to do in JUNE

The space is activated by video projections of bodily rhythms and movements, strategically placed mirrors, kinetic humanoid plants, hyperreal vocal recordings and several interactive components.

Go to www.amplifyarts.org/ exhibitions-current for more information.

Through June 16, 2023 <pr0xy-fl3$h> Generator Space

The exhibit “<pr0xy-fl3$h>” is open at Vinton Street’s Generator Space. It provides a multilayered visual, sensory and interactive experience imagining a future in which “bodies are liberated from the interdependencies of their discrete parts.” A closing reception for the show takes place on June 9 from 6-8 p.m.

The exhibition is organized by Omaha composer and artist Alex Jacobsen and features a collaborative installation by Aspen Monet Laboy and Matthew Strasburger, accompanied by Jacobsen’s sound design and sculpture by Margo Johnson.

Through Aug. 6 Jens Pepper and Mario Wyrwinski: Polaroids and Nudes Garden of the Zodiac Gallery

When instant photography giant Polaroid introduced its sporty 1965 camera, it coyly invited users to “Meet the Swinger.” More than half a century on, this coded acknowledgement of the camera’s popularity for “intimate portraiture” lives on in the images of the film’s devotees, including Berlin-based artists Jens Pepper and Mario Wyrwinski, with “Polaroids and Nudes” beginning June 1 at Garden of the Zodiac Gallery.

Pepper’s nude photos have an intentional snapshot aesthetic; candid and unretouched, his images of non-professional models taken over the course of several years become portraits of the development of their role-playing. By contrast, Wyrwinski emphasizes the illusion of intimacy through the sensuality of classical nude photography.

June 2-3

Omaha Symphony: Brahms and Mahler 5

Holland Center

Afterward, Maestro Ankush Kumar Bahl will direct the Omaha Symphony in an expansive undertaking of “Symphony No. 5” by Mahler.

Tickets are $20-$81 before fees for the 7:30 p.m. performances.

June 2-4

26th Annual Taste of Omaha

Liberty First Arena | The Granary (two locations)

Taste of Omaha takes place at two locations across three days, and that means free concerts all weekend long.

If you’ve never been, you’re probably thinking of food, and beer, but there’s much more on the table at Taste of Omaha.

The free festival showcases local artists and food, wine, and beer from around the world.

In addition to the mouth-watering food, thirst-quenching drinks, and killer live music, check out the world dance music showcase, including the fire and glow show.

June 2 – June 24

The Omaha Symphony finishes the season strong with two dates at the Holland Center, backing two of the most promising young artists in the world of classical music, composer Carlos Simon and violinist Stella Chen.

The orchestra will perform Simon’s exciting 2020 work, “Fate Now Conquers.” Chen will lead a stormy rendition of “Violin Concerto” by Brahms.

Don’t Let the Name Deceive You by Amy Haney

Ming Toy Gallery

The Ming Toy Gallery welcomes artist Amy Haney for an exhibit of her new work, “Don’t Let the Name Deceive You,” opening June 2.

Primarily a printmaker, Haney reconstructs some of her previous concepts, creating fresh imagery by repurposing old plates, piecing, weaving and stitching images together, and exploring imagery through a purely aesthetic lens.

The public is invited to an opening reception for the artist on June 2, from 6-9 p.m. The exhibit runs through June 24. Ming Toy Gallery is located at 6066 Maple St. Further information is available at mingtoygallery.com.

June 9-11

49th Omaha Summer Arts Festival

Aksarben Village

June 9 – July 1

Amalgam Grafica — America RBR Gallery

The outdoor event features 135 of Omaha’s most dedicated artists, including 100 visual creators, 30 bands across several stages, and several food vendors.

Other features include crafts, mural cubes, and vibrant chalk art displays, as well as an extensive children’s fair and young artist exhibition.

You can check out the festival from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

After successfully finding its niche and mission on Vinton Street, arts venue RBR G continues its works on paper with “Amalgam Grafica — America.” The exhibit continues until July 1.

Venue owner John Rogers will give a gallery talk June 9, at 7 p.m. featuring 46 prints from this portfolio published by Fermin Lopez of Pata Negra Editions in Oviedo, Spain.

RBR G will host two additional events open to the public while this exhibition is ongoing. Rogers will conduct a printmaking workshop: Lino Cut Relief Prints, Saturday, June 10, from 1-4 p.m. and give a talk on print collecting, Wednesday, June 14, at 7 p.m.

The gallery is located at 1806 Vinton St.

June 9 – Aug. 13

Milton Wolsky: A NebraskaMidcenturyArtist Gallery

1516

Make plans to attend the opening reception on Friday, June 9, for “Milton Wolsky: A

Midcentury Nebraska Artist” at Gallery 1516.

As part of its continuing mission to feature Nebraska artists, the gallery will select several of Wolsky’s works from its permanent collection in celebration of the exceptional career of this professional illustrator and fine artist. The retrospective show will give insight into Wolsky’s evolving and genre-spanning talents.

This exhibit runs through Aug. 13. The opening reception is from 6-8 p.m., Friday, June 9. Gallery 1516 is located at 1516 Leavenworth St. Further information is available at gallery1516.org.

June 10

River MixedCityChorus

Holland Performing Arts Center

Selections from such artists as Elton John, Queen and Fleetwood Mac will embrace the power of performance to transform hearts.

Attend a Studio 54-themed afterparty following the 7 p.m. concert at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Attendees can meet chorus members, get photo opps with a couple of special guests and partake in a cash bar. And, of course, dancing queens, get ready to boogie.

Go to rcmc.org for more information and tickets.

JuneteentH CeleBRAtions

June 10

Juneteenth SteamPunk Tea Party

north omaha Music and Arts (noMA)

Get groovy with the River City Mixed Chorus as it ends its 39th season at the disco with “Our Own Kind of Music.” Join its 130 members and a full orchestra as it jives to the music of the ’70s.

The House of Afros, Capes and Curls is throwing its second annual Juneteenth SteamPunk Tea Party. This event celebrates Black excellence and the vibrant history and success of Black Victorian-era inventors, entrepreneurs, and activists.

Activities include Steampunk cosplay, delicious bites, hot and iced teas, professional portraits with original backdrops designed by Black artists, a board game parlor, a fandom-themed murder mystery, a treasure hunt, and plenty of fun.

This is a safe space to explore your love of sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and Afrofuturism and the artistic, literary, and historic merits of geek culture. Steampunk attire is encouraged.

The event runs from 3-7 p.m. Tickets are $25-$50 and can be purchased through Eventbrite.

June 17

Juneteenth Joy Fest

Fabric Lab

Check out the Juneteenth Joy Fest at Fabric Lab on June 17 for delicious food, righteous music, and the Black Flea Market.

Juneteenth Joy Fest is a Black arts and culture festival that champions North Omaha and the history of Black heritage.

Musical artists include Rexx Life Raj, Cyanca, Tylynn, Lite Pole, and Corro.

Poets Jewel Rodgers and Developing Crisp will also perform, followed by a dance performance by AP Legacy dance studio.

The free community fest runs from noon to 10 p.m., following the 24th Street parade.

June 17

Taste of Africa 2023

Steppe Center feature authentic African and Afro-Caribbean cuisine, drinks and music that highlight Omaha’s rich African heritage and culture.

To amplify the senses, The Steppe Center will host dancing and drumming performances by African and Afro-Caribbean talent.

Taste of Africa is free to attend and takes place from 12-9 p.m.

June

17

Omaha Freedom Festival

Malcolm X Memorial Foundation

Fiber Arts Omaha will combine visual creation with education in this unique, free Juneteenth celebration at the UNO Barbara Weitz Community Center on June 19 from 5-8:30 p.m.

The theme for the cultural-educational meeting revolves around black swans, whose natural symbolism aligns with this holiday of emancipation.

Partake in the guided collage exercise: guests will receive an email of what to bring, but the host will provide most of the supplies.

The vital conversation from 6-7:30 p.m. features panels, group discussions, and breakout groups aimed at promoting greater cultural understanding.

If you cannot attend this free event, join via Zoom. Register to attend online at Eventbrite.com. You will receive a link to the meeting a few minutes before the start time.

The host will provide ASL and Spanish-language interpretation.

June 29-30 & July 2

Footloose

UNO Weber Building and Gene Leahy Mall Pavilion

All are welcome to attend Taste of Africa on June 17 at The Steppe Center, an exciting and relatively new venue in La Vista.

The nine-hour, family friendly indoor and outdoor event will

Visit the Juneteenth-inspired Omaha Freedom Festival at the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation on June 17.

Juneteenth, established in 1865, honors the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States — for context, Omaha was established just 11 years earlier.

In the spirit of this holiday, the Omaha Freedom Festival celebrates the history and culture of North Omaha while spotlighting local actionable resources for social and business needs.

The event runs from noon to midnight, with the concert starting at 5 p.m. Day-time activities are free to attend, and tickets for the concert cost $50-$100.

June 19 Fiber Arts

Omaha: Juneteenth ’23

UNO Barbara Weitz Community Center

Attendees must be 19 or older and must register beforehand, as space is limited. Register at Juneteenth 2023 — Fiber Arts Omaha est 2019.

June 27

Omaha Table Talk: “We Aren’t All Mexican”

UNO Barbara Weitz Community Center

Want to cut loose? UNO Summer Musical Theatre Academy is soon to kick off its second season.

Theatergoers can kick off their Sunday shoes, so to speak, by attending productions of “Footloose” across three dates and two stages.

Fifty high school performers and technicians from 16 local schools embarked on a tuition-free, month-long intensive workshop to bring you the shows on June 29-30 in the UNO Weber Fine Arts Building Theatre, followed by the July 2 performance at the Gene Leahy Mall Pavilion.

Inclusive Communities will present another installment of Omaha Table Talk entitled “We Aren’t All Mexican: Understanding Latine Diaspora.” The event will be held at the UNO Barbara Weitz Community Center on June 27.

All performances are free.

— This report was compiled by Matt Cass, Mike Krainak, Janet L. Farber, Kent Behrens, Lynn Sanchez and Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter.