A FOR-YOUTH-BY-YOUTH CULTURE MAGAZINE, PRODUCED BY RABBLE MILL (501c3)
THANK YOU! Without help from these supporters, Rabble Magazine would not be possible:
Juvenile justice prevention fund Capital one Lee and debbie stuart family foundation woods charitable fund nebraska global find your grind foundation peter kiewit foundation sherwood foundation cooper foundation novo foundation nebraska arts council william and ruth scott family foundation spreetail pegler family foundation alan and marcia bear sheckler foundation 2
conten 06 Join Our Staff !
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Meet the Staff
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Mary Elizabeth Lawson: Go-To Tunes
Omaha Street Skating
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Secondhand Style
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Omaha Coffee Reviews
No Coast, No Mercy: Nebraska Youth Roller Derby
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Community and Creativity: Sound Check: Pride for the Youth Album Review
Hi there! Welcome to Rabble Magazine, a youth-driven print publication which covers skateboarding, music, art and culture in Nebraska. All stories are written, photographed and designed by our team of high school and college students aspiring to improve their journalism and artistic skills. They aim to show their peers across the state a wide array of possibilities in the creative world, inspiring them to find their passion. It all happens at The Bay - Lincoln’s indoor skatepark, coffee shop, all-ages music venue and art collective - and is a product of Rabble Mill a 501c3 nonprofit organization which creates more skilled, supported and connected communities through education, outreach and storytelling. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, email us at rabblemagazine@gmail.com and join the staff!
positions needed 1. social media manager 2.layout/design staff 3.distribution coordinator 4.advertising/marketing manager 5.writer 6.photographer / videographer 7
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Editorial Consultant
Editor-In-Chief
Andrew Stellmon
Zoie Taylore
Deputy Editor
Design Team
Kira Taylore
Sabrina Sommer
Staff Writers
Syann Engelhard
Olivia McCown Nina Peci Rachel McCarter Hailey Stessman Eli Sommerich Sawyer Kreikemeier Leah Kash-Brown
photos by rabble mag staff
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By Olivia McCown
photo by gabriella parsons
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FINDING INSPIRATION IN MARY ELIZABETH LAWSON’S
Inspiration is an essential part of the creative process. Creatives of all types — musicians, visual artists and writers alike — often rely on each other’s work in order to inspire their own. In the middle of the midwest, art is on every corner if you know how to look for it. And the creatives of the Heartland, including songstress Mary Elizabeth Lawson, know how to do just that.
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Mesonjixx is Lawson’s nom de plume for the soul and R&B music she has made and played throughout Nebraska since 2014. Lawson draws on a wide-array of influences from jazz, R&B and reggae, all of which are vibrantly featured in her 2017 debut EP In The Middle. She let us in on some of her goto artists for many different moods, from when she’s fighting through creative drought to when she’s ready to cut loose.
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Listen to Mesonjixx’s In The Middle at https://soundcloud.com/mesonjixx/sets/in-the-middle
What I list Fiona Ap en to when I’m ple creatively blocked: Joni Mitc hell Tom Wait s Keifer Knxwledge Makaya M cCraven
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What I listen to when I am kickin’ it with friends: Anderson Paak Lion Babe Georgia Anne Muldrow Prince Michael Jackson Beyonce
orning: m y z a l a n en to o t s i l I at h W Aaliyah D’Angelo Erykah Badu Usher
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town d n u ro a g n to walki n e t s i l her): What I t a e w e h t on (depending n rago Little D imz Little S ne Nina Simo
Favorite things to dance to:
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Jacoby BXTH All Young Girls are Machine Guns A Ferocious Jungle Cat Ebony Tusks “My Body” — “I’m biased. That’s one of my songs!”
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NO SKATING photos and story by nina peci
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A ten-foot tall cement frame marks the entrance to the Douglas Street Parking garage in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. To any ordinary bypasser, it’s nothing more than a parking garage edifice, but to local skateboarder Nate Vanzanbergen, it’s a challenging skate spot. With no plan in mind, he climbs up and asks fellow skater Wolow Gatluak to hand him his board. Treyson Russell tells him to be careful, who, with Ashton Noudaranouvong, makes up the rest of that Saturday’s session crew. Vanzanbergen stands at the top on his board, debating what to do next or whether this is a good idea at all, while the rest of us try to anticipate his next move. Russell suggests an ollie, then without hesitation, Vanzanbergen goes for it. He climbs down a few feet and power ollies off the ledge of the five-foot entrance wall, then rides into the street. If he messes up or even loses his balance for a moment, he would have fallen. The ten-foot drop straight to concrete would not be merciful and would have made the hospital our next stop. So why even risk it? Skaters have loved taking their tricks to the street since the start, pushing themselves and taking just about any risk to make a trick work. Street skating isn’t merely a trend; it was the beginning. It’s how skating became relevant in mainstream culture and it’s nowhere near dying out. Skating began in the 1950s as a way for surfers on the west coast to “sidewalk surf” when there were no waves. They started off just cruising streets, but when a California drought in the 70s forced people to drain their pools, skaters used that as their first spots and began inventing tricks. This led to bowl parks that allowed skaters to be more creative. In the 80s, skaters decided to take their tricks to the streets and made spots out of their local urban settings. Quickly, skaters began creating their own companies and street parks. By the 90s, skating dominated the pop culture
scene. Now, we see brands like Supreme and Thrasher setting trends outside of skateboarding culture, making t-shirts and hoodies that are being worn by people who don’t skate. Most cities have concrete street parks, and parks are even being built specifically for competitions. With all this offered to skaters, why do they still go back to the streets? The simplest answer we can offer — it pushes boundaries. “[When street skating] you have a lot of unexpected things that can happen and it lets you be pretty open with whatever you want to try,” Noudaranouvong tells me during that street session. “You can be creative and use whatever tricks you know and apply them to a spot.” The challenges they face are endless: cracks, skate stoppers on ledges, road blocks, cops. Skaters want to be pushed. They want to face these challenges and see how far they’re willing to go to to make their tricks work in the endless urban spots they find. Four local skaters went to downtown Omaha one Saturday evening to try out some spots.
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ith the fast paced nature of school and exams, the world of coffee has transformed where individuals can now meet for studying and drink delicious coffee in a laid back environment. Those who need the invigorating rush of caffeine when trying to crank out a massive term paper have been flocking to coffee shops for energy and comfort. Each one has its own unique perks. As deadlines hit students full force, one must take into account the many factors that create a great coffee shop. We traveled to three different locations to find the best spots for studying over endless cups of coffee.
By Hailey Stessman
LOCATION Dundee’s Blue Line Coffee sits right on Underwood Avenue, its distinguishing cobalt blue banner popping, instantly recognizable among local businesses, restaurants, and markets. Its picturesque exterior features ample shaded outdoor seating and patches of blooming flowers during spring and summer. The sound of rushing cars outside and the surge of steaming milk creates a soothing ambiance.
ATMOSPHERE In such a closely-knit community, everyone seems to know everyone. The environment is immensely family and friends oriented. Individuals won’t hesitate to visit across tables if they see a familiar face when entering Blue Line. Natural light spills in through the floor to ceiling windows and illuminates the front tables, while the back tables are more dim and cozy. Mismatched pots and mugs line the top counter, while fairy lights dangle above the chalkboard menu behind the counter.
13TH STREET COFFEE LOCATION On the outskirts of Omaha’s Old Market, 13th Street Coffee & Tea Company stands out with its green exterior adorned with a mural of faces and instruments. Through its large windows, view a warm and cozy environment with people crouched over their coffee mugs and strewn-about books. The space consists of two floors with plenty of seating. Finding a close parking spot on this busy street can be a bit difficult, but with the café’s close proximity to the Old Market, a quick stroll past restaurants and quirky shops makes this neighborhood spot worth it. ATMOSPHERE: The indoor space exudes a homey, welcoming feeling with overflowing bookshelves, exposed brick, and the dull murmur of jazz, the store’s typical musical choice. Vines of plants twist down from the ceiling and a large sculpture of a coffee mug with neon lighted steam hangs prominently on the left wall alongside locally-made art. At the front counter,
BLUE LINE COFFEE COFFEE Blue Line’s menu is quite straightforward, with basic espresso drinks and simple syrups such as mocha and caramel. Non-espresso drinks include hot chocolate, a selection of teas, Italian soda, root beer floats, and smoothies. A more unconventional but tasty treat is the Blue Line Special which consists of a double shot of espresso, vanilla ice cream, chocolate, and banana. Some drinks are even served in large blue mugs, reminiscent of the mugs seen in Gilmore Girls.
the tip jar is covered with sarcastic snippets of phrases, such as “Cow Tipping”, which sits among clusters of wacky knick-knacks. COFFEE: The menu gives customers a plethora of choices from bitter, to sweet, and everywhere in between. The long list of available syrup flavors, like butterscotch and macadamia nut, gives coffee lovers the opportunity to choose tasty latte or blended drink combinations. For the overwhelmed, premade flavor combos with or without espresso are available both hot and cold. A wide range of teas, Italian sodas, smoothies, and other chocolate-filled drinks accommodate those who don’t like, or have not ventured into the world of coffee.
ARCHETYPE LOCATION: Archetype Coffee currently has two locations in Omaha: one in the Blackstone District and one in a small area on 13th Street named Little Bohemia. The latter and newest location is nestled on 13th Street with large open windows, white muted stained glass and a brick exterior. The heart of the Old Market lies further down the street, where individuals can partake in some quick shopping after finishing (or procrastinating) homework! If one does not want to traverse far, a few local businesses such as Stella Was Floral and Vincent Outfitting Co. are in walking distance from the coffee shop. ATMOSPHERE: The interior of Archetype Coffee has a modern, clean design with exposed light bulbs and the perfect touch of indoor greenery. One side of the room is lined with stools and a counter while the other
features a row of tables and benches. Industrial and natural design elements create a bright and fresh environment. Shelves on the right back wall hold Archetype Coffee mugs, apparel, coffee machine accessories, and water bottles. The baristas strike up conversations with customers and share friendly jokes while making drinks, creating a family-like setting. COFFEE: The menu at Archetype provides all of the coffee essentials: simple espressos, cappuccinos, cold brews, and lattes with extra addins. The menu acts as a foundation for coffee lovers who may become overwhelmed by too many options. Archetype also offers bags of certain blends and roasts to buy, if one wants to enjoy the coffee in the comfort of their own home.
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creativity and community By Rachel McCarter
Pride For The Youth is an organization led by two teenagers, President Taylor Blok-Soflin and Vice President Alison Nash. Pride For The Youth holds events for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Lincoln to meet each other and to show their creativity and pride. “We want [Pride For The Youth] to be so involved in the community that we have a name for us [and] that they know we offer safe spaces and that we’re here for them,” Blok-Soflin says. As Nash speaks of the difficulties of being a teenage run organization, Blok-Soflin speaks of the struggles of others that she has witnessed and how she took that to motivate her to create this organization. Blok-Soflin “...especially our youth are so confused with themselves and in pain especially in middle school that’s when I saw a lot of that,” said Blok-Soflin. Pride for the youth started as a simple thought. “We [Taylor and her parents] were leaving Ginger after we got sushi..and we were talking about Pride prom,” said Block-Soflin, “I said ‘You know I wish there was an organization or something that could provide more of that because there’s just a lack of that in the community.” Growing up with two mothers who are part of this community, Blok-Soflin knew some of the struggles individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community face. Blok-Soflin’s parents were excited for her new adventures. “They didn’t come from the most accepting families and they struggled a lot as kids with everything that was going on and you can just see it when you look at them that they are just so proud of her,” said Nash. Rabble Magazine sat down with the leaders of Pride For The Youth to chat about its goals, inclusive social events
Rabble Magazine: What events do you guys hold? Taylor Block-Soflin: We’ve held a lot of dances … well I wouldn’t say a lot. We’ve held three so far then we held a chili feed with live music from kids from our community. Our next event is actually an art exhibit. [It’s] an opportunity for our teens to express themselves even if it’s not LGBT and do poetry readings and art. Alison Nash: We attend a lot of Lincoln’s events for their other organizations. We had a booth at Star City Pride and one of our other board members actually spoke there. TBS: We went to a banquet that was Outlink. It was the annual LGBT banquet [during] Pride month [and] it was really amazing. We got a chance to speak. AN: It’s kind of hard to like get into those things just because we’re so new and we’re also like teens. It’s not the easiest thing to put on our own events and host things like that because we don’t have a building or anything like that but a lot of organizations that are community led like [Lincoln club] Panic and Outlink have been very generous to us. We also have a lot of events in churches because they give us their space for free, which kind of turns people away I think, even though we have no religious affiliation. So it’s been hard for us to find places to host them.
RM: What is the importance to you to have Pride for the Youth be run by youth? TBS: I think the importance of having it youth-run is that we know our peers. Like we can cater events specifically to certain needs so a lot of the LGBTQ members that are teens, they’re really artsy let’s be honest, thats a form of expressing themselves. So that’s why we have events catered to that. We have dances because what teenager doesn’t like to dance? And even if you don’t like to dance, it’s a good chance to meet other friends. So really it’s just an opportunity for us to kind of use our own experiences because we are teenagers ourselves and have gone through the same things. AN: And we also tend to focus on youth as who were hosting because [Block-Soflin]’s moms have said a billion times that when they were teenagers they had nothing like this. They had no way of meeting their peers. They had no way of expressing themselves because there was nothing like this and still today there really isn’t anything like this. There are clubs at school but that’s kind of it. TBS: I feel like every club i’ve talked to that’s focused on LGBT or, honestly, the Feminist club at my school … I love it and it sounds like I’m trashing them but im not. It’s just that it doesn’t go out into the community. There’s no volunteer work within the community. RM: Is it hard to get companies and businesses to be part of this? TBS: Since we’re in high school, I’ve gone up to the principal at Southeast a lot and he’s like “This is amazing this organization has a great cause.” I wish we could advertize it but because its not school related, we can’t hang up posters. But they do let us go from teacher to teacher and say “Hey if you have any kids interested in this, have them check it out.” So I went to the LTAB [Louder Than A Bomb] club, which is the poetry club at Southeast, and she showed the poster to them. And I went to a couple of middle schools and asked for them to put this into the art teacher’s mailbox. AN: I think in the community, a lot of businesses are willing to cooperate and we get a lot of people to donate. Like one of our board members works at Runza and they donated a bunch of cinnamon rolls for our last event which was awesome and a lot of businesses let us hang flyers..and a lot of times they are very open to it as long as they know that its a non profit and that we’re not trying to gain anything financial. TBS: Outlinc and Star City Pride and P Flag [are all] really involved with us too and they wanna help out. RM: Has there been any big impact on either you guys or anyone else who is in the LGBT community that has come to your attention?
TBS: There was this one kid who came to volunteer at the Star City Pride booth and they messaged me on Instagram and they personally thanked me and said “Thank you so much, i’ve been looking for a youth group like this for so long thats accepting.” That was really motivational and it felt really good to know that Pride for the Youth has been helping people. AN: I think also with the youth it has a big impact but also with adults in the community. They are always saying how they never had this and how it’s super important to them and I think that’s why they are so willing to help because it’s new, it’s like a new thing that they understand and that they wish they had when they were young and a lot of them have come up to us. We also work with a lot of organizations like Planned Parenthood … and they provide condoms and things like that that people don’t really think about the gay community needing but everybody needs protection and everybody needs services so that has had a really big impact on me, to see those organizations come together and help us. TBS: We’re really blessed that we have so many organizations that are willing, it’s amazing. RM: Have you ever had any backlash from people? TBS: No, not yet. We’re prepared for that because that’s just how the world works but as of so far there’s not been any danger. AN: We also tend to go to the places we know will be okay..We tend to stay in the places we know will help us and yeah, we haven’t had any backlash really. TBS: Like the churches that we’ve gone to, you’d think that it wouldn’t be the best space because it’s a church but they’re really passionate about providing safe spaces for these kids especially because a lot of other churches would never in 100 years support anything like this. So there are a lot of good spaces that we go to. And we’ve had a lot of our events at the Panic Bar that’s family owned and they close down the bar for us which is amazing and it’s just a great space. And kids like to go there because it’s a gay bar but it’s closed so no alcohol. RM: Can anyone join the [Pride for the Youth] committee? And who is part of the committee? TBS: We are always [open] to volunteers and people who want to participate. We have this system where you have to volunteer at least three times and then I just go and I interview you. It’s just pretty much getting to know you, see what you’re interested in with helping us because on the board we try to cater to each kid’s skills and needs. So we have one girl, she’s really good at graphic design so we let her cover that. Really it’s just, show us that you are dedicated and that you have the time. Pride for the Youth have been doing a lot for our LGBTQ community in Lincoln and continue to do so. They can be found through their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Secondhand Style
Want a new and fresh wardrobe? Don’t know where to look? On a budget? Thrift stores are the perfect first step to discovering your personal style. They are the gateway to having a wardrobe full of unique and statement pieces along with basic essentials. Hidden gems hang on the seemingly endless rows of clothing racks just waiting for you to pick them.
Fortunately, these eclectic pieces don’t have to break your budget! I have styled eleven outfits centered around thrifted pieces to get your creative juices flowing for your own future outfits without cleaning out your wallet. Feel free to add or lose the layers to your liking!
Thrifted items A Red blazer B Green flannel
C Brown blazer D Burgundy, blue, and green sweater E Brown puffy jacket F Cream sweater G Purple/green pants H Blue button up with leaves i Large blue and grey jacket j Speckled turtleneck k Pinstriped button up l Burgundy sweater m White button up n Green turtleneck o Red flannel C
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No Coast, No Mercy Nebraska Youth Roller Derby By Sawyer Kreikemeier The voices of coaches shouting encouraging words echo across the Abbott Sports Complex roller skating rink. “Block her!” “Pass her!” “Faster! Faster!” Young roller skaters whirl around the track, quickly gaining momentum. Some move a little too fast and fall to the ground. However, they are quickly back on their feet and skating again. One skater in particular, Sandy, said she stared roller derby when she was 11. “But I’ve been skating ever since I could walk,” Sandy says.
Sandy, also known by her roller derby nickname, Princess Slaya, is now 13, and a current member of the No Coast Junior Derby league in Lincoln. With the aid of her coaches, and her own diligence and enthusiasm for skating, she continues to become a better roller derby skater. No Coast Derby Girls was founded in Lincoln, Nebraska in 2005 by Jackie Geist and a group of fellow roller skaters. Shortly after, they established No Coast Junior Derby, a co-ed roller derby youth league. No Coast Junior Derby is comprised of skaters between the ages of 6 and 17, all of whom come from different backgrounds and are at varying skill levels. The league is divided into two groups: the Furiosas who are between the ages of 13 and 17, and the Thunder Dames, a younger team which includes skaters between the ages of 6 and 12. During a match, which is called a “bout,” two teams of skaters circle a track counter clockwise. The goal of this fast paced contact sport is for one team member, called a jammer, to pass the opposing team. These are called jams. Each team has five skaters on the track, four blockers and one jammer. Points are scored by a jammer lapping the opposing teams blockers. Jamming is often intense and combative, so much so that skaters are sometimes knocked to the ground. “My favorite part of roller derby is jamming,” Sandy says. “It’s fun [and] you get to hit people.”
Sandy also spoke of the bonds and friendships she has made as a roller derby skater. One teammate she has developed a close friendship with is Alison, who is also 13. She is known by her teammates as Ali Riot. Alison said the best things about roller derby are the people, the experience, and the uniqueness of the sport. Alison and Sandy have been skating alongside each other for two years. Throughout this time together they have become close friends and have improved their skating. The two credit their growth as skaters to their coaches, of whom they spoke fondly. “Our coaches are amazing,” Alison says. “They push us very hard.” One of their coaches, Nina Hjermstad, whose roller derby name is Babraham Lincoln, is currently a member of the No Coast Derby Girls team and is a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She said coaching has been one of the most rewarding and sometimes frustrating experiences she has had as a skater. “Usually practice is two hours of complete chaos,” Lincoln says with a laugh. “Especially with the really young kids, which is sometimes like trying to herd cats.” Alongside coaching, Hjermstad has had the opportunity to travel all around the United States to compete in roller derby bouts. Similarly, the No Coast Junior Derby league travels throughout the midwest to compete.
Hjermstad, as well as the rest of Alison and Sandy’s coaches, encourage and inspire them to become better roller derby skaters. Sandy said that as well as her coaches, her mother, who used to do roller derby, has also influenced her as a skater. “My mom has been my best coach,” Sandy says. Both Riot and Slaya said that in order to become better skaters it is important to practice, and to skate a lot. All talented roller derby skaters were once beginners. Slaya said the best thing a new roller derby skater can do is practice. “Just go for it,” Sandy says. “Try your best.” rm
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01 Mother of my Children by Black Belt Eagle Scout
Saddle Creek band Black Belt Eagle Scout released their first full length album, Mother of My Children, in early September. Singer Katherine Paul drives the album with her ethereal voice, singing haunting melodies over heavy guitars. Interjections of distorted and violent drums and riffs, like the ones at the beginning of the track “Just Lie Down”, emphasize the weight of the lyrics which deal with topics relating to Paul’s queer and American Indian background. In the opening track “Soft Stud”, Paul sings about the difficulties of open queer relationships. The track’s second half gives us one of the only sunny-sounding moments on the entire album. A cheery guitar instrumental rings over the crashing, cymbal-heavy drums, contradicting the lyrics of the first half and giving it an overall interesting vibe. This album’s dreamy, dreary sound makes it perfect for a cold, rainy day.
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Strawberry Lemonade by The Fey
As local music fans have come to expect from the hip-hop rock duo of Ishma Valenti and Zach Watkins, its latest release displays a rainbow of influences with a blend of rock, soul, gospel, hip-hop, rap, and blues. The longtime Lincoln-based group dropped Strawberry Lemonade, a three-song EP, this past summer. Outstanding production helps create a full, deep sound which flows through the listener’s body. The first song, “Contender”, has layers upon layers of instruments backing lead singer Watkins’s wavy voice. The song transitions into a brief, distorted guitar solo followed by a smooth flowing rap verse from vocalist Valenti. “Bones Underwater” follows, dripping with soul and leaving the listener bobbing their head. “The Cool” finishes off the EP. Chill, pulsing instrumental intertwined with high pitched voices and mellow guitar solos match the name of the track perfectly.
Miss Taken by Miss Taken
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Miss Taken’s self-titled EP is only 11 minutes long, but the high-energy tracks are so replayable that the listener can get hours of head-banging out of them. The Lincoln-based hard rock band released this project back in September 2018 and its lead track, “City Talks”, is the highlight of the three songs. Lead singer Jade Richelle dominates the song over a classic punk instrumental. Her clear voice is backed up by crashing, roaring drums and yells from the rest of the band. A fantastic guitar solo by lead guitarist Will Gades blends perfectly into the track. The other two songs, “Hot Pursuit” and “Sick Of It”, carry the vibrant energy through the rest of the EP, with more distorted guitars and lyrics of discontent and revenge.
By Eli Sommerich
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SOUND CHECK
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Photos By gabriella parsons Nina Peci Hailey Stessman
Jennifer Logan poses in a diner
Mary Elizabeth Lawson performs at Lincoln Calling
ashton novak skates in lincoln
Treyson russell skates in omaha
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by leah kash-brown New York-based photographer Shane Anderson, 20, left for London in January 2018. The Nebraska native didn’t have an exact reason. “I just sort of went,” Anderson says. Living in London, where Anderson stayed for most of his European excursion, he came to terms with the fact that, carrying only a tourist visa, he needed to make money somehow. And that somehow was being a photographer. Not only did Anderson stay in London until June, but he also went to Milan from July to September and spent a couple weeks in Paris. After September, he came back. Contrary to his time in Lincoln, where Anderson mostly focused on weddings and senior portraits in London, he wanted to venture into a more artistic, fashion-oriented style. Living in a city with more than 8 million people, Shane felt it important to distinguish himself from others in his field. By having a unique style that is also cohesive with current trends is one way for people in a new environment to make strides in their field of work. “I think you should still strive to be a little different, so you can set yourself up which is even more crucial in such a big market city,” Anderson says. After finally seeing people notice your work, there will be feedback from others. Taking in and processing the feedback and keeping in mind your main goal is a big step toward getting more traction with the community and beyond. “It’s taking what’s there and presenting it in a way where you know there’s going to be a reaction,” Anderson said.
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photo by nina peci