AU G U S T 2 0 1 9 | volUM E 26 | ISSU E 6
FEATURE: WOMEN CALL THE SHOTS ART: KANEKO’S RE: PURPOSE BACKBEAT: SHE NEEDS A LITTLE TIME OUT Dish: CAULI-FORNO-CATION Film: PLANET DEARTH Heartland Healing: NO, NO, NANO! HooDoo: SUMMERTIME BLUES 25th: READER MEMORIES Theater: STREET PROPHETS AND POETS Over the Edge: ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
Saturday, September 21, 2019 8 AM - 12:30 PM Old Market Farmers Market (10th/11th and Howard St.) Food Day brings us together to celebrate and enjoy real food and to push for improved food policies. Enjoy interactive booths, kids’ activities, live music, the awards ceremony and more! Food Day inspires Americans to change their diets and our food policies as we are united by a vision of food that is healthy, affordable, and produced with care for the environment, farm animals, and the people who grow, harvest, and serve it. Food Day is a day to resolve to make changes in our own diets and to take action to solve food-related problems in our communities at the local, state, and national level.
Awards Ceremony from 10:00 -10:30 AM Healthy food and healthy food policy is a growing movement in our community and to recognize the hard work and vision of those organizations and individuals leading the charge locally, we’ve created the Food Day Omaha Awards to celebrate our advocates in 6 areas: Producer of the Year ◆ Restaurant of the Year ◆ Retailer of the Year Nonprofit of the Year ◆ Food Day Champion ◆ Lifetime Achievement * For more information about sponsorship opportunities or reserving a booth, visit www.fooddayomaha.com
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publisher/editor....................John Heaston john@thereader.com graphic designers.....................Ken Guthrie, Sebastian Molina copy chief...............................Robyn Murray edit@thereader.com associate publisher.............Sal S. Robles sal@pioneermedia.me
YE ARS
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FEATURE: Women Still Calling Shots at Omaha Star After 81 years
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FEATURE: Paul Giamatti reunites w/Alexander Payne
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25th: ‘Reader Memories’ From Cat-Shirts To Haunted Houses
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS healing................Michael Braunstein info@heartlandhealing.com arts/visual.................Mike Krainak mixedmedia@thereader.com eat........................................... Sara Locke crumbs@thereader.com film..................................Ryan Syrek cuttingroom@thereader.com hoodoo..................... B.J. Huchtemann bjhuchtemann@gmail.com music..........................Houston Wiltsey backbeat@thereader.com over the edge...............Tim McMahan tim.mcmahan@gmail.com theater....................... Beaufield Berry coldcream@thereader.com
SALES & MARKETING ............................................Kati Falk kati@pioneermedia.me
DISTRIBUTION/DIGITAL ......................................... Clay Seaman clay@thereader.com
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DISH: Dream of Cauli-Forno-Cation
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PICKS: Cool Things To Do in August
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ART: Kaneko’s Re:Purpose
ACCOUNT MANAGER ......................................... Tim Stokes tim@pioneermedia.me
OUR SISTER MEDIA CHANNELS
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THEATER: Prophets & Poets Depict Homeless Life in Love’s New Play
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HOODOO: Summertime Blues
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BACKBEAT: Courtney Barnett at Maha
OUR DIGITAL MARKETING SERVICES
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Film: The Best Movies You’ve (Probably) Never Seen/Lion King AUGUST 2019
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heartland healing: No, No, Nano! CONTENTS
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OVER THE EDGE: Rocky Mountain High Proud to be Carbon Neutral
KIOS 91.5 FM in partnership with Joslyn Art Museum presents
An Evening with
Susan Stamberg Wednesday
September 25, 2019 7:00 p.m.
Joslyn Art Museum,
Witherspoon Concert Hall 2200 Dodge St., Omaha Photo Credit: 2006 NPR by Antony Nagelmann
Nationally renowned broadcast journalist Susan Stamberg is a special correspondent for NPR. The first woman to anchor a national nightly news program, she has won every major award in broadcasting, and has been inducted into both the Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the Radio Hall of Fame. Stamberg has been on staff since the network began in 1971. Well known for her conversational style, intelligence, and knack for finding an interesting story. Stamberg is one of the most popular broadcasters in public radio. “The closest thing to an enlightened humanist on the radio.� E.L. Doctorow
Tickets on sale now General admission
25
$
Information and tickets at
www.kios.org Celebrating 50 Years of Public Service Broadcasting
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August 15 September 19
October 24 November 14
1pm – 4pm For more info or booth rates contact: ClaySeaman@OmahaJobs.com
7300 Q Street • Ralston, NE
Omaha Jobs: How to Ask for a Raise
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hances are good the company you work for has structured the way it grants raises to you and the other employees. Often, employees are told to prepare for a possible raise after their first annual evaluation or, in some instances, after six months. Until then, you earn whatever original amount you both agreed to when you were hired. But what happens if:
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You discover your colleagues make a great deal more than you do?
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Your job entails so many more responsibilities than they told you it would?
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It’s obvious you should make more money and you can’t wait for your evaluation?
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You’re no longer a new-hire and you want a raise because you deserve it?
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Go ahead and ask, but be prepared for a “no.” The good news is there are ways to bolster your chances of getting a “yes.”
Have you checked the boxes?
Can you justify the raise?
Before you request a raise, make sure there’s nothing to stand in the way of your boss’ agreement. For example, suppose there’s a weekly report everyone is to submit to their managers, but nobody really does and you fell out of the habit.
There needs to be a valid reason for your raise. For example, if you recently discovered nearly everyone doing the same job at different companies makes substantially more money, you can point out you’re underpaid based on your expertise. If you’re responsible for a significant increase in profit, income or productivity, argue your efforts merit a pay increase. Provide proof of your impact. Demonstrate how the company benefits from your work. Let them know how valuable you are.
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JOBS
So when you ask for a raise, your boss says, “I’d like to say yes, but your manager says you didn’t submit your weekly report the past six weeks.” Even if nobody bothers with the weekly report, it’s still required – and that makes it a valid reason to deny your request. Simply put, make sure you meet all your requirements before you ask for more money.
Do you need the money? Suppose you fell into financial hardship because life is complicated and money gets tight. To ask for a raise based solely on personal need will likely backfire without tangible justification. If you need a higher salary because your colleagues make more than you for the same work, that’s one thing. But if you need more just because you have bills to pay, that’s unlikely to persuade your boss to shell out more money. You must be able to explain to your boss why you deserve it. The exception, of course, is if your bosses realize they need to keep you around and know you’ll leave if you don’t get a raise. Get to Work!
ProKarma, Inc.
ProKarma Jobs
Has multiple openings for Quality Assurance Test Engineers in Omaha, NE; may also work at various unanticipated locations throughout U.S. Roving position-employee’s worksite & residence may change based on business demands, but daily job duties don’t require travel. Design, implement test automation, modify, evaluate SW apps; analyze user needs & apply testing procedures. Requires Master’s or equiv. in CIS, IT, CS, Eng (any), or related technical/analytical field + 1 rel. yr. exp., OR Bachelor’s or equiv. in CIS, IT, CS, Eng (any), or related technical/analytical field + 5 rel. yrs. exp. Requires 1 yr. exp. with: Core Java, Selenium, JUnit, Jenkins & other SoapUI or REST Webservice Testing. Any suitable combination of edu/training/exp acceptable. To apply, email Resumes via email to: postings@prokarma.com w/Job Ref# 429769.
ProKarma, Inc. has multiple openings for Business Systems Analysts in Omaha, NE; may also work at various unanticipated locations throughout U.S. Roving position-employee’s worksite & residence may change based on business demands, but daily job duties don’t require travel. Develop/ modify/evaluate existing Automation & Performance scripts for SW apps; define the solution/test plan/coordinate system rollouts using computer skill sets. Requires Master’s or equiv. in CIS, IT, CS, BA, E-Comm, Eng (any), or related technical/analytical field + 1 rel. yr. exp., OR Bachelor’s or equiv. in CIS, IT, CS, BA, E-Comm, Eng (any), or related technical/analytical field + 5 rel. yrs. exp. Requires 1 yr. exp. in conducting SW app development projects (incl. Use Cases, Test Cases, SQL Queries, Sequence Diagrams & UML Diagrams) using either JAVA, J2EE, or TIBCO, & either RDBMS, SQL Server, or Oracle. Any suitable combination of edu/training/exp acceptable.
Quality Assurance Test Engineer #429769.
To apply, send resumes to: ProKarma, Attn: Jobs, 222 S 15th St., Ste 505N, Omaha, NE 68102 Or email: postings@prokarma.com w/Job Ref#
Business Systems Analyst #077786
To apply, email Resumes via email to: postings@prokarma.com w/Job Ref# 077786.
MORE INFO AT
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Women still calling the shots at The Omaha Star after 81 years by Leo Adam Biga | PHOTOS COURTESY of The Omaha Star
N
ative Omaha Days is a biennial, first-week-in-August nostalgia trip for current and former residents reliving the black-is-beautiful experience of their youth. Among the many touchstones of African-American life here is the newspaper serving that community, The Omaha Star. From its 1938 founding by Mildred Brown, the paper has continued a legacy of black women publishers and editors. When Brown died in 1989, her niece, Marguerita Washington, took the helm. Upon her 2016 passing, Phyllis Hicks took the reins. And since Hicks retired in early 2019, Frankie Williams has assumed interim publisher-editor roles as the paper’s come under the ownership of the Mildred D. Brown Memorial Study Center. Now wholly owned by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Star is able to participate in emerging interest from foundations to support local journalism. That’s already bearing fruit. On July 17, it was announced the Star was one of 23 projects from across the country to receive funding from the Facebook Journalism Project and the Lenfest Institute for Journalism. The Star project aims to “tackle responsible neighborhood development and gentrification in one of Omaha’s historically underserved communities through collaboration with neighborhood associations and deep reporting.” The grant will certainly help as the paper struggles to find sustainability in this tenuous time for print media.
Frankie Williams is the fourth African-American woman to lead The Omaha Star in its 81-year history.
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FEATURE
To address those challenges, Williams also aims to increase the paper’s visibility. The Star held a July 27 gala screening of The Wiz at Bryant Park and
will have a conspicuous display in the Native Omaha Days stroll and parade. As the paper steps into the future, Brown’s matriarchal presence still looms large. The apartment-office she kept at the Star is a shrine in this National Register of Historic Places building. The loud, proud Brown was often the only woman present in the circle of power she convened there. “She was performing in a man’s role,” Williams said, “and did it very well.” Brown’s trademark white-carnation corsage was her calling card at myriad social-community events she made it her business to attend. Scores of youth worked for her as carriers and sales staff. She paid for many young people’s education and mentored numerous others. Omaha native Paul Bryant credits “Aunt Millie” with supporting him through his “starving student” days. He came to admire her social entrepreneurship, which he modeled in his own work. “Mildred Brown was a fighter who used intellect, tenacity and moral authority to win,” he said. “She was a visionary trailblazer decades ahead of her time.” For Williams, heading up the Star now is a “full-circle” event. In 1968, Williams sold ads and edited a teen page for the Star while attending Central High School. She recalls Brown holding court. “This was a gathering place for community leaders,” Williams said of the paper’s offices. When news broke
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media start with Brown, whose example inspired her own entrepreneurial drive. Despite female-centric leadership, the paper’s been a vehicle for such strong male voices as long-time state senator Ernie Chambers, historian and author Matthew Stelly, community activist Walter Brooks, the late civil rights activist and journalist Charles B. Washington and Leo Louis, the new president of the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation.
The Omaha Star recently received a $25,000 grant from the Facebook Journalism Project and the Lenfest Institute for Journalism to report on the impact of neighborhood development in North Omaha. of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, she witnessed a procession of leaders seek out Brown. “Hers was definitely a voice of reason,” she said. “She was a thinker and strategist. I wouldn’t say calm, though. She was a very forceful person.” Brown wanted Williams to one day succeed her. But it was too far off and daunting a prospect for an 18-year-old to process then. After decades working in youth services in Atlanta and Omaha, Williams returned to the fold 11 years ago to assist Washington and Hicks. Now that she’s in the post Brown groomed her for, she’s fully aware of her role as a steward. “I am grateful to be here,” she said. “I can’t be Mildred, nor would I try to be. The thing I can do is carry her torch and make sure the legacy lives on. I want to take care of it.”
Williams said. “But I’m happy it happened like this.” Sanders feels the Mildred Brown Center board and Star staff share a mission. “Part of our job is to reacquaint or introduce people to The Omaha Star and why it is important,” she said. The Mildred Brown Center awards scholarships, operates the Junior Journalist Program and sends the Star interns.
Reshon Dixon, who resides in Atlanta, is among the legion of native Omahans living elsewhere who subscribe to the Star to stay connected with Black Omaha goings-on. It’s how she keeps up with events and deaths. Sustaining the paper on ad revenues and subscriptions alone is “never enough,” Williams said. “We’re just making enough to keep the doors open.”
We report positive news. But we’re doing a disservice if we’re not trying to educate and inform our readers.
Williams agrees with Terri Sanders, a board member of the Mildred Brown Center, who says “the paper’s in good hands” under the center’s ownership.
“ We ’ ve had several interns and scholarship recipients go on to do well,” said Sanders, including, most prominently, her own daughter Symone Sanders, a national Democratic Party consultant and news panelist.
“There were a lot of people interested in purchasing it, and still are,”
Two generations earlier, Urban One founder Cathy Hughes got her
A n o t h e r r ev enue stream is the fee-based online archive accessed by students, academics, historians and journalists across the nation, Sanders said.
Williams aims to increase subscriptions by moving from a columnheavy, soft news pub to a harder-news biweekly. “It’s a work in progress,” she said. “Ever yone is feeling their way, but I feel assured everyone is working to enhance what we’ve done in the past.” “Our advantage is we are a trusted source,” she said. “Being relevant is even more important to maintain credibility. One of the tag-lines Marguerita and Phyllis used is: We report positive FEATURE
news. But we’re doing a disservice if we’re not trying to educate and inform our readers. We need to report pertinent news.” “With the political climate the way it is,” she added, “we would do a disservice to our community not to talk about the hard topics.” Williams legacy.
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“When I make decisions, I do think about how Mildred Brown would have handled this,” she said. “Black women started it, black women have led it, and it is my hope that will continue throughout the life of the paper,” Sanders said. “To lose that would be to lose the flavor of what the Omaha Star is and was.” “I think it is wonderful women still run the Star,” Bryant said. “My prayer is that they have as much impact on the community as Mildred Brown did.” Reshon Dixon seconds the sentiment by saying the legacy is “a testimony to the community.” Native Omahan Amber Ruffin, writer-performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers, said, “I love the fact the Star has been led by black women for its whole existence. It makes me feel proud to be a black Omahan.” Williams feels the future is “bright.” She’s impressed by young North O leaders. Perhaps one of them will be the torchbearer taking the paper to its centennial. “We have a pool of young people to mentor and to help along their journey,” she said. “Hopefully, when the time comes, one of them will be able to step up.” Visit theomahastar.com.
Read more of Leo Adam Biga’s work at leoadambiga.com.
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Kindred Spirits Giamatti and Payne G
o-to character actor Paul Giamatti brings élan to his screen gallery of nerdy sidekicks and beleaguered Everyman types. It’s rare for someone with his hangdog looks to be a romantic interest. But in Alexander Payne’s Sideways (2004), he melts hearts with earnest desire and neurotic angst as lovelorn Miles.
reunite to talk ‘Sideways’ and the art of finding truth by Leo Adam Biga | photos COURTESY of Film streams
He’s the sad half of a dysfunctional buddy team with Jack (Thomas Haden Church), whose frivolity masks hurt. Their on-the-road odyssey of regret, self-pity and debauchery is tempered by redeeming love. The Indiewood project surprised its makers by becoming a serious box office success and major awards contender.
Sideways, celebrating its 15th anniversary, remains a highlight of the two men’s respective careers.
By Sideways, Payne and Giamatti, cinema kindred spirits with a gift for understated wit that segues into broad comedy or high
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“I cast each independently,” Payne said. “But to have them develop some chemistry — because if no one believes the friendship between those two unlikely men then the film would not work — I had them come to location for two weeks before shooting, so we could rehearse together. But, more important, so they could hang out to play golf, see a movie, eat together. And they did.” In the film, the characters get involved with women they betray. Vain Jack, a former soap star, cheats on his bride-to-be with freespirit Stephanie (Sandra Oh), who doesn’t know he’s engaged. Nebbish Miles, a teacher and writer reeling from a failed marriage and a book not finding a publisher, discovers in sensitive Maya (Virginia Madsen) a love he didn’t think possible anymore.
Payne’s taking time from trying to get a new feature off the ground to join Giamatti for an August 25 public conversation accented by clips. This eighth iteration of the Film Streams Feature Event fundraiser unspools in the Holland Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m.
“It was a gorgeous experience,” Giamatti said by phone. “It was so much fun. It was joyous. And I think the movie feels that way because we were just making a movie for the love of making a movie — and that’s what was great about it. None of us felt we were making anything anybody would even care about that much. We cared about it. So much of that came from Alexander and his simple joy of being with actors and crew.”
Giamatti and Church first met in person on location in Santa Barbara wine country — after breaking the ice on the phone — where they had several days to bond before production began.
Paul Giamatti with Thomas Haden Church in Sideways, 2004, Giamatti’s only collaboration with film director Alexander Payne. drama, found themselves at parallel points in their artistic lives. Giamatti hit his stride as a supporting player in the late-1990s. Payne made some waves with his debut feature, Citizen Ruth (1996), before fully getting on critics’ radar with Election, a 1999 cult classic enjoying retrospective adulation 20 years later. It’s the
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film that first brought Payne to Giamatti’s attention. In Sideways , Giamatti believably goes to the dark side of longing. Where childlike Jack is all about immediate gratification, reflective Miles broods over losses, and Giamatti digs deep to mine this despair.
Church nails the self-absorbed miscreant Jack. Giamatti is dead-on as the yearning, naysaying Miles who wears his funk like a cloak. But, as Giamatti said, it is Miles who “opens up as a person through the movie in a really lovely, believable way.” Payne intuitively gives Giamatti the camera, and the actor’s highly praised performance moves one to tears and laughter. Giamatti’s work in Sideways established him as a character lead who can carry a film. Producer Michael London brokered a package deal for the project. He optioned the film rights for the Rex Pickett novel, and Payne and Jim Taylor wrote the script on spec. John Jackson cast for fit, not box-
F office. “Then,” Payne said, “we approached the studios and said. ‘Here is the screenplay, the director, the cast, and the budget — in or out?’ A couple studios said, ‘Why can’t you have bigger stars?’ Fox Searchlight rolled the dice and won.” Giamatti is grateful Payne didn’t budge. “He went back to the studio to tell them he wanted me, and I think he anticipated he’d get a fight about that, and he did get fights. But he stuck by it — me and Tom and Virginia and Sandra. These are the people he wanted.”
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“He’s just a lovely guy and extremely well-read,” he added. Giamatti gushes over Payne’s directing methodology and the way Payne engages people.
“I can tell you the experiThe ensemble made magic. ence of being directed by “That movie is present in people’s minds him is amazas if it just came out last year,” Giamatti said. ing because “It’s got amazing power.” he’s there with It marked a peak for Giamatti. you,” he said. “There’s a lot of “I felt like if I couldn’t act again for some stuff where I’m reason, my acting life would have been fulalone in a room filled having done this movie because it in that movie. Paul Giamatti and Kathryn Hahn in Private Life, a Netflix original film, 2018. was such a purely pleasurable experience,” He would he said. “Alexander’s a true filmmaker, and stand there, that’s what makes him special.” watch me and “We definitely will,” said Payne, who Payne may just wing it with him here, talk to me. The connection I developed with Payne’s admiration of Giamatti, whom has a script and part in mind for him. saying, “We get along so well, I may not prehim I’ve never experienced again with a film he calls “my favorite actor,” runs deep. pare that much. We could go out on stage “I know there is something, but I fear it director. As great as a lot of the people I’ve and just start talking.” “He’s just the perfect actor,” he said. may not work out. It’s all timing,” Giamatti worked with are, nobody’s ever done any“He knows said, sounding just like Miles. Surprisingly, Sideways is the only time thing like all of his diathe two have worked together. They nearly that. Film Streams is screening a repertory Alexander Payne will join logue backre-teamed in 2008 when Payne first tried series of Giamatti’s feature work at the “ T h e wards and setting up Downsizing. He cast Giamatti as Paul Giamatti at Film streams in Dundee Theater. On August 26 and 28, connection forwards the lead, Paul. But the free-fall economic Sideways shows at the north downtown you feel conversation on August 25 for and can do recession put the high-concept comedy on Ruth Sokolof Theater. There’s also a second because of it any which hold. By the time Payne sought financing Feature VIII, the nonprofit’s eighth repertory series of favorite Giamatti films not that is unway — each again, the suits insisted on a marquee name his own. believable. annual fundraising event. take truthto hedge their big-budget risk. Enter Matt I love him, Visit filmstreams.org for schedules and ful, each take Damon. I really do.” tickets. different. He This Omaha reunion will not be the last The actor’s eager to visit Payne’s home could make bad dialogue work. When he time the actor and director collaborate if turf and muse. read for me, I remember thinking he was the they have their way. very first actor reading the lines almost ex“I’m very curious to see Omaha and Read more of Leo Adam Biga’s work at actly how I’d heard them in my head while “I wish we could find an opportunity to how it has informed Alexander and vice leoadambiga.com. versa,” he said. writing them — and better. work again,” Giamatti said.
Giamatti in Showtime’s Billions, 2016
Giamatti in American Splendor, 2003 FEATURE
Giamatti in Win Win, 2011 | THE READER |
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Reader Memories
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From cat-shirts to haunted houses, Nugent, Bourdain, Sedaris & the catch of a lifetime by Kyle Tonniges
Asking for a Reader memory is a lot like asking someone for their favorite David Bowie song. Which era? The Reader had many, and for me, they’re grouped by location. The Reader relocated more times than El Chapo.
back issues, signs, posters for events, CDs from local and national bands, etc covered every available surface. No matter how large the space, they were somehow able to fill it to capacity within days.
The first incarnation I was a part of was when the paper was headquartered in the train car parked next to Sharkey’s, one of Omaha’s first brewpubs. Back then there were only a handful of local breweries (Sharkey’s may well have been the first for all I know) and none of them called for elf tears, grave dirt or baby sweat as part of the recipe. And none were served in crystal chalices. Uphill. In the snow. Both ways. I digress.
One of the Reader’s traits was its rather improvisational approach, shall we say, to events. The first and only Reader-sponsored concert (they’ve sponsored others, but this is the first and only one they were actually in charge of as I recall) was Nuttstock. This was a traveling show resembling Lollapalooza, but on a much lower level and with a crazy lineup that included bands like 22 Jacks (so much fun and underrated), Rocket Fuel is the Key (sanctimonious assholes), and the Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs (fantastic).
That was a thin version of the paper. Editorially, it was just getting its sea legs. Stories were mostly small, local ones with an emphasis on music. And the ever-present Mr. Weepy cartoon (due largely to the involvement of the Simonson brothers, Mark and Kevin). But it had the scrappiness. The first real office I recall was in the old Firehouse restaurant in the Old Market, which is now Upstream. The Reader was upstairs. I started to get paid around this time, and I got business cards (!!) as well as my first Reader T shirt. It had a cartoon cat on it for some reason. I remember pitching the tagline of “The Reader: It’s You!”. I think they thought it was stupid. It was. That was the point. Other locations included one on Harney Street, which had a basement that served as a rehearsal space for music editor and Grasshopper Takeover frontman Curtis Grubb (No Doubt ended up there after a show once and hung out. I was not there), and a loft area where designers Jason Malmberg and Jared Cvetas were ever-present. Two Dundee locations, one on Dodge and another in what is now Dundee Bank (yay, parking!) also served as home base over the years. I don’t know how The Reader managed to make all those moves, considering that each and every office resembled a set from the TV show “Hoarders.” Massive stacks of
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The night culminated in a kind of all-star jam session that included Bob Forrest from Thelonious Monster, Keith Morris, Norwood Fisher from Fishbone and John Frusciante, who was at the height of his heroin and God-knows-what-else addiction at the time. I spoke to him briefly and he was a really sweet guy, but he was clearly out of the office. He’s such a gifted guitarist. So glad he’s gotten better.
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The Reader had connections, and the most insane opportunities would arise as a result. Exhibit A: The Reader’s first and only haunted house. I don’t remember the year (1758? 59?) but they somehow got the keys to the thenabandoned Burlington Station building and let a crew run wild with the décor. Everyone was invited and encouraged to participate. None of this should have happened. To say the basement, where it was held, was in disarray is being generous. There was shit all over the place. Dust for days. Broken pieces of furniture. Boards with nails. So on and so on. But we had so much fun scaring the crap out of people! I somehow got assigned to the Egyptian room, which was a desert scene with a sarcophagus and other Egypt-
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25th anniversary
y décor. I hid behind a curtain and grabbed people’s ankles as they went by. Again, roaringly stupid – someone could have tripped and gotten hurt – but our guardian angels were looking out for us. No fatalities, injuries or lawsuits. Not to mention the tree-climbers rappelling down 4-story stairways and the Harley Davidson that would come roaring across the building at you. Fire marshal nixed both of those after the first week.
4.
I never got paid much while working at The Reader, but the writing experience and the opportunity to interview some of the most interesting (and irritating) people in the world was priceless. I’ve interviewed a LOT of people over the years, but only two of them leap to mind as being the most chatty. So much so that after a certain point the conversation turns into one that’s endured instead of enjoyed. First prize goes to Jello Biafra. I interviewed him twice. He was a great guy both times but man, it seemed as each question led to a twenty minute answer. Just what you’d expect, and it went on for at least an hour and a half. For comparison’s sake: most interviews are 15-20 minutes. Not Jello. I felt like I had to lay down and take a nap after I hung up. It was exhausting trying to keep up with the guy. The other, oddly enough, was porn star Nina Hartley. She’d written a sex 101 type book, and she is right up there with Jello in terms of talkability. Just…wow. Super smart and really sweet, but she’s another enthusiastic chatter. Her real name’s Mitzi, by the way. I also had the opportunity/misfortune of interviewing Ted Nugent a couple times, and it was pretty much as advertised. He’s good for soundbites and quotes, I’ll give him that. This was during Gulf War: Revenge For Daddy era, and the Nuge was all for it. He said something to the effect of “when your neighbor’s in trouble, you go help them.” I then asked that if that was truly the case, why wouldn’t we then go help
out the folks in Sudan? He got pissed and snapped “you can’t help everybody!” That pretty ended the conversation. I interviewed Anthony Bourdain right after Kitchen Confidential came out as well as prior to his appearance at the Holland Center and again for another publication after his last book (a cookbook) was published. Some people change when they become famous – perspectives shift, and interviews become shorter and the answers feel canned. That wasn’t the case with Bourdain. He was the same guy every time I spoke with him: humble and very much aware of his luck, generous with his time, and thoughtful with his answers on every occasion. A truly great guy with a terrific sense of humor and a love of the written word. It was tough when he passed. Lastly, David Sedaris. Like Bourdain and Biafra, David Sedaris was generous with his time every time I spoke with him, but in every case he spent just as much time asking me questions as I did him. He’s an amazingly thoughtful, genuinely sincere guy. I’ve been lucky enough to interview him three times over the years, and each time he sends ME a handwritten postcard referencing our conversation and thanking me for my time a week or two later. Who does that??? There’s no way I’d have been able to speak with and in many cases, meet these people, if it wasn’t for the opportunity given to me by The Reader. These and other memories are priceless and precious to me, and I’m profoundly thankful for the opportunity to do something that’s been so much fun and hopefully turned people on to some really cool stuff and great people over the years. With the exception of the Nuge. He’s a dick.
5.
I don’t know what conversations were had, but at some point I was charged with writing movie reviews. I’d been doing music reviews and articles for a while at this point, so I guess the decision was made to assign me the
shittiest movies in existence and see how that went. I didn’t get assigned the cool or prestigious movies, though, for some reason Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels made it through the eye of the needle, and it was magnificent. I’m lucky to have been able to see that one in a theater. But other than that, it was mostly Shit City. I sat through BAPS (check it out if you like pushing on bruises) and Spice World so you didn’t have to. The last of which resulted in a line in my review that people quoted me for years (“I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want: those 90 minutes back.”) I thought my mom was the only one who read my stuff. Truly. So that was a surprise. I wasn’t the only one doing reviews. Apparently a lot of other folks were posing as Reader reviewers. I went to Cinema Center (now a gun range) to review Titanic and was told by the manager that it’d already been seen six times by “reviewers” for The Reader. My worst theater experience by far was Contact, a sci-fi movie starring Jodie Foster and Matthew McConaughey involving
aliens and all that crap. I was watching it in the old Dundee Theater, paying attention and taking notes like a good reviewer.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I turned around and faced the octogenarian offender.
Unbeknownst to me, the World’s Oldest Couple had a longstanding tradition of going to the Dundee every Sunday and seeing whatever matinee was playing. Guess when that was? And of course they’re sitting right behind me. The husband was hard of hearing, so there was a lot of “what did he say?” and “what did she just say after what he said?” going on.
“MR. BOJANGLES! CAN YOU PLEASE KNOCK THAT SHIT OFF!”
He might not have been able to hear the dialogue, but he sure could feel the tension. At some point in the movie they’re about to open an egg or interact with an alien or release the Kraken – watch it (it’s not a bad movie) and you’ll know what I’m talking about – and the guy starts tapping his foot. Not bad, but tapping. Tension mounts. Tapping gets a little more pronounced...More tension. Tapping becomes faster. More urgent...Tension ratchets up...I am now sitting in front of Gregory Motherfucking Hines...Ticketytappity! TAP-TAP-TAPPITY-TAP! TAPTAPTAP!
I was greeted with a blank look of shock. He probably wasn’t even aware of what he was doing. Which was quickly followed by a thorough round of boos (yes, actual boos!) instead of the roaring applause and huzzahs I deserved for silencing Sir Tapsalot. That was one of, if not the last, movies I reviewed for The Reader. I am not sad.
6.
I’ve had all sorts of great opportunities via The Reader and made some lifelong friends as a result of writing for John, but I might have gotten the best gift of all: a wife out of the deal. The Reader always operated on a shoestring budget, so beyond the occasional gift card to a restaurant or business who’d done some type of trade deal, the fringe benefits were far and few. 1998 was the exception. That year The Reader threw a Christmas party at (what was the name? Gallagher’s? off
91st and Pacific). And food was provided! Of course I attended. Seating was in a horseshoe shape, and I ended up sitting next to a former roommate of mine from my college days in Lincoln (still not clear on why he was there). Directly across from me was easily the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. Sparkling eyes and a fantastic mane (in the best possible way) of hair. Happy, laughing, and engaged with Diane, one of the sales reps at the time. Clearly out of my league. I’d never seen her before, but I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I felt this strange, sparkly feeling. I couldn’t stop looking at her. I’ve never been the guy with the line – “does God know an angel is missing?” and that kind of thing – so I just sat there dumbly, tried to remain inconspicuous and left immediately after dinner was over. A few days later I said something to a friend who worked there, which resulted in one of the most epic first dates I’ve ever had. We’ve been thick as thieves ever since, and got married in 2000. Thanks, The Reader!
Hot Shops ART CENTER Downtown Omaha, NE
W
ith over 50 artist studios filling three floors of the Hot Shops, visitors can watch demonstrations & shop through a wide selection of unique art in the most unique place in downtown Omaha. Something is always going on at the Hot Shops— art openings, classes, artists at work—so come visit! The Hot Shops Open Houses (Spring and Winter) are our biggest events of the year, with artists opening their doors to the public. Check www.HotShopsArtCenter.com for listings.
Location Hot Shops is located on 13th Street between Nicholas and Izard, just north of TD Ameritrade Park in downtown Omaha, with easy access off Cuming. Open 7 days a week.
Your Life. Your Bank. Our Community. www.american.bank 30 locations in Nebraska and Iowa
25th anniversary
| THE READER |
AUGUST 2019
11
BEST Dining Best Burger Joint Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Stella’s Bar & Grill
Reader’s Choice:
Dinkers Bar and Grill, Sinful Burger Sports Grill, Block 16
Reader’s Recommend:
Five Guys, Bronco’s
Best Cafe/Diner Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Lisa’s Radial Cafe
Reader’s Choice:
11-Worth Cafe, WheatFields Eatery & Bakery, Le Peep Omaha
Reader’s Recommend:
Petrow’s, Saddle Creek Breakfast Club
Best Catering Company Best Bakery
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Abraham Catering
Reader’s Choice:
Mangia Italiana, Eddie’s Catering
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Reader’s Recommend:
Attitude on Food
Reader’s Choice:
Gerda’s German Restaurant & Bakery, Sweet Magnolias Bake Shop, Cake Specialists
Reader’s Refer:
Catering Creations, Just Good Meat, Catered Affair Hy-Vee, Take Em Catering, Enzo’s Italian
Reader’s Recommend:
Uptown Bakery, The Cake Gallery
Best Chinese Restaurant Best BBQ Restaurant
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Three Happiness Express
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Tired Texan BBQ
Reader’s Choice:
JC Mandarin, Imperial Palace Express
Reader’s Choice:
Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q, Cubby’s Convenience Stores BBQ
Reader’s Recommend:
Rice Bowl, China Palace Restaurant Golden Bowl | Chinese Restaurant
Reader’s Recommend:
Boyd & Charlie’s, Hartland Bar-B-Que, Famous Dave’s
Best Brewpub
Best Coffee Shop Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Scooter’s Coffee
Reader’s Choice:
The Beanery, Aromas Coffeehouse
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Upstream Brewing Company
Reader’s Recommend:
Amateur Coffee, Archetype
Reader’s Choice:
The Benson Brewery, Nebraska Brewing Company Infusion Brewing Company
Reader’s Refer:
Karma Koffee
Reader’s Recommend:
Brickway, Pint Nine Brewing Company
Best Buffet Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
China Buffet, HuHot Mongolian Grill
Reader’s Choice:
Ameristar, Valentino’s
Reader’s Recommend:
Golden Corral Buffet and Grill
Reader’s Refer:
Curri Fine Indian Cuisine
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AUGUST 2019
| THE READER |
BEST OF THE BIG O!
Best Doughnut Shop Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Pettit’s Pastry
Reader’s Choice:
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Hurts Donut Co.
Reader’s Recommend:
Bob’s Donuts, Uptown Bakery, Sweet Magnolias Bake Shop
READERS’ CHOICE - SPONSORED STORY
“We grew up going to Benson for sidewalk sales and getting pastries at the bakery to take to my grandmother’s,” said Joe Pittack, who owns Ted & Wally’s with his sister, Jeanne Pittack. The brother-sister duo bought Ted & Wally’s from its original owners in 2000 after they had worked at the ice cream shop for several years. “In recent years, I was hanging out at places like the Waiting Room and watched Benson become vibrant again,” Joe Pittack said. “I saw the building and thought it would be a perfect Ted & Wally’s.” Joe Pittack said he planned to contact the owner of Marcus Motors to see if he’d sell. “Before I did, a couple of weeks later, there was a ‘for sale’ sign. It couldn’t have come together any better.” Joe and Jeanne Pittack share a family connection to old-fashioned service stations. “Our grandfather worked for a company that built gas stations and supplied them with pump equipment. Our cousin later worked for the EPA to condemn and remove leaking tanks that our grandfather installed,” Joe Pittack said. “And now Jeanne and I have converted two stations into ice cream stores.”
GREEN TRUCK, GREEN FOOD The new Benson location has recently added Big Green Q, a multi-cuisine Contemporary Barbecue Food Truck. The company prides itself on being environmentally aware. They
“Our to-go containers, utensils and napkins etc. are 90% or more compostable. Our Truck is Green and so are we,” said the owners Kevin and Gail Wyatt.
FRANCHISES? NO THANKS Although the new Benson location, like the everpopular Old Market shop, may thrive, don’t expect Ted & Wally’s to franchise their business anytime soon. “We have over 2000 flavors, so we’re probably the most un- franchisable ice cream parlor around,” Jeanne Pittack said, “with no plans on building an ice cream empire.” She proudly points to the process used to create so many flavors. “We’re currently the only Omaha parlor to make ice cream the way we do, completely from scratch with rock salt and ice,” Jeanne Pittack said. “Our plans are to focus on continuing to improve what we do and to continue focusing on perfecting our craft.” The likely loss of quality if they franchised concern the Pittacks. “The quality of product would diminish due to streamlining,” he said. “We have a very labor-intensive product that takes care in making that would probably not transfer well to a turn- key operation. We also don’t use the stabilizers and preservatives companies use for shipping and storing ice cream.” Their goal is simple, he said. “We want to make a product we can feel good about feeding to our family, friends and ourselves.”
FAMILY & COMMUNITY Family – their own and those they serve – is a recurring theme when you talk with the owners of Ted & Wally’s. As is community. “Many of our ingredients are locally sourced. That’s been true since the beginning,” Jeanne Pittack said. “We’ve always valued buying as much of our ingredients from other local family-owned businesses and farms as possible. She said local sourcing is a longtime practice. We get almost 100% of all our fruit & other produce through FarmTable Delivery & Lone Tree Foods as well as other local vendors for more than a decade.
BEST OF THE BIG O!
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Big Green Q believes in being eco-friendly. They drive and cook on CNG (compressed natural gas) and are official backed by MUD and The Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund.
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Customer loyalty led Ted & Wally’s to branch out this year from its long-time Old Market home. A second shop in Benson at 60th and Maple streets was created. And like the current store at 12th and Jackson streets, as well as Lincoln’s original Ted & Wally’s, the Benson site is housed in a former auto repair shop and gas station. It makes perfect sense to nestle the new Ted & Wally’s in Ben- son’s thriving local art and music scene. Like the Old Market, the inventive vibe in Benson meshes well with Ted & Wally’s originality. Can you imagine Ted & Wally’s in a West Omaha strip mall? Even if you found an old auto repair shop to house it?
“It’s also the culture in which we were raised,” N C E 2019 9 Jeanne Pittack said. “We 19 grew up getting much of our produce, milk, cheese and eggs from local farms and farmer’s markets.”
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cook on two Big Green Eggs with different locally sourced wood (peach, hickory, mesquite, cherry etc). They also use Wagyu beef, antibiotic and hormone free chicken, pork, and locally sourced fresh produce whenever available.
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s of this summer, Omaha’s Ted & Wally’s has handcrafted and served more than 2,000 different flavors of ice cream. Each is comprised of cream, eggs, sugar and other ingredients. Then it’s tossed together with rock salt and ice in antique mixing machines. And out comes a new, possibly unique, flavor. It’s an old- fashioned process that made Ted & Wally’s ice cream shop one of the area’s most popular sweet tooth cures. Our Ice Cream is made with 20% butterfat, the most premium you can find in America.
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That sense of family, commitment and quality permeates Ted & Wally’s. “Jeanne and I have a level of trust and comfort that developed through our relationship as siblings,” Pittack said. “We consider our employees to be part of our family. We work for them so they can go to college, have families and take their bands on tour in Europe. “I feel like a caretaker of Ted & Wally’s for our employees and customers and see it as legacy for Jeanne’s children to possibly carry on.”
ALL TIME FAVORITES With more than 2,000 flavors created in the 16 years they’ve owned Ted & Wally’s, we had to ask: What are your customers’ Top Three all-time favorite flavors? And what are yours? “A UNO business class did a survey for us a while ago and the results were: Vanilla, Dutch Chocolate, Cinnamon, Mint Chip and Strawberry,” Joe Pittack said. “Salty Seahorse & Jul- lian’s Spotted Pony certainly has a cult following. Uh, Joe, that’s seven customer favorites. So what are Jeanne’s? She provided three: 1. Black Panther (very dark chocolate with cacao nibs) 2. Grand Patisserie Pistachio Macaron 3. M’s Pub Carrot Cake But when it was Joe Pittack’s turn, the multitude of possible choices daunted him. “This is a hard question. I try to keep up with the flavors for today and I even forget those,” he said. “I’ve always been kind of a sweet tooth and always liked Cotton Candy with Marshmallow on top.” He recalled one customordered flavor. “We just made one for a wedding called Mindy’s Pub Mix,” he said. “The bride wanted a flavor made with Infusion Breweries Vanilla Bean Blonde with Peanuts and Chocolate Covered Pretzels mixed in. It was an instant hit in Benson.” Joe Pittack also is excited about the quality and variety of the sor- bet at Ted & Wally’s.
TED & WALLY’S Old Market – 1120 Jackson St., 402.341.5827 Benson – 6023 Maple St., 402.551.4420 | THE READER |
AUGUST 2019
13
BEST Dining Best Greek Restaurant
Best Mexican Restaurant
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Greek Islands
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
La Mesa Mexican Restaurant
Reader’s Choice:
Jim & Jennie’s Greek Village, Feta’s Greek Restaurant
Reader’s Choice:
Abelardo’s, Nettie’s Fine Mexican Food, Maria’s, Rivera’s
Reader’s Recommend:
John’s Grecian Delight
Reader’s Recommend:
Hector’s
Reader’s Refer:
Grecian Gyros
Best New Restaurant
Best Ice Cream Shop
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Oasis Falafel
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Ted & Wally’s Ultra-Premium Ice Cream
Reader’s Choice:
Reader’s Choice:
Coneflower Creamery, Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
Olive & Ash Pizza, High Peak Asian Restaurant
Reader’s Recommend:
Rizin Japanese Ramen, IkaSan
Reader’s Refer:
Charred, J. Gilbert’s Wood-fired Steaks and Seafood
Reader’s Recommend:
Graley’s Creamery & Confections, Dairy Twist, eCreamery
Best Indian Restaurant
Best Nouveau Cuisine Restaurant
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
The Jaipur
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Modern Love
Reader’s Choice:
Curri, Tanduri Fusion, The Oven
Reader’s Choice:
Boiler Room Restaurant, Le Bouillon
Reader’s Recommend:
The Taj Kabob & Curry
Reader’s Refer:
Brushi European American Cuisine
Reader’s Refer:
Himalayas
Best Pizza Parlor
Best Italian Restaurant Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Lo Sole Mio Ristorante
Reader’s Choice:
Roma Italian Restaurant, Spezia
Reader’s Recommend:
Malara's, Pasta Amore, Vincenzo's
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Kobe Steakhouse Of Japan
Reader’s Choice:
Hiro 88 , Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Umami
Reader’s Recommend:
Yoshitomo
Reader’s Refer:
Sakura Bana
Best Local Food-Serving Restaurant Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Railcar Modern American Kitchen
Reader’s Choice:
Block 16, Modern Love, LOCAL Beer, Patio and Kitchen
Reader’s Recommend:
Kitchen Table
AUGUST 2019
| THE READER |
Mama’s Pizza
Reader’s Choice:
Johnny Sortino’s Pizza Parlor, La Casa Pizzaria, Noli’s Pizzeria
Reader’s Recommend:
Pitch Pizzeria, Lansky's
Best Retail Meat Counter
Best Japanese Restaurant
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Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
BEST OF THE BIG O!
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Just Good Meat
Reader’s Choice:
Fareway Grocery, Stoysich House of Sausage, Hy-Vee
Reader’s Recommend:
Wohlner’s Neighborhood Grocery & Deli
Reader’s Refer:
Baker’s
Best Retail Produce Selection Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Fresh Thyme
Reader’s Choice:
Hy-Vee, Trader Joe’s, Baker’s, Whole Foods Market
Reader’s Refer:
Aldi
BEST Dining Best Retail Wine Selection Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Hy-Vee
Best Tex-Mex
Reader’s Choice:
Spirit World
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Mula
Reader’s Recommend:
La Buvette Wine & Grocery, Corkscrew Wine & Cheese
Reader’s Choice:
La Mesa Mexican Restaurant, Roja, Stokes Grill & Bar, Julio’s Restaurant, El’ Bee’s
Reader’s Refer:
WineStyles of Omaha, Whole Foods Market
Best Steakhouse Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Brother Sebastian’s
Reader’s Choice:
The Drover, Round the Bend Steakhouse, Johnny’s Cafe, Anthony’s Steakhouse
Reader’s Recommend:
Pink Poodle Restaurant
Best Thai Restaurant Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Thai Pepper
Reader’s Choice:
Salween Thai Restaurant, Mai Thai Restaurant
Reader’s Recommend:
Laos Thai, Bangkok Kitchen
Reader’s Refer:
Pan Asian Terrace
Best Vegetarian Restaurant
Best Sweets Shop Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Old Market Candy Shop
Reader’s Choice:
Eileen’s Colossal Cookies, Cupcake Island, The Cordial Cherry
Reader’s Recommend:
Candy Wrappers, Uptown Bakery
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Modern Love
Reader’s Choice:
Oasis Falafel, Kitchen Table
Reader’s Refer:
Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant, Persis Indian grill
Saturday
Gathering Places
& Sunday September Friday "Sneak Peek"
connecting communities through art...
BEST OF THE BIG O!
| THE READER |
AUGUST 2019
15
BEST Getting Around
Best Airline Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Southwest Airlines
Reader’s Choice:
Delta Airlines
Reader’s Recommend:
American Airlines
Reader’s Refer:
Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines
Best Auto Body Shop Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
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AUGUST 2019
CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Experts
| THE READER |
BEST OF THE BIG O!
Reader’s Choice:
Auto Body Concepts, B Street Collision Center
Reader’s Recommend:
Shadow Lake Collision Center, Inter Tech, Dave’s Auto Body
Best Auto Dealer Service Shop Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
H & H Chevrolet
Reader’s Choice:
Woodhouse Ford of Omaha, Baxter Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram La Vista, Baxter Toyota La Vista
E B I G O!
An Omaha Tradition Since 1975.
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| THE READER |
OMAHA – 156TH & Q (402) 763-2555 COUNCIL BLUFFS – LAKE MANAWA EXIT (712) 256-2762
AUGUST 2019
17
BEST Getting Around Reader’s Recommend:
Huber Cadillac
Reader’s Refer:
Baxter Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Bellevue, Superior Honda of Omaha
Best Auto Dealership Group Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Woodhouse
Reader’s Choice:
H&H Auto, Baxter Auto
Reader’s Recommend:
Huber Auto
Reader’s Refer:
Sid Dillon
Best Auto Glass Repair Shop Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Safelight Auto Glass
Reader’s Choice:
Omaha Glass Pro
Reader’s Recommend:
ABC Auto Glass, Aaron's Autoglass & Repair
Reader’s Refer:
Auto Glass Now, Metro Glass
Best Auto Repair Shop Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Jensen Tire & Auto
Reader’s Choice:
Omaha Car Care
Reader’s Recommend:
Auto-Tech Inc, Exclusive Repair, Auto Specialists Inc
Reader’s Refer:
Sparks Computerized Car Care, Haver’s
Best Bike Shop Bike Rack
Reader’s Choice:
Community Bike Project Omaha, Re-CYCLE Bike Shop, Omaha Bicycle Company
Reader’s Recommend:
Trek
Reader’s Refer:
Greenstreet Cycles
Best Buy Here/Pay Here Used Car Lot Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Prime Auto
Reader’s Choice:
Automart 150, Sonny Gerber Auto Sales, Eckley Auto Brokers
Reader’s Recommend:
AUTO WORLD, Jody’s Galaxy Motors
AUGUST 2019
| THE READER |
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Russell Speeder's Car Wash
Reader’s Choice:
Dolphins Car Wash, Rocket Car Wash, Gorilla Car Wash
Reader’s Recommend:
Fantasy’s, Bucky’s
Best Convenience Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Casey’s General Store
Reader’s Choice:
Bucky’s, Hy-Vee, Quick Trip
Reader’s Recommend:
Kum and Go
Reader’s Refer:
Cubby’s
Best Luxury Auto Dealer Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
H&H Premier Automotive
Reader’s Choice:
Mercedes Benz of Omaha, Infinity of Omaha, Baxter Audi, Huber Cadillac
Best New Auto Dealer Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Baxter Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Reader’s Choice:
Woodhouse Nissan, Corwin Toyota of Bellevue
Reader’s Recommend:
O’Daniel Honda, Huber Chevrolet, Edwards Subaru O’Daniel Honda, Huber Chevrolet, Edwards Subaru
Best Pre-Owned Auto Dealer
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
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Best Car Wash
BEST OF THE BIG O!
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Carmax
Reader’s Choice:
Prime Auto, Eckley Auto Brokers
Reader’s Recommend:
AUTO WORLD, Select Auto
Best Towing Service Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
AAA
Reader’s Choice:
Heartland Towing & Recovery, 3 BS TOWING
Reader’s Recommend:
Arrow Towing, Young’s Auto Repair & Towing
Reader’s Refer:
L&I towing, Quality Towing
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HUBER CADILLAC
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READERS’ CHOICE - SPONSORED STORY
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Riding the Wave of Cadillac’s Future Huber Cadillac Hosts Innovative New Models
HUBER CADILLAC
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CT5
XT5
Manufactured in Spring Hill, Tennesse, the Spring Hill Manufacturing plant won the ENERGY STAR Challenge for Industry Recongition for Assembly Plant in 2015, meaning they lead the industry in minimizing environmental impacts.
XT6
The model relaunches started with the SUV crossover subcompact XT4, marking Cadillac’s first entry into this market segment. Crossovers account for almost half of the overall U.S. retail auto market. It came in strong, becoming the best- selling model in its segment, knocking off the Jeep Cherokee. With a starting price under $40,000, the XT4 delivers the power and technology you’d expect from Cadillac with class-leading passenger space. Released here near the end of 2018, Huber hosted the first virtual tour of this new model in late 2018. Manufactured in Kansas City, the XT4 has been flying off of Huber’s lot.
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Coming for 2020 - The Return of the Sedan and a New Escalade
The XT5 is a step up in size from the XT4, but it’s lightweight architecture and plush interior mean you’re not sacrificing size for power or comfort. Well known for its crisp handling, this year’s model introduced the Super Cruise self-driving system, a partial driving aid that brings additional safety features to help drivers stay alert and on the road.
XT4
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seven easily. If the Escalade is just out of reach in your budget, the XT6 is your ride.
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ne of the oldest automakers in the world, Cadillac has reinvented its line-up and Omaha’s Huber Cadillac is leading the way. As GM predicts Cadillac sales to nearly double in the next three years with new model launches coming almost every 6 month through 2021, there’s a lot to look forward to and some great values as older model stocks clear out.
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Coming in the 2nd half of 2019, the XT6 is one step above the XT5 and one step below the classic Escalade, which is also due for a makeover in 2020. The XT5 is spacious enough to offer three rows of seating, holding up to
A replacement for the compact ATS and the CTS luxury sedan, the CT5 pushes the next generation of Cadillac sedans, boasting improved technology and power. Expected to come with the Super Cruise autonomous driving system, the CT5 will feature a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a control knob on the side. A 3.0L twin turbo V6 will be available with 355 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
CT4-V Replacing the full-sized ATS, this slightly longer and slightly heavier sedan is Cadillac’s answer to mid-range sedans from BMW, Mercedes Benz and Audi. Sporting a more potent powertrain, stiffer suspension and larger brakes, all models are expected to come with Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control to improve performance.
Escalade The standard in luxury full-sized sports utility vehicles, the 5th generation Escalade will have a completely redesigned interior and even more comfort and technology features. The early buzz is there will be an option with a 650-horsepower motor, related to the one that powers the Camaro.
And Beyond General Moters recently announced that its Cadillac division will lead the “company’s move toward an electric future” starting with new models in 2022 an all-electric SUV. Envisioned to a be a long-range electric, the configuration should support different wheel configurations and an electric-car architecture that allows Cadillac to respond rapidly to changing market demands. Ride into the future with a new Cadillac. Huber Cadillac backs up every purchase with one of the best service departments in the region. Stay tuned to Huber Cadillac’s blog and social media for more news on new Cadillac models reaching Omaha.
| THE READER |
AUGUST 2019
19
BEST Living & Home Services Reader’s Choice:
A-1 United Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical, R Mechanical, SOS Heating & Cooling
Reader’s Recommend:
Aksarben ARS
Reader’s Refer:
Tri-Star, Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, Skradski’s, Greater Omaha Refrigeration Co, Fred’s Heating and Air
Best Home Window Company Best Electrician Company
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Pella Windows
Reader’s Choice:
Omaha Door & Window, Menards, Window World of Omaha
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Miller Electric Co Miller Electric Co
Reader’s Choice:
Vaughn Electric, Advanced Electrical Services
Reader’s Recommend:
Renewal by Andersen
Reader’s Recommend:
Baxter-Kenworthy Electric
Reader’s Refer:
Albrecht Perma Siding & Window
Reader’s Refer:
Casey Winchell, Creative Electric, Orsi Electric, TC Electric, ABC Electric, Vierregger Electric Co, Hiller Electric
Best Hotel
Best Furniture Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Nebraska Furniture Mart
Reader’s Recommend:
At Home, 7 Day Furniture
Reader’s Refer:
hutch, Big Lots
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Magnolia Hotel
Reader’s Choice:
Embassy Suites La Vista, Hotel Deco, Element Omaha
Reader’s Recommend:
Residence Inn Omaha Downtown
Reader’s Refer:
Best Western Plus Kelly Inn, Embassy Suites Old Market
Best Interiors Store
Best Garden Center/Nursery Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Mulhall’s
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
HomeGoods
Reader’s Choice:
Lanoha Nurseries, Benson Plant Rescue
Reader’s Choice:
At Home, The Afternoon, Pottery Barn
Reader’s Recommend:
Indian Creek Nursery, Sun Valley Landscaping
Reader’s Refer:
hutch, Nook Old Market, Main Street Decor
Best Kitchenware Store
Best Hardware Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Menards
Reader’s Choice:
Westlake Ace Hardware, Builders Supply Co Inc
Reader’s Refer:
Lowe’s, Center Hardware, Hardware Hank Garden Treasures, Ideal Hardware & Paint Center
Best Heating & A/C Company Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
20
AUGUST 2019
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Bed Bath & Beyond
Reader’s Choice:
Williams and Sonoma, Tuesday Morning
Reader’s Refer:
The Afternoon, Big Lots, Kitchen Collection, Sur La Table
Best Painting Company Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
The Painting Company
Reader’s Choice:
Ultimate Painting, Brush & Roll Painting, Midlands Painting Co
Reader’s Recommend:
Wyman Painting, Hank Eby & Sons Painting
Eyman Plumbing Heating & Air
| THE READER |
BEST OF THE BIG O!
Pella Windows and Doors of Omaha won in the Best Window Category. Your PellaŽ Omaha team is ready to show you the right window or door for your home and budget. Whether wood, vinyl or fiberglass, let our Omaha team find the right product that fits your vision. Pella can help support the completion of your project - from a new construction install to a remodel project. Your home is unique, so you shouldn’t have to settle for an ordinary window or door.
Visit today to schedule your free in-home consultation and learn more.
PellaOmaha.com
Window & Door Replacement
| THE READER |
AUGUST 2019
21
BEST Living & Home Services Best Plumbing Company Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Eyman Plumbing Heating & Air
Reader’s Choice:
Burton Plumbing Heating & Air, Backlund Plumbing
Reader’s Recommend:
Tritz Plumbing, Aksarben ARS
Reader’s Refer:
Barrett Plumbing, The Plumbing Doctor, Red D plumbing, Randy Dees Plumbing, JTM Plumbing, J & J
Best Realty Company
Reader’s Choice:
ABC Seamless
Reader’s Recommend:
Takoda Green Roofing, McCoy Roofing
Reader’s Refer:
C & S Roofing Inc, AR Boone Bros, Sell Roofing, White Castle, Red Rhino, Husker Roofing, Hometown Roofing
Best Storage Facility Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Milt’s Mini Storage
Reader’s Choice:
Dino’s Storage
Reader’s Recommend:
Armor Storage
Reader’s Refer:
South Pacific Storage, Select Van and Storage
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
NP Dodge
Reader’s Choice:
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Nebraska Realty
Reader’s Recommend:
Keller Williams
Best Tree Service
Reader’s Refer:
RE/MAX Results
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Terry Hughes Tree Service
Reader’s Choice:
Arbor Aesthetics, Cut and Grind Tree care, ABS Tree Care
Reader’s Recommend:
Litke Tree Service
Reader’s Refer:
Ashland Tree Service, Frank’s tree service, Enfield’s, Eden Tree Pros
Best Roofing Company
TI
C • REA DE
AUTH
N
Pyramid Roofing
L
E
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
AL
CE
2019
9
6
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Our win is your win. Thank you, Omaha, for voting us the best electrical service. We’re honored to have powered this great city for more than 107 years. And counting.
402.341.6479
AUGUST 2019 22MIL-2163_BestOfOmaha_Reader_v2.indd
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| THE READER |
BEST OF THE BIG O!
millerelect.com
7/19/19 1:30 PM
READERS’ CHOICE - SPONSORED STORY
Your Window Experts, Regardless of the Weather Pella Windows and Doors of Omaha & Lincoln Help Homeowners and Businesses Repair Nebraska Hail Storms
W
hen hard weather hits, Pella’s customer care and installations teams hits harder.
Nebraska has been named the ideal place to raise a family, lands among young American entrepreneurs’ lists of best places to start your own small business, and has consistently risen the ranks of best foodie cities in the United States. But even paradise gets hit with reality once in a while, and in this case, that dose of reality comes in the form of extreme weather. Located in “Hail Alley”, Nebraska holds the dubious honor of having the fourth highest incidents of hail damage in the country. While Pella wishes their customers never had to deal with storm damage at all, the best they can do is be knowledgeable and caring when it does happen. In 2017, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration reported 6,045 major hail storms in the United States. In one year alone, a single insurance provider, State Farm, released a report stating that hail damage had been responsible for $2.4 billion worth of damage to their policy holders. (For more about these statistics, visit https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/factsstatistics-hail ) With these statistics, it’s easy to assume that even if you yourself have never had to deal with a hailstorm headache, you likely will at some point in the future. When hail hits, our thoughts go immediately to the price of the damage and the possible implications on our home’s
value. It’s important to understand the level of damage that has been done, and to get a thorough estimate of all damage before moving forward. Windows are often said to be the eyes of a home, and as such, generally beautiful to look at. It can be easy to forget the
Some of these require minimal treatment, an easy sealing process, or a simple cosmetic fix, while others can present an urgent matter needing prompt action. The longer these issues go unchecked, the greater the cost can become to your family. As the weather fluctuates from one extreme to another, damaged seals can quickly deteriorate. Soon, it can feel like your home has no protection from the elements at all! Identifying storm damage on the initial inspection is imperative to making an insurance claim. Pella offers a no-risk and thorough inspection to anyone worried about hail damage. If no damage is found, you’ll get a high-five and they’ll be on their way! If your home has sustained hail damage, you’ll get a clear estimate and help filing a claim.
many jobs windows do beyond providing a pleasing view. Damage to any part of the window can create a costly problem for you, from expensive energy loss to dangerous broken frames and flashing. Some of the damage you may notice includes: • Broken or torn screens • Chipped glass • Cracked glazing • Dented framework • Dented or broken flashing • Broken, cracked, or shattered glass • Damaged sash or grill • Warped frames from elemental exposure
It can be important to have a window expert check your windows for hail damage. It’s something many roofers can overlook. In addition to the obvious signs of damage, there are more subtle redflags to look for. Draftiness, moisture, or fogging between panes are all signs that you’ve sustained hail damage. If your landscaping has sustained damage, trees and bushes show signs of broken branches or damaged leaves, it’s best to call for your free inspection. Not only is the estimate free, the work is always guaranteed. Pella has established themselves as a trusted ally when dealing with insurance companies, and gracefully moderates on their customers’ behalf. Years of doing business with both Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa residents and insurance adjustors makes Pella the ideal
BEST OF THE BIG O!
moderator, with trust and respect on all sides. Establishing clear communication, and maintaining it throughout the repair process, the team understands that the only villain in this story is the unpredictable weather. Pella Omaha relies on their core beliefs to maintain a positive relationship with their team, clients and community. Materials are constantly tested and tempered to provide maximum protection and efficiency, while striving toward environmental responsibility. Every interaction is based on the principals of honesty and integrity, meaning Pella is as transparent as the product they stand behind. This drive toward consistent improvement is what Pella credits with giving them an edge over competitors, while the longevity of their existing product serves as evidence of their long-standing commitment to integrity. A Pella repair or replacement is not considered a true success unless the job has been accomplished to a customer’s satisfaction on the first attempt. Pella respects their client’s homes, privacy and time, and will do everything in their power to occupy as little of them as possible. These ‘first time finishes’ are a hallmark of Pella service, though they will return to a site without hesitation if the customer has questions, concerns, or if a job needs additional service. Take the headache out of hail damage with a quick call to Pella, Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O! winner for many years in a row!
| THE READER |
AUGUST 2019
23
READERS’ CHOICE - SPONSORED STORY
Eyman’s Omaha Family
Trust Omaha’s Best Home Mechanics to Take Care of Your Heating & Cooling
Y
It’s Not for Everyone
ou never think much about your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning until the moment something goes wrong with it, but for more than 60 years, Eyman has been thinking about helping homeowners every minute of the day. Living in Nebraska means you can experience extreme temperatures year-round. While you and your family may have a regular argument about where to set the thermostat, there’s so much more to your home’s HVAC than the simple slide of a dial.
Common HVAC Issues If you have had to make an emergency call to have HVAC repairs done, it can be overwhelming! You’ll learn words and phrases (and maintenance steps) you’d never heard before. Some of the most common problems with HVAC systems include:
• Strange noises Rattling, grinding, and squeaking. Don’t worry, maybe it’s just a ghost! But you should call and have it looked at anyway.
• Odors You know your home, but it can be difficult to determine if a smell is coming from your HVAC. The most common issues that cause a smell from your unit are mold in the ductwork, and the smell of burning, which is often caused by debris getting into the system, or wires overheating. Both are very serious and require immediate attention.
• Sudden increase in utility costs A very hot or very cold month will lead to increased usage and a higher bill. You know your utilities well enough to anticipate that, and you already fought with your housemates about not leaving their windows open. An unexpected 20%-30% increase, however, could be a red flag. Start with a diagnostic look on your furnace or air-conditioning unit, performed by a professional. Also, an energy audit can tell you if heat/ cold is escaping from poorly sealed windows and attics. With a complicated system of moving parts, there are a lot of big problems that need little fixes that require an expert hand. So why does Omaha choose Eyman?
24
AUGUST 2019
| THE READER |
Longevity Since 1957, the Eyman family has served Nebraska homes and businesses with the respect and urgency that has consistently earned them their spot on every local “Best of” list -- Omaha Magazine, The Reader, Omaha WorldHerald, even Angie’s List and Nextdoor. For four generations, the Eyman family has been welcomed into Omaha area homes and trusted by area businesses, and they humbly point their fingers to the team who stands behind the Eyman name. The trust that is earned by each tech through their prompt responses and knowledgeable service keeps them at the top of the list for repairs, services and routine maintenance. With a deft and intuitive hand, the Eyman team can not only identify a problem in your HVAC unit, but can see down the road to potential hazards and failures, and how to identify them before they become an expensive problem. Wherever possible, Eyman will always recommend repair before replacement. Having the Eymans on your team means avoiding most surprises, while being pleasantly surprised by the level of service provided by everyone who proudly wears the name.
BEST OF THE BIG O!
When the Eymans are vetting a potential tech, they don’t hire just anyone with a license and bonding. They thoroughly check through their history, talk to their references, investigate their education and apprenticeship and do a background check. They are willing to work with someone who needs help finding training, and will help them continue their education, but there is one line they will never cross: If they wouldn’t invite the applicant into their mother’s house, they aren’t going to let them wear the Eyman name on their chest, or send them into the homes of their Omaha families.
Transparency There is enough to worry about when your heat has gone out during an unexpected snow storm, and you’re beyond agitated already when the air-conditioner stops working on a 96-degree summer day. By the time you’ve made the call, you would do anything for some relief, and for many unlucky home owners, that means hiring someone who is less than honest about their pricing model. Eyman is up front about all costs associated with repair, and will make honest suggestions about potential upkeep and maintenance costs. They know that you have enough on your plate without surprise expenses thrown your way.
Urgency While Eyman offers operating hours to give their staff plenty of family and free time, they also keep members of their trusted team on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They know the feeling of dread when you’re hosting a holiday party and your system fails you with 40 people on their way to your house, and someone will answer your call no matter when that happens. For the Eymans, Omaha’s trust is sacred. They’re looking forward to earning your vote as The Readers’ Choice Best of the Big O! for both plumbing and HVAC services for another 60+ years!
Toilets & Faucets | Showers, Sinks & Tubs | Septic Systems | Gas Lines | Boilers | Sump Pumps | Garbage Disposals | Sewer or Water Lines | Water Heater Repairs | Water Heater Replacements | Indoor or Outdoor Piping | Jetting | Cabling | Smoke bombing | Hyrdo-excavating | Camera inspection | Sewer gas detection | Vacuum truck | Electric Furnaces | Gas Furnaces | High Efficiency | Heat Pumps | Duel Fuel | Geo Thermal | Air Conditioners | Propane Furnaces | Ductless Solutions | Boiler Experts | Radiator, pipe repair & replacements | Radiant In-Floor Heat | Snow Melt Systems
s k n a Th
a h a m O for ! s r a e Y 2 6
TrusT The Big red Truck!
Toilets & Faucets | Showers, Sinks & Tubs | Septic Systems | Gas Lines | Boilers | Sump Pumps | Garbage Disposals | Sewer or Water Lines | Water Heater Repairs | Water Heater Replacements | Indoor or Outdoor Piping | Jetting | Cabling | Smoke bombing | Hyrdo-excavating|Camerainspection|Sewergasdetection|Vacuumtruck|ElectricFurnaces|GasFurnaces|High Efficiency | Heat Pumps | Duel Fuel | Geo Thermal | Air Conditioners | Propane Furnaces | Ductless Solutions | Boiler Experts | Radiator, pipe repair & replacements | Radiant In-Floor Heat | Snow Melt Systems | Toilets & Faucets | Showers, Sinks & Tubs | Septic Systems | Gas Lines | Boilers | Sump Pumps | Garbage Disposals | Sewer or Water Lines |WaterHeaterRepairs|WaterHeaterReplacements|IndoororOutdoorPiping|Jetting|Cabling|Smokebombing| serving the| Sewer Omaha Metro area since 1957 Hyrdo-excavating | Camera inspection gas detection | Vacuum truck | Electric Furnaces | Gas Furnaces | High Efficiency | Heat Pumps | Duel Fuel | Geo Thermal | Air Conditioners | Propane Furnaces | Ductless Solutions | Boiler Experts | Radiator, pipe repair & replacements | Radiant In-Floor Heat | Snow Melt Systems
24/7/365 emergency services
Trusteyman.com • 402-731-2727 | THE READER |
AUGUST 2019
25
BEST Nightlife & Play Best Bar for Spirits Selection Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Dundee Dell
Reader’s Choice:
Herbe Sainte, Library Pub
Reader’s Recommend:
Proof
Reader’s Refer:
Grane, The Elbow Room, Jerry’s bar
Best Bar With Live Music
Best Bar for and Internet Date Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Bushwacker's Saloon & Dance Hall
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
The Waiting Room Lounge
Reader’s Choice:
Beercade, Ozone
Reader’s Choice:
Ozone Lounge, Chrome Lounge
Reader’s Recommend:
Jerry’s
Reader’s Recommend:
The Down Under Lounge, Harney Street Tavern
Reader’s Refer:
California Bar, The Hive, Liv Lounge
Best Casino
Best Bar for Beer Selection
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Horseshoe Council Bluffs
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Crescent Moon
Reader’s Choice:
Ameristar, Harrah’s
Reader’s Choice:
Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom, LOCAL Beer, Patio and Kitchen, Krug Park
Reader’s Recommend:
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City
Reader’s Recommend:
Omaha Tap House
Reader’s Refer:
Barchen Beer Garden
Best Bar for Conversation Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Homy Inn
Reader’s Choice:
Mr. Toad’s, 1912, Office West Lounge, Pageturners Lounge
Reader’s Recommend:
Mercury Lounge
Best Bar for Craft Cocktails
Best Cigar Bar Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Jake’s Cigars & Spirits
Reader’s Choice:
Havana Garage Copa Cabana
Reader’s Recommend:
Safari Cigars and Lounge
Best Concert Venue Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Stir Cove
Reader’s Choice:
The Slowdown, Sokol Auditorium
Reader’s Refer:
Lookout Lounge, The Waiting Room, The Jewell
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Wicked Rabbit
Reader’s Choice:
Nite Owl, The Berry & Rye, Mercury
Best Dance Club
Reader’s Refer:
Herbe Sainte, Jerry’s
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
The Max
Reader’s Choice:
Bushwacker’s Saloon & Dance Hall, Ozone Lounge
Reader’s Refer:
Guaca Maya, Two Fine Irishmen, Bar 415
Best Bar for Hiding Out Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Bushwacker’s Saloon & Dance Hall
Reader’s Choice:
Bud Olson’s Bar, Brothers Lounge
Reader’s Recommend:
Rick’s Drift Inn, California Bar
Reader’s Refer:
Jerry’s
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AUGUST 2019
| THE READER |
BEST OF THE BIG O!
Best DJ Service Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Jack’s Entertainment
Reader’s Choice:
Bryan Hill Entertainment
BEST Nightlife & Play Reader’s Recommend:
Supafly Promotions - Omaha DJ Services, A Lasting Impression DJ, Dynamic Air DJs, Gman Entertainment
Best Golf Course Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Tiburon Golf Club
Reader’s Choice:
Quarry Oaks, Indian Creek
Reader’s Recommend:
Johnny Goodman Golf Course
Reader’s Refer:
The Players Club
Best Happy Hour Bar
Best Patio at a Bar Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Mr. Toad’s Pub
Reader’s Choice:
Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill, California Bar, O’Leaver’s Pub
Reader’s Recommend:
Barchen Beer Garden
Reader’s Refer:
Ref’s Sports Bar & Grill, Crossbones
Best Sand Volleyball Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
O’Leaver’s Pub
Reader’s Choice:
Big Red Keno, Winchester Bar & Grill, Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
The Village Bar
Reader’s Recommend:
The MARK
Reader’s Choice:
Kona Grill, Jerry's
Reader’s Refer:
Maloney’s Irish Pub
Reader’s Recommend:
Lighthouse Bar & Grill, Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill Lighthouse Bar & Grill, Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill
Best Shopping District/Mall
Reader’s Refer:
Jimi D’S
Best Karaoke Bar Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Moe & Curly’s Pub
Reader’s Choice:
California Bar, Alderman’s Bar, Crossbones, Reno’s California Bar, Alderman’s Bar, Crossbones, Reno’s Karaoke
Reader’s Refer:
Winchester Bar & Grill, Jack’s
Best Movie Theater Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Aksarben Cinema
Reader’s Choice:
Alamo Drafthouse La Vista, Film Streams’ Dundee Theater, Alamo Drafthouse Midtown
Reader’s Refer:
The Majestic, Marcus Theater Twin Creek, Village Point Marcus, AMC 14, AMC Council Bluffs
Best Neighborhood Tavern
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Nebraska Crossing Outlets
Reader’s Choice:
Village Pointe, Westroads Mall, Shadow Lake Towne Center, Old Market
Reader’s Refer:
Downtown Ralston, Oakview Mall
Best Sports Bar Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar
Reader’s Choice:
Varsity Sports Cafe & Roman Coin Pizza, Tanner’s
Reader’s Recommend:
Icehouse
Reader’s Refer:
Ref’s Sports Bar & Grill, Union Bar and Grill, Dudley’s, Brewskys, Big Red Keno, Oscars, Jerry’s
Best Tourist Attraction Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
Reader’s Choice:
The Old Market, Lauritzen Gardens
Reader’s Refer:
Omaha Summer Arts Festival
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Homy Inn
Reader’s Choice:
The Village Bar Ralston, Jerry’s
Best Wine Shop
Reader’s Recommend:
Tanners
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Spirit World
Reader’s Refer:
California Bar, South Omaha’s Finest Tequila Garage
Reader’s Choice:
Corkscrew Wine & Cheese, La Buvette Wine & Grocery, Vino Mas
Reader’s Refer:
WineStyles of Omaha, Old Vine Wine & Spirits
BEST OF THE BIG O!
| THE READER |
AUGUST 2019
27
BEST Personal Shopping and Services Reader’s Refer:
Next Millennium, Barnes & Noble, Kanesville Kollectibles
Best Cell Phone Provider/Carrier Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Verizon Wireless
Reader’s Choice:
AT&T, Sprint
Reader’s Recommend:
Cricket
Reader’s Refer:
US Cellular, Consumer Cellular
Best Church Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
St Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
Reader’s Choice:
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, First United Methodist Church
Reader’s Recommend:
Stonebridge, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Dream City Church Omaha
Best College or University Best Barbershop Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
The Beard & Mane
Reader’s Choice:
Tight Cuts Barber Shop, Victor Victoria, Red Hot Barber’s Shop
Reader’s Recommend:
Parlour 1887
Reader’s Refer:
Alliance Barbershop and Supply, CUVA CUTS, Lady Janes, The Men’s Salons, Arlan’s Barbershop, Sports Clips, Sportsman’s Barbershop, Ralston Barber Shop
Best Beauty Salon Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Victor Victoria
Reader’s Choice:
Garbo’s Salon and Spa, Creative Hair Design Salon & Spa
Reader’s Recommend:
Curb Appeal Salon & Spa
Reader’s Refer:
Seven Salon, The Hair Market Salon, Salon INK
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
University of Nebraska Omaha
Reader’s Choice:
Creighton University, Metropolitan Community College, Bellevue University
Reader’s Recommend:
Iowa Western Community College
Best Day Spa Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Faces Day Spa
Reader’s Choice:
Victor Victoria Salon & Spa, LovelySkin Spa, Blue Oceans Float, Bella Dea Day Spa
Reader’s Refer:
Seven Salon
Best Dry Cleaner Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Max I. Walker
Reader’s Choice:
Nu Trend Dry Cleaners, Tide Dry Cleaners, Fashion Cleaners
Reader’s Refer:
G I Cleaners, Key Cleaners
Best Fitness Center
Best Bookstore Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
The Bookworm
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Planet Fitness
Reader’s Choice:
Half Price Books, Jackson Street Booksellers
Reader’s Choice:
YMCA, Prairie Life Fitness Center
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AUGUST 2019
| THE READER |
BEST OF THE BIG O!
BEST Personal Shopping and Services Reader’s Recommend:
Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping, Blue Moon Fitness
Reader’s Refer:
Kosama Omaha West
Best Florist Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Flower Basket
Reader’s Choice:
Hy-Vee, Piccolo’s Florist
Reader’s Recommend:
Janousek Florist & Greenhouse
Reader’s Refer:
Taylor’s Flower Shop & Greenhouse, Voila!, Dundee Florist, Stem’s, The Flower and Art Project
First in Omaha. As the first nationally chartered bank in Omaha, First National Bank of Omaha has contributed to our city’s growth for more than 160 years. We’re independent and family owned, and focused on the long view instead of the next quarter, so we’re able to put people above profit. It’s been our recipe for success for generations.
Best Grocery Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Hy-Vee
Reader’s Choice:
Baker’s, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, Fareway Grocery
Reader’s Recommend:
Natural Grocers, Target
First National Bank of Omaha has a tradition of and dedication to doing what’s right for our customers, employees and the communities we serve. We are proud to have again been named the Readers’ Choice Best Bank in Omaha.
Best Jewelry Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Borsheims Fine Jewelry
Reader’s Choice:
Erwin’s Jewelery, Goldsmith Silversmith
Reader’s Refer:
AAA Ultimate Pawn, Gunderson’s Jewelers, Malashock’s, Helzberg’s
Best Martial Arts Studio Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Kicking Tigers Taekwondo
Reader’s Choice:
Mick Doyle’s Kickboxing and Fitness Center, Heartland Family Karate Omaha , Omaha Blue Waves
Reader’s Recommend:
Steiner AMA
Reader’s Refer:
Nebraska Academy of Martial Arts, American School of Karate & Judo, Championship Martial Arts
Best Men’s Clothing Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Men’s Warehouse
Reader’s Choice:
Lindley Clothing, Destination XL
Reader’s Refer:
Parsow’s, Jerry Ryan Clothing & Sportswear, Bel Air Fashions, Curbside Clothing
Member FDIC
FEATURE
| THE READER |
AUGUST 2019
c_TheReader_BestChoiceAd_FirstInOmaha-tower_4.9x10
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BEST Personal Shopping and Services Best Nail Salon Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Bellagio Nails & Spa
Reader’s Choice:
Minabella Beauty Resort, V Nails Minabella Beauty Resort, V Nails
Reader’s Recommend:
Martini Nails & Spa, Seven Salon, Virgo Nail Studio
Best Organic Grocery Store
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Borsheims Fine Jewelry
Reader’s Choice:
Greenberg’s Jewelers
Reader’s Recommend:
14 Karat, Goldsmith Silversmith
Reader’s Refer:
Elder Jewelry
Best Store for Unique Gifts Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
The Afternoon
Reader’s Choice:
Hearthside Candles & Curios, Tannenbaum Christmas Shop
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Trader Joe’s
Reader’s Choice:
Fresh Thyme, Whole Foods Market
Reader’s Recommend:
Tuesday Morning
Reader’s Recommend:
Hy-Vee
Reader’s Refer:
Big Lots, City Limits
Reader’s Refer:
Natural Grocers
Best Tattoo Shop
Best Pawn Shop
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Big Brain
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Sol’s Jewelry & Loan
Reader’s Choice:
Black Squirrel Tattoo, Ouch Studios Tattoo
Reader’s Choice:
Mid-City Jewelry & Loan
Reader’s Recommend:
Reader’s Refer:
AAA Ultimate Pawn
Grinn & Barrett Tattoo, Liquid Courage, Strategic Tattoo, 10th Sanctum Tattoo, Eternal Tattoo
Best Pet Store
Best Thrift Store
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
PetSmart
Reader’s Choice:
Long Dog Fat Cat, The Green Spot
Reader’s Recommend:
Wag
Reader’s Refer:
Woof & Whiskers
Best Shoe Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse
Reader’s Choice:
Famous Footwear, Von Maur, Haney Shoes
Reader’s Refer:
Scheels, Peak Performance
Best Sporting Goods
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Goodwill
Reader’s Choice:
Thrift World
Reader’s Recommend:
Goodwill Industries, Hand Me Ups
Reader’s Refer:
ReJenerations, Big Wheels 2 Butterflies
Best Women’s Clothing Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Von Maur
Reader’s Choice:
Torrid, Esters
Reader’s Recommend:
Hello Holiday, Scout Dry Goods & Trade
Reader’s Refer:
Beyourself
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Scheel’s
Reader’s Choice:
DICK’S Sporting Goods
Best Yoga Studio
Reader’s Recommend:
Play It Again Sports
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Lotus House of Yoga
Reader’s Refer:
DeCosta Sporting Goods, Select Sail & Sports
Reader’s Choice:
Lighthouse Yoga, Legacy Pilates, Yoga & More, One Tree Yoga
Reader’s Recommend:
Pranam Yoga Shala, Sound Method Yoga
Best Store for Engagement Rings 30
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BEST OF THE BIG O!
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BEST Professional & Health Services Best Bank
Reader’s Choice:
Heartland Family Service, Alliance Counseling Center LLP, Adult & Child Therapy Inc.
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
First National Bank
Reader’s Recommend:
Associated Counseling Professionals
Reader’s Choice:
American National Bank, Dundee Bank, Pinnacle Bank, Cornhusker Bank
Reader’s Refer:
Family Connections, Family Enrichment, Center for Health And Healing
Best Credit Union
Best Chiropractic Practice Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Koca Chiropractic
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Veridian Credit Union
Reader’s Choice:
Noll Spine Rehab & Orthopedic, Hoogeveen Chiropractic Wellness Center, Steskal Chiropractic, Komp Chiropractic and Acupuncture Clinic
Reader’s Choice:
SAC Federal Credit Union, Metro Federal Credit Union, Omaha Federal Credit Union, Centris Federal Credit Union
Reader’s Refer:
Creighton Federal Credit Union
Reader’s Refer:
Korth Pain and Sports Rehabilitation, Sarpy Chiropractic, Elsasser Chiropractic, Restore Chiropractic, Essential Natural Family Health, Performance Chiropractic, Young Chiropractic
Best Cosmetic Dental Office Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Shadow Ridge Dental, Premier Dental
Reader’s Choice:
New Image Dentistry, Brian Zuerlein Dental, Quality Dental Care
Reader’s Refer:
Hild Family Dental, Capehart Family Dentistry, Aesthetic Dental, Todays Dental, Wilson Dental, Pacific Village Dental
Best Dry Cleaner Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Max I. Walker
Reader’s Choice:
Nu Trend Dry Cleaners, Tide Dry Cleaners, Fashion Cleaners
Reader’s Recommend:
G I Cleaners, Key Cleaners
Best Dentist Office Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
The Dentists at Village Pointe
Reader’s Choice:
Dr Roger Curry
Reader’s Recommend:
Premier Dental, Horizon Dental Center, Today’s Dental Millard, Maurstad Dentistry
Best Cosmetic Practice- Noninvasive Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Skin Specialists PC
Reader’s Choice:
Denenberg Facial Plastic Surgery, Dermatology Specialists of Omaha, Imagen Cosmetic Surgery
Reader’s Refer:
Allure Health and Med Spa
Best Cosmetic Surgery Practice Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Popp Cosmetic Surgery PC
Reader’s Choice:
Aesthetic Surgical Images, Dr. Joel Schlessinger, Finkle Cosmetic Surgery Center
Reader’s Recommend:
Plastic Surgical Center
Best Counseling Clinic Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
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Arbor Family Counseling
| THE READER |
BEST OF THE BIG O!
Best Dermatology Clinic Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Braddock Finnegan Dermatology
Reader’s Choice:
Dr. Joel Schlessinger, Dermatology Specialists of Omaha, Midwest Dermatology Clinic P.C.
Best Health Clinic Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Methodist Physicians Clinic
Reader’s Choice:
OneWorld Community Health Centers, CHI Health Clinic, Boys Town Pediatric, Think Whole Person Healthcare
Reader’s Refer:
Brown’s Healthcare, Papillion Family Medicine, UNMC Family Medicine, Nebraska Medicine
BEST Professional & Health Services Best Hospital Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Methodist Hospital
Reader’s Choice:
Methodist Women’s Hospital, UNMC Medical Center, CHI Bergan Mercy
Reader’s Recommend:
Farmer’s Insurance - Lance Juett, Farm Bureau Financial Fidelity Home Health Care, Steve Grow American Family Insurance, Edgar DeLeon State Farm Agency
Reader’s Refer:
HUB International, NPDodge Insurance, New Frontier Insurance, Tom DemoryState Farm, Jay Bermeier, Doug Bosse - State Farm, USAA Financial Services, Knights of Columbus - Ryan Mascarello
CHI Lakeside Hospital, CHI Mercy Hospital Council Bluffs
Best In-Home Health Care Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Visiting Nurse Association
Reader’s Choice:
Hillcrest Home Care, Home Instead Senior Care, Fidelity Home Health Care
Reader’s Recommend:
Comfort Keepers
Reader’s Refer:
Way to Stay
Best Lasik Center Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Omaha Eye & Laser Institute
Reader’s Recommend:
LasikPlus
Reader’s Recommend:
Midwest Eyecare, Kugler Vision, Brumm Eye & Laser Vision
Best Law Firm- Bankruptcy
Best Insurance Agency Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Reader’s Choice:
Matt Dougherty - State Farm Insurance Agent
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Sam Turco Law Offices Sam Turco Law Offices
Reader’s Choice:
John T. Turco & Associates, Husker Law, Abboud Law, Skrupa Law Office, Koenig Dunne
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AUGUST 2019
33
BEST Professional & Health Services Reader’s Choice:
Olsen Center for Women’s Health, Heartland OB/GYN, Kolbeck Nabity Bossert & Simmons OB/GYN
Reader’s Recommend:
Omaha OB/GYN
Best Law Firm- Criminal Defense Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Abboud Law, James Martin Davis Law, Schaefer Shapiro, Petersen Law Offices
Reader’s Recommend:
Stoler Hug Law, Fowler & Kelly Law
Best Law Firm- Divorce Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Kinney Mason, PC
Reader’s Choice:
Husker Law, The Law Office of David Riley, McGill Law, P.C., Koenig Dunne Divorce Law
Reader’s Refer:
Carlson & Burnett, Kennedy Law
Best Law Firm- DUI Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Schaefer Shapiro
Reader’s Choice:
Olsen Law Offices, Craig Martin Law, Robb N. Gage Petersen Law Office, Finley & Kahler Law
Best Optical Store Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Malbar Vision Center
Reader’s Choice:
Advanced Family Eyecare, Target Optical, Tiburon Family Eyecare
Reader’s Recommend:
Midwest Eyecare, Commercial Optical
Best Optometrist Practice Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Advanced Family Eyecare
Reader’s Choice:
Malbar Vision Center, Millard Family Eyecare, Midwest Eyecare, Aksarben Eye Care
Reader’s Refer:
Brumm Eye Center, Eye Consultants, Pro Eye Group Eyecare West
Best Orthodontist Office
Best Law Firm- Personal Injury Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Hauptman O’Brien Wolf & Lathrop
Reader’s Choice:
Ronald J. Palagi, Dyer Law
Reader’s Recommend:
The Abboud Law Firm, Inserra & Kelley, The Law Office of David Riley
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Huerter Orthodontics
Reader’s Choice:
Dr. Kelly Conway, DDS, Igel Orthodontics, Barnard & Jones, The Orthodontic Group
Reader’s Refer:
Weber Orthodontics, Imagine Orthodontics
Best Pediatric Office
Best Long Term Care Facility Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Hillcrest Health Services
Reader’s Choice:
Brookestone Village, Good Samaritan, Immanuel Communities, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital-Omaha, Westgate Assisted Living
Best Massage Therapy Practice
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Village Pointe Pediatrics
Reader’s Choice:
Children’s Physicians, Boys Town Pediatric, Heartland Family First
Best Pharmacy Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Hy-Vee
Reader’s Choice:
Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Kohll’s Pharmacy & Homecare Walmart, Baker’s
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Massage Envy
Reader’s Choice:
Special Kneads, Oasis Spa, On The Spot Massage Therapy, Old Market Massage
Reader’s Recommend:
Reader’s Recommend:
Big Open Hearts, Victor Victoria
Best Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy
Best OB/GYN Practice Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
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Methodist Physicians Clinic Women’s Center
| THE READER |
BEST OF THE BIG O!
Reader’s Choice Best of the Big O:
Excel Physical Therapy
Reader’s Choice:
Makovicka Physical Therapy, Fyzical , Nebraska Medicine
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Dream of Cauli-Forno-Cation with Nick Strawhecker’s Latest Venture by SARA LOCKE
T
he new incarnation of Nick Strawhecker’s Blackstone location of Dante, Forno Omaha, features much of what you loved about the former, with a few bold twists. It took three visits to Forno to get a decent grasp of the focused, yet intricate, menu. Please tell my boss that when he sees all of the receipts I sent him. The menu itself is the one glaring problem with the establishment, as the font is irritatingly difficult to read. It was an off-putting start to what turned into a truly surprising experience. I will say that once you’ve enjoyed more than one of the generously poured cocktails, your menu will become completely useless to you and you’ll have to go Omakase -style and let the server bring you whatever they want. If you resort to such lengths, you’ll still be in for a treat. From choose-your-own adventure meat-lover or vegetarian charcuterie at half or full size to a glut of enticing wood-fired pizzas, the bevy of options makes it important to understand what you crave before you sit down. Otherwise,
you’ll find yourself asking for the optional piggyback ride out of the restaurant when your overindulgence has rendered you unable to walk. I’m just kidding. That’s not an option on the menu. But someone tell Strawhecker that it ought to be. The fontina fonduta wood-roasted cauliflower is what did me in on that first visit. A gently charred whole head of cauliflower is brought to the table beside a saucière of molten fontina cheese, which is then lasciviously poured over the cruciferous head to be shared among the table. The dish would benefit from a texture variant, perhaps a sprinkling of the popped sorghum utilized on other dishes, or a handful of toasted seeds for crunch, but I’d never thought of cauliflower as decadent until I’d sinned with this villainous vegetable.
Saluti Many of the items are served familystyle, which requires a touch of cooperation and a bit of trust in whoever places the order. Your dishes are served to your table not all at once, but as they are ready. Perhaps it is by this design that I found myself ordering from the cocktail menu as I waited. Just as the establishment caters to those who want the full Italian experience sans carniv-
orous participation, several fun, delicious non-alcoholic cocktails exist on the menu. These inclusive touches make Forno stand out as a dining option when you are trying to plan around dietary restrictions, picky eating or poor dining chemistry with your companion.
ment in this application was pleasantly palatable. Wood-roasted lemon brings out the brightness in the bitter dish, while the addition of fennel and toasted sorghum create a strangely crave-inducing texture.
After careful consideration of the playful drink menu, I landed on Arancia you Thirsty, comprised of vodka, vanilla bean, basil and orange. My dining companion opted for a fizzy strawberry lemonade.
continued on page 38 y
As we sipped, a plate of mushroom arancini was delivered to the table. Savory and light with a crisp crust, the deep-fried croquettes are served on a rosemary tonnato with a sprinkling of grated horseradish. Other starters that left an excellent taste in our mouths included a surprising kale salad. I say surprising because kale is one of the few millennial fads that I have been loath to follow. Kale is the worst, and I maintain that stance. However, the treat-
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DISH
A dish of mushroom ragu on fusilli landed itself on the “everything in between”
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For your carnivorous inclinations, you’ll need to look no further than the balsamic sticky ribs. Sweet, well-seasoned and served on braised cipollini and mushrooms, each bite is a satisfying meal you just can’t get enough of.
portion of the menu. I imagine coming back just for this dish in the fall, maybe enjoying it hot on the small patio with a cool breeze. The creaminess comes compliments of the cashew, making this hearty dish both delicious and vegan.
Main Man Main dishes are almost an afterthought. Calling back to the earlier point, if you don’t know what you want before you sit down, the tempting starter courses may be enough to send you on your way before you’ve had the chance to peruse the equally sinful main courses. As with the rest of the menu, there are options to make this the destination for anyone in the mood for a delicious meal. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free choices are available across the board, and each is treated with equal creativity and respect.
Both the beerbraised pork jowl and the river salmon plated with a delicate risotto and bok choy serve as prime examples of the patience that the chef is willing to exercise to serve a truly exceptional dish. Several vegan and vegetarian pasta options entice you to order opposing dishes and share, and a dessert menu looms
S
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nearly as large as the rest of the menu on its own.
Tigelle Me About it
FORNO
com | FornoOmaha. 3852 Farnam ay m. p. 2 to : 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday-Thursd m. & 4:30 p.m. to 9 p. 2 p.m. Friday: 11:30 a.m. to m. p. 11 & 4:30 p.m. to p.m. 11 . to Saturday: 11:30 a.m ndays to 9 p.m. | Closed Mo Sunday: 11:30 a.m.
One of the great privileges of working with so many chefs and restaurant owners is the inside look at what they’re most proud of and their reasons for rallying behind a signature dish. In the case of Forno, an imported Italian Tigelle press serves as the pièce de résistance.
A circular bread, the approximate size and texture of a large English muffin, is stamped with the press, resulting in a toasted floral print.
These are then employed as sandwich bread or served alongside the meat and cheese charcuterie. To close your eyes and listen to Forno’s Justin Gilmore tell the story of the Tigelle press, you’d imagine you were being told the story of the birth of a favorite child. Use the pressed bread to explore the many condiments, textures and surprises that are served throughout your meal. Each component of every dish is seasoned, toasted, popped, sauced or fired to coax maximum flavor. While Dante has always been a step above your standard pizza parlor, the consideration and thoughtfulness of Forno’s dishes are an element of surprise in themselves. Set aside a Blackstone stroll or a long lunch for your own Italian experience.
Join us for FREE Wednesdays 6:30 - 7:30 pm
The Commons Community Center Enter through door #4 on the east side of the building
7020 Cass • Omaha, Nebraska 68132 (402) 556-6262 • www.fumcomaha.org
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August 2
New American Arts Festival Benson Business District
Military Avenue. Grab a bite from Syrian Falafel, Nepalo Momp, Karen Sweet Treats, Chaima’s African Cuisine or Renear Inc Gyros. Marvel at makers’ handmade furniture, leather goods and textiles. Take workshops in Syrian cooking and jewelry-making, Nepali cooking and necklace-making and culturally specific gardening. Also look out for the In(HEIR)itance Project tent. This national project brings together theater professionals and members of marginalized communities to devise performance pieces from sacred texts and personal stories. During the festival, the public is invited to observe and participate in creating and rehearsing a production that will be performed in November. The festival is free and runs from 5 p.m. to midnight. — Leo Biga
August 2
Variety Show Modern Arts Midtown
If variety is the spice of life, then summer in the art world, when galleries feature
Benson First Friday and Lutheran Family Services present this annual showcase of immigrant and refugee cultures from Iraq, Nepal, Syria, Bosnia, Burma and more. Sample authentic foods, music and art. Check out pop-up indoor art galleries at Hardy Coffee Co., Yoshitomo, Citylight Arts Project, Lion’s Mane Vintage and Parlour 1887. Stroll the street gallery at 60th Street and
their market basket of represented artists, is the most flavorful season of all. Modern Arts Midtown continues this warmweather ritual of the mega-group show with its Summer Exhibition, featuring 19 artists from its stable. The show, which opened July 5 and continues through August 28, offers the work of Jamie Burmeister, Tom Rierden, James Freeman, Laura Northern, Bob Culver, Troy Muller, Iggy Sumnik, Colin Smith, Larry Roots, Sora Kimberlain, Roberto Kusterle, Theresa Pfarr, Brian Gennardo, Fulvio DePellegrin, Charles Novich, John Spence, David Lovekin, Justin Meyers and Stuart Wheat.
With so many artists to choose from, there is no overarching theme to discern, and the pleasures of compare and contrast belong solely to the viewer. Enjoy while it’s in season. Summer Exhibition is open at Modern Arts Midtown, 3615 Dodge Street, and runs through August 28. A mid-show reception will be held on Friday, August 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For further information, contact 402-502-8737 or visit www. modernartsmidtown.com. — Janet L. Farber
Anderson O’Brien Fine Art welcomes ceramic artist Amy Smith for an exhibit of her pottery and drawings. The long-time Omaha Old Market art venue, now comfortably settled into a cozier space in the Midtown Crossings neighborhood, presents In the Nude, opening Friday, August 2. Smith’s thrown porcelain vessels and paintings celebrate the fine art of nude figure drawing. With the emphasis being on line and form of the figure, Smith draws from live models to create simple gestural expressions of movement and shape. Her bold linework contrasts with pastel back-
August 2
‘In the Nude’ Anderson O’Brien Fine Art pickS
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grounds to produce minimal and contemplative figure work. The gentle transitions and curves of her clay provide sensual reference points to the human body. A devoted educator, Smith was an artist in residence and is a visiting lecturer at both the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and North Dakota State; she is currently a visiting lecturer at Union College in Lincoln. In the Nude runs from August 2 to August 31. The opening reception is August 2 from 5 to 8 p.m. Anderson O’Brien Fine Art is located at 3201 Farnam, #6109, just west of the Alamo Theater. Free three-hour parking is available in the Midtown Crossings garage, with ticket validation. Further information can be found at aobfineart. com, and you can see more of this artist’s work at amysmithporcelain.com. — Kent Behrens
August 2
Experimental Portrait
Remixing: An Experimental Portrait Series displays the work of Shawnequa Linder, who works in painting, which can also be sculptural, and in photography. The show is a series of portraits that combine color and texture to enhance depth and movement. Linder uses movement, texture and color in a nontraditional platform when creating work and often uses unconventional tools, such as business cards, to build up form on the canvas. Creating and controlling chaos allows the artist to explore relationships within elements of the work. Remixing: An Experimental Portrait Series opens August 2, 2019, and is open through August 31 at The Little Gallery, 5901 Maple Street in downtown Benson. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information call 402-6801901 or email info@polecatcommunications.com. — Hugo A. Zamorano
August 2
The Little Gallery The Little Gallery in Benson will hold an opening reception for Remixing: An Experimental Portrait Series on August 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. during Benson First Friday.
Grass is Always Greener Petshop Gallery Petshop Gallery offers just that sort of perspective with its exhibit The Grass Is Always Greener with artist Rob Walters, opening August 2, from 7 to 10 p.m. The Grass Is Always Greener features photographs taken by Rob Walter that close in on moments of clarity. Walters works to “capture instances that can help us see past ourselves and at our personal narrative outside of ourselves.” Walters also works with video and film to navigate through personal journeys in different places he’s been and the interactions he’s experienced while there. Raised in a military family, he picked up a Kodak camera at the age of 8 and docu-
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mented the move with his family from California to New York. The Grass Is Always Greener opens First Friday and runs through the month of August at Petshop Gallery, 2725 N 62nd St. Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m on Fridays or by appointment. For more information, contact info@bensonfirstfriday. com. — Hugo Zamorano
budding friendship and subsequent adoption of Duncan’s dog, Chica, starting in El Tajin, Mexico, and ending with preparations for a new life in Lincoln, Nebraska. Broghammer’s unique and bold use of chalk pastels provides droll and moving accompaniment to Duncan’s travelogue, as told from the dog’s point of view in both English and Spanish. With whimsy and touching sensitivity that illustrates experiences from life in a circus to a scary visit to the vet, Broghammer’s guileless drawing style and peculiar compositions provide a fun and sincere illumination to this entertaining children’s book. Copies of the book are for sale through the museum and at various locations around Omaha. Contact the museum for hours of operation at 402-731-1137 or visit elmuseolatino.org. El Museo Latino is located at 4701 South 25th Street. — Kent Behrens
Through August 5
Native Omaha Days Multiple venues, dates, times
August 3
Drawings for ‘Chica’ Exhibit El Museo Latino
There is still time to visit El Museo Latino and catch Chica, an exhibition of original pastel drawings by Joseph Broghammer. The exhibition opened at this South Omaha venue on June 22 and runs through August 24. Broghammer will be giving a gallery talk on August 3. Broghammer was commissioned in 2017 to produce a series of drawings to illustrate the children’s book Chica by arts collector and patron Karen Duncan of Lincoln. The book chronicles the early life,
NATIVEOMAHADAYS.ORG This late-July-through-early-August festival is really one big, progressive reunion for the North Omaha African-American community. It draws residents and natives together for a slew of events. Some to check out:
August 1
Black History Tour Brunch August 2
Omaha Days Golf Classic Donell Jones in concert Stroll Down Memory Lane August 3
Native Omaha Days Parade 22nd Biennial Homecoming Ball Village Festival Square
How will also be performing. Tickets are $5 to see all four bands, and the show begins at 9 p.m. — Addie Costello
August 4
August 7
Concert at Dreamland Park MusicFest Omaha’s “The Blues at Metro” concert Get schedule info at www.nativeomahadays.org. — Leo Biga
Stef Chura Reverb Lounge
In the Market for Blues This annual blues festival has grown every year and will now feature more than 40 bands in 12 venues. Read Hoodoo for more information. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 on the day. Purchase at: inthemarketforblues. tumblr.com. – Reader staff
August 6
Outer Spaces O’Leaver’s
Slash
Stir Concert Cove
Stef Chura will be bringing her gritty indie rock sound to Omaha. Before touring the country, she spent years traveling around her home state of Michigan performing solo shows, playing in other people’s bands and making home recordings. Her experience is evident in her latest release, Midnight, which has an entirely original and innovative sound. Inspired by the characters and grit she has seen and acquired living in Detroit, her music is often described as angsty or defiant. Instead of trying to tell a story, her lyrics describe complicated emotions and attempt to convey a specific sentiment. The concert will be kicked off by LAbased French Vanilla, a high-energy, whimsical, post-punk band. Tickets are $12, and the show begins at 8 p.m. — Addie Costello
August 8
Gary Clark Jr. Outer Spaces is a Baltimore band created and led by Cara Beth Satalino, a selftaught guitar player and singer/songwriter. Satalino has been a part of numerous other groups and projects, but she formed Outer Spaces with the intent of creating something entirely her own. Inspired by a lonely time in her life, she wrote the band’s latest release, the power pop album Gazing Globe. Outer Spaces is bringing their unique, drowsy, catchy sound across the country. Opening for Outer Spaces at O’Leavers is the higher-energy pop-punk band Radiator Hospital. The Grand Rapids band has a recent album release of their own. Omaha native Anna McClellan and local band And
August 9
ft. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators
August 3
Multiple venues (see page 50)
His wide range of music has attracted the attention of Beyoncé, President Obama and lovers of music across the globe. Along with his own guitar and songwriting skills, Gary Clark Jr. will be bringing a full band bursting with talent to Stir Cove Thursday August 8. — Addie Costello
Stir Concert Cove
If you can’t wait for Guns N’ Roses’ October show in Lincoln, the band’s ageless axeman is playing a warm-up show in the heart of Stir’s concert schedule. The guitarist’s side project is touring worldwide in support of their acclaimed third album Living the Dream. The album’s boozedrenched boogie is sure to vibe with any GNR fans as well as those who enjoyed Velvet Revolver, Slash’s Scott Weiland-fronted side project. — Houston Wiltsey
musical about love and faith, struggle and success, rowdiness and redemption, and the healing power of home and family.” The show features classics from Cash’s repertoire — including “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues” and, of course, “The Ring of Fire.” Evening shows are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m. and matinees are Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 regular admission and $30 for seniors. For more: www.performingartistsrepertorytheatre.org. — Beaufield Berry
August 9-25 Apollon Presents
‘Pokenon!’
August 9-18 Performing Artists Repertory Theatre (PART) Presents
The Apollon
‘Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash’ Crossroads Mall
No matter what genre of music you like, Gary Clark Jr. has a song you will enjoy. The Austin-born musical prodigy is touring the world with his new album, This Land.
If you grew up listening to the Man in Black or are a member of the next generation ready to be introduced, this show is for you. PART is housed in Omaha’s Crossroads Mall, a surprisingly capable venue to host the many shows PART produces each year. Artistic Director Gordon Cantiello keeps the season fresh with a terrific mix of music and drama. Ring of Fire is billed as a “unique
pickS
The Apollon continues its mission to create engaging, interactive art in its intimate setting with its latest take on pop culture: Pokenon, a journey of rediscovering magic in the world of Ash, Pikachu and
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all the Pokémon you remember. If you’ve never been to an Apollon show, this is your perfect introduction to its unique style of theater. Shows run Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For more: email info@apollonomaha.com or purchase tickets at www.apollonomaha.com/tickets. — Beaufield Berry
August 11
Block 16 and Friends
Epic BBQ Smoke Out SMA for Presley
A $25 ticket will get you food prepared generously by: Block 16, Au Courant Regional Kitchen, Dario’s Brasserie, Avoli Osteria, Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops, j. coco, Smokin Barrel BBQ Kano restaurant, Chef Dan Watts of Pegler Sysco, Farine + Four, The Boiler Room Restaurant, Chef Michael R. Rhoades of US Foodservice, V. Mertz, Dante, Forno, Jon’s Naturals, Yoshitomo and drinks by Nite Owl and Mercury. Along with tasty food and a heartwarming cause, there will be games and raffles running throughout the daylong event. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Food will be served at different times throughout. Find the event on Facebook for more. — Addie Costello
Lizzo and DUCKWRTH and indie darlings Beach Bunny and Snail Mail. — Houston Wiltsey
August 15
Dustin Arbuckle & The Damnations Chrome Lounge
August 16-September 15 Omaha Community Playhouse Presents
‘Sweat’
August 14-17
Hot Shops Art Center
Block 16 owners, Paul and Jessica Urban, are bringing together fantastic chefs from favorite Omaha restaurants to smoke meat and help two-year-old Presley Mae O’Doherty’s battle with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). All money made from the event will go directly to Presley’s parents to help them pay for the extensive and lifelong treatments a battle against SMA requires.
Maha Music Festival Stinson Park in Aksarben Village
Howard Drew Theatre
The Blues Society of Omaha’s Thursday early-show series continues with this rare treat. You don’t want to miss this show. Read Hoodoo for more on page 50. Show runs 5:30 to 9 p.m. For more find Blues Society of Omaha’s page on Facebook. – Reader staff
August 15
Ben Harper and Trombone Shorty Stir Concert Cove The theme for this year’s iteration of Maha seems to be “Two Steps Forward, One Step Back.” The festival itself is now bigger than ever in terms of sheer scale. It now stretches over four days, has more vendors and includes an entire speaker series at Metropolitan Community College that features talks on everything from technology to weed. On the other side, the music portion seems to have reached a standstill. After a headliner-heavy Saturday night that featured performances from Father John Misty and Weezer in 2018, Maha has opted to spread the budget out over a few lowerlevel acts. There’s still a lot to love. The female-fronted festival includes performances from alt-rock heavy hitters Courtney Barnett and Jenny Lewis, rising rap stars
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gether for lovers of many genres, including jazz, blues, rock, funk and even pop. Ben Harper has created more than 15 albums, and his musical talents have earned him three Grammys. As for Trombone Shorty’s skills, he has played behind iconic rock, hip hop and pop musicians, including Madonna. The pair will be co-headlining a concert at Stir Concert Cove Thursday, August 15. Collectively, the two men play 14 instruments with enough ability to draw crowds worldwide. — Addie Costello
Winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize and three-time Tony Award nominee, Sweat is billed as the story of “a group of steelworkers whose steady march toward the American dream is uprooted by economic change.” Directed by the masterful Susie Baer-Collins and featuring an exciting cast of both Omaha stage veterans and new faces, Sweat is a do-not-miss show of the year. It’s made waves across the U.S. as the perfect addition to the theater catalog, adding a multi-ethnic, relevant, heartbreaking and humorous addition to many theaters’ repertoires. Playwright Lynn Nottage brilliantly balances difficult realities with entertainment and educational themes. Shows run Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $30; prices vary by performance and seat location. Purchase by phone at 402-553-0800 or at TicketOmaha.com. Contains adult language and violence. — Beaufield Berry
August 18
Trombone Shorty and Ben Harper are bringing their endless musical talents to-
Stephen Marley Slowdown
Stephen Marley was born into a reggae dynasty as the son of adored musician Bob Marley. Surrounded by the greatest in the genre since birth, Marley has been perfecting his own sound for most of his life. He has branched out to other genres, worked with many other artists and helped other musicians as a producer. Although his work has been influenced by the reggae legends in his family, Marley has found a unique sound of his own that has advanced the genre even further. He will be bringing his Grammy-winning music to Omaha reggae lovers at the Slowdown August 18. — Addie Costello
August 18
St. Stanislaus
Polish Festival St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
in the metro. One of the oldest is the St. Stanislaus Polish Festival, which celebrates 50 years in 2019. This one-day event may pack in more people per square block than any of the rest, but the lines move fast and the crowd’s friendly. The street parking is scarce, so be prepared to walk a few blocks. But the real-deal pierogi, gwumpkie and sausage are worth the effort. There are also rides, games, live music and spontaneous polka dances. Avoid the crush by parking at Spring Valley parking lot at 50th and G and catching Ollie the Trolley. The event runs from noon to 8 p.m. — Leo Biga
Local gourmet chefs prepare dishes using City Sprouts produce picked fresh from its Decatur Urban Farm, and foodies partake in this farm-to-table feast. Guest chefs Ben Maides of Au Courant, Jake Newton of V. Mertz, Kimbler Harrold of the Scott Center and Brian Langbehn and Katie Arant of Coneflower Creamery will create a signature course featuring Sprouts’ seed of the year, Rattlesnake Beans, and other seasonal garden flavors. An online auction opening August 5 and continuing until 3 p.m. the day of the event features garden and culinary items and gift cards for dinners and tours. All proceeds support the Sprouts Summer Urban Farming Internship. It’s a fun, sustainable way to celebrate fresh local food and to connect growers with chefs and gourmands in a community ecosystem of good eats. The event runs from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Buy tickets at omahasprouts.org/gala. — Leo Biga
August 20
CJ Ramone Lookout Lounge
All the ethnic festivals in town give lie to the assertion Omaha isn’t diverse. There are German, Greek, Italian, Latino, African, African-American, Mayan, Czech and any number of other cultural celebrations
Stir Concert Cove
Phantogram — the New York duo of Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel — return to Omaha behind ... not much of anything. The duo released their last record, Three, in 2016, and, with the exception of the single “Into Happiness” that was released this past May, not much else. Still, Phantogram has plenty of bangers — including “Mouthful of Diamonds” and “Fall in Love” — to keep a crowd groovin’ for an hour and a half. Additionally, one dollar from every show will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in honor of Barthel’s sister who passed away during the recording of Three. — Houston Wiltsey
Clarence Tilton Reverb Lounge
City Sprouts Grow with Us Gala:
Institute for the Culinary Arts Metropolitan Community College Fort Omaha Campus
Phantogram
August 23
August 18
An Afternoon of Culinary Adventures
August 22
If you find yourself in need of a night spent head-banging to classic punk or metal, the Lookout Lounge is the place to go. This month, punk legend CJ Ramone, of the iconic, world famous Ramones, performs songs from his latest solo album. Living up to the seemingly impossibly high standards of classic Ramones’ fans, CJ’s solo music respects the classic fist-pumping sound of his roots while incorporating his own twists (including covers of classic country songs). Sharing the stage will be Dog Fight, a rock band and sister duo that credits the Ramones for much of the inspiration for their current sound. Tickets are available at lookoutomaha.com for $13 and $15 at the door. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. — Addie Costello
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Omaha band Clarence Tilton will put on a celebratory performance to premier their new album. This will be the band’s second album after their debut released in 2015. The band also released an EP in 2018 that built on the exciting sound developed in their previous release. Clarence Tilton blends blues, rock, folk and country to create an original, Midwestern sound. The band is made up of multiple vocalists, many guitars and an impressive rhythm section. Tickets to be one of the first to hear the new album are $10, and the event begins at 9 p.m. — Addie Costello
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Mahoney State Park
August 23-24 The Union’s Performing Arts Collective Presents
The event runs from 1 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Purchase at malcolmxfoundation.ticketleap.com. — Leo Biga
‘Simply Heavenly’
August 24
Plays Out Loud! The Union for Contemporary Art
This past spring, I visited the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, New York. The Schomburg is a worldwide leader in research, preservation and content focused on African-American, diaspora and African experiences. There is absolutely no place like it. It is also the resting place of the prolific and excellent writer Langston Hughes. His body is interred below a large floor mural inscribed with his poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers.” Simply Heavenly is a musical comedy with book and lyrics by Hughes and music by David Martin. It’s based on Hughes’ novel Simple Takes A Wife and other Simple stories, originally published for Chicago’s famed newspaper The Defender. Not only is Langston Hughes’ work a snapshot of his time, it remains remarkably relevant and eloquent. If there is a place in our own city to experience the kind of work championed by the Schomburg Center, it is unequivocally Union for Contemporary Art’s Performing Arts Collective, helmed by Denise Chapman. Put this on your calendar as a must-see. Plays Out Loud! is a series of readers’ theater, and all performances are done with script in hand followed by a Q&A session with the director and cast. Shows start at 7 p.m., and tickets are $5. If ticket cost is prohibitive, The Union offers a limited number of free tickets, available first-comefirst-served, on the day of the performance. — Beaufield Berry
August 23- October 20 Eugene T. Mahoney State Park & Popcorn Productions Present
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This is the perfect theatrical outing for the whole family — especially if you have a family of enthusiastic Potterheads. Gary Botter and the Divining Sphere is Popcorn Productions’ spoof on the beyond-popular series, and it’s all about audience interaction. It’s totally encouraged to “cheer for the hero and aww for the heroine” while making sure to “boo, hiss and throw popcorn at the villain.” It takes place at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, but no worries. It’s indoors with air conditioning. Shows run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Family price (two adults and two children under 12) is $20. For more: Melodrama.net. — Beaufield Berry
August 24
Malcolm X So-l
Food and Music Fest
Malcolm X Memorial Foundation
Community takes center stage during this annual event at the memorial birthsite of slain activist Malcolm X. The parklike grounds and comfy visitors’ center provide inviting spaces for this diverse, urban lollapalooza of soul food by local vendors and live soul music and spoken word by local and national artists. The event highlights the importance of food security and strengthening community ties through the arts. The fest highlights wellness, uplifting youth and positive artistic expression. In alignment with the legacy of Malcolm X, the event demonstrates what it truly means to be a sustainable community. The artist lineup includes: Reggae dub poet Ras Takura from Jamaica, Wakanda One (Shomari Huggins and Coleman Hunter), Edem Soul Music, Olivia Johnson, J. Crum, Shukura Huggins and Pear Tree Performing Arts.
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Holland Performing Arts Center
Omaha Community Playhouse, Omaha Conservatory of Music and Omaha Academy of Ballet Present
Arts Block Party
Cass between 72nd & 69th
For the second time, three Omaha creative powerhouses are joining forces to create a free, family event to open up the world of theater, music and dance to the public. Omaha Community Playhouse, Omaha Conservatory of Music and Omaha Academy of Ballet present the second annual Arts Block Party, with live music and performances, crafts for the kids, food trucks, raffle prizes, etc. The three institutions are within blocks of each other, so it’s exciting that they’ve partnered to not only encourage and inspire artists old and new, but also educate the city about their unique programs. This free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more: www.artsblockpartyomaha.com. — Beaufield Berry
August 25
Film Streams Feature 8:
Paul Giamatti in Conversation
with Alexander Payne
What’s so special about two nerds talking movies? Well, when it’s Paul Giamatti and Alexander Payne sharing cinema favs, insider tidbits and behind-the-scenes tales, it’s more than average sprocket heads blowing hot air. See “Kindred spirits Giamatti and Payne revisit the art of finding truth and profundity” on page 8. Show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Purchase at filmstreams.org. — Leo Biga
August 29
The Milk Carton Kids The Slowdown
The Milk Carton Kids is a duo comprised of singers and guitarists Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan. The two hail from California and definitely have that Echo in the Canyon, folky sound. They recorded their first album near Ventura Highway, which is fitting because they do sound a bit like America, the band not the country, though far less druggy. If you’re into finger-picked acoustic guitar, rich vocal harmonies and people that dress like Brooklyn barbers, you’ll feel right at home. — Houston Wiltsey
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Re•Purpose Kaneko exhibit a creative lesson in how to adapt to change, uncertainty by Jeff King | PHOTOS BY Ben Semisch
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ncertainty and change are possibly the only constants in our environment. Any action committed by an organism is met with an almost immediate reaction; some predictable, some not. What matters most is how we respond and adapt.
both cases, neither are typical from the start. Take for example the sculptural work of Chakaia Booker. In terms of scale and scope, the work is impressive to behold.
Re•Purpose, the current exhibition at Kaneko is a creative response to changes that have occurred in the world. The offerings in this multimedia group show are an example of creativity that not only addresses environment from a practical standpoint but also politically and socially.
Though there are two-dimensional prints in her portion of the exhibition, which felt a bit superfluous, the sculptures she has created are well-placed documents describing the causes and effects of human interaction with the world. The work has, in some cases, a grisly, almost horrific appearance, but it remains harmonious in the balance and use of repurposed material.
The exhibit also provides viewers with a chance to witness creativity in terms of process and materials; and in
Comprised of discarded tires, cut and twisted and then given form in a variety of ways, they become a direct
Passing Buck (for Bob Rauchenberg), 2019, by Ken Little example of creatively using materials left to rot. They are given new life as art pieces, providing context and questioning why society does not more often consider an alternative use for things we would otherwise toss in the garbage. Her piece, “The Color of Hope,” 2010, in its literal use of industrial waste calls the viewer to consider how discarded tires and metal can evoke the appearance of very elaborate calligraphy densely layered.
The Color of Hope, 2010, by Chakaia Booker
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ART
A fixture in Omaha’s art scene, Bart Vargas is an avid recycler. His piece, “The Bitter Pill,” 2011, takes shape as an enlarged medicinal pill, its structure built from plastic pop bottles, cardboard construction tube and glue. The re-use of the material
so common in landfills becomes a rarefied in-your-face picture of possible outcomes in three-dimensional form. Vargas uses common and very commonly discarded materials in his other works, ranging from the keys of computer keyboards to old socks, and finds ways to make those objects interesting as art. Many other examples of repurposed materials can be found in this exhibition in a wide variety of styles. Other artists in the show include Ted Larsen, Ken Little, Phil Hansen, Sean Suiter, Jamie Burmeister and Ellen Reid, who conceptualized a playgroundshaped sound sculpture. All of these artists offer not only a different spin on the idea of reusing
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The Bitter Bill, 2011, by Bart Vargas (Above) Manipulating Fractions, 2004, by Chakaia BookeR (right) materials left from another purpose or simply thrown away by others, but a new and exciting take on creativity itself. Often gallery visitors at any given venue are stuck in the position of looking at old modes of creative expression, painting being the most notable example. In the case of each of these artists, the materials used represent a jumping-off point for them to let the materials represent themselves to the viewer. Much like a very skilled chef getting out of the way of the ingredients, letting them shine, these artists arrange their material to let the material speak. The obvious meanings one could gather from this exhibition are varied, but
clearly the artists are leaving that to the audience. The artists here are embracing, creating and interpreting elemental differences in changes in the environment. While some adapt to change well, others resist or deny it is even possible. The entire exhibition might just leave one feeling inspired...or not. For the artists in Re•Purpose, change is not only a constant, it’s their métier. Re•Purpose runs through August 24, 2019, at Kaneko located at 1111 Jones Street. Hours for the exhibition are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information call 402-341-3800 or visit www.thekaneko.org. ART
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Street Prophets and Poets depict homeless life in new play by Portia Love by Leo Adam Biga | PhotoS By Debra Kaplan
A new play by Omaha writer Portia Vivienne Love gives voice and face to a subject she has first-hand experience with — homelessness.
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ove actually wrote A Day in the Life before she was a resident of Stephen Center shelter, where she wound up in 2018 through what she described as life circumstances that “could happen to anyone.” The reality of homelessness being only a crisis away for many average Americans is a key message of her work, which shows August 4 and 5 at B Side of Benson Theatre. “I hope this play will help audiences see not all homeless people are at fault,” said Love, a poet and author of short stories and murder mysteries. “The majority of homeless people are not lazy. Many have mental health issues that perpetuate their homelessness.” “It is my wish everyone would spend one night in a shelter,” she said. “A number of myths and misguided opinions about the homeless would be changed.” Dispelling stereotypes is personal for Love, too, as she once regarded the homeless as shiftless bums unwilling to work. She even said so in the presence of a friend, who promptly schooled her on the myriad life situations that force folks to live on society’s margins. “I was one of those people who said, ‘Why don’t they just get a job?’ I was an idiot.” Love’s education took many forms. For a time, she worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in Omaha and Los Angeles with clients recently released from prison. They introduced her to their challenges of making it on the outside amidst employment, education, housing and health care barriers.
Portia Vivienne Love’s play A Day in the Life will be produced at B Side in Benson on August 4 and 5
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“I started to find out who these people were through their stories, and it impacted me very strongly,” she said. The daughter of the late Betty Love and Omaha musician great Preston Love Sr., Love’s surname befits her nature. She is wired to care for those in need, even inviting strangers into her home to celebrate the holidays. “I can’t stand to see people alone on the holidays, so I have them over my place,” she said. “I get that from my mother. We always had somebody else living with us because she could not stand to see any child without.” Writing for her is also a matter of the heart. “In every writing workshop I do, I say, ‘Write from the heart.’ You’re not going to affect anybody if you don’t write from the heart and with passion.” Love wrote A Day in the Life a decade ago. It remains her only play. Though her own brush with homelessness is not specifically referenced, it resonates with real-life woes depicted in the drama. “My play is about life circumstances creating homelessness,” she said, whether through loss of a job or loved one, divorce or medical emergency. In Love’s case, while she did not get into specifics, she said she was “floundering and didn’t have a place to stay.” Then someone told her Stephen Center could help and she made the call. “It’s not a situation you want to be in,” she said. On the other hand, she said she loved “living with this group of people and learning their stories.” The fact that someone as accomplished as Love (she has bachelor’s and master’s degrees) found herself homeless is
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Get Tickets!
emblematic of her play’s theme. It’s why she designed the piece with homeless characters emerging from a street crowded with people of every walk of life to reveal their truth. “My play takes place on a street corner,” she said. “People are on their way to work, to the store, and some step up to the front of the stage from the crowd to tell their story.” The characters include men, women and children. Some adults lament lost careers and families. Others rue losing themselves to addiction. These street prophets and poets riff to the beat of distant drums. A poem Love wrote well before the play is the show’s first soliloquy. It speaks to shattered dreams and the dichotomy of so much want amidst so much plenty. After her experience with homelessness, Love revisited the play to see if it was realistic. “I was kind of amazed how on track I was,” she said. “I don’t know how, but I was really on the money.” She’s also compared notes by gauging what she learned while driving a van for a homeless ministry. “I formed relationships with these homeless men,” she said. “They loved me because I treated them like people.” Again, she discovered that she’d gotten it right. Satisfied she painted an accurate interpretation, Love worked with B Side director Amy Ryan, also known for her big heart, to produce the play there. Love then reached out to Jessica Scheuerman, who ran Carver Bank where she did a residency, to help fundraise and market. Love also got the Nebraska Writers Collective, for whom
she’s done workshops, to serve as her fiscal agent. Casting the show, Love wanted authenticity, not training. “I didn’t want actors,” she said. “I wanted people who feel these parts because they’ve been there, identify with it and will make the audience feel it.” Love said during readings and rehearsals, several people were silent after reading their parts because of how the script resonated with their experiences. Prepping the play has consumed most of Love’s time. It’s taken her away from marketing her new book of poetry, That’s All I Have to Say. She also leads youth and adult writing workshops. When not writing for publication, she creates original works of art with her poems and sells them through her poem-writing service, Just Write 4 Me. But for now, the play’s the thing. “My whole focus has been on this, and I don’t want to take the focus off,” she said. “This play has been such a weight on my heart. I am so glad I finally have the opportunity to share it.”
Aug. 16 – Sept. 15, 2019
on sale July 16
Written by Lynn Nottage
Winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize, Sweat is a head-first dive into working class America. A three-time Tony Award® nominee, Sweat follows a group of steelworkers whose steady march toward the American dream is uprooted by economic change. As their sense of security slowly unravels, jobs and relationships are left in the wake. Punctuated with lively humor, Sweat goes to the heart of what it means to be human — both good and bad — when fear and uncertainty take hold. Disclaimer: Contains adult language and violence.
Shows are at 7 p.m. at the B Side, 6054 Maple Street. Tickets are $15. Bring a food or clothing donation for a $1 ticket discount at the door. Proceeds and donations will benefit Stephen Center, Siena Francis House and MICAH House. Follow the writer at facebook. com/portia.v.love.
6915 Cass St. | (402) 553-0800 | OmahaPlayhouse.com
Read more of Leo Adam Biga’s work at leoadambiga.com.
THEATER
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Summertime Blues August is full of fiery blues to finish your summer off right from In The Market for Blues, Playing With Fire and other festivals to shows from Gary Clark Jr, The War & Treaty, Gov’t Mule, Hadden Sayers and Chris O’Leary Band. by B.J. huChteMAnn
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he month kicks off with more exponential growth for Hector Anchondo’s brainchild, In the Market for Blues, happening Saturday, August 3. Assisted by E3 Marketing and now boasting a host of additional sponsors, the event has expanded each year. Last year’s attendance exceeded expectations, with venues running out of wristbands, according to organizers. This is the fifth year, and there are 12 venues spread over the Old Market and the Capitol District plus an outdoor stage at the Holland Performing Arts Center. There are more than 40 bands, local, national and international, and some longer set times. A wristband gets you into all the venues, all afternoon and evening long with music starting as early as 2 p.m. and running until 2 a.m. Venue schedules vary. Advance tickets are $10 at eventbrite.com. Day-of-show wristbands are $15. See all the details and schedules at InTheMarketForBlues.com.
Playing With Fire
The second of promoter Jeff Davis’ 2019 Playing With Fire events takes the spotlight at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing Saturday, August 24. Opening the show is the Blues Society of Omaha’s BluesEd band Far & Wide at 4:30 p.m., followed by Sebastian Lane Band. The U.K.’s jam, rock and blues artists Willie & The Bandits play next followed by headliners and longtime local favorites, Mato Nanji’s Indigenous. Details are at PlayingWithFireOmaha.net. The event is family-friendly and free.
BSO Presents at Chrome Lounge
The Blues Society of Omaha’s Thursday early-show series, in partnership with Chrome Lounge, continues, 6 to 9 p.m. each Thursday. There’s a particularly exciting show Thursday, August 15, when
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veteran blues artists Kansas-based Dustin Arbuckle & The Damnations open with special guest, Texas guitar great Mike Morgan. Morgan was the longtime bandleader for Mike Morgan & The Crawl, and the band had a series of excellent releases on Black Top, Hep Cat and Severn Records. He rarely plays outside of Texas anymore, so this is a rare treat. Do a little homework on these artists; you don’t want to miss this show. The rest of the BSO/ Chrome schedule: Polly O’Keary & The Rhythm Method plus Deltaphonic Thursday, August 1. No show August 8 (Gary Clark Jr. at Stir), Jeremiah Johnson Thursday, August 22, and Mississippi Heat with Lurrie Bell Thursday, August 29. Find more on these shows and a curated list of local blues events at OmahaBlues.com.
Zoo Bar Blues
Lincoln’s historic Zoo Bar forges into its 47th year with more great bands on tap. See ZooBar.com for all the latest shows. Acts on the schedule include The Blues Beatles Tuesday, August 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. and the phenomenal Chris O’Leary Band Wednesday, August 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. O’Leary was the longtime vocalist for Levon Helm after Helm’s battle with throat cancer. Shaw Davis & The Black Ties are up Sunday, August 11, at 5 p.m. The Derailers are scheduled Sunday, August 25, at 5 p.m.
Hot Notes
Blues at the Metro takes place Sunday, August 4, at 7:30 p.m. Anissa “Big Sexy” Hampton plays at 7:30 p.m. followed by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist T.K. Soul at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door at Metropolitan Community College 5730 North 30th St., Building 22.
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HOODOO
Don’t forget the great jazz, blues and funk happening at The Jewell in The Capitol District, including Ron E. Beck Saturday, August 3, and Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal Saturday, August 24. Shows are 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. See JewellOmaha.com. Popular Texas singer-songwriter-guitarist Hadden Sayers plays a solo acoustic show at Jerome Brich’s FolkHouse Concert series. The show is open to the public. See FolkHouse.com for details and to RSVP.
The War & Treaty are turning heads, filling hearts and putting people on the dance floor with their joy-infused funk and soul. Nashville icon Buddy Miller produced their latest disc. They play Waiting Room Monday, August 5 at 8 p.m.
Soaring Wings Winery south of Photo courtesy of FB.com/TheWarandTreaty Springfield features blues at the Edge Gary Clark Jr., the guy making hipFestival Saturday, August 10, from 5 to 10 sters like the blues, even though they don’t p.m., including Annika Chambers (8:30 realize that’s what they are listening to, p.m.), Tony Holiday & The Velvetones takes the stage at Stir Cove Thursday, Au(7 p.m.) and two BluesEd openers. Adult gust 8, at 8 p.m. admission is $20 and includes one glass of Gov’t Mule plays Sumtur Amphithewine or beer. See all the details at Soaringater Thursday, August 15, at 7 p.m. WingsWine.com. Kansas City transplant to Nashville Fans of The OK Sisters will want to Lauren Anderson has quickly established mark their calendars for the band’s return herself as a popular blues belter in the muto Omaha. They gig at the B Side of Benson sic city. She gigs at the B Bar below Castle Theatre Saturday, August 10, from 7 to 10 Barrett, Friday, August 23, at 5:30 p.m. p.m. Sunday Roadhouse presents the iconic Funky soul duo The War & Treaty are BR549 co-founder Chuck Mead & His up at Waiting Room Monday, August 5, at Grassy Knoll Boys at Reverb Lounge Sun8 p.m. Their new CD is produced by Nash- day, August 25, at 5 p.m. ville great Buddy Miller.
JAMES MARTIN DAVIS Once again, and for 11 years in a row, James Martin Davis was voted Omaha's Best Criminal Lawyer. This larger-than-life attorney is a highly decorated Vietnam combat veteran and a former U.S. Secret Service special agent. He led an Organized Crime and Anti Corruption State Task Force, ran for the U.S. Congress and is Nebraska's most widely known trial lawyer. Davis is one of the American Trial Lawyers' "Top 100 Lawyers," is listed in the National Bar Registry of Pre-Eminent Lawyers, is a Great Plains Super Lawyer and was recognized this year as the city's top criminal lawyer in Omaha's first edition of "The Faces of Omaha."
past and current police chiefs and officers, Cornhusker football players and union presidents, as well as fellow lawyers and courthouse employees. When Boys Town was hit with half a dozen lawsuits, Father Val Peter, its president, picked JMD. "Davis represents the underdog, and we are the underdog." Davis won each of those lawsuits. Personal Injury Settlements
High-Profile Clients
Davis also represents clients in large personal injury cases. For a time, Davis held the record for the largest jury verdict for a wrongful death ever awarded in Nebraska. He settled a case against the State of Nebraska for $1 million, as well as a student drowning case against the Omaha Public School system for $250,000.
JMD, as he is known by the media and the legal communities, has successfully won myriad high-profile cases. His clients have ranged from TV anchors and reporters to corporate CEOs and bank presidents. Davis has represented local politicians,
He has appeared on numerous national television shows. Davis was featured on "The Today Show," "Good Morning America," the CBS morning and evening news, Bill O'Reilly's "No Spin Zone," "Inside Edition," "Current Affairs" and
several HBO and Discovery Channel documentaries. Put It to a Vote Despite his success in civil litigation, Davis' first love is trying criminal cases before a jury. There, he says, "I am able to protect the Constitution one citizen at a time." After each courtroom victory, Davis and his staff hold a ritual victory dinner. Everyone lifts their glass as Davis proposes his toast: "Here's to the two sweetest words in the English language: 'Not Guilty."'
James Martin Davis
Douglas Building Suite 650 209 South 19 Street Omaha, NE 68102 Jamesmartindavis.com 402.341.9900
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She Needs a Little Time Out:
An Interview with Courtney Barnett The Australian guitar goddess on her endless travels and life’s little moments by Houston Wiltsey
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Despite the sullen subject matter, you can hear her let out a small chuckle around the halfway mark of the song.
he city looks pretty when you’ve been indoors/For 23 days I’ve ignored all your phone calls,” sings Courtney Barnett three songs into her sophomore album Tell Me How You Really Feel. The lyric works both as an epigram about touring and about how Barnett has been living the last few years of her life. Underneath the quiet politeness she puts forward over the phone, I can hear a level of fatigue that only world-traveling musicians are familiar with. She is fresh off a European tour that included sets at major festivals like All Points East in London and Primavera in Barcelona. Now, she’s in Philadelphia, two days removed from a cross-continental flight to the U.S. and sound checking before the first show in another massive run of dates. “It was a good time — good people, beautiful weather,” she sleepily replies when asked about her recent excursion across the pond, describing it with the same level of detail that you or I might describe a nice backyard barbecue. But then, Barnett has never been one for long-windedness. The 31-year-old from Sydney, Australia, has made a name for herself writing exceedingly clever lyrics and packaging them in unfussy, to-the-point songs. “I’m always making these little observations,” she says, referring to both her songwriting and her style of drawing. Barnett spent the early part of the decade kicking around Melbourne’s garage rock scene playing in multiple groups — including Immigrant Union with Brent DeBoer of the Dandy Warhols — while refining her observational style of songwriting. Then, in 2013, she released The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas. A combination of her first two EPs, I’ve Got a Friend Called Emily Ferris and How to Carve a Carrot into a Rose, The Double EP showcased the full range of her
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“The laugh has two reasons,” she says. “The first is that we all suffer and that we all have to carry on, which is kind of funny in itself.” Dark, but OK, sure. “The other reason is that my friend Dan [Luscombe, The Drones guitarist and keyboardist] was really hungover and had moved the keyboard onto the floor so that he could play on his stomach. I mean it’s this really kind of dark song that we’re playing and he’s doing something that’s just really silly right in the middle of playing it, so it was hard not to laugh.” For Barnett, this isn’t just a funny anecdote about her friend paying for his poor decisions from the previous evening. It’s the manifestation of her life’s philosophy and how that informs her songwriting. talents, albeit in an imperfect manner. On songs like “Avant Gardener” and “History Eraser,” she translates her observations into hilarious, grungy tunes that featured brilliant lines like “And in my dreams I wrote the best/Song that I’ve ever written/Can’t remember how it goes.” While The Double EP found modest success, with the release of her debut album, Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit in 2015, everything went up a level. Headlined by “Pedestrian at Best,” a scathing tune that mixes an In Utero-style riff with darkly comedic lyrics — including the gem “The rats are back inside my head/what would Freud have said?” — the album climbed up the critics’ “best of” lists, won multiple Australian Recording Industry awards and even nabbed her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. From there, the tours got longer, the album sales got better and Barnett continued to pile up the acclaim, whether it was
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for collaborative projects like 2017’s Lotta Sea Lice, her album with friend and Philly guitar hero Kurt Vile, or her 2018 masterstroke Tell Me How You Really Feel. “I’m not one of those people that’s ever said ‘I want to play Madison Square Garden, or I want to be on TV,’” she tells me, though that has not stopped her from doing both. “I never really had a goal. To me, playing music seems like a life-long quest to figure out what that goal is. Right now, I think my goal is to understand what we do and how we do it, and how that connects with people as a whole.” That appears to ring especially true on her latest single, “Everybody Here Hates You.” The music video for the RecordStore-Day exclusive shows Barnett traveling inside her own head as she sings about feeling “stupid,” “useless” and “insane.” However, the song comes around to say this is a universal feeling that we shouldn’t feel alienated by.
“We just have to try our best to survive,” she said. “We’re sharing terrible moments together, but as long as we do it with people we like and a little bit of humor, then it’s OK.” At first pass, that quote reads as morose and pessimistic, but when Barnett delivers those lines they seem strangely hopeful and surprisingly relatable. She makes it clear that the daily grind gets to her as much as anybody, but those little inbetween moments — the jokes, the stupid laughs — more than make up for boring, repetitive patterns that we can fall into. After she says goodbye, Barnett’s publicist fails to cancel the call and instead adds the next journalist to our line. Just like me, he starts off with a question about touring and, just like before, Barnett answers with a weary, plaintive response as she patiently waits to get back to her bandmates, longing for that next in-between moment to make everything worthwhile.
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Never Heard of It
The Best Movies You’ve (Probably) Never Seen by Ryan Syrek
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ith apologies to Poe, at some point our picture pendulum swung from pit to plenty. In the span of a millennial fart, we went from having to scour shelves at a Blockbuster video to spending 6-7 hours scrolling through streaming options before falling asleep exhausted. Finding something good to watch that you haven’t already seen has switched from a needle in a haystack to a haystack made of needles. No worries, I got you. Using a criterion of having made less than $5 million at the domestic box office as a standard for “little-seen,” I have identified the best flicks you haven’t yet peeped across the four major genres and overall. I realize that Netflix has created eleventy billion sub-sub genres. If you want a recommendation for some nice theme like “passive-aggressive, purple, tragicomedies featuring sentient plants and German nihilism,” email me at film@thereader.com.
Best Action Movie You (Probably) Haven’t Seen
Best Comedy You (Probably) Haven’t Seen
Best Sci-Fi Movie You (Probably) Haven’t Seen
The Night Comes for Us
What We Do in the Shadows
Attack the Block
• Box office - $0 • Available on Netflix Provided you have a high threshold for really, exceptionally terrible things happening to human bodies, this is among the greatest fight flicks ever made. This Indonesian ode to violent delights does have a plot. I’m sure of it. It’s something about gang wars, corrupt cops and a young girl in the crosshairs. Whatever. There’s a fight in a butcher’s shop that will wick John’s floor any day of the week. The number of severed appendages cannot be counted on one viewer’s attached digits, even if they have never played with fireworks fists closed. This is not for folks reared on Van Damme and Stallone so much as it is an insanely choreographed kick-punch-stravaganza staged on a slip-nslide slicked with blood.
• Box office - $3.5 million
• Available to rent on pretty much all the rental services
• Box office - $1.1 million
Perhaps the last great mockumentary, writer/director Taika Waititi’s brilliant vampire satire recently got its own TV adaptation on FX. This is really a twofer, as once you have a laugh-splosion with the film, you can then get all up in the equally genius series. If you’re unfamiliar with both, the premise is that Nosferatu housemates moan about the mundane aspects of their existence, pick fights with douchebag werewolves and contemplate the inequities of life’s purpose. It also features the funniest visual gag to ever involve a jugular vein and fastidiousness.
Considering how much everyone I know loves this movie, I tend to forget most folks have never seen it. Writer/director Joe Cornish’s often-hilarious, frequently bad-ass alien invasion film features the current title holder for Doctor Who (Jodie Whittaker) and Finn from Star Wars (John Boyega). Better than that, it follows inner city youth in England who find themselves on the front lines of a war against extraterrestrials. Whereas most sci-fi these days is content to nostalgically reminisce about flicks that ensorcelled 1980s adolescents, Attack the Block is that exact type of movie.
Best Horror Movie You (Probably) Haven’t Seen
Best Movie (Full Stop) You (Probably) Haven’t Seen
Under the Shadow
Upstream Color
• Box office - $30,000 • Available on Netflix
The Night Comes for Us, 2018, is directed by Timo Tjahjanto and is currently available on Netflix.
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• Available on Starz or to rent on streaming services
Although you’d never know it judging by American flicks alone, zombie movies aren’t the only horror movies that can parable the crap out of you. Set in Tehran in the 1980s, this film is as much about legitimate real-world fears faced by millions as it is about an ultra-creepy monster. A woman tries to protect her daughter from missile strikes and a djinn (shape-shifting supernatural beings that became the inspiration for Aladdin’s genie), whose appearance at one point is among the most singularly terrifying frames of cinema I’ve seen. Any hacky director can quick-cut and jump-scare folks into pee dribbling. Iranian writer/director Babak Anvari’s debut hits you calmly with the lights still on. Given how much it has stayed with me, I wish I had done more than put it on my honorable mentions for best films of 2016.
• Box office - $500,000
• Available to rent on pretty much all the rental services
I could have put writer/director Shane Carruth’s other movie, Primer, here. I could also have re-hyped Beasts of the Southern Wild in this spot, as that remains my all-time favorite movie. Yet, having just rewatched Upstream Color for the umpteenth time, I worry I haven’t given it the appropriate space it really deserves. Lightly sci-fi, intimate and sparse, and full of haunting commentary about both the beautiful and cruel things we do to each other as people, this is the kind of film you can talk about for a lifetime. I’m not exaggerating. I can think of at least three people with whom a mention of this movie will launch us into a sprawling, ongoing discussion. If you’re looking for diversionary fun, look elsewhere on this list. But if you want a movie that could be the best one you’ve never seen, this is it.
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Planet Dearth The Lion King Is Hyperrealistically Lifeless by Ryan Syrek
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ere’s a hot take that’s been baking in my brain oven for 25 years: Simba sucks. Hard. For the first hour of both Lion Kings, he acts like the savannah wildlife equivalent of a rich kid who can cut in front of you in line because “you know who his daddy is.” He then Houdinis after the literal first hardship he faces and only owns up to his responsibilities when a woman braves death to find him. His big moment is realizing he maybe didn’t kill his dad. What a hero! Because they’re basically the exact same movie, both cinematic versions of The Lion King suffer from essentially being nothing more than narratively dull extended montages set to catchy songs. Director Jon Favreau’s latest mo-capture-mo-problems redux helps foster the arguments of everyone irate that Disney is essentially doing with movies what has always been done with classic theatrical material. Conceptually, resurrecting a beloved work and putting a unique, modern spin isn’t just acceptable, it’s a tradition going back to the very origins of art. Heck, the original concept for The Lion King was “Hamlet on safari.” However, simply animating things that were already animated using a different animation technique is Apple-level fanbase abuse. Considering that everyone in the whole world wildlife federation knows the plot of The Lion King, let’s skip straight to what worked and what didn’t. In the plus column, Chiwetel Ejiofor flat out Irons over Jeremy with an impossibly nuanced vocal performance. His incarnation of Scar is the only real Shakespearean element to survive this retelling. Billy Eichner’s Timon is expectedly hilarious but surprisingly controlled. Honestly, pretty much every vocal recasting is
a decided improvement; the ruler of an African kingdom should never be Matthew Broderick. What doesn’t work is, you know, everything else. Although the old songs remain brilliant, nobody ever needed to hear John Oliver talk-sing. The new songs are duds. An easy opportunity to play up issues of environmental exploitation by a narcissistic, clueless leader is wholly missed. Worst of all, the lauded CGI, ostensibly the whole reason for this box office smash-n-grab, is just OK. Actually, a scene where Sarabi (Alfre Woodard) gives a young Simba (JD McCrary) a bath is unforgivably outright glitchy. No matter how good it looks, no matter how sensationally rendered digital hair and saliva can be, computer graphics will always feel less warm and alive than hand-drawn animation. Thus, the new Lion King is a downgrade on an already previously suspect film lucky to sport a legendary soundtrack. Disney’s live-action remake tsunami has not yet begun to crest, with ladies, tramps and Harry Styles coming to drown us all. The casting of Halle Bailey as Ariel in the upcoming Little Mermaid offers the slimmest bit of hope for something other than the safest, milquetoast rehashes of familiar fare. If these retreads can learn to actually say something relevant and new, maybe sitting through the inevitable bigbudget, live-action Chicken Little will feel like something other than the sky falling.
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Synopsis: Because they’re basically the exact same movie, both cinematic versions of The Lion King suffer from essentially being nothing more than narratively dull extended montages set to catchy songs.
FILM
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AUGUST 2019
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Billboards and ads around this year’s San Diego Comic-Con demanded the release of “The Snyder Cut” of Justice League. That is some interesting financial investing, fans! It should be noted that my recent acceptance at Rotten Tomatoes was almost immediately accompanied by a DC dudebro on Twitter accusing me of being paid to perform sex acts on “Dizney” movies. You know, just like the vast majority of critics and other people with eyes and brains. Part of me absolutely, legitimately loves the passion these fans exhibit. They are die-hard and spending money in order to beg for something that very likely does not actually exist. The larger part of me hates that so many of them are frequently cruel and abusive on social media and that they aren’t as angry at Warner Bros. for constantly doing their beloved characters dirty as they are at those of us who point out said dirty doing. As a subscriber to the pretty great DC Universe streaming service, I promise, not only do I root for all upcoming DC movies, if there is a Snyder cut of Justice League and it does get released, I will check with my Dizney overlords to see if I can watch it! At first, the rumors about Quentin Tarantino and Star Trek were easy to ignore. However, although it remains super easy to make jokes about an inevitable alien race of sexy sentient feet and Sulu engaging the warp drive on N-bombs, it’s getting harder to deny the movie may actually happen. In recent interviews, Tarantino has said that he’s comfortable with a Star Trek movie being his 10th and final film and compared his proposed script to both The Wild Bunch and Pulp Fiction in space. It’s harder and harder for reasoned cinephiles to deny that QT comes with LaGuardia amounts of baggage to handle, but the prospect of a major film
Best of the Big O!
AUGUST 2019
by Ryan Syrek
Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Drains
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franchise bringing an established auteur on may blessedly open the floodgates. Could this mean Scorsese on Fast and Furious? I’m going to say yes. Feel free to start that rumor.
In news I cannot believe is real, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach are going to write a Barbie movie, with Gerwig likely to direct. Who didn’t see Frances Ha and think “It is inevitable that the creative forces behind this movie will partner with Mattel on a cash-grab adaptation of a problematically beloved toy!” Again, like the previous item on this Cutting Room’s floor, if we are now approaching a point where uber-talented creators with definitive voices are actually allowed to shape familiar franchises in unique ways, I’m in. That said, Michel Gondry’s Green Hornet still burns.
It’s a tale as old as time: the Thor giveth, but the Akira taketh away. That is to say, Taika Waititi and company will be back for Thor 4: More War Lore Galore (not the actual title). But Akira has again been put on hold “indefinitely.” “On hold indefinitely” is fancy-pants talk for “give up, nerds!” But, good news there, too, as Katsuhiro Otomo has confirmed he will direct an anime sequel series, which is probably the best possible outcome. If Hollywood made it, you just know Scarlett Johansson would have demanded to play Kaneda’s motorcycle or something. Cutting Room provides breaking local and national movie news … complete with added sarcasm. Send any relevant information to film@thereader. com. Check out Ryan on KVNO 90.7 on Wednesdays and follow him on Twitter @thereaderfilm.
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AUGUST 2019
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No, No, Nano!
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You have balls in your mouth by Michael Braunstein
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ometimes I forget things. As I dressed the scrambled eggs for breakfast this morning, I drizzled a little Kraft Organic Ketchup from the plastic bottle. (OK, I know, ketchup is junk food.) Down to the dregs of the container, I watched, pleased, as the finally dollops drained from the bottle, leaving none behind. “How cool,” I thought. “They’ve figured out how to formulate ketchup so it doesn’t leave a ton of it in the bottle.” Then, and only then, did I remember why. Nanotechnology made the insides of the bottle so slick that the ketchup slid right out. That recollection left me less than pleased.
CU, later. In 1971, I sat in the front row for a talk by Buckminster Fuller when he visited Creighton University. Then 77-year-old Fuller was a hero to rebellious youth of the era because of his futuristic and holistic view of the universe. Fuller coined the phrase “Spaceship Earth” and invented the geodesic dome. His relevance to nanotechnology is due to the fact that a specific molecule of carbon discovered in 1985 resembles his geodesic design. That was the eponymous fullerene, nicknamed “Bucky Balls,” and led to further development of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is a relatively new field of manipulating matter on the level of atoms or molecules, very tiny. Nanotechnology and nanoscience involve the study of phenomena and materials and the manipulation of structures, devices and systems that exist at the nanoscale, that is less than 100 nanometers (nm) in size. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter. A molecule of sugar is about 1 nm, about as big in relation to an apple as an apple is in relation to the earth. A human hair is about 80,000 nm thick. By rearranging things on such a tiny scale, science can revise the properties and performance of materials. Things behave differently down in the world of very tiny. Nano
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particles are so small, they easily squirm past the skin and move right into the body, even penetrating cell walls with ease. Any protective barrier is like a screen door in a submarine: useless. Nanoparticles are already in your body. Some of the existing products include cosmetics, sunscreens, powders, antibacterial wound dressings — even the battery in your cell phone. And worse, food! The potential uses for nanoparticles and nanotechnology sound like true science fiction. Cornell researchers have developed nanotech fabrics that can detect biohazards like E. coli or other pathogens. Illinois scientists have built artificial skin from nanotech corn proteins and can deliver medicines into the body through nanotubes. Nanotech biosensors can monitor farm fields for pests or disease. Food producers experiment with rearranging molecules to make foods taste different or feel dif-
ferent in the mouth. Food packaging can be manipulated to detect pathogens or preserve the color of food longer.
Size Matters. So why worry about nanoballs? Well, they’re so small they fall through skin, through blood, through cell walls. They penetrate. They go where no man has gone before. Altering the scale of a particle alters its safety. All these nanoproducts involve producing new molecules in the laboratory that have
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HEARTLAND HEALING
never before existed in nature at that scale, and it can radically change the material’s characteristics. When reduced to nanoscales, an innocuous metal, such as aluminum, stable at natural size, becomes explosive, for example. The question is, what effect do nanoparticles have on health? There are already thousands of consumer products that contain or use nanotechnology. A report by concerned scientists of the National Research Council states that there are little to no safeguards in place to study the potential toxic effect of those humanly re-engineered molecules. Nanoparticles have been shown to cross into the brain after inhalation.
A scrubbing bubble full of trouble. In 2006, a company in Germany released a new household cleaner named “Magic Nano,” designed to clean better using nanoparticles in the aerosol. Three days later it was withdrawn from the market after 97 people were hospitalized with respiratory problems after using the cleaner. No one knows for sure whether it was the nanoparticles or not, but certainly they were being inhaled. The incident sent a red flag to government agencies. Various agencies dealing with nanotechnology are issuing warnings. The National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) has recommended that employers take appropriate precautionary measures for handling new materials, including engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment, to avoid worker exposure to nanoscale materials during the production of these nanomaterials. No such cautionary advice has come out to protect the consumer, who is blissfully unaware of nanoparticles emitted from sporting goods, flat screen televisions or food packaging. Toxicologist Jennifer Sass, a senior health scientist at the environmental group Natural
Resources Defense Council (NRDC) was quoted in a Scientific American article, ”There’s definitely an exposure, especially from nanosilver that’s really common in consumer products as well as buckyballs and titanium dioxide in skin creams. Nanomaterials, because of their size, are more bioavailable; and because of their surface area to mass, they are more chemically reactive. How that relates to toxicity needs to be looked at.” Nanoparticles are showing up in our food supply, and we aren’t being told about it. They’re in everything from Kraft Cheese to SoBe drinks to Oreo cookies. The Woodrow Wilson Center and Friends of the Earth has a downloadable PDF with research about nanoparticles in common foods. They include foods such as vegetable oil, teas and candy. Refrigerators and kitchen utensils are favorite uses for antibacterial nanotech. Nutritional supplements are showing up with nano-encapsulated nutrients. Asbestos was once praised as the ultimate insulating material — until we found the particles caused cancer. The industrial lubricant PCB, the pesticide DDT, plastic bisphenol A were all supposed to be safe. Genetically modified seeds were supposed to eliminate world hunger — until research found that they actually produce less food and deplete the soil. Maybe nanoparticles are OK and safe, but maybe they’re not. They certainly don’t seem natural, and we’re putting them in a body that was designed by nature. How nanoballs will affect us remains to be seen. We should at least be informed by labeling when they are used.
Heartland Healing is a metaphysically based polemic describing alternatives to conventional methods of healing the body, mind and planet. It is provided as information and entertainment, certainly not medical advice. Important to remember and pass on to others: For a weekly dose of Heartland Healing, visit HeartlandHealing.com.
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Rocky Mountain High by Tim McMahan
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e hadn’t been to Breckenridge since marijuana became legal in Colorado.
den beneath racks of hemp tie-dyed t-shirts with slogans like “Herb Patrol” silk screened under a giant marijuana leaf.
Could that be right? According to Wikipedia, the state legalized pot in January 2014, more than five years ago.
The shop was slow that Sunday afternoon, so I asked the long-bearded guy behind the counter with a name tag that said “Bill” where I could find all the “drug stores” I’d expected to see on my return to Breckenridge.
So, I guess it was. The last time we went to the mountains was an ill-fated trip to Estes Park, a switch from our usual long summer weekend trip to Breck. It turned out to be a mistake. The “rustic river cabin” rental we’d blindly chosen online wound up being a shack that stood alongside a row of shacks in a converted trailer park. The single-room building hadn’t been touched since the early ‘70s and smelled like a natural gas leak. The floors slanted — drop a tennis ball and it would roll across the floor — a carnival fun house without the fun. And Estes Park had a completely different vibe — a family vibe, with lots of kids running around everywhere a la The Griswald Family Vacation, compared to Breckenridge’s more… let’s face it, sleepy vibe. The perfect Breckenridge vacation consists of going to breakfast, hitting the trails, having lunch in an outdoor cafe, taking a nap during the daily afternoon rainstorm, then heading to dinner. Repeat as necessary. Five years later, it was time to return to Breckenridge with a new dog in tow. But as we drove through the Nebraska Sandhills on our way, I wondered what impact legalization had on the town. I knew it hadn’t transformed Breck into a modern-day Grateful Dead-themed amusement park, with hippies hanging out on corners smoking grass from tiny pipes, pushing away love beads from their bluetinted sunglasses, flashing peace signs and handing out flowers to woke middle-aged tourists nervously excited about getting legally stoned for the first time. But I did imagine that a lot of the coffee shops and T-shirt stores had been replaced by marijuana dispensaries, each with a groovy drug-theme name: The Stank Shoppe or Potco or Cannabis Bliss or The Pot Spot or (of course) Rocky Mountain High. True confession time: I’ve never smoked pot in my life, though covering the
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“They’re all on the edge of town,” Bill said. And by “all” he meant two dispensaries, located somewhere on Airport Road near the city limits. Though pot may be legal in the state of Colorado, it’s still very much illegal according to national law. “The feds could come in here at any time and shut the whole thing down,” Bill said. Because of that, banks aren’t exactly eager to give business loans to pot dealers. “It costs 10 grand for cannabis companies just to apply for a loan,” he said, despite the fact that marijuana taxes, licenses and fees brought in more than a quarter of a billion dollars to Colorado’s coffers last year alone. OK, I got all that, but where were all the people smoking doobies? indie music scene for The Reader all these years, I’ve certainly been around it. There was a time in the ‘90s when it was impossible to interview a band without being trapped in a room with four dudes hitting on a giant glass bong. When the joint or whatever inevitably came my way, I could always acquiesce without looking too uncool, explaining that my “real job” prevented me from imbibing. “Drug tests, bro.” “Right on,” they’d nod, sleepily, then murmur, “Bummer.” Still, I’ve always thought weed should be legalized. Adults should be able to put whatever they want in their bodies, as long as they do it without harming anyone else. And I’ve always assumed everyone except me either has — or does — smoke weed. The problem is when people get lost in it. I’ve known too many musicians and artists who’ve become obsessed with pot to the detriment of everything else — their music, their art, their lives. Whether they would admit it or not, it’s held them back. It doesn’t have to be 4:20 all the time.
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OVER THE EDGE
After eight hours in the car, we finally rolled into Dillon on our way to Breckenridge. The reservoir, which had been nearly dry five years prior due to a severe drought, was back at a healthy level. And while there were still plenty of dry, dead trees spotting the mountain side — the result of a nasty pine beetle outbreak — the forest seemed healthier than I remembered. Breckenridge looked exactly the same, except the coffee shops had been replaced with brew pubs and new restaurants (but, sadly, one of our favorites, Rasta Pasta, was long gone). Not only were there no pot shops, there was no pot to be seen, anywhere. Over our long weekend, all we saw were the usual tourists and townies in their Patagonia gear drinking coffee out of Starbucksstyle cups. You’d never know pot was a legal thing. On our final day in town, we stopped at a gift shop called Mountain Style to buy tchotchkes for my peeps back at the office. Reggae music drifted from speakers hid-
“Man, you can’t even do that in Amsterdam,” Bill scoffed. There had been a “pot cafe” on Breckenridge’s main drag, but it closed pretty quickly. “People complained about the smell,” he said. “The only legal place you can smoke is in the privacy of your home.” Bill’s words would prove prophetic. We made our way back to our condo when the afternoon rains began, this time as a massive thunderstorm. I opened the window to let in the cool breeze, and moments later recognized that old familiar funk. Someone in the condo below us was having a little party to mark the end of the weekend. We had finally found our Breckenridge pot. I smiled and said, “Do you smell that?” as I leaned over and shut the window. Over The Edge is a monthly column by Reader senior contributing writer Tim McMahan focused on culture, society, music, the media and the arts. Email Tim at tim.mcmahan@ gmail.com.