Jan/Feb 2010 The Encounter Magazine

Old Market • Downtown • Riverfront

Delinea Design: Documenting Diavolo www.oldmarket.com

January/February 2010

DOWNTOWN ART ARTIST KRISTAE PETERSON DOWNTOWN DINING LIBERTY TAVERN

OMAHA MAGAZINE • 5921 S. 118TH CIRCLE • OMAHA, NE 68137

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID OMAHA MAGAZINE LTD

At the Old Market’s Front Door 10TH & HOWARD STREETS

Treat your special Valentine to handmade chocolates

Spectacular holiday décor & more We celebrate the spirit of Christmas, always! Also find seasonal décor for Valentines Day, St. Patrick’s Day and other holidays throughout the year.

• Dept. 56 Village Gold Key Dealer • 100s of Ornaments, Gifts & Collectibles • Beanpod Soy Candles

1007 HOWARD ST. (402) 345-9627

The souvenir and traveler’s store

Like no other, our gourmet chocolates and fudge are handmade in our kitchen with the finest ingredients.

Come create a custom gift box that’s sure to delight.

Small in size but large on variety! Find essentials for travelers, Nebraska-made gifts, Heartland apparel, Husker items and souvenirs. We’ve been called “the hotel gift shop, without the hotel prices.”

• Vermont Truffles • International Licorice • Nostalgia Candies • Sugar-Free Varieties • Jelly Bellies (40 flavors) • Salt Water Taffy

1005 HOWARD ST.

◆

(402) 344-8846

S I N C E 1 97 7

1003 HOWARD ST. (402) 345-8198

Celebrating Film as Art in Downtown Omaha American Independents, Foreign Films, Documentaries, Classics, Community Development Programs & Arts in Education.

Film Streams at the Ruth Sokolof Theater 1340 Mike Fahey Street (formerly Webster) Daily showtimes at 933-0259 or filmstreams.org.

Present this ad for $1 off admission

Offer expires April 30, 2009. Not valid with other discounts or coupons.

New Patients Welcome Early Morning and Emergency Availability

The Old Market’s favorite spot for lunch & dinner.

Award-winning food & wine list – open late 7 nights a week.

Call for reservations.

M’s Pub

422 S. 11th Street

•

342-2550

www.MsPubOmaha.com

Italian & Mediterranean specialties served in“the Old Market’s most beautiful dining room,” complemented with the area’s largest selection of Italian wines.

1108 Howard Street

•

342-2050

www.VivaceOmaha.com

the encounter | january/february 2010 3

Second Chance

Old Market Downtown • Riverfront

Antiques & Collectibles

Bought and sold by the handful, or houseful

Furniture Architectural Items China Glassware Toys & Dolls Books Huge Selection of Vintage Clothing & Jewelry on our Lower Level

Over 30 Years in the Old Market

1116 Jackson St. 346-4930 Mon-Thurs 10am-6pm / Fri-Sat 11am-9pm / Sun 12-6pm

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010

P UBLISHER

Todd Lemke

E DITOR

Sandra Lemke

A SSISTANT E DITOR Linda Persigehl

A RT D IRECTOR / G RAPHIC D ESIGN

Farnam

Matt Jensen

P HOTOGRAPHY

Bill Sitzmann • Scott Drickey

TECHNICAL A DVISOR Tyler Lemke

EXECUTIVE OFFICE SUITES Large Conference Room 24 hour access Utilities and cleaning Complimentary coffee for you and your clients

C ONTRIBUTING W RITERS Convenient location Parking available in a security garage Parking for your clients by our back entrance Signage for office door and lobby

Scott/Manager: 402-333-3333 • www.farnam1600.com • 1603 Farnam Street • Omaha, NE 68102

GARDNER MANAGEMENT GROUP

Leo Adam Biga David Williams Jonathan Welsh Heather Akerberg Molly Garriott Maureen Clark Melissa McElroy

A CCOUNT E XECUTIVES

Gwen Lemke • Vicki Voet Alicia Smith Hollins • Greg Bruns

E DITORIAL A DVISORS

Rick Carey • David Scott

E DITORIAL I NTERN Adam Dallman

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION:

402.884.2000 www.omahapublications.com

photo by Patrick Drickey, Stonehouse Publishing Co.

• 7+ years experience • Downtown Condominium Management Expert • Onsite Project Manager

• • • •

On Staff Maintenance Friendly Courteous Service 24 Hour Emergency Service Cleaning Staff Services

Currently Managing Farnam 1600 Condo Assoc., Farnam 1600 Executive Office Suites & Harney Parking Garage

Call for References For more information please contact:

Terrie Busacker, Property Manager • 402.345.1600 • www.farnam1600.com Farnam 1600 Mgmt. Office • 1603 Farnam St. • Omaha, NE 68102 4 january/february 2010 | the encounter

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by Omaha Magazine, LTD, P.O. Box 461208, Omaha NE 68046-1208. Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted; however, no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations.

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6 Cover Story : Delinea Designs............................................. 8 Downtown Story: Feeling Flu’ish? ............................... 12 Downtown Faces: Angela Barry .................................. 14 Feature: Souq Ltd. ....................................................... 16 Downtown Faces: John Ursick ....................................18 Downtown Art: Kristae Peterson ............................... 20 Downtown Faces: John Wehrle .................................. 22 Old Market Map........................................................... 24 Calendar .......................................................................27 Downtown Dining: Liberty Tavern .................................

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the encounter | january/february 2010 5

DOWNTOWN DINING

“ O ” About 90

percent of our buy-

In Tune with the Seasons at Liberty Tavern

ing comes

from our lit-

tle ‘bubble’.

6 january/february 2010 | the encounter

story by Heather C. Akerberg photos by minorwhitestudios.com

ften hotel restaurants are dismissed as just a necessary amenity and the food as simply utilitarian; they are a place to grab a limp piece of fruit and a stale bagel before you head out for an afternoon of sight-seeing. Liberty Tavern (1001 Cass Street) in the lower level of Hilton Omaha shatters all those preconceptions. The restaurant offers classic American dishes made from fresh, local ingredients in a warm, upscale atmosphere.

As a matter of fact, Liberty Tavern has maintained a Four Diamond rating since it opened in 2004. This rating can be attributed to the tavern’s experienced staff. Both Erin Vik, General

department

Manager, and Chef Michael Rhoades have years of experience in fine dining and have taught at Metropolitan Community College in the Culinary Arts program.

“When this hotel opened, we were challenged with creating a restaurant that had a free-standing, independent feel,” said Vik. “We have control over the menu and feel of the restaurant.”

When Chef Michael Rhoades joined Liberty Tavern in May 2009, he changed the menu to focus on regional foods. To ensure freshness and flavor, Chef Rhoades researched local farms and producers from which he could source ingredients. He has established a 400- to-800-mile buying area.

“About 90 percent of our buying for the restaurant comes from our little ‘bubble’,” said Rhoades. “They pick the vine-ripened vegetables and deliver them to us either that day or the next. It’s that fresh.”

On the menu, you’ll find Imperial Wagyu beef from Blair, Kurobuta pork from South Sioux City, and heirloom vegetables from Rhizosphere Farms in Waterloo and Holgate Heirloom Produce in David City. The menu changes with the local growing seasons.

So, Creamy Tomato and Herb Bisque or Corn Fritters appear on the summer menu, while Braised Red Cabbage is featured on the winter menu.

Seasonal foods are not just limited to the entrees and appetizers. Beverage Manager Melissa Barnett, who recently completed the first stage of Sommelier certification, is also incorporating the seasons into the drink menu.

Liberty Tavern’s décor also gives a nod to the seasons. A warm color palette, wood paneling, and fresh-cut flowers create an atmosphere of natural comfort. Floor-to-ceiling windows along the east wall invite in the sun and offer a view of the patio area, which features a freestanding fire pit and a mixture of cozy sofas and traditional seating.

“This is the first summer we’ve had this patio,” said Vik. “It’s been a great addition, especially on concert nights.”

Due to Liberty Tavern’s location, across the street from Qwest Center, the restaurant also prepares for event seasons. The restaurant and lounge can seat nearly 300 people, but sometimes that’s not enough.

“The entire lobby becomes ours on event nights. We’re like an accordion,” said Vik. “We do additional food stations in the lobby and on the patio to accommodate guests that we can’t fit into the restaurant.”

Similar to how the seasons inform the restaurant‘s menu, the concert crowd dictates the offerings at food stations on event nights.

“We have a Miley Cyrus menu, a James Taylor menu, and a U2 menu,” adds Chef Rhoades.

No matter the event or the season, Liberty Tavern offers distinctive, local flavors and attentive service.

Experience Luxury in the Heart of Downtown.

Ask about our specials!

402-345-6564 210 S. 16th Street Omaha, NE 68102

the encounter | january/february 2010 7

COVER STORY

“ O ” We’re

allergic

to stock.

8 january/february 2010 | the encounter

Delinea Design Omaha Media Moguls in the Making

by Jonathan Welsh | photos by minorwhitestudios.com

maha has always had a close rapport with the arts. From talented musicians to eccentric sculptors to dexterous web developers, something about our city is endearing to artistic types. And as if to render this point valid, Omaha has just added two upstanding gentlemen to its creative class. Matt Bross and Chad Eacker, owners of a multi-media creative studio called Delinea Design, have recently opened a new headquarters among the shops and offices of the neatly ensconced Old Market Passageway.

Their story is classic. Matt and Chad met while attending the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Matt’s concentration was in film studies and doing small production gigs for extra cash

cover story

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the encounter | september/october 2009 9

(beer and pizza). Chad’s focus was graphic design and doing freelance work to pay for college (beer and pizza). The two decided that they each had a skill set that complimented the other’s, and so decided to team up and start a company… in Chad’s mom’s basement. The resulting brainchild was Delinea Design, a twoman tour de force in the world of design.

There isn’t a whole lot that doesn’t fall under the breadth and scope of what these two can do. They specialize in print, web and video, and have done work for the likes of A&E Biography, Turner Classic Movies, the Omaha Community Playhouse and Mutual of Omaha. Once having met them, it becomes apparent how they’ve been successful in attracting such notable clients.

“We’re allergic to stock,” said Chad. “We’re very passionate about our work. No matter what it is we’re working on, it has to be original,” Matt added.

“The work we did for Sadie Nardini, a yoga instructor/author from N.Y.C., is a prime example. It began with an original design for her business cards, then evolved into creating a website

www.awell-dressedwindow.com

10 january/february 2010 | the encounter

and DVD for her, which involved everything from designing a projection background for the video we shot to designing an unique DVD cover,” said Matt. “It was sort of a microcosm of what we do,” Chad remarked.

When speaking with them you get the feeling that they’re somehow related - maybe long lost brothers - by the way they work off of each other. They seem to complete each other’s thoughts. In fact, during the course of their latest endeavor, a documentary project for the Omaha Performing Arts and the Lied Center for Performing Arts, they were affectionately nicknamed “the Kubrick Brothers” on set.

The Diavolo Project: Nebraska documentary might very well be Delinea Design’s masterwork to date. Originally commissioned to be a teaching tool, the project’s financiers determined that the quality of Matt and Chad’s work necessitated a change of format into a full-blown documentary. The project consisted of sending eight teachers

cover story from Nebraska to the Diavolo Dance Theatre in L.A. for a week to learn about and participate in Diavolo. The goal was to have them return with the ability to teach Nebraskans what Diavolo is all about.

The creator of Diavolo is Jacques Heim. Jacques has done work for the ever-popular Cirque Du Soleil, and as Matt and Chad both testified, he has an indelibly vibrant personality. “Jacques was such a character, constantly joking in between activities,” said Matt, “but once an activity started he was all business.” It is largely Jacques personality and energy that makes Diavolo what it is.

However, it’s no easy task to adequately describe what Diavolo is. Perhaps the most fitting definition is an activity that redefines dance through dynamic movement and creative expression - though that might not help you grasp what it actually is. It’s something that you will most likely have to see for yourself to understand.

The documentary is set to premiere at the Holland Center for

Performing Arts in February.

When asked if this was their favorite project thus far in their budding careers, both Matt and Chad answered a resounding “yes!” When asked why, they replied, “because it was the last project we worked on.” This statement embodies how passionate they are about their work. Interestingly, instead of subscribing to cable T.V., they prefer Netflix, which allows them to avoid unwanted distractions. They seem to always be thinking about the next project.

What’s next for Delinea Design? “We’re thinking about starting an animation studio,” said Matt.

Verily.

Recently, there’s been a push by the City of Omaha and the Young Professionals Council to attract talented young individuals in order to grow the economy and keep it strong. It appears as if their strategy is working, as we now have a couple of great additions to Omaha’s creative community in Chad Eacker and Matt Bross of Delinea Design.

the encounter | january/february 2010 11

DOWNTOWN STORY

“ I ” If someone is not insured, we have a sliding fee program.

12 january/february 2010 | the encounter

Feeling Flu-ish?

Relief is Just ‘Round the Corner story by Maureen O’Halloran Clark photos by minorwhitestudios.com

f you’re a downtown resident and feeling a bit “under the weather,” you need not leave your neighborhood to find a doctor’s care; rather, just venture down a block or two to the Creighton Family Healthcare clinic in the Old Market. In fact, it seems quite a few people have been taking advantage of this convenient medical facility.

The Creighton clinic has felt the consequences of phenomenal growth in the Old Market and surrounding areas. “Previously, we had to turn people away!” said Dr. Mark Goodman,

department interim chair of Family Medicine at Creighton University School of Medicine and one of the physicians at the clinic.

In response to that need, Todd Carlon, CEO of Creighton Medical Associates, reported that the clinic completed a $1.2 million expansion project in November. The project more than doubled the space from 4,300 square feet to 10,000 square feet, and from 10 exam rooms to 17. Two more physicians, board-certified in family medicine, have been added to its staff. A pharmacist has joined the team as well, and is available for counseling about medications, though no medications are sold on-site.

In addition to the extended space and staff, the clinic has lengthened its hours, including now being open during the lunch hour. Another addition is a $120,000 X-ray machine which sends images online to a radiologist at Creighton University Medical Center. All of these changes enable the clinic to meet the needs of more patients.

The clinic is owned by Creighton University and staffed by Creighton Medical Associates, who are physicians and support staff affiliated with Creighton’s School of Medicine. Their mission: to provide excellent, cost-effective care to clients, as well as to support the academic mission of the school. Originally opened in 1995, the clinic had just 800 square feet. There was only enough room for two exam rooms and a four-chair waiting area. This is the fourth expansion since its opening. It also was a “historic restora-

tion,” which preserves the Old Market feel of the building.

First-time visitors may be a little confused by the building, which has a Leavenworth address, but the Leavenworth side of the building is actually its back, with no entrance. The front door is located on the opposite side, or the south end of the building.

Patients will find ample parking, with spacious, paved lots wrapping the entire west and south sides of the building. The lots have entrances off of Leavenworth, 13th and 14th streets.

Dr. Goodman mentioned, “If someone is not insured, we have a sliding fee program, where they might qualify for financial assistance.” Carlon added, “All they need to do is come talk to us and we will work something out.” Financial counselors at Creighton University are on hand to talk to patients, preferably before treatment, to determine payment amounts and schedules.

One of the clinic’s doctors is fluent in Spanish, as is one of the receptionists, which helps better serve its Hispanic clientele, Goodman added.

Resting on Dr. Goodman’s bookshelf is a country-doctorstyle black bag. Dr. Goodman said of the bag, “I still use it!”, explaining that he makes house calls for his patients who are unable to get out.

The Creighton Family Healthcare Old Market clinic: historic bricks on the outside, state-of-the-art medical technology on the inside, and quality medical care given with old-fashioned heart.

J.P. COOKE COMPANY

Expert Health Care in the Old Market Creighton Medical Associates – Old Market Clinic has grown! Our highly skilled physicians and health care professionals are bringing expert health care in an expanded clinic to those who live or work near downtown.

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Sandra Baumberger, M.D.

Thomas Guck, Ph.D.

Donald Frey, M.D.

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RUBBER STAMPS PRE-INKED STAMPS INTERIOR SIGNS DESK NAME PLATES NAME BADGES EMBOSSING SEALS

“OLD MARKET”

1311 HOWARD OMAHA, NE 68102 (402) 342-7175 FAX: 402-342-9426 the encounter | january/february 2010 13

DOWNTOWN FACES

“ W ” I’m a

lifer by

choice.

14 january/february 2010 | the encounter

Angela Barry: Living a storybook life in the Old Market

by Molly Garriott | Photos by minorwhitestudios.com hen Security National Bank sought to open up a branch in Omaha’s Old Market neighborhood, it hired Angela Barry to make it happen. That was 1998.

Eleven years later and Barry is still with Security National, still in the Old Market. “The pure joy of every day” is why Barry has remained in the Old Market all these years.

One of the most appealing aspects of her job as First Branch Manager is the Old Market’s varied population. “The relationship I have with the folks in the Market is beyond my

feature wildest dreams,” she enthuses. The array of different people — artists, business people, politicians and tourists — keeps things fresh, Barry believes. She has assisted neighboring artist, merchants and residents with their personal finances and business plans. “It’s the craziest, wildest mix of people,” she declares, “And I love it.”

This does not come as a surprise to Tara Nation, manager of Thomas D. Mangelsen’s Images of Nature Gallery. “Everyone she does business with is a friend,” chuckles Nation, who has worked with Barry on the Old Market Business Association’s executive board.

If the people of the Old Market are a diverse lot, then so are its businesses.

Barry likes this. The diversity affords her ample opportunities to sample different cuisines and shop in equally unique stores. “I like to go to different places for different things,” she explains. It’s M’s for comforting lavosh, Ahmad’s for exotic Jujeh chicken, La Buvette for a restorative

Bordeaux, and Mr. Toad’s for a cocktail sipped out of doors. Summer and fall are her favorite times of year in the Old Market because they “get me outdoors,” she explains. But she also admits that winter is a magical time; when the eaves are blanketed with snow and a light dusting is falling, Barry says the Old Market resembles a “storybook.”

Barry has been an active member of the neighborhood’s business association “since the day I stepped foot in the Old Market.”

From 2005 to 2007, she served three consecutive one-year terms as president. Barry has been on its board for 11 years and does not plan on leaving in the foreseeable future. “I’m a lifer by choice,” she laughs.

She and Security National Bank have played active roles, overseeing refreshment sales, at the Playing with Fire concert series along the riverfront. For the past three years, the Old Market Business Association has hosted a Trick-or-treat family day, a favorite of Barry’s. Over

Contemporary and traditional Southwestern jewelry and home decor. Native American pottery, kachina and semi-precious stones set beautifully in gold and silver.

Old Market 509 South 11th Omaha, Nebraska (402) 342-1200

Fifth Avenue 7132 East 5th Avenue Scottsdale, Arizona (480) 663-8444

1,000 children and their parents parade the cobblestone streets of the neighborhood, decked out in their costumes, to fill their Halloween treat bags with chocolate bars and gum balls. Barry says the event provides families the opportunity to be outside and take a slow look around at what the Old Market has to offer. The outing invites them to meander about instead of mindlessly scurrying about from one activity to another.

Says Nation: “Angela is very serviceminded. She has a great work ethic and is dependable. You can always count on her. I can always trust Angela to act with integrity, personally and professionally.

And she’s great fun!”

Whether it’s biking along the riverfront, taking in a Blue Barn play, or meeting friends for dinner, Barry’s evenings are most often spent, like her days at Security National Bank, in the Old Market.

Concedes Barry: “I’m not a girl who stays home very often.”

Serving Lunch and Dinner 11.30 am - 10 pm Monday - Thursday 11.30 am - 10.30 pm Friday & Saturday Closed on Sunday

the encounter | january/february 2010 15

FEATURE

“

This has been a part of my life for as long a I can remember.

16 january/february 2010 | the encounter

Where Everyone Knows Your Name Souq Ltd. In the Old Market Passageway

by David Williams | photos by minorwhitestudios.com

N

ew York, Paris, Cairo…the globetrotting buyers at Souq Ltd. have once again been scouring the planet for the most captivating array of jewelry, apparel, accessories and home accents.

Their most recent buying trip, a whirlwind adventure across three continents, found them dwarfed in the shadows of the majestic Empire State Building, the romantic Eiffel Tower, and the awe-inspiring hulk that is the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Uh…ummm…okay…so those were just some of the faux monoliths dressing up the neonsplashed Strip during their trek to a sprawling merchandising show in Las Vegas (why in the

feature world would someone build a hotel right next to an active volcano?), but there’s nothing counterfeit about the tantalizing delights they scored for the boutique located in the Old Market Passageway.

The family business run

by Emily and Kirk Wynn, their daughter Allison,

The business has a deliciously serendipitous, if convoluted, provenance. Nancy had a college friend living amid political unrest in Afghanistan, one who wanted his teenage son out of that troubled country. His Omaha pal would not accept cash for taking in the young lodger, but a treasure trove of Afghani rugs, clothing and baubles soon started showing up on Nancy’s doorstep.

Souq, the Aramaic word for an open-air

and a small cadre of what they fondly call “Souqettes,” has been one of the more colorfully eclectic mainstays of the Old Market since Emily’s mother, Nancy, founded the store in 1972. The floor-torafters cacophony of hand-woven/dyed/ forged/sculpted offerings represents a global village of goods from six continents (sorry, Antarctica) and only the warmth of smiles greeting every shopper matches the earthiness of the wares found at Souq.

It’s a space where every product comes with a story. Chanchitos, Chilean good luck charms in the form of three-legged terra cotta pigs, compete for the attention of two-legged shoppers trying on apparel from a former Soviet Republic, togs that are to be punctuated with eye-popping jewelry from Israel (“The Man from Tel Aviv,” more on him later).

market, was born.

“This has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” explained Emily.

“I grew up here. I met Kirk here when he went to work for my mom in 1981. Anyone who inherits a business (her mother was tragically taken in a 1986 car accident) faces special, often conflicting emotions.

It took me a long time to accept that I wasn’t just taking care of it for someone else,” she said of the visage that looms to this day in an oil portrait hung behind the counter. “But now I don’t worry anymore if my mom would be pleased,” she mused with a hint of introspection. “I know that she is pleased.”

And now Allison is echoing her mother’s journey.

“We’re always a great team, but especially at market,” Emily said of her

platinum blond-this-morning, blazing redhead-this-afternoon daughter. “I’m looking at things from a seasoned business perspective, and she’s keeping Souq young and hip with her great eye for fashion.”

“I’m 23,” added Allison, “and my mom is….well…my mom, but we still have a great time on buying trips” that may break stereotypes of intergenerational travel habits. “I’m often ready to watch reruns of ‘I Love Lucy’ in the hotel room, but it is she who always wants to hit the town,” she chuckled.

Business travel, if not always as glamorous as it seems, does have its perks.

“We once discovered the most beautiful man in the world,” Allison beamed. “He was a vendor at a show and we were both like (insert here that sputtering motorboat sound made when an index finger bounces between purring lips). “We grabbed the next female vendor we stumbled upon, someone we didn’t even know, and dragged her from her booth just to sneak back and get a second look!”

Possessing a business acumen beyond her years, Allison is too savvy to divulge a trade secret, especially one dealing with an exclusive vendor affiliation. “We just refer to him now as ‘The Man from Tel Aviv,’ but I admit we probably bought much more than what we might have, just to build face time (and what a face!) with a new partner!”

A recent visit to Souq found that most familiar of sights: Emily administering one of her dexterous, carefully choreographed, across-the-counter hugs that conclude so many transactions in a place where, like the crowd at “Cheers” on Nick at Nite, “everyone knows your name.” At the other end of the hug was Rhodora Felix, smartly clad in countless layers (black, blacker, blackest) atop leggings and fringed suede boots.

“Souq has everything I could ever need,” chirped the San Francisco native who works as a massage therapist, “especially when I have absolutely no idea of what I need!” the encounter | january/february 2010 17

DOWNTOWN FACES

“ J ” We love

cowboys and

cowboy culture.

18 january/february 2010 | the encounter

Inspired by the Old West John Ursick

by Melissa McElroy | photos by minorwhitestudios.com

ohn Ursick didn’t always know he wanted to be a restaurateur. The former art school student came to the realization over time. His love of food, passion for Southwestern culture, and knack for creative expression was the right recipe for Stokes, the chef/owner’s first restaurant.

Ursick started working in restaurants while in college. He did his share of flipping burgers and waiting tables. These experiences planted a seed of thought: “I could do this.”

In 1991 he met his future business partner Gayle Carstens while working at the former Champps Americana restaurant at Oak View Mall. He continued to experiment with food and develop his cooking skills. In the mid-90s Ursick realized that he wanted to open his own restaurant. By spring of ‘97, he and his business partner opened the first Stokes location in Miracle Hills. The menu was Northern Mexican-inspired. Their dishes feature a lot of black beans and roasted chilies. Stokes also boasts an impressive drink menu, which has evolved over the years: margaritas made with fresh ingredients (no mixes), martinis, and a solid wine collection. They have gone on to open two additional Stokes: one at 11th & Howard streets

department in the Old Market, and another at 175th and West Center in Legacy. Even with all of Stokes’ success, Ursick yearned to do even more.

“We love cowboys and cowboy culture. We had to hold back putting cowboy decor up at Stokes. I wanted to open an oldfashioned saloon.

So we went to Dallas (to study ideas),” Ursick said. The result? The Twisted Fork, an eclectic, urban cowboy bar & grill, opened in the Old Market in 2008.

Beyond the menu and wine selection, it is clear that Ursick and Carstens put a lot of thought into the ambiance of their restaurants. They have perfected creating an atmosphere that is inviting, yet sophisticated. It is not casual dining, not upscale either, rather some mix of the two. Their restaurants rock a cozy, cool vibe without any pretense.

One has to wonder how Ursick finds time to run four restaurants.

“I spend about 95 percent of my time tasting food, talking to chefs, working, teaching, coaching… I go to each location and sample the food. If the sauce is off at one location, it could ruin someone’s whole dining experience,” Ursick said.

Not that he is complaining.

“I am fortunate to be one of those people excited about work. I work late because I want to, not because I have to.”

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(402) 595-8805 the encounter | january/february 2010 19

DOWNTOWN ART 20 january/february 2010 | the encounter

“

Art is the only time when I can be who I want to be.

department

Phantom Studio Artist Kristae Peterson

by David Williams | photos by minorwhitestudios.com

G

ood journalists are known for their listening and observational skills. The ability to digest and compartmentalize decidedly overt information is one thing, but it is something else altogether to pick up on subtler, less obvious signals and divine their underlying meanings.

Both skills were on the fritz in a recent conversation with artist Kristae Peterson.

No, she explained, we wouldn’t be going to her studio because it was messy or otherwise less than presentable in any way, because it wasn’t. No, it wasn’t because she feared that I might not like her work because she already knew that I was an ardent admirer. And no, it wasn’t because…well, you get the idea.

“I don’t go to my banker husband’s office and sift through loan papers,” she chuckled good-naturedly, “and he doesn’t come into my studio. No one does.”

And that’s why a chat with the artist took place not in a paint-splattered, canvas-cluttered workspace, but instead in her smartly appointed, art-strewn (but none of her own) loft in the Beebe Runyan Building at 9th and Douglas streets.

Before one may be tempted to wander to undeserved and clichéd stereotypes of idiosyncratic art world snootiness, real or imagined, please know that Peterson’s convictions are grounded in the earthiest of beliefs.

“My studio is something of a sacred space to me,” said the mixed media painter whose vibrant work is often easily recognizable by a palette that dwells in the realm of orangey-red hues running the gamut from the soothing to the

eye-popping. “Art is the only time when I can be who I want to be. It’s my alone time where I can construct a world that is exactly as I want it to be,” she said in describing a personalized cosmology of her own making.

The artist points to Eva Hesse, the German-born American sculptor (1936-1970), as inspiration for musings on identity and self-awareness, ones that are particularly commonplace among artists and others in the creative arena.

“I cannot be so many things,” said Peterson in quoting Hesse. “Cannot be something for everyone…woman, beautiful, artist, wife, housekeeper, cook, saleslady, all these things. I cannot even be myself or who I am.”

Peterson, a frequent contributor to shows at the internationally acclaimed Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, founded the Avenue Gallery in Dundee before deciding to concentrate full time on her own work. She is represented in Omaha by the Lewis Art Gallery and in Des Moines by the Independent Thought Gallery.

I have it on good authority - an unimpeachable source, it would seem - that Kristae Peterson maintains a studio that hovers above commercial space in the heart of the Old Market somewhere in the 1200 block of Howard Street. Her studio may be, for all practical purposes to the rest of us, a phantom one. It matters not.

That’s because the artist’s canvases are infused with an unmistakable “realness” (no phantoms here) of texture, depth and color that belie the often-abstract nature of her work, not to mention her worldview.

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Lunch – M-Sat Dinner – 7 Nights Old Market • 1207 Harney 342-4010 1818 N 144th • 498-3889 the encounter | january/february 2010 21

DOWNTOWN FACES

“ S ” I can usually hear somebody and know if they’re going to crash in the third act.

22 january/february 2010 | the encounter

John Wehrle

Brings New Opera Fans into the Fold

by Leo Adam Biga | photos by minorwhitestudios.com

ince assuming his Opera Omaha general director post in late 2007, John Wehrle has championed a community engagement focus expressed by the company’s new corporate motto, “Opera For Everyone.”

His mission is “developing new works, developing new ways of people seeing opera.”

In 2009 a Wagner-inspired, outdoor country western spoof, Das Barbecu — complete with good eats and a beer garden — played to 1,500 people who, Wehrle said, “got a different view of our company and saw we could have fun and laugh at ourselves. It’s really being flexible enough to meet as many potential audience members as possible where they are, and so if it means taking a concert by our opera chorus around the community because that may be the first exposure people have, then that’s how you do it.”

department “ ‘Opera For Everyone’ is my belief that people are inherently intelligent and seek out experiences that expand them. What we really are here to do is help people live better lives.”

The Missouri native’s pursued the greater good since abandoning a singing career for arts management. He was with the Pittsburgh Symphony when, he said, “my boss told me the future of arts in America is in strong institutions that are flexible and nimble and make good decisions. I found that really compelling.”

He finds his performing background a benefit.

“I think having been on the stage is the only way you understand how a company gets ready to create the marriage of performer and audience. Unless you’ve experienced that connection where you look out and you see somebody’s eyes in the audience, you really don’t know why you’re doing this. That’s how I do it,” he said. “I think I bring a backlog of philosophical, artistic, political views that color our choices of programming and allow me to be conversant with a variety of people in the community.”

A trained ear also helps with casting. “It helps me in audition.

I feel I can usually hear somebody and know if they’re going to crash in the third act.”

He gives private voice lessons and still sings a bit. “I haven’t really kept my chops. I threatened on my 50th birthday to do a recital.” He has some regrets about not performing professionally anymore. “I do miss the opportunity to walk out and, if there’s any skeptics, convince them.”

Wehrle remains “connected” to the craft through his work and wife — professional opera singer Diane Owens.

“So there is a great reinforcement and fulfillment in my life,” he said. “I tell people it’s like woodworking: there is somebody who has to plane the surface and prepare it so the craftsmen can come in and do their real job, and right now I’m pretty content to make sure the surface is smooth, deal with the worm holes, and let somebody else do the really important work.”

Last fall’s Brundibar represented his idea of “a perfect” program. Besides being “an important piece about bigger issues,” it featured a collaboration with the Institute for Holocaust Education, an education guide for schools, performances attended by 9,500 school kids and productions with area youth singers and musicians. “I’m proud of the work we do on an ongoing basis in schools, taking in full-throated presentations to simply providing materials for kids.” For its upcoming Mozart festival, WAM!, the company’s working with teachers to develop a curriculum.

After stints in Utah and Tennessee, Wehrle sought the Omaha job because of the company’s “amazing history and good commitment to quality. Creativity is always prized here,” he said, “and there is a strong sense we’re in it for the long haul.”

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the encounter | january/february 2010 23

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Merchants Attractions OLD MARKET / DOWNTOWN / RIVERFRONT

ANTIQUES

Antiques & Fine Art...(16th St). ......... 341.9942 Fairmont Antique Mall...H4 .............. 345.1778 Joe’s Collectibles...H5 ..................... 612.1543 Retro Recycle...E5 ............................ 341.1969 Second Chance...G5 ........................ 346.4930

BOOK STORES

Jackson Street Booksellers...H5 .....341.2664 New Realities Books & Gifts...E7 ..... 342.1863 Soul Desires Books & Coffee...G7 ...898.7600

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Lotus ...F4 ......................................... 346.8080 Namaste...E7 .................................... 341.7069 Nebraska Clothing Co...E8............... 346.6114 Nouvelle Eve...E6 .............................. 345.4811 Overland Outfitters...E8 ................... 345.2900 Retro Recycle ...E5 ........................... 341.1969 The Souq Ltd...E7 ............................. 342.2972 Trocadéro...E4 ..................................934.8389

DOWNTOWN HOTELS

Courtyard by Marriott...(10th & Douglas) .......

346.2200 DoubleTree Hotel...(16th & Dodge)...346.7600 Embassy Suites Hotel...F9 ...............346.9000 Hilton Convention Center Hotel .......998.3400 Hilton Garden Inn...(10th & Dodge) .. 341.4400 Redick Plaza Hotel...(15th & Harney) ..............

342.1500 Magnolia Hotel...(16th & Howard) ... 342.2222

HOME FURNISHINGS

Crawdad’s...E5 ................................. 341.3930 Habitat .............................................. 342.0044 Julia Russell ...(11th & Douglas) ....... 891.0691 Kraft DC ...(16th & Leavenworth)......342.2790 Room...E7 ......................................... 342.7666 Zongkers Custom Woods ................ 344.7784

GALLERIES

1301 Gallery...(13th & Nicholas) .......342.6452 Artists’ Cooperative Gallery...D7 ..... 342.9617 Bemis Ctr. for Contemporary Arts...K4 ..........

341.7130 Fred Simon Gallery...A8 ................... 595.2122 Garden Of The Zodiac...E7 .............. 341.1877 Hot Shops...13th & Nicholas ............342.6452 Images of Nature...D5 ......................341.8460 Jackson Artworks...G6 ..................... 341.1832 Julia Russell ...(11th & Douglas) ....... 891.0691 Omaha ClayWorks...H5 ....................346.0560 Passageway Gallery...E7 .................. 341.1910 Sirens at the Loft...F6 .......................933.3333 White Crane Gallery...E7 .................. 345.1066

HEALTH SERVICES

Acupuncture Libba Harmon, LAc .......................... 214.6265 Massage Therapy Sandy Aquila LMT...E3 .....................345.5078 Lisa Christensen LMT...E3 ............... 850.6651 Barb Rost LMT (19th & Douglas)...... 345.7500 Medical Dr. John Bartholet, DC...E3 .............. 342.2216 Downtown Chiropractic (2111 Douglas) .........

345.7500 Derek Fender, DDS...D4 ...................342.3901

Dr. Mark Goodman, MD...L1 ............280.5500 Dr. Stephen Peterson MD...L1..........280.5500 Dr. James Polerecky DDS (19th & Farnam) ....

341.7576 Dr. Ritch Miller DC (2111 Douglas) ... 345.7500 Heartland Pathology (310 S. 16th) ... 346.0195 Omaha Dental Spa (11th & Howard) 505.4424 Physical Therapy East & West Physical Therapy...E3 ..345.5078 Psychotherapy, EMDR, Hypnotherapy Jannette Davis, MS, CST .................341.2230 Cynthia Duggin, MSW, LCSW ..........345.5078 Bobby Escolas, CMHT (Hypnotherapist) ......

990.2979 Jeff Stormberg, PhD (Psychotherapist).........

393.0642 Tim Swisher, MHR, LMHP, LADC ....341.2230 Pharmacy Depot Drug (1416 Dodge) ................. 544.DRUG

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

Omaha Children’s Museum...(500 S. 20th) ..........

342.6164 The Durham...J9 ...............................444.5071 Joslyn Art Museum...(24th & Dodge) ..............

342.3300 Lauritzen Gardens...(100 Bancroft)..346.4002 Henry Doorly Zoo...(3701 So 10th St) .............

733.8401 Qwest Center Omaha (10th & Capitol)............

341.1500

OLD MARKET PROPERTIES

902 Dodge Condos ......................... 884.6200 Brandeis Building .............................934.1224 Farnam 1600 Building ......................342.1616 Grubb/Ellis Pacific Realty ................345.5866 Harney Street Appartments .............934.7510 Old Market Lofts...J7 ........................345.8000 Riverfront Place ................................397.4837 Shamrock Development/Paxton Building ......

934.7711 Skinner Macaroni Apartments...H1 .346.2346 The Cornerstone.............................. 346.0510 The Greenhouse Apts...A9 ...............341.3200 TipTop Building...(16th & Cuming)....345.8000

PUBS & TAVERNS

Bar 415...E3 .......................................346.7455 Barry O’s ...E8 ..................................341.8032 Billy Frogg’s Grille & Bar...E5 ...........341.4427 Bullpen...G6 ...................................... 502.5150 Dubliner Pub...D4 .............................342.5887 J.D. Tucker’s Bar...E8 .......................934.5190 Julio’s...F2 .........................................345.6921 Irie...D7 ..............................................504.4901 La Buvette Wine & Grocery...F7.......344.8627 M’s Pub...E6 ......................................342.2550 Mr. Toad’s...E8 ..................................345.4488 Myth Lounge...F6..............................884.6985 Nomad Lounge...(J8) ........................884-1231 O’Connor’s Irish Pub...F3 .................934.9790 Old Market Tavern...F8 .....................341.0191 The Stadium Club Sports Bar & Grill...E8.......

359.1290 T Henery’s Pub...C6 .........................345.3651 The Underground...F7 ......................341.3547 Upstream Brewing Co...G6 .............344.0200 Urban Wine Company...J7 ...............934.0005 Waters Edge Lounge @ Embassy Suites...F9 .....

346.9000

the encounter | january/february 2010 25

Merchants Attractions OLD MARKET / DOWNTOWN / RIVERFRONT

RESTAURANTS

801 Chophouse at the Paxton...B1..341.1222 Farrells Bar...(902 Dodge) ................884.9947 Ahmad’s...E8.....................................341.9616 Billy Frogg’s Grille & Bar...E5 ...........341.4427 Delice European Bakery...E4 ...........342.2276 Falling Water Grille @ Embassy Suites...F9 ........

346.9000 Famous Dave’s...D6 .........................614.9333 Flatiron Café...(17th & Howard) ........344.3040 House of Lee...F4 .............................991.9330 Indian Oven...E7 ...............................342.4856 Joe Banana’s ....................................346.7227 Julio’s...F3 .........................................345.6921 La Buvette Wine & Grocery...F7.......344.8627 Liberty Tavern (10th & Davenport) ...998.4321 Little King...H21 ................................344.2264 Lucky’s 10-0-One (10th & Pacific) ...991.1001 M’s Pub...E6 ......................................342.2550 Matsu Sushi...B8 ..............................346.3988 Michael’s at the Market...C6 ............346.1205 Nicola’s...G3 .....................................345.8466 O Dining...A8..................................... 502.7888 Old Chicago...D6 ..............................341.1616 Omaha Prime...E7.............................341.7040 Passport Restaurant...H6 ................344.3200 Rick’s Cafe Boatyard........................345.4545 Sam & Louie’s Pizza...H6 .................884.5757 Spaghetti Works...F6 ........................422.0770 Stokes Bar & Grill...(E5) ................... 408-9000 Subway...E4 ......................................341.8814 Sullivan’s Steakhouse (222 S. 15th St.) ..........

342.4432 The Diner...D5 ...................................341.9870 The French Café...F7 ........................341.3547 Trini’s...E7..........................................346.8400 Twisted Fork...E7 ..............................932.9600 Upstream Brewing Co....G6 .............344.0200 V. Mertz...E7......................................345.8980 Vincenzo’s Ristorante...D4 ...............342.4010 Vivace...E6 ........................................342.2050 Zio’s Pizzeria...F4 .............................344.2222

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SPECIALTY FOODS & COFFEE

13th Street Coffee C0....G3 ..............345.2883 Aromas...I8........................................614.7009 Bickford Bakery...I8 .......................... 934.7450 Cubby’s Old Market Grocery...H3 ...341.2900 Delice European Bakery...E4 ...........342.2276 Hollywood Candy...F3 ......................884.7688 La Buvette Wine & Grocery...F7.......344.8627 Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream...H21 .......933.5280 MJ Java...B3 & F7 .............................342.5282 Old Market Candy Shop...F8 ...........344.8846 Old Market Eea House...G3 .............934.8538 Patrick’s Market...(E1).......................884-1600 Soul Desires Books & Coffee...G7 ...898.7600 Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream...G5 ........... 341.5827

SPECIALTY SHOPS

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26 january/february 2010 | the encounter

Ashley Collectibles...E3....................934.3100 Big Brain Productions...H5 ..............342.2885 Chameleon...E7 ................................342.4444 Cibola of Omaha...F7 (509 S 11th) ...342.1200 City Limits...E3..................................345.3570 Cornerstone Gem & Bead Co....G3 . 346.4367 Drastic Plastic...F4 ........................... 346.8843 DSR Power Sports...E3 ....................991.1383 Etc. Gifts...F7 ....................................342.2846

Garden Flowers...F7 ......................... 614.5661 Garden Of The Zodiac...E7 .............. 341.1877 Goldsmith Silversmith...F7 ...............342.1737 Homer’s Records...E5 ......................346.0264 Iron Decor & More...G5 ....................346.6123 Jay Welter Cigars...(18th & Jackson)345.1965 Kessler’s...H5 (1125 Jackson) ..........715.5888 Mairzy Doatz...F6.............................. 934.4815 Namaste...E7 .................................... 341.7069 New Realities Books & Gifts...E7 ..... 342.1863 Old Market Habitat Floral...E6 ......... 342.0044 Old Market Sundries...F8 ................. 345.8198 OM Gifts & Imports...E3 ................... 345.5078 Overland Outfitters...F8 ................... 345.2972 Perspective Jewelry...D4.................. 934.4416 Red Square...E7................................ 342.8878 SG Roi Tobacconist...F7 .................. 341.9264 Souq Ltd...E7 .................................... 342.2972 Tannenbaum Christmas Shop...F8 .. 345.9627 Trocadéro...E4 ................................. 934-8389

SERVICES

At the Loft Spa...F6...........................505.4100 Michael Boyle, Attorney...E7 ............359.1000 Centris Federal Credit Union...C3 ...334.2000 Commercial Optical...G3 .................. 344.0219 Dietz United Methodist Church ....... 346.9115 Don Fiedler Law Offices...F7 ........... 346.6263 First National Bank...(F5) ..................885-2574 Fringes Salon & Spa...G8 ................. 345.0404 Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce...D2 346.5000 Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau...B8 ....

444.4660 Hair Market Salon...E7 ..................... 345.3692 J P Cooke Rubber Stamps...F2 ....... 342.7175 Klein Law Offices...H3 ...................... 391.1871 Magical Journeys Carriage Service...E7 ........

453.6745 Movers Not Shakers ......................... 614.9770 Old Market Car Wash...J2 ................ 393.2819 Old Market Encounter ......................884.2000 Old Market Mini Storage .................. 342.0022 Old Market Web Site .....www.oldmarket.com Omaha Healing Arts Center...E4 ......345.5078 Omaha Public Library...(15th & Farnam) .........

444.4800 Omaha Yoga School...E7 .................346.7813 Pinnacle Bank...(10th & Douglas) ..... 346.9180 Security National Bank...(11th & Howard) ..........

344.7300 Sirens...F6 ......................................... 933.9333 Stinson, Morrison, Hecker LLP...C3 342.1700 Urbane Salon & Spa...B8 .................934.2909 Susie’s Baskets...D4......................... 341.4650 Sutera Law Offices...E6.................... 342.3100 Visions Framing Studio...K4 .............342.0020

THEATRES & ENTERTAINMENT

Blue Barn Theater...G6 ..................... 345.1576 FilmStreams...(14th & Webster) ........ 933-0259 Holland Performing Arts Center...(12th & Douglas) .............................................345.0606 Omaha Symphony...(16th & Howard)..............

342.3836 Opera Omaha...(17th & Farnam)....... 346.4398 Orpheum Theater...(16th & Farnam).345.0606 The Rose...(20th & Farnam) .............. 345.4849

Pinnacle Bank would like to welcome you downtown. owntown.

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t h e

w a y

b a n k i n g

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Downtown and Council Bluffs 09_POG14_DOWNTOWN.indd 1

ONGOING EVENTS Through 1/3: WIZARDS OF POP: Sabuda & Reinhart Exhibit at the Joslyn. Celebrated children’s books creators Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart are the best-known pop-up book artists working today, as well as the makers of the remarkable The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the three-volume series Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Dinosaurs, Sharks and Other Sea Monsters, and Megabeasts.

Working in a shared studio in New York, the two have created an assemblage of handcrafted pop-up books that are both intriguing and breathtaking at the turn of every page. Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha.

For information, call 402-342-3300, or visit www.joslyn.org Through 1/24: American Letterpress Exhibit at the Durham Museum.

American Letterpress: The Art of Hatch Show Print illustrates the fascinating fusion of art with popular culture and music history and celebrates a time-honored graphic art tradition through the work of Nashville’s Hatch Show Print, one of the nation’s oldest printing shops. The exhibition features 126 historical and contemporary posters and 29 hand-carved wooden blocks – some on view for the very first time.

Whether in posters promoting a Johnny Cash concert or a carnival performance;

advertising a rodeo or the Grand Ole Opry; or capturing the modernday verve of a concert

by Coldplay or The Stokes, posters printed

by Hatch Show Print capture the heralded traditions of American letterpress printing and graphic art at their very best. The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., Omaha. For info, call 444-5071 or visit www. durhammuseum.org

Through 3/13: !CARNAVAL!. El Museo Latino. The exhibition “CARNAVAL” presents the theme of carnival as celebrated around the world. Eight communities in Europe and the Americas will be highlighted through this exhibition where a carnival is a high point of the yearly cycle. Thurs/1pm-5pm; Sat/10am-2pm Gen $5; Students K-12 & Senior Citizens $3.50; College Students w/ID $4; Members FREE. 4701 S. 25 St. 731-1137 www. elmuseolatino.org.

JANUARY EVENTS 1/1 - 1/31: Affordable Treasures, AllMember Holiday Show. Artists’ Cooperative Gallery Ltd. Wed&Thur/11am-5pm; Fri& Sat /11am -10 pm; Sun/noon-5pm. 405 S. 11 St. 342-9617 www. ar tis t s co - o p g all e r y. com.

1/1 - 1/29: The Fred Simon Gallery: David Helm. The Fred Simon Gallery. The Fred Simon Gallery is located in the Nebraska Arts Council offices. Free. 1004 Far-

nam St., Lower Level.

595-2122 www.nebraskaartscouncil.org.

1/9: Cantus. Holland Performing Arts Center.

Cantus’ adventurous repertoire spans many periods and genres – including chant, Renaissance music, contemporary works, folk, spirituals, world music, and pop. Ten men that sound “50 voices strong” (L.A. Times) perform pristine, diverse chamber music – from Schubert and Poulenc to Curtis Mayfield. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $19.

13th & Douglas Sts. 3450606 www.TicketOmaha.com.

1/2: Lancers Hockey vs. Fargo Force @ 7 p.m. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster chargeby-phone 1 (800) 7453000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www.lancers.com 1/8-1/9: Instant Theatre 3 at the Shelterbelt. The insanity of writing, rehearsing and performing original scripts, all in a 24-hour period begins Friday night, with performances Saturday night at 8 & 10 p.m. Plays will be short, usually around 10 minutes long. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Shelterbelt Theatre, 3225 California St. For more info, call 341-2757 or visit www.shelterbelt.org

b e

Member FDIC

January/February Calendar of Events 3/31/09 10:27:28 AM

1/9 - 4/18: The Human Touch Exhibit at the Joslyn. The Human Touch: Selections from the RBC Wealth Management Art Collection is an exhibition of contemporary artworks devoted to the human figure. The collection ranges from serious to whimsical, from realistic to abstract, and includes photography, painting, and sculpture.

Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha. For information, call 402-342-3300, or visit www.joslyn.org 1/12 - 1/17: Little House on the Prairie The Musical. Orpheum Theater. Little House on the Prairie takes on a new frontier in this uplifting musical starring Melissa Gilbert as Ma Ingalls, who played Laura in the much-loved television series. TuesThurs/7:30pm; Fri/8pm; Sat/2pm & 8pm Tickets start at $28. 409 S. 16 St. 345-0606 www.TicketOmaha.com.

1/15: Backstage Pass to the Hit Songwriters starring Maia Sharp and Jim Photogio.

Holland Performing Arts Center. An intimate set from two songwriters to the stars. Hear favorites by Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, and more -- performed with sincerity, originality, and verve. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 w w w.T i c k e t O m a h a . com.

1/15 - 1/16: Omaha Symphony Masterworks: Scheherazade.

Holland Performing Arts Center. Escape the mundane worries of the workweek to become part of an exotic story that’s stood the test of time. Be transported to the Middle East, as the symphony shares the fabled tale of “Arabian Nights”. Just as Scheherazade entertained and enticed the Sultan, the orchestra will whisk you away to a place where your senses are heightened and indulged. 8 p.m. $15-$75. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 www.omahasymphony. org.

1/15: River City Hunting & Fishing Expo.

Mid-America Center.

Fri/4pm-9pm; Sat/9am6pm; Sun/10am-4pm Adults $7; Children $3; Under 3 FREE. One Arena Way. 712-326-2295 www.midamericacenter.com.

1/16: Ellis Hooks. Holland Performing Arts Center. Ellis Hooks knows what it’s like to feel the blues – according to legend, he didn’t own a pair of shoes until he was 8. Now a world-traveling blues singer, Ellis has been compared to Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, but his soul croon and blues yowl are truly his own. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 www.

TicketOmaha.com.

ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster chargeby-phone 1 (800) 7453000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www.lancers.com 1/16 - 1/17: I Sing the Body Electric. River City Mixed Chorus. The River City Mixed Chorus talks about the body in all of its many aspects.

A show that will get physical and make you think! Sat & Sun/7:05 p.m. $20 per person$45 for season tickets to all 3 shows. Creighton Lied Education Center. www.rcmc.org.

1/17: Bridal Fair 2010, Qwest Center Omaha.

11a.m. - 3p.m.; Admission: $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Be sure to see some of Omaha’s finest businesses at Bridal Fair® 2010. Check out the latest in wedding fashion with fashion shows being held at Noon and 1:30pm. The shows will be hosted by Dan Arthur & Michelle Riell from Star 104.5 and Big Party & Jeff Degan from Channel 94.1.

Qwest Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. For more information or to purchase tickets online, please visit www.bridalfair.com/registration. cfm.

1/16: Lancers Hockey vs. Lincoln Stars @ 7 p.m. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail the encounter | january/february 2010 27

Sponsored by Pinnacle Bank

1/17: Lancers Hockey vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders @ 5:05 p.m. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster chargeby-phone 1 (800) 7453000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www. lancers.com

SPRING2010 SPONSORED BY

SUPPORTING

online @ BigOFashionShow.com 28 january/february 2010 | the encounter

1/17: Omaha Symphony Family Series: Driving Forces. Omaha Symphony. Maestro Thomas Wilkins is your tour guide on a musical exploration of motivation. What drives music and what drives people? Fun, familiar pieces are introduced to encourage children to dream big and activate their imaginations.

We’ll hear the awesome music that’s been created when people have worked hard and followed their inspiration.

2 p.m. $7-$9.75. 1200 Douglas St. 342-3560 www.omahasymphony.org.

1/21-1/24: Midlands International Auto Show, Qwest Center Omaha.

Thursday, 11am - 9pm; Friday, 10am - 10pm; Saturday, 10am - 10pm; Sunday, 10am - 6pm; Admission: Adults (Age 13 & up), $8 Seniors & Military ID, $5, Children (Age 7-12), $5, Children Under 6, Free. $1.00 off coupons available at all participating dealers. All the newest cars, trucks and SUV’s from every major manufacturer! Qwest Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. For more information, please visit www.omahaautoshow. com/.

1/21 – 2/14: FROM SHELTERBELT WITH LOVE . Our annual anthology of short plays dealing with love, loss and relationships is back - with a bonus! We are also featuring a new adults-only late night show to go with it, After-Hours, featuring tales on the naughtier side. After-Hours runs

Fridays and Saturdays after the regular From Shelterbelt With Love show. Shelterbelt Theatre, 3225 California St. For more info, call 3412757 or visit www.shelterbelt.org 1/23 - 4/18: Construction Zone. Omaha Children’s Museum.

Construction Zone is a kid-sized world of building where kids can explore with machines, tools, a supersized dig pit and much more! Tues-Sat/10am4pm; Sun/1-5pm $2 in addition to regular museum admission ($7/ Adults & Children 2 & Over; $6/Seniors 60+), Members Free; Museum Admission Applies.

500 S. 20 St. 342-6164 www.ocm.org.

1/23: Omaha Symphony Sights and Sounds Series: Bugs Bunny on Broadway. Omaha Symphony. Join the Omaha Symphony for a fun fusion of Looney Tunes cartoons and live orchestra music.

See the “Wascally Wabbit” himself projected on a big screen above the orchestra, as you listen to the irresistible scores that make the animated mayhem come alive--including “What’s Up Doc?” and “The Rabbit of Seville”.

Sat /8p.m.;Sun/2p.m. $10 - $55. 1200 Douglas St. 342-3560 www. omahasymphony.org.

1/23: Pilobolus. Orpheum Theater.

There’s nothing like the witty visual poetry of Pilobolus! They’ve mesmerized packed audiences at the Oscars and abroad with unique shadow dances and colorful on-stage whimsy. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $19. 409 S. 16 St. 345-0606 www.TicketOmaha.com.

1/24: Martina McBride and Trace Adkins.

Mid-America Center.

7:30 p.m. $59.75, $49.75 and $29.75, plus applicable fees. One Arena Way. 712-323-0536 www.midamericacenter.com.

1/28: Faith Healer. Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre Company. An itinerant Irish spellbinder plies his strange trade, gypsy-like, more theatrical than religious, on the backroads of Scotland and Wales. Grace, the woman, inextricably bound to him yet seeing through him. Teddy, his Cockney assistant, attracted by the faith healer’s fantasy and chicanery.” These three relive, in the contradiction of Rashomon-like monologues, varying versions of their mysterious final days together, with the sometimes damning, sometimes merciful, capriciousness of memory. Fri/ Sat 7:30pm; Sun 2pm $22 adults; $18 Ages 62+, Student & Military; Group rates available.

614 S. 11 St. 502-4910 www.bsbtheatre.com.

1/29: Lancers Hockey vs. Green Bay Gamblers @ 7 p.m. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster chargeby-phone 1 (800) 7453000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www. lancers.com 1/29: ScrapArts Music.

Holland Performing Arts Center. Metal. Muscle. Music. Movement!

ScrapArtsMusic is a witty knock-out for the whole family that starts where STOMP and Blue Man Group leave off. Five performers plus industrial scraps add up to pure magic!

8 p.m. Tickets start at $16. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 www.TicketOmaha.com.

1/30: Lancers Hockey vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders @ 7 p.m.

Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster chargeby-phone 1 (800) 7453000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditori-

um box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www. lancers.com 1/30: Omaha Symphony Rocks: AbbaMania. Holland Performing Arts Center.

Take a chance on this delightful celebration of ABBA, the Swedish pop sensation that stormed the 1970’s charts. As younger generations discover ABBA through Mamma Mia, the Broadway show and movie, it’s undeniable that their effervescent melodies exhibit strong staying power.

8 p.m. $15-$60. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 www.omahasymphony.org.

FEBRUARY EVENTS 2/2: Lancers Hockey vs. Sioux City Musketeers @ 7 p.m.

Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster chargeby-phone 1 (800) 7453000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www. lancers.com 2/5 - 2/6: Omaha Symphony Masterworks: The Music of Mozart.

Omaha Symphony.

Spend the evening with a true master whose work resonates in the human hear like no other. Take time to soak up the pure bliss of Mozart. 8 p.m. $15$75. 1200 Douglas St. 342-3560 www.omahasymphony.org.

2/6: Beertopia’s 3rd Annual Extreme Beerfest. Tip Top Ballroom.

Your Ticket Gets You a Souvenir Tasting Glass, Program & four Hours of Sampling. A free shuttle will run between Beertopia and Tip Top from 1-9pm.

Because we care about your safety, we encourage you to book a room at the adjacent Fairfield Inn, offering a $79 room rate Fri/Sat. Make reservations online by

linking from our website or by calling the hotel directly at 402-280-1516 giving the Group Code : EBF 3-7 p.m. $28 advance, $33 day of fest.

15th & Cuming. 280-1516 w w w. b e ercornerus a. com.

2/6-5/16: Great Plains: America’s Lingering Wild at the Joslyn. Michael Forsberg is a conservation photographer focusing on the wildlife and landscapes of the Great Plains. His latest publishing venture, Great Plains: America’s Lingering Wild (University of Chicago Press), will be available in September. An exhibition of work featured in the book is scheduled to open at the Museum in February 2010. Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge Street, Omaha.

For information, call 402-342-3300, or visit www.joslyn.org 2/11: Tim McGraw in Concert. Qwest Center Arena, 455 N. 10th St.; Tickets: $56.25, $40.25, $25.25.Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket center locations, Ticketmaster charge-byphone 1 (800) 745-3000, online at Ticketmaster. com or at Qwest Center Omaha Box Office.

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Call 402-341-1600 or visit www.metroymca.org for more information.

2/11 - 2/21: The Rainforest. The Rose Theater.

The awe-inspiring Amazon rainforest comes to life through this fascinating new production by the Omaha Theater Ballet. For ages 5-adult. Thurs-Fri/7pm; Satu/2pm & 7pm; Sun/2pm $16; free with membership. 2001 Farnam St. 345-4849 www. rosetheater.org.

2/12: Alison Brown Quartet. Holland Performing Arts Center.

This quartet of newgrass luminaries creates an exquisite blend of Celtic, folk, and jazz – with an affectionate focus on the five-string banjo. 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25.

13th & Douglas Sts. 3450606 www.TicketOmaha.com.

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2/12 - 2/14: Chicago The Musical.

Orpheum Theater. This sensational tale of sin, corruption, murder, and all that jazz is now enjoying a Broadway revival. The musical, set in the prohibition era, is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice.

Fri/8pm; Sat/2pm & 8pm; Sun/7:30pm Tickets start at $25. 409 S. 16 St. 345-0606 www.

TicketOmaha.com.

2/12 - 2/14: Omaha Symphony Pops Series: John Tesh. Omaha Symphony. While many first met John Tesh as the host of TV’s Entertainment Tonight, these days he’s known for his music. Tesh’s talent as a pianist, vocalist, and composer spans genres-from pop to classical, New Age to contemporary Christian. Balancing smooth vocals with lots of fun, this performance will hit all the right notes.

Fri&Sat/8pm; Sun/2pm $15-$80. 1200 Douglas St. 342-3560 www.omahasymphony.org.

2/13: Lancers Hockey vs. Chicago Steel @ 4:05 p.m. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster charge-by-phone 1 (800) 745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www.lancers.com 2/13: FRIGGATRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA: A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE BEMIS CENTER. 9:00 p.m. *Members pre-party at 7:00 p.m. The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts invites you to Friggatriskaidekaphobia, the sure cure to conquer your fear of Friday the 13th. Get freaky with Frigga while helping the Bemis Center in its mission to support exceptional talent. The Frigga-brations will begin with a “members only” pre-party featuring a special musical

guest at 7:00pm. Bemis Center members get in for $7.00 and nonmembers for $13.00. All the proceeds go directly to supporting artists and maintaining the Bemis Center’s dynamic programming. For more info, go to www. bemisunderground.org 2/13-4/26: THE SMITH COLLECTION: ARE WE THERE YET? AT THE DURHAM. The Durham Museum will pay homage to the great “American Vacation” in truly unique fashion when it presents Are We There Yet? Iconic travel sites and more than 25 pedal cars will capture the imagination of visitors as they experience this collaborative exhibition from The Durham Museum and the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska.

The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. For more info, call 444-5071 or visit www.durhammuseum.org 2/14: An Evening with Lucie Arnaz. Holland Performing Arts Center. The beloved Lucie Arnaz presents a smoky selection of Broadway, pop, and Latin hits. A Valentine’s evening full of big love stories and songs. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35. 13th & Douglas Sts. 345-0606 w w w.T i c k e t O m a h a . com.

2/14: Lancers Hockey vs. Youngstown Phantoms @5:05 p.m.

Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket centers locations, Ticketmaster chargeby-phone 1 (800) 7453000, online at Ticketmaster.com, Qwest Center Omaha box office, or Civic Auditorium box office on game day. $15, $14, $12, $8 for kids and students. For more info, go to www. lancers.com 2/14: Lipizzaner Stallions at the Qwest.

2:00p.m. - 6:00p.m. at Qwest Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Tickets: $31.50, $26.50, $24.50 Tickets available at all Ticketmaster retail ticket center locations,

Ticketmaster chargeby-phone 1 (800) 7453000, online at Ticketmaster.com or at Qwest Center Omaha Box Office.

2/16 - 3/26: The Fred Simon Gallery: Mary Day. The Fred Simon Gallery. The Fred Simon Gallery is located in the Nebraska Arts Council offices. Free. 1004 Farnam St., Lower Level.

595-2122 www.nebraskaartscouncil.org.

2/18-2/21: Omaha Home & Garden Expo / Lawn, Flower & Patio Show. Thursday, 5pm - 10pm, Friday, 11am - 10pm, Saturday, 11am - 9pm, Sunday, 11am - 5pm; Admission: Adults, $7, Children (ages 5-12), $3.50, Children under 5, Free. Discount coupons available at area Bag ‘N Save grocery stores. Two traditions unite for the home & garden event of the year! A showcase of design gardens, waterfalls and the smells of spring with everything for the home inside & out! The latest ideas for today’s home consumers - from room additions, kitchens, bathrooms and home improvement products to the largest selection of lawn & garden equipment and landscaping ideas. Qwest Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. For more information, please visit www.omahahomeandgarden.com or www. showofficeonline.com.

2/19 - 3/21: Death of a Salesman. Omaha Community Playhouse.

For Willy Loman, there is only one American Dream. After 36 years on the road in its pursuit, the traveling salesman, haunted by missed opportunities and an uncertain future must come to terms with a lifetime of self-deception that has distorted his dream into an American tragedy. Thu-Sat/7:30pm; Sun/2pm $32 adults, $21 students. 6915 Cass St. 553-0800 www. omahaplayhouse.com.

2/20: Bela Fleck, The Africa Project. Holland Performing Arts Center.

The king of bluegrass took his banjo to Africa – and this is the boundary-breaking result! It’s jazz like you’ve never heard it before. Rooted in flutes, marimba and xylophone, The Africa Project pulses with a beating heart. 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $19. 13th & Douglas Sts. 3450606 www.TicketOmaha.com.

2/21: Nebraska Choral Arts Society’s Music Brings Us Together - Celebrate Black History Month. UNO Strauss Performing Arts Center. Come hear the songs of old and new musc of current black composters, from spirituals to jazz. Celebrate the contribution to American music. 3 p.m. $10/adults; $8/senior, youth, pre-ordered; $12/at the door. 6001 Dodge St. 342-6753 www.choirmusic.org.

2/25-2/28: Tangier Shrine Circus. Omaha Civic Auditorium. For ticket prices, times and more details, visit www. omahacivic.com

yourholidayportrait

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