The Encounter January/February 2016 by Omaha Magazine

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016

DOMINIQUE MORGAN Reinvention, Love, Activism, and Music J UA N MOR A-AMOR AL Keeping It Local EL L EN S T R U V E Untitled, Experienced B R A D H O S H AW and His Seven Deadly Songs

oldmarket.com

AN AMERICAN GRILL

HAPPY HOUR 3:30-6:30pm (MON-FRI) jamseats.com

CMY

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

With 15+ handcrafted beers on tap and 1/2 price growlers every Friday, Brickway— Omaha’s only combination brewery/distillery— is the place to experience craft brewing at its ﬁnest.

Call 402.933-2613 to book our tasting room for your party.

1116 JACKSON ST | OMAHA’S OLD MARKET

SAVE %

Don’t miss a single issue of Omaha Magazine

omamag.com/save

NOVEMBER /

DECEMBER 2015

LAUREN GARRISON Surly Lass, British Sass BOBSLEDDIN G? IN NEBRASKA? Olympic Gold Medalist Curtis Tomas evicz BEST DOCTORS OMAHA 20152016

Rev. John Jen

FROM OM kins AH

A NOTREto D AME

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

Contents

L I V I N G : Living Small to Live Large Kohlers’ Compact Lifestyle Enables Room for Travel

V I S U A L : Juan Mora-Amoral Nineteen-Year-Old Jewelry Designer Loves Keeping It Local

M U S I C : The Essential Brad Hoshaw And His Seven Deadly Songs

P E R F O R M A N C E : Melissa Dundis Making Classical Cool Again

F E AT U R E : Murder on the Menu Downtown Hotel Haunted By Acting Chops

C O V E R F E AT U R E : Dominique Morgan Fusing Reinvention and Love With Activism and Music

D I N I N G : Creative Concessions CenturyLink Center is Kickin’ It Up A Notch!

FA S H I O N : Beaded Bliss

T H E AT E R : Ellen Struve Untitled, Experienced

FA C E S : Holly Kranker Residency Program Manager, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

H I S T O R Y: Quartermaster Depot Shipping Supplies, Housing the Homeless, and Entertaining the Engaged

Advantage Coupons

Downtown Omaha Map

Merchants & Attractions

Calendar of Events

ENCOUNTER 4

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 Publisher Todd Lemke Editor David Williams Associate Editor Daisy Hutzell-Rodman Editorial Intern Katherine Nowicki Contributing Writers Judy Horan • Greg Jerrett • Claire Martin • Meagan Morris Sean Robinson • Max Sparber • James Walmsley Sarah Wengert • Mike Watkins Creative Director Bill Sitzmann

Come Warm Up with a Hot Muffin & Tea • Large Selection of Loose Leaf Tea • Fresh Brewed Teas; Hot & Cold • Unique Accessories

Art Director Kristen Hoffman

• Specialty Tea Kettles • Tea Samples • Free Wi-Fi

TWO LOCATIONS IN OMAHA

Senior Graphic Designer Rachel Joy

Old Market

1118 Howard St (402) 932 3933

Graphic Designer Matthew Wieczorek

Tower Plaza

345 N 78th Street (402) 393-7070

www.theteasmith.com

Graphic Design Intern Derek Taubert Account Executives Greg Bruns • Gil Cohen • Shelby Deveny • Kyle Fisher Angie Hall • George Idelman • Gwen Lemke Assistant to the Publisher Sandy Besch-Matson Account Assistants Jessica Cullinane • Alicia Smith Hollins Jessica Linhart • Dawn Dennis Operations Tyler Lemke Accounting Holley Garcia-Cruz Warehouse Distribution Manager Mike Brewer For Advertising Information: 402.884.2000 omahamagazine.com

Owner — Lila Anderson Thank You for Voting Us the Best of Omaha 4 Years in a Row!

Owned and Managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD. All versions of Encounter are published bimonthly 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.

se Happy Ho ver ur Re

2016 Winner KETV 7 • Baxter Arena

1006 Dodge St Omaha NE 402.614.2121 www.noshwine.com Check our website for daily specials and events

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 5

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

Living Small to Live Large K O H L E R S ’ C O M PA C T L I F E S T Y L E E N A B L E S R O O M F O R T R AV E L by Claire Martin photography by Bill Sitzmann

ENCOUNTER 6

LIVING

OMETIMES TO LIVE large, you’ve got to live small—very small.

This, at least, is the working mantra of Kevin and Amanda Kohler, who occupy a 620 square-foot condo off of 16th and Farnam streets.

The Kohlers happily insist they have all the room they need. “With a smaller space, you invest in the quality rather than the quantity of things,” Amanda says. “Everything in here, I like.” When questioned why they downsized from a living place originally twice as large, the Kohlers explain their two main incentives—running a business and traveling comfortably. They own and operate the technology company KOVUS. The couple traveled to 16 countries during the last five years, journeying throughout Africa, Europe,

Asia, and South America. The logic is simple— by spending less on a mortgage, the Kohlers save their income for a budget to travel at will. Although the two admit they first thought downsizing would be temporary and challenging, they wound up hooked on traveling, which easily balanced out the predicaments of living on a small scale. “I would rather live here and travel the world than live in a big city and be hamstrung,” Kevin says. Despite travels to such exotic locales as India, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, Omaha remains the Kohlers’ consistent home base, especially since they enjoy owning a business here. “There are so many people I can connect with here that have been beyond helpful in building our business,” Amanda says. “Every single person I reach out to or ask for advice is willing to help—it’s a very collaborative environment.” >

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 7

clockwise from left: Kevin and Amanda Kohler share a glass of wine in their kitchen. Knickknacks from their travels, including a photo taken by Amanda, adorns their shelves. The couple’s bedroom contains little closet space.

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

< Living in the heart of downtown, according to Kevin and Amanda, can be both inexpensive and accessible. The two share a car, but walk to dozens of restaurants or stores. Their building even offers an in-house coffee shop called Culprit. The small space they inhabit is more than just a footnote to this convenience, however. “[Living small] forces you into a more minimalistic lifestyle,” Amanda says. “Now that we have a 2-by-2 closet to store stuff, it forces you to be disciplined about the things you need. You have to be creative about how you purpose things.”

Kevin and Amanda’s cat comes looking for attention as the Kohlers relax. A coffee table displays one of their plants, and a selection of travel books.

ENCOUNTER 8

The cabinet in their living room doubles as a covert litterbox for Archie, their 20-pound cat, while the couple joke that an old clothes stool now dually serves as the communal scratching-post. The small closets divide into basins to stow shoes, clothes, camera equipment, and other items. The couple purchase good food, good wine, and experiences as opposed to mere “stuff.” Amanda enjoys buying books, but has forsaken paper in favor of eReader files. The condo, despite the confined space, still manages to feel roomy and open. Using lots of natural

LIVING

Shoes are stored below a clock, and Buddhas. The living room contains many open shelving units for storing books and art. light from big windows and keeping an abundance of home-grown plants creates an earthy ambiance against an urban backdrop. Small tokens from their travels, including “several wine bottles,” they joke, decorate surfaces. The condo’s main space includes a cedar chest that belonged to Amanda’s grandmother as well as a custom-made coffee table that easily seats four. The Kohlers give interior decorating credit to Jessica McKay at Birdhouse Interiors, although the pictures that adorn the walls are due to Amanda’s love of photographing their travels. In India, Amanda’s personal favorite travel-spot, she even took photographs from a hot-air balloon.

. Locally Owned Since 1970

Featuring Omaha’s Most Popular Patio

. The Old Market’s Longest Jazz Gig . Live Music Every Sunday 9pm

Nightly Specials Live Irish Music Weekends Open 12 p.m.

and Wednesday 7pm-10pm

. Never a Cover Charge

402.345.4488

1205 Harney St.

MrToadsPub.com

dublinerpubomaha.com

342-5887

10th and Howard St.

Bringing Italy to Omaha Since 1919

Take a Taste of Italy Home Today • Award winning Sicilian style pizza & bread • Deli with variety of cheeses & meats • Imported olives, canned goods and pastas

“I feel like you get better at traveling as you go, and we were able to really immerse ourselves in the culture,” Amanda says. “The people there couldn’t be more hospitable and generous.” So what’s next on the Kohlers’ agenda? For starters, the couple plan to travel to Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda for three weeks during the holidays. Since a close friend who often traveled with them recently passed away, Kevin and Amanda explain they want to experience all they can while they’re young.

The Orig inal Old Market Irish Bar

Tues-Thurs: 8:30am-8pm Friday: 8:30am-9pm Saturday: 7:30am-8pm Sunday: 7:30am-6pm

621 Pacific Street, Omaha • 402.345.3438 • www.orsibakery.com

This means their home, for now, remains a small downtown condo. Encounter

Old Market

Coming Soon to Benson

1120 Jackson Street 402.341.5827

6023 Maple Street

•

tedandwallys.com JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016 9

9 Years In A Row

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

E N C O U N T E R 10

VISUAL

Juan Mora-AmoraL NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD JEWELRY DESIGNER LOVES KEEPING IT LOCAL by Meagan Morris photography by Bill Sitzmann

UAN MORA-AMORAL KNOWS how to talk. The bubbly 19-year-old makes one feel like an old friend after just a couple of minutes. It’s not surprising that this jewelry designer likes to chat up the people who buy his one-of-akind designs.

“I really like to talk to my customers,” he says. “I want to see how they style it. I want them to tag me in it on Instagram.” He has an Etsy store, but prefers to sell in person. “I don’t like not knowing how (customers) react,” he says. Selling locally gives him the instant feedback he craves. Mora-Amoral starting making jewelry by accident nearly six years ago during an internship at Flying Worm Vintage. There the eager teen learned everything he wanted to know about retail and the world of vintage clothing. “I’d fix buttons, solder broken chains,” he says. “And I started doing that more and more, so I asked if it would be OK if I took the broken stuff and make other things from it.” Eventually he started creating assemblage jewelry and sold the creations on a little stand on the front counter. “I never thought jewelry was such a wanted thing,” he says of watching his burgeoning business grow. “There I was, 14 years old and making money, being able to spend money on things I like.”

He put a lot of it back into his business, Amoral Jewelry, in the form of etching supplies, copper wire, and other materials. He uses “anything and everything” in his work, but it seems all anyone wants to talk to him about are his bones. For the past couple of years, he has harvested animal bones and carcasses and worked them into a variety of pieces. “There’s a whole culture of people who make this kind of jewelry—vegan jewelry from an ethical perspective,” he says. Ethical, he says, because he never purposefully hunts or seeks out animals for his work. Instead, he finds animals that died through natural means and then lets them rot naturally before skinning or dehydrating them for use in his work. “I like the whole idea of rotting by itself and using only what is supposed to be left,” he says, adding that he prefers to use the teeth because it can be “added to a lot of things.” “Rotting and dying can be gross, but how are you supposed to learn about [death] if you’re not willing to make yourself uncomfortable?” Mora-Amoral focuses on his jewelry full-time while working at Paper Doll Vintage Boutique in Benson. >

J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 11

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

< “It’s hard to believe that I was 14 and fixing little things and now I’m making enough money to pay actual bills with the money I make on jewelry,” he says. Where he’ll take his work in the future is still uncertain—he’s still young—but he’s amazed at how far he’s come. “I’ve done five years of work—that’s 6,000 necklaces,” he says. “But I’ll never get tired of seeing someone wear my work and thinking ‘so cool, that’s mine!’” Encounter Visit facebook.com/jamjewelry to learn more.

E N C O U N T E R 12

Stop in to Omaha’s Cigar Store.

ARE YOU

WINTERIZED?! Don’t Sweat It!

Call Don’t Sweat It! 402.345.8383

Call 402-345-8383 Call 402-345-8383 Don’t Sweat It! Don’t Sweat It! Call 402-345-8383 Call 402-345-8383

sgroitobacconist.com 503 S 11th St, Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 341-9264

Don’t Sweat It! Don’t Sweat It!

Call 402-345-8383 Call 402-345-8383

jonesauto.com

402.345.8383 1223 S. 20th St. FREE METRO AREA RIDES! FREE METRO AREA RIDES! JonesAuto.com FREE METRO AREA RIDES! FREE METRO AREA RIDES! Member Greater Omaha Chamber

Member Greater Omaha Chamber

jonesauto.com

Member Greater Omaha Chamber

jonesauto.com

Member Greater Omaha Chamber

FREE METRO AREA RIDES! J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 13

Member Greater Omaha Chamber

FREE METRO AREA RIDES!

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

the essential Brad Hoshaw A N D H I S S E V E N D E A D LY S O N G S by James Walmsley photography by Bill Sitzmann

HE LEGEND OF Brad Hoshaw and The Seven Deadlies began in 2008 with a one-off show that has since tumbleweeded into two acclaimed full-length albums and five Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards.

Hoshaw—who was raised on healthy doses of Johnny Cash and murder ballads—started releasing his virtuous blend of Americana, folk, and pop in 1998 against a chicer Omaha indie sound that would render him somewhat anonymous for most of the naughts. After joining forces with Matt Whipkey, Vern Fergesen, and J. Scott Gaeta, or The Seven Deadlies band, the 35-year-old eventually achieved name recognition as a regional songwriting powerhouse. He’s been committing songs against humanity ever since. G L U T T O N Y : This isn’t your older brother or sister’s Brad Hoshaw. The raucous first chords of “Powdernose”— the leading track from 2009’s Brad Hoshaw and The Seven Deadlies self-titled album—assure the listener of just that, kicking in like a renegade cowboy ready to shoot up the place. Tragically, the lyrical patrons of Hoshaw’s fictitious saloon are too sick with vice to fight back. E N V Y : If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Hoshaw’s cover of Kyle Harvey’s “It Falls Apart” sincerely takes the former local singer-songwriter to task. For as much as the woeful coda to 2014’s Funeral Guns espouses the same message as Harvey’s experimental effort, it’s clearly not the same song. Of course, Hoshaw’s more palpable rendition isn’t a conscious critique of the original but rather a byproduct of his master craftsmanship. S L O T H : One of the premiere tracks from Funeral Guns, “8 Ball” is the coming-of-age tale of heartbreak and a once popular fortune-telling toy. Throughout the idling experience, Hoshaw looks to a Magic 8 Ball for a clue as to why his former sweetheart of five years got hitched, thus axing their fated reunion. He’s left without an answer, forgetting to pose his inquiry in the form of a yes-or-no question.

L U S T: The narrator of Hoshaw’s “Face of Man” could’ve

limped off the pages of a Cormac McCarthy novel. He’s a murder ballad in the making, “Hey Joe” before the crime. But whether the brooding antihero is a lecherous madman or just a run-of-the-mill misogynist remains to be heard in The Seven Deadlies redux that first appeared on Hoshaw’s 2003 album Sketches from the Dream State. Either way, any hope that he’ll one day become a well-adjusted person is eventually shattered by a piercing Matt Whipkey guitar solo in the song’s eleventh hour. G R E E D : Originally written for the local roots act The Black Squirrels, Hoshaw’s sonic act of charity, “Delta King,” later became the ninth track on Funeral Guns after the band broke up in 2011. While the cautionary folk tale betrays the album’s tough cowboy exterior, its commentary on excessive pursuit defends Hoshaw’s cynical theme: humankind is depraved. W R A T H : Judging from Hoshaw’s complete body of work,

it’s tempting to think there isn’t a mean bone in it. Enter “Gone in a Minute,” the slightly spiteful track that admits, “You were wrong to think I was kind.” Ever the nice guy, Hoshaw instantly returns to his sympathetic ways, threatening to leave in a minute’s time...for two and a half minutes. If it’s any consolation, it’s still his shortest Seven Deadlies song. P R I D E : Born from the deepest stirrings of Hoshaw’s ego, “Funeral Guns” came to the crooner in a dream, or so the story goes. The track, from the album with the same title, is a pseudo eulogy to Hoshaw’s deceased father, whose ascending ghost seems haunted by how he’ll be remembered by those he loved most. In the end, the proud son forgives and his song never forgets. Encounter

Visit bradhoshaw.wordpress.com to learn more.

E N C O U N T E R 14

MUSIC

J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 15

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

Melissa Dundis MAKING CLASSICAL COOL AGAIN by Sean Robinson photography by Bill Sitzmann

E N C O U N T E R 16

PERFORMANCE

N A DIM corner of Dundee’s Blue Line Coffee, Melissa Dundis places petite fingers to six nylon strings. A strum, followed by the coo of her voice, and the windowless back half of the café is aglow. Her hand glides up, down, over, and across the thick neck of her classical guitar as her nails pluck out a slow, steady rhythm. “I get by with what I have/Like a caveman,” the 26-year-old’s lyrics and melody are spellbindingly simple.

“Sometimes the song happens all at once. Once I pick up a vibe, I just start singing,” says Dundis.“I’ll write a verse then find what key I want the song in. It really starts from inside.”

“I couldn’t have been happier to witness her success in the classical program,” says Michael Saklar, Dundis’ former guitar teacher. “I’ve had close to a thousand students over 25 years, and she stands out at the top.” Even as a kid growing up in Springfield, Nebraska, Dundis was obsessed with the rhythmic flow and simplicity of folk rock. At age 4, Dundis remembers requesting her first song on the radio—Neil Young’s “No More.” While her peers sang “I wanna zigazig-ah” along to the Spice Girls, Dundis listened to songs created for older audiences and looked for ways to share her connection to this music with others.

“I couldn’t have been happier to witness her success in the classical program. I’ve had close to a thousand students over 25 years and [Dundis] stands out at the top.”

By day, Dundis serves as the only female disc jockey at an indepenMore than 20 years later, she continues this as a part-time DJ dent radio station, but by night Michael Saklar at KVNO, a station primarily she’s a classical guitarist and vocalist, performing at venues across devoted to classical music. As one of the youngest staff members, she writes her own scripts Omaha from España to the Side Door Lounge to Pageturners. and plans to help KVNO reach new audiences by playing A graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Music unique interpretations of classical music, creating playlists Education program, Dundis also teaches private guitar lessons on the side. that mix opera, video game theme music, and compositions by the Talking Heads. Dundis first began playing when she found an acoustic guitar in the basement. Her grandfather, a former bar owner, Dundis hopes to release a self-penned EP soon, but for now obtained the instrument after a drunk gave it to him in her focus remains on radio. She’s vying for a full-time gig at KVNO and contemplating a future as a radio producer. trade for a bottle of whisky. She picked up classical guitar as a student at UNO. At first, she only performed one hour Whether she’s holding a radio mic or her guitar, Dundis’ a day. This evolved to four hours a day as her senior recital passion and belief in music is unwavering. approached. “Music has the ability to help us recognize our own artistic gifts,” she says. Encounter Visit soundcloud.com/melissa-dundis to hear her work.

J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 17

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

Murder on the Menu DOWNTOWN HOTEL HAUNTED BY ACTING CHOPS by Judy Horan photography by Bill Sitzmann

HE HAUNTED OVERLOOK Hotel (you know, from The Shining) may be fictional, but gunshots and odd noises do come from the DoubleTree in downtown Omaha. They are no cause for alarm—it means The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show is underway.

The dinner show serves up surprises throughout the evening as guests participate in solving mysteries, trying to uncover hidden clues that lead to the identities of the “killers.” The show is interactive and improvised—and all in fun. Three acts take place with breaks in between for eating and drinking. Three murders await to be solved—and everyone is a suspect. “We consider our show like a live game,” says Meredith Wood, producer for Midwest franchises of the national Dinner Detective company. Wood oversees theaters in Chicago and Des Moines as well as Omaha. The company, whose first performance was in Los Angeles in 2004, conducts theater productions in 39 cities. The morbid performances debuted in Omaha two years ago with Dylan Rohde portraying the lead detective. He is still the acting sleuth and also teaches other performers who appear in the weekly show. Classes take place at his Backline Comedy Club near 16th and Harney streets. Anticipating the show’s next move is not easy; the professional actors improvise much of the script and keep mystery solvers on their toes. The performance is held in the round to provide a more interactive and intimate setting. Trained actors look like any other guests as they sit down for dinner. Spotting thespians among the masses is part of the fun. An actor may turn out to be the “killer” or “victim.”

Guests also dine incognito. Upon arriving, they’re asked to create an alias to be used on their name tag. “Maybe it’s their favorite celebrity, favorite cocktail, or a silly made-up name,” says Wood. Clues and guidelines are presented during opening remarks. Mingling and asking questions, patrons try to spot someone acting suspiciously. Soon after, the first victim is murdered. Rohde leads the investigation, interrogating guests and trying to uncover clues to the murder. They choose to lie to, or level with, him. He is delighted when a guest gives a weird or interesting response. “We try to poke fun at it,” he says. Act two brings more clues and audience involvement, followed by a sit-down dinner. Additional homicides take place in act three. At this point, the audience has all the clues needed to solve the mystery. Whoever gives the most detailed and correct guess wins a prize. Public shows start at 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Make reservations early—the show is known to sell out. Private shows are by reservation. The company has booked private corporate groups, family groups, and fundraisers, among others. Anyone age 15 or older is welcome at the four-course dinner and show. Groups often receive a discounted price. Visit thedinnerdetective.com/omaha to learn more.

E N C O U N T E R 18

F E AT U R E

J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 19

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

Dominique Morgan FUSING REINVENTION AND LOVE WITH ACTIVISM AND MUSIC by Greg Jerrett photography by Bill Sitzmann

“I

’M GONNA BE so honest with you right now it will piss...you...off. I started writing music at seven. Music just comes to me. I don’t read music. The shit just happens and I just go with it and I just go with it ‘til I can’t go anymore.” Dominique Morgan, orator of the aforementioned, was a show choir kid at Benson High. At age 14, he came out as gay to his family, “who were cool with it.” He left home during his senior year, “making a stink about being grown,” and followed friends to UNL, where almost no one knew he wasn’t enrolled or that he got by sleeping in cars. Bad checks led to prison.

That was before 2009. Now he is one of the metro’s most celebrated R&B recording artists and a prominent activist. Morgan recently headlined at the Baltimore Pride Celebration, which he described as a highlight of his career.

“I’m not worried about that,” says Morgan with a sincere, charming theatricality and flair, but no bull. “I don’t want to be stuck. It’s time for a break.”

I could have worked on, but I wasn’t because they were things I didn’t want to talk about or deal with.”

Independence has perks. Morgan is allowing himself time for creative recharging.

Ultimately, the superhero in Morgan opted to open up, using his greatest strength—experience—to connect with everyone needing a loving example. Fusion is one of Dom’s favorite motifs.

“Time to catch a breath and start over fresh. ‘Loveaholics’ is a good, solid album. It’s going to ride me out for another year. With no label, I’m not forced to put out ‘stuff.’ I feel like there’s some things I haven’t done yet musically and I need to take a break to be able to be open to it.”

“It’s been hard because for a while, people were like, ‘What does he do? Is he a musician? Is he an activist?’ Soon people realized that I blended the two together.”

“I was really nervous about having an open conversation about my life. I wanted to talk about music. I wanted to talk about my ‘this, that, and the other,’ but you have to be able to talk about everything.”

Morgan is involved at various levels with the Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network, Queer Nebraska Youth Network, the NAACP, Urban League Young Professionals, Metro Omaha Tobacco Action Coalition, and the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards. He founded Queer People of Color (QPOC), a group whose focus is providing diverse, local role models for LGBTQIA youth.

An unguarded man expressing his pain and hope on- and off-stage, Morgan brought himself and his fans to tears during an acoustic set with Kevin Sullivan of Bells and Whistles during the 2015 OEAA nominee showcase at Reverb Lounge. His album, Loveaholics Anonymous, is a well-received tribute to the highs and lows of romance, earning him three nominations for best R&B artist, album of the year, and artist of the year. A holiday album, Dom’s Favorite Things, launched in late 2015. If the past is prologue, the next act for this Omaha original could be biblical. What comes after a year like that?

-Dominique Morgan Morgan says he struggled early on with being open about his painful past. “What I was missing for the longest time was focusing on me,” says Morgan, admitting that leaving his prison life out of his published music created imbalance in his new life. “I treated [that life] as if it didn’t exist. It’s hard to balance the two when my music comes from my experience. There would be songs I would write about, but wouldn’t record them or I would record them and never release them. How do you write from those experiences, but you won’t talk about those experiences?” Working with at-risk teens helped tip the balance toward full disclosure for Morgan. “When I was working with young people and discussing my process of coming out at a young age, there were so many levels with these young people that

E N C O U N T E R 20

When Morgan started receiving notice from the media, he was understandably leery of the attention. Exposing one’s inner most self, as well as past crimes to the world, can be discombobulating, especially when left in the hands of another writer.

“I did hide for a while,” Morgan continues. “My formative years were not the best. I’m a reinvention of myself. I thought, ‘Do I let people see this shiny, glossy version of Dominique Morgan, which is really safe and comfortable, or do I get outside of my head?’” Reinvention, acceptance, love, fusion, music, and activism. Dominique Morgan brings it all together. “It’s part of the process. You can’t reinvent yourself without embracing your old self.” Encounter Visit dominiquemorgan.com to learn more.

C O V E R F E AT U R E

J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 21

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

Creative Concessions CENTURYLINK CENTER IS KICKIN’ IT UP A NOTCH by Sarah Wengert photography by Bill Sitzmann

E N C O U N T E R 22

DINING

“We’re excited to offer more fresh, from-scratch items. We’re all about incorporating a restaurant mentality into the concession world,” says Sous Chef Darren Hill, adding they’ve worked to ensure the menu’s homemade aspect doesn’t slow production, allowing customers a quick return to their seats. Most items, including sauces, are housemade. All the burgers are hand-pattied. The whiskey barbecue burger stands out. A potato bun houses a half-pound Omaha Steaks burger topped with cheddar, bacon, caramelized onion, and whiskey-barbecue sauce. A turkey burger infused with basil and mozzarella comes with roasted red peppers and smoked aioli. These are both crowned with a cherry pepper and served with fries. The brisket waffle fries resemble high-class poutine. Nicely crisped waffle fries are topped with cheddar-barbecue sauce, house-smoked brisket, pico de gallo, and barbecue-crema drizzle. The pico provides these cheese fries with freshness, and the brisket provides substance that impressively renders this popular snack into a well-rounded meal.

HEN VISITING CENTURY Link Center to cheer on Creighton’s Jays, marvel at Terence Crawford’s muscle, behold Olympic swim trial backstrokes, or sing along to Janet, Taylor, Ozzy, and Elton’s every lyric, gourmet food often isn’t on your dancecard for the evening.

An oblong-shaped flatbread pizza comes in margherita or a combination with pepperoni and sausage on it, each with marinara on crisp baked-in-house flatbread brushed with herb-infused oil.

It soon might be. Levy Restaurants’ latest menu makes dining at the C-Link less afterthought and more main event.

Alongside reuben and turkey reuben sandwiches are reuben fritters: corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese breaded with rye and panko bread crumbs, served with a side of Thousand Island and an order of chips.

Sure, the arena offers chicken fingers and popcorn, but customers will also find unique artisan eats. Brad Howard, assistant director of operations for Levy Restaurants in Omaha, wants folks to skip the pre-show restaurant rush.

The blueberry brat is a continued 2014 item—a Stoysich blueberry bratwurst served with fresh jalapeno and savory/ sweet maple-bacon jam. One needn’t be a Bluejays fan to enjoy this local-focused gem.

“We want to make it a destination, where people plan to eat here at a game or concert. We see each stand as a minirestaurant, not a concessions concept,” says Howard, whose team re-envisions the menu annually and continually adjusts based on requests and item reception.

Adult beer floats are as awesome as they sound: Two scoops of vanilla afloat in a choice of Guinness, Lindeman’s Raspberry Lambic, Root Cellars’ Alcoholic Root Beer, Green Flash Double Stout, or Brickway Chocolate Coffee Stout. Floats are joined by three adult sundaes: s’mores, Guinness-brownie, and chocolate mint avalanche.

New items include bruschetta fries, hot medium-cut fries under a cold blend of fresh tomatoes and herbs, perfectly balanced pesto, and balsamic reduction drizzle. This pairs well with the meatball sub, meatballs made from both beef and pork served on a sturdy bun with provolone and marinara, dusted with parmesan and herbs.

These and other delicious dishes may have people indiscriminately buying tickets to whatever, just to indulge in the food. Bon appetit, arena-goers! Encounter Visit centurylinkcenteromaha.com for more information.

J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 23

FA S H I O N

Beaded Bliss photography by Bill Sitzmann

EADS TAKE MANY forms and many meanings. From the malas of Buddhism to the love beads of the 1960s, people everywhere love beaded jewelry.

stylist/model | Nicholas Wasserberger jewelry | Rare Rabbit via True Blue Goods and Gifts pants | Comme Des Garcons

FA S H I O N

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

Ellen Struve UNTITLED, EXPERIENCED by Mike Watkins photography by Bill Sitzmann

E N C O U N T E R 28

T H E AT E R

HEN ELLEN STRUVE and her husband, Kevin, transferred to Omaha from Chicago 10 years ago, she embraced what she saw as an opportunity.

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

Always heavily involved and inspired by the arts—music, fiction writing, the theater, etc.—Struve capitalized on one of her passions to write a play that, in some ways, mirrors the lives around her. Now she’s ready to show her latest work to the Omaha community. Her play Untitled Series #7: A Comedy runs Jan. 22 through Feb. 14 at the Shelterbelt Theatre.

A true labor of love, Struve says her inspiration for the play—not a direct reflection of her own life but of some people around her—comes from select situations and relationships past and present, as well as a good mix of creative storytelling. “I drew from a lot of different elements and experiences for the storyline and characters, but most of it comes from my own imagination,” says Struve, originally from Omaha and a graduate of Westside High School and the University of Iowa’s famed Writer’s Workshop. “Is this play personal to me? Yes and no. The best part about writing is suspending belief and being creative. This isn’t about me, but I find life experiences incredibly useful in my writing.” Struve says her true love and passion has always been writing. She started with nonfiction prose, and that evolved into a love affair with playwriting. She honed her craft at Iowa before attending the Art Institute of Chicago, and although she doesn’t act (she prefers to be behind the scenes), she has always been influenced by performance and theater.

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

“I’ve always read plays, but it wasn’t until I took a workshop that I really thought about writing a play,” says Struve, mother of two young musicians who take after her. Kevin is also a musician. “I read Six Degrees of Separation, and that got me into writing seriously. I just needed a kick to move from writing secretly to moving into the public sphere, and I got that from this workshop. I was hooked, and I proved to be pretty good at it.” It didn’t take her long before Struve found the inspiration—and material—to compose Untitled Series #7: a Comedy. The play is set in Chicago and focuses on a divorced couple who still share a work and living space. Chris is a 30-something recovering artist who is trying to balance an impossible ex, a greedy gallerist, and a potential, but problematic, love interest. Lisa, also a 30-something artist, has seen it all, but remains weirdly optimistic. She knows who she is: honest, smart, and straight to the point. “I like to think of it as a straight-up decapitation and sex comedy,” Struve says with a laugh. “In the play, Chris fictionally kills Lisa, and the story has a sense of seriousness mixed with lightness. “I’m incredibly excited to have this play at the Shelterbelt, and especially to have it open here in Omaha…I love the Shelterbelt’s mission and dedication to original, local work. They aren’t afraid to take risks, and they are big fans of fostering nonfiction with an edge.” Encounter Visit shelterbelt.org to learn more. J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 29

Cubby’s Old Market Grocery 601 S. 13th St.

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

Holly Kranker RESIDENCY PROGRAM MANAGER, BEMIS CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS by Daisy Hutzell-Rodman photography by Bill Sitzman

E N C O U N T E R 30

FA C E S

Improving Your Health

OLLY KRANKER HAS always made things. She learned about fabrics and textiles from her mom, and learned the art of constructing things out of nearly any material from her dad. When it came time to attend college, picking a major was an easy decision.

Whether you need an injury or accident treated, have a specific body problem, need pain relief, or just want to improve your overall health, Downtown Chiropractic Health Center may have a solution for you through chiropractic care.

She traveled just across from her hometown of Frontenac, Kansas, to attend Pittsburg State University, earning a BFA in commercial art and also gaining a connection to Omaha. “Jun (Kaneko) and Ree (Schonlau) had a residency called Mission Clay, where they were working with college students,” Kranker says.

downtownchiroomaha.com 402.345.7500 • 2111 Douglas Street

Following college, Kranker began applying to design firms and ad agencies, but fate, it seems, took her in a different artistic direction. At the recommendation of Schonlau, she worked as a personal assistant for glass artist Therman Statom in his studio from 2008 to 2012. She is now the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts’ residency program manager. “Heather Johnson [the organization’s residency program manager in 2013] approached me to cover her maternity leave,” Kranker says. “I started working [at Bemis] that summer and handed it back to her after maternity leave.” She wasn’t unemployed for long. A month later, Johnson left, and Kranker took the job full-time.

Join Downtown Omaha’s Ultimate Urban Fitness Community!

“We are an international residency program. We’re talking about how our programs function. The conversations are going on in Amsterdam, across Europe, about how we have similar stories. That’s inspiring to me.” Working at Bemis also helps her be more creative, more artistic. She applied, and was accepted to, the recent Joslyn show Art Seen. “They had an open call, so I submitted,” Kranker says. “They [committee members Karen and Bill Arning of Houston] came back and said we want to do a studio visit with you. I was totally floored.” Participating in Art Seen allowed her to create a piece for Art in Odd Places, a sound and performance work that showed in Minneapolis in September 2015.

The Ultimate Membership 25-yard lap pool Sauna, hot tub, & steam room Masters swim & adult swim lessons Group exercise classes Yoga classes

“I ran on the treadmill, which was hooked up to a musical computer program,” Kranker says. “I changed instruments every hour and it recorded and played in real time. I was on it 10 hours a day for four days.”

Indoor track Personal training Weight & cardio equipment Complimentary oﬀ-street parking Complimentary towel service

In the piece, she wavers between artist and athlete. Transitions, one might say, which is an appropriate description for her. “It’s kind of funny how my time in Bemis has been a time of transition,” Kranker says. “Of getting to know an international community, which is pretty phenomenal.” Encounter

Discover Your Ultimate Fit Today!

402.342.2582

20th and Douglas pinnacleﬁtnessclub.com

Visit bemiscenter.org to learn more.

J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 31

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

Quartermaster Depot SHIPPING SUPPLIES, HOUSING THE HOMELESS, A N D E N T E R TA I N I N G T H E E N G A G E D

by Max Sparber photography provided by Wikimedia Commons

HERE IS PROBABLY only one famous quartermaster in history: The character Q from the James Bond books and movies, currently played onscreen by Ben Whishaw as a bedheaded computer nerd, previous played as tweedy arms specialists by actors including Desmond Llewelyn and John Cleese. Long John Silver, from the novel Treasure Island, was also a quartermaster, although the fact isn’t well-remembered.

Which makes the position of quartermaster sound somewhat marvelous, which it may be, but to simply describe the job sounds more quotidian: Quartermasters are responsible for distributing supplies and provisions in the military. There is an entire Quartermaster Corps in the U.S. Army, and besides general supplies, they are also responsible for Mortuary Affairs—identifying, transporting, and burying the deceased. The Quartermaster Corps actually predates the United States as it was established in 1775.

A grassy bit of train tracks runs through downtown, just off 13th Street, leading to part of this Corps legacy in Omaha: The Omaha Quartermaster Depot Historic District. This series of small, antiquated structures dates back to a rarely remembered Omaha institution: The Department of the Platte. Long headed by General George Crook, this department oversaw military support along the Oregon Trail and the building of the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1866, the Army built its first depot near 13th and Webster streets, nicknamed the Old Corral. Trains going from there took supplies up the Missouri River and transported them west. The Old Corral quickly proved insufficient, and the current depot was built in 1879 in its current location at 22nd and Woolworth streets, which also became known as the Old Corral. Most of the buildings on the depot date back to 1886, and, amazingly, remain largely the same as when they were built. The depot provided supplies for the dwindling, tragic

E N C O U N T E R 32

HISTORY

final years of the Indian Wars, culminating in the 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee. After this the depot went largely unused until the United States involvement in World War I, when the depot was responsible for moving enormous amounts of supplies. The site’s application for the National Registry of Historic Places estimates that during the 18 months of the war, about 278 million pounds of supplies passed through the depot. The Quartermaster Depot has been offered for sale many times over its history. After World War I, it was unsuccessfully put on the auction block in both 1927 and 1932. Without a buyer, the Old Corral went through its most unusual period, housing people rather than supplies. During the Roosevelt administration, it was used as a transient shelter, and then, during World War II, it housed Italian prisoners of war.

402.551.7627 roarbeautyparlor.com 1924 S. 67th St. Omaha, Ne We offer a $20 gift for new clients. $20 gift is valid toward a new service valued at $40 or more. Valid on services not received in the last 6 months. Services and products can be combined to reach your $40 minimum. Not valid with other offers or discounts. No cash value.

After the war, the depot became a National Guard base, first for the Iowa-Nebraska National Guard and later for the 561st Support Group for the U.S. Army Reserve. The location also housed the Army Corps of Engineers during the 2011 floods. The Quartermaster Depot was put up for sale again in 2013, although at the time its seller wondered who might be interested. Because of its historic landmark designation, new owners would be limited in what changes they could make to the property. It was purchased in 2014 by Monte Froehlich of Lincoln-based U.S. Property, with intentions to transform the depot into a facility with a variety of uses: An event center and restaurant, an outdoor concert venue, an auto repair shop, and a boxing club. This is a perfect example of how flexible Omaha’s historic buildings can be: Buildings that once shipped supplies for the military and housed the homeless and prisoners can now house businesses and events. With a little vision and creativity, Omaha’s history can live on. Encounter Visit douglascohistory.org for more information. J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 33

ar e Y New

on i t i Ed (402) 333.3550 I advantagecoupons.com

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

new logo, same great coupons

1-16

Never Miss An Issue! Sign up to receive coupons in your email!

A+ RATING

omahamagazine.com

the encounter | january/february 2014â&#x20AC;&#x192;

AdvantageCoupons.com

402-331-3500 Locally Owned & Operated Since 1981 8530 “L” Street • Omaha, NE 68127

Excel of le

FREE

HUMIDIFIER or MEDIA AIR CLEANER With purchase of complete system.

e nc

Ye ar

http://rivercityac.com

• We Service All Systems, Makes & Models • FREE Estimates on Equipment Installation • Residential & Commercial • 100% Financing Available (W.A.C.)

FURNACE or AIR Clean &Check

(Furnace and A/C or Heat Pump)

“It’s Hard To Stop A Trane”

Must present coupon. Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Expires 2-29-16

8 1-2 0 1 6

“It’s Hard To Stop A Trane” 24 Hour Service

10 OFF

SERVICE CALL

+Tax

“It’s Hard To Stop A Trane”

Must present coupon. Not valid with any other offer or coupon. Expires 2-29-16

ADVANTAGE COUPONS • (402) 333-3550

OMAHA -E8- 1/16

Open Daily 6am-8pm

5 BREAKFAST $

PLATTER

“Direct Mail Advertising That Works” ™

Rockbrook Village • 108th & Center

402.393.0252

An Omaha Tradition Since 1985

WE CATER PROOF Date: 12/7/15 . Designer Amanda@AdvantageCoupons.com min 10 people Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

$10 OFF Name:

Any Company: Dine-In Purchase of $30 or more

Tax and gratuity not included. Not valid with promotionally priced items. Not valid on bakery, special order cakes, or catering.

Ad Size:

(2pc. bacon or sausage)

ADVANTAGE COUPONS • (402) 333-3550

“Direct Mail Advertising That Works” ™

S 118th Circle #201, Omaha, NE 68137 I F: 402-333-8471

Ok to Print as is

Please Check Layout Carefully! Note all corrections CLEARLY. (Spelling, Position, Content) Advantage E8

2 eggs, two pieces of toast and choice of protein S 118th Circle #201, Omaha, NE 68137 I F: 402-333-8471

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

108th & Center • Rockbrook Village Expires 2-29-16

Mail Date:

$5 OFF

Advantage E8

The Advertiser represents that he/she possess

grants to Advantage Coupons™ the irrevocab Any Dine-In Purchase all trademarks, trade names, copyrighted mat of $20 or more the Advertiser to Advantage Coupons™. The A

Tax and gratuity not included. Not valid with promotionally produced by Advantage Coupons™ for a fee o priced items. Not valid on bakery, special order cakes, or catering.

responsibility that Advertiser’s advertisement

108th & Center • Rockbrook Village Expires 2-29-16 products comply with all applicable laws. The

discharges Advantage Coupons™ from any an of publication of the Advertiser’s advertiseme

Advertiser to Advantage Coupons™. The Adve Online Menu at www.gardencaferockbrook.com

Signature:

OMAHA -E8- 1/16

PROOF Date: 12/4/15 . Designer Amanda@AdvantageCoupons.com

Ok to Print as is

Please Check Layout Carefully! Note all corrections CLEARLY. (Spelling, Position, Content) Name: Company: Ad Size: Mail Date: Signature:

AdvantageCoupons.com

The Advertiser represents that he/she possesse grants to Advantage Coupons™ the irrevocable all trademarks, trade names, copyrighted mate the Advertiser to Advantage Coupons™. The Ad produced by Advantage Coupons™ for a fee of responsibility that Advertiser’s advertisement, products comply with all applicable laws. The A discharges Advantage Coupons™ from any and of publication of the Advertiser’s advertisemen Advertiser to Advantage Coupons™. The Adver

AdvantageCoupons.com

Downtown Omaha Map N O R T H / S O U T H N U M B E R S 1 0 - 1 9 ( N U M B E R S 1 - 9 O N PA G E 4 1 )

Douglas St

M 10

Capitol Ave Dr nt

Riv

N. 10th St

N. 11th St

Dodge St

S. 11th St

N. 12th St S. 12th St

N. 13th St

N. 15th St

N. 14th St

S. 13th St

S. 14th St

S. 16th St

Dodge St

S. 15th St

N. 16th St

Capitol Ave

fro

N. 9th St

N. 10th St

S. 10th St

N. 10th St

Douglas St

13 Farnam St S. 13th St

S. 11th St

END

Omaha Chamber Of Commerce

S. 14th St

15 Howard St

13 9 11 10

Howard St

16 Jackson St

Jones St

Jackson St S. 10th St

S. 12th St

S. 13th St

S. 11th St

Jackson St

Harney St

Historical Tour Union Station, 1931 Windsor Hotel, 1885-1887 H3 Omaha Fire House, 1903-1904 H4 Omaha Bemis Bag Company, 1887-1902 H5 Anheuser-Busch Beer Depot, 1887 H6 Skinner Macaroni Building, 1914-1915 H7 Aquila Court, 1923 H8 J.P. Cook Buildings, 1885-1889 H9 The Overland Hotel, 1903-1904 H10 Morse Coe Building, 1892-1893 H11 Hotel Howard, 1909 H12 Millard Block, 1880-1881 H13 Baum Iron Company Building, 1880 H14 Poppleton Block, 1880 H15 Burlington Building, 1879 H1

Harney St

Farnam St Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau

S. 10th St

S. 15th St

S. 16th St

Farnam St

Jones St

Roads Interstate On-Ramp/Off-Ramp Railroad Walking Path/Trail Walking Tour

The Old Market District

Park Parking

S. 9th St

Restaurants

Leavenworth St Lea ven wo

Pubs, Taverns & Lounges Health Services S. 6th St

Marcy Plaza

Historical Tour

S. 7th St

Mayberry Plaza

S. 10th St

Leavenworth Plaza

S. 11th St

S. 12th St

S. 13th St

S. 14th St

START

Art Gallery Walk

St rth

Leavenworth St S. 15th St

S. 16th St

The Capitol District

Marcy Street

S. 9th St

Pacific St

S. 10th St

S. 11th St

S. 14th St

S. 13th St

Mason St

Pacific St

E N C O U N T E R â&#x20AC;&#x192; 40

Merchants Attractions

OLD MARKET · DOWNTOWN · RIVERFRONT Rock Bottom Brewery [F-14]...................402-614-9333 OLD MARKET Roja Old Market [E-14]............................402-346-9190 A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T Spaghetti Works [F-15]...........................402-422-0770 Stokes Bar & Grill [E-15]......................... 402-408-9000 ART GALLERIES & MUSEUMS The Diner [E-14]......................................402-341-9870 Bemis Center for Trini’s Mexican Restaurant Contemporary Arts [E-18]........................402-341-7130 [F-15 in The Passageway]...................... 402-346-8400 Joslyn Art Museum [2200 Dodge St.]....402-342-3300 Twisted Fork Grill & Bar [F-15]................402-932-9600 KANEKO [F-17].......................................402-341-3800 Upstream Brewing Company [F-16]...... 402-344-0200 Omaha Children’s Museum [500 S. 20th St.] ....................................402-342-6164 F A S T- C A S U A L D I N I N G The Durham Museum PepperJax Grill [D-15]..............................402-315-1196 [801 S. 10th St.].................................... 402-444-5071 Wheatfields Express [E-15].....................402-991-0917 T H E AT E R & P E R F O R M I N G A R T S

Blue Barn Theatre 614 S. 11th St.].........402-345-1576 Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre [1002 Dodge St.].....................................402-502-4910 Holland Performing Arts Center [1200 Douglas St.]................................. 402-345-0606 OM Center [13th & Howard St]...............402-345-5078 Omaha Symphony [1605 Howard St.]....402-342-3560 Opera Omaha [1850 Farnam St.].......... 402-346-4398 Orpheum Theater [409 S. 16th St.]....... 402-345-0606 The Rose Theater [2001 Farnam St.].... 402-345-4849 Ticket Omaha [13th & Douglas St.]........ 402-345-0606

BANKING | LEGAL | BUSINESS SERVICES American National Bank [C-14]........... 402-457-1070 Bozell [G-18]........................................... 402-965-4300 Clark Creative Advertising [D-16]........... 402-345-5800 Cullan & Cullan [F-14]............................. 402-397-7600 First National Bank [E-15].......................402-341-0500 J. P. Cooke Rubber Stamp Co. [D-15]..... 402-342-7175 Klein Law Office [E-16]............................402-391-1871 Market Media [E-14].............................. 402-346-4000 Security National Bank [F-15].................402-344-7300 Stinson Leonard Street [D-14]................ 402-342-1700 Sutera & Sutera Law Office [F-15]..........402-342-3100

DINING BAKERIES & SWEET SHOPS

Bliss Bakery [F-17]..................................402-934-7450 Cupcake Omaha [F-15].......................... 402-346-6808 Dolci Old Market [G-15]..........................402-345-8198 Hollywood Candy [E-16]..........................402-346-9746 Juice Stop [E-15].....................................402-715-4326 Old Market Candy Shop [G-15].............. 402-344-8846 Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream [E-16]...............402-341-5827 Wheatfields Express [E-15].....................402-991-0917 COFFEE & TEA

13th Street Coffee Co. [D-16].................402-345-2883 Aromas Coffeehouse [F-17]....................402-614-7009 Beansmith [E-14].................................... 402-614-1805 OM Center [D-15]....................................402-345-5078 Scooter’s [E-15]......................................402-991-9868 The Tea Smith [E-15]..............................402-932-3933 Urban Abbey/Soul Desires [G-16]...........402-898-7600 CASUAL DINING

Ahmad’s Persian Cuisine [G-15]............. 402-341-9616 Blue Sushi Sake Grill [E-15].................... 402-408-5566 Bricks & Mortar Bar & Bistro [F-17]....... 402-934-0005 Falling Water Grille [G-15] ..................... 402-346-9000 Himalaya’s [G-15]................................... 402-884-5977 J’s On Jackson [F-16]..............................402-991-1188 Jackson Street Tavern [E-16]..................402-991-5637 Julio’s Old Market [D-15]....................... 402-345-6921 M’s Pub [F-15]........................................402-342-2550 Matsu Sushi [G-13]................................ 402-346-3988 Michael’s Cantina at the Market [F-14]...402-346-1205 Nicola’s Italian Wine & Faire [D-16]........ 402-345-8466 Old Chicago [F-14]...................................402-341-1616 Omaha Tap House [C-13]........................402-932-5131 Plank Seafood Provisions [E-15].............402-507-4480

Zio’s Pizzeria [F-15].................................402-344-2222 FINE DINING

801 Chophouse at the Paxton [C-13]......402-341-1222 Le Bouillon [F-15]....................................402-502-6816 Omaha Prime [F-15]................................ 402-341-7040 The Boiler Room [F-17]........................... 402-916-9274 V. Mertz [F-15 in The Passageway]........ 402-345-8980

The Hair Market Salon [F-15]................. 402-345-3692 The Nail Shop [H-12].............................. 402-595-8805 Urbane Salon & Day Spa [G-13]..............402-934-2909 Victor Victoria Salon & Spa [F-15]......... 402-933-9333 Wonder Foot Spa [E-14]..........................402-618-7595 TAT T O O PA R L O R S

Big Brain Productions [E-17]...................402-342-2885 WELLNESS

Alegent Creighton Clinic [C-18]...............402-280-5500 Anytime Fitness [F-17]............................402-991-2333 Commercial Optical Co. [D-16]...............402-344-0219 Natural Therapy [D-18]...........................402-995-9874 Old Market Massage [D-15]................... 402-850-6651 OM Center [D-15]....................................402-345-5078 Omaha Dental Spa [F-15].......................402-505-4424 Omaha Yoga School [F-15].....................402-346-7813 Wonder Foot Spa [E-14]..........................402-618-7595

Unique décor, ornaments and collectibles for every season.

OLD MARKET LODGING

oTannenbaum.com • 402-345-9627

DOWNTOWN HOTELS

FA S T F O O D

Courtyard by Marriott [G-11]...................402-346-2200 Little King [E-15]......................................402-344-2264 DoubleTree Hotel [A-11]..........................402-346-7600 Subway [D-15]........................................ 402-341-8814 Embassy Suites Old Market [555 S. 10 St.]....................................... 402-346-9000 S P E C I A LT Y F O O D Fairfield Inn and Suites Cubby’s Old Market [D-16].....................402-341-2900 [1501 Nicholas St.]...................................402-280-1516 La Buvette Wine & Grocery [F-15]......... 402-344-8627 Hampton Inn [1212 Cuming St.] ............ 402-345-5500 Hilton Garden Inn [G-11] .........................402-341-4400 NIGHTLIFE Hilton Omaha [10th & Cass St.]............. 402-998-3400 BARS Holiday Inn [1420 Cuming St.] ............... 402-341-0124 Bar 415 [D-15]........................................402-346-7455 Homewood Suites [1314 Cuming St.].....402-345-5100 Barry O’s Old Market Tavern [G-15]........402-341-8032 Hotel DECO XV [B-14, 15th & Harney]....402-991-4981 Billy Frogg’s Grill & Bar [E-15].................402-341-4427 Hyatt Place [E-16]...................................402-513-5500 Eat the Worm [E-15]................................402-614-4240 Magnolia Hotel Omaha [A-15].................402-341-2500 Havana Garage Cigar Bar [G-15].............402-614-3800 Residence Inn by Marriott [B-12]............402-342-4770 J D Tucker’s [G-15].................................402-934-5190 MOVING & STORAGE Mr. Toad’s Pub [G-15]............................ 402-345-4488 Parliament Pub [E-14].............................402-934-3301 The Storage Loft [E-18]...........................402-807-2537 The Hive [E-14]....................................... 402-504-4929 U-Haul [D-18]......................................... 402-346-9322 Urban Storage [D-18]..............................402-342-4449 The Stadium Club Sports Bar & Grill [G-15].........................402-359-1290 PRAISE & WORHIP The Tavern [G-16]................................... 402-341-0191 The Market Church [D-17]..........TheMarketChurch.com C R A F T C O C K TA I L S / Urban Abbey Worship Service [G-16].....402-898-7600 MICROBREWERIES

R E A L E S TAT E

Brickway Brewery & Distillery [E-15].......402-933-2613 Rock Bottom Brewery [F-14]...................402-614-9333 R E A LT O R S The Berry & Rye [F-15]........................... 402-613-1333 America First Companies [G-13].............402-444-1630 The Boiler Room [F-17]........................... 402-916-9274 Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate Upstream Brewing Company [F-16]...... 402-344-0200 [13th & California].................................. 402-493-4663 Blackthorne Real Estate Development... 402-884-6200 LOUNGES Bluestone Development [B-17].............. 402-505-9999 Bricks & Mortar Bar & Bistro [F-17]....... 402-934-0005 Grubb & Ellis/Pacific Realty.................... 402-345-5866 Omaha Lounge [C-14].............................402-709-6815 Investors Realty, Inc................................ 402-330-8000 Sake Bombers @ Blue [E-15]................ 402-408-5566 Mercer Management Co. [F-15]............ 402-346-4445 Waters Edge Lounge NP Dodge Condo Sales...........................402-255-5099 at Embassy Suites [G-15]....................... 402-346-9000 NuStyle Development Corporation...........712-647-2041 Old Market Life [D-16]............................402-305-8106 PUBS Sandi Downing Real Estate [E-15].......... 402-502-7477 Dubliner Pub [E-14].................................402-342-5887 Shamrock Development, Inc. [D-13].......402-934-7711 O’Connors Irish Pub [D-15].....................402-934-9790 Omaha Tap House [C-13]........................402-932-5131 S H O P P I N G Stiles Pub [E-15]......................................402-991-9911 ANTIQUES T. Henery’s Pub [F-14]............................402-345-3651 Antique Annex [E-16]..............................402-932-3229 WINE Fairmont Antiques & Mercantile [E-16]402-346-9746 Bricks & Mortar Bar & Bistro [F-17]....... 402-934-0005 Flying Worm Vintage [E-16]....................402-932-3229 La Buvette Wine & Grocery [F-15]......... 402-344-8627 Joe’s Collectibles (E-16 Alley]................. 402-612-1543 Nosh Restaurant & Wine Lounge[G-11].. 402-614-2121

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y S A L O N S & S PA S

Four Old Market

Reserve Goodwill [D-15].........................402-342-4102 Second Chance Antiques [C-14]............ 402-346-4930 The Imaginarium [D-15]..........................402-594-7061

Curb Appeal Salon & Spa [G-16]........... 402-345-0404 A R T G A L L E R I E S RARE [D-15]............................................402-706-9673 Anderson O’Brien Fine Art [F-16]...........402-884-0911

J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 41

Fresh chocolates and fudge made in our own kitchen. OldMarketCandy.com • 402-344-8846

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

Downtown Omaha Map N O R T H / S O U T H N U M B E R S 1 - 9 ( N U M B E R S 1 0 - 1 9 O N PA G E 3 9 ) 0

A N. 16 St

N. 16 St

Nicholas St

N. 14 St

Izard St

Cuming St

Burt St

Mike Fahey St

California St

Cass St

Chicago St

Davenport St

N. 15 St

N. 16 St

N. 15 St

N. N. 14 St

N. 14 St

D N. 13 St

N. 13 St

N. 12 St

F N. 11 St

0 St

N. 1

Mike Fahey St

Cass St

N. 10 St

N. 12 St

TD Ameritrade Park Omaha

F N. 10 St

Izard St

E N. 12 St

CenturyLink Center Omaha I

N J

Riverfront D

Riv

erf

ron

Roads Interstate On-Ramp/Off-Ramp Railroad Walking Path/Trail

Parking

Restaurants

Pubs, Taverns & Lounges

Lodging

E N C O U N T E R â&#x20AC;&#x192; 42

midtown crossing & blackstone district Map

Blackstone District

Art Gallery

Midtown Crossing

Restaurants

Park

Pubs, Taverns & Lounges

Park

Parking

N. 12 St

Farnam St

vd Turner Bl

vd vd Bl Bl er er rn rn Tu Tu NN OO

24 PP

Art Gallery

Blackstone District

Midtown Crossing

e ve Av y yA we we De De

Farnam St

Turner Bl

Harney St St Harney

Douglas St

S. 31 St

S. 39 St

S. 40 St

S. 41 St

S. 39 St

Harney St St Harney

21 21

S. 31 St

Farnam St

S. 33 St

Farnam St

Dodge 20 St

Douglas St

S. 31 Ave

Farnam St

Dodge St

S. 34 St S.S.35 35StSt

Farnam St

OO OO

S. 34 St

Ave S. S. 3535 Ave

S. 36 St

S. 37 St

S. 38 St

S. 38 Ave

S. 39 St

S. 40 St

S. 41 St

NN NN

Turner Blvd

Dodge St

MM MM

Turner Blvd

Dodge St

N. 12 St

Dodge St

N. 31 Ave

Dodge St

N. 31 Ave

Dodge St

S. 31 Ave

N. 32 Ave

GG FF

N. 33 St

FF EE

S. 33 St

EE DD

N. 33 St

DD CC

N. 34 St

CC BB

N. 34 St

AA 20

N. 32 Ave

N O R T H / S O U T H N U M B E R S 1 - 9 ( N U M B E R S 1 0 - 1 9 O N PA G E 3 9 )

Restaurants Pubs, Taverns & Lounges

Parking

Artists’ Cooperative Gallery [F-14].................. 402-342-9617 Susie’s Baskets [D-13].................................... 402-341-4650 Goodnights Pizza Bar & Patio [D-4].................402-502-2151 Farrah Grant Photography [F-15].................... 402-312-8262 Tannenbaum Christmas Shop [G-15]..............402-345-9627 Heritage Food & Wine [B-13]..........................402-991-0660 Hiro 88 [D-16, 13th & Jackson]...................... 402-933-5168 ART GALLERIES [CONT’D] HOME FURNISHING & DECOR Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen [B-13]....................402-342-3662 Garden of the Zodiac Iron Decor and More [E-16].............................402-346-6123 King Fong Cafe [B-14]..................................... 402-341-3433 [F-15 in The Passageway)................................402-341-1877 Niche [F-15]....................................................402-344-4399 Liberty Tavern [G-6]........................................402-998-4321 Mangelsen-Images of Nature Urban By Design [D-15]...................................970-214-7608 Mula [CC-22].................................................. 402-315-9051 Nosh Wine Lounge [G-11]................................402-614-2121 Gallery [E-14].................................................. 402-341-8460 Omaha Press Club [A-11]................................402-345-8008 Old Market Artists Gallery [F-15].....................402-346-6569 J E W E L R Y Omaha Clayworks [D-16]................................402-346-0560 Cibola of Omaha [F-15]....................................402-342-1200 Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria [7th & Pacific].402-345-3438 Passageway Gallery Cornerstone Gem & Bead Co. [D-16].............402-346-4367 Siagon Surface [C-14].....................................402-614-4496 [F-15 in The Passageway]................................ 402-341-1910 Goldsmith/Silversmith [F-15]...........................402-342-1737 Storz Trophy Room [K-8]................................. 402-502-1643 Visions Custom Framing Perspective Jewelry Design Studio [E-14]......402-934-4416 Wilson & Washburn [C-14]..............................402-991-6950 [E-18 @ Bemis Center]...................................402-342-0020 COFFEE & TEA SMOKE SHOP White Crane Gallery [F-15 inThe Passageway]................................ 402-345-1066 Havana Garage Cigar Bar [G-15].....................402-614-3800 Archetype Coffee [CC-22].............................. 402-934-1489 Hooka Ran’s [E-15].........................................402-934-3100 Blue Line Coffee [D-4]....................................402-932-4463 BOOKS SG Roi Tobacconist [F-15]............................... 402-341-9264 FA S T F O O D Jackson Street Booksellers [E-16].................. 402-341-2664 Soul Desires/Urban Abbey [G-16]..................402-898-7600 Zesto Ice Cream [5-E].....................................402-932-4420 NEARBY CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

All About Me Boutique [F-15]..........................402-505-6000 Curbside Clothing [F-15] Drastic Plastic [E-15].......................................402-346-8843 Flying Worm Vintage [E-16]............................402-932-3229 McLovin [G-15]...............................................402-915-4002 Nouvelle Eve [F-15].........................................402-345-4811 Overland Outfitters [G-15]...............................402-345-2900 Reserve Goodwill [D-15]................................. 402-342-4102 Simply Fabulous [E-16]....................................402-812-2193 Souq, Ltd. [F-15 in The Passageway]............. 402-342-2972 The Lotus [E-15]..............................................402-346-8080 Wallflower Artisan Collective (1402 S. 13 St.).402-677-9438

ART GALLERIES & MUSEUMS

FA S T C A S U A L

MUSIC • DANCE

Capitol Lounge & Supper Club [G-11].............402-934-5999 Slowdown [C-4]..............................................402-345-7569 The Max [C-16]................................................402-346-4110 Whiskey Tango [B-13]..................................... 402-934-4874 WINE

Corkscrew Wine & Cheese [CC-22]............... 402-933-3150 Nosh Wine Lounge [G-11]................................402-614-2121

SHOPPING CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

M O V I E T H E AT E R

G I F T & S P E C I A LT Y S H O P S

Film Streams [D-4]..........................................402-933-0259 F I N E D I N I N G

Greenstreet Cycles [D-4]................................402-505-8002 Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops [G-11].............402-280-8888 Inclosed Studio [D-4]...................................... 402-321-3442 Sullivan’s Steakhouse [B-13]..........................402-342-0077 The Shop Around The Corner CenturyLink Center Omaha [H/I-5/6]..............402-341-1500 The Flatiron Cafe [17th & Howard]..................402-344-3040 [E-15 The Imaginarium]...................................402-609-8046 TD Ameritrade Park Omaha [E/F-3/4]........... 402-546-1800 SPORTS

Z O O • B O TA N I C A L C E N T E R

S P E C I A LT Y F O O D

DINING CASUAL DINING

HOME FURNISHING & DECOR

Patrick’s Market [B-15]................................... 402-884-1600 Habitat ReStore [24th & Leavenworth]........... 402-934-1033

Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center Drastic Plastic [E-15].......................................402-346-8843 [100 Bancroft St.]............................................402-346-4002 S P O R T S B A R Homer’s Music & Gifts [E-15]..........................402-346-0264 Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium/IMAX Theater Burger Theory [B-2]........................................402-933-6959 [3701 S. 10th St.]...........................................402-733-8400 DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar/ FLOWERS Blazin’ Pianos [G-10]........................................402-763-9974 BANKING Old Market Habitat [F-15]...............................402-342-0044 Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill [D-6] ........... 402-346-9116 Pinnacle Bank [10th & Douglas]......................402-346-9180 The Dugout [D-2]............................................402-934-5252 Ashley’s Collectibles [E-15, L. Level]...............402-934-3100 City Limits [F-15].............................................402-345-3570 Le Wonderment [F-15]....................................402-206-9928 Old Market Sundries [G-15]............................402-345-7646 OM Center [D-15]............................................402-345-5078 Souq, Ltd. ]F-15 in The Passageway]............. 402-342-2972

California Bar [LL-20]......................................402-449-9138 Crescent Moon [HH-22].................................. 402-345-1708 Farnam House Brewing Company [HH-22]....402-401-6086 Nite Owl [CC-22]............................................. 402-991-6767 Oasis Hookah Bar and TaZa Nightclub [B-13].402-502-9893 Scriptown [CC-22]..........................................402-991-0506 Storz Trophy Room [K-8]................................. 402-502-1643 Sullivan’s Bar [CC-22].....................................402-933-7004

Block 16 [A-13]................................................402-342-1220 Kitchen Table [B-13]........................................ 402-933-2810 Kleveland Clothing [CC-22]..............................402-401-6147 Hot Shops Art Center [D-1].............................402-342-6452 Panda House Downtown [A-13].......................402-348-1818 Lids Locker Room [E-5]..................................402-334-0183 Modern Arts Midtown [GG-210].....................402-502-8737 Table Grace [17th & Farnam]...........................402-708-7815 Urban Outfitters [D-3]......................................402-280-1936

MUSIC STORES

G I F T & S P E C I A LT Y S T O R E S

BARS

NIGHTLIFE LOUNGE

Local Beer, Patio & Kitchen[H-11]................... 402-315-4301 Brothers Lounge [FF-22]................................402-558-4096 Blatt Beer & Table [E-5].................................. 402-718-8822 The Omaha Lounge [B-13]............................. 402-709-6815 Capitol Lounge & Supper Club [G-10].............402-934-5999 Farnam House Brewing Company [HH-22]....402-401-6086

J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 43

JEWELRY

Takechi’s Jewelry [17th & Harney].................. 402-341-3044 MUSIC STORE

Saddle Creek Shop [D-4, 721 N. 14th St.].....402-384-8248

VISIT US IN THE HISTORICAL RILEY BUILDING AT 10th & DOUGLAS ON THE MALL 402.346.9180 OR ONLINE AT pinnbank.com

T HE

W AY

B A N K I N G

S H O U L D

MEMBER FDIC

15_POG73_RILEY_ENCOUNTER_AD.indd 1

january/february calendar of Events

12/10/15 12:50 PM