Omaha Magazine - July/August 2020 - Hotel Edition

JUANJOSÉ RIVAS

· BEAUFIELD BERRY · THE JEWELL · HISTORY TOURS

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 02 0 |

in conjunction with THE

Hotel Edition

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Be s t o f

TH E CITY 'S

Om a h a 2 0 2 1

L E G ITI M ATE B EST O F "

CO N T EST.

Since 1992, Best of Omaha has been a staple of our community, and of Omaha Publications. It is the legitimate "best of" contest in the area, and we take many steps to protect this. We only accept one ballot per verified email, and we also require a minimum of five categories be completed to ensure validity.

Each year brings new categories and old favorites, and we want to hear about all your favorite businesses around Omaha. The categories range from appetizers to luxury cars, and everything in between.

BALLOTS ARE ACCEPTED BETWEEN JULY 1 & AUG. 20.

HELP OMAHA BUSINESSES—YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

14th Annual

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To Order Tickets & for More Information:

www.showofficeonline.com

MEDIA SPONSORS:

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

ONLINE, ON-AIR, ON THE COASTS O mahans C r e at e A rt E v e ry w h e r e

I

nstead of being a year of perfect clarity, 2020 has proven to be a year of change, in a variety of ways. One was the violence sprouting from the protests against the death of George Floyd, which became local on May 30 (one week before our press deadline) with the death of James Scurlock.

Omaha Magazine’s motto is “It’s About All of Us.” To that effect, we have five core company values: community, respect, passion, integrity, and creativity.

We adhere to this motto, and these values, in the creation of our magazine, where we provide our readers with articles about Omahans. We feature people who live in Omaha proper as well as people from the surrounding area. People who create as a hobby and people who have made a career of creating. This month’s issue is all about Arts & Culture.

Creating is something that helped many people who spent this spring in their homes, hunkered down as they tried to avoid COVID-19. Several people are still avoiding leaving their homes as much as possible. Large events have been canceled, and people are replacing those events with other forms of art and culture, whether that means baking, picking up the kids’ colored pencils and reminding themselves how much they enjoy drawing/coloring, learning to play that guitar bought years ago on a whim and left in the corner, or curling up in the corner chair reading a classic novel that has eluded them for years.

If this virus has taught us anything, it is that art and culture play a vital role in our lives. We at Omaha Magazine knew that, which is why we bring you arts and culture-based stories in each issue—those of local artists performing side gigs while working a day job, chefs who have created local restaurants that leave us craving more, and people who have created careers for themselves working in the arts.

One other word of note: July and August around here means voting season for our Best of Omaha contest. Each year brings great new additions to the list. This year, one category I am excited about is “Bloody Marys.” I may need to conduct some research before casting my ballot.

A great Bloody Mary in my book includes the perfect combination of olive juice and horseradish—I can live without the Worchestershire sauce and clam juice. Do you agree or disagree with my choice? Go to bestofomaha.com to cast your vote July 1 through Aug. 20.

* 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.

I have watched performances of Shakespeare from the Globe, read three thick books that I had picked up and put down a couple of times, practiced yoga from free videos, and learned to make candied orange peel.

In Omaha, several organizations provided and/or are continuing to provide online art options, including KANEKO, which is producing the Tessellation Project, and Omaha Community Playhouse, which is holding classes online and has streamed past performances. One of our features takes a look at several arts organizations in the city and how they are showcasing art while staying apart.

Who else is sad that Kurt Andersen has retired? I know we in the editorial department are disappointed to not hear Andersen’s voice on-air anymore. The popular host of American Public Radio’s Studio 360 is originally from Omaha—he graduated from Westside before making his way to the East Coast for college.

Omaha Magazine caught up with him for another feature article.

The magazine then takes readers to Los Angeles—without straying far from our city. Omahan Maurice Bailey has worked with musicians such as Bell Biv Devoe and En Vogue, and created music for movies and television shows. Although his work ultimately comes through L.A., he creates from his Midwestern home.

Our final feature this issue celebrates the Omaha Symphony. The venerable organization turns 100 this year, and prepares to say goodbye to music director Thomas Wilkins. His final season (2020-2021) might include performances by well-known guests such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma, saxophonist Branford Marsalis, and musical group Pink Martini.

“We strive to bring you a variety of arts and culture-based stories in each issue.”

JULY/AUGUST

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2020

TAB L E of CON T E N T S THE USUAL SUSPECTS 003 From the Editor

Online, On-Air, On the Coasts

006 Between the Lines 008 Calendar of Events 073 Obviously Omaha History Tours

092 Explore! Calendar 095 Instagram 096 Not Funny

Talking To Myself

A R T S + C U LT U R E

074

014 Ceramics

Megan Schroll

016 Music

Juanjosé Rivas

020 Writer

Beaufield Berry

022 Theater

Savannah Savick

DINING 074 Review

Modern Love

078 Feature

How Two Restaurants Faced the Fire

082 Profile

The Jewell

084 Dining Guide

016

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JULY/AUGUST 2020

022

507 trees have been reforested

due to the printing of our last round of publications.

Learn more at

.com

ALWAYS LOCA L , ALWAYS BE AUT IF UL .

Included with an Omaha Magazine Subscription OmahaMagazine.com/Subscribe

Between

THE LINES A LOOK AT FOUR OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS HANNAH AMROLLAHI—Contributing Writer Amrollahi started with Omaha Magazine as a copy editor and freelance writer in 2017. She has been freelancing in Omaha since 2012, working with 13th Floor Magazine and others.

Growing up in Omaha, The Bookworm was her neighborhood bookstore, and the first job for which she applied (though she did not get that job). She has been working as a bookseller at The Bookworm since 2011, with sabbaticals to study abroad and teach English as a second language with the Fulbright Program. In July 2019 she started as the department manager for the children and young adult sections.

MARY HIATT—Senior Branding Specialist Hiatt grew up swimming at the local pool in Glenwood, Iowa. With her non-swimming mom frantically looking on, she was jumping off the high diving board before she started kindergarten.

Now she spends her summers with her wonderful husband, Scott, entertaining family and friends in the backyard pool. She is blessed with three beautiful daughters—Amie, Chloe, and Madison— and three adorable “grandmuffins.” Mary spends the winter playing board games and music bingo at Twisted Vine. She loves to travel and has a goal of visiting all of the national parks before she moves to heaven. Mary has been with the company since February 2016 and has enjoyed contributing to the growth of native advertising in B2B, Omaha Magazine, and Faces of Omaha.

She has embraced digital and delights in working with her clients and showing them results. She loves her job and the friendships she has built with her clients.

JILL NELSEN HING—Contributing Writer Hing grew up in northeast Nebraska on a large farm situated on the Elkhorn River. She was fortunate to be raised by a mother who was wary of processed foods, and instilled in her an elevated conscientiousness about what to eat (and not eat) that Hing carries with her to this day.

Immediately after high school, Hing moved to New York City, where her career in food and beverage service began. The ’90s were an amazing time to be working in some of the coolest joints in New York City, and it unquestionably informed what was to come next. Hing married, and, while pregnant with their second child, she earned her culinary degree, doing her externship under Bobby Flay at Mesa Grill. For more than two decades, she and her husband have owned and operated two Gringo-Mex style restaurants, which have become institutions in the East Village and Lower East Side of Manhattan.

JOEL STEVENS—Contributing Writer Stevens was born and raised in Omaha. As the ninth of 10 sons he barely survived childhood and the inevitable deep trauma associated with having eight older brothers. After graduating from Central High School, he went on to study journalism at UNO. He’s worked as a researcher for an environmental nonprofit and as a film critic, entertainment reporter, and sportswriter. When he’s not writing or in therapy, he’s spending time with his wife Angee, a school social worker; children Beckett, Finnegan, Juno, and Iris; and dog Zeke. He has also served as a judge for the Omaha Film Festival and is active in several local charities and social causes with his wife and children.

// 6 //

JULY/AUGUST 2020

JULY/AUGUST 2020 VOLUME 38 // ISSUE 3

Get tickets now for best prices and seating!

EDITORIAL Managing Editor

DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Senior Editor

TARA SPENCER Associate Editor

LINDA PERSIGEHL Contributing Writers

J. D. AVANT · LEO ADAM BIGA · RYAN BORCHERS JENNA GABRIAL GALLAGHER · VIRGINIA KATHRYN GALLNER CHRIS HATCH · JILL NELSEN HING · JOSEFINA LOZA KATRINA MARKEL · SEAN MCCARTHY · JOEL STEVENS LIZ STEVENS · SCOTT STEWART · TIM TRUDELL DOUGLAS “OTIS TWELVE” WESSELMANN · SALLY MONTANA

CREATIVE Creative Director

MATT WIECZOREK Senior Graphic Designer

DEREK JOY

Aug. 7 –16

Graphic Designer II

MADY BESCH Contributing Photographers

JUSTIN BARNES · KEITH BINDER · COLIN CONCES SCOTT DRICKEY · JOSHUA FOO · WILLIAM HESS · SARAH LEMKE

SALES Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing

GIL COHEN Senior Branding Specialist

MARY HIATT Senior Sales Executive & 60PLUS in Omaha Contributing Editor

6915 Cass St. | (402) 553-0800 | OmahaPlayhouse.com OmahaMag_PopRock_June.indd 1

4/14/20 10:29 AM

GWEN LEMKE Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor

SANDY MATSON Senior Sales Coordinator

ALICIA HOLLINS Branding Specialists

DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN Digital Sales Manager

JILLIAN DUNN

OPERATIONS Operations Officer & Local Stubs Ticketing Representative

JOSHUA PETERSON Ad Traffic Manager

MIKE BREWER Accounting Associate

KENDRA HILL

EXECUTIVE Executive Publisher

TODD LEMKE Vice President

GREG BRUNS Associate Publisher

BILL SITZMANN For Advertising & Subscription Information:

402.884.2000 Omaha Magazine Vol 38 Issue III, publishes monthly except February, April, August, November, December, totaling 8 issues by Omaha Magazine, LTD, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137. Periodical postage at Omaha, NE, and additional offices and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Omaha Magazine, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137

Whether it is day or night, inside or out, Joslyn has so much to offer.

FREE GENERAL ADMISSION

(paid ticketed admission for some exhibitions)

THURSDAYS: Open ‘til 8 pm!

SCULPTURE GARDENS Open and free – all day every day!

explore

NOW

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DAVID TROUBA Distribution Manager

Joslyn Art Museum features works from antiquity to the present with an emphasis on 19th- and 20th-century European and American art. A fun, educational, relaxing, and artful destination for all.

Open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 am–4 pm.

Just west of downtown Omaha.

Café, Museum shop, and free parking.

2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | www.joslyn.org JULY/AUGUST 2020

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NICK SWARDSON

Aug. 28-29 at Omaha Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. As a writer, producer, and director for “Grandma’s Boy” and “The Benchwarmers,” Nick Swardson has become a fi xture in Happy Madison Productions. Times vary. Tickets: $35-$65. 402-493-8036.

—omaha.funnybone.com

» Concerts « JAZZ ON YOUR GREEN

Thursday evenings in July, online. In lieu of hosting concerts on the Midtown Crossing green, the Omaha Performing Arts team will be streaming live jazz performances via Facebook and YouTube. 6 p.m.

—facebook.com/pg/OmahaPerformingArtsOrg/videos/

23

of

EVENTS

» Exhibitions « JENAL DOLSON

Through July 31 at BFF Omaha, 2729 N. 62nd St. Th is exhibition features paintings composed of abstract structures and shapes in bright colors as well as mixed media sprinkled throughout the space. Admission: free.

402-203-5488.

-bffomaha.org/petshop

PRO:CREATE ART SHOW

Starting Aug. 7 at BFF Omaha, 2729 N. 62nd St. Th is art show is family-centric, focusing on artwork collaborations between children and their parents.

Admission: free. —bffomaha.org/petshop

CLAUDIA WIESER: GENERATIONS

Through Aug. 15 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. Th is exhibition is an intimate view of Claudia Wieser’s work from the last seven years. Th rough mixed media, Wieser references spirituality and mysticism. Admission: free. 402-341-7130.

—bemiscenter.com

LIV SCHULMAN: THE GOBERNMENT

Through September 19 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. Th is exhibition is a collection of visual media focusing on women, lesbian, and genderqueer artists who lived in Paris between 1910 and 1980. Admission: free. 402-341-7130.

—bemiscenter.com

// 8 //

JULY/AUGUST 2020

“THE CUTTING EDGE” FIRST FRIDAY RECEPTION

July 3, online and at The Passageway Gallery, 417 S. 11th St. Take a first look at Danielle Easdale’s paper exhibition at this First Friday Reception. Admission: free. 6-9 p.m. 402-341-1910.

—facebook.com/passagewaygallery

FIRST FRIDAY RECEPTION

Aug. 7 online and at The Passageway Gallery, 417 S. 11th St. Take a first look at featured artist Ashley Stevens’ photography exhibition and Rhonda Bruggeman’s glass exhibition at this First Friday Reception.

6-9 p.m. Admission: free. 402-341-1910.

—facebook.com/passagewaygallery

STAGE PERFORMANCES

Billy McGuigan’s Pop Rock Orchestra Aug. 7-16 at the Hawks Mainstage Theatre of Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. For a special series of rock ‘n’ roll shows, Billy McGuigan has offered to give 100% of his proceeds back to Omaha Performing Arts once 3,000 tickets have been sold. Times vary.

Admission: $38. 402-553-0800.

—omahaplayhouse.com

STEPHEN LYNCH

Aug. 13 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Sit back and enjoy this two-in-one comedy and music performance. 8 p.m. Tickets: $30-$50. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVESTREAMS

Ongoing, online. Omaha Live Music is streaming live music from artists across the metro. Free, tipping encouraged. Saturday nights at 7 p.m.

—facebook.com/Omahalivemusic

THE GOOD LIFE

July 3 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Th is four-member indie rock band, named after Nebraska’s original state slogan, returns to Omaha to celebrate the 16th anniversary of the release of their LP titled Album of the Year. 9 p.m. Tickets: $15.

402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

ANDREA VON KAMPEN

July 10 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Lincoln-based Andrea Von Kampen delivers wistful vocals to Midwest-inspired lyrics. 8 p.m. Tickets: $13 advanced, $15 day of show. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

HIGH HEEL

July 11 at Stinson Park, 2232 S. 64th St. Th is band fronted by high heel-clad vocalist Lisa Larsen performs popular classic rock, country, and disco hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. Admission: free. 7 p.m.

402-672-6816.

—highheeltheband.com

REGGAE GOLD

July 17 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Get together and be alright at this dance party featuring reggae hits curated by local DJs. Doors: 9 p.m. Tickets: $10. 21+ only. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

THE SHINEYS

July 18 at O’Leaver’s, 1322 S. Saddle Creek Road Omaha-based Tica Felise and Carrie Ann Buchanan lend smoky and sultry vocals to original music and cover songs. Vince Giambattista and Fox will also perform.

10 p.m. Tickets: $5 (21+). 402-556-1238.

—oleavers.com

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REVEREND HORTON HEAT

July 23 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Punk-infused rockabilly meets revelator gone sinner in this high-octane show. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20.

402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

POTTERY

July 25 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Groove along to the dreamy yet jarring songs of this Montreal-based band. 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 advanced, $12 day of show. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

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DAVID ARCHULETA

July 27 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. “Crush” singer and winner of season 7 of American Idol, David Archuleta comes to Omaha following the release of his new album, Therapy Sessions. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25-$165.

Doors 7 p.m. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

JULY/AUGUST 2020

// 9 //

OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

LATE NIGHT RADIO AND DAILY BREAD

DAN + SHAY

DAVID RYAN HARRIS

FLAW

PAUL FESTERBERG & THE IMPEDIMENTS

THE FLOOZIES

Aug. 7 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Late Night Radio and Daily Bread will co-headline a night of DJs, hip hop, funk, and fun. 9 p.m. Tickets: $12 advanced, $15 day of show. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

Aug. 8 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. A singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, David Ryan Harris performs soul-fi lled vocals. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 general, $60 VIP. 402-884-5707.

—reverblounge.com

THE DOLLYROTS

July 27 at Lookout Lounge, 320 S. 72nd St. Jump around to the sounds of this sunny-sounding punk trio. 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 advanced, $13 day of show.

402-391-2554.

—lookoutomaha.com

THE GROWLERS

July 28 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Disco-infused surf rock meets outlaw country in hits such as “Dope on a Rope” and “When You Were Made.”

9 p.m. Tickets: $32.50 advanced, $45 day of show.

402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

CHUCK PROPHET & THE MISSION EXPRESS

July 30 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Chuck Prophet comes to Omaha following the May release of his single, “Willie and Nilli.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $17 advanced, $20 day of show. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

RANDALL KING

July 31 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Randall King embodies classic Texas '90s country with a modern touch in songs such as “Mirror, Mirror” and “Takin’ Me a Heartbreak.” 9 p.m. Tickets $15.

402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

TENNIS

Aug. 3 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Following the release of Swimmer, Tennis brings their indie pop sound to Omaha. 9 p.m. Tickets: $18 advanced, $20 day of show. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

NAPPY ROOTS

Aug. 4 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Th is southern rap quartet produces hip hop music that pulls from all genres and examines reason and truth through their lyrics. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20 advanced, $25 day of show. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

// 10 //

JULY/AUGUST 2020

Aug. 8 at O’Leaver’s, 1322 S. Saddle Creek Road Paul Festerberg & The Impediments will perform the hits of 1980s indie rock band The Replacements, including titles such as “Androgynous” and “Swingin Party.”

8 p.m. Tickets: $5 (21+). 402-556-1238.

—oleavers.com

TINY MOVING PARTS

Aug. 10 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. A self-described “family band,” Tiny Moving Parts carries a pop-punk and emo sound throughout their music and tackles issues such as mental health and morality in their lyrics. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $17 advanced, $20 day of show. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

JOHN MORELAND

Aug. 11 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Following the release of his most recent album, LP5, John Moreland delivers poetry in the form of folksy acoustic sets. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 advanced, $17 day of show. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

WILD RIVERS

Aug. 11 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. A culmination of folk, indie, and country, Wild Rivers drives home autobiographical lyrics with easygoing vocals. 8 p.m. Tickets: $16 advanced, $18 day of show.

402-884-5707.

—reverblounge.com

BRANDY CLARK

Aug. 12 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. At least partially responsible for writing hits such as “Follow Your Arrow” (Kacey Musgraves) and “Mama’s Broken Heart” (Miranda Lambert), Brandy Clark has also made a name for herself over the past decade as a country singer. 8 p.m. Tickets: $29 advanced, $34 day of show. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

CYCLES

Aug. 12 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Inspired by Rage Against the Machine and Primus, Cycle achieves a unique prog-rock sound. Omaha-based Mr. E & the Stringless Kite and Slow Stoics will also perform. 8 p.m.

Tickets $10 advanced, $12 day of show. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

Aug. 13 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Country pop artists responsible for songs such as “10,000 Hours” and “Speechless” perform. 7 p.m. Tickets: $36.50-$225. 402-341-1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

Aug. 13 at Lookout Lounge, 320 S. 72nd St. Hard rock and nu-metal group Flaw performs songs such as “Persistence” and “Get Up Again.” 7 p.m. Tickets: $13 advanced, $15 day of show. 402-391-2554.

—lookoutomaha.com

Aug. 13 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Electronic meets futuristic funk in songs such as “Nothing to Lose” and “Funk Jesus.” 8:30 p.m. Tickets $22 advanced, $25 day of show. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

MARCO ANTONIO SOLIS

Aug. 14 at Baxter Arena, 2427 S. 67th St. Especially popular in Mexico, Marco Antonio Solis is known for his numerous albums, as well as for lending his voice to Ernesto de la Cruz, the main antagonist of Coco. 8 p.m. Tickets: $59-$179. 402-554-6200.

—facebook.com/baxterarena

OUIJA MACC

Aug. 14 at Lookout Lounge, 320 S. 72nd St. Prepare yourself for a night of hardcore rap from Ouija Macc, Rozz Dyliams, and Death Plus. 7 p.m. Tickets: $15.

402-391-2554.

—lookoutomaha.com

THE HIP ABDUCTION

Aug. 14 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Chill out with indie and alternative pop songs such as “All I Need” and “Holiday.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $12 advanced, $15 day of show. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

ANNA BURCH

Aug. 15 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. The singer's second album, If You’re Dreaming, takes listeners down a different path than her first, shedding nervous energy in favor of a deeper exploration of an internal world. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12. 402-884-5707.

—reverblounge.com

BUILT TO SPILL

Aug. 15 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The eclectic, upbeat, and slightly off-kilter indie rock of Built to Spill was the result of hours of experimentation.

8 p.m. Tickets: $25. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

PETFEST 2020

Aug. 15 at BFF Omaha, 2729 N. 62nd St. Th is popular local festival plans to feature drag performances by Queer Nite, live grafiti by Ryan T. Kinsch, and music from many local artists, such as All Young Girls Are Machine Guns and Bach Mai. 2 p.m. 402-203-5488.

—bffomaha/petshop

THE SECRET SISTERS

Aug. 16 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Haunting harmonies, twangy smoky vocals, and sweeping strings collide to create witchy Southern rock songs such as “Iuka” and “He’s Fine.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $20. 402-884-5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

OMAHA EVENT GROUP HELLO@OMAHAEVENTGROUP.COM • 402.819.8792 • OMAHAEVENTGROUP.COM

220 - 600 GUESTS 1502 CUMING ST., OMAHA, NE

STYX

Aug. 18 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. The '70s and '80s rock band responsible for hits such as “Renegade” and “Come Sail Away” perform. 7 p.m. Tickets: $39.50$125. 402-934-9966.

—ralstonarena.com

GOOD TO BE KING

1 - 220 GUESTS 1510 CUMING ST., OMAHA, NE

Aug. 21 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Th is cover band performs hits from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $12 advanced, $15 day of show. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com 500 COCKTAIL-STYLE, 350 SEATED 200 S. 31ST AVE., STE 4107, OMAHA, NE

DUMMY HEAD TORPEDO

Aug. 22 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Omaha-based Dummy Head Torpedo delivers fast-paced hard rock. Scabby Ghouls and Blandford also perform.

8:30 p.m. Tickets: $8 advanced, $10 day of show.

402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

400 GUESTS 5110 N. 132ND ST., OMAHA, NE

HILLSONG WORSHIP

Aug. 22 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $26.50-$199. 402-934-9966.

—ralstonarena.com

THE GARDEN

Aug. 24 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. The Australian Christian music worship group, responsible for “Who You Say I Am” and “What a Beautiful Name,” performs. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 advanced, $18 day of show. 402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

RYAN SUMMERS

Aug. 29 at The Barley Street Tavern, 2735 N. 62nd St. Th is critically acclaimed electronic artist specializes in live looping guitar, keyboard, and voice. 9 p.m. $7 Cover (21+). 9 p.m. 402-408-0028.

—barleystreet.com

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

stcabriniomaha.org 10th and Williams Street

THE

FUTURE

OF BUSINESS omahamagazine.com/subscribe JULY/AUGUST 2020

// 11 //

OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

Four Old Market

Unique décor, ornaments and collectibles for every season. oTannenbaum.com • 402-345-9627

Fresh chocolates and fudge made in our own kitchen.

OldMarketCandy.com • 402-344-8846

» Family & More « Travel essentials plus souvenirs and Nebraska-made gifts.

OldMarketSundries.com • 402-345-7646

Authentic Italian desserts, coffee, and FlavorBurst TMice cream.

DolciOldMarket.com • 402-345-8198

All located at 10th & Howard // 12 //

JULY/AUGUST 2020

FARMER’S MARKET

Check individual venues for guidelines on social distancing and restrictions on pets.

• Council Bluffs (Bayliss Park) 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays.

• Old Market (10th and Jackson streets, 1011 Jackson St.) 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays.

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

• Aksarben Village (Baxter Arena Parking Lot 26, 2425 S. 67th St.) 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays.

• Papillion (Papillion Landing, 1046 W. Lincoln St.) 5:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays. [This location will be a non-traditional drive-through. The order form is online. More information at facebook.com/papillionfarmersmarket] • Gifford Park (Gifford Park Neighborhood Market, 520 N. 33rd St.) 5-8 p.m. Fridays.

BENSON FIRST FRIDAYS

First Friday of each month in Downtown Benson, Military Avenue and 60th Street. Visit artists and vendors and grab a bite to eat along the Benson strip. 5 p.m. Admission: free. 402-203-5488.

—bffomaha.org

LEASHES AT LAURITZEN

First two Monday evenings of July and August at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Take your pups for a scenic stroll in the gardens. Two dogs permitted per adult. 5-8 p.m. Admission: $10 for non-member adults, $5 for non-member dogs and children ages 6-12, free for members and children under 6. 402-346-4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

CONCERT AND FIREWORKS SHOW

July 3 at Rockbrook Village, 2800 S. 110th Court.

The U.S. Air Force Heartland of America band and The Brits will perform ahead of the fireworks show.

Concert: 7-9:30 p.m., fireworks 10 p.m. Admission: free. 402-390-0890.

—rockbrookvillage.com

SCIENCE CAFE

July 14 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Scientists speak about a socially relevant topic, followed by a Q&A session. The first 50 people to arrive receive free pizza. Doors open at 6. Admission: free. Ages 21+.

402-345-7569.

—theslowdown.com

OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

FIFTH ANNUAL FOOD TRUCK RODEO

July 17 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Munch on cuisine from 15 different food trucks and sip on a drink from the beer garden or one of the outdoor bars. 4-11 p.m. Admission: free. 402-203-6145.

—fsomaha.com

NEBRASKA BRICK DAYS

PICK A POOCH ADOPTION DAYS AND PET EXPO

July 25-26 at Baxter Arena, 2427 S. 67th St. Visit pooches looking for foster and forever homes, learn about volunteering with Northern Plains Boxer Rescue, and browse vendors. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 402-639-5235.

—www.petsinomaha.com

July 18-19 at Mid America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs. LEGO fans unite! Guests can build brick structures at play-brick tables, enter contests and play games to win prizes, stare in awe at LEGO creations, and buy goodies from LEGO vendors. Admission: $9 adults, $5 children under 8, $25-$50 VIP packages. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 402-434-5040.

—brickdayscom

FIBER ARTS FESTIVAL

OMAHA BEER FEST

NEW AMERICAN ARTS FESTIVAL

July 18 at Horsemen’s Park, 6303 Q St. Drink samples of craft beer, seltzers, ciders, hard sodas, and wine at Nebraska’s largest craft beer festival while listening to live music including local bands Hi-Fi Hangover and Lemon Fresh Day. Home brewers will be allowed to participate this year. $35 advance, $40 day of, $65 VIP. 4-11:30 p.m. 21+. 402-731-2900.

—omahabeerfest.com

Aug. 1-2 at Bancroft Street Market, 2702 S. 10th St. Meet people with an interest in stitching, needlework, textiles, sewing, paper making and basket weaving, and support fiber vendors and artists while taking a class or workshop over the weekend. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Admission: $10/day or $15 weekend pass. 213-375-5911.

—fiberartsfestivalomaha.com

Aug. 7 at Military Avenue & Maple Street. A brainchild of Lutheran Family Services and BFF Omaha, this festival features artwork, performances, and cuisine crafted by New Americans (refugees and immigrants).

Peruse the street artist market or attend a workshop along the Benson strip. Admission: free. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 402-203-5488.

BACK TO SCHOOL FAMILY NIGHT

Aug. 8 at Gifford Farm Education Center, 700 Camp Gifford Road. Guests can experience hands-on demonstrations from the farm, take a hayride, and visit the animals. Admission: $5 ages 2 and older, free for educators, day care workers, and mentors who show their work I.D. Cash or check only. 5:30 - 8 p.m.

402-597-4920.

—esu3.org/GF

23RD ANNUAL TASTE OF OMAHA

Aug. 14-16 at Elmwood Park, 67th and Pacific streets. Th is food-centric event temporarily relocates to Elmwood due to the Riverfront Re-development Project. Set your tastebuds on everything from pizza and barbecued ribs to tacos and dumplings or take a stroll in the wine and beer gardens. While getting your fi ll of the metro’s best food, watch performances from Flemenco and Irish Dancers, or take your children to the amusement rides or family-friendly entertainment.

Admission: free. Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. 402-346-8003.

—tasteofomaha.info

HIGH VIBE FESTIVAL

Aug. 28-29 at Aksarben Village, 67th and Center Streets. Spend the whole weekend practicing yoga, nourishing your body with plant-based foods and drinks, attending workshops, seminars, and panels designed to expand your mind. Admission: $128. Saturday 2-9 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. 402-281-4218.

—highvibefestival.com

THE MIDWEST PIRATE FEST

Aug. 29-30 at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S. 48th St. Visit pirates, mermaids, and fairies and watch fantastical skits and music shows at this family-friendly event. Admission: $12 adults, $7 children ages 12 and younger, free for children 2 and under. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 402-301-0901.

—mwpiratefest.com

DOGGIE DIP

Aug. 9 at Benson Gallagher Pool, 2936 N. 52nd St., and Lee Valley Pool, 10605 Charles St. Bring your pup to a fun day at the pool. Admission: $5 for each dog, which covers two handlers, $1 for each additional human. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 402-444-7800.

—nehumanesociety.org

Event times and details are correct as of presstime,

EIGHTH ANNUAL RIBSTOCK BBQ FESTIVAL

July 25 at Stinson Park, 2232 S. 64th St. Guests can sink their teeth into barbecue dishes from 12 different local vendors and watch a cornhole tournament. While there will be an ATM on site, vendors and bars will be accepting cash only. Admission: free. Noon - 10 p.m.

402-981-3171.

—ribstockbbq.com

but are subject to change. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, many events are canceling and/ or changing dates/time/places as needed. Most venues base these decisions on direction by the Douglas County Health Department and Nebraska’s publication of guidance on canceling events and limiting the number of people in public gatherings.

Omaha Magazine encourages readers to visit venues' websites and/or calling ahead before attending an event or visiting a museum.

JULY/AUGUST 2020

// 13 //

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

A+C CERAMICS // STORY BY LIZ STEVENS

a statement t all starts with a vision and a smooth mass of clay on a spinning pottery wheel.

Megan Schroll, the creator behind Megan Schroll Art, followed her passion and started creating and selling hand-painted, food-safe ceramic mugs, bowls, and other trinkets in 2015.

Her passion for ceramics began while she was a studio art major with a concentration in ceramics and sculpture at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK).

“I didn’t start to play with clay until I went to college at UNK…I’ve drawn my whole life. I really like how, with ceramics, it is such a tangible thing,” Schroll said. “I liked having the two outlets.”

Schroll dove directly into the local art scene after graduating. “It’s been such a weird journey,” Schroll said. “With art, you get to pave your own way.” Currently, she works out of her home, where she creates ceramic dishware, home accents, jewelry, and whatever sparks her imagination. Her designs feature bold, black lines against a white background. Through this design aesthetic, Schroll tries to illustrate the contrast and balance in nature.

“IN GENERAL, IT’S VERY NATURE-RELATED, OR NATURE-INSPIRED,” SCHROLL SAID. “IN LIFE THERE IS A LOT OF GOOD AND BAD—DARKNESS AND LIGHT. YOU NEED SOME DARKNESS TO FULLY APPRECIATE THE LIGHT. WITH MY POTTERY, I USE A LOT OF BLACK AND WHITE. I REALLY LIKE PULLING ON THOSE THEMES.” Schroll said she often gets inspired by unconventional things like an abandoned shack or snails. She adds that she never knows where her creative process and inspiration will take her.

With every piece, she just tries to make what she likes.

Some smaller pieces such as the ring dishes and suncatchers are entirely formed by hand, while larger pieces are made on the wheel, Schroll said. After the clay hits the wheel, Schroll’s creation starts to take shape and she can put necessary holes in the piece and create texture. From there, she paints her black underglaze designs on each item. Once the design is completed it goes into the kiln, after which a clear finishing glaze is added and the piece is fired a third time. From start to finish, the process usually takes between five and six days.

Gradually, she started sharing her creations on Instagram.

“I try to be very real on it and authentic—not so much as it's just a brand but the fact that I'm a person selling a part of me,” Schroll said.

Schroll said she started by selling her creations at fairs, earning the majority of her income that way. “I started out doing Art in the Park Kearney and Grand Island. Then, [I] grew into doing out-of-state shows in Colorado.”

In addition to craft fairs, Schroll’s ceramics are now available at Revival Omaha in Benson.

Schroll was connected to Revival Omaha through Mikey Thompson, whom she met at Handmade Omaha last winter.

Thompson makes and sells furniture under the name Mid Mod Vintage at the Benson shop, said owner Steph Lambert.

Revival Omaha opened in July 2017. From the beginning, Lambert wanted to feature local artists in the community.

Lambert said she tries to get each artist she features in once a year for a Benson First Friday (BFF) event, so shoppers can meet the creators. Schroll was the featured creator in February 2020, and her work has been in the shop ever since.

Schroll said she enjoys working with Revival because they make sure artists take home as much money as possible.

Along with stocking goods in select stores, she said she is working on building inventory for a new website.

Being a creator doesn’t come without a set of challenges.

Schroll said all the new work she is doing keeps her busy and excited, “but I think maybe the hardest part would be...burnout, as far as like not allowing myself to take a break.”

Schroll said she is learning to set boundaries and trying to navigate which projects make the most sense.

“Another thing, like with my art and what kind of drives me is...I'm such a collector of things,” Schroll said. “I am very observant of nature. With art, I like very ‘trinkety’ items or things that you can collect and things that are original.”

The desire for originality translates into her art. Even if Schroll repeats a design in a piece, each one is unique.

Moving forward, Schroll said she is looking forward to building inventory to share and sell on her own website once she gets it up and running.

“What I'm looking forward to the most is more opportunities as the years go on,” Schroll said. “Seeing people excited about my stuff—it’s awesome.”

Visit meganschroll.com for more information.

JULY/AUGUST 2020

// 15 //

//I/I A+C MUSIC I/I

JUANJOSE RIVAS CROSSES BOUNDARIES

STORY BY VIRGINIA KATHRYN GALLNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

// 16 //

JULY/AUGUST 2020

-JUANJOSE

W

“THE SIMPLEST INSTRUMENTS ARE THOSE THAT CANNOT BE PLAYED IN A NORMAL WAY. I REALLY LIKE THESE INTERFACES BECAUSE THEY [OFFER] ANOTHER TYPE OF CONNECTION BETWEEN PLAYER AND INSTRUMENT.”

When I

//I/I A+C MUSIC I/I

Think about SOUND

or experimental music, I think in a physical way,” said Juanjosé Rivas, as he touched his hand to his heart. “There is no rhythm, there is no harmony, there is no[thing] musical.”

Rivas approaches sound experimentation as a sculptural process, using the tools and technology of sound engineering to create auditory environments. He studied visual arts at the Escuela Nacional de Pintura, Escultura y Grabado, also known as “La Esmeralda,” in Mexico City.

For Rivas, sound art is all about experimentation. In most orchestral and popular music, there are the traditional ingredients of scales, harmonic information, and structural patterns. In the world of experimental music, “you make something that you can never repeat. You put another kind of energy, electricity into the instrument. It’s always changing.”

He said he finds the creative process liberating.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts invited Rivas to participate in their sound arts and experimental music residency last year. He agreed, and his residency was from Jan. 22–April 17, 2020.

“When I talk with [other] musicians…they told me ‘you have a lot of freedom because you don’t know what you are doing.’” His lack of formal education in classical music allows him to experiment in ways that may not occur to others.

Rivas lives in the center of Mexico City.

When he wakes in the morning, the streets are filled with noise. In Omaha, he awoke to the sound of birds chirping and trains rolling by near his temporary home at Bemis Center. There were new sounds as well, such as snow crackling underfoot.

Working with physical space is an important part of his craft as well. He has created several sound installations, site-specific projects such as his 2015 Escombro project at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo in Oaxaca, Mexico, where audiences could move through the exhibit and experience the sounds around them.

“When I go from one country or city or place, I always think about that relationship with the sounds of the city. For me it could be noise. For you, music.” When listening, he wants to “know the space, to see the sounds.”

Environmental sounds are only a part of his palette. Rivas builds his own digital and electronic instruments. He does not use traditional instrumentation or compositional methods in his work, instead working with circuitry and synthesizers. He likes the challenge of creating something new every time.

“The simplest instruments are those that cannot be played in a normal way. I really like these interfaces because they [offer] another type of connection between player and instrument.”

“The body is an amazing instrument. You can talk, you can make muscles mumble.

[You] just need to amplify, reorganize, rearrange the way you [produce sound].”

Rivas does not always create alone. In Mexico City, he hosts the VOLTA concert series, where he invites different artists every week to create a new work around a common theme. He approaches this as a multidisciplinary project with artists from many mediums, and he views it as an opportunity to share knowledge.

“There’s the public, and the space for the music. There is that distance.” He described different ways of arranging the space for his concerts. “[In VOLTA,] there is no stage. I put the people on the floor, on the same level of the public, in the center, in the corners, moving with the public. We need to break these forms.”

He breaks this barrier through educational workshops as well. But he teaches more than sound experimentation.

“I’m not teaching improvisation. I’m teaching how to question relationships with technology.”

Most of the time, Rivas explains, people accept technology like it is finished. He encourages students to push the limits of these relationships. “In my workshops, [we] build sound system circuits, like little synthesizers or speakers, or radios with very simple circuits. The really important thing is they can learn how or why it’s working in that way.”

People tend to be passive consumers, he laments. If something is broken, we throw it away. But there are ways to reverse engineer this technology, to open the circuitry and find out how it works.

“We have two options: to be technophobic, or technophiliac,” he said.

Technology is a tool. When we push its potential, improvisation is always the result.

“If you don’t know how it works, then you can try it. The result? It doesn’t matter.

The most important thing in my work is the process.”

For the culminating performance of his residency at Bemis Center, Rivas created a unique audience experience: a deep listening session, incorporating soundscapes and environmental textures from Mexico City.

“This kind of work helps you to discover your relationship between sounds and the world…your way to see the world or explain the sound in your body, in the space, in the city.”

Visit juanjoserivas.info for more information and to listen to Rivas’ work.

Physical space and architecture are equally essential to performance, and often forgotten. Rivas wants to cross the boundary that separates artists from audiences.

JULY/AUGUST 2020

// 19 //

A+C WRITER

Beaufield Berry

PlaywrighT HER FAMILY FAMILY AND AND THE THE LARGER LARGER HER BLACK EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE BLACK STORY BY LEO ADAM BIGA

B

eaufield Berry long explored worlds other than her own in her fiction.

Since becoming a mother, the Omaha playwright has mined the riches of family and the larger black experience.

“I realized I was averse to the advice ‘write what you know’ because I wasn’t appreciating what I knew. When I opened the doors to myself and my family and started peeling back those layers, I found the honeypot.

Having kids has made me more inquisitive about who I am, where I’m from, where I’m going,” said Berry, a mother of three.

Her play In the Upper Room draws from her multi-generational black clan’s strong personalities, conflicts, secrets, and abiding love. It was a finalist in the O’Neill Center’s 2018 National Playwrights Conference and earned a spot in the 2019 Colorado New Play Summit, where it was workshopped and read.

Berry earlier proved her chops and range with the comedy Psycho Ex-Girlfriend and the drama The Waiting Line.

artist-writer mother Pamela Jo Berry. She’s been published as a journalist (American Theatre) and a novelist (Childhood Friends).

Berry is also an Omaha Performing Arts teaching artist.

“I love all forms of writing. I love language. I love just getting it out.”

She got bit by the theater bug early on in Omaha. After trying to find her fit as a performer, once running a burlesque troupe, she found her niche as a playwright.

“Theater is so alive, reciprocal, and human that, honestly, it’s my church. The writing feels so natural it’s like breathing. It is where I find connection and know there’s something bigger than myself.”

In between O’Neill and Summit, Upper Room made a splash with a staged reading at the Great Plains Theatre Conference, where Berry is a veteran participating artist.

GPTC producing artist director Kevin Lawler has seen her evolution: “Beau’s work and influence on the Omaha theater scene has grown exponentially. She is able to balance the paradoxical qualities of a strong critical eye and a wildness into her work…

With Beau you get the sense she is always ready to look and move outside the lines of what is set as ‘proper’ by society.”

Omaha playwright Ellen Struve is an admirer of Berry’s versatility. “Beau is my favorite kind of artist in that she is impossible to define,” Struve said. “She is comedienne, social activist, historian, and pop culture commentator. Playwright, novelist, poet, musician—the list goes on. Her work never fails to engage. She pushes back on any boundary.”

Upper Room was to have a full GPTC production this year, but the pandemic forced its cancellation.

A writer’s life has been fated for Berry since she began reading at 4 and penning poems at 11. She was homeschooled by her

The work is part of a seven-play cycle she’s developing. Others include Branch and Bone, Ivory, Mulatto, and Spectrophobe.

“THEATER HAS SO MUCH TO GIVE…BUT NOT EVERYBODY CAN AFFORD THE TICKET PRICE OR HAS THE RIGHT OUTFIT TO WEAR OR A CAR TO GET THERE.” -BEAUFIELD BERRY // 20 //

JULY/AUGUST 2020

Red Summer, a work outside the cycle, stirred the local scene in 2019 with its sold-out Blue Barn Theatre run. Its achingly human portrait of Will Brown, a black man lynched by a mob in downtown Omaha, took the stage in the 100th anniversary year of his killing.

While Berry developed Red Summer over several months, Upper Room poured out of her in three days.

“I can’t say it was a specific choice to begin writing about my family because I did not choose it, it chose me…I was newly pregnant and working on a different play altogether,” she said. “I was in our office very late at night when I was visited by my ancestors, particularly by my great-grandmother, Rose. Her voice was so strong and loud in my ear.”

BERRY FELT GUIDED THE WHOLE WAY TO GET THINGS RIGHT.

“I remember so vividly I’d feel like a tap on my shoulder, ‘Uh-uh. Nope, rewrite.’

I was never alone in that room while I was writing.”

She ascribes the play’s warm reception to the universality of the family experience it presents.

“This is specifically a black family, unapologetically themselves…but also showing black family life is the same as any other family life.”

Her script was workshopped for two weeks at Summit by an all-black cast and crew.

“They supported and nurtured me and my show…I swear when you get people working towards the same end there is nothing you can’t do.”

A REVELATION FROM THE PROCESS INVOLVED THE PROTAGONIST.

“Rose is a mystery in the play because she’s a mystery to me. She died before I was born,” Berry said. “But I grew up with all these stories of her as this bigger-than-life person. The way she inserted herself in people’s lives, even posthumously, makes her immortal to me. My collaborators wanted me to break all that down. They wanted to know what makes her mysterious. Where I only had questions, they pushed me to find the answers…It helped me make sure everything my audience experiences is truly earned.”

A similar fruitful union happened with Omaha playwright Denise Chapman, who served as dramaturg for Red Summer.

“She knew what I was trying to do and where the thing was falling short. When you’re in the weeds of a play you can’t pull out and see it from an aerial view…She did a great job of looking at the big picture.”

Berry said Chapman checked her on historical accuracy, including language.

Beaufield Berry with daughter Georgia Pearl, or “Gigi”

“She pointed out I gave characters the language of revolution when there wasn’t any revolution yet. That was such an informed piece of advice and expertise,” Berry said. “I’d been voicing characters in the '70s and '90s, which is the post-civil rights era, but characters in the heart of Jim Crow sound different when there’s no language for revolution yet.”

BERRY IS CONSCIOUS OF MAKING THEATER MORE DIVERSE.

“Theater has so much to give…But not everybody can afford the ticket price or has the right outfit to wear or a car to get there.”

Parenting hasn’t slowed Berry’s productivity. “It helps to have a supportive and trustworthy partner in all of this,” she said of her husband, Rob Fisher.

But COVID-19 has meant a slowdown in her writing. “In this quarantine, it’s all about my kids and family.”

Navigating this surreal time “has definitely shown me that nothing is certain.”

“Will it end up in my writing? Yes, but not in the expected way. It won’t be anything like ‘the pandemic play.’ But I think there are things I’m learning about myself and specifically about society that will absolutely make their way in some work.”

Her current project is a musical tentatively titled Buffalo Women, about real-life black women cowhands, Pony Express riders, and stagecoach drivers.

“I’m using country music’s black origins to tell the story of this hidden history. The music’s going to be live, only consisting of what the women have: guitar, banjo, fiddle, jugs, saws, boots, harmonies galore.

Oh, and I want a giant skirts-andboots-up dance sequence,” she added.

“I hope it finds a home.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

22

P H O T O G R A P H Y BY B I L L S I T Z M A N N / / D E S I G N BY M AT T W I E C Z O R E K

A +C THEA TE R

S T O RY BY V I R G I N I A K AT H RY N GA L L N E R

S

AV A N N A H S AV I C K F O U N D H E R L I F E ' S C A L L I N G W H E N S H E D I S C OV E R E D S H E C O U L D C O M B I N E V I S UA L A R T A N D T H E AT E R F O R A L I V I N G .

Savick’s decision to become an artist was a “stair-stepping process.” During college, she worked a series of odd jobs around town, including Sweet Magnolias Bakery and Artifact Bag Co., as well as volunteering with the exhibits departments at The Durham Museum and Omaha Children’s Museum.

In summer 2016, she had the opportunity to work on Peter Pan with the Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre as an intern, which served as her entry into the wild world of props design.

Upon graduating with her BFA in technical theater, she worked as prop master for Nebraska Shakespeare on their productions of King Lear and Merry Wives of Windsor. After that summer, she started working with Opera Omaha, where she built props for Falstaff, Faust, and Proving Up. One of her most challenging projects from that time period was creating a leopard for Faust.

After asking her colleagues for ideas, she ended up building the leopard around a foam taxidermy core in the shape of a bobcat.

“Props is just like really crafty theater,” she said.

In June 2018, Savick started her position as a scenic painter at The Rose Theater. The collaborative environment at The Rose has helped her creativity soar both in and outside of work.

Master carpenter Jackson Curtright said they work closely to coordinate the set-building process in order to give her enough time to paint. The Rose brings in a number of outside designers to collaborate on sets. Adam Rowe, for example, is an Emmy Award-winning designer based in Los Angeles who has worked on television shows such as The Good Place, Dexter, and Parks and Recreation. He has also designed for The Rose, “trying to do a little vacation away from the hustle and bustle,” as Curtright describes.

OF ALL THE PEOPLE DENN-YOUNG HAS WORKED WITH IN THE W O R L D O F T H E A T E R , SHE S A Y S THAT SAVICK IS AMONG THE KINDEST

One of the biggest challenges of working on a production team is following another designer’s vision.

“Making your own thing is a lot easier than trying to recreate what someone else has done,” Curtright said. Savick does both.

Devon Denn-Young, props mistress, appreciates Savick’s attentiveness to community outreach and collaboration. “The Rose has a skeleton crew for a production staff…[so we] make sure that we are supporting one another.” Of all the people DennYoung has worked with in the world of theater, she says that Savick is among the kindest. “She drops off little notes and gifts, randomly, for no reason.”

The 2020-2021 season was due to start in September and feature the production of Corduroy, which was filmed and shared as a time-lapse video on The Rose’s social media platforms. Savick was most excited about Up and Away, a low-sensory show designed for individuals who are on the autism spectrum. Together with the production team, she was creating a world where audience members took an elevator up to the Hitchcock Theater, riding a hot air balloon into the sky. At presstime, The Rose was changing its season offerings due to COVID-19 and the resulting social-distancing guidelines.

She finds the camaraderie at The Rose empowering.

She still has energy at the end of the day to go home and work on her own projects.

In quarantine, Savick found solace in art. She returned to her first love, illustration, when she began self-isolation. Her latest major project was a Freddie Mercury calendar—with cats. Each month depicts the rock star with his cats, and the calendar itself features many feline-themed holidays.

In addition to creating time-lapse videos of her scenic painting for The Rose Theater’s YouTube channel, Savick was inspired to create similar content for her illustration projects.

“It’s very Bob Ross, very chill,” she said, describing the videos. Some take place in real time, while others are narrations over a time-lapse.

23

A +C THEA TE R

“B E N S O N F E E L S L I K E SUCH A SPECIAL NEIGHBORHOOD IN OMAHA, BECAUSE THEY REALLY EMBRACE DIVERSITY AND WEIRDNESS” Music serves an important inspirational role for Savick. Her wife, Haley Clark, works at Homer’s Music in downtown Omaha, so they enjoy listening to records together at home. One of her favorite projects was illustrating a Panic!

At The Disco song as a picture book. She has created live paintings at local concerts and events.

Many of her illustrations are driven by food. She painted a picture of their cat, Thea, as a whimsical watercolor cinnamon roll. Another surreal piece, featured on her Instagram, depicts an astronaut walking their dog, Poppy, across a desolate planet.

Savick also collaborates with artists outside of work. She and one of her closest friends, Carley Kleffner, started the artist booth and shop Captain and Sailor's Nautical Oddities on Etsy. Together, they host booths at events such as Benson First Friday Artist Market.

Kleffner has found the Benson artist community very welcoming. Everyone goes the extra mile to take care of each other, from the organizers to the artists to the customers themselves. “Benson feels like such a special neighborhood in Omaha, because they really embrace diversity and weirdness,” she said. It is a gathering place of many different minds and mediums.

“I met Savannah in sixth grade, and we bonded over our mutual love of art,” Kleffner said. “As kids, whenever we got together, we were either drawing or making cardboard castles or baking.

Crafting and making things helped my mind feel lighter and gave me a sense of self-worth.”

That same sense of playfulness and wonder still characterizes Savick’s art. Her work has been displayed around town at Daisy Jones' Locker in Benson, Legends Comics & Coffee on Leavenworth Street, and recently, in a virtual art gallery at the Apollon Art Space on Vinton Street.

Follow Savick on Instagram: @sharpsavick

24

OBVIOUSLY OMAHA // STORY BY LINDA PERSIGEHL // PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

01

ROYAL TO WICKED

Six History Tours in Omaha Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” One of the best ways to understand a city’s culture and arts scene is to study its history. Omaha offers several historical tours that lend insight into the people who founded and built this town nicknamed “the Gateway to the West” and the events that shaped it.

Here are some of the offerings ideal for history lovers, those new to our fair town, and trivia buffs.

(They’ll also provide you with interesting tidbits for table talk at your next dinner party!) In most cases, reservations are required, and can be made online. Please call ahead, as the ongoing pandemic means not all these tours are operating at this time.

01. JOSLYN CASTLE

3902 DAVENPORT ST. 402.595.1415 JOSLYNCASTLE.ORG George and Sarah Joslyn, printing industry entrepreneurs and major philanthropists of Omaha in the early 20th century, lived in an actual castle. Guests can visit the first, second, and third floors of the 35-room, Scottish Baronial mansion built in 1903 in Midtown, as well as the garden and grounds on the five-acre estate. The castle is an Omaha Landmark Historic Structure and on the National Register of Historic Places.

02. WICKED OMAHA TOURS –

HISTORY WALKS LLC

10TH AND FARNAM STREETS 816.616.9162 HISTORYWALKSNEBRASKA.COM This group provides intimate walking tours of downtown Omaha’s Central Park Mall and new Capitol District, once home to saloons, mediums telling fortunes, rowdy music halls, and brothels. Notable civic leaders, including political boss and racketeer Tom Dennison, conducted many of their dirty deeds in these establishments The group also leads walking tours of Omaha’s oldest cemetery, Prospect Hill.

03. RIVER CITY HISTORY TOURS –

THE DURHAM MUSEUM 801 S. 10TH ST. 402.444.5027 DURHAMMUSEUM.ORG

The Durham offers six historical tours year round, both private and public. Guests ride Ollie the Trolley through the streets of Omaha while knowledgeable guides narrate stories of Omaha’s unique and varied past. Tour titles include: Millionaires and Mansions; Last Call for Alcohol; From Expositions to Jazz Musicians; Parks and Boulevards; and its newest, the Remember the Ladies tour, which recounts the contributions of Omaha’s founding first ladies of business, including brothel owner Anna Wilson.

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04. SOUTH OMAHA MUSEUM TOURS 2314 M ST. 402.734.3240 SOUTHOMAHAMUSEUM.ORG

This museum, which held a grand reopening in March 2020, tells the unique cultural history of South Omaha, once dubbed the “Magic City.” It offers five tours: Taste of South O, South Omaha Walking Tour, Heritage Murals, Ethnic Neighborhoods, and Omaha & South Omaha History.

Guides share tales of the immigrant food and culture brought to the area, the history of the Stockyards and meat-packing industry, the influence of baseball and Rosenblatt Stadium, and more.

05. OLD MARKET DISTRICT HISTORY TOUR

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10TH AND FARNAM STREETS 402.881.3548 NEBRASKATOUROMPANY.COM

A Nebraska Tour Co. guide escorts groups through the cobblestone streets of Omaha’s famous historic business and entertainment district, now home to trendy boutiques, fine eateries, breweries, art galleries, and more. Guests will learn about the history and architecture of the Jobber’s Canyon buildings (restored in the 1970s), as well as hidden passageways and secrets of the Old Market. The group also offers an Old Market Beer Tour and a food tour. Reservations are required and can be made online.

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06. BOYS TOWN TOUR

13628 FLANAGAN BLVD. 800.625.1400 BOYSTOWN.ORG Learn about the history of Father Flanagan’s village, founded a century ago with the mission of helping struggling young people grow into responsible, productive members of society. Today it is one of Omaha’s most recognized sites. Guided group tours take guests throughout the campus, the Hall of History, Dowd Chapel, Garden of the Bible, and Chambers Chapel, where Flanagan is entombed.

Private, custom tours are available.

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DINING REVIEW // STORY BY JILL NELSEN HING PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Modern Love in the time of COVID-19

I

sa Chandra Moskowitz made a groundbreaking move when she opened her swanky little vegan restaurant, Modern Love, in the meat-loving heartland of America in 2014. Showcasing ingredients grown locally makes perfect sense in the agricultural Midwest, yet few others seemed to be doing it. The restaurant has since proven that even devout Omaha carnivores can get on board with well-crafted, delicious vegan food.

Modern Love did something special; it revealed the Midwestern vegan hiding inside all of us.

I first discovered Modern Love while visiting family and friends in Nebraska. I was intrigued: who was this brave soul inviting Nebraskans to venture into the unexplored world of plant-based eating? I couldn’t wait to find out and made a reservation immediately.

On our first visit (it was then at the Saddle Creek location), my sister and I started with a couple of glasses of hibiscus tea and looked over the smart menu. The dishes artfully walk the line between familiar and unfamiliar ingredients, allowing newbies to vegan cuisine to decide whether to play it safe or get adventurous.

We opted for some locally grown grilled asparagus, served cold and dressed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, so the focus was on the bright, summery flavor. A kale Caesar salad was next. Although many have grown weary of kale appearing on every menu for the past decade or so, I really like it, so I continue to order it. I especially like it at Modern Love: the kale holds its own against the strong flavors of a reinvented Caesar dressing, which gets a punch of salt from the addition of capers instead of traditional anchovies.

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// DINING REVIEW //

O

rdering gnocchi when I see it is almost an involuntary reflex for me, but while I am always hopeful, I am often disappointed.

Making a good tender gnocchi is a skill not mastered by all. I am pleased to report that Modern Love’s gnocchi did not disappoint. It was perfectly chewy, served with a tasty, substantial sauce well-suited to the heartiness of the potato pasta. My sister ordered the delicious polenta romesco. This red pepper–almond romesco with chickpeas, potatoes, kale, and Brussels sprouts really hit the mark.

Serving it alongside perfectly grilled poppyseed polenta balanced the dish by adding textural dimension. The effect was homey, with deep flavors that made us want to keep going back for more.

Discovering this sweet little restaurant with its open kitchen and friendly vibe was an unexpected treat. I was impressed; I headed home to New York, knowing I would eat at Modern Love next time I was in town.

Imagine my surprise and delight when I found Modern Love about to open in my own Brooklyn neighborhood. Since it opened in 2016 I have eaten at the Williamsburg restaurant a number of times. The dining room, with high ceilings and industrial chandeliers, has a cool, modern vibe. And, even with plenty of room to accommodate a large party, the space manages to feel cozy and welcoming.

As in Omaha, the Brooklyn menu is a vegan take on classic comfort food. To recreate the slow food that we all crave, the kitchen embraces meat substitutes. Nuts, in lieu of dairy, are used to add depth and creaminess to sauces. (A mac & shew, made with cashew milk, may satisfy a cheese craving for a dedicated vegan, but I found it too rich to eat more than a few bites.)

The standout dish on the menu was the Asian-inspired lettuce wraps with crumbled seitan. The seitan filling captured the always satisfying sweet/sour/salt/spice flavor that we all look forward to when ordering an Asian-inspired dish. The cool crunch of the fresh lettuce made it a perfect bite.

The cauliflower wings were easily sharable and a unanimous success; crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and all around addictive–as spicy fried food often is. These were especially delicious washed down with a sweetly tart passion fruit margarita, rimmed with salt of course. Although I am always wary of Brussels sprouts being overcooked and tragically dying in vain, I cross my fingers and order them anyway; these, perfectly cooked and served with garlic aioli, did not disappoint.

A grilled Caesar salad was fantastic (although the portion was unnecessarily large). Grilling romaine proves a delicious way to showcase the natural sweetness of the lettuce. Serving it whole prevents it from being overdressed, allowing the lettuce to remain the star of the dish. Polenta croutons, instead of the usual bread, were a nice touch.

Everything we ordered was plated beautifully, though the literal plates were large–almost uncomfortably large. They sometimes made sharing difficult and often left the waitperson struggling to navigate the table.

Modern Love successfully created a menu with enough diversity and artfulness to satisfy appetites both vegan and not. The cuisine– beautiful, satisfying, plant-based, and delicious–reflects the love it is made with.

Under the weight of the current COVID-19 crisis, Modern Love thought it best to temporarily close their Brooklyn location. A recent dinner–meant to inform and update this review–was canceled as a result.

Visit modernloveomaha.com and modernlovebrooklyn.com for more information. // 76 //

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I FIRST DISCOVERED MODERN LOVE WHILE VISITING FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN NEBRASKA. I WAS INTRIGUED: WHO WAS THIS BRAVE SOUL INVITING NEBRASKANS TO VENTURE INTO THE UNEXPLORED WORLD OF PLANTBASED EATING?

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3157 FARNAM ST. | 402.614.6481 FOOD SERVICE AMBIANCE PRICE OVERALL

$$ 5 STARS POSSIBLE

D I N I N G F E A T U R E // S T O R Y B Y S E A N M C C A R T H Y P h o to g ra p h y by B i l l S i t z m a n n // D e s i g n by M a t t W i e c zo re k

H o w Tw o O m a h a R e s t a u ra n t s Fa c e d t h e F i re

O

ver the past five years, fires have been especially brutal to the Omaha restaurant community. It’s an inevitable risk, given that stoves and grills are in regular contact with flammable liquids, dripping fats, and cooking oils that can turn a flicker to a full-on blaze in a split second.

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2020

Dan Matuella

// D I N I N G F E A T U R E //

M

ost fires are unceremoniously contained: remove a flaming pan from the heating source, suffocate the mini blaze by putting a lid over it. In some cases, a fire extinguisher is called in to solve the problem. But for several highprofile restaurants in Omaha, these fires showcased the worst possible scenarios, sometimes in spectacular, explosive fashion.

The most famous of these was the 2016 M’s Pub fire in the Old Market. On a frigid January day, a contractor struck a gas line. The resulting gas leak was ignited and caused an explosion inside the fabled Omaha institution. Firefighters battled the blaze well into the night and for the next few days. The gutted historical building looked like the crystal Fortress of Solitude setting in the Christopher Reeve Superman movies.

Other Omaha institutions suffered similar, if less dramatic, fates. In 2017, the Sons of Italy Hall, near 10th and Briggs streets, had a two-alarm fire that burned its structure down to the studs. On Christmas Eve 2018, while vacationing in Vail, Colorado, the co-owner and current general manager of The Drover got a text, telling them their restaurant was on fire. The Sons of Italy and The Drover were able to reopen after the fires, but had to close again due to the coronavirus pandemic. (The Drover has reopened for dine-in, following the guidelines in place. The Sons of Italy plans to reopen for their Thursday lunch and Friday dinners in late July.)

One restaurant, Rivera’s Mexican Food, was damaged from a late summer fire in 2018 that affected other businesses in the strip mall near 120th and Blondo streets.

Owners Tracey and Jesus Rivera kept their restaurant afloat by doing pop-ups and setting up temporary shop at the Sandbar Grille at 3809 N. 90th St. Other restaurants were not so lucky. The beloved southern-themed restaurant Mouth of the South suffered a fire in 2017 that caused them to relocate to 70th Street and Ames Avenue. After a brief run at their new location, the restaurant closed its doors in late 2019. However, in their Facebook feed, Mouth of the South declared their intentions to reopen.

And this past January, a fire damaged the popular Chinese restaurant Three Happiness Express, causing them to close. In a Facebook post to their followers in April, Three Happiness estimated their opening date to happen in either June or July.

Before Christmas Eve in 2018, The Drover hadn’t experienced a fire in its 40 years of operation. Owners and sisters Wendy Anderson and Amy Leise took over the restaurant after their father, Robert Anderson, one of the founders of The Drover, died of a heart attack in 2014. Anderson and Leise remembered growing up within The Drover’s walls.

Amy remembered playing restaurant with her sister when they were young.

Wendy remembered them both being put to work by her father.

“I remember spending a lot of weekends there cleaning during the days and also having free range of the fountain sodas.

I would mix all of the flavors,” she said.

Leise and Anderson both worked at The Drover in high school, either as a hostess or waitress. The two worked with longtime co-managers Gregory “Buddy” Goodman and Mike “Spike” Sabin.

Goodman and Sabin were the faces of The Drover through its 40-year history.

Goodman died in 2019. Sabin has since retired. Daryl Leise, Amy’s husband, took over as general manager in 2019.

Amy and Daryl got a text around 9 a.m. stating The Drover was on fire. A friend who was working in the nearby Travel and Transport building sent a live feed via FaceTime to Anderson, showing the flames that were escaping through the roof. Anderson was in Omaha at the time and sped toward the restaurant.

EVEN THOUGH SONS OF ITALY HAD TO CLOSE ITS DOORS FOR LUNCH AND DINNER SERVICE DURING THE PANDEMIC, MATUELLA SAID IT WAS HEARTWARMING TO SEE THE PUBLIC OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT THOSE FIRST FEW WEEKS THEY WERE REOPENED. // 80 //

JULY/AUGUST 2020

“When I pulled in, there were fire trucks there. John Chapman was there with WOWT,” Anderson said.

“Buddy and Spike were down there too. We were all just right there at the same time.”

Amy Leise remembers feeling like her heart sank. She cut her family ski vacation short and drove back to Omaha. Leise and Anderson were relieved to hear that no one was injured, and because of the early time of the fire, only one employee was inside the building and was able to escape.

“When I knew they (the employees) were good and nobody was hurt or injured, I knew we could get through this,” Anderson said.

Fire investigators determined a motor malfunction in the hood above the grill caused the blaze. The roof, kitchen, and salad bar were damaged. And for the first weeks, both Anderson and Leise believed they would be back in business within a few months. The owners met with Sabin and Goodman as well as insurance agents and contractors. Once work began on tearing down the rubble, it became evident that extensive work would be needed to get The Drover’s doors open again.

“It’s like an onion,” Leise said. “Every time we peeled back a layer, new fire-related issues presented themselves.”

The first major problem Leise and Anderson encountered was they didn’t have the original blueprints to the 50-plusyear-old building. Because of this, they had to hire an architect and engineer to locate the plumbing and the electrical layout of the building. Much of the restaurant’s plumbing was four feet underground within the building. Trenches had to be dug to get to the pipes.

“There was dirt piled up against the walls as high as my shoulders,” Leise said.

Along with fixing the fire-related damages, Leise and Anderson had to do additional work to get the building up to code.

One regulation required them to move a load-bearing wall that was behind the grill station. That required a construction crew to literally raise the roof of The Drover to accommodate the change. Modifications to the bathrooms to accommodate the Americans with Disabilities Act were also done. The total cost of the repairs was about $800,000, Leise said.

During the nine months The Drover sat, its employees were paid their full wages, including tips, Leise said. Shortly after her father died, Leise did an audit of the restaurant’s insurance policy. She determined the need for business interruption insurance, which paid her employees.

“We did not lose one single employee from an employment standpoint,” Leise said.

While much work went into keeping the feel of the original restaurant, some upgrades were inevitable. New cooking equipment demanded an updated electrical setup. New registers were installed to replace the melted ones. To test out the new digs, the staff had a private dinner service for the contractors as well as the fire stations that responded to the blaze.

On August 26, 2019, almost nine months after the fire, The Drover reopened for business. Its menu, including its famous whiskey-marinated steaks, remained virtually unchanged. To commemorate the reopening, a dedicated group of patrons who had been going to The Drover for more than 30 years held a small ceremony and chipped in for some additional landscaping outside the restaurant. Seeing that group, dubbed “Geezerville,” was one of the most rewarding moments during the busy weeks leading up to The Drover’s reopening, Leise said.

“Their faces are part of The Drover,” she said.

The hood motor malfunction that caused The Drover’s fire is a common hazard for restaurants that have grills. However, the 2017 fire that devastated The Sons of Italy at 1238 S. 10th St. in the Little Italy neighborhood could have been mentioned in the mockumentary This is Spinal Tap. In a phone interview, Dan Matuella, president of the Nebraska chapter of the Sons of Italy, said the official cause of the fire was due to a “spontaneous combustion” of rags.

Matuella laid out the likely scenario that led to its nearly three-year shuttering: the staff of mostly volunteers at the lodge wiped up cooking oil (most likely canola) with rags, which were later put in the wash.

After the rags were dried, it was assumed they were put in a pile. The friction from the remaining dried oil on the rags ignited. Battalion Chief Scott Fitzpatrick, a department spokesman for Omaha Fire Department, said while this type of spontaneous combustion of rags was more

common in settings like garages where more flammable liquids are present, the ignition of cooking oils on rags could still pose a risk of fire, as was the case with Sons of Italy.

“The whole building pretty much burned down,” Matuella said.

Matuella said he was supposed to volunteer that night. While not a textbook definition of a restaurant, the Sons of Italy dining hall serves lunches on Thursday and dinner on Friday. The money raised during those food services funds causes such as Alzheimer’s and autism research as well as scholarships.

The initial cost to rebuild was $1.2 million. Unfortunately, the lodge was only insured for $700,000. So began a three-year process of fundraising to make up the difference. During that time, the cost of lumber rose, further increasing the repair costs. Matuella said Sons of Italy received a major donation from a member who chose to remain anonymous. During the three years of fundraising, there was various stoppages to construction as money ran out, and more had to be raised. Matuella remembered the frustration from himself as well as the members during that time.

“The membership was fractured on it,” Matuella said.

The Sons of Italy organization was able to secure a loan to cover the increased construction and lumber costs. Matuella said they are still about $165,000 short of fully paying off the balance of the loan.

Matuella estimated that 640 lunches were served for their first service, even with temperatures in the teens. The second and third weeks saw attendance jump to about 700 for lunches. On their fourth week, just before they had to close because of the coronavirus pandemic, they had close to 800 lunch customers and roughly 375 for dinner service.

Even though Sons of Italy had to close its doors for lunch and dinner service during the pandemic, Matuella said it was heartwarming to see the public outpouring of support those first few weeks they were reopened. He said he hoped to continue to whittle down their debt for the rest of the year now that restaurants are cleared to reopen.

“We just like to get those white shirts dirty with sauce,” Matuella said.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the same insurance policy that covered The Drover’s employees during the fire also paid for their wages while the restaurant was closed. Leise said the coronavirus situation was different because of the unpredictability and fear associated with the virus. At the time of the interview, Anderson said she hoped the same resilience that kept them afloat during the fire would help them during the pandemic.

“The comeback is always stronger than the setback. That’s our focus,” Anderson said.

Visit droverrestaurant.com and sonsofitalyne.org for more information.

Sons of Italy finally reopened this past February. The renovated building included a larger dining area as well as a modernized kitchen. The former sous chef is now the head chef, responsible for the spaghetti sauce. Four volunteers help with the weekly preparation for the lunch and dinner services.

Prep begins on Monday when the mix for the spaghetti sauce is made.

Tuesday is for rolling meatballs.

Wednesday is for making the sauce.

Matuella said he was able get two dry runs in before their first service on Feb. 13, 2020. They needed the practice to face the crowds that had waited years for a spaghetti dinner at the lodge.

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“It just reminds me of hanging out in my grandfather’s study with Duke Ellington vinyls and his cigar smoke.”

-Granville Sharpe

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Jazz DINING PROFILE // STORY BY TIM TRUDELL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

ALL THAT AND

The Jewell Jazz Club Features Tasty Food, Great Sounds

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eople once packed Omaha’s dance halls to listen and dance to the sweet sounds of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald. Even the great Nat King Cole performed in Omaha. It was a different world then. Clubs such as the Dreamland Ballroom, Carnation Ballroom, and Allen’s Showcase Lounge routinely drew large crowds in North Omaha's 24th and Lake area known as “The Deuce.”

The area was booming. Businesses filled storefronts. People had money in their pockets. They wanted to party. And jazz clubs were there for their enjoyment.

Celebrating jazz's influence on Omaha's music scene was the impetus of opening The Jewell jazz club, said Granville Sharpe, the club's general manager. The longtime jazz fan has been involved with The Jewell since shortly after it opened in February 2019. Located in the Capitol District, next to Omaha Marriott Downtown, The Jewell took its name from the North Omaha building that was home to Dreamland Ballroom. Located on the top floor of the Jewell Building, the ballroom remained one of the area’s major night clubs until it closed its doors in 1965. The Jewell Building was named to the National Register of Historical Places in 1983.

Sharpe, an Orlando, Florida, native, has loved jazz music for as long as he can remember. Family friend Eric Rutledge gave him a saxophone when he was around 10. He became infatuated with the sound and continued to play through

his youth. The chance to work at The Jewell brought back childhood memories.

“It just reminds me of hanging out in my grandfather’s study with Duke Ellington vinyls and his cigar smoke,” Sharpe said.

Following a stint in the Air Force as an intelligence specialist, he was stationed at Offutt. He decided to stay in Omaha.

Having worked in the hospitality industry at places such as Le Bouillon and the Marriott, he joined The Jewell as a bartender in spring 2019. He later took over as beverage manager before agreeing to become the club's general manager in July 2019.

In addition to listening to the sounds of national and local acts—David Sanborn performed at the club’s grand opening—guests can enjoy a delicious meal and drinks at The Jewell, Sharpe said. From small plate items, including seasoned deviled eggs and cheese curds, to entrees such as a New York strip steak and roasted tomato penne, the menu is strong on comfort food. continued on page 91 JULY/AUGUST 2020

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5021 Underwood Ave. - 402.590.2625 An OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice for 2014 HotSpot Restaurant in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven. The menu also features seafood, handcut steak, housemade pastas, and burgers full of flavor. Our goal is to provide you with local, housemade, and imported ingredients.

We offer a happy hour menu through the week. Our bar provides an array of in-house concoctions as well as your traditional libations.

Our wine selection is well-thought-out and most impressive. You will enjoy Pitch. Monday 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 3-10 p.m.

—pitchpizzeria.com

Sports Bar

SPEZIA - $$$

3125 S. 72nd St. - 402.391.2950 2016 First Place KETV 7 • Baxter Arena

VOTED OMAHA’S #1 SPORTS BAR!

DJSDUGOUT.COM

Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you’ll find a casual elegance that’s perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily.

Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers’ Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended.

—speziarestaurant.com

JULY/AUGUST 2020

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rotellasbakery.com

SINCE 1921

Omaha

DINING GUIDE Breakfast

MEXICAN FERNANDO’S - $

7555 Pacific St. - 402.339.8006.

380 N. 114th St. - 402.330.5707 Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily. Catering and party rooms also available.

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

—fernandosomaha.com

JULIO’S - $

156th & Dodge • 408-1728 177th & Center • 934-9914 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 69th & Pacific • 933-2776

Thanks for Voting Us # BREAKFAST YEARS in a Row!

12

1

Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day!

LEPEEPOMAHA.COM | @LEPEEPOMAHA

OMAHA’S

#1 MEXICAN RESTAURANT

17 YEARS IN A ROW!

2820 S. 123rd Court - 402.330.2110 Locally owned since 1977, Julio’s prides themselves on serving the finest Tex-Mex cuisine and offering top-notch customer service. Our loyal customers are the reason we have been around for nearly 40 years. We have an extensive menu that has both classic and innovative dishes—giving everyone the opportunity to find something they love. Salivating for Southwestern fare? We have tacos, tostadas, a dozen different enchiladas, and classic fajitas. And, of course, nachos! —julios.com

LA MESA - $$

158th St. and W. Maple Road - 402.557.6130 156th and Q streets - 402.763.2555 110th St. and W. Maple Road - 402.496.1101 Fort Crook Road and Hwy 370 - 402.733.8754 84th Street and Tara Plaza - 402.593.0983 Lake Manawa Exit - 712.256.2762 Enjoy awesome enchiladas, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouth-watering margaritas, and more at La Mesa. Come see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s No. 1 Mexican restaurant 16 years in a row. Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

—lamesaomaha.com

MARGARITA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $

4915 S. 72nd St. - 402.393.7515

Margarita’s is a business with more than seven years in the food world. We offer authentic Mexican food where you can enjoy a nice moment with your family.

—margaritasmenu.com

ROMEO’S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $

90th and Blondo streets - 402.391.8870 146th St. and W. Center Road - 402.330.4160 96th and L streets - 402.331.5656 Galvin and Avery roads - 402.292.2028 29th and Farnam streets - 4402.346.1110

OMAHA – 158TH & MAPLE (402) 557-6130

PAPILLION – 84TH & TARA PLZ (402) 593-0983

OMAHA – 110TH & MAPLE (402) 496-1101

BELLEVUE – FT. CROOK RD & 370 (402) 733-8754

OMAHA – 156TH & Q (402) 763-2555

COUNCIL BLUFFS – LAKE MANAWA EXIT (712) 256-2762

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

JULY/AUGUST 2020

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STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD ITALIAN SPECIALTIES 7 private party rooms Seating up to 400 Lots of parking

1620 S. 10th Street

402-345-8313

www.casciossteakhouse.com

Bringing Italy to Omaha Since 1919

Take a Taste of Italy Home Today!

HAPPY HOUR:

Tues–Sat 3-6pm & All Day Sunday

Tues-Thurs: 8:30am-8pm Friday: 8:30am-8:30pm Saturday: 7:30am-8pm Sunday: 7:30am-6pm

REVERSE HAPPY HOUR:

Friday & Saturday 9-11pm $1 OFF TACOS, $3 MEX BEERS, $5.50 MARGS 735 N 14th St. Omaha, NE 68102 402.933.4222 | hookandlime.com

An Omaha favorite for over 100 years (1919-2019)

402.345.3438 621 Pacific St, Omaha NE orsibakery.com

Follow us on Instagram! @OmahaMagazine

Seafood - Mexican - Sushi

5101 S 36 th St, Omaha, NE 68107 - 402-213-5723 - Daily Food & Drink Specials Home of the

h Steak ouse

FAMOUS WHISKEY STEAK

@The Drover Restaurant & Lounge | Gift Cards Available 2121 S. 73 St. | (402) 391-7440 | DroverRestaurant.com Open Monday - Friday 11am - 2pm | Dinner nightly from 5pm

// 88 //

JULY/AUGUST 2020

Omaha’s Riverfront Entertainment Venue

Omaha

DINING GUIDE SPECIAL DINING BÄRCHEN BEER GARDEN - $

JAMS OLD MARKET • 1101 Harney St • Happy Hour M-F 3pm-6pm

JAMS MIDTOWN • 7814 West Dodge Road • Sunday Brunch 10am-2pm

6209 Maple St. - 402.502.9902

BOOK NOW!

Located in Benson, Bärchen is a modern American beer garden and beer hall influenced

by German communal drinking culture.

Indoor seating for approximately 125 people and outdoor seating in our beer garden for approximately 125-150 people. The laid-back atmosphere pairs well with our 30 rotating taps, international beer list, unique sausage & sandwich menu, and locally made pretzels. We are family and dog friendly—all are welcome.

Hours: Tues-Thurs 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information or to host an event, please email gm@barchenbeer.com —barchenbeer.com

BRUSHI BISTRO+BAR - $$

721 N. 132nd St. - 402.884.6878

JAMS LEGACY • 17070 Wright Plaza • Party Rooms & Patios • jamseats.com

151 FREEDOM PARK ROAD OMAHA www.rivercitystar.com

Swiss-trained chef Paul Braunschweiler combines the best of Europe’s epicurean delights with an American flair. Brushi’s casual and open atmosphere combine to create a true bistro experience. Fresh ingredients highlight the menu. Happy Hours and nightly specials.

Private dining available. Patio seating weather permitting. —brushiomaha.com

CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $

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.com

is proud to recognize many black-owned restaurants in Omaha.

Visit OmahaMagazine.com to see our list.

Did we miss anyone? Email

editor@omahapublications.com and let us know.

FIRST WATCH - $

1222 S. 71st St. - 402.932.5691 2855 S. 168th St. - 402.330.3444 3605 N. 147th St. - 402.965.3444 304 Olson Drive - 402.965.3444 2015 Pratt Ave., Bellevue - 402.991.3448 We begin each morning at the crack of dawn, slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffins, and whipping up our French toast batter from scratch. Everything is made toorder here at First Watch. We use only the finest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around. —firstwatch.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

JULY/AUGUST 2020

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Omaha

DINING GUIDE GREEK ISLANDS - $

3821 Center St. - 402.346.1528 Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carry-out and delivery available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. —greekislandsomaha.com

STEAKHOUSES Thank You, Thank You,

CASCIO’S - $$

1620 S. 10th St. - 402-345-8313 Cascio’s is Omaha’s No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties.

We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking.

—casciossteakhouse.com

Thank You

For Continually Voting For Us!

Serving Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat 3001 S. 32nd Ave / Omaha, NE 402.345.5656

n Sandwi ube ch Re

PARADISE BAKERY - $

17305 Davenport St. - 402.934.5757 120 Regency Parkway - 402.991.3000 Paradise Bakery offers freshly prepared baked goods made from scratch every morning with the finest ingredients available. Offering a variety of meals including soups, salads, and sandwiches. Our associates are extremely proud of the reputation Paradise has earned for providing exceptional service and producing the finest-quality products.

—paradisebakery.com

an Dining Itali

THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$ 2121 S. 73rd St. - 402-391-7440

Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben!

Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one-of-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done. Lunch Monday­- Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., cocktail hour 3-6 p.m., dinner nightly 5 p.m.

—droverrestaurant.com

Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

3578 Farnam St • 402-345-1708 www.beercornerusa.com

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

Dine-in / TakeouT / CurbsiDe / ouTsiDe available Pasta

xican Dining Me

Rockbrook Village (108th & Center) 402.391.2585 www.pastaamore.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING OUR PASTA #1

We can accommodate parties of 30 or more, by reservation only

DINNER HOURS // Mon. - Sat.: 4:30 PM - ? // Closed Sunday

Like Us on Facebook

Hamburger

Catering Available

thanks to our customers for voting us the “BEST BURGER

IN OMAHA www.romeosOMAHA.com

// 90 //

JULY/AUGUST 2020

“Serving World Famous Hamburgers Since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd., Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

// DINING PROFILE //

continued from page 83 “My favorite is the salmon,” Sharpe said of the Faroe Island salmon, a dish that includes fried Brussels sprouts.

When it comes to drinks, Sharpe works with his team to create a broad range of cocktails. “For example, we want something fruity, something more spirit forward, a fizzy and floral cocktail, a sweet and savory cocktail, etc.” he said in an email interview.

Sharpe said he is excited for their new cocktail menu, which he was about to have printed right as the pandemic worsened. “Luckily, I hadn’t ordered all of the stuff for the new menu yet, so we didn’t waste a bunch of money during this rough time.”

He said they do suggest cocktails with specific dishes on the food menu, but haven’t yet had a full cocktail dinner tasting menu. “And though I very much love wine dinners, I think a cocktail dinner tasting would be more fitting for the jazz atmosphere. So, you can expect a tasting in the near, post-pandemic future.”

The Jewell works with the hotel’s talented kitchen staff. “We have the freedom of creativity with dishes at the Marriott,” he said. The setup is convenient too, as the kitchen is located right behind the stage wall.

In a followup interview, owner Brian McKenna said that while they will match menu items with the hotel for efficiency’s sake, the kitchen occasionally features different items just for The Jewell. They also support all of the club’s private events and prix fixe dinners, typically for holiday specials. “The food is excellent due to the farm-to-table concept,” McKenna added. “They have amazing chefs.”

A jazz fan for most of his life— McKenna’s mother was a jazz singer and his father an enthusiast of the genre—it seemed natural for him to end up owning a night club. McKenna himself has played the drums since fifth grade and started on the clarinet in fourth grade. The Syracuse, New York, native earned his undergraduate degree from Ithaca College, and then earned a master’s degree from Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.

Following college, he played professionally until he received an offer to work at SONY Music Entertainment in 1991. He worked his way up to being a

vice president. After the studio was sold in 2007, he opened his own agency, managing musicians and singers, among others.

Then, the McKenna family headed to Nebraska in 2015.

When McKenna and his wife, Mary, started researching potential club locations in Omaha, they were encouraged to contact the Capitol District management about a possible restaurant and music club.

After spending a few months developing a business plan, the jazz aficionado received the support he needed to open a jazz club in downtown Omaha.

McKenna believed the new club needed to be on the same quality level as Dakota Jazz in Minneapolis, or Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and Jazz in St. Louis.

“Jimmy Jewell became the conduit to bringing everyone together. People came from all over the area to see shows. Why don’t we celebrate this now down at the Capitol District?”-Brian McKenna

Brian McKenna and daughter Emily

Gaining the support of North Omaha jazz experts in opening the new club was critical, he said.

He worked with the Omaha Economic Development Corp., which is located near 24th and Lake streets.

“Duke. Count. No one could play downtown because of segregation.

Sleeping and eating at peoples’ houses,” McKenna said. “Jimmy Jewell became the conduit to bringing everyone together. People came from all over the area to see shows. Why don’t we celebrate this now down at the Capitol District?”

McKenna decided to honor the North Omaha influence by naming the club The Jewell. With about 3,000 hotel rooms in the area, McKenna believes The Jewell could attract visitors as well as locals. It offers guests an opportunity to enjoy a good meal and drinks, as well as see Omaha in a new light, Sharpe said.

“The Jewell is a great venue,” he said. “It really goes along with promoting the music, promoting the culture. It gives awareness to the culture. I think there should always be a back-and-forth between things we are doing and things The Jewell is doing.”

In the end, an enjoyable experience at The Jewell comes down to great service, McKenna said.

“I’ve always said once you make the artist happy you will make the customers happy,” McKenna said. “I have a deep respect for people who purchase a ticket. They deserve good service, good food, good cocktails, and a high-quality performance worth the overall experience.”

Visit The Jewell’s website for upcoming shows and more information at jewellomaha.com.

The Jewell helps continue the story of jazz in Omaha, said Tim Christian, president of the Love’s Jazz and Art Center foundation.

JULY/AUGUST 2020

// 91 //

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

NEBRASK A

CORNHUSKER STATE GAMES July 17-26, varying

locations in Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding communities. This amateur sporting event offers participants the opportunity to compete in Olympic contests like gymnastics, track and field, and swimming, as well as more relaxed events like horseshoe pitching and chess.

402-471-2544. —cornhuskerstategames.com

UNCLE SAM JAM! July 3 at Oak Lake Park, Lincoln. This family-friendly event is Lincoln’s official celebration of Independence Day, featuring food, music, fireworks, and more. 402-441-7547. —lincoln.ne.gov RED, WHITE, KABOOM! July 3 at Ag Park in Columbus. The biggest Independence Day celebration in Columbus brings eventgoers a day of live music from Barrel House, activities, a bouncy house, and more. Fireworks starting at dusk. 402-564-2769. —thecolumbuspage.com

NEBRASKA STAR PARTY July 19-24 at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine.

This week-long event dedicated to nature and the stars will entertain children and adults alike.

Guests can learn how to explore the night sky and take educational tours of the surrounding area. 402-333-5460. —nebraskastarparty.org

49TH ANNUAL FLEA MARKET July 3-5 at City

Park in Fairbury. This annual event features more than 215 vendors, where everything from dishes to clothes will be available for purchase, along with great food. A Fourth of July celebration will take place as well. 402729-322. —fairburyfleamarket.com

1898 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

July 4 at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island. This summer tradition includes a parade, a concert, pie-eating contests, games, and more. 308-385-5316. —stuhrmuseum.org

ZOOFEST July 10-11 at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln.

This festival will feature all-day performances from national and local musicians along with food, drinks, and merchandise for sale. 402-435-8754.

—zoobar.com JOHN C. FREMONT DAYS July 10-12 throughout Fremont. Held every second week of July, this events celebrates John C. Fremont, and includes free activities, historical tours, car and bike shows, vendors, antiques, and live entertainment.

402-727-9428. —johncfremontdays.org ALLIANCE HERITAGE DAYS July 14-19 throughout

Alliance. Celebrating more than 40 years of Alliance heritage and history, this five-day event brings carnival rides, various vendors, live musical entertainment, a parade, games, and so much more. 308-762-5400. —cityofalliance.net

FAMILY FUN CARNIVAL Aug. 1 at Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum near Ashland. This annual carnival is complete with games, bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, hands-on activities, and more.

Kids and adults will be able to learn how JULY to juggle from Omaha Juggling Club members. 402-944-3100. —sacmuseum.org

04

NEBRASKA ROD & CUSTOM CAR SHOW Aug. 2 at Stuhr Museum of the Prairie

Pioneer in Grand Island. Dozens of street rods, hot rods, customized vehicles, and historical American automobiles will be on display at the museum’s 1890s Railroad Town. 308-385-5316. —stuhrmuseum.org

COLUMBUS DAYS Aug. 13-16 throughout Columbus. Attendees can spend the weekend listening to live music, enjoying food, a cornhole contest, bed races, a parade, and more. 402-564-2769. —thecolumbuspage. com/events/columbus-days OREGON TRAIL DAYS Aug. 21-22 throughout Scottsbluff. This annual event is one of the oldest community festivals in Nebraska. The celebration includes a kickoff barbecue, a hill climb bicycle ride to the top of Scotts Bluff National Monument, a chili cookoff, horseshoe tournament, and more.

308- 632-2133. —oregontraildays.com KOOL-AID DAYS Aug. 21-23 in Hastings

Nebraska. This year’s event is teaming up with the Oregon Trail Rodeo, but will still feature Kwickest Kool-Aid Drinking Contest, Jammers Boat Races, a fun run/walk, and more. 402-461-8405. —kool-aiddays.com

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JULY/AUGUST 2020

NEBRASKA STATE FAIR Aug. 28-Sept. 7 at the state fairgrounds in Grand Island.

Participate in traditional fair activities like livestock exhibits, a midway, and lots of fried food. 308-382-1620. —statefair.org GERMANFEST Aug. 29 throughout Syracuse.

An event celebrating German culture brings eventgoers a grand parade, ribfest, tractor pulls, live entertainment, and more.

402-269-3242. —gosyracusene.com IOWA INDEPENDENCE DAY July 4 at Living History Farms in Urbandale. Celebrate America’s birthday with a family-oriented day of pieeating contests, foot races, a town parade, and more. The celebration will also include the Walnut Hill Bluestockings playing baseball according to 1875 rules. 515-278-5286. —lhf.org CHRISTMAS IN JULY July 11 in downtown Oskaloosa. Celebrate Christmas in the summer with this unique all-day, family-friendly event, with games, activities, live music, and more.

Funds raised will benefit Painting of Lights lighting display. 641-672-2591. —oacdg.org IOWAY CULTURE DAY July 13 at Living History Farms in Urbandale. Spend the day exploring the Ioway culture—the namesake of the state of Iowa. Guests can take a tractor-cart ride to a 1700-style Ioway farm where they can learn how the Ioway constructed their homes, farmed, and prepared food. In addition, guest speakers will impart their personal knowledge of Ioway tradition and technology. 515-278-5286. —lhf.org NORDICFEST July 23-25 in downtown Decorah. This town promotes its Scandanavian heritage by welcoming visitors from around the world for a festival full of traditional crafts, food, colorful parades, musical performances, and a Saturday night fireworks show. 800-382-3378. —nordicfest.com

AUG.

HINTERLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL

Aug. 2-4 at Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in St. Charles. Guests will be entertained with music from a talented number of artists from around the country (and the world) with styles rooted in rock, country, and more. Performers include Tanya Tucker, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Yola. 515-333-4628. —hinterlandiowa.com

2-4

// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

JULY/AUGUST 2020

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// EXPLORE CALENDAR //

IMAGINE • INSPIRE • INNOVATE

MISSOURI FIRST SATURDAY EVENT July 11 and Aug. 1 at Shoal Creek Living History Museum in Kansas City. This free event will introduce guests to the Missouri of the 19th century through historical demonstrations and activities.

Re-enactors dressed as outlaws, mountain men, and other characters will participate in skits and gunfights. 816-792-2655.

—shoalcreeklivinghistorymuseum.com KC FRINGE FESTIVAL July 12-26 in Kansas City. This is a 14-day festival of unjuried, uncensored performing and visual arts featuring performers and creators from all over—local, national, and international. 816- 359-9195. —kcfringe.org

Just off I-80 at Exit 426 www.SACMuseum.org

ETHNIC ENRICHMENT FESTIVAL Aug. 21-23 at Swope Park, 3999 Swope Parkway in Kansas City. This event features more than 60 different cultures selling their native foods and crafts, and performing ethnic music and dances. 816-513-7553. —eeckc.net K ANSAS JUNQUE N’ DONUTS FLEA MARKET July 11 at Louisburg Cider Mill in Louisburg. Vendors will be setting up shop to showcase their treasures. Eventgoers can peruse or stop into the Mill for not beer and delicious cider donuts.

913-837-5202. —louisburgcidermill.com DODGE CITY DAYS July 23-Aug. 2 in Dodge City. Running into early August, this twoweek celebration will mark the 59th year of the festival. This event will have food trucks, an obstacle course, barbecue contest, a car show, and more. 620-227-3119. —dodgecitydays.org ROCK & FOOD TRUCKS July 25 in downtown Topeka. Several local rock ’n’ roll bands will perform at this festival, with concessions available from food trucks. 800-235-1030 —visittopeka.com COUNTRY & FOOD TRUCKS Aug. 22 in downtown Topeka. Several local country bands will perform at this festival, with concessions available from food trucks. 800-235-1030 —visittopeka.com Event times and details may change.

Visit omahamagazine.com for complete listings.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

// 94 //

JULY/AUGUST 2020

#OMAHAMAGAZINE SHARE YOUR PHOTOS OF OMAHA TO BE FEATURED HERE.

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JULY/AUGUST 2020

// 95 //

NOT FUNNY // COLUMN BY OTIS TWELVE // PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL SITZMANN

TALKING TO MYSELF

S

o, I was talking to myself the other day.

I was in my car. I have found over the years that, if I want to talk to myself, being in my car is the best place. If I am in my car, it only takes a second to check and be sure that I am alone. I have also found over the years that, if I want to talk to myself, being alone is the best company.

If you talk to yourself around the wrong people, your spouse or children for example, they may produce some sort of document and get it signed by a quack or two, who are unsympathetic concerning the art of self-conversation. They may then file that document with a nearby court presided over by a judge of one sort or another who also thinks such solo-chats are suggestive of a weak and unstable character. Said jurist might then issue some sort of ruling, or order, or such, that might occasion a change of address for me.

Now, though I do rather like rural living, quiet country mornings, and that sense of healing solitude one can get when spending a few months at an institution that dedicates itself to providing such restful accommodations, I do not favor being forced there under duress by shady lawyers. Thus, I maintain that it is best to get into my car, a smallish sedan that offers no nooks or crannies where a child or my rather petite wife might secrete themselves, check three times to ascertain that I am quite alone, turn on the radio to country music, and crank the volume to max. And drive at least three blocks from my home–the one that they want to take away from me–before beginning any conversation with the said “self.”

So, anyway, I was talking to myself the other day.

I was in my car. I have found over the years, and especially in these days of anxiety, that talking to myself offers me the best chance to interact with and improve the most important relationship in my life–the relationship between me and me. I have found that if I am honest and open with myself, I grow to like myself more and more. I like that.

I can relate to myself without reservation about the most significant issues that we face on the journey through this incarnation. The other day I told myself exactly what I should have told Tommy Fangman after he bullied me in third grade. I spoke honestly, and openly about my profound disappointment in the final season of Game of Thrones—I even cried a bit about that. Maybe at long last I can let go of that sense of betrayal that follows me all these years later. Lately I have been re-living the Chiefs Super Bowl win over and over—talking to myself about how much I deserve Patrick Mahomes being on my team. I deserve him.

I recommend that everyone spend more time talking to themselves.

One bit of advice, don’t talk to yourself about politics or religion. You’ll just end up in an argument.

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

JULY/AUGUST

// 96 //

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