(L to R) Ian Zabel, Daniel Cole, Peyton Savington, Katie Evans

Omaha’s Neighborhood W erewolf

Arthur the Irish Wolfhound and His Platform

"BEWARE OF DOG"

This is a familiar sign that conjures up images of big, scary dogs like Arthur.

The only thing to “beware” of, however, when meeting Arthur the Irish Wolfhound is his adorable bashfulness and irresistible charm.

Omaha native and TikTok canine celebrity Arthur has made a huge splash on social media and in the hearts of humans everywhere.

Even though neighborhood kids and his TikTok audience have been convinced he is a mythical creature, gentle Arthur is just a lovable family pet.

Since starting her channel on a whim during quarantine, Suzanne Yancey, Arthur’s owner, has gained a following from sharing Arthur and their life together. Her TikTok channel, @dammitarthur, has 255.6K followers and over 5 million likes. A large following, though, was not a goal for Yancey; it happened accidentally.

“I really wanted to just send videos to my friends. I wasn’t trying to be some creator,” Yancey admitted.

Regardless of Yancey’s lack of desire to be a creator, people wanted to see Arthur. She was surprised at his popularity, admitting, “I thought it was novel.”

Arthur was a pandemic pup the house was his only territory to explore for a while, and he never stopped being curious. Yancey posted clips of Arthur growing up, becoming taller than their kitchen counters, getting into plenty of trouble, and sharing what owning a rare breed means to her.

“It seemed to make a lot of people happy in kind of a terrible time,” Yancey said, “especially with the negativity that can come from social media and the negative news always in the world, Arthur is a positive part of fans’ lives.”

Arthur is now four years old and towers over most furniture. He even sees eye-to-eye with some adults. A furry definition of “gentle giant,” he is afraid of most objects put in his path, seemingly unaware that he could easily step over them. His days consist of waking his owners up to sit with him as they drink their morning coffee before work, after which he is visited by his daytime “nanny,” who keeps him company and talks to him. In the evenings, Arthur goes on his walk and gets into some obvious mischief.

“I’m pretty sure that’s a horse,” commented one TikTok user.

Fans have always commented jokingly comparing him to Clifford the Big Red Dog, Alf, numerous muppets, and more.

Yancey has additionally received comments with questions regarding the Irish Wolfhound breed, pet care, and costs. She saw her social media platform as an opportunity to share more about the rare breed and educate people on the realistic care and requirements of owning one.

She answered the questions, connecting viewers with the Irish Wolfhound Club of America (IWCA), detailed how best to find an ethical breeder for a pure-bred dog, and more. “Having a realistic expectation of the dog that you’re going to bring home is only going to prevent dogs from being in shelters,” Yancey said.

Additionally, Penny, Yancey’s other pup and Arthur’s partner in crime, has had health issues as well as a gene mutation called the MDR 1 mutation both of which Yancey has touched on in videos, shining a light on a common canine health concern that many are unaware their dogs could have.

Apart from educating, Yancey’s platform is also in support of the Nebraska Humane Society (NHS). She spoke about always supporting the local humane society where she lives, and one day noticed an option to put a button on her profile for people to donate to the Nebraska Humane Society.

Yancey’s mindset was, “Just throw this up there and see if it helps,” she said. “I don’t make any money doing this, so if anybody wanted to give me a tip or something, I just told them to donate.”

Her account has been promoting the Nebraska Humane Society ever since.

With this button on her profile, fans are directly given the option to donate to NHS. Numerous fans have done so through Yancey’s platform, connecting Yancey and Arthur’s TikTok channel to the society’s mission of education, shelter, and promotion of responsible pet care and ownership.

What Yancey started on a whim for her close friends has become a positive platform of education, advocacy, and promotion of community efforts.

We can all learn from her page and a thing or two from Arthur on being carefree, curious, and gentle.

Visit Yancey and Arthur’s page on TikTok, @ dammitarthur or www.tiktok.com/@dammitarthur, to catch Arthur going about his day.

A/C VIDEO STORY BY ISABELLA MCATEE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY JOEY WINTON

Generous Hearts, Creative Minds Six Omaha Women Who Gifted Us Cultural Treasures

e’re fortunate to enjoy a culturally rich community here in Omaha, deeply influenced by the generosity of individuals who have made substantial contributions to the arts. Six particularly remarkable Omaha women not only advocated for creative expression, but also established enduring legacies of their own. Their efforts ensure that our city remains a space for creativity and a flourishing community. From accessible galleries to historic theaters, the following institutions owe their existence to the vision and philanthropy of these six women.

SARAH JOSLYN–JOSLYN ART MUSEUM

2200 Dodge St., Omaha, NE | joslyn.org

Sarah Joslyn was one of Omaha’s wealthiest women—she and her husband, George, were Omaha’s first millionaires and philanthropists. Many local institutions benefited from their generosity, and after George died, Sarah honored him in 1931 with a museum and concert hall designed to embrace the arts. With a grand expansion and long-awaited public reopening this September, The Joslyn carries out Sarah’s vision of bringing people together to explore art across time and cultures.

BRIGITTE MCQUEEN–THE UNION FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

2423 N 24th St., Omaha, NE | u-ca.org

When Brigitte McQueen moved to Omaha in 2006, she recognized a great potential for arts programming in North Omaha, where years of disinvestment and stigma separated the region from the rest of the city. In 2011, she left her job at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts and founded The Union for Contemporary Art, designed primarily to support local artists and drive civic engagement. Today, The Union’s programs use the arts to inspire positive social change in the region and beyond.

ROSE BLUMKIN–THE

ROSE THEATER

2001 Farnam St., Omaha, NE| rosetheater.org

A familiar name to many, Rose Blumkin was a philanthropist and businesswoman who founded Nebraska Furniture Mart in 1937. With a generous donation, Blumkin saved the old Astro Theater from demolition in the 1980s because it held sentimental value—her daughter had once won a talent show there. Renamed The Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center in her honor, The Rose is dedicated to making theater and arts education accessible to all children and families.

RACHEL JACOBSON–FILM STREAMS

Dundee Theater|4952 Dodge St. Ruth Sokolof Theater| lorne1340 Mike Fahey St.|filmstreams.org

Omaha native Rachel Jacobson has always had a passion for film appreciation. Founded in 2005, Film Streams is a nonprofit dedicated to “enhancing the cultural environment of the Omaha-Council Bluffs area through the presentation and discussion of film as an art form.” After their success downtown, Jacobson reopened the historic Dundee Theatre as a second Film Streams location in 2017. Her enthusiasm encourages those who visit Film Streams to engage with cinema on a much deeper level than simply purchasing a ticket.

REE KANEKO–BEMIS CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS

Bemis: 724 S 12th St. | KANEKO: 1111 Jones St. bemiscenter.org/thekaneko.org

& KANEKO

Ree Kaneko is an arts administrator, curator, and artist. She explored the art centers of New York and California before returning to Omaha’s empty warehouses in 1971, where she was a studio artist for 11 years. In 1981, she founded the Bemis Center alongside her sculptor husband Jun Kaneko, artist Tony Hepburn, and curator Lorne Falk. In 2001, she and Jun dedicated their efforts to founding a new creative hub—KANEKO. Today, KANEKO’s mission is to encourage and explore creativity through exhibitions, performance, lectures, and education.

MAGDALENA GARCIA–EL MUSEO LATINO 4701 S 25th St. | elmuseolatino.org

Magdalena Garcia moved to Omaha from Mexico City when she was 9 years old. Garcia pursued an art history degree and volunteered at the Joslyn Art Museum in the early ‘90s, all while observing Omaha’s growing Latino demographic. Founded by Garcia in 1992, El Museo Latino became the first Latino-Hispanic art, culture, and history museum in the region—one of just four in the United States—hosting exhibitions and services for the community. Today, it remains one of just 17 Latino museums in the country. 1 3 5 2 4 6

SERVING UP MEMORIES SINCE 1949

Boys Town's

2 EGGS, SAUSAGE, HASHBROWNS, AND TOAST

Nestled inside the Visitors Center on the historic Boys Town campus is the Overlook Café, an eatery serving classic café food like breakfast combos, patty melts, salads, and cold sandwiches at prices that are intentionally kept low.

The café is open to the public for breakfast and lunch during the week, with the exception of Fridays, which are reserved for employees and the Boys Town Citizenship Ceremony, a special event during which the new youth of Boys Town become citizens.

Following the ceremony, the new citizens are served burgers or grilled cheese and are then treated to ice cream to welcome them to the community. “It’s a major event,” said Tom Lynch, director of Community Programs for Boys Town. “They’re becoming citizens of the village of Boys Town, so it’s a major event for the kids.”

“Normally, it’s hosted by our executive director, our Father here on campus,” said Chelsea Trofholz, director of food services for Boys Town.” The speaker tells those in attendance about some of the history of Boys Town and then leads the children through an oath. The new citizens are then given a chance to speak and each receives a commemorative certificate.

It’s easy to see how Overlook Café is more than simply a place to eat. It’s also where youth experience transformative moments that will help form who they eventually become.

The Overlook Café also hosts alumni conventions. “On alumni years, the café is filled with people who come back, some who are in their eighties to recent graduates, and they all have memories of eating in there because eating at Boys Town is an important thing,” said Lynch.

“Feeding the boys and girls is a top priority and they always remember the food growing up,” he added.

It’s interesting how a café that isn’t necessarily well-known is such a hub for memories. “It’s just part of Boys Town being part of the community in that we encourage people to come visit us and learn about our history,” Lynch said. “It’s a place for everyone to come together, and it’s a very special place on campus.”

“I didn’t realize Boys Town had a café until I started working here,” Trofholz admitted. “Since then, I’ve spent a lot of time over there, and they have a great staff who are

always very friendly, so I enjoy going over there and seeing the public.”

Outside the confines of the ceremonies, Overlook Café’s most popular menu item is their charbroiled burger. Trofholz’s personal favorite is the Western Burger with BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheese, while Lynch goes for the the Chicken Salad. “They do something called the Chicken Salad Healthy Plate, which is a good, healthy lunch,” he said.

Boys Town media relations specialist Jordan Weinandt said, “I also like the burgers, but my favorite is one of the specials where they do mashed potatoes and gravy and corn and country-fried steak.”

The café has seasonal and soup specials every week, and plenty of breakfast specials. Trofholz said there is also a full salad bar and a variety of grab-and-go options.

The Overlook Café is a meeting place for many regular customers, some of whom simply enjoy gathering there to have a meal with friends, and some employees from nearby companies who use the café as a meeting place. “It’s sort of a central location for the city of Omaha, where our café is located,” Trofholz said. “They like to come over and meet.” Despite its enthusiastic community, however, employees are the café’s number one clientele group, said Trofholz.

The Overlook Café opened in 1949 and was named after the original property where Boys Town now stands. “Father Flanagan purchased Overlook Farm in 1921, and that’s the original name for our property,” Lynch revealed. “The café was branded a number of things over the years, and at our last branding, they wanted to call it the Overlook Café in honor of our history.”

Lynch also said that the Visitors Center was once a place where buses could pull up and drop off guests. “They had a waiting room, they had the café, and it had a counter just like you’d see at a bus stop back in the day,” he said. “Gradually, over the decades, we remodeled it and changed its purposes to fit the needs of Boys Town as our needs have evolved.”

A visit to Overlook Café can also include some sightseeing around the campus. Lynch suggested that the Hall of History shouldn’t be missed. Weinandt agreed. “I highly recommend everyone tour the Hall of History. It’s just so informative, and I learn something new every time I go into it.”

“I would agree with the Hall of History for a visit because it has so much information on Boys Town,” Trofholz averred. She said the next stop should be the café to enjoy some “low-cost, delicious food.” The menu prices are intentionally kept low, she said. For example, customers can order a BLT for less than $6, or an egg salad sandwich for less than $5. Kids meals for those under the age of 12 feature an entrée, fries, fountain drink, and treat and cost a reasonable $5.49.

Making a day of a visit to Boys Town can be planned out beforehand with the Visit Boys Town app, Lynch said. He suggested visitors consider checking out the Hall of History, the Flanagan Home, the gift shop, and then the café. “Then they can take the afternoon and tour the campus, but it’s really up to them because they get to make their own tour,” he said.

Boys Town is rich in history and offers both guided and self-guided tours. The Overlook Café is merely one of the many stops that can be made while visiting. Where else can you see the world’s largest ball of stamps (which weighs 600 pounds and has over 4.5 million stamps), eat at a café that has meant so much to so many people, and marvel at a story that was told in an Academy Awardwinning movie back in the 1930s?

Boys Town has been serving youth for a century, and the Overlook Café has been serving food for around 75 years under different names, but the mission has always been the same: to offer healing and hope to those who need it. Often that is through professional counseling and guidance, but it can also arrive via a burger and ice cream at the end of a citizenship ceremony, welcoming youth to their new community.

Sometimes, it even comes in the form of providing the community with tasty, affordable food in a friendly environment. The Overlook Café is a hidden gem in a historic place that has strived to positively impact families for a century.

To learn more, visit boystown.org/about/visit/ attractions#overlook-cafe.

Open to the public Monday through Thursday, with breakfast served 6:30 to 9:30 am and lunch served 11:00 am to 1:30 pm.

Savory

PIZZERIA

CHEF PROFILE // STORY BY HOLLY MCATEE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

Jeanette George

Jeanette George, executive chef and co-owner of Lyle’s Pizzeria, has always had a love of farm-to-table cooking. She grew up in central Nebraska on a large farm where her mother had a vegetable garden. “My first memories are of making potato salad with home grown veggies and canning pickles, salsa, and fresh tomato sauce,” George reminisced.

Summers were spent at Johnson’s Lake for family reunions when a traditional meal called “soo-wee” was made by filling an old milk churn with cabbage, sausage, corn, carrots, onions, and cheap beer. The mixture was put on the fire where it would bubble away for hours while the kids fished, swam, and basked in the sun. “Our Great Uncle Glen would ring a bell and yell, “Soo-wee!” and the kids would run up from the lake to the house knowing that dinner was ready,” George shared. “It was dumped into a small DIY trough lined with plastic, and we would dip crusty bread and butter in the mix. I miss those summers.”

George began her restaurant career at Lot 2 as a server and host. She’d always cooked at home, and one day she moved into the prep kitchen and worked under Joel Mahr, who became her mentor. She subsequently worked at the French Bulldog, The Blackstone Meatball, and La Buvette, where she served as head chef.

Then Philip Schaffart approached George to start a new restaurant called Lyle’s Pizzeria. The two met when she was at Meatball, where he was impressed with her culinary abilities. “Jeanette is a great leader and advocate, not only for our business, but also for our community. She’s a very tough person—no one will outwork her. Her team adores her and respects her. She’s also so kind and has such a warm presence and heart,” said Schaffart, coowner of Lyle’s Pizzeria. The name Lyle’s is an homage to Lyle Ray—a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and beloved pet of the Schaffart family.

In April 2023, Lyle’s Pizzeria opened on the corner of 52nd and Leavenworth streets in a former Max I. Walker dry cleaner. Built in the 1930’s, the building originally served as a post office. Today, the kitchen for Lola’s bakery, located several blocks away in Dundee, is housed in the basement, and both Lola’s baked goods and Lyle’s pizza dough are crafted there.

Lyle’s space has the look and feel of a restaurant that has been in the neighborhood for decades. A colorful mural by local artist Jeff Sedrel greets guests as they pull into the parking lot. “We wanted to have something that was fun, whimsical, and showcased our personality—he nailed it!” George said. The floor is lined with black and white subway tiles. A long bar with seating sweeps across the restaurant. There are a few more sets of tables to make up the cozy atmosphere. George and Schaffart plan to add a patio for additional seating later in the year. Green plants rest along the windows and hang above the bar. The artwork features enlarged black-and-white photos of Omaha street scenes and images of people and their dogs. George handpicked the photos from the Durham Museum’s historical photo archives.

The idea was to look timeless and to showcase the local community.

“We really wanted to create a vibe that was a third space— a place to go between work and home. We are in a great community, and we wanted to be a welcoming spot,” George explained.

The menu consists of small plates like marinated olives, salads, and pizzas. The 12-inch pizzas are made with hand-stretched sourdough that bakes to a crispy crust topped with fresh ingredients. The sausage pizza, a favorite of many customers, is covered in tomato sauce, fennel sausage, goat cheese, mozzarella, pepperoncini, and Mike’s Hot Honey. The Bianco is a mix of fontina, fior di latte mozzarella, goat cheese, roasted garlic, basil, and olive oil. Vegan options and gluten free crusts are available. The menu changes seasonally with daily specials based on the local ingredients.

On the day I visited, George had a container of fresh picked wild oyster mushrooms that she incorporated into a special pizza called the “Wild Child.” It included a mixture of wild ramp pesto, house lemon ricotta, and pistachios.

“The menu is simple, but simple can be hard to execute. It’s remarkable what she does with so few ingredients,” Schaffart said.

The bar menu features craft cocktails, beer, and wine. The wine list is biodynamic, organic, and sourced from sustainable farming wineries. George likes to feature women and BIPOC-owned wine makers.

For chefs coming onto the scene, George’s advice is that “creativity has no bounds—and failure isn’t so much failure, but learning. Cooking is a skill that compounds on itself—so keep pushing, keep working. You will never know everything, and you will always continue to learn and improve your skills. Read a lot, be a team player, and have fun.”

George’s curiosity is what drives her the most, along with her personal philosophy of walking through the world with kindness and creativity. She’s grateful to share that through food and hospitality.

“Lyle’s is excited and grateful to be a part of this community! We can’t wait to welcome you in. We’re only just getting started,” said George.

To learn more, visit lylespizzeria.com.

NOTHING

ORDINARY

ChickenTandoori

DINING REVIEW

STORY BY KIM CARPENTER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE

DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

Omaha has a long history of memorable restaurants specializing in Indian cuisine, some now closed, but nonetheless fondly remembered: the Indian Oven, Jaipur Restaurant, and Taste of India, to name a few. Shahi India Grill, located in the heart of the Old Market, certainly deserves to be a part of that illustrious culinary pantheon. It promises “Nothing Is Ordinary Here,” and for the most part, Shahi delivers on that tagline.

It starts with the interior, which is upscale and contemporary and features a large water fountain that is both eye-catching and provides a nice source of white noise. It proved a lovely backdrop to the evening, lightly drowning out background chatter with its musically looping water cycle. Another important backdrop—the fragrant aroma of Indian cooking that wafted through the air. Scents like cardamom and cinnamon whet the appetite and set the mood like only a good kitchen can.

Our table of three stopped by on a quiet weeknight, which provided a lovely opportunity for slow-paced dining. We started with two appetizers and a plate of naan. The Paneer Pakora was light, fluffy, and went at a rapid clip. Paneer is a non-melting Indian cottage cheese that is made fresh by curdling milk. Deep fried in chickpea flour, these fritters came with a teasingly tangy dipping sauce that highlighted the lovely contrast between the crispy exterior

and creamy interior. This is a favorite street food in India, popular at street-side places like tapris (tea stalls) and dhabas (roadside restaurants), and it’s easy to see why. Shahi’s were irresistible and slightly addictive.

Our second starter was the Shahi Combination Appetizer platter, which featured generous helpings of vegetable samosa, vegetable pakora, chicken pakora, shrimp, and more paneer pakora. The golden vegetable samosa were delectable—the filling, which included peas, carrots, and potato, was lightly punctuated with garam masala, a classic blend of mixed spices like coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin. The vegetable pakora were lovely little deepfried vegetarian fritters, featuring spicy vegetables and a succulent crust. The chicken pakora was a riff on the same—tender, moist marinated chicken deep fried in chickpea flour to a golden crisp. Mild and nutty, the pakora practically melted on the tongue. The deep-fried shrimp was also hotly vied

after by the entire table. Crackly on the outside, juicy on the interior, the delicate shellfish rounded out the appetizer assortment perfectly. Dipping sauces brought out the flavors of each even more and added a nice communal vibe to the dining experience.

While it was difficult to settle on just one naan for table, we eventually ordered the Bullet Naan. The white-flour flat bread was stuffed with homemade cheese, onion, cilantro, and jalapeño and served topped with a spicy, hot butter. The spice level was perfect, providing just enough oomph without overwhelmingly the subtlety of the naan. This was the dish we all found ourselves compulsively returning to repeatedly, and it emerged as the table’s favorite starter. Fortunately, it was a heaping serving so it more than satisfied all three of us.

For our main dishes, we aimed for a broad sampling, from meat and heat to vegan. My dining companions opted for the Alu Gobi (vegan) and the Chicken Tandoori (meat), while I selected the Madras with Paneer (heat). Each provided a view into the kitchen’s impressive capability for creating wide and varied interpretations of Indian classics. We naturally all did a taste testing of each others’ menu items, which came with fluffy bowls of perfectly executed rice.

SHAHI INDIA GRILL

The Alu Gobi featured fresh cauliflower (gobi) and potatoes (alu). Steamed with tomatoes and onions and enlivened with both spices and aromatics, this dish is a beloved Indian comfort food, a fragrantly hearty stew with a gorgeous golden color thanks to turmeric. The cauliflower and potatoes had the perfect “bite”—they were just firm enough without devolving into sogginess, which is often a challenge when preparing this dish.

Chicken Tandoori is of course a popular staple at any Indian restaurant. Shahi’s version featured boneless chicken marinated in yogurt and Indian spices that was then grilled to savory succulence. Juicy and tender, the chicken had a sauce with a

perfect blend of garlic, onion, ginger, and garam masala. Paired with the rice, it made for a delectable menu selection.

For my main course, I went with the Madras with Paneer. I found the homemade cottage cheese so delicious as an appetizer, I was eager to sample it prepared in an entree. Cooked in a spicy coconut curry with dry red chili peppers, herbs, and cumin, this dish comes with a warning on the menu: “Super hot dish.” I requested maximum spiciness and was not disappointed—quite the opposite. I was delighted with the chili kick this dish had. It throughly balanced with the paneer, making this meal a mustorder for anyone who likes to live life on the spicy side.

The service throughout the evening was solid, but a little remote. Our server was quick to take our order and bring us our food as soon as it was ready, but he wasn’t very conversational when it came to answering questions about the menu. On the plus side, we had more than enough food to take home for lunch the next day, and to our delight, the take-away containers were plastic and BPA free. That was a major plus for us, one that insures not only future dine-in experiences but take-out orders as well.

For more information, visit shahiomaha.com.

(L to R) Chicken Tandoori, Bullet Naan, Rice, Madras with Paneer

OMAHA PRIME JENNIFER ZHANG

Omaha Prime is a renowned steakhouse located in Omaha’s historic Old Market district. Known for an elegant dining room and an outdoor patio that overlooks the Passageway, this restaurant provides a charming and unique dining atmosphere. Omaha Prime is an ideal location for a night out or to celebrate a special occasion in their private party room. The ambiance is both elegant and inviting, with the interior’s walls featuring sports memorabilia and photos of Nebraska sports legends.

This upscale restaurant is celebrated for serving exclusively USDA Prime Grade Beef, making it a “prime” spot for steak lovers. Each Omaha Prime steak and chop are hand-selected for quality, marbling, and flavor. The prime grade is awarded by the USDA, and only 5% of all cattle attain the coveted prime designation. The most popular steaks are the bone-in ribeye, porterhouse, and the filet. The servers show the meat cuts with a tableside presentation, proving an intimate experience that other restaurants don’t offer.

Omaha Prime offers a range of appetizers featuring superior seafood like shrimp cocktail, lump crab cakes, and lobster bisque with a puff pastry. Other appetizers include lobster mac and cheese and duck wings with orange glaze. There are also sides served

family style like white truffle garlic mashed potatoes, creamed garlic spinach, asparagus, and more.

If you aren’t looking for steak, Omaha Prime offers Chilean sea bass, lobster tail, and chicken piccata, among other items to choose from.

The extensive wine list offers an unparalleled selection, featuring some of the rarest wines, sparkling wines, and champagnes from from storied vineyards and wineries around the world, including the Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Oregon, and South Africa.

Omaha Prime is a travel destination for many across the country and a local favorite for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

Owner Jennifer Zhang wasn’t looking to buy a restaurant, but she fell in love with Omaha Prime because of their famous steak and the superior service. “Our food is top notch. It makes me so proud. I’m proud of what we offer to locals and to travelers. Many of our customers are travelers that come here because they have heard about us. We get many teams that come here during the CWS, and they come back year after year. Omaha Prime is unique. I may want to bring the concept to other states or internationally,” she shared.

The servers at Omaha Prime are career servers and follow strict tableside etiquette. The staff is known for their attentiveness that enhances the dining experience. “We focus on trying to create a relationship with every table,” General Manager Luis Palacio said.

“We want our customers to have a great experience. We put in all the details,” Zhang added.

Reservations are recommended and can be made at OpenTable. Omaha Prime offers private dining for special events, with a private room that can accommodate up to 30 guests and a semi-private room for up to 90.

DINING GUIDE

AMERICAN

DJ’S DUGOUT SPORTS BAR - $

Seven Metro Area Locations:

Bellevue - 10308 S. 23rd St. - 402.292.9096

Miracle Hills - 777 N. 114th St. - 402.498.8855

Downtown - 1003 Capitol Ave. - 402.763.9974

Aksarben - 2102 S. 67th St. - 402.933.3533

Millard - 17666 Welch Plaza - 402.933.8844

Elkhorn - 19020 Evans St. - 402.315.1985

Plattsmouth - 2405 Oak Hill Rd. - 402.298.4166

Voted Omaha’s #1 Sports Bar, DJ’s Dugout is locally and Vietnam Veteran owned. DJ’s Dugout features delicious burgers, wings, wraps, salads, sandwiches and an impressive drink menu. Plus, DJ’s has huge media walls full of HD TVs and projector screens. Catch all the action at DJ’s seven Omaha-area locations. Dig In... At The Dugout! —djsdugout.com

JAMS MODERN AMERICAN- $$

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

DINING GUIDE

$=$

LE PEEP - $

69th & Pacific - 402.933.2776

177th and Center St. - 402.934.9914

156th St. & W. Dodge Rd. - 402.408.1728

120th and Blondo St. - 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.co m

PACIFIC EATING HOUSE - $$ 1130 Sterling Ridge Dr. - 531.999.3777

We have developed our menu inspired by all that touches the Pacific Ocean. Starting with fresh fish flown from Honolulu, locally sourced steaks and natural chicken with an Asian flare and pairing our dishes with tiki libations and Pacific coast wines. —pacificeatinghouse.com

PINE & BLACK BISTRO - $$ 248 Olson Dr., Papillion - 531.999.3777

We opened in March of 2023 to bring a family owned bistro to the community, serving local steaks and fresh seafood. We offer a wide variety of Pacific Northwest wines, local beers, and craft cocktails. Pinot Noir translates to Pine & Black, our name originates from our love of wine. —pineandblackbistro.com

SAND POINT - $$$

655 North 114th Street Omaha, NE 68154

—531-466-1008

Sand Point ‘New England Fare’ brings their favorite and unique dishes from New England to the Omaha food community. Freshest seafood, from seared crab cakes, lobster arancini, whole belly clams, New England clam chowder, lobster bisque to charcuterie boards and Angus beef tips and steak burgers, to be topped off with Boston cream pie, blueberry pie or Lemon canna cotta. Full bar to include, specialty cocktails, extensive wine lists, as well as beer and non-alcoholic drinks.

–sandpointomaha.com

STELLA’S - $

106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue - 402.291.6088

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

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. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.- Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday. Noon-10 p.m. —tedandwallys.com VARSITY SPORTS CAFE - $$ Ralston - 9735 Q St. - 402.339.1944 Bellevue - 3504 Samson Way - 402.932.1944 Millard - 14529 F St. - 402.505.6660

Ralston, Bellevue and Millard. We are truly grateful to have been welcomed into each of these communities and welcome you in for good food, a cold drink and a comfy seat to enjoy the sport of your choosing! Determined to bring only the freshest ingredients, homemade dough and our specialty sauces to the table, we have worked hard to perfect our craft for you. Our goal is to bring the best food service to the area and show the best sports events that you want to see. Pick up and Delivery availalble. Please check website for hours of operation. —varsityromancoinpizza.com

DINING GUIDE

ITALIAN

S PEZIA - $$$

3125 S. 72nd St. - 402.391.2950

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. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m. —fernandosomaha.com

LA MESA - $$

158th St. and W. Maple Rd.

- 402.557.6130

156th and Q streets

- 402.763.2555

110th St. and W. Maple Rd.

- 402.496.1101

Fort Crook Rd. and Hwy 370 - 402.733.8754

84th St. and Tara Plaza

- 402.593.0983

Lake Manawa Exit

- 712.256.2762

Enjoy awesome appetizers, excellent enchilada’s, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouthwatering margaritas and much more at La Mesa! Come see why La Mesa has been voted Best of Omaha’s 20 Years in a Row! Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. —lamesaomaha.co m

THINGS RELATED, BUT DIFFERENT. NATIONS, NORTH AND SOUTH. WE ARE AMERICAN-GROWN WITH MEXICAN ROOTS, PROUDLY CHICANO. FLAVORS, TRADITIONAL AND NEW. WE EVOLVE MEXICAN FAMILY RECIPES WITH OUR OWN MODERN TWIST. CITIES, EAST AND WEST. WITH ROOTS IN COUNCIL BLUFFS AND OMAHA, OUR MEMORIES AND DEDICATION TO THIS COMMUNITY SPAN THE MIGHTY MO. OUR STORY IS A STORY OF COUSINS. OR AS OUR ANCESTORS SAY, PRIMOS. WHERE FAMILY, FLAVOR AND COMMUNITY COME TO THE TABLE.

PRIMO’S OMAHA OFFERS THE LARGEST OUTDOOR HEATED PATIO IN OMAHA OUR STORY

PRIMO’S OMAHA 5914 Center Street | Omaha, NE 68106 402-322-8141

PRIMO’S COUNCIL BLUFFS 930 5th Ave. | Council Bluffs, IA 51501 712-256-5200

Both locations are open for BREAKFAST AT 7 A.M.

DINING GUIDE

PRIMO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $$

5914 Center St., Omaha, NE - 402.322.8141

930 5th Ave., Council Bluffs, IA - 712.256.5200

Family owned and operated since 2010, Primo’s Modern Mexican utilizes the freshest ingredients to bring both authentic Mexican and Southwest-style dishes to life with flare and unrivaled flavor. With recipes passed down over four generations, a familyfriendly atmosphere, and plates to satisfy cravings at every hour—with breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus offering a variety of Mexican staples—Primo’s Mexican Restaurant is proud to serve the people of Omaha and Council Bluffs no matter the occasion. —primosmodernmexican.com

SPECIAL DINING

GREEK ISLANDS - $ 3821 Center St. - 402.346.1528

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., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. —greekislandsomaha.com

ZEN COFFEE COMPANY - $ West - 132nd and Center Downtown - 25th and Farnam One Pacific Place - Drive Thru Kiosk next to Trader Joes

Zen features over 50 popular drink options including Butter Beer, Honey Bee, Lavender Lady and Sunshine Daydream. Choose from hot or iced lattes, blenders, fruit smoothies and teas! Grab a flight or double cup to try the seasonal features! Delicious pastries and toasts made in house daily. —zencoffeecompany.com

DINING GUIDE

STEAKHOUSES

CASCIO’S - $$

1620 S. 10th St. - 402-345-8313

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 - $$$

2121 S. 73rd St. - 402-391-7440

Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a oneof-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done. LUNCH: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., DINNER: Monday-Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m., LOUNGE: Monday-Friday Cocktails only 2 p.m.-5 p.m. —droverrestaurant.com

TWISTED CORK BISTRO - $$

10370 Pacific St. - 531.999.3777

We arrived in Nebraska from Washington intent on purchasing from farmers, ranchers & fishmongers who share our commitment for wholesome, sustainable fare. Our recipes use the Earth’s bounty the way it is intended ~ Wild and Natural ~ We compliment our dishes, pairing them with exquisite Pacific Northwest wines. –twistedcorkbistro.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$

come and

explore.

LET’S PLAN A ROAD TRIP!

COMPILED BY Claudia Moomey

NEBRASKA

ARTS IN THE PARK September 7th, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, at Cody Park in North Platte Come to Cody Park to catch handmade items by local artists and craftsmen. Learn about their techniques and story at every booth. Support Nebraska creators and also catch the Cody Park features such as the rides, campsite, train display, and more. —ci.north-platte.ne.us/parks/ cody-park/

Sept. 7

75TH ANNUAL NORFOLK BEEF EXPOSeptember 7th & 8th, at the Northeast Community College Agriculture Complex Open to Nebraskan youth between the ages of 8 and 19, the Annual Norfolk Beef Expo is a tradition for many. Compete for the titles of grand champion marks steer and heifer titles, come to watch, and support the exhibitors. High school juniors and seniors competing who are planning to go to college for an agricultural degree can apply for The Beef Expo Scholarship. Immediately following the selection of champions, the premium auction is held. Profits go directly back to participants. —norfolkareachamber.com/beef-expo/

NATIONAL AVOCADO LAUNCHING CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY THE U.S. ARMY September 13th & 14th at Pals Brewing Company in North Platte The National Avocado Launching Championship is a large scale avocado launching tournament where teams of up to three will face off to send their avocados the farthest. Team can use any launching tool that is humanpowered such as slingshots, resistance bands, trebuchets, however throwing by hand is not allowed. Get creative with your team and fight to send your avocado to the sky and win the $3500 top prize. — avocadolaunching.com/

MARK SCHULTZ September 17th, 5:00 pm, at the North Platte Berean Church Christian recording artist Mark Schultz has sold two million records, has 10 number one singles, a Dove Award, and other award nominations. He is dropping his first full-length album after taking a six year break to be a father and is hitting the road for a tour to celebrate. If you are familiar with Christian music, you are bound to know Schultz. — markschultzmusic.com/tour/

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS MICKEY’S SEARCH PARTY September 27-29 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln A must-see event for Disney fans, see your favorite characters live and in person as they perform songs and dances on ice and in the air. See acrobatics, impressive stunts, and more. See characters such as Moana, Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Toy Story’s Woody and friends, Aladdin, Genie, and Jasmine, and others performing hits. Mickey brings his friends and the audience on his epic search. — pinnaclebankarena. com/events/detail/disney-on-icemickeys-search-party-1

DEAR EVAN HANSEN September 27-29 at The Lied Center in Lincoln Known as “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by the Washington Post and praised by others, “Dear Evan Hansen” is the musical production that goes into the world of social media society and the lives of both teens and parents. After being made into a film starring Ben Platt in 2021, the broadway phenomenon is back on tour and in Nebraska. — liedcenter.org/event/ dear-evan-hansen

DAYTRIPS IN NEBRASKA, IOWA, KANSAS, AND MISSOURI

OKTOBERFEST September 28th at the Grand Island Courtyard

Celebrate the Liederkranz Oktoberfest with live music, drinks, and dancing in Grand Island. An event to celebrate the fall harvest based upon the annual festival in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest has now spread across the globe as a worldwide phenomenon to joyously have a beer and take in the folk festivities. — giliederkranz.org/event/ oktoberfest/

IOWA

DANCE AWAY WITH ME: THE DES MOINES SYMPHONY’S WATER WORKS

POPS September 1st, 7:30-9:30 pm, at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park Catch the Des Moines Symphony’s free pops concert outside and with your entire family. Hear pop and symphonic favorites in one setlist for their “Dance Away With Me” program, which features guests such as vocalists Scarlett Stratton and Ben Davis. — dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/ dance-away-with-me/

MICRO WRESTLING FEDERATION INVADES CEDAR RAPIDS

September 5th, 6:00 pm, at the Chrome Horse Saloon The all-age extravaganza that is micro wrestling will hit Cedar Rapids with a night of nonstop action from this WWE adjacent event brought on by a cast that is all under five-feet tall. Come to find out who the micro wrestlers are and catch the two single matches, the Micro Brawl and the Micro Rumble—“It’s going to be pandemonium” onstage. — allevents.in/ cedar rapids/micro-wrestling-federation-invades-cedar-rapids-iamicro-one/200026644342332

KURT ELLING WITH JOEY CALDERAZZO IN DES MOINES

September 6th, 7:30 pm, at the Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University in Des Moines Kurt Telling and Joey Calderazzo are referred to as “Luminaries of Jazz” and will kick off season 99 with their must see performance. Telling and his fouroctave baritone have earned him two GRAMMY awards, and Calderazzo has 13 albums to his name and has specialized in improvised performances. Come for a night of jazz you won’t forget. == civicmusic.org/ kurt-elling-with-joey-calderazzojazz-september-2024/

NIGHTS ON THE GREEN September 6th, 6:00 pm, 809 Story

St. in Boone Catch this year’s host, Jesse and the Medicine Men, play their country music on the green. Jesse is from a small town in central Oklahoma and is influenced by artists such as Hank Snow, Bob Willis, Merle Haggard, Tennessee Ernie Ford, The Gap Band, and others. Bring your friends and listen to country music outside in Boone. — allevents.in/ boone/200026645966928

THE SAVANNAH

BANANAS VS THE PARTY ANIMALS September 6-8th at Principal Park in Des Moines

After blowing up on TikTok, the Savanah Bananas make baseball into their own sport, Banana Ball, which has the addition of on-field antics such as choreography, wild rules, skits, props, and crowd participation. Selling out stadiums with their silly sport, the Savanah Bananas are not a team to miss as they take on their rivals The Party Animals. — thesavannahbananas. com/tickets/

APPLEFEST September 14th, 9:00 am-4:00 pm, at Living History Farms in Urbandale

A day of family-friendly fun to celebrate apple harvest season and the historic sites of the farm. Learn how apple dishes are prepared today, and also explore the farm and learn how things such as apple butter, pies, and cider were historically made. Visit the Print Shop to print your own apple based recipe, get some goodies from the farm, catch some local food vendors, and also catch Dr. Savage’s traveling medicine show all at Applefest. —lhf.org/event/applefest/

125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CAMPANILE CARILLON September 15th, 2:00 pm, at Iowa State University

The Iowa State University campanile will perform from the 50 specifically and scientifically tuned bells that have been rung for over a century. The Campanile Carillon begun in 1872 with only 10 bells gifted from Edgar William Stanton, a member of ISU’s first graduating class. Hear what has been called “the sound of Iowa State” for a remarkable 125th time. — discoverames.com/events/125th-anniversary-of-the-campanile-carillon/

BURNING RED: TRIBUTE TO TAYLOR SWIFT September 21st, 7:30 pm, at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids The ultimate Taylor Swift live sing-along party for all of the Swifties and singers out there. Burning red plays Swift songs from every era so you can hear your favorites from each album and “Shake it Off” to the songs you and your friends know “All Too Well” throughout the night. — creventslive.com/events/2024/ burningred

2ND ANNUAL SWIFT

LITERARY FESTIVAL POP UP September 22nd, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, during the Octagon Art Festival at 409 Douglas Avenue in Ames Featuring local authors amidst the Octagon Art Festival, the 2nd Annual Swift Literary Festival is the spotlight local Ames writers deserve. All have an opportunity to contribute to the Community Story, meet authors, and write something prompt-free, all brought to you by the Ames Writers Collective. — ameswriterscollective.org/event/swift-literary-festival-pop-up-event-3/

KANSAS

DANCEFESTOPIA MUSIC FESTIVAL September 2-8th at the Wildwood Outdoor Education Center in St. Lacygne Celebrating its 12th year, the Dancefestopia Music Festival is where you can find yourself in a world of high-energy music, lights, and wonder. This year, escape to the Emerald City as you watch 200+ artists at one of the four performance stages, camp in the forest, canoe, and more at this 100% local and independently operated festival respected across America. — dancefestopia.com/about-dancefestopia

2024 KANSAS STATE FAIR

September 6-15th at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson Bring the entire family down to the Kansas State Fair for rides, animals, special events, food, free entertainment, and of course the 2024 Nex-Tech Grandstand concert lineup! The fair that has been around since 1873 and brings all of Kansas, and the surrounding communities, together to participate in traditional fair fun. — kansasstatefair.com/

2024 DRONE LIGHT FESTIVAL September 20-22nd at the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater Known as “The best view in Wichita,” the 2024 Drone Light Festival will be the glimmering grand opening of the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater. Come see 300 synchronized drones designed and choreographed to music. With thousands of floating water lanterns and over 2,000 candles, the night will be lit up and enchanted. — exploration. org/event/drone-light-show/

OLATHE

ARTS FESTIVAL

27th & 38th at the Johnson County Square in Downtown Olathe inspired by the art community of Olathe as you take in art from across the region, enjoy treats from food and drink vendors, watch live entertainment, and participate in activities for the whole family. The event also features Kidtopia, a family-friendly event for the kiddos in attendance. — olatheks. gov/government/parks-recreation/ special-events/olathe-arts-festival

CORNSTOCK CONCERT ON THE HILL MUSIC FESTIVAL

at North Lake Park lakeside featuring headliner Dylan Scott with “red dirt country artist” Stoney LaRue and Pat Tillis is what Cornstock Music Festival 2024 will be. With a beer area, plenty of food, crafting and shopping vendors, and even a cornhole tournament, grab a friend or two for this must visit festival at North Lake Park. — trav elks.com/event/cornstock-concerton-the-hill-music-festival/31141/

PAW PATROL LIVE! “HEROS UNITE” September 28th & 29th at the INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita PAW Patrol Live! “Heroes Unite” takes the audience on a ride fol lowing Ryder and the PAW Patrol pups through their biggest chal lenge to come. Taking on mass chaos, it’s up to the scruffy canine crew to bring safety to the city after things got “ruff,” featuring a bright musical score, visual art, and an engaging story, PAW Patrol Live! Is the event see with your kiddos. — intrustbankarena.com/pawpatrol

The Golden Spike Tower offers the world’s best view of the world’s largest railyard. The observation deck gives you a panoramic view of Bailey Yard, but it’s the exhibits and the volunteers that make this a can’t-miss destination for anyone with a love for trains.

That’s why the Golden Spike Tower gets Buffalo Bill’s Buffalo of Approval.

GREAT PLAINS RENAISSANCE & SCOTTISH FESTIVAL

September 28th & 29th, 10:00 am-6:00 pm, at Sedgwick County Park in Wichita Hear ye, hear ye! The Great Plains Renaissance & Scottish Festival is once again coming to town. The festival will feature jousts, jests, knaves and knights, blacksmiths, pirates, bagpipes, fairies, and more. Grab your renaissance garb and your clan for the must attend festival, HUZZAH! — greatplainsrenfest.com/

MISSOURI

ROB ZOMBIE AND ALICE COOPER: FREAKS ON PARADE 2024 TOUR

September 1st, 6:00 pm, Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Rock legends of the scene Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper will light up the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater stage, starting the month off with a bang. Their “horrifying tour” will be making only 21 stops across the nation, scaring Missouri on the way. — ivenation. com/event/vv1akZkZz0ZZ_Ze5k/ rob-zombie-and-alice-cooperfreaks-on-parade-2024-tour

KANSAS CITY’S REGGAE MUSIC AND JERK FESTIVAL September 13-15th at the Berkley Riverfront Park in Kansas City

A weekend of groove, jerk food, and chill energy for all, Kansas City’s Reggae Music and Jerk Festival brings it all together for a taste of the Caribbean. Bring your friends and your family to be transported to a reggae vibe within Missouri. — allevents.in/kansas city/kansascitys-reggae-music-and-jerk-festival/10000903731895427

THE WIZARD OF OZ FOR THE SPRINGFIELD LITTLE THEATRE Select dates September 13-29th at The Landers Theatre in Springfield For the 90th “Emerald” anniversary of the Springfield Little Theatre, catch the iconic adventure of Dorothy and her friends down the yellow brick road. You’re not in Kansas anymore…you’re at the Springfield Little Theatre and you’re loving it, grab your tickets now to see this onstage classic. — springfieldlittletheatre.org/show/wizard-of-oz/

MOZARK FEST 2024 September 20-22nd at the Missouri State Fairgrounds The MOZARK FEST brings together multiple genres and unique performers to the stage to be “everything [I] expected, and more” for audience members. Not only is the lineup talented and star studded, the festival also features many vendors and campgrounds to stay at. Make this fest another music festival to mark on your calendars. — mozarkfest.com/

THEO VON: RETURN OF THE RAT September 27th, 8:00 pm, at the Great Southern Bank Arena at Missouri State University Viral podcaster and comedian from southern Louisiana, Theo Von comes to Missouri for his latest tour. His two popular podcasts, “THIS PAST WEEKEND” and “KING AND THE STING,” bring in millions of listens each month and have brought him up to fame. Additionally, his comedy special “REGULAR PEOPLE” is streaming on Netflix. Catch Theo Von and have some laughs for his “Return of the Rat” tour. — greatsouthernbankarena.com/ViewEvent.aspx?ID=3996

PARKER MCCOLLUM: BURN IT DOWN TOUR September 28th, 7:30 pm, at the Great Southern Bank Arena at Missouri State University Country music artist from Conroe, Texas, Parker McCollum has made a name for himself with his smooth vocals and personal songwriting and storytelling. His music resonates with people from all backgrounds and tastes. See McCollum live and be immersed into his soulful sound. — concerts50.com/show/parkermccollum-in-springfield-ticketssep-28-2024

@russ.torres253

DOCTOR PIAGET

It ain’t all about you, kiddo.

The world is a better place when we act like we know that this weird world we live in is bigger than just our own petty needs and wants–beyond oxygen, water, and warm furs to protect us from the occasional deadly effects of an Alberta Clipper. This realization usually develops fully sometime during our teenage years when we finally are convinced that objects or persons continue to exist when they are hidden or are out of our sight.

We all remember closing our eyes tight at one point or another–scrunching them shut tight as we could, hoping against hope that mommy, daddy, our second-grade teacher, or some pesky district judge would be gone when we finally, reluctantly reopened them, right? Sadly of course, we sooner or later learned that reality and federal sentencing guidelines were not dependent on our sensory perceptions.

It’s a concept called “object permanence,” first theorized by Swiss theorist, Dr. Jean Piaget back in the ‘50s when most theoretical behavioral scientists had been distracted by theories about Elvis’ theoretical pelvis. Experts say that babies develop this understanding around the sixth or seventh month of life. I, however, after years of observation and 50 plus years in show business—or its mid-sized market equivalent—have come to the conclusion that those experts have never stood in a line at Universal Studios Theme Park, commented on a political meme online, had a beer at Chucky Cheese, or been to an HOA meeting at the Villages in Florida. They are wrong.

I think it takes years and years, a few lawsuits, some long stretches of bad performance by our favorite sporting team, months of slow internet speeds, and about half a dozen incidents of identity theft before we really know on a visceral level that we are not the center of this 94-billion light-year-wide universe.

Once we learn that the cosmos did not spring into being from an infinitely dense singularity that resided in a specific one of our several bodily orifices…once we

truly accept that…then…and only then, can we become giving human beings capable of altruistic, selfless charity.

Yes, then we can give. We can donate to charities for the right reasons. Support causes that are important to us and others. Join in common efforts to make a better world for those who follow.

Sometimes we give enough to get buildings or entire law schools named after us. Sometimes we make big changes possible. Sometimes we realize it all ain’t about us and every gesture, however small, becomes part of a larger reality that remains even long after we close our eyes at last.

I started thinking about all this one day as I walked through my favorite park. I was mainly concerned with getting my step count up when I approached a new bench on the park path. On the backrest there was a plaque with an old friend’s name engraved into the copper. Reading it…it hit me hard.

This friend and I had a bit of a falling out just before he died. His fault. He was wrong. I do so love being right. Anyway, I sat down on the bench and felt a change of heart start inside me…I realized that the whole disagreement was trivial. I closed my eyes tight and asked him for forgiveness. Sure enough, just as Piaget predicted, when I opened my eyes…his name, his memory…he… himself…was still there.

I know, it isn’t funny….It’s not really very profound. And maybe it’s a bit self-centered. (Imagine that.) I had that little moment of clarity because someone gave somebody a little donation and that got a name put on a bench… and I stopped to think…and it made my world a little better place. So, to whoever gave…Thank you.

Listen to Otis Twelve host “Morning Classics,” Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 6AM—10AM through October 4, on KVNO, Omaha Classical Radio, 90.7 or kvno.org.

PROVIDING HOPE TO ALL AGES

You’re invited to attend The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary’s annual fundraiser, Tastes and Treasures. Join us for a night of food, fun and philanthropy.

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Scott Conference Center

6450 Pine St. in Aksarben Village

6 PM Social hour followed by dinner, entertainment and program

For reservations: tastesandtreasures.com

Visit our website to learn more about the event, purchase tickets, bid on silent auction items or donate.

Online Silent Auction is open September 5 – 11

Featuring Comedian Kris Covi

Emcee Brent Wilson

Highlights of how Tastes and Treasures proceeds make a difference

Special Thanks to Our Honorary Chairs

David and Anne Cooke, J.P. Cooke Company

“The Salvation Army has been an integral part of my life since childhood, instilling in me a deep appreciation for its mission. My grandmother, a steadfast supporter, taught me the immense value of the organization’s work.” -David Cooke

Meet Dr. Daniel Schlessinger

We’re happy to announce Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist as well as Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon, as the newest member of the Schlessinger MD team. Working alongside his father, Dr. Joel Schlessinger, Dr. Daniel brings years of experience and training along with a dedication to excellence to the Schlessinger MD practice.