Omaha Magazine - May 2023 - Hotel Edition

A FOREIGN TASTE

WINE, FOOD, AND WORLD CULTURE

MCC TRAVELING CLASSROOMS REMOVE THE STRESS FROM TRAVEL, MAXIMIZE GUEST EXPERIENCE

RMCC TRAVELING CLASSROOMS REMOVE THE STRESS FROM TRAVEL, MAXIMIZE GUEST EXPERIENCE

Rememb e r the feeling of going on a field trip during grade school? The anticipation of an adventure, the thrill of immersive learning and the satisfaction of being better acquainted with the place you call home. Metropolitan Community College’s Traveling Classrooms recapture that curiosity through leisure-based learning experiences for people of all ages with interests o f all types.

RRememb e r the feeling of going on a field trip during grade school? The anticipation of an adventure, the thrill of immersive learning and the satisfaction of being better acquainted with the place you call home. Metropolitan Community College’s Traveling Classrooms recapture that curiosity through leisure-based learning experiences for people of all ages with interests o f all types.

Each quarter, MCC offers excursions throughout the region and beyond. From unheralded state treasures like the Czech Festival in W ilber to unique natural wonders like the Ashfall Fossil Beds in Nebraska’s northeast reaches, MCC traveling classrooms provide p articipants with first-class experiences at a reasonable price. Convenience is fully integrated.

Each quarter, MCC offers excursions throughout the region and beyond. From unheralded state treasures like the Czech Festival in W ilber to unique natural wonders like the Ashfall Fossil Beds in Nebraska’s northeast reaches, MCC traveling classrooms provide p articipants with first-class experiences at a reasonable price. Convenience is fully integrated.

A deluxe motor coach provides the transportation, where experienced tour guide and world traveler, Kevin Kowskie, awaits on board. A visitor of more than 15 countries, he uses his passion for encountering new cultures, people and experiences to plan and lead intimate group tours with action-packed itineraries that lend themselves to cherished memories and new friendships.

A few of the Traveling Classroom destinations offered by MCC in the m o nths ahead in clude:

A deluxe motor coach provides the transportation, where experienced tour guide and world traveler, Kevin Kowskie, awaits on board. A visitor of more than 15 countries, he uses his passion for encountering new cultures, people and experiences to plan and lead intimate group tours with action-packed itineraries that lend themselves to cherished memories and new friendships.

A few of the Traveling Classroom destinations offered by MCC in the m o nths ahead in clude:

TULIPS AND A TASTE OF HOLLAND TOUR (ORANGE CITY, IOWA)

CZECH FESTIVAL AND WINERY TOUR (WILBER, NEBRASKA)

BLACK HILLS MONUMENT TOUR (SOUTH DAKOTA)

May 20

TULIPS AND A TASTE OF HOLLAND TOUR (ORANGE CITY, IOWA)

Enjoy a 19th century Holland experience in charming Orange City, a northwest Iowa village rich in Dutch heritage. Ethnic foods and treats, music and dancing and a parade with reserved seating await visitors. Traversing tulip-lined avenues, tour stops include the Century House, the Vogel windmill and the Tulip Town Bulb Company, which showcases a colorful array of over 40 varieties of imported Dutch tulips. Attendees can place an order for fall delivery, just in time for planting. The day concludes with a Dutch song and dance performance in a c ozy theater.

May 20

Enjoy a 19th century Holland experience in charming Orange City, a northwest Iowa village rich in Dutch heritage. Ethnic foods and treats, music and dancing and a parade with reserved seating await visitors. Traversing tulip-lined avenues, tour stops include the Century House, the Vogel windmill and the Tulip Town Bulb Company, which showcases a colorful array of over 40 varieties of imported Dutch tulips. Attendees can place an order for fall delivery, just in time for planting. The day concludes with a Dutch song and dance performance in a c ozy theater.

CZECH FESTIVAL AND WINERY TOUR (WILBER, NEBRASKA)

Aug. 5

On a visit to Wilber, Nebraska, a special day of celebration is in store at the famous summer Czech Festival, which will celebrate 150 years of Czech heritage in the southeast Nebraska community this year. Traditional polka music will fill the air on Main Street and an authentic Czech lunch will fill the bellies of MCC travelers. Enjoy independent shopping time to sample Czech arts and crafts, as well as Wilber staples original recipe Bohemian meat specialties and unforgettable kolache desserts. Unwind at the end of the day during a visit to a loca l winery.

Aug. 5

On a visit to Wilber, Nebraska, a special day of celebration is in store at the famous summer Czech Festival, which will celebrate 150 years of Czech heritage in the southeast Nebraska community this year. Traditional polka music will fill the air on Main Street and an authentic Czech lunch will fill the bellies of MCC travelers. Enjoy independent shopping time to sample Czech arts and crafts, as well as Wilber staples original recipe Bohemian meat specialties and unforgettable kolache desserts. Unwind at the end of the day during a visit to a loca l winery.

BLACK HILLS MONUMENT TOUR (SOUTH DAKOTA)

Aug. 29 -31

On this three-day adventure, see the unique landscapes and landmarks South Dakota has to offer. A history lesson on the growth, development and preservation of the country is in store at Mount Rushmore National Monument on day one. A guided tour of the Crazy Horse Monument and a visit to Custer State Park, home to a large herd of roaming buffalo and majestic views of the Black Hills, highlight day two. Take in the lunar-looking landscapes of Badlands National Park on the return trip home on day three

Aug. 29 -31

On this three-day adventure, see the unique landscapes and landmarks South Dakota has to offer. A history lesson on the growth, development and preservation of the country is in store at Mount Rushmore National Monument on day one. A guided tour of the Crazy Horse Monument and a visit to Custer State Park, home to a large herd of roaming buffalo and majestic views of the Black Hills, highlight day two. Take in the lunar-looking landscapes of Badlands National Park on the return trip home on day three

To view a full listing of Traveling Classroom events or for more information, visit mccneb .edu/ CE .

To view a full listing of Traveling Classroom events or for more information, visit mccneb .edu/ CE .

No driving. No planning. No hassle.

No driving. No planning. No hassle.

Sandhill cranes taking flight outside Kearney, Nebraska during their annual migration. Witnessing the sandhill crane migration is one of the many MC C Tr av eling Classroom experien ces.

COMPASSES AND DICTIONARIES:

What separates a trip from an adventure? An element of risk? A sense of novelty?

I suppose reading might be considered an adventure then, as you never quite know what word pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis might come next. Though, as long as you aren’t coughing up silica dust, even big words like that aren’t so scary.

No, it’s the short words that jump out at us, and sometimes lead us in unexpected directions… Take the word ‘hope,’ a word local artist Anthony Peña combined with an image of solidarity during a time of outrage, heartbreak, and division. He inspired millions to consider ‘hope’ and launched his art into the public eye, changing lives including his with a sing le syllable.

Or take the word ‘care,’ a word that is painfully elusive in certain areas of the world when medical or surgical procedures are required. Though surgeon Dr. Debra Reilly recalled the time she “broke down in the hallway” after observing the awful state of a Kenyan hospital on her first visit to the country, ‘care’ picked her up and called her to return, to teach. Kenya has gone from zero to 24 plastic surgeons since Reilly began regularly visiting the country, and she continues to care for patients across the globe through the non-profit Reconstructing Women Inte rnationally.

Perhaps the most potent word of all, ‘love,’ is what led Henry Doorly Zoo Director of Genetics Dr. Edward Louis Jr. to create the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership a love for the abundance and variety of life nestled in an island nation he visited 25 years ago that has employed thousands of Malagasy natives and planted nearly six million trees in an effort to combat def orestation.

Whatever words inspire you, make sure you pay attention to where they lead after all, you may already be on the adventure of a lifetime.

Speaking of words and new experiences, Omaha Magazine is thrilled to partnered Radio Talking Book Service to bring you audio versions of our stories. The QR code in our table of contents links to a playlist containing all of this issue’s stories as narrated by the wonderful volunteers at RTBS. Additionally, there’s an individual QR code for each of this issue’s features at the end of those stori e s. Enjoy!

*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.

TABLE of CONTENTS

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

003 From the Editor Compasses and Dictionaries

006 Between the Lines

007 Calendar of Events

065 Obviously Omaha Escape Rooms

082 Explore!

087 Instagram

088 Not Funny The Last of Me

ARTS + CULTURE

014 Film Katie Otten’s Inner Worlds

016 Visual Art Activist Artist Anthony Peña

020 Music

Stacy Garrop’s Gift to KVNO

022 Theater Improv Duo Pandemic! @ The Disco

DINING

066 Feature A Foreign Taste

070 Profile Sommelier Sara Wiebold

072 Review Mai Tai in Aksarben

076 Dining Guide

016

* 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 OmahaM agazine.com.

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

RACHEL BIRDSALL Graphi c Designer I

Born and raised in Omaha, Birdsall attended college in Blair, Nebraska, earning a degree in interactive media. She worked as a graphic designer at Enterprise Media Group for 14 years before joining Omaha Publications. In her free time, she enjoys making cider and mead, playing board and tabletop games, and spending time with her husband, Chris. They have two dogs, Skoll and Ivy, and three cats, Cake, Hinata , and Emmy.

SANDI M c CORMACK Sales Coordinator

After 20 years of self-employment, working with her husband, Tim McCormack, and the next 12 years in HR and facilities management for a global software company based in Omaha, Sandi joined Omaha Publications in 2022 as a sales coordinator…and is working with T im, again!

Entertaining is a large portion of the McCormack’s social life. Always an ‘open-door patio’ welcoming neighbors, family, and friends to hang out by the fire pit, big screen, or chatting to catch up…plus, beverages and food. They’re looking forward to Spring and Summer for beautiful flowers and a vegetable garden, and venturing to the Old Market or Stinson Park concerts...They can’t wait!

WILLIAM RICHLING Contrib uting Writer

William Rischling, commonly shortened to Will for convenience, was born and raised in Omaha. He’s had a passion for writing since childhood when he spent much of his time creating stories between the toys in his bedroom. Will works as an assistant manager at a pizza restaurant alongside many of his friends. When not serving steamy pizzas or writing silly stories he can be found spending time with his girlfriend and her dog, lifting somewhat-heavy things at the gym, and drawing strange little creatures in his sketchbooks.

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor

JULIUS FREDRICK

Senior Editor

LINDA PERSIGEHL

Senior Staff Writer

KIM CARPENTER

Contributing Writers

MEGAN BARTHOLOMEW · LEO ADAM BIGA · EMILY CHEN-NEWTON

ALICIA HOLLINS · DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN · SARA LOCKE

NATALIE McGOVERN · SUSAN MEYER

CHASE MURPHY · WILLIAM RISCHLING

DOUGLAS “OTIS TWELVE” WESSELMANN · MIKE WHYE

CREATIVE

Creative Director

MATT WIECZOREK

Graphic Designer II

RENEÉ LUDWICK

Graphic Designer I

RACHEL BIRDSALL

Contributing Photographer

SARAH LEMKE

SALES DEPARTMENT

Executive Vice President

Sales & Marketing

GIL COHEN

Branding Specialists DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN

Contributing Branding Specialists

GREG BRUNS · TIM McCORMACK

Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor SANDY MATSON

Senior Sales Coordinator ALICIA HOLLINS

Sales Coordinator SANDI M cCORMACK

OPERATIONS

Business Manager KYLE FISHER Ad Traffic Manager DAVID TROUBA Digital Manager LUIS DE LA TOBA

Distribution Manager & Explore! Curator DAMIAN INGERSOLL EXECUTIVE Executive Publisher TODD LEMKE Associate Publisher BILL SITZMANN

L D C E A of 8 15 22

» EXHIBITIONS «

YOU’RE HOME: A HISTORY OF POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY

rough May 6 at Anne and John P. Nelson Gallery, PACE Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 South 6th St., Council Bluff s, IA. Features historic artifacts provided by Pioneer Trail Museum, Walnut Creek Historical Museum, Western Historic Trails Museum, Squirrel Cage Museum, Rails West Museum, Sweet Vale of Avoca Museum, and more. 6-9pm. Friday; 12am4pm. Saturday. Admission: Free. 712.890.5600. —paceartsiowa.org

JOE ADDISON

Through May 10 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. Features work by the Omaha-based visual artist who specializes in historic and experimental photographic processes. By appointment only, 9am-4pm. Monday—Friday. 402.595.2122. —artscouncil.nebraska.gov

MODERN QUILTING ON THE PRAIRIE

Through May 14 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. Th is special collaboration with the Omaha Modern Quilt Guild and the International Quilt Museum (IQM) in Lincoln features approximately 40 quilts created by members of the Quilt Guild or loaned by the IQM. Visit this exhibition to learn more about the diversity and techniques of modern quilting alongside the historical works from IQM. 11am-5pm. Wednesday—Sunday. Admission: Free. 531.375.6643. —gallery1516.org

9 16 23

EVENTS

WASHED ASHORE: ART TO SAVE THE SEA

Through May 14 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. A traveling art exhibit created from marine debris collected from Oregon’s beaches, this show creatively demonstrates how problematic plastic pollution is to the environment. Giant sculptures of sea life, made from reclaimed trash, graphically illustrate the tragedy of plastic pollution in our ocean and waterways. The epic exhibition includes a titanic triggerfi sh, a pair of grand penguins, and an 11-foot-long shark named Chompers. 9am-5pm. daily. Admission prices vary. 402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

DESCENDANTS OF DEWITTY

rough May 28 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Th is 25-photo exhibition shares the history of the people of DeWitty, later known as Audacious, the largest and longest-lasting African American settlement in rural Nebraska. Th e settlers, including former slaves who had fled to Canada before the Civil War and their descendants, began to arrive in 1906 attracted by the 1904 Kinkaid Act’s off er of 640 acres of free land in the Sandhills. 12-4pm. Sunday; 10am-4pm. Tuesday—Saturday. 402.444.5071. —durhammuseum.org

BEYOND THE GOLDEN GARDEN WALL BY ANTHONY DEON BROWN

Through May 29 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Deon paints surrealistic imagery in acrylic on canvas, predominantly occupied by an array of colorful subjects with simple, but intense color palettes. Th is show gives the viewer a sneak peek into what Deon sees when he closes his eyes, fi nding peace and tranquility in a place in his mind called "Garden of Dhya." 402.346.4002. —lauritzengardens.org

IN THE BEGINNING: THE ARTIST SAMUEL BAK

rough June 4 at the Samuel Bak Museum: e Learning Center, University of Nebraska-Omaha, 2289 S. 67th St. Th is chronological and thematic selection of Bak’s paintings and drawings from 1946 through 2022 showcases the arc of his artistic career over eight decades. The exhibition features watercolors and drawings done in the Vilna ghetto during the Nazi occupation of the city, abstract works from the sixties, and his renowned metaphysical paintings. Bak’s work weaves together personal and Jewish histories through a series of layered metaphors to articulate an iconography of his Holocaust experience. 10am-4pm. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 10am-6pm. Thursday; 12-4pm. Sunday. Admission: free. 402.554.6100. —unomaha.edu/samuel-bak-museum-thelearning-center/collections-exhibitions

ARTSY MOMMY

May 5 at Sunderland Gallery, St. Cecilia Cathedral, 715 N. 40th St.

A celebration of motherhood and children. Features one-of-a-kind, handmade art, crafts, toys, and dolls from local artists and international Fair-Trade producers. 5-7pm. 402.558.3100. —cathedralartsproject.org

MAY 2023 // 7 //

JAMES SURLS: NIGHTSHADE AND REDBONE

rough Aug. 13 at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St. Features work by the internationally recognized sculptor, one of the most preeminent artists living and working in the United States, whose sculptures, drawings, and prints reflect his unique sensibility regarding natural forms. 11am-5pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 11am-8pm Thursday. 402.341.3800. —thekaneko.org

THE LUNCHBOX: PACKED WITH POP CULTURE

rough Sept. 3 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Featuring hundreds of lunchboxes as well as one-of-a-kind original paintings on loan from local lunchbox collector Mark Kelehan, the display provides an overview of the history of lunchboxes, insight into the production process, and an educational introduction into the dynamic world of collecting. The Lunchbox demonstrates how lunchboxes are time capsules of American pop culture from the 1950s through the 1980s. 12-4pm Sunday; 10am-4pm Tuesday—Saturday. 402.444.5071. —durhammuseum.org

PRESENCE IN THE PAUSE: INTERIORITY AND ITS RADICAL IMMANENCE

May 20—Sept. 17 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. Th is group exhibition features work that focuses on the complexity of our everyday relationships through portraits and domestic scenes that examine personhood, memories, and the speeding up and slowing down of contemporary life. 11am-5pm. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; 11am-9pm. Thursday. Admission: free. 402.341.7130

—bemiscenter.org

JENNIFER LING DATCHUK: EAT BITTERNESS

May 20—Sept. 17 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. An exploration of the artist’s layered identity as a woman, a Chinese woman, an American, and a third-culture kid. Trained in ceramics and working with porcelain and other materials often associated with traditional women’s work such as textiles and hair, Datchuk’s practice discusses fragility, beauty, femininity, identity, and her personal history. 11am-5pm. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; 11am-9pm. Thursday. Admission: free. 402.341.7130.

—bemiscenter.org

STAGE PERFORMANCES

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

rough May 7 at Omaha Community Playhouse 6915 Cass St. The gleefully gruesome cult comedy with an infectious 60s-style score. Seymour, a nerdy store clerk at Mushnik’s flower shop, is thrust into the spotlight when he happens upon a new breed of carnivorous plant. But his newfound fame comes at a cost when Seymour discovers the sassy seedling has an unquenchable thirst for human blood. Ravenously fun, dripping with camp and nostalgia. 402.553.0800.

—communityplayhouse.com

BRAD UPTON

May 3 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. The comedian, actor, writer, and track coach brings his trademark humor to Omaha. 7:30pm. 402.493.8036.

—omaha.funnybone.com

JETE—BLACK BOY JOY

May 4 at the Highlander Accelerator. 2112 N. 30th St. Th is in-person and live-streamed panel discussion will illuminate the positive black image created by some of the most significant Black male choreographers and dancers from and living in Omaha; featuring the work of PHILADANCO. 6:30pm. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

TAKE UP SPACE TEEN OPEN MIC

May 6 at Project Project, 1818 Vinton St. Come out for a teen open mic night designed for writers age 13-19. Th is event moves throughout the city to meet writers in their own neighborhoods. 6-7:30pm.

—facebook.com/weareprojectproject.

PHILADANCO!

May 6 at the Orpheum eater, 409 S. 16th St. Founded in 1970, The Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO) is recognized for its artistic integrity, superbly trained dancers, and electrifying performances. With a legacy of breaking barriers and building bridges across cultural divides, PHILADANCO is celebrated for its innovation, creativity, and preservation of predominantly African-American traditions in dance. 7:30pm. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

WILLA CATHER’S “ONE OF OURS”

May 9 at St. Cecilia Cathedral, 715 N. 40th St. CAP partners with the Willa Cather Foundation to explore Cather’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, One of Ours , on the 100th anniversary of its publication. 7pm. 402.558.3100.

—cathedralartsproject.org

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PIRATES OF PENZANCE

May 12—14 & 19—21 at PACE Chanticleer Community eater, 1001 S. 6th St, Council Bluff s, IA. Th e comic opera centers around Frederic, who, having completed his 21st year, is released from his apprenticeship to a band of tender-hearted pirates. He meets the daughters of Major-General Stanley, including Mabel, and the two young people fall instantly in love. Frederic soon learns, however, that he was born on the 29th of February, and so, technically, he has a birthday only once each leap year. Times vary. 712.890.5600.

—paceartsiowa.org

THE WIZARD OF OZ

May 13 & May 14 at the Orpheum eater, 409 S. 16th St. Th is interpretation of the beloved Oz story features iconic characters Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Good Witch, the Wicked Witch of the West, and, of course, the Wizard himself. A fast-paced, entertaining spectacle, the performance tells the story in styles, ranging from th.e grandeur of classical ballet to the energy of large-scale musical theater. 7:30pm Monday; 2pm Tuesday. 712.890.5601

—amballet.org

ABOUT MICHAEL BLAUSTEIN

May 20 & 21 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. The internationally touring headlining comedian and accomplished actor performs in Omaha for this limited engagement. Times vary. 402.493.8036. —omaha.funnybone.com

CONCERTS

A CHORAL KALEIDOSCOPE

May 1 at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 324 S. Jackson St., Papillion. Features a spring concert by girls, boys, women, and the master chorale of Sing Omaha. 6pm. 402.933.7234

—singomahachoirs.org

JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT

May 2 at the Orpheum eater, 409 S. 16th St. Th e four-time Grammy-Award winner brings his music to the stage alongside special guest Amythyst Kiah. 7pm. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

FOREIGNER

May 3 at Liberty First Credit Union Arena, 7300 Q St., Ralston. Features the legendary British-American rock band and their top, iconic hits. 8pm. 402-934-9966.

—libertyfi rstcreditunionarena.com

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?

May 19 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. If you are a “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” fan, get ready for the same relentless laughter that you grew to love, but without the commercial breaks. If you are new to improv comedy, then you are in for a show unlike anything you’ve ever seen before with masterful improv artists Ryan Stiles and Greg Proops, both seen on the hit show, as well as Jeff B. Davis and Joel Murray. 7:30pm. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com

HECTOR ANCHONDO

May 5 at the Rusty Nail, 14210 Pierce Plz. The winner of the 2020 International Blues Challenge brings his singular talent to the stage for onenight only. 6:30pm. 402.933.9753.

—rustynailomaha.com

TYLER BOOTH: THE REAL COUNTRY TOUR

May 5 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. The artist from eastern Kentucky brings his spin on “real country” to Omaha during his latest tour. 8pm. 402.345.7569.

-–theslowdown.com

TOUCH OF GREY

May 5, at Rathskeller Bier Haus, 4524 Farnam St. Features live, classic rock, mostly by the Grateful Dead. 7pm. 402.991.7724

—rathskelleromaha.com

AN EVENING WITH INVOKE CONTEMPORARY STRING QUARTET

May 5 at Vesper Concerts, 1517 S. 114th St. Described as “not classical…but not not classical” Invoke continues to dodge attempts at genre classifi cation. Th e multi-instrumental band’s other ‘not-nots’ encompass traditions from across America, including bluegrass, Appalachian fiddle tunes, jazz, and minimalism and weaves these styles together to create individual music written by and for the group. 7pm.

—vesperconcerts.org

STAR WARS: RETURN OF THE JEDI IN CONCERT

May 6 & 7 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Watch “Return of the Jedi” as Ernest Richardson and the Omaha Symphony bring you a live-to-picture performance of John Williams' exhilarating score. 7:3pm Saturday; 2pm Sunday.The Force is strong with this one! 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

DORIAN

WOOD, CANTO DE TODES

May 6 at Low End, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. Dorian Wood’s “Canto de Todes” (“Song of Everyone) is a 12-hour composition and installation. Inspired by a lyric of the late Chilean singer and songwriter Violeta Parra, the project emphasizes the urgency of folk music as a vessel for social change. 11am-11pm. 402.341.7130. —bemiscenter.org

ONYX

May 7 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Celebrate the 30th-year anniversary of “BACDAFUCUP.” Also features R.A. Th e Rugged Man. 6:30pm. 402.884.5707. —reverblounge.com

ILLUMINARE

May 7 at First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St. A concert by Omaha Symphonic Chorus. 3pm. —omahasymphonicchorus.org

DEEPER

May 10 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Features Deeper plus Bad Self Portraits & Pagan Athletes. 8pm. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

BUDDY GUY: DAMN RIGHT FAREWELL

May 11 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. An evening with the legendary American blues guitarist and singer, who has influenced generations of guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, and Stevie Ray Vaughan and is one of the fi nal surviving connections to Chicago’s electric blues. 7:30pm. 402.345.0606. —ticketomaha.com

JOE RAINEY

May 11 at Low End, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. The artist, a Red Lake Ojibwe from Minneapolis, a city with one of the largest and proudest Native American populations in the country, demonstrates his command of the Pow Wow style, descending from Indigenous singing that's been heard across the waters of what is now called Minnesota for centuries. 8pm. 402.341.7130.

—bemiscenter.org

NOISEFEST

May 12 at Project Project, 1818 Vinton St. The experimental music festival features performances by local and touring noise musicians. Attendees will be immersed in the genre of noise, with sensory-rich performances in multiple spaces inside and immediately outside of the venue. 5-10pm.

—omahamobilestage.org/events/noisefest

RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S THE SOUND OF MUSIC

May 13 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 113 N. 18th St. The Trinity Cathedral Choir performs songs from the beloved musical in the cathedral nave. 7pm. 402.342.7010.

—trinityepiscopal.org

YOKE LORE

May 13 at e Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Brooklyn-based project Yoke Lore is the new musical venture of Adrian Galvin, previously of Yellerkin and Walk the Moon. Yoke Lore layers the harmonies of Panda Bear, the soulful beats of M83, and the modern pop of Blackbird Blackbird to tell "the stories of how we are bound.” 7pm. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE

May 14 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. Th is free, ticketless event features performances by the Salem Baptist Choir, Enjoli & Timeless, Omaha Girls Rock, the Nebraska All-Stars, and the Central High School Jazz Band to celebrate the opening of Omaha’s newest live music venue. 11am-5pm. 402.345.0202.

—steelhouseomaha.com

BAGELS AND SOMETIMES BACH

SUNDAY MUSIC SERIES: OLGA SMOLA & YULIA KALASHNIKOVA

DANIEL RODRIGUEZ

May 12 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Features Rodrigues and Trapper Schoepp. 8pm. 402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

BILLY CURRINGTON

May 12 at Liberty First Credit Union Arena, 7300 Q St., Ralston. Features the country singer and songwriter, the only country music artist in US Billboard Country Airplay chart history to have a song in the number one spot gain an audience of nearly 9,500,000 over another country music artist's song in the number two spot. 5:30pm. 402.934.9966.

—libertyfi rstcreditunionarena.com

REWIND—CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF THE 80S

May 13 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Come along on a musical time warp with Omaha Symphony to a time when big hair and parachute pants ruled. Th is fun-fi lled show will have audiences singing and dancing in the aisles with the greatest songs of the 80s. A six-piece band of top players will join the Omaha Symphony orchestra in featuring songs from amazing artists such as George Michael, Mister Mister, Irene Cara, Kool & The Gang, Joan Jett, Sheena Easton, The Cure, and more. 6:30pm. 402.345.0606.

—omahasymphony.org

May 14 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. Th is special Mother’s Day performance closes the Spring season of Gallery 1516’s Sunday morning music series with a performance by Olga Smola on violin and Yulia Kalashnikova on piano. 11:30am. 531.375.6643.

—gallery1516.org

JOHN RUTTER’S “THE RELUCTANT DRAGON”

May 14 at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 113 N 18th St. The Trinity Cathedral Choir performs John Rutter’s “Th e Reluctant Dragon” in the cathedral nave. 2pm. 402.342.7010.

—trinityepiscopal.org

RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

May 15 at the Orpheum eater, 409 S. 16th St. Features songs from Abbey Road & the Rooftop Concert LIVE, in addition to all your favorite hits. Th is mind-blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is the next best thing to seeing the Beatles. 7:30pm. 402.345.0606.

—ticketomaha.com

NARROW HEAD

May 16 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Also features Graham Hunt, Glow, and Ivory Days. 8pm. 402.884.5707. —reverblounge.com

THOMAS RHETT: HOME TEAM TOUR 23

May 18 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. The singer and songwriter performs his best-known hits. 8pm. 402.341.1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

LIZZO: THE SPECIAL 2OUR

May 19 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Th e singer, rapper, and fl autist stops in Omaha during her 2023 world tour. 8pm. 402.341.1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

VISCEROUS

May 19 at e Drinkery, 3012 N. 102nd St. Features special guests Pathos & Logos. 6pm. 402.572.9400

—facebook.com/TheDrinkery402

SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS

May 20 at e Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Also sometimes known as SCOTS, the American rock band formed in 1983 in Chapel Hill, NC, and is known for playing country and rockabilly songs featuring humorous lyrics inspired by the American South. 8pm. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

HIGDON & MENDELSSOHN 5

May 21 at the Strauss Performing Arts Center; 6305 University Dr. N. Omaha Symphony Principal Viola Thomas Kluge gives the Omaha premiere of Jennifer Higdon’s Viola Concerto, a work that shines a spotlight on the instrument’s expressive sensitivity. 2pm. 402.342.3836. —omahasymphony.org

TESLA: TIME TO ROCK!

May 26 at e Admiral, 2234 S. 13th St. The legendary hard-rock band stops by Omaha on this leg of their 2023 tour. 8pm. 402.706.2205. —the admiral.com

TRIVIUM

May 30 at e Admiral, 2234 S. 13th St. In addition to the headliner, the night features performances by Beartooth, Archetypes Collide, and Malevolence. 6:30pm. 402.706.2205. —the admiral.com

FAMILY, FESTIVALS, COMMUNITY, & MORE

A GENERATION OF HOPE: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF THE HEARTLAND

THE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL OF NEBRASKA

May 6 at Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Patch, 11001 S. 48th St., Papillion. Grab a turkey leg and step back in time when royalty ruled and knights really were in shining armor. Full contact equestrian jousting, six unique performance stages featuring local, regional, and national talent, over a hundred costumed characters, and many one-of-a-kind artisans await you at this majestic festival. Two diff erently themed weekends, featuring two diff erent adventures. 10am6pm. 402.331.5500.

—bellevueberryfarm.com

OMACON 2023: THE FORGOTTEN WAR

May 6 at the Omaha Police Offi cers Association Hall, 13445 Cryer Ave. The public is invited to bring their Korean War subjects from 1950— 1953 as we mark 70 years since the end of the confl ict with special awards for the best entries. 9am.

—fortcrookipms.com

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

May 6 at Krypton Comics, 2809 S. 125th Ave. Comic book giveaways are just a part of this annual event, which also includes photo ops with costumed characters, free sketches, appearances by regional artists and more. 10am-6pm.

402.391.4131

—kryptoncomicsomaha.com

LAVISTA SPRING KITE FESTIVAL

May 7 at LaVista Soccer Complex, 7346 S. 66th St., LaVista. Bring your whole family to this free event for an afternoon of kite-fl ying fun. You’ll see some of the world’s largest and most creative kites! Don’t forget your own kite to fl y and a bag for the kite candy drops, which take place throughout the event. 11am-4pm.

—cityofl avista.org

HIO HOP LAB

May 19 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. Th is free, ticketless event features performances by DJ Crabrangucci, M-1, Hi-Tek and D. Prosper. 7pm. 402.345.0202.

—steelhouseomaha.com

COMPAGNIA TPO’S BUTTERFLIES & SQUONK”S HAND TO HAND

May 20—May 21 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. Two immersive theater experiences on the Steelhouse Omaha stage and outside patio. Interact with lights and sound inside and with two giant puppet hands outside for a unique and fun-fi lled afternoon. All ages welcome. 1pm & 4pm. 402.345.0202.

—steelhouseomaha.com

rough Sept. 3 at the Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Th is collaborative eff ort between Omaha Children’s Museum and the local Indigenous community is a celebration of the people who have called this region home for thousands of years. Learn about their culture and traditions throughout interactive exhibits, visit a school, learn about the importance of storytelling and the significance of the winter count to that tradition, then create your own winter count. Explore traditional housing and imagine life in an earth lodge, tipi, and much more! 9am-4pm Tuesday—Friday; 9am-5pm Saturday—Sunday. Admission prices vary. 402.342.6164. —ocm.org

CELEBRATE CB: COUNCIL BLUFFS COMMUNITY PRIDE WEEK

May 8 at Bayliss Park, 100 Pearl St., Council Bluff s, IA. The week-long celebration of the Council Bluff s community dates back over 50 years. Th is annual event is a way for the community to get together and celebrate community pride. 1pm.

—the712initiative.org

TOAST NEBRASKA WINE FESTIVAL

May 12 at Stinson Park, Aksarben Village, 2285 S. 67th St. Presented by the Nebraska Winery & Grape Growers Association, Toast celebrates Nebraska wines with the majority of Nebraska wineries in attendance, off ering more than 100 wines to sample plus live music, educational sessions, shopping, and food. 4-9pm.

—toastwinefest.com

DISNEY’S ALADDIN KIDS

May 12-13 at Millard West High School Performing Arts Center, 5710 S. 176th Ave. Welcome to the marketplace of Agrabah, where the fantastic tale of the street rat who became a prince takes place. Th is stage adaptation of the Disney fi lm specifically for younger performers features hit songs including “Friend Like Me” and “A Whole New World.” 402.715.6000.

—mwhs.mpsomaha.org

CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL

May 12—14 along historic South 24th St., South Omaha. The city’s largest festival features live music and entertainment, carnival rides, food, and more. Times vary.

—cdmomaha.com

SONGFEST

May 12 at St. Cecilia Cathedral School, 3869 Webster St. Features the annual performance by St. Cecilia students. 1:30-2:30pm. 402.556.6655. —stcecilia.net

FLORENCE DAY

May 13—14, North 30th Street; Parade: May 13, 1-3pm, Miller Park to McKinley St. Organized by the Florence Historical Foundation, this Omaha neighborhood celebrates its heritage each year with a parade and many other activities. —historicflorence.org

QUEER TABLE TALK: FAITH AND THE QUEER COMMUNITY

May 23 at Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center, UNO, 6400 University Drive, S. A community conversation led by Inclusive Communities. 6-7:30pm. 402.391.4460. —inclusive-communities.org

PATRIOTIC PARADE & CONCERT

May 27 at the Gene Leahy Mall, Downtown Omaha. An event honoring the nation’s Gold Star families and veterans that includes the Tuskegee P-51 Mustang, the “Rise Above” traveling exhibit, and Fort Riley’s Mounted Color Guard. The free concert follows the roll call honoring fallen loved ones. 402.612.0210. —patrioticproductions.org

OMAHA BURGER BATTLE

TOWERS OF TOMORROW WITH LEGO® BRICKS

May 27—Sept. 3 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Th e exhibition features 20 astonishing skyscrapers from North America, Asia and Australia constructed in breathtaking architectural detail by Ryan McNaught, one of only 12 LEGO®-certified professionals in the world. 12-4pm Sunday; 10am-4pm Tuesday—Saturday. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

COMPAGNIA TPO’S BUTTERFLIES & SQUONK”S HAND TO HAND

May 20 & May 21 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. Two immersive theater experiences on the Steelhouse Omaha stage and outside patio. Interact with lights and sound inside and with two giant puppet hands outside for a unique and fun-fi lled afternoon. All ages welcome. 1pm & 4pm. 402.345.0202. —steelhouseomaha.com

SUMMER READING KICKOFF

May 21 at Sump Memorial Library, 222 Jeff erson St., Papillion. Th is all-ages event includes campfi re lunches, lawn games, balloon animals, face painting, and live music to kick off summer reading. 11am-1pm. 402.597.2040. —papillion.libcal.com

May 27 at Stinson Park, Aksarben Village, 2285 S. 67th St. Omaha's top grill masters will be representing their local neighborhood and fi ghting to the fi nish as they battle it out for best burger in the city. Each competitor will be providing a 2 oz gourmet sliders with up to fi ve toppings for you to judge. The winner will be crowned with the esteemed title of 'Omaha Burger Battle' fi rst place WINNER and holder of the area's best burger. 12-3pm.

—omahaburgerbattle.com

Would you like weekly event recommendations delivered right to your inbox? Open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code (left) to subscribe to Omaha Magazine ’s Weekend Entertainment Guide online.

A+C FILM // STORY WILLIAM RISCHLING

PHOTOGRAPHY BILL SITZMANN

DESIGN RENEE LUDWICK

“The things that make us unique are also the things that make us wonderful.” -K atie Otten

Souls Laid Bare

Katie Otten’s Inner Worlds Web Series Explores Fantasy as Healing

Escapism is a divisive coping mechanism. Certain hobbies hinge almost entirely on a disconnect from reality; submersion into a realm of creativity unconstrained by the outside world. Perhaps the most widely known example is the tabletop role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons. Often shortened to ‘D&D,’ the game has had a fickle relationship with popular culture since its inception in 1974. However, 2017 saw a meteoric resurgence of the property with the release of the game’s fi fth edition ruleset—introducing millions of newcomers to a system of boundless storytelling and self-expression, including Katie Otten.

An Omaha transplant, Otten has established herself as an adjunct theater professor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, a model, a nd an actor.

“I moved here about nine years ago now. I'm from Wisconsin originally, and when I moved here, I thought, ‘Okay, I'll just be here for about a year or so for a contract at a theater and then I'm gonna go off somewhere else.’ But I ended up really fi nding my people here and fi nding that Omaha was a really cool, welcoming place,” she explained. “I really like that anything you put your mind to, you can do, and it's maybe easier in some places, maybe there'll be more resources, but there's always going to be people to support you and to help make it happen. You can afford to be here and do it, where with some cities you defi nitely can't.”

No story of success is without struggle, Otten’s notwithstanding. A characteristic common to people possessing great talent is a paralyzing lack of confidence—a wall that Otten threw herself against repeatedly.

“When I went to school for acting in Wisconsin, I only wanted to be an actor, that’s all I cared about. Th ing is, all of the other actors had this extreme confidence,” she recalled. “They would be on stage and just sparkle and command attention. In comparison, I was so scared and confused, I had really bad confidence issues. After two years of working my butt off and not figuring out how to fi nd that confidence the teacher sat down with me and said, ‘Y’know, maybe you’re just not meant to be an actor.’ Th at destroyed me. I wondered what I was going to do with my life…it was all I ever wanted.”

Reminiscing on this painful memory, Otten’s voice never wavered with regret, bitterness, nor self-pity. It was recalled with the same reverence and appreciation of a cherished memory—one of personal growth.

“Th at’s when I tried teaching, and teaching forces you to be confident even if you don’t feel it,” she continued. “You have to pretend you are for the students’ sake. Pretending to be confident actually made me confident; I faked it until I made it.”

Th is steeled optimism propelled Otten throughout her career, eventually leading to the creation of her passion project: Inner Worlds. Uploaded to YouTube for anyone to watch for free, the Inner Worlds web series follows a group of friends as they navigate their daily lives. These characters are vastly different from one another, but are united in their love of D&D. It is through fantasy and roleplaying that the players share and shed their anxieties, and together, process real-world traumas.

Now on its second season, Inner Worlds is an extension of Otten, wearing its uniquely bright outlook of the world on its sleeve, no matter how dark things may get.

“I started writing when the pandemic started. I lost a whole bunch of paid gigs. And I was like, ‘Oh, what am I going to do?’ And I always had sort of wanted to write something related to D&D, because I'm a huge Dungeons & Dragons fan. I was really interested in the show The Guild with Felicia Day, which is about an online game but it had little five minute episodes,” Otten said. “And I was like, this seems like a really cool way to

digest information and focus only on what's important in the story. And so I thought, I can write something like that maybe. And once I started to write it, then I was like, ‘Oh, well now I'm really invested in this, I have to make it.’ So there was no going back. It was right at the beginning of the pandemic, really, and it's kind of never stopped.”

Jessica Johnson, director of Inner Worlds and a close friend of Otten’s, explained, “She's probably one of the most generous artists I think I've ever worked with. She is very open about sharing her work and sharing the creative process with other artists. While at the same time being very confident in what she's created which makes it really easy to create something collaboratively. She is probably one of the most joyful people I've been around.”

It can be a frightening prospect to lay bare one’s individuality, whether playing a tabletop game with friends or creating a show for strangers—a risk Otten embraces and encourages.

“There are still times where I doubt myself but I have to remind myself that everyone has something to contribute, a story to tell, and everyone should get that opportunity,” she beamed. “I’ve made something that wouldn’t exist if I didn’t make it. I think that’s a reason to do anything. It can be hard but you have to remember that your unique self is something to be cherished instead of being afraid of.”

“The things that make us unique are also the things that make us wonderful.”

Visit

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

How Anthony Peña

Drew Hope from Tragedy

Dalton Carper’s 2020 photo captured then 7-year-old Zuri Jensen standing atop a truck with her face skyward and one arm raised in a fist of solidarity with Omaha Black Lives Matter protesters. Famed Omaha artist Watie White introduced fellow artist Anthony T. Peña to the viral image. Pena’s resulting poster and mural became synonymous with hope, catapulting him from obscurity to national r ecognition.

“It’s amazing how art brings people together. We all make up this story of hope,” said Peña, 55, a Metro Area Transit bus operator. “The photo says so much. I wanted to use my First Amendment right to say something, too, but in a different way. At first my drawing was black and white. As I kept running through concepts, I added yellow. At first, Zuri wasn’t holding a sign. I saw where someone commented they saw hope in the photo, I thought it would be perfect for her holding a sign that says hope.”

The signed poster sold out, becoming a collector’s item same for a T-shirt print. Proceeds of The Hope Project were shared with Carper, the Jensens, and Culxr House.

“It’s amazing how people react to the images. It feels really good that people gravitate to the message,” Peña said.

His experience proves recognition often comes when lea st expected.

“I guess it was just time. Before 2020 my artwork might as well have been nonexistent. The only place you could see it was on Instagram,” Peña reflected. “I would get likes here and there, but nothing substantial. Watie White liked one of my posts. I reached out to him to meet for coffee. I had a whole lot of questions and he gave me a lot of good advice on how to get my artwork out there. I took it that was a real ga me-changer.”

Peña and White subsequently collaborated with Bart Vargas, Patty Talbert, and Ang Bennett on the 18-by-24-foot “Hope” mural in NoDo. The Jensens help ed paint it.

“I was nervous. These artists are established and here I was, a new kid on the block,” Peña said.

Winter storm damage in 2022 forced the mural’s removal. It’s being repainted while a new site is be ing scouted.

Previously, Peña drew exclusively for family and friends.

“My mom bought me sketchbooks, but I would always draw them up and end up drawing on the walls, in books,” he said. “She didn’t get upset. She encouraged me.”

A North High teacher urged him to pursue college fine arts studies, which Peña did at the University of Nebras ka at Omaha.

“I didn’t finish because I thought I knew everything,” he conceded. “I didn’t really apply myself as much as I s hould have.”

His work’s stark contrasts and primary colors reflect pop art influences. The selftaught artist learned his craft from comic books, particularly the work of Marvel Comics illustrator John Byrne.

“I loved his style,” Peña said, “the way he did action scenes, his characters’ facial expressions, his realistic depictions of the human body a nd anatomy.”

Peña’s own graphic novel project, “4 OUT OF 5,” imagines a near future when human cloning is big business. He’s both illustrating and writing it.

He’s held “making ends meet jobs” his entire adult life.

“When it comes to loving your craft, you’re going to have to sacrifice a lot ,” he said.

He’s now a full-time artist with a commissioned portrait, mural, and logo projects, though he still drives a Metro Area Transit bus. Whereas before he created out of his apartment, he now has a Hot Shops studi o downtown.

MAT hired Peña to paint a veterans wall mural at its headquarters, and he’s among the featured artists in the Omaha by Design Art and Infrastructure Metro ORBT mur al project.

“It’s fun to be a part of somethin g that big,” he said.

His mural “Up in the Air/Escapism,” a take on daydreaming, adorns the 72nd and Dodge westbound ORBT station.

He finds it surreal seeing his art on public display, or readi ng about it.

“I do a double-take,” Peña said. “It feels like they’re talking about som ebody else.”

He collaborated with Talbert on another mural, “Peace.” He’s also worked with several artists on a mural cube dedicated to Ukraine, plus a Lexington, Nebraska, billboard image he did for Nebraskans for Abor tion Access.

“I’ve been very fortunate. For years, nothing, and since 2020 an incredible ride getting my work out there and people loving it,” Peña said.

White finds Peña’s continued growth “impressive” and “inspiring,” complimenting the artist’s “ability to find joy and meaning i n his work.”

“My work is constantly evolving,” Peña acknowledged. “You don’t ever want to be stale or just be known for doing one thing. I’m really challenging myself to do different mediums and use more color.”

“I love the experience and atmosphere of being around other artists,” he said of his flourishing studio practice. “It’s my second home. I can go there to create. If I want to free my mind I can walk around and check out what other artists are w orking on.”

In yet another personal milestone, last year saw Peña’s first solo exhibition at Benson’s BFF Gallery.

“[My family is] so happy for me,” he said. “For years they pushed me to get my artwork out there. I never really had the confidenc e to do it.”

“Opening night, I felt like I wa s dreaming.”

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-Anthony Peña

"It's amazing how people react to the images. It feels really good that people gravitate to the message."

For over 50 years, Omaha’s 90.7 KVNO has been broadcasting classical music programs, such as Saturdays with the Metropolitan Opera or Friday Favorites featuring cinematic movie scores. On October 21 of last year, KVNO celebrated its 50th anniversary with aplomb premiering an original piece by renowned composer Stacy Garrop performed by the Omah a Symphony.

Garrop, one of the most accomplished freelance composers of her day, has written over 100 commissioned pieces for clients throughout the United States from chamber choirs and symphony halls, to orchestras and opera theaters. She’s had notable works commissioned by the Pittsburg Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Opera Theatre, and the Grammy-nominated choir, Th e Crossing.

When KVNO deliberated on a high-profile composer to feature, Garrop immediately c ame to mind.

While negotiations with KVNO were underway, Garrop discovered a 41-yearold document while cleaning out a filing cabinet: an important piece of family history. Beyond vague ties to Eastern Europe, her father’s side of the family had remained mysterious. In a twist a fate, the document chronicled Berko’s Stacy’s great grandfather journe y to Omaha.

Berko Gorobzoff (later changed to Garrop,) was a Jewish-Ukrainian immigrant to Omaha in 1904. He founded Garrop’s Grocery, where the Spielbound Board Game Café s tands today.

During an executive meeting discussing the commission, Garrop mentioned this connection, noting immigration was at the forefront of the project’s vision and that she could expand on this theme through her own family’s experience. Garrop set to work, researching the perilous time period of Jews fleeing Eka t erinoslav.

“My family’s history is basically that of ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ that was our story,” Garrop said. “They went through religious pe rsecution.”

Situated on the limits of the Pale of Settlement a region originally outlined by the Russian Empire for Jewish containment in 1791 Ekaterinoslav, now Dnipro, Ukraine, was a site of both industry and hardship for Russia’s Jewish population.

In 1904, a year before the bloody Russian Revolution, Berko escaped the city across a backdrop of pogroms and Jewish persecution. Ultimately, Berko and his family found refu ge in Omaha.

“We wanted something that would be a gift to Omaha,” affirmed KVNO station manager, Sherry Brownrigg. “The whole story behind it was that it was just a tribute to the history of Omaha really being made up of so many people from many other incredible melting pots that we have now. We still have so many immigrants coming in and finding their home in Omaha. We felt that really the whole thing was just a gif t to Omaha.”

The Omaha Symphony, helmed by symphony director and maestro, Ankush Kamar Bahl, was excited to partner with KVNO on the project. Bahl had a distinct vision for this piece.

“For 50 years, KVNO has continued to provide locally composed and community supported classical music programming for the great Omaha region. Local classical radio stations like KVNO are rare and to show our gratitude for our longstanding partnership, we [were] excited to premiere a work by award-winning composer Stacy Garrop,” Bahl said. “I look forward to seeing this partnership continue to flourish for year s to come!”

Berko’s Journey consists of three movements. The first, Leaving Ekaterinoslav details the harrowing journey of leaving the city as tensions rise between Jews and Russian proletariats. The second movement, In Transit , is a cinematic soundscape that places listeners aboard a locomotive replete with train whistles and an air of mixed relief and uncertainty as Berko travels westward. The third movement, At Home in Omaha , resonates with hope and new beginnings as Berko and his family arrive in, settle, and embrace their newfoun d community.

“Stacy is a programmatic composer where she tells a story,” Brownrigg noted. “It’s one of those pieces of music that you can see with your mind.”

“There’s chromaticism everywhere and dissonance,” Garrop said. “There is balance in the structure. At first you can’t see what the form is, it’s a skeleton…form is the most important musical parameter.”

A medley of instruments, from brass to wind ensembles, to a principal clarinet playing the lead as Berko, envelops listeners in a poignant musical sojourn interweaving traditional Jewish folk songs and Klezmer music, such as the Miller’s Tears and Tumbalalaika , throughout. The lyrical composition explores the perils and triumphs of Ber ko’s flight.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary gala and longstanding legacy of classical music in Omaha, Berko’s Journey made its debut on the Scott Hall main stage at the Holland Center. The event consisted of two nights, with a performance Friday evening and a live broadcast of the work the following night. A pre-performance 30-minute presentation by Garrop was held as light hors d’ouevres were served.

Since its establishment in 1972, KVNO has continued to promote classical music in the metro. As a public station offering fine arts radio programming, it once partnered with other public stations s uch as NPR.

“We started out as just a radio station, but now we have a smart phone app, we stream from kvno.org, and we’re strengthening them and putting new things into them all the time,” Brow nrigg said.

She hopes that radio and broadcast mediums can continue to reach the average person and inspire a love for the art form, even offering a respite for those feeling burdened by the humdrum of a negative news cycle.

“It’s like an oasis for people. It’s very accessible,” Brownrigg said. “From professors and doctors to truck drivers, it’s for everybody.”

Indeed, as Burko’s Journey illustrates through sound, Omaha is a city flush with opportunity for classical music lovers, artists such as Garrop, and for those seeking a be t ter life.

Visit garrop.com and kvno.org for more information.

“IT’S LIKE AN OASIS FOR PEOPLE. IT’S VERY ACCESSIBLE. FROM PROFESSORS AND DOCTORS TO TRUCK DRIVERS, IT’S FOR EVERYBODY.”

—Sherry Brownrigg

STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

A NOVEL STRAIN O F COMEDY

IMPROV DUO PANDEMIC! @ THE DISCO PROVES LAUGHTER IS CONTAGIOUS

OMAHA IMPROV DUO PANDEMIC! @ THE DISCO HAVE ENJOYED UPROARIOUS SUCCESS, EARNING RAVE REVIEWS AT THE BACKLINE COMEDY THEATRE AND ‘BEST COMEDY ENSEMBLE’ NODS FROM THE OMAHA ENTERTAINMENT AND ARTS AWARDS.

“I never went into it with any expectation it would be anything other than a fun thing I do once in a while,” said Matt Johnson, the other half of Pandemic! @ the Disco. “To see it get that recognition feels really special. It’s v alidating.”

The pair met when Helwig served as music director for a five-person musical improv team that includ ed Johnson.

“Once, only the two of us were available for a show, and we were like, ‘Are we really going to try this ourselves? Okay, I guess we will.’ And it actually worked really well,” Helwi g recalled.

They debuted as a duo in the Backline’s weekly ‘Arena’ series, wherein a democracy of laughs holds court. “You try to keep winning to hold that spot for as long as possible,” she said. “It’s a great way to get featured in a 20-minute slot once a week”

“[We] share a certain passion for storytelling,” Johnson said. “We don’t just do funny musical scenes, we tell a funny musical story with character development and arcs.”

“I think of my work as a storyteller always,” He lwig echoed.

Chemistry and creative dynamism are essential, the pair taking cues not only from each other but from the audience to craft a patchwork narrative via music and com edic timing.

“Because we know each other so well and have been doing improv together so long, we really know where the other thrives,” Helwig said. “I know if I set up something, he’s going to hit a home run.”

Whereas most improv teams practice regularly under a coach, Pandemic is propelled by controlled chaos alone.

Omaha comedian Matt Geiler “has given us notes,” Helwig said, adding, “so I guess in that way he’s a gu est coach.”

“As far as preparing for our own shows,” Johnson said, “we did that at the outset–talking about story structure and wanting certain beats. A few times we’ve revised it over the years. Now we don’t really have to because we’ve done it so many times.”

Despite years of performing together, onstage sparks have n’t fizzled.

“Sometimes I leave the stage feeling there was electricity running through my body,” Helwig said.

“It’s an electric thing happening in the moment,” Johnson affirmed. “Improv is in many ways a conversation between the performers and audience. We do things and we get feedback…and we build from tha t together.”

“We prompt the audience with questions, so we get a lot of information to pull from,” Helwig explained, “and we just r un with it.”

“It’s an intense but ephemeral experience,” Johnson added. “Once that show’s done, it’s gone forever.”

“We have all these ideas laid out but we don’t know what the story’s going to be until we get there,” Helwig said, “except for a villain and a hero. The hero’s tragic flaw prope ls a quest.”

That the storyline and songs are devised on the spot, partly based on audience suggestions, she said, elicits “disbelief” from audiences.

“Especially if they’re unfamiliar with improv, people feel like a magic trick has been pulled on them,” Johnson said.

Backline owner Dylan Rhode admires how the duo comes up with “catchy hooks” and “sincere perspectives,” all with “no fear of going wherever the journey takes them.”

“They are an inspiration to everyone wanting to create improvised musical s,” he said.

Heiwig is also part of “Biscuits,” an improv show that hits the Blackline stage every fourth Friday. Additionally, she coaches the Backline’s musical house team which performs every second and fourth Tuesday and teaches musical improv workshops throughout the Midwest.

She ascribes her penchant for staying busy to her attention-deficit/hyperactivit y disorder.

“I have a theory every improviser has ADHD,” John son laughed.

For his part, Johnson is the creator of an improvised play he hopes to present quarterly, dubbed “Bott le Episode.”

“The gimmick of the show is that I serve the performers actual booze as they come on stage to create characters. It’s all improvised,” he explained.

Improv, like traditional theater, is about “playing pretend,” Johnson said, “but instead of being directed and working from a script, you are the actor, writer, director in a very instanta neous way.”

“The collaboration of ‘writing’ a story together live on stage is so fun,” Helwig said.

Helwig never imagined staying in Omaha beyond a year, but relationships and gigs have kept her here long enough to earn a master’s degree at College of Saint Mary.

She appreciates the “supportive” atmosphere and “many opportunities” af forded her.

“It’s such a family,” she said.

With the bond she and Johnson enjoy, they hope Pandemic! @ The Disco’s creative synergy inspires or perhaps, infects onlookers with a desire to try improv themselves.

“It’s a special thing unlike anything else,” Joh nson said.

Visit backlinecomedy.com for more information.

o get that feedback from both the Backline community and the arts community at large is so sweet,” said Robyn Helwig, an Oregon native who moved to Omaha in 2016 to work at The R ose Theater.

“IMPROV IS IN MANY WAYS A CONVERSATION BETWEEN THE PERFORMERS AND AUDIENCE. WE DO THINGS AND WE GET FEEDBACK…AND WE BUILD FROM THAT TOGETHER.”

-ROBYN HELWIG

Crack the code; solve the murder; avert the alien invasion. These are just some of the challenges set forth by area escape rooms. No matter what impossible situation you have to fight your way out of, you and your nearest and dearest can put your gray matter to the test and see if you have what it takes to beat the clock.

1. MIND MELD ESCAPE ROOM

Westwood Plaza, 28199 S 125th St., Omaha mindmeldescaperooms.com

“Somewhat challenging,” “fairly hard,” and “hardest” are just some of the descriptors of the rooms waiting for escape enthusiasts in Westwood Plaza. Think you and yours have what it takes to defeat a rogue wrestler and defuse a bomb? Can you find an ancient artifact on a remote island before a greedy captain loses his patience? The clock is ticking! Open: Thursday—Friday 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday— Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

2. THE ESCAPE OMAHA

Aksarben Village, 6315 Center St., Omaha theescapeomaha.com

Puzzle lovers have four games to choose from with themes like undercover spy, extraterrestrials, mysterious crime scenes, and murderous mad scientists. All experiences are private, and teams of up to seven people have one hour to “unlock” the room. Forget trying to solve anything on your own; you have to work together to crack the clues. Expect plenty of high-energy, raucous screaming as the seconds tick down. Open: Wednesday—Thursday 4 to 10 p.m.; Friday—Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

3. ENTRAP ESCAPE ROOMS 7905 L St., Ralston entrapescaperooms.com

With only 60 minutes to win, every second counts when trying to crack cryptic clues. Whether stranded at an abandoned, vampireinfested castle, trying to pull off the perfect heist, investigating missing person cases, or attending a co-worker’s party at their mansion, you’ll be challenged, mystified, and sometimes bewildered by these enigmatic rooms. Open: Monday—Tuesday 4 to 9 p.m.; Wednesday—Thursday 4 to 9 p.m.; Friday 12—10:30 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

4. GET OUT OMAHA 501 S 13th St., Omaha getoutomaha.com

The current records for some of this escape room’s challenges stand at between 30 to 38 minutes. Think you can beat those numbers? Try your luck escaping from an enemy bunker, restoring a ruined reputation to save a beloved casino, averting an internet blackout, or escaping a villain in a hotel. Getting out is the ultimate goal in this downtown Omaha escape room. Open: Wednesday 3 to 10 p.m.; Thursday 3 to 10 p.m.; Friday 2 to 11 p.m.; Saturday 12 to 11 p.m.; Sunday 12 to 8 p.m.

5. ESCAPE DE FACTO Westroads Mall, 10000 California St., Omaha escapedefacto.com

The Cafe de Pandora provides a unique approach to this genre of entertainment, and the business claims to boast the largest escape room in the country. More abstract, high-tech puzzles provide a true challenge for the clever and the curious, who must work through multiple rooms as well as a large game area to beat the clock. Requests for hints are almost always necessary, so don’t feel shy about asking for help. Open: Monday—Friday 4 to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday—Sunday 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

6. HOUSE OF CONUNDRUM 2564 Leavenworth St., Omaha houseofconundrum.com

Push yourself to the limits of reason and and test your skills at deduction at the escape room that offers eight different puzzles— some of which have room completion rates of only 1% without hints. Room themes run the gamut from Star Trek and Batman to medieval knights and Sherlock Holmes. Open: Monday—Thursday 12 to 9:30 p.m.; Friday 12 to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday 1:30 to 9:30 p.m.

hover a bedofroastedcornpuree, roastedredpotato,crispybacon, and conft Brussel

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micro greens.

sprouts topped with

DINING FEATURE

STORY BY CHASE MURPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN

DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

NO PASSPORT REQUIRED

A FOREIGN TASTE SERVES WINE,FOOD, AND WORLD CULTURE.

AForeign Taste is a story of connection, passion, family, and experience. This new fine dining establishment is the antithesis to the lockdown, and proved that by opening with their half-capacity soft launch in June 2020. COVID was arguably the most damaging, business-wise, to small, family-owned establishments as well as restaurants. A Foreign Taste checks both these classifiers, yet their food, service, wine, and expertise sustained them through the soft-opening, and they’ve been charming patrons since, following a steady and continuous uphill trajectory.

Owner JT Agenor has taken himself and his daughter, Noelle Agenor, on an annual vacation for over 10 years. These trips generally consisted of picking a new country and spending two or three weeks immersing themselves in the culture. Experiences such as this change an individual in ways that are not always readily apparent. For JT, conversation and time spent shared with new, fascinating people over dinner and a glass of wine were the core moments that led to the opening of A Foreign Taste.

lowly, these annual vacations became more about traveling for wine rather than travel for a vacation,” Agenor reflected. “France, then South Africa, then Australia,” all to experience different wine, he added.

The three aforementioned locations were visited by JT in 2015, 2018, and 2019, respectively. He discovered the final spark of inspiration while in Australia in a tasting room, humbly set toward the back of his hotel’s lobby. JT observed the decorum and ambiance; a long wooden table accommodating 20 chairs, spacious yet intimate, inviting and hinting at an elevated wine experience.

“I wanted to mimic that tasting room. I wanted to bring that experience back to Omaha and share it with everyone,” JT stated. “I remember texting Noelle. I said, ‘I think we should do this.’”

That thought caught fire, and burst into passion. JT returned from Australia in May of 2019, and the doors to A Foreign Taste opened a mere 13 months later. He envisioned a distinctive tasting experience relative to Omaha, and Nebraska as a whole. JT was going to open a tasting room consisting only of foreign wines. His vision was to not only recreate the inspired setting he found in Australia, but to also incorporate all of the wonder, love, and connection he and his daughter experienced during their travels.

His motivation to bring a unique and elevated experience to the metro was tested, but he never faltered. Noelle continuously assisted in the search for the right location to set up shop. JT’s visioned required a small and intimate space, which at the time was rare, if not absent in West Omaha. Several months went by with JT and Noelle touring, researching, and analyzing prospective locations, but none could quite reflect the precise image JT had painted in his mind.

That was until Noelle discovered a promising spot and shared it her father. However, this time, the communication came attached with the idea of not just serving delicate appetizers, but serving full meals to accompany the wine. After all, meal pairings were central to JT’s expertise and certifications regarding fine wines.

“After finding this location, the idea I had for a tasting room almost instantly morphed into a full-blown restaurant,” JT said wit h a chuckle.

“The idea was still there originally,” Noelle added, in reference to small plates accompanying your typical wine tasting. “It just was not what we have now, not in this capacity. This takes the skill and help of a full kitchen staff.”

Cutting the ribbon in West Omaha was a carefully considered move, as there’s only one other authentic European bistro fine dining restaurant in the area. Typically, Omahans need to venture downtown for such cosmopolitan fare. JT intended for this specific dining experience to be more accessible for the ever-expanding community west of 90th Street.

“When a person goes to V. Mertz, Le Bouillon, or here, they are going to experience many of the same things. The plating, the presentation, the service, and even the dishes which are offered are all going to share some commonalties,” JT explained.

A Foreign Taste distinguishes itself, not only by its location, but with its concepts as well. The bistro offers selected dishes from various continents, regions, and countries specifically for their flavor profiles, authenticity, and most importantly, to match wine profiles. A Foreign Taste takes its patrons on a journey, a vacation, to several areas of the planet, and that destination is up to the customer.

“We’re trying to de-merge all our different travel experiences. Whether South Africa, Spain, Italy, Australia, the goal was to mirror those regions and bring them together,” JT said. “We’re importing the wine from those regions. It just makes sense to bring the food as well.”

The most defining and popular offering at A Foreign Taste is the master-crafted chef’s tasting menu. The menu exemplifies the founding principles of the restaurant, rocketing the patron to a different location with each subsequent dish a six-course meal spanning the globe. Diners can choose between the regular or the reserve wine list, and are presented with an explanation for the pairing alongside its regional and cultural history.

“There are interactive portions with the meal and fresh bread served throughout. We say it is a six-course meal, but generally it ends up being around eight or nine dishes,” Noelle said. “We present the food and then let you

enjoy it. We understand that not everyone is going to like every single dish, and we are ok with that reality. This truly is an eating experience. You’re going to talk about them with the group and sit and discuss the ideas and what you personally feel and think with each course.”

Executive Chef Gabriel Bowser works closely with JT on the chef’s tasting menu, which rotates every month and mirrors the flavors of each season. Together, they examine every detail of a new menu to make sure each dish and glass of wine are in perfect harmony. This attention to detail is another element which sets A Foreign Taste apart; their ingredients are all locally sourced, and every dish is made from scratch with a fine-tuned dining experience in mind. A Foreign Taste even churns their own butter and serves it alongside warm, artisan bread fresh from the oven.

Chef Bowser has been in the food industry since he was 16 years old. He matches JT’s passion and enthusiasm for wine and food. His drive and expertise are best summed up by the following accolades: he began his cooking career with fast food during high school; he studied under the tutelage of Clayton Chapman, a five-time James Beard nominee and chef at a three-star Michelin restaurant; and he is now the executive chef of a premiere fine dining restaurant, A Foreign Taste.

The final gift the restaurant brings to customers is a lack of urgency. Dinner at a restaurant is an event in Europe something to be shared and enjoyed with friends, family, and loved ones. A Foreign Taste brings this aspect of other cultures to their tables as well.

“We have no interest in flipping tables,” JT declared. “We want you to enjoy your evening with us. We never rush our customers out the door nor do we make them feel rushed. We intentionally leave you be to enjoy your meal, your drink, and your company.”

These philosophies of food, wine, and community permeate the establishment. A Foreign Taste has collected elements of dining culture from all around the globe, and consolidated them under one roof in West Omaha. For those who’ve traveled to Italy, France, Spain, South Africa, or Australia, and several other countries besides, they can visit them again or for the first time, at A Foreign Taste.

Visit aforeigntaste.com for more information.

WE’RE TRYING TO DE-MERGE ALL OUR DIFFERENT TRAVEL EXPERIENCES. WHETHER SOUTH AFRICA, SPAIN, ITALY, AUSTRALIA, THE GOAL WAS TO MIRROR THOSE REGIONS AND BRING THEM TOGETHER. WE’RE IMPORTING THE WINE FROM THOSE REGIONS. IT JUST MAKES SENSE TO BRING THE FOOD AS WELL. ” JT Agenor

Trout roulade

withsweetpotato, cucumber , andgarlic .

THROUGH T H E G R AP E V I N E

To me, a sommelier is essentially a wine steward, someone that helps teach people around them about the wide world of wine—about quality levels and tradition.”

- Sara Wiebold

SOMMELIER SARA WIEBOLD RAISES A GLASS, EXCITING P OSSIBILITIES FOR N EBRASKA WINE

Today, the word ‘symposium’ calls to mind conference rooms, poster boards, and the presentation of research typically by sober academics, if not, by those who can hold their liquor quietly. But to the greatest minds of ancient Athens, a symposium was an epicurean affair, the ingredients of a dialectic worth its thesis requiring: music, dance, discourse, and most importantly, wine, as made famous by Plato’s tipsy treatise on love, Symposium . In fact, the word symposium translates to “to drink together” from Attic Greek.

While fashion trends, art styles, dogma, and forms of government change with the centuries, Western civilization moves by a steady pulse; an aorta flowing red with wine. Whether over stems of crystal, goblets of brass, or the ceramic kylix of antiquity, wine spills into nearly every era and epoch. Dionysus, the Olympian demigod of wine and festivity, cuts a striking profile a crown of laurels and grapes adorn him, sparkling from the lapel of certified sommelier Sara Wiebold.

“To me, a sommelier is essentially a wine steward, someone that helps teach people around them about the wide world of wine about quality levels and tradition,” Wiebold said. “It’s so steeped in history and geography, and that’s how we taste. People call it a ‘parlor trick’ to smell a wine and go ‘oh, this is pinot noir and it’s from here.’ It’s knowing climate, terroir, winemaking style…there’s a lot of tradition.”

In truth, what appears to the uninitiated as magic is the result of a monastic reverence for viniculture the minute intricacies of cultivating grapes and making wine and the focused, yet multifaceted, expertise of its disciples. For sommeliers of Wiebold’s constitution, the science of wine is equal to custom not only for her continuing education, but her vision of a Nebraska AVA (American Viticultural Area) designation.

“I’m in the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association, the NWGGA […] I’m part of their wine quality advancement and sweetness scale committee, and we’re trying to build consumer trust by coming up with a statewide sweetness scale for a couple different grapes,” Wiebold explained. “Here in Nebraska, we do a lot of fruit wines, and non-vinifera, or hybrid French grapes. On a chemistry/molecular level, a lot of the tannin acid structure that makes wine age-able and keeps wine alive in the bottle falls below optimal levels, so they’re not a complex as some of your traditional vinifera [grapes] but they get better every year.”

Wiebold is counted among Nebraska’s viniculture vanguard, laying the foundation for the state’s burgeoning terroir (the unique natural environment wherein a particular wine is produced) through grape vetting, vineyard stewardship, and tireless enthusiasm for the region’s uncorked potential. More than zeal alone, her optimism is tempered by years of experience.

“It was the same in Missouri when I was there,” Wiebold said, reflecting on her time managing 801 Fish in St. Louis, a fine dining cousin of Omaha’s 801 Chophouse focused on seafood and a 2017 Wine Spectator ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ wine list she curated.

“I had Missouri grapes on my wine list, and each year I would have more guests asking for them which was shocking at the time but it’s part of the reason I know Nebraska wines can continue getting better in quality.

“We’re still on the first generation of winemakers in Nebraska, and in the next five to 10 years we’ll see a jump in quality as a new generation joins in.”

Wiebold was born and raised in Omaha, and it was at the local 801 Chophouse that she initially developed a taste for hospitality in 2015. Encouraged by early success and co workers, Weibold took the introductory sommelier course and exam proctored by the North American branch of The Court of Master Sommeliers, mostly out of curiosity and for the challenge to

her initial surprise, she passed. A new passion was born, and Wiebold sat for and passed the Court’s certified sommelier examination in 2017, a much greater commitment and feat that substantially bolstered her influence over 801 Fish’s wine list. Today, she’s the beverage manager and onsite sommelier at the Arbor Day Foundation’s Lied Lodge and adjoining Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City. Still, Weibold’s return to Omaha was paved with uncertainty, especially since she was packing for two.

“I was pregnant, and it was COVID, and all hospitality was very bleak…” she reflected. “Yeah, you’re super pregnant, you’re sober, and you’re like ‘wow, I don’t even know if I’m going to have a job anymore.’”

Thankfully, Wiebold, with fiancé Brandon Ginsburg, stuck the landing. Their two daughters, Scarlett, 4, and Marlowe, 2, are sources of inspiration albeit, demanding ones at times for Wiebold, 33, as she eyes the green pin of an advanced, or level III, sommelier. Acheiving this level opens the door to the penultimate stage: Master Sommelier, numbering 168 individuals in the Americas and just 25 women among their ranks.

“I got accepted into the advanced course in 2019, was one of only 160 that got accepted that year across the country,” she said. “You have to take that course before you can apply to take the theory exam […] They don’t want you to fail, but it has a notoriously low pass rate.”

Of the Advanced Sommelier Diploma Examination’s three sections theory, tasting, and practical service theory is considered the most difficult. The exam is connected to a rather dire statistic: a 25% average pass rate. At time of writing, Wiebold is preparing to take the exam’s theory portion on April 17, 2023.

“Always stay humble,” Wiebold urged, toward finding success in one’s career. “Always be hungry to learn. Don’t put someone down because they don’t know something you know. Seek things out for yourself.

“It seems hard to get into, but really, you just start taking those first steps and [then] it’s easy to get addicted to it all.”

Visit

FRIED TILAPIA

O h , M ai T hai!

Omaha

Southeast Asian Restaurant

a Perennial Favorite

Even on a Sunday at two o’clock in the afternoon, Mai Thai in Aksarben Village is packed. Little wonder the restaurant delivers some of the most consistently delicious Thai food in the city. Situated across from Stinson Park, the restaurant is one of Omaha’s most vaunted Southeast Asian dining establishments. Mai Thai is well regarded for its broad assortment of Thai cuisine and contemporary interior; high ceilings, walls wrapped in calming blues and grays, and a massive, burnished gold elephant mural that dominates its northern wall. It’s a bit of East meets West, and perfect for a casual lunch or more upscale dinner.

My three dining companions and I ordered an assortment of dishes from the wide-ranging menu to gauge what the kitchen was capable of. For appetizers, we started with the crab Rangoon and coconut shrimp and attempted to order the grilled chicken satay, Dining Companion 1’s favorite. Unfortunately, they were out, a problem that seems to happen regularly a curious reoccurrence for a popular menu item made from a basic, readily available ingredient. We also learned that Mai Thai no longer carries their fresh spring rolls, which was the second hiccup on the appetizer front. The spring rolls offered a nice alternative to the appetizer list, otherwise heavy on the fried breading, so fingers crossed they bring those back at some point in the future and sort out their ongoing chicken satay shortage.

Supply issues aside, portions came out perfect for starters just enough for each person to sample without overindulging. The egg rolls, stuffed with sautéed cabbage and carrots, were fried to a rich golden brown and paired perfectly with the sweet chili sauce. The puffed crab Rangoon dumplings were even more lightly fried, with a delicate crunch on the outside that gave way to a pillowy cream cheese center specked with flakes of crab and slivers of scallion. The coconut shrimp emerged as the table favorite; the battered shrimp coating provided a satisfying backdrop for the coconut flakes, punctuating the succulent shrimp. A sweet dipping sauce with a hint of heat made this appetizer both sought (and fought) after. Next time, we all agreed, we’d go for a double order.

For our main courses, we went far and wide around the menu in an attempt to sample as much as possible. Dining Companion 1 opted for the basil beef with a mild spice level of two. (The kitchen can control the heat in every dish, with diners asked to rank how spicy they’d like their meals based on a one-to-five scale.) Stirfried with lightly sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, the tender beef nestled in a delicate sauce was accompanied by a generous mound of white rice. The abundant use of basil leaves throughout the dish provided a fragrant boost that elevated the umami flavor of the beef.

Dining Companion 2 ordered the Saigon pork chop. Although Mai Thai focuses on cuisine from Thailand, it also offers a smattering of Vietnamese cuisine, and this garnered raves from everyone who savored a bite. Grilled to caramelized perfection, two meaty pork chops, marinated in garlic, honey, and lemongrass, had a melt-in-your mouth texture. The fried egg on top gave the pork just the right balance of jammy creaminess against the charred edges. It was a good sign when Dining Companion 2 glanced quickly at everyone, apologized, and picked the chops up with his fingers so he could eat the remainder of his pork like spare ribs.

Dining Companion 3 tried the crispy chicken, which lived up to its name. Slightly larger than bite-size, the morsels of chicken were coated in a batter that provided a satisfying crunch before giving way to tender meat. Made to a spice level 5, the heat elevated the dish and brought alive sweet slivers of onions, shredded basil, and green and red bell peppers. This is an addictive dish, and even when full, it was a real challenge to stop nibbling as the evening waned.

For my entree, I settled on the fried tilapia with chili fish sauce. Next to the pork chops, this was the most impressive meal in terms of presentation: an entire fish glistening with crispy scallions. The dish required a bit of work to remove the meat from the bones, but was well worth the effort. Flaky and delicate, the pan-fried fish burst with flavor against a tangy, zippy sauce composed of chilies, garlic, and f ish sauce.

Since Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most famous and familiar dishes, we ordered a plate with chicken to share. The noodles, stir fried with scrambled eggs, were evenly coated with a velvety peanut sauce. Topped with bean sprouts and coarsely chopped peanuts, there’s a reason this is a star menu item. Dining Companion 2 added a dash of soy sauce to his plate, while I squeezed lime juice from the provided wedges for an added punch of tartness. Even with four people, we still ended up with ampl e leftovers.

Throughout our meal, we received friendly, solicitous service without feeling rushed. We were given plenty of time to study the menu, and drinks were immediately refilled. There is a reason Mai Thai remains a perennial favorite with Omahans, both for dine-in and take-out service alike, and this meal underscored why. Let’s just hope the owners revisit the decision to remove favorites such as spring rolls from the menu and that they make sure that popular items like the chicken satay are actually available when ordered.

Visit maithaiomaha.com for more information.

MANGO CRAB RANGOON

AMERICAN

BARREL & VINE- $$

1311 South 203rd St., Omaha, NE 68130 - 402.504.1777

Barrel and Vine’s restaurant is an elevated food experience that is made from scratch daily with love in our kitchen. Our menu combines a mixture of Chef driven creative dishes, crave-able comfort meals and premium Nebraska steaks. Barrel & Vine also doubles as a live music venue and offers a rooftop bar, outdoor patio with firepits, and dozens of high end bourbons, scotch, and over 100 wine selections. Come check out an experience that is like nothing else in Nebraska. Open 7 days a week. —bvomaha.com

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

DINING GUIDE

JAMS- $$

7814 Dodge St. - 402.399.8300

17070 Wright Plz, Ste. 100 - 402.810.9600

1101 Harney St. in the OldMarket - 402.614.9333

Jams is an Omaha restaurant legacy, an “American Grill” that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties. The dishes are made with high-quality ingredients that pair well with award-winning wines or creative cocktails. —jamseats.com

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

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

T ED AND WALLY’S - $ 1120 Jackson St. - 402.341.5827

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

ITALIAN

PASTA AMORE - $$

11027 Prairie Brook Rd. - 402.391.2585

Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine, and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as linguini amore and calamari steak, penne Florentine, gnocchi, spaghetti puttanesca, and osso buco. Filet mignon is also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannoli. Monday-Thursday 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 10 p.m. Reservations recommended.

—pastaamore.co m

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 woodfired 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.co m

DINING GUIDE Omaha

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

R OMEO’S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $

90th and Blondo streets

- 402.391.8870

146th St. and W. Center Rd.

- 402.330.4160

96th and L streets

- 402.331.5656

Galvin and Avery roads

- 402.292.2028

29th and Farnam steets

- 402.346.1110

Romeo’s is your friendly, family Mexican food and pizza restaurant. We take real pride in serving our guests generous portions of the freshest, most flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients available. Zesty seasonings and the freshest ingredients combine to ensure the ultimate in flavor. Our savory taco meat is prepared every morning at each location. Make sure to try our chimichangas; they’re the best in town.

—romeosomaha.com

SPECIAL DINING

CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $ 3578 Farnam St.

- 402.345.1708

Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia—Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best Reuben sandwich, we are a Midtown beer-lover’s destination.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Kitchen hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.midnight. Closed Sunday. —beercornerusa.co m

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.co m

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

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.co m

T HE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$

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

Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one-of-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done. Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Dinner nightly at 5 p.m. —droverrestaurant.com

come and

explore.

LET’S PLAN A ROAD TRIP!

NEBRASKA

FEATHERED FRIENDS AT ARBOR LODGE

May 2—11 at the Arbor Lodge State Historic Park in Nebraska City. Bird Day was designed as a special celebration for school children to learn more about birds as part of their nature study. While serving as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, J. Sterling Morton helped promote the two observances together. Delve into this now-forgotten holiday, learn about birds, and participate in a feathered friends scavenger hunt throughout the 52-room Arbor Lodge Mansion. —arbordayfarm.org/events/

JUNKSTOCK May 5—7 at Sycamore Farms in Waterloo. Features 200+ junk and vintage vendors and artisans from our own backyard and all over the country, live music, food trucks, and a free Kids Village. Pet friendly and children 12 and under are free! Junkstock is the place to be for vintage finds, unique antiques, handmade artisan food, and goods, and one-of-a-kind repurposed relics. The three-day curated vintage, junk, and artisan festival that celebrates all things rusty, dusty, and timeless is at the charming century-old Sycamore Farms. —junkstock.com

JURASSIC QUEST May 12—14 at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln. Jurassic Quest is the ONLY place where your family can experience! The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit on tour, featuring true-todetail (and size!) dinosaurs, including a 60-foot-long, sky-scraping Spinosaurus, our 80-foot-long Apatosaurus, and our gigantic to scale Tyrannosaurus. —jurassicquest.com

MYSTERY AT THE MANSION – SIN CITY

May 13 at the Arbor Lodge Mansion in Nebraska City. It has been a year since the Paramount Casino at Arbor Lodge Mansion has been under the ownership of Bobby Flynn, and he’s throwing a party to remember. Invited guests include high rollers, politicians, a showgirl, casino dealers and staff, cocktail waitresses, and Elvis himself! Stakes are high, and there is no limit to what can happen. Whose secrets will be exposed? Who will be the victim of murder? Be prepared for a sinister evening in a city known for its secrets and scandals. —arbordayfarm.org/events/

RAIN – A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES May 16 at the Heartland Events Center, Grand Island. Performing songs from Abbey Road and the Rooftop Concert LIVE, in addition to all your favorites hits. This mind blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is the next best thing to seeing the Beatles. Experience the worlds’ most iconic band and get back to where you once belonged! —visitgrandisland.com

WHISKEY ACADEMY: WHISKEY HISTORY

May 17 at the Slideshow, Lincoln. Focusing on whiskey in the new world, the colonies, and the role it played in the Revolutionary War and American independence, followed by exploiting the Whiskey Rebellion, the Whiskey Ring and ending with the Civil War. Learn how whiskey is intricately intermingled in all of these historical events and, of course, enjoy some whiskey’s along the way! Led by host and instructor, Kip Givens, who is a Master Whiskey Taster, Certified Bourbon Professional and whiskey author. —sideshowspirits.com

DAYTRIPS IN NEBRASKA, IOWA, KANSAS, AND MISSOURI

COMPILED BY Damian Ingersoll

NEBRASKA JUNKATHON May 26—27

In Sargent. Vendors come together for a festival of antiques, food, and more. —facebook.com/junkathonfleamarket

BROWNVILLE FLEA MARKET

May 28—30 in Brownville. More than 300 vendors participate in the spring flea market, held annually during Memorial Day weekend, and more than 200 vendors participate in the fall market. —brownvillehistoricalsociety.org

IOWA

THE VALLEY JUNCTION FARMERS MARKET/MUSIC IN THE JUNCTION

May 28-30

May 4—September 28 at Valley Junction, Des Moines. Home to over 80 weekly vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, plants and flowers, arts and crafts, and prepared foods. Join your friends and neighbors from 4-8pm. Special performances events are scheduled throughout the season. —valleyjunction.com

part in a jury process where all entries are eligible to receive awards and cash prizes. There is also live music, food vendors, kids art activities, and more. —waverlychamber.com

MAIFEST May 6—7 at the Amana Colonies. Dancers, food trucks, and a parade will bring German traditions to this celebration. —amanacolonies.com

IGIRLS’ NIGHT OUT May 4 in Cedar Falls. Get your girls together hit the town for a Girls’ Night Out in downtown Cedar Falls. Enjoy a fun evening of shopping, dining, and making memories in the Cedar Falls Downtown District. The downtown merchants pull out all the stops with great discounts, awesome deals, free samples, prize drawings, and more. —cedarfallstourism.org

ART WALK May 6 at Kohlmann Park, Downtown Waverly. This year marks its 18th anniversary, where artists from the tristate area come to Kohlmann Park to sell their works of media, ranging from: basketry, jewelry, pottery, photography, painting, and more. Artists’ booths line the winding sidewalk with a perfect view of the Cedar River, making a stroll through the park a pleasant way to view and purchase the artists’ creations. During the day, a panel of local art professionals take

DOWNTOWN SHOW AND SHINE May 7 at the Downtown District in Cedar Falls. Take a stroll down Main Street and view a showcase of amazing cars and motorcycles. —cedarfallstourism.org

May 06

SPRING GARDEN Festival May 13 at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden in Des Moines. Shop more than 350 plant varieties hand selected by Botanical Garden horticulturists including unique and tried-and-true varieties grown at the garden. Don’t miss gently used garden and plant themed items like planters, garden tools, décor, and much more. Horticulture staff and volunteers will be onsite for the event. —dmbotanicalgarden.com

82ND ORANGE CITY TULIP FESTIVAL

May 17—20 in Orange City. Celebrate Cutch heritage with beautiful tulips, dances in traditional Dutch clothing, daily parades, old-country foods, and more. —octulipfestival.com

CELEBRASIAN May 26-27 at Western Gateway Park, Des Moines. Experience over a dozen Asian Villages where attendees can delight all five of senses from the authentic asian food, educational activities, to live cultural entertainment. Each year the festival unites the different Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities in Iowa. Since its inception, CelebrAsian has become one of the year’s most anticipated events. Don’t miss out on the largest Asian American event in Iowa, showcasing cultural exhibits, history, food, performance artists, sports, martial arts, and family-friendly activities.

—iowaasianalliance.com

FARMERS MARKET IN THE PARK

May 27 at Arnolds Amusement Park, Okoboji. 40-plus seasonal vendors, a handful of day vendors, live music and yoga with The Studio Yoga and Barre, and more. —vacationokoboji.com

KANSAS

CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL May 6 in Liberal. On the weekend closest to May 5th, a Cinco De Mayo festival is held. The event actually begins on Saturday with the crowning of the Cinco De Mayo Queen and entertainment which is often a professional folkloric ballet team from Chihuahua, Mexico. The group specializes in different traditional styles of Mexican folk dancing which showcase culture, heritage and traditions. Sunday’s events begin with a parade and then later, the festival which includes introduction of the queen, a jalapeno eating contest, entertainment, music, food and much more! —travelks.com

3RD ANNUAL KITE FLY May 13 in Lindsborg. Meet at Coronado Heights, just northwest of Lindsborg and for some good oldfashioned kite flying. Attendees can purchase a kit on the spot and make their own kite to fly. There will be a limited supply of kite kits available. Additionally, Wings of the Wind Kites & Toys will be displaying a variety of kites with flying demonstrations. —travelks.com

2023 ABBYVILLE FRONTIER DAYS

RODEO & BBQ May 18 in Abbyville. The Abbyville Rodeo is much more than just rodeo.  On Friday night, kids attend the rodeo for free. Saturday starts with the Rodeo Parade at 10:30am, followed by Ham & Bean/ Chicken Noodle Dinner at 11:30. The afternoon is filled with family activities. BBQ Meal from 5:00-7:30pm with rodeo following at 8:00pm. —travelks.com

LAWRENCE BUSKER FESTIVAL May 26 in Lawrence. The 16th Annual Busker Festival is a once-a-year-getweird-weekend guests will find unusual entertainment all over historic downtown Lawrence. Attendees are encouraged to

celebrate the comeback with a roster of street performers from all around the world. Magicians, jugglers, musicians, acrobats, and more will perform. It’s a full-on festival with food, libations, and fun around every corner. The Lawrence Busker Festival is the area’s largest gathering of street performers in the area. Visitors can expect family fun with some of the most talented freaks, geeks, artists and musicians around. —lawrencebuskerfest.com/

MISSOURI

May 13

THE DERBY PARTY May 6 in Kansas. Festivities on the historic grounds will include live music by Boogie Nights KC, southern food bites, and NA cocktails provided by Kansas City labels such as Union Horse Distilling Co., Lifted Spirits, Les Bourgeois Vineyards, Bourgmont Vineyard & Winery, Boulevard Brewing Company, PH Coffee, and Daily Culture. Dessert by Poppy’s Ice Cream & Coffee House, on-the-spot photo booth by Picwood; yard games, fun surprises by Worlds of Fun, and so much more. The party celebrates best-dressed and best-hat competitions with special guest judges. Suggested Attire: 70’s summer camp to 70’s sophisticated chic celebrating a decade of individuality and expression. —visitkc.com

HARRY’S HAY DAYS PARADE & FESTI-

VAL May 6 in Grandview. To kick-off the day’s celebration, there will be a parade down Main Street at 9am. Following the parade is a day full of festivities. Main Street will be lined with a variety of vendors for food, crafts, drinks, and much more! There will be fun activities and games for all ages, as well as live music and other entertainment throughout the day. —visitkc.com

LENEXA ART FAIR May 13 in Lenexa. The Lenexa Art Fair is the perfect outing for art enthusiasts and jazz lovers. This one-day, outdoor, juried art fair features about 50 fine artists from the region, live jazz throughout the day, children’s art activities, food trucks, wine, craft beer and fine spirits tastings. —visitkc.com

WELCOME TO LINCOLN!

Lincoln has earned a reputation as one of the Midwest’s most beloved cities. Home to fine culinary and artistic treasures; a budding live music scene; breathtaking parks, golf courses and trails; a passionate following of numerous sports; and a friendly Midwestern attitude, Lincoln offers the exhilaration of a big city and the serenity of the countryside, all in one place. Lincoln is host to many sporting events, concerts, attractions and museums that capture the unique interests from all over the world and offers literally hundreds of choices of where to eat, sleep, work, shop, relax and play. With over 131 miles of trails for biking, running, walking and exploring, you can see all parts of this unique city and experience for yourself what makes Lincoln a popular destination for travelers.

Plan your exciting visit today by visiting lincoln.org.

Canoes, kayaks, tubes… AND CATTLE TANKS.

COUNTRY ROOTS FEST KC May 13 at Legends Fields in Kansas. Bust out those boots, KC! Don’t miss the all-new Country Roots Fest— enjoy live performances from country music sensations. —inkansascity.com

May 13

TWISTED FLYING FESTIVAL: HOT AIR BALLOON GLOW, LIVE MUSIC, & INFLATABLES May 27 in Lawrence. Enjoy an evening of live music, family fire pits, handcrafted wines, draft hard ciders, and hot air balloons twinkling into the night sky. —zmtwistedwines.com

EVENT TIMES AND DETAILS MAY CHANGE. Visit omahamagazine.com for complete listings. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

Sure, there are a million ways to get down a river. It just so happens that out here we use cattle tanks. It may not be the most conventional choice, but that’s what makes it genius. That, and the fact that they have room for everyone and a giant cooler.

A leisurely mosey down the river; paddling optional. 800-955-4528 | BuffaloBillsAdventures.com

That’s why float trips down the Platte River with Dusty Trails get Buffalo Bill’s Buffalo of Approval.

THE LAST OF ME

Did you know that yeast, a living organism, is neither an animal or a plant? Yes, one of the most useful of single-cell living things, is in a strange middle ground that stretches from tasty to toxic. Yeast is a fungus.

This is a really scary fact, especially if you watched The Last of Us on HBO. You know, that mini-series where an infectious fungus kills off 80% of the human race after unleashing a zombie plague of mushroom monsters that, in one episode, turns my hometown of Kansas City into a post-apocalyptic hell hole comparable to today’s Tallahassee, Florida, where anything that reproduces asexually can cause widespread panic. Fear of fungi could be the next big Culture War issue. Mark my words.

After all, fungus can be very scary. For one thing yeast produces kombucha, that brownish tea that you see at Whole Foods, or on the kitchen counter of those worrisome old hippies who just moved in next door from Oregon, who own a car that plugs into a 220 outlet in their garage replete with a bumper sticker that says, “Don’t Honk if You Hate Noise Pollution.”

If you like beer, wine, or bread, you may have been exposed to dangerous levels of yeast. It’s just true even real root beer needs yeast to exist. So, be a little careful if you visit an A&W restaurant, though, it must be said, the burgers are delish though safer without the bun.

Yes, fungi related to yeast could turn us all into mindless murdering automatons as in The Last of Us. If that happens, we will all wish we had run off to Bora Bora to live as a beachcomber like we’d half planned to do back early in the 21st century when the kids all needed orthodontic braces and new smart phones. We all know that zombies can’t sail, so the South Pacific should be safe, assuming the fungus doesn’t have access to Expedia.

But back to baking bread. It’s my latest passion. The whole process is, in my mind, an adventure.

I mean all you need is flour, water, salt, and a bit of “not animal, not plant life-form.” Mix it all together, careful not to be bitten, let it rise, knock it down, let it rise, knock it down. Let it rise, then pop it into an oven and bake it until it is crusty perfection.

“Where’s the adventure in that,” you ask?

Well, if you’re using a cast iron Dutch oven preheated to 500 degrees Fahrenheit in a kitchen full of curious dogs, anything can happen. Burnt noses, burnt fingers, etcetera, etcetera…etc. etc.…then it’s off to the vet or the ER, and who knows who you might run into out there in the wild. Kombucha freaks, siding salesmen, Florida politicians, or former prom dates.

Some of them might already be infected by the zombie fungus. All of this popped into my head when I was measuring out yeast for a rustic Italian boule. Yeast, my favorite fungi except for Shitakes. Meanwhile, the oven timer is dinging. Pass the butter.

Otis Twelve hosts the radio program Morning Classics with Otis Twelve on 90.7 KVNO, weekday mornings from 6-10 a.m. Visit kvno.org for more information.

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