22 minute read
CULTURE: Discover North O
DiscOvEr NOrtH O!
BY MArk MC GAUGH, 1ST SkY OMAHA
With an increasingly diverse population and an equally rich history, the communities of Omaha have much to be proud of. North Omaha is no exception with a wide array of shops, restaurants, parks, murals and gardens bringing life to this historic community.
The pride and deep-rooted heritage of North Omaha reaches a fever pitch every odd-numbered year when thousands of Native Omahans return home for Native Omaha Days. Nothing short of a supercharged community-wide family reunion, Native Omaha Days sees relatives who have left for better opportunities, or simply a new start, reconnect with loved ones and friends. As you prepare for hot days at Carter Lake and long nights on The Deuce, take a look at this list and discover North O!
North O! Art & Events
Native Omaha Days
This year’s Native Omaha Days is slated to be the biggest yet! The event takes place July 26 through August 1 and will feature outdoor jazz concerts, golf tournaments, movie nights, gospel fests and a parade down North 30th Street. The biennial event was founded by two African-American women, Bettie
McDonald and Vera Johnson, for the Black population living predominantly in North Omaha. Its purpose was to reunite family and friends that have moved away from their hometown throughout the years.
Since COVID-19 restrictions have loosened, many are expected to attend this year to join in the fun. • July 27 — Movie Night at
Film Streams • July 28 — Gospel Fest at Morning Star Baptist
Church • July 28 through July 31 —
Festival Square at the Bryant Center on 24th Street. • July 28 — UNO Black Studies 50th Anniversary at
UNO (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) • July 29 — Jazz at the
Greens at Dodge Riverside
Golf Course (Council Bluffs,
Iowa) • July 30 — Native Omaha Days Golf Tournament at Dodge Riverside Golf
Course (Council Bluffs,
Iowa) • July 30 — A Stroll Down
Memory Lane • July 31 — 23rd Biennial
Homecoming Parade Celebration! 30th and Lake to 30th and Sprague (8:30 a.m.) • July 31 — Culture Fest at the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation (noon to 5 p.m.) • July 31 — (Evening) Blues
Night featuring Pokey Bear and Big Robb at the Malcolm X Memorial Foundation (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.) Events reported by Paul B. Allen IV
Juneteenth Celebration
June in North Omaha marks one of the nation’s longest
Juneteenth festivals, lasting an entire week. The festival, which celebrates the abolition of slavery, features a large parade, concerts and many other commemorative events.
See visitomaha.com.
Union for Contemporary Art
The Union offers fellowships and gallery space to some of the most promising artists in
North Omaha. For more information visit u-ca.org.
Culxr House
Founded by local rapper and organizer Marcey Yates, the Culxr House is one of the premier community centers in Omaha and a home for artists of many disciplines. To keep up with everything happening at the Culxr House be sure to follow them on social media!
African Cultural Festival
Presented by Afromaha, the
African Cultural Festival is an annual event that honors
Omaha’s growing population of African refugees and immigrants. Omaha is home to one of the largest populations of
South Sudanese immigrants in the country, and the festival has grown to be a celebration of multiple African countries and cultures. This year’s event takes place September 4 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets visit afromaha.com.
Street Art and Murals
North Omaha is home to many beautiful murals and street art projects that have been commissioned by the city and local nonprofits. With projects like the Justice for James mural on 24th and Browne, this beautiful art illustrates the spirit of North Omaha.
North O! Historic Locations
Great Plains Black History Museum
Looking for a trip down memory lane? Located just a few blocks south of Lake Street, the Great Plains Black History Museum is a library of North Omaha. The museum features
rotating exhibits and a carefully curated archive.
24th & Lake Jazz District
The historic jazz district of
North Omaha located at the intersection of 24th and
Lake streets was once a thriving hub of jazz clubs and small businesses. With the new cold-pressed juice and smoothie bar, Ital Vital, and
Fair Deal Village Marketplace offering a fresh grocery store and locally owned boutiques, the heart of North Omaha is set to beat again!
Malcolm X Memorial Foundation/Birthsite
Located just five minutes northwest of 24th and Lake, the Malcolm X Memorial
Foundation and Birthsite is a 17-acre park honoring the life and legacy of Malcolm
X. Complete with a historical marker and replica of Malcolm’s birth home, the Malcolm X Birthsite has become a valued resource for the community of North Omaha.
24th & Emmet Black Panther Marker
Following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Omaha riots in 1968, a wave of activism swept through North Omaha. By 1970, Omaha was home to chapters of the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense and the National Committee to Combat Fascism, which was led by Ed Poindexter and
David Rice. Learn more about
North Omaha’s revolutionary past at this marker.
Tech High School/TAC
Once dubbed the largest high school west of Chicago, Tech
High School produced some of North Omaha’s most celebrated natives. Omahans like
Heisman Trophy-winner Johnny Rodgers and successful actor John Beasley once graced the halls of this historic building, which is now home to
Omaha Public Schools’ Teacher Administrative Center.
Historic Downtown Florence and Benson
The areas of Benson and Florence were once the epicenter of small townships equipped with their own banks and grocery stores. Now home to several thriving small businesses, these historic areas give a glimpse into the past of North Omaha.
North O! Tasty
Petit’s Bakery -
Pastries 502 N. 16th St.
Big Mama’s
Kitchen - Soul Food 2112 N. 30th St., Accelerator
Suite 201 Time Out Chicken - Fried
Chicken 3518 N. 30th St. Jackson’s Takeout - Soul
Food 6209 Ames Ave.
JET Sports Bar & Grill
7444 N. 30th St. Dripped + Draped - Coffee
6015 Maple St. Cajun Kitchen - Soul Food
2819 N. 30th St. Mixins - Ice Cream 1405 Jackson St. Bills BBQ - BBQ
4414 N. 24th St. Jim’s Rib Haven - BBQ
3801 Ames Ave. Ital Vital - Juice Shop 2323 N. 24th St. Emery’s Cafe - Soul Food 2118 N. 24th St.
Best Burger - Burgers
2112 N. 30th St. Lufti’s Fried Fish - Fried Fish
7440 N. 30th St.
Taste of the South Food
Truck - Creol 6023 Maple St.
North O! Shops and Souvenirs
LeFlore’s Fashion
LeFlore’s Fashion is a family-owned boutique that offers an array of men’s formal clothing, footwear and accessories.
Aframerican Bookstore
The Aframerican Bookstore is one of the few Black-owned bookstores still standing in the country! Filled with books,
African clothing and trinkets, the Aframerican Bookstore is a gem nestled in the heart of
North Omaha.
Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford Store
Headquarters of Omaha’s own
Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford. The
“Team Bud” store has all the gear you need for your next fight!
Milk the Game Clothing
A staple in North Omaha, Milk the Game is a local clothing boutique that represents the ingenuity and work ethic of North Omaha natives.
Food Trucks/Grill
Smokin’ Doja Wings &
Things - BBQ
Chaima African Cuisine
- African
Ongoing COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Various locations | Free 402-444-3400
With a lifted mask mandate and the city coming back to life under the hot summer sun, it’s easy to assume the pandemic is nearing an end. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reported more than 1.7 million administered COVID-19 vaccine doses, along with decreasing positive test percentages. But less than half of Nebraska and Douglas County’s population is fully vaccinated, stymying a return to pre-pandemic normalcy. In order to increase accessibility, Douglas County Health Department is offering free COVID-19 vaccinations at a various locations from Hy-Vee pharmacies to public schools. Check out the DCHD Facebook page or visit www.douglascountyhealth.com.
July 4 Ralston 4th of July Parade and Fireworks
Parade 1 p.m. Fireworks 9:30 p.m. | Free Independence Square, Ralston ralstonareachamber.org
Another welcome sign of our return to normalcy, Ralston’s 61st Annual Independence Day Celebration returns, featuring the Optimist’s Club Fun Run, the annual parade emcee’d by KAT 103.7’s Erik & Hoss, a fire department water fight and the Ralston Fireworks Display by Bellino’s Fireworks. This year’s parade pays tribute to essential workers. It begins at 80th & Highland and travels to 72nd & Main St. Fireworks start about 9:30 p.m. at Ralston Arena, 72nd and Q St. Additionally, the Ralston Chamber will be partnering with Bellino’s Fireworks to sell fireworks starting June 25 through July 4.
— Lynn Sanchez
July 8-29 Jazz on the Green
How does an outdoor concert sound? Jazz on the Green returns every Thursday in July
save for one. Experience the Sammy Figueroa Latin Jazz Ensemble (July 8), Vincent Herring & The Celebration of Life Ensemble (July 15), Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble (July 22) and Curtis Stigers (July 29) with recommended blankets, chairs, flats, sunscreen and masks. And kindly forgo bringing any camping gear, flames or hard liquor. Let Turner Park acreage, warm nights and broad musical stylings be your pleasure. Park opens 5 p.m.; pre-show at 6:30 p.m.
— Matt Casas
July 8-11 Santa Lucia Italian Festival
For the first time in nearly two decades, Omaha’s Saint Lucia Festival will be held in the Little Italy neighborhood at 10th and Williams streets, close to Sons of Italy and the Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. Experience music, traditional Italian cuisine, vino, games, small rides, face painting, bocce ball and more. Festival begins Thursday, July 8, at 5 p.m. and runs through Sunday, July 11, at 10 p.m. Entry is free; food and desserts range from $4 to $10, and there are additional costs for other activities. Viva Saint Lucia!
— Leah Cates
July 8 Steve Earle & The Dukes
Steve Earle is an iconic singer-songwriter whose influence exists on the same level as outlaw-country legends Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. Throughout his alchemical career, he has released 20 albums and received three Grammy awards and 16 nominations. He will be backed by The Dukes, an airtight band, promoting a new album, JT, named in honor of Earle’s late son. This highly anticipated show will likely sell out, so buy tickets in advance online. Doors open at 7 p.m.
— Matt Casas
July 9 Troy Roberts and Tim Jago
With an album titled Best Buddies and a long-time collaboration as proof, you can count on musicians Troy Roberts (twice-Grammy-nominated saxophonist) and Tim Jago (guitar-virtuoso) to strike chords of musical chemistry at their release. Both musicians are well-regarded and have toured with musical legends. The duo will be joined by Mitch Towne on organ and Marty Morrison on drums. Doors open at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Order tickets online to get your album first and get it signed!
— Matt Casas
Opening July 9-10 Minor Rationalism
Minor Rationalism from the probing mind of Chicago-based artist/curator/philosopher Eric Schmid opens July 9 and runs through August 21.
The exhibit features various media from 30 creators whom Schmid selected for the singularity of their work and who operate outside the main, whether preferring obscurity, eschewing traditional careers or defying conventional definitions of artistry, operating instead in a decentralized hierarchy and outside the meme-stream; hence, the appellation “minor.”
Opening receptions are July 9 from 6 to 10 p.m. and July 10 from noon to 6 p.m. The gallery is located at 1322 S. 6th Street and is open Monday to Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Email for appointments: info@baader-meinhof.org or use the scheduling portal: baader-meinhof.org.
— Janet L. Farber
July 9-10 Heartland Pride
Various times | $14 Baxter Arena, Old Market
Happy Pride! In addition to a youth Pride parade (Friday, July 9, 6 to 10 p.m. at Baxter Arena) and a general Pride parade (Saturday, July 10, 10 a.m. in the Old Market), this year’s celebration — themed Let’s Get Back 2gether — features a live entertainment festival at Baxter Arena on July 10 from 4 to 10 p.m. The festival, which follows outdoor activities from noon to 4 p.m., includes RuPaul’s Drag Race All
tickets ON SALE NOW!
MAHAFESTIVAL.COM
Stars winner Chad Michaels, renowned comedian ANT, and co-headliners CeCe Peniston and Dev, both big names in music. Visit heartlandpride.org.
— Leah Cates
July 12-16 Omaha Fashion Camp
— Leah Cates
July 10 Susan Heggestad: Because
9 a.m.-4 p.m. | $225 Omaha Design Center omahafashioncamp.com
Got a kid who’s determined to be the next Beverly Johnson or Donna Karan? Sign them up for Omaha Fashion Camp! Kids take a deep dive into all aspects of the industry, including sketching, sewing, photography and modeling. Camp concludes with a runway show, and top designs are spotlighted at Omaha Fashion Week –– where many camp alums have been accepted. The fashion-forward day camp costs $225 and runs from Monday, July 12, to Friday, July 16, at the Omaha Design Center (9 a.m. to noon for 6-11-year-olds; 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. for 12-17-year-olds).
Vermillion-based artist Susan Heggestad will show Because, their evolving suite of textural prints reflecting on the subject of bodily violence, which opens with a reception July 10. Floating, silhouetted forms of human heads, limbs and bodies are imprinted with or overlaid on patterns of lace, embossed papers and other textiles, encoding them with references to the domestic environment and evoking interwoven cycles of personal experience. Because: A Collection of MixedMedia Prints on paper by Susan Heggestad runs through August 28. The gallery is located in the Mansion at Blackstone and is open Thursdays and Fridays from 12 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
—Janet L. Farber
July 22 Iliza: Back In Action Tour
7 p.m. | $49.50-$165 Holland Center Outdoors ticketomaha.com
Iliza Shlesinger is the youngest and only female contestant to win NBC’s Last Comic Standing. She’s also the writer and star of five Netflix specials –– and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, she’ll be performing standup at Omaha’s Holland Center Outdoors. The comedian-author-podcaster-actress, who created Iliza: Back In Action Tour after COVID-19 2020 canceled her touring plans, is known for her dramatic body language and bold observations about young womanhood. For tickets, visit ticketomaha.com. Prices range from $49.50 to $165, depending on whether you purchase Iliza’s “Very Important Party Goblin” package.
— Leah Cates
July 16 Emmaline
You have two chances on the same night this month to see Emmaline, an up-and-coming powerhouse singer-songwriter with a smoky voice and undeniable crossover appeal. But her music balances that fluidity with jazz mastery. Additionally, Emmaline has sold out several famed jazz clubs, opened for the 10x Grammy-winning Chaka Khan and is doubtless one of the great young jazz singers of today. Buy tickets online to witness her musical ascension continue at the premier jazz venue in Omaha. Doors open at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
July 24 Music for the City
Featuring Annika Chamber & Friends, Heather Newman Band and Hector Anchondo (solo) 4:30-10:30 p.m. | Free | The Dam Bar musicforthecity.net
The riverfront venue, The Dam Bar, will host another incendiary night of music with an epic lineup that includes Heather Newman Band, whose Omahan leader is a local BluesEd graduate who propelled the band’s 2019 album to debut at No. 4 on iTunes; Annika Chamber & Friends, a Blues Music Award-winning group whose 2015 album debuted at No. 7 on Billboard; and Hector Anchondo, International Blues Challenge and Memphis Cigar Box Guitar award-winner, performing solo. The sound system rocks, too!
— Matt Casas
July 27-August 2 Native Omaha Days Festival
Various times | Free | Festival Square at Bryant Center, 2505 N. 24th St. nativeomahadays.org
Thousands of former Omahans will flock home at the end of July for a week of reunions and homecoming celebrations. Sponsored by The Native Omahans Club, Inc. this beloved biennial event grants scholarships and promotes cultural and recreational activities for the neighborhoods of North Omaha and the Greater Omaha community. See Mark McGaugh’s full story on page 20.
— Lynn Sanchez
July 31 Maha Festival
2 p.m.-midnight | $65-$75 | Aksarben Village mahafestival.com
The annual all-day Omaha outdoor festival will again feature some of the best acts the world over. That includes the psychedelic-soul-funk trio Khruangbin, twice Grammy-awarded bass-wizard Thundercat, groovy art-pop outfit Japanese Breakfast, alt-country goldmine Drive-By Truckers and harmonious folk-duo Shovels & Rope. But there are grand local artists, too: including roots-rock swingers Matt Cox & The Marauders, transcendent ukuleleist Edem Soul Music, Saddle Creek era-inspired Dirt House, spiritualistic emcee J. Crum, dynamic turntablist Kethro and worldly DJ Crabrangucci – all sharing one stage. Keep Maha safe and chill!
— Matt Casas
HOODOO Summertime Blues
OutdOOrs and in the cLubs, Live music is back with festivaLs, tOuring shOws and star-studded events weLcOming fans tO share the jOy
BY B.J. HuCHTEMANN
Live music is coming back full force around the metro, with new announcements and schedule additions happily becoming regular occurrences. Here are some highlights.
Lincoln’s historic Zoo Bar has been hosting indoor shows again and has announced the return of its popular ZOOFEST anniversary celebration. This summer’s ZOOFEST moves to August, with outdoor shows recently announced for Thursday and Friday, Aug. 12-13, on 14th Street in front of the bar. Details on performers will be coming in the weeks ahead at zoobar.com and facebook.com/ zoobarblues. You’ll also find the latest shows booked for the club on those sites.
Jazz on the Green is back in Omaha at Midtown Crossing. The longstanding free concert series kicks off July 8 with Sammy
Figueroa Latin Jazz
Ensemble. July 15 features Vincent Herring
& The Celebration of
Life Ensemble; July 22 puts the spotlight on Louisiana’s Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble; and July 29 showcases celebrated jazz saxophonist, songwriter and vocalist Curtis Stigers. The park opens for seating at 5 p.m., and pre-show music begins at 6:30 p.m. with the headliners going on at 7:30 p.m. Find all the details under the “events” menu on the Jazz on the Green tab at midtowncrossing.com.
Lincoln community radio station KZUM’s popular Stransky Park free concert series begins July 1 and continues on Thursdays, 7-9 p.m., for six weeks featuring a variety of genres. Check out the calendar at kzum.org. Music for the City
Local promoter and Playing With Fire founder Jeff Davis continues his tradition of offering the community great live blues music in a new free series, Music for the City. While Playing With Fire had to go on hiatus this year due to circumstances beyond the organizer’s control, Music for the City is offering three free events this summer. The second show Saturday, July 24, puts the focus on female artists and soul-blues with Blues Music Award-winning vocalist and entertainer Annika Chambers and friends. The friends performing include phenomenal roots violinist Anne Harris and San Francisco Bay area soul vocalist Terrie Odabi. The ensemble also in-
cludes guitarist J.P. Soars and frequent Playing With Fire performer, Canadian guitarist Paul DesLauriers. Opening the show is former Omahan Heather Newman and her band, following a solo set from Héctor Anchondo at 5:30 p.m. This will be a memorable night of world-class, award-winning artists. The event takes place at the Dam Bar on the River City Star landing. A third show is set for Saturday, Aug. 21. Gates at 1 p.m. See all the details at musicforthecity.net. Happy 50th to Alligator 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of Alligator Records, the Chicago blues label founded by Bruce Iglauer when he was a 23-year-old blues fan. After spending his savings recording his favorite blues band, Hound Dog Taylor & the HouseRockers, Iglauer built Alligator into a label that has become a benchmark for traditional blues and for its more contemporary artists. The label has also stood the test of time while several other midsized blues labels have closed their doors. Alligator Records-50 Years of Houserockin’ Music dropped June 18 and features 58 artists from Hound Dog Taylor, Koko Taylor, Professor
Longhair, Johnny Win-
ter and Albert Collins to
Luther Allison, Tommy Castro, Janiva Magness, Shemekia Copeland, Curtis Salgado, Toronzo
Cannon and more. The three-CD set also includes a 40-page color booklet. For more on Iglauer and the Alligator story, fans AnnikA ChAmbers heAdlines A dAzzling ArrAy of blues tAlent At the free musiC for the City show July 24 At the dAm bAr. Photo courtesy AnnikA can check out Bitten by the Blues: The Alligator Records Story (2018) written chAmbers music. by Iglauer and Patrick A. Roberts. Visit alligator.com to find out more about the anniversary anthology, the book and the latest Alligator releases.
Hot Notes
Steve Earle plays The Waiting Room Thursday, July 8, 8 p.m. Extremely talented duo The Mastersons, who are also members of Earle’s band, The Dukes, open. See onepercentproductions.com.
The BSO Presents shows are happening in different venues around town. Check omahablues. com and facebook.com/bluessocietyofomaha for current and late-breaking bookings. BSO highlights include a special free show on Saturday, July 10, at Rathskeller Bier Haus with Matt Cox, Matt Woods and Dustin Arbuckle.
Chicago’s top-flight guitarist-singer-songwriter and harmonica player Studebaker John & The Hawks are back at the B. Bar for a 5:30 p.m. show Friday, July 16. Soulful Memphis band Southern Avenue plays a double-bill with Kris Lager Band at the ongoing Holland Center Outdoors series Saturday, July 24, 7-10 p.m. See ticketomaha.com for tickets.
Mark your calendar now for the In the Market for Blues festival Saturday, Aug. 7, in the Old Market. The multi-venue event offers 14 hours of live music at 14 venues and is a collaboration between founder Héctor Anchondo and the Blues Society of Omaha, assisted by sponsors, volunteers and a growing number of venues. Popular blues-rock guitarist Ana Popovic was recently announced as the headlining artist. Advance tickets are $20 on eventbrite.com until Aug. 6 when the cost will go to $25. Follow facebook.com/ inthemarketforblues for details and updates.
A R T very becomingvery becoming
Seven make good impreSSion in g1516’S firSt ‘emerging artiStS’ group exHibit
By Kent Behrens
VIEWABLE IN PRINT ONLYHave you ever found yourself asking “What exactly is an emerging artist?” Is it as obvious as it sounds or is there more there than meets the eye?
Searching the term on the web only confounds the issue; it appears that arts writers and curators are in little agreement about this some- INTRIGUING, ISN’T IT? what new and seemingly overused label. What they do agree on, mostly, is these artists evolving presence and reputation.
One possible enlightenment is the recent collaboration of Omaha’s Gallery 1516 and the art center Amplify Arts which resulted in an exhibit, appropriately titled Emerging Artists, which opened Sept. 13 at the former’s location at 16th and Leavenworth. Amplify Arts’ Program Director Peter Fankhauser offered this as the venue’s definition: “Artists in the early stages of their creative development, with 2 to 10 years of generative experience, a focused direction and goals, a developing artistic “voice,” who have yet to be substantially celebrated within their field, the media, or funding circles.” The exhibit, which takes good advantage of G1516’s excellent space, features the work of seven local contemporary artists at varying levels of experience and renown. Gallery 1516’s Assistant Curator Suzi Eberly tapped into Amplify Arts extensive roster to serve as guide through the forest of those transpiring from unknown to known. Together, they assembled a group of local talent, as described in the show’s accompanying pamphlet, “that reexamines and rewrites traditional artistic narratives.” Gallery Director Pat Drickey said the show was “put together as a kind of precursor and complement to the upcoming Spring 2021 Biennial.” In addition, it satiates the recent virus-induced dearth of art
TalberT Reflection of PoweR, 2019
shows; group shows have always been a good way to show more work to more people.
Prior to the completion, Eberly moved away, but still consults with the gallery. Subsequent curation and installation was then taken up by the staff at 1516. This transient collaboration yielded a group of seven artists at different stages of their careers: Camille Hawbaker Voorhees, Shawnequa Linder, Jenna Johnson, Neil Griess, Tom White, Patty Talbert, and Anne Dovali. Depending on your frequency of gallery visits in the area, a few of these names may be new to you, and
