THE READER MAY 2022 OMAHA

M ay 2022 | volU M E 29 | ISSUE 3

FLI

PC OV ER

Painting the Town

A Multitude of Recent Murals Transforms Omaha’s Infrastructure

by Janet Farber

Jair Rodriguez, “Transitions,” 2020, spray paint on concrete wall.

Located on Harney Street near S. 37th Street NE (photo: Drew Davies)

JOBS: Being Poor Is Pricey | FEATURE: Stay Tuned for Symone Sanders | NEWS: Crisis in Classrooms | THEATER: ‘Stick Fly’ | DISH: Get to the POinte | FILM REVIEW: ‘The Northman’ & ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ | FILM: Cutting Room | BACKBEAT: Omaha Band Making a Splash | HOODOO: Summertime Blues | OVER THE EDGE: The Price of Truth | PLUS: Picks, Comics & Crossword

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May 2021

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May 2021

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OMAHA JOBS: Being Poor Is Pricey: Meet a Single Mom Who Can’t Afford To Get a Job

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COVER STORY: Painting the Town: A Multitude of Recent Murals Transforms Omaha’s Infrastructure

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FEATURE: Stay Tuned for Symone Sanders

c o n t e n t s

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NEWS: Crisis in Classrooms: Students Need Help, Not Punishment as They Cope With Pandemic

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THEATER: ‘Stick Fly’: The Ups and Downs of an Affluent Black Family

publisher/editor........... John Heaston john@thereader.com graphic designers........... Ken Guthrie Albory Seijas news..........................Robyn Murray copy@thereader.com copy chief.............. Michael Newgren spike@thereader.com lead reporter............... Chris Bowling chris@thereader.com associate publisher.... Karlha Velásquez karlha@el-perico.com report for america corps member..........Bridget Fogarty bridget@el-perico.com creative services director....................... Lynn Sanchez lynn@pioneermedia.me editorial & membership associate.......................... Leah Cates leah@pioneermedia.me

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BACKBEAT: Omaha Band Making a Splash: Midwest Coast

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Hoodoo: Music for the Lincoln Street Festival Kicks Off Lots of Outdoor Shows

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FILM REVIEWS: ‘The Northman’ and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

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PICKS: Cool Things To Do in May

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DISH: Get to the Pointe: How the West (Omaha) Was Fun

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 over the edge..............Tim McMahan tim.mcmahan@gmail.com theater.................... Beaufield Berry coldcream@thereader.com backbeat.... Virginia Kathryn Gallner backbeat@thereader.com

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COMICS: Jeff Koterba, Jen Sorensen & Garry Trudeau

o n li n e

Backbeat chats up Tiny Desk Concert entrants

May 2022

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Online Guide to Things To Do in Omaha in Spring

OVER THE EDGE: The Price of Truth: Does Money Buy Influence of the Press?

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May 2022

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O M A H A

J O B S

Being Poor Is Pricey Melissa Connelly is a Single Mom Who Can’t Afford to Get a Job

by Leah Cates Melissa Connelly and her son, Chance, 11, stand outside the Louis E. May Museum in Fremont. To make ends meet, Connelly had to cut out karate, tutoring and a YMCA membership for her son. Photo courtesy of Melissa Connelly.

This story is part of a series, published in The Reader and on omahajobs.com, that spotlights the experiences of low-income, working families in Omaha. This is also part of a larger series about inequity in Omaha, titled “(Dis)Invested” (read more on page 14).

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hen Melissa Connelly, a 40-year-old single mom who lives in Fremont, was barred from housing assistance last year, she was forced to make budget cuts.

Fresh fruits and veggies had to go. So did tutoring, karate classes and a YMCA membership for her son, Chance, who’s 11 years old.

“It has isolated [Chance] …

He’s more aggressive because he’s cooped up,” said Connelly, who knows her son can

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be sweet, caring and helpful.

Chance is coping with trauma, ADHD and separation from his five siblings, to whom Connelly relinquished her rights after she was arrested on a drug charge, and his dad, who was deported to El Salvador.

Because Connelly was convicted on a felony drug charge in 2014 –– nearly a decade ago –– she’s banned from government food assistance (SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for life, even though, she said, she’s been through drug treatment programs and gotten sober.

The financial strain from this lifetime ban is made worse for the family because she’s barred from housing assistance, called Section 8, which she was initially denied due to her drug conviction. Connelly successfully appealed the decision –– only to find herself once again denied, she said, because her

May 2022

Gallup, Inc.

Seeks Lead SQL Database Developers in Omaha, NE.

To lead a team in writing API’s and ETL processes within data warehouses; completing data transfer process for multiple applications; analyze user needs and develop software solutions; creating data models and design diagrams and owning the data transfer process for multiple applications and participate in team meetings discussing the architecture of processes. Responsible for managing large development tasks, breaking down the task into smaller tasks, disseminating to other programmers on the team, and participating and leading code reviews. Min. req. Master’s degree in Computer Science, MIS, Engineering or related degree or foreign equivalent plus 2 years of work experience as Computer Programmer or Software Developer or related IT occupation and completion of coursework and/or at least three months of experience in using SQL in Oracle or Sybase or Greenplum database writing SQL queries; stored procedures; maintaining and debugging database applications; testing of programs or databases; correcting errors; planning and implementing security measures to safeguard information; production support; and/or ETL and Data Modeling for client facing platform; using Jira; Code handling using GIT or Tortoise SVN. COVID vaccination required as per federal mandate, medical or religious accommodation accepted.

Gallup is an EEO/AAP Employer Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans.

Please apply online at http://careers.gallup.com or mail resumes to: Lisa Kiichler • 1001 Gallup Drive, Omaha, NE 68102

ProKarma Inc. (dba Concentrix Catalyst) Solutions Architect #489460 ProKarma, Inc. (dba Concentrix Catalyst) has mult. openings for Solutions Architect in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Analyze, design, and code for

complex distributed software systems as well as define and implement complex API security frameworks. Responsible for defining problems, collecting data, establishing facts, drawing valid conclusions, and preparing appropriate reports.

Req. a Bachelor’s degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or any tech/analytical field, plus 5 years of exp in an IT/Comp-related position.

postings@prokarma.com

with Job Ref #489460 in subject line.

ProKarma Inc. (dba Concentrix Catalyst) Systems Analyst #165337 ProKarma, Inc. (dba Concentrix Catalyst) has mult. openings for Systems Analyst in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated throughout

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U.S.

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Responsible for collecting information to analyze and evaluate existing or developed applications/ systems. Analyzes the feasibility of, and develops requirements for, new systems and enhancements to existing systems. Req. a Master’s degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or related tech/analytical field, plus 1 year of exp in an IT/Comp-related position. To apply, email Resumes to postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref #165337 in subject line.

Software Development Engineer in Test# 501727 ProKarma, Inc. (dba Concentrix Catalyst) has mult. openings for Software Development Engineer in Test in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required. Develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information. Req. Master’s Degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or any technical/analytical field that is closely related to the specialty, plus two (2)yrs of exp in an IT/Comp-related position.To apply, email

To apply, email Resumes to

locations

ProKarma, Inc. (dba Concentrix Catalyst)

Resumes to postings@prokarma.comwith Job Ref# 501727 in subject line.

ProKarma Inc. (dba Concentrix Catalyst) Software Engineer #626741 ProKarma, Inc. (dba Concentrix Catalyst) has mult. openings for Software Engineer in Omaha, NE; travel and/or reloc to various unanticipated locations throughout the U.S. is required.

Responsible for designing, programming, coding, and analyzing new computer programs and data structures in accordance with specifications and user needs. Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.Req. a Bachelor’s degree in Comp Sci, Engg (any), or any tech/analytical field, plus 2 years of exp in an IT/ Comp-related position.

TO APPLY, EMAIL RESUMES TO

postings@prokarma.com with Job Ref #626741 in subject line.

May 2022

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O M A H A

J O B S

Melissa Connelly holds her son, Chance, when he was a baby. Now 11 years old, Chance copes with trauma, ADHD and separation from his siblings, as well as his father –– and Connelly often has limited resources to help him.

Photo courtesy of Melissa Connelly.

income level is too high. As of 2021, the maximum income for a family of two to receive Section 8 benefits is $21,100 annually.

cent years even though she’s considered selling again to provide Chance extracurricular opportunities and nourishment.

Public benefit denials due to both drug offenses and ultra-low income cutoffs aren’t anomalies in Nebraska, where 90% of applications to Aid to Dependent Children, another public benefit, were denied in 2020 (see March Omaha Jobs column). According to the Associated Press, Nebraska “took the most aggressive action anywhere in the country” in stopping emergency SNAP benefits in July 2020, a mere four months into the COVID-19 pandemic. In midApril of this year, the Nebraska Legislature killed LB121, which would have ended Nebraska’s lifetime ban on SNAP for individuals who’ve been convicted of certain drug offenses.

“I have to do something to feed my kid. [The ban] leads people right back to [selling drugs].”

“[The state] should let me show what I’ve done different to change,” said Connelly, who said she’s been through drug treatment programs and stayed away from drugs in re-

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That’s what happened to Connelly’s father.

“When my dad got out of prison, they just threw him out. They didn’t help him with SNAP. He was disqualified.

That sent my dad back to selling,” she said.

Connelly said her father died from hypertension and COPD in January. She believes the stress of trying to put food on the table contributed to his death, and she struggles under the same pressure he did as she grieves his loss. “[My dad] taught me to cook … He watched my kid.

When I tried to get a job, he was always there supporting me,” said Connelly who said at

May 2022

age 19 she found her mother dead from a seizure.

she needs to keep herself and her son afloat.

“[He stood by me] even when I was down on myself and mad because [of how] my record affects [my ability to get a job].”

Megan Hamann, economic justice coordinator for Nebraska Appleseed, said she frequently sees situations like Connelly’s.

Chance is still eligible for SNAP benefits –– but he only gets $20 each month, according to Connelly. That’s because SNAP is calculated based on household size and income, and even though Connelly can’t get SNAP herself, the state still factors in her income when determining how much food assistance to give the 11-year-old.

“Often income from one type of benefit disqualifies [people] from another,” Hamann said. “Or if [a person is] able to receive all the benefits, then the second they get a job … a number of those resources go away.”

The family’s income, which is derived from disability benefits, not only prevents them from getting housing assistance but also stops Connelly, who used to be employed at Hy-Vee, from going back to work. If she works too much –– and therefore makes more money than the income cutoff allows –– the state will take away the benefits the family does get, Connelly said, which

Nevertheless, Connelly hopes to return to work and still make ends meet. She also aspires to earn her GED, having dropped out of high school at age 16. Like her son, Connelly struggled with behavioral issues –– and she wants his future to look different from hers.

“I definitely don’t want him to drop out,” Connelly said. “I would like him to be … back in the things that he likes, [such as] karate, but funds are short [and] my income gets messed up when I go back to work.”

Gallup, Inc.

Gallup, Inc.

SEEKS LEAD PYTHON DEVELOPERS IN OMAHA, NE. To lead team in designing, developing, unit testing and maintaining web-based applications with a focus on Python. Min. req. Master’s degree in Computer Science, MIS, Engineering or related degree or foreign equivalent plus 2 years of work experience as Computer Programmer or Software Developer or related IT occupation and completion of coursework and/or at least three months of experience with Python; SQL; Github; open-source statistical programming languages; data structure and algorithms; object oriented programming.

COVID vaccination required as per federal mandate, medical or religious accommodation accepted.

To bring experience to team of individuals in designing, developing, unit testing and maintaining web-based applications with a focus on Java. Work with relational databases or analytical processing systems. Participate in team meetings to discuss architecture of web-based applications. Min. req. bachelor’s degree in computer science, MIS, engineering or related degree or foreign equivalent together with 5 years of work experience as Computer Programmer or Software Developer or related IT occupation. Experience must be post-bachelor’s and progressive. Completion of coursework and/or at least three months of experience in XML, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Core Java, Restful API design skills, continuous integration and deployment, multithreaded programming and Unit Testing using Junit or Mockito frameworks. COVID vaccination required as per federal mandate, medical or religious accommodation accepted.

Gallup is an EEO/AAP Employer Minorities/ Women/Disabled/Veterans.

Gallup is an EEO/AAP Employer Minorities/ Women/Disabled/Veterans.

Please apply online at http://careers.gallup.com or mail resumes to: Lisa Kiichler • 1001 Gallup Drive, Omaha, NE 68102

Gallup, Inc. SEEKS LEAD NET APPLICATION DEVELOPERS IN OMAHA, NE. To be responsible for leading a team of .net Application Developers in the design, development and implementation of software applications, write application code in the Microsoft .net environment according to functional specifications defined, develop unit testing around said code, and participate in team meetings discussing the architecture of the system. Responsible for managing large development tasks, disseminating to other programmers on the team, and participating in and leading code reviews.

Min. req. Master’s degree in Computer Science, MIS, Engineering or related degree or foreign equivalent plus 2 years of work experience as Computer Programmer or Software Developer or related IT occupation and completion of coursework and/or at least three months of experience in C#, ASP.NET, MVC and the .NET framework and SQL programming.

COVID vaccination required as per federal mandate, medical or religious accommodation accepted.

Gallup is an EEO/AAP Employer Minorities/ Women/Disabled/Veterans.

Please apply online at http://careers.gallup.com or mail resumes to: Lisa Kiichler • 1001 Gallup Drive, Omaha, NE 68102

SEEKS A SR. JAVA DEVELOPER IN OMAHA, NE

Please apply online at http://careers.gallup.com or mail resumes to: Lisa Kiichler • 1001 Gallup Drive, Omaha, NE 68102

Gallup, Inc. Seeks Lead Java Developers in Omaha, NE. To lead team in designing, developing, unit testing and maintaining web-based applications with a focus on Java. Work with relational databases or analytical processing systems. Participate in team meetings to discuss architecture of web-based applications. Min. req. Master’s degree in Computer Science, MIS, Engineering or related degree or foreign equivalent plus 2 years of work experience as Computer Programmer or Software Developer or related IT occupation and completion of coursework and/or at least three months of experience in XML, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Core Java, Restful API design skills, continuous integration and deployment, multithreaded programming and Unit Testing using Junit or Mockito frameworks. COVID vaccination required as per federal mandate, medical or religious accommodation accepted.

Gallup is an EEO/AAP Employer Minorities/ Women/Disabled/Veterans.

Please apply online at http://careers.gallup.com or mail resumes to: Lisa Kiichler • 1001 Gallup Drive, Omaha, NE 68102

May 2022

9

F E A T U R E

Stay Tuned for Symone Sanders Omaha Native and Political Guru Set for Debut of Her Own Show on MSNBC-Peacock

by Leo Adam Biga

O

ride as “impactful, exhilarating, blessed.” Hosting her own show realizes a dream nurtured as a girl in Omaha, where she imagined herself as fictional newswoman Donna Burns.

maha native Symone Sanders joins the onename celebrity club with the May 7 debut of her MSNBC-Peacock news-commentary show, “Symone.” This latest career turn for the fast-rising star puts her in good company with Black women from Nebraska making media waves.

“I could name on one hand the Black women I saw on television. Now we can name a lot more people who are taking up space.”

Sanders, 32, broke onto the Beltway scene in 2016 as national press secretary for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. That led to posts with the national Democratic Party and TV talking-head panelist gigs. Then she became a senior adviser to Joe Biden’s presidential campaign before being chief spokesperson for Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Leveraging her fame, she released a book, “No, You Shut Up: Speaking Truth to Power and Reclaiming America.”

She feels in good hands with Jones at the helm.

“I really appreciate Rashida’s vision. A lot of folks talk about diversity, equity, meeting people where they are, but few walk the walk, and I think Rashida is the embodiment of walking the walk. She has a bold, fresh vision. She understands where this industry is right now but also where it’s going. If you want to reach people super tuned into news and politics but also paying attention to other things happening in our world and society, you have to have lanes, you have to have diversity of thought and perspective.

Rashida gets it.”

Last fall, Sanders became the youngest Omaha Press Club Face on the Barroom Floor honoree. Then new MSNBC president Rashida Jones lured her away from the White House as an anchor and host.

“I always say I’ve never asked for anything that I did not know I could do,” Sanders said.

She describes her whirlwind

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Symone Sanders. PHOTO courtesy of NBC Universal

May 2022

Just as national figures Gwen Ifill, Carole Simpson, Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King paved the way in communications-media, Sanders appreciates the im-

F E A T U R E

Symone Sanders during MSNBC’s State of the Union coverage. PHOTO courtesy of NBC Universal pact of Nebraskans. Her family has a legacy relationship with The Omaha Star, which has been run by women since Mildred Brown founded it in 1938.

Sanders’ mother, Terri Sanders, sold ads for the paper and is its current publisher.

“My mother is one of my greatest forces of inspiration,” Sanders said by phone during a break prepping for her show.

Sanders has her own ties to the paper. “The Star is the first place I cut my writing chops. Margeurita Washington (Brown’s successor) gave me a weekly column when I was in college.”

When Sanders missed filing a few columns, she got some important advice.

“Miss Washington said you need to be consistent when you write because you have

something to say and people are paying attention. That was one of the first times someone encouraged me to put my words down on paper and share them with the world. Now as I’m preparing for my show and thinking about the words we’re going to say and the kind of conversations we’re going to have, I feel emboldened. I have Miss Washington’s reminder in my head that the words we say have power, words matter, they carry weight.”

She did all the things people told her could not be done.”

Bertha Calloway became the first Black woman to be featured on regular daytime TV in Omaha in 1971 before founding the Great Plains Black History Museum. Urban One chair Cathy Hughes, another Omahan, paved the way nationally.

“Cathy Hughes broke down doors, barriers for so many people in media,” Sanders said.

“She really blazed her own trail.

The Creighton University business management grad brings something different to the mix.

Lincoln native Nichole Berlie is a TV reporter-anchor in Boston. Omaha natives Gabrielle Union (TV, movies), Yolonda Ross (“The Chi”), Amber Ruffin (NBC), Brittany Jones-Cooper (Yahoo) and Victoria Benning (Washington Post) are formidable personalities and creatives.

“I have extremely great role models in my hometown community,” Sanders said.

“I’m not a breaking news or Capitol Hill journalist like some of my colleagues. I am someone who has a perspective, who’s been around politics and news and culture for a very long time.

I’m a millennial Black woman

from the Midwest. I’ve worked at the highest echelon of politics across the Democratic Party spectrum. I’m excited to bring all that experience and to give my insights around various conversations.”

She believes her background connects her to voices outside the mainstream.

“I’m proud of my Midwest roots and I’m bringing those roots to MSNBC and Peacock,” she said. “There is a diverse story of our nation to tell. I want to highlight things beyond the Beltway. So often in Washington we get caught up in the conversations we’re having in our bubble. The news is not just what’s happening in Washington, D.C., or New York or L.A., it’s what’s happening in Omaha, Chicago, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, Salt Lake City. I want to reach those nonpolitical group chats.”

May 2022

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F E A T U R E about the economy, taxes, gas prices, climate change, but also what’s happening in their communities with voting and crime,” she said.

“Young people need to be a part of these conversations, and I’m excited to help elevate their voices.”

In media, as in life, first impressions count.

“How I introduce myself to people those first few days will be very important.

It’s something we are thinking strategically about,” she said. “I am interested in making sure every week we are trying to illuminate points -- everything from what’s happening at the White House and on Capitol Hill to the midterms, but also entertainment and culture. Often times I think the perspective and diversity of young voices in this country is missing in our political discourse.”

Like her book, her show looks to amplify the historically disenfranchised.

PHOTO: NBC Universal

Sanders looks to shatter artificial boundaries.

“Politics and culture are swimming in the same stream nowadays,” Sanders said, adding she wants to cover and contextualize it all, from the Oscars and

Grammys, to Kanye West and Trump to a revival of the opera “X” about Malcolm X. She notes her generation is interested in pressing issues.

“The oldest millennials have families, own businesses, care

“I think it is no small thing the preamble of the Constitution says ‘We the people in order to form a more perfect union.’ I have a whole chapter about power – who has it, how to get it, how to get more of it,” Sanders said. “The founding ‘we’ were white landowners. We are now living in a society, an America, a world with an ever-expanding ‘we’. So expanded that a little Black girl from Nebraska can host a show on a major ca-

ble channel and streaming platform. The ever-expanding we are putting themselves directly in the middle of what’s happening, staking their claim that their voices do matter.”

As her own voice and fame rise, a favorite meme keeps things real: “I remember the days I prayed for the things I have now.” Said Sanders, “That is something I always keep in my head. No matter how far I go, I remember I’m a person of faith.

That’s what keeps me grounded.”

She’s mindful of the opportunities open to her not open to Black women before her.

“I didn’t used to be here.

There’s no guarantee I’ll be where I’m at,” she said. “Two things I can be certain of: being grateful and continuing to do the work. Being authentic, it was what got me here, but also doing the work. People broke

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May 2022

F E A T U R E down barriers so I could be a bald, pretty Black girl with bedazzled nails with her own TV show. It wasn’t always like this.

Hopefully, more people will come after me.”

The bold, vivacious Sanders felt anything but after her father’s 2017 death following a stroke.

“It forced me inward, and while I was still out doing things, I was depressed. It was a fight to get out of bed every day and go to work.”

The intervention of a friend and a mentor led her to seek counseling and reorder her priorities.

“I think that mindset shifted me,” she said. “I can have all the things I’ve worked for, but what is it really worth if you don’t have anybody to go home to at the end of the day. Life is short

and you’ve got to love the people you love and do the things you love. I now choose myself and my happiness rather than barrel into work. I’m getting married this summer to a really amazing man I met three years ago as I came out of that depression.”

Audiences will get the best version of Symone.

“They’re going to get a little fun and funny -- they’re going to learn something they didn’t know before,” she said. “I’m walking into this show excited, clear-eyed, grounded and just very sure of who I am and what I’m doing. I wish my father was here today to see everything happening to experience it with me.”

Tune in to “Symone” on Sat-

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13

N E W S

Crisis in Classrooms

(Dis)Invested

Experts Say Students Need Help, Not Punishment as They Cope with THE Pandemic

by Bridget Fogarty

T

nonprofit focused on behavioral health needs, particularly in Omaha’s Black communities.

“He was still trying to find his way around,” his mother recalled, when a school security guard told him to get to class.

Black students, who make up 25% of the OPS district, accounted for nearly half of the students suspended in the 20202021 school year. Data analysis shows they were suspended six times more frequently than other students.

he first time Nichelle Taylor-Jones’ son was suspended from Central High School he was only a week into his freshman year. The bell rang, and he couldn’t find his class, so he wandered the halls.

“He reacted — yelling and telling them to get off of him — and he got suspended,” Taylor-Jones said.

As the year progressed, despite his desires to do well, he struggled to stay in class and was suspended “almost every two weeks” until school let out in the spring, according to his mother.

That was the fall of 2018. When COVID-19 hit, he struggled even more to stay in class, and had another round of suspensions.

Two years into the pandemic, teachers and students alike are in crisis mode. The grief and anxiety brought on by COVID-19 has poured over as misbehavior has increased in classrooms across the nation and metro, including in the Omaha Public Schools, as

14

described in a recent report in the Omaha World Herald. Staffing shortages have pushed educators to their breaking points, and their concerns for student and staff mental health are alarmingly high, according to a statewide survey by the Nebraska State Education Association.

As misbehavior rises in classrooms, experts say harsh punishments aren’t what students need; research shows punitive discipline such as suspensions and expulsions are linked to academic disengagement, lower achievement and greater risks of

May 2022

school dropout and contact with the juvenile justice system. While suspensions dropped within OPS during the pandemic, disproportionate suspension rates for Black students persisted.

“When you have kids who have numerous situations in which they were expelled or suspended, then it creates an environment where the value of (the school system) is not seen in their lives,” said Doris Moore, a licensed independent mental health practitioner and founder and CEO of the Center for Holistic Development, a community-based

The disproportionality in discipline rates isn’t new for OPS schools, nor is it isolated. National data shows students of color are more likely to be disciplined than their white counterparts.

Before COVID-19 interrupted student learning and exacerbated behavioral health challenges in schools, research showed educators’ implicit and explicit biases against Black students could perpetuate the racial gap in discipline rates, starting as early as preschool. Last year, OPS officials updated their code of conduct to discourage suspensions for kids in preschool and kindergarten.

When her son was first suspended, Taylor-Jones believed the school labeled him a “bad

N E W S high suspension rates for Black special education students.

“We’re really thinking about how we provide different layers of support for students based on need,” said MTSS-B supervisor Danielle Starkey, who oversees the system’s implementation in schools across the district.

The first layer of support strives to create “safe, predictable school environments Doris Moore, mental health that are going to prepractitioner, founder and CEO of problematic bethe Center for Holistic Development vent havior from happening in the first place,” Starkey said. That includes kid” because of his behavior but clear expectations that teach sturarely addressed why he was actdents how to behave in class. ing up.

“We’re looking at the student “A lot of his behavior stemmed and thinking about what does from being angry,” she said. each student need in order to “These children do have voices, be successful? And that’s where and it’s time to start listening, bethose different tiers come into cause they’re in pain.” play, in terms of how much support do we need to provide to each student in order for them to have their social, emotional and behavioral needs be met?”

New Supports Gain Traction Inside OPS

OPS has set a goal to decrease the number of disciplinary actions taken against kids by 3% each year by 2025. The district has implemented what’s known as Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Behavior (MTSS-B).

MTSS-B is an evidenced-based, problem-solving framework for behavior in schools. It began with federal legislation aimed at helping students with disabilities and grew into a supportive tool used by schools nationwide. It’s a systematic approach that aims to help teachers more effectively address student behavior in class and identify challenges interfering with their ability to learn.

The multi-tiered systems were first implemented in OPS in 2015, after a review by the Nebraska Department of Education found

MTSS-B has been rolled out on the first-tier level in all OPS classrooms and programs, although some schools are further along than others, Starkey said. For implementation to be fully successful, it takes time, money and educators’ willingness and ability to participate. Staff workshops and professional development days can bring educators the training they need.

But finding the time for professional development is challenging for teachers who are overstretched. Throughout the pandemic, teachers have spoken out at Omaha Public Schools Board of Education meetings with pleas for pandemic pay as they cover colleagues’ classes. They’ve called for moratoriums on meetings, including a halt on professional development to catch up

Tiered MTSS-B

Support for Student Success TIER 3:

1-5% of the student body

TIER 2:

5-10% of the student body

TIER 1:

80-90% of the student body

TIER 1:

Universal Interventions

TIER 1:

Targeted Group Interventions

TIER 1:

Intensive Individual Interventions

Universal Interventions for all students and all settings.

It is preventive and proactive.

Targeted Group Interventions for At Risk Students. It consists of high effeciency, rapid response interventions.

Intensive Interventions for Individual Students. It consists of intense, durable, assessment-based interventions.

on class planning.

Ricky Smith, a member of OPS’ Board of Education, said MTSS-B and OPS professional development opportunities, some of which include a stipend for participating educators, can help teachers learn how to redirect student behaviors more effectively.

“It just depends on how well our teachers and our educators are able to absorb that information and utilize all the steps to keep our kids from being suspended and expelled,” Smith said.

The dynamics that changed classrooms during the pandemic required educators to teach and

address behavioral outbursts at the same time.

In order to improve behavioral issues in schools, parents need a seat at the table, Smith said. He encourages parents to not only advocate for their students at school, but also to talk to them about behavior in school at home.

“As a parent, don’t think that your voice isn’t heard or your voice doesn’t matter,” he said.

“But you have to be accountable for your student’s actions.”

Smith also said parents should contact their district’s board member when problems arise with discipline.

May 2022

“All of us are concerned about

15

N E W S the disparities in the district with the suspensions and expulsions,” he said. “Our main focus is to have everybody at school every day.”

“I honestly believe that we can help people before they get into a crisis.”

When Moore, the founder of the Center for Holistic Development, created the organization, no other effort in the city truly focused on the behavioral health needs of the African American community. She believes Blackled, community-based initiatives like hers are critical solutions to addressing students’ behavioral issues and minimizing suspensions and expulsions.

“We really do a disservice to our teachers, because they go to school to become a teacher.

They don’t go to school and think about all of the things that this child has to deal with before they come into your classroom,” she said.

Culture plays a huge role in addressing social and emotional health, Moore said, especially for Black and brown communities.

Both the challenges and triumphs of Black history influenced how ancestors of today’s generations developed and moved forward, and without recognizing that, healing can be harder, she said.

“Our help and support, and the effectiveness of what we do for the children is really only contingent upon how much we can touch the environment that they come from,” Moore said.

Moore’s team helps students connect with behavioral support that addresses the root causes of trauma and leaves a positive, lasting impact on students, their families and their communities.

One program called Real Talk helps young people deal with their social and emotional competence. Students first learn self-awareness about feelings and emotions and how they impact the world around them, then learn about understanding other people and their feelings and emotions and, finally, learn how to communicate that with one another.

justice system after a suspension for attendance almost gave her a truancy charge, Na’tavia connected with programs at the Center for Holistic Development.

“Ms. Michelle (who supervises youth programs) brought out the best in her and reminded her ‘you are a good kid,’” Sasha said.

Sasha has seen Na’tavia’s behavior improve with the help of “people who look like her, talk like her, think like her.”

High school sophomore Na’tavia has always been a social butterfly with the “gift of the gab,” according to her mother, Sasha, who did not provide her last name. But when remote learning put her favorite clubs and activities on halt, her mom watched the isolation and boredom of quarantine lead to her disinterest in class.

Students may be referred to programs like the Center for Holistic Development when they have recurring suspensions or instances of misbehavior, but Moore’s goal is to reach students sooner.

“I tell people, I want to work myself out of a job, because I honestly believe that we can help people before they get into a crisis,” she said.

“You can’t put a butterfly in a cage and expect it to be great,” Sasha said.

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S H A R E

O M A H A

Plan Your Acts of Good for Do Good Days May 17 - 19 past two haven’t Tbeenheyearseasy.

Indi-

viduals, families and organizations have all been stretched thin in one way or another. Local nonprofits are still struggling to keep up with ongoing, increased demand. And the past 12 months put a pause on in-person fundraising events — a significant revenue stream for these organizations.

But there is cause for optimism. Last year, when SHARE Omaha asked our community to be a part of the first ever Do Good campaign, you answered our call: •● $2.5 million was raised through donations to nonprofits, including matching gifts.

•● 1,874 items were donated for the Wish List Wednesday.

•● 1,247 people got involved on Volun-Thursday for a combined 2,885 hours.

Do Good Days is back It’s time for us all to come together again to do good in every way we can. Do Good Days, presented by FNBO, is packing the power of giving into three days, May 17-19, 2022.

Give Dollars Tuesday May 17

Your financial gift offers your favorite organizations flexible support so nonprofits can

By Marjorie Maas SHARE Omaha Executive Director

quickly apply them to the greatest area of need.

Cake4Kids bakes and delivers free birthday cakes for underserved children who might not otherwise receive one. Stacy Newmaster, Cake4Kids ambassador, says, “For most kids receiving (a birthday cake) is customary…Donated funds allow us to expand our reach in the community, train and recruit volunteers, and most importantly show thousands of kids that they are remembered and important.”

Becky Gould, Nebraska Appleseed executive director credits Do Good funds with providing ongoing support to crucial advocacy tools such as community organizing, impact litigation, and legislative advocacy. “These strategies aren’t always able to be funded through foundations and grants, so campaigns like Do Good Days are an important part in supporting a more equitable and just Nebraska,” she says.

Create your plan today Check out nonprofit profiles at SHAREomaha. org as well as the websites of the nonprofits you’re considering. Think about: •● What causes are important to you?

•● Do you prefer to give to a larger nonprofit working on communitywide issues or a smaller nonprofit working on more specific issues?

Wish List

•● Does their mission align with your values?

Wednesday, May 18

•● How much of your time and resources are you able to give?

Want to know exactly how your dollars are being used? Shop online wish lists or shop locally and deliver goods you know are needed.

•● Could you make philanthropic donations a part of your year-round budget?

Last year, Wish List Wednesday purchases allowed the Latino Center of the Midlands to add mini whiteboards for students to their Adult Education program and offer two Chromebooks as an incentive for their Pathways to Success program.

As Do Good Days approach, stay connected to SHARE Omaha for more ideas on all the good you can spread in our community this spring.

SHARE Omaha is here, 365 days a year, for a reason — so you can do good every day.

Learn more at SHAREomaha.org.

Volun-Thursday May 19

The time and skills you offer will make a huge impact on the Omaha/ Council Bluffs metro. Invite family, friends and coworkers to join you.

If May 19th doesn’t work for your schedule, explore over 500 volunteer opportunities now at SHAREomaha.org and plan your day to give back.

May 2022

17

ART

Painting the Town

A Multitude of Recent Murals Transforms Omaha’s Infrastructure

by Janet Farber

T

hose of us now emerging from our two-year COVIDinduced hibernation will find that Metro artists have been busy “building back better,” creating new and distinctive murals to elevate our urban infrastructure and energize our community. With spring in full swing, it’s time for the public to see the “writing” on the wall.

In fact, Omaha has been home to a full-on mural resurgence in the last 15 years, with artists turning blank urban facades into bright, expressive canvases. A few cases in point:  Meg Saligman’s “Fertile Ground,” among the largest murals in the U.S.  Benson business district’s indie murals to enhance alleyway walkability.

Reggie LeFlore, “Coaches and Boxers,” 2021. Located at B&B Sports Academy, 3034 Sprague St. greenway project with a Reggie LeFlore mural of “Coaches and Boxers” at its northern terminus at the B&B Sports Academy, promising it’s the first of many artworks to come.

 Featuring teen artists, the Kent Bellows Mentoring Program’s murals dot many city neighborhoods.

What follows is a selection of notable new murals among the many created in the last two years that best fulfill the potential of public art to support economic growth and sustainability, create attachment to community, promote social cohesion, and recognize artists as contributors to a city’s well-being. More examples of public art can be found at w w w. p u b l i c a r to m a h a . o rg / find-art/ and www.visitomaha. com/things-to-do/arts-culture/ public-art-displays/.

More recently, ORBT’s artistdesigned utility boxes at its bus stations help make commuting more inviting. Both Amplify Arts and Union for Contemporary Arts have mobilized notable public arts initiatives. And the Spark community nonprofit kicked off its North Omaha Trail

“Ancestral Voices” by Aaron Olivo with Sarah Rowe and Steve Tamayo. Located at 2402 N St., this 12th SOMP mural resulted from artists’ interest in filling a particular void in Omaha’s public art’s representation of Native Americans. Rather than memorializing an individual,

 Emerging Terrain’s former Stored Potential project, transforming a hulking, old grain silo into an inspiring display along I-80.  The Midsummer’s Mural group’s South Omaha Mural Project (SOMP), turning its urban core into a gallery of culture past and present.

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May 2022

the goal was to recognize area nations without creating hybrid portrayals of indigenous culture.

To that end, the artists worked with tribal members and the broader mural team to develop a bright and highly legible design rich with symbolism and imagery that draws from historical sources and amplifies living tradition.

The wall emphasizes the importance of women in indigenous society by featuring four standing female figures in traditional tribal dress representing the tribes headquartered in Nebraska — the Ho-Chunk, Isanti (Santee), Osni Ponca and U-Mo’nHo’n (Omaha). The name of each tribe floats above them

Aaron Olivo, with Sarah Rowe and Steve Tamayo, “Ancestral Voices,” 2021. Located at 2402 N. St.

ART Rachel Ziegler and Patty Talbert, “Northern Reflections,” 2021.

Located at the Ashton Building, N. 12th and Millwork avenues. norm4eva, “Rainbow Peace Wall,” 2021.

Located on N. 60th and Maple streets.

in a star-filled night sky and beneath each is a silhouetted buffalo filled with stylized forms of significant native plants.

Olivo blends aspects of Plains Indians pictographic style with contemporary street-style lettering to reinforce the fluidity of past to present.

“Ancestral Voices” joins other SOMP murals that, as a suite, highlight the diverse folkways that flavor the cultural stew of South Omaha and spark conversations about shared community values. While in the neighborhood, be sure to visit the new “Black American Community Mural,” by Barber with Zaleski and Jennifer Young, located at 3003 Q St. This montage-style mural shines a light on the existence and legacy of an often overlooked, thriving South Omaha

community of African Americans by highlighting notable current and former residents, businesses and gathering places.

“Transitions,” by Jair Rodriguez (featured on the cover). Awarded a wall along a busy stretch of Harney near S. 37th Street, Rodriguez was in search of a motif to represent the theme of change echoed by residents of the reemergent

Blackstone neighborhood.

Inspired by the canopy of mature greenery in the Gold Coast, he painted a set of muscular trees, stand-ins for strength, durability and shelter. All manner of beautiful birds and plants symbolize the diverse range of residents during the area’s many seasons of metamorphosis.

the Blackstone Business Improvement District and Amplify Arts, with the goal of enhancing the walkability, safety and beauty of the area.

As Blackstone continues to revitalize and the city’s core continues to repopulate, publicart projects such as this help to humanize the built environment.

“Transitions” resulted from collaboration between

Interested in how murals help revive urban business districts?

Head over to the recent “Rainbow Peace Wall” by norm4eva, with its never-moretrenchant symbolism. Located at Benson’s downtown gateway, N. 60th and Maple streets, it’s the latest in a string of indie wallworks that have transformed the unfriendly business of alley parking into an artsy discovery journey and lifted the area into a welcoming destination for arts, dining and entertainment.

a

Oliver Husain & Kerstin Schroedinger, “DNCB” 2021, multi-channel moving-image installation with sound, installation dimensions variable

“Northern Reflections” by Rachel Ziegler and Patty Talbert.

Hot Shops is no longer a creative oasis in north downtown, neighbor now to the Millwork Commons development, which is busy placemaking by repurposing old warehouses,

May 2022

19

ART a host of street artists and volunteers helping Zamorano make the work happen over several days.

View of the exhibition I don’t know you like that: The Bodywork of Hospitality at the Bemis, 2021 building new apartments and providing public amenities to fashion a thriving innovation hub. The Ashton Building at N. 12th St. and Millwork Ave. is its centerpiece, marked inside and out by artwork, including this multi-panel, mixed media mural that doubles as a utilities screen.

In their first collaborative work, Talbert employed her batik-influenced design sensibility, with strong geometric patterning and bright color enhanced by Ziegler’s expertise in glass and tile mosaic. Together, they achieved an expansive, rainbow-hued work of radiating chevrons, with glittering inset diamonds of colored tile and restored antique

gears. The result is lively and eyecatching, adding an energetic vibe to the red brick building it dresses. Without being didactic, it subtly suggests that dynamic work can happen when the creative gears are turning.

Appreciate how well-placed murals signal the establishment of new communities? From Millwork Commons, drive a few blocks up N. 11th Street into the New North Makerhood to see the “Midco Mural” by Weston Thomson. As the industrial area transforms into the daytime home of professional creatives, this artwork calls attention to the area’s roots in the artisanal production of goods and materials.

“James Scurlock,” by Hugo Zamorano. The rise of street art has shown that the “writing on the wall” can respond in real time to current events and provide a visual fulcrum for community outcry.

In the summer of 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, citizens in Omaha gathered to protest police brutality. In the ensuing days of unrest, a young man named James Scurlock was killed in the Old Market by an armed civilian. Soon after, Zamorano was approached by artists Kim Darling and A.D. Swolley, (Scurlock’s brother) about creating a visual memorial to Scurlock, who had gone from being an ordinary citizen to an emblem of injustice.

Hugo Zamorano, lead artist, “James Scurlock,” 2020.

Located at N. 24th and Camden streets.

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May 2022

The mural centers not on the tragedy but on the individual, portraying the smiling face of Scurlock surrounded by roses and the words “Rest in Peace” and “Juju World,” referring to his nickname. In the end, the mural’s creation was a community enterprise, with his n e i g h b o r h o o d ’s Easy Drive Package convenience store at N. 24th and Camden offering a wall, Benson First Friday offering funds for paint, and

The summer of 2020 sparked other artists to create messages to catalyze change. The UCA’s “Black Lives Matter” posters still hang in windows all over town.

And Anthony Peña was moved

by Dalton Carper’s photograph of 7-year-old protester Zuri Jensen to create the “Hope” mural. In collaboration with activist-artist Watie White, Peña streamlined the image of a girl with an upraised fist, holding a sign reading “Hope,” so that her motion of defiance became a message of promise for the future. Originally sited across from Hot Shops, the work was damaged in last December’s storm. It is expected to return this year on the Rochester Midlands building in the same neighborhood.

Anthony Peña and Watie White, “Hope,” 2020.

Formerly located on the Disbrow Building, N. 13th and Nicholas streets.

Speci al

Actor Dw est ie u G

n row rB

Saturday, May 14 th 7:00 p.m.

Omaha Community Playhouse Hawks Mainstage Theater on the stage wide screen!

Doors open at 6 p.m.

6815 Cass St. Omaha, NE 68132 Tickets $25.00

“J

ohn

Kinsel

la”

May 2022

21

T H E A T E R

The Ups and Downs of an Affluent Black Family

‘Stick Fly’ Focuses on Upper-Middle-Class Aristocracy and the Challenges It Faces

by Natalie Christie

F

rom the age of 9, DeMone Seraphin fell in love with acting and it changed his life.

With a penchant for theatre at a young age, Seraphim went on to a successful career in acting and directing. An opportunity in high school gave him the chance to direct for the first time, and after his professional directorial debut at 19, he started a theatre company in New York. Hailing from Chicago, he has performed internationally in the role of Tom Collins in “Rent,” as well as in many other iconic productions.

The cast of “Stick Fly,” clockwise from far left: Olivia Howard, Brandon Williams, Nina Washington, DJ Tyree, Kara Davidson and Kevin Williams.

Seraphin has garnered a number of accolades and credits, including the prestigious Helen Hayes Award nomination for his direction in the production “Topdog/Underdog.” Making it to Broadway early in his career, he performed roles in productions in which he was able to learn the theatre industry inside and out. Internationally and nationally, he has appeared in productions of “Miss Saigon,” “Ragtime,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” and “Man of La Mancha.” He has even gone to seminary school and written for a television series.

22

That background will serve Seraphin well as he directs “Stick Fly” by playwright Lydia Diamond at the Omaha Community Playhouse -- a play that focuses on interracial relationships and racism, and the dynamics that are faced with dysfunction, humor, and relationships. “Stick Fly” is essentially about the Black upper-middle-class aristocracy and the challenges that it faces when siblings are rivals, bubbling tensions rise to the surface, and family secrets are revealed.

The play will run from May 6-June 5.

May 2022

Seraphin, it should be noted, has more in his resume. He also directed the productions of “How I Learned What I Learned,” at the Avant Bard Theatre, “The Dutchman,” the world premiere of “Yours Truly, Ella! A Celebration of the Ella Fitzgerald Songbook,” as well as the German premiere of August Wilson’s “Jitney.” He also has directed the Off-Broadway revivals of “The Exonerated,” and “Split Second.”

A proponent of new works, Seraphin has directed the musical “Runaways,” and the new musical “Once Uponzi Time: The Tale of An American Scheme,” at

the historic Mcarter Theatre with the Triangle Club of Princeton University, one of the oldest student-run professional theatre troupes.

Seraphin founded the New American Theatre Company in New York and serves as a producing partner for the Arlington, Virginia-based theatre company Avant Bard Theatre.

Seraphin has also served as artistic director at numerous theatres, including The Urban Theatre of Chicago, and the LaMont Zeno Theatre in Chicago.

In “Stick Fly,” Brothers Kent and Flip have brought their prospective girlfriends over to meet the family when personalities clash and Taylor, a Black woman and fiancée of Kent, and Kimber, a WASP upper-class woman and girlfriend of Flip, butt heads. Everything comes to a head when a huge family secret turns the LeVay family upside down. The play pays homage to Martha’s Vineyard’s rich history of Black elite circles that have been visiting the retreat since the turn of the last century.

In the play, the wealthy LeVays are proudly the first Black family to have inhabited the island.

T H E A T E R Truth comes to light not only on stage but also in the view of society. “It’s [about] the ugliness that is housed in this beautiful Martha Vineyard home,” Seraphin says. “Parody and equity, and justice and diversity are the driving themes. Voices that otherwise would be dismissed or disenfranchised because of race or gender [are being heard] and it’s really exciting.”

Staging “Stick Fly” at OCP has been a homecoming of sorts for Seraphin because Omaha is where he toured with the Nebraska Theatre Caravan, which gave him the opportunity to play a Black Jesus in “Godspell,” a relatively progressive concept at the time. After 20 years he makes his return to Omaha to direct the Broadway play. Combined with the elements of drama and dysfunction, ”Stick Fly” ultimately is a play about family and the love that is explored among the characters. Seraphin’s own rela-

tionship to playwright Diamond is a unique personal connection as he started with her directorially in the play’s very first reading.

rative, it focuses on the lives and culture of an accomplished and wealthy African American family that vacations in Martha’s Vineyard over the weekend, and the family drama that ensues. The characters are intellectuals, with one in particular being an entomologist, setting the premise for the play and lending to the clever title.

The play, which was commissioned in Chicago and later graced the stages of Broadway, was put on by celebrated African American and Tony Award-winning producer DeMone Seraphin Kenny Leon with is directing singer-songwriter OCP’s rendi“Stick Fly” at the tion will be more Alicia Keys writOmaha Community ing the score. modernized than Playhouse.

“Stick Fly” is revthe 2011 proolutionary in the way it offers a duction, set in current times, progressive approach to its por- and will reflect the ever-evolving trayal of Black America. Unlike progressive nature of society. A an inner-city or lower-class nar- sprawling mansion set by scenic

and lighting designer Jim Othuse will serve as the backdrop for all the scenes and drama that unfolds, with split scenes occurring throughout the show.

When it comes to the script and his vision, Seraphin is organic in his directorial process as he allows his actors to explore and deconstruct the scenes and the action taking place. During the first couple of weeks of rehearsals he “throws paint on the wall, letting the actors get the lay of the land to make discoveries as he sets the vision and pace of the piece.”

“Stick Fly,” is universal in its family themes, and a reflection of humanity. Seraphin hopes this can be a season of inclusion and diversity the community can embrace with ideas of change and progressive concepts to “keep the momentum moving forward.”

May 2022

23

D I S H

Get to the

PHOTO BY Sara Locke

Pointe

How the West (Omaha) Was Fun

by Sara Locke

O

maha tends to keep its destinations tucked into little pockets. For years, we had only the Old Market to turn to for a night on the town. In recent years, Blackstone has been the darling of the dining crowd. While the city continues to grow and churn out more talent, Village Pointe continues to set the standard for West Omaha dining.

Heated patios, a central fire pit, and a state-of-the-art theater experience ensure that anyone can find a reason to wander west, and a weekend farmers market means you have reasons to be there from brunch to closing-time cocktails.

it from a hearty plate of greens to a meal that means gains. Plum Creek chicken can be found throughout the menu, meaning your meal probably had a better childhood than you did.

End your adventure with a slice of mango-coconut cheesecake to soothe your inner child and your 402 meal just might have the power to heal.

Bravo!

Italian Kitchen

17151 Davenport St. This first link in Bravo’s chain landed in Columbus, Ohio, in 1992.

Since then, the scratch-Italian kitchen has grown by 30, including Nebraska’s sole location at Village Pointe. The menu is packed with standard Italian-inspired classics like spaghetti Bolognese and chicken parm, with a few surprises like the Fra Diavlo made with spicy creamed tomato and lobster butter.

This may not make your list as “Best” Italian in the area, but it beats Olive Garden for a fast, casual plate your Nonna would be content eating.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

402 eat+drink

17305 Davenport Ste Q-115 Eating local just got a lot more delicious. 402 goes to great lengths to source local ingredients for its farmto-fork fresh menu. Enjoy tasty twists on your favorite bites, like crab Rangoon fries served with sriracha and house sweet chili sauces, and a steak and potato flatbread with roasted garlic cheese spread and truffle bleu cheese.

Steak, shrimp, or fish can be added to any of 402’s salads to elevate

24

17415 Chicago St.

If you’re interested in a family meal with a kid’s menu beyond your standard hot dog and dino nuggies, you will love the options and the atmosphere at Firebirds. While adults indulge in 21-day-aged, wood-fired steaks, crème brûlée cheesecake, and seasonal cocktails, children enjoy a slightly more mature happy meal. Discerning humans under the age of 12 have the option of ribs, smoked wings, fish tacos, and wood-grilled marinated chicken.

May 2022

While most of the options on Firebirds’ menu have a goal of keeping clients around for the long run, most items on the kid’s menu are specifically chosen from the Kids Live Well program. These items meet specific criteria for nutrition set by leading health organizations.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

17305 Davenport St. Ste 105 Margaritas, tacos, nachos, and a dog-friendly patio make Fuzzy’s the spot to forget any problems your week may have presented. Choose from grilled or tempura shrimp, shredded brisket, grilled mahi, or fajita beef to make your tacos Monday-proof. Gluten- and dairy-free options are available, as is a full roster of vegetarian offerings, none of which will leave you feeling like you’re missing out.

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse 305 N. 170th St.

In a state known for steak, there are just a few establishments that do it justice. Johnny’s is a celebration of each ingredient that finds a place on the menu, but none is elevated to the status of the steak. The youngest cut on the menu is aged 28 days before being seared to perfection and topped with savory options like shitake and brandy cream sauce, parmesan butter crust, horseradish and gorgonzola, or balsamic drizzle.

Local Beer, Patio and Kitchen

17305 Davenport St. Ste 100 You love Local’s other locations, and you’ll love it more among the bustle of Village Pointe’s numerous attractions. Happy hour from 3 to

6 on weeknights makes the reasonably priced beers and apps a justifiable daily indulgence. Eat like a kid, like only grownups know how.

Macaroni and beer cheese post tot nachos and a Sloppy Charlie are the perfect precursor to funnel cake fries and limoncello cake.

Saltgrass Steak House 301 N. 175th St.

Steak with a twist, Saltgrass takes toppings to new heights with every plate. For the soul-food fan, shrimp, crawfish, lemon butter, and tomatoes on a Cajun seasoned sirloin.

For a decidedly more adult dish, Cognac pepper sauce or chimichurri is the finest choice for your filet.

Kona Grill

295 N. 170th St. There is no better place for a quick lunch, a pre-theater happy hour, or a long dinner with friends.

The menu at Kona caters to the sushi lover, your favorite vegan, your corn-fed Husker who doesn’t think it’s dinner if there isn’t red meat, and your discerning diner who wants to experience a truly exceptional Chilean Sea Bass.

D I S H Snacks & Quick Bites

Barnato Lounge

225 N. 170th Ave. Ste 95 Make any night feel like the weekend with live music, creative cocktails, and can’t-miss events at Barnato. Plan your week around Barnato’s live-event lineup, or schedule your own private event in the adjoining Bentley showroom.

ice-cold, hand-mixed cone, Cold Stone and Rocky Mountain have the one-two punch to knock out any sweet tooth.

Scooters

17151 Davenport St. Ste 107 It wouldn’t be a day out in Omaha without a boost from the Omaha coffee chain.

Goodly Cookies

17250 Davenport St. Ste 108

Paradise Bakery & Café

17305 Davenport St. Ste 201 From fresh-baked sweets to wholesome, hearty eats, Paradise Bakery & Café has your breakfast, lunch, and quick bite on the go ready to go.

Cold Stone Creamery and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

17304 Davenport St. Ste B102

Open late for your post-movienight treats or your après-cocktail sweets, warm and gooey Goodly cookies are the wholesome ending your night out needs.

Thanks Omaha for voting us

BesT BrewpuB, AgAin Proud pioneers of the fermenter-to-table movement.

On Pointe Nutrition

17151 Davenport St. Ste 105 Health-boosting smoothies, protein-packed shakes, and energizing teas are your on-the-go answer to eating (or in this case, drinking) right to keep it tight.

It would be wrong to say the freshest beer is automatically the best beer. But the best beer almost always tastes its best when it is, in marketing speak, at the peak of freshness.

And it’s hard to get any fresher than beer brewed thirty feet away from your table. And it’s doubly hard to get any better than when that table is here at Upstream.

But we suspect you already knew that.

Whether you’re in the market for an over-the-top caramel apple or an

Celebrating Over 30 Years Of Making Ice Cream Th e Old Fashioned Way

Two Omaha Locations:

Old Market

Downtown • 1120 Jackston 402.341.5827

Benson

6023 Maple 402.551.4420

tedandwallys.com

Home of America’s Most Premium Ice Cream Ted & Wally’s Ultra-Premium 20% Butterfat Made from Scratch with Rock Salt & Ice May 2022

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W PICKS W (Masks are optional for vaccinated guests. Unvaccinated guests are required to wear masks.)

May 7-8, 14-15

The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska Bellevue Berry Farm May 6 – June 5

Stick Fly

Omaha Community Playhouse

Run for the Roses 2022

Tickets are $14 for adults, $8 for kids, or $10 for a group.

Brokedown Palace

Featured bands include Funk Trek, Jerry Pranksters (Grateful Dead tribute), Mr. E and the Stringless Kite, Doom Lagoon, Oye Como Va (Santana tribute), Strange Pleasures, Sammy Marz + Ando, Punch Clock Martyrs, Peach Truck (Allman Brothers tribute), Neon Zoo, Phandemic (Phish tribute), Secret Formula, and Noah Marley.

In 2006, Lydia Diamond wrote “Stick Fly,” a play exploring a spectrum of emotions, power dynamics, and marginalized perspectives. The story centers on an upper-class Black family, the LeVays. They happened to be the first Black family on the island where they moved.

“Stick Fly” opened on Broadway between December 2011 and February 2012, earning a Tony nomination. DeMone Seraphin will direct. (See Natalie Christie’s profile on page 22.)

Tickets are $30 for weekend presale or $15 per day.

Shows are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday – starting Friday, May 6. Tickets are $36 or $20 for students.

— Matt Casas

— Matt Casas

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Explore featured activities that include equestrian jousting, armor-clad costumed characters, skilled artisans and performers, delicious food, and more at six unique stages on the 30-year-old berry farm.

The festival goes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for two weekends, May 7-8 and May 14-15. Each weekend features separate adventures.

May 5-7

Run for the Roses is a three-day street fest returning for its fourth year at the Brokedown. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Thursday (Cinco de Mayo) and at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska involves two weekends of family friendly entertainment, perfect for people who unapologetically dream of time-traveling backward.

May 2022

— Matt Casas

May 7-September 18

Maya Dunietz: Root of Two Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts invited international composer, performer and sound artist Maya Dunietz to produce and exhibit work that “engages the physicality of sound through a series of installations encompassing” the art center’s gallery space.

Dunietz’s sculptures are intended to operate as distinct works that are unified and relate to one another to produce a transformative experience as visitors walk through the space.

This artist is of high renown, exhibiting in major venues like The Centre Pompidou, Palais de Tokyo Paris, among other international spaces.

“Maya Dunietz: Root of Two” opens at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts on May 7 and runs through September 18. Gallery hours are Wednesday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.bemiscenter.org.

--Jonathan Orozco

May 8

Trio 29 – Jazz and Blues The Jewell

Trio 29 is a new band comprised of Henry Hey (piano), Eric Halvorson (drums), and Mitch Towne (organ). The trio has ex-

W PICKS W tensive yet diverse backgrounds in jazz, blues, funk, and soul.

Hey has worked with such artists as David Bowie and Empire of the Sun. Halvorson has worked with titans of modern jazz – and Towne is a local musician who has appeared on Grammy-nominated work and is endorsed by MAG Organs and Motion Sound Amplifiers.

Tickets are $20, and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Beverage service is available.

— Matt Casas

May 9

Leashes at Lauritzen Lauritzen Gardens

Steve Hofstetter from New York City has been a performing comedian for 20 years, releasing seven albums and gaining 700,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel.

Online is where he made a name for himself by uploading his interactions with crowd members, eventually landing him a hosting gig on Fox with other comics called “Laughs” in 2014.

His latest album release was 2017’s “Secret Optimist.” You may have seen him on ESPN.

Titled “Fear of All of the Above and Then Some,” the exhibit features 30-some paintings, each featuring a common phobia pasted on a white background framed in red or blue. For emphasis, Roper adds a heavy stamp or blob of red or blue in the center, opposite the frame’s color. The simple design of each belies the fear itself, some real, some satiric as in “Fear of Losing It,” Fear of Fucking Up” or Roper’s favorite, “Fear of Teenagers.” Who can argue with any of these?

Entry costs $9-$15 for non-members. The event runs from 5-8 p.m.

— Matt Casas

Holland Performing Arts Center

Psychostick is a comedy metal outfit that instantly resonated among those with slight degenerate leanings, thanks to the internet and 2003’s “We Couldn’t Think of a Title,” which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers charts.

Project Project

Emmaline returns to Omaha and the Holland Performing Arts Center with her signature voice, diverse musical leanings, and solid backing band.

May 11

Steve Hofstetter Bourbon Theatre

The 22-year-old isn’t only a vocalist – but indeed a talented violinist and songwriter who draws from traditional sounds with a fresh approach brought to life during her performances.

What’s more American than hot dogs, beer and apple pie? “Phobias,” says Lincoln artist Craig Roper. At least that’s what his latest minimalist art project texts in patriotic red, white and blue, opening in Omaha’s Project gallery on Vinton Street, May 13 from 6-9 p.m.

Reverb Lounge

Emmaline

Fear Factor

(There is no current COVID-19 viewing policy at Project Project)

Towers Fall and Odd Man Out

May 13

May 13

There is a two-dog limit per adult, leashes are required, and owners must provide proof of vaccinations and rabies shots. Securing a timed ticket in advance is recommended, and admission is free for members.

with When

- Mike Krainak

— Matt Casas

Lauritzen will provide water and treats throughout the garden at designated stations across 100 acres of beautiful florid grounds.

Psychostick,

Roper’s solo exhibit continues through May. For details and gallery hours, go to www.projectprojectomaha.com.

Tickets are $25-50, with a $2 fee for minors. The show starts at 7 p.m., with doors at 6.

This dog-inclusive and informal event gives visitors a rare opportunity to explore the scenery at Omaha’s premier living museum with their tail-wagging friends.

May 15

Emmaline has brought comparisons to her influences, Billie Holiday and Erykah Badu. She has sold out famed jazz clubs like The Jazz Standard (New York) and opened for the 10-time Grammy-winning Chaka Khan.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15.

Since then, the band has provided epic in-person and recorded musical entertainment for a dedicated fan base, which gravitated to intensely quotable songs like “BEER!!”

Supporting acts include Nebraskan bands When Towers Fall and Odd Man Out. Tickets are $15-18, and the show starts at 8 p.m.

— Matt Casas

May 18

The Chats with Mean

Jeans and THICK Slowdown

— Matt Casas

May 2022

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W PICKS W Each tour stop seeks local talent to feature in the Dancefestopia festival in Kansas City. That 10th annual event includes high-energy music and camping and occurs in early September, surrounded by thousands of acres of nature.

If you want to perform at this show and potentially at Dancefestopia and reside within 50 miles of the city, fill out an application online at dancefestopia. com/contact.

Word traveled fast about Australian punk band The Chats thanks to their 2017 song “Smoko.” It was an homage to smoke breaks, Ramonesesque punk, lead guitar, and something more than satire – self-proclaimed shed rock.

Then their first studio album, 2020’s “High Risk Behaviour,” proved they were a timeless band and became a top-five album in Australia.

Joining them are Mean Jeans from Portland, Oregon, and THICK from Brooklyn, New York, both highly infectious punk bands.

Tickets are $20-$25, and the show is at 8 p.m., with doors at 7.

— Matt Casas

May 19

Dancefestopia: Yellow Brick Road Tour The Waiting Room

Dancefestopia brings a new showcase to The Waiting Room in this 20-city tour.

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Tickets are $15-$20. The show starts at 9 p.m., with doors at 8.

Keynote “Magic” Johnson

— Matt Casas

May 20

Empowerment Network Rebuilding the Village Conference CHI Health Center

Omaha’s Empowerment Network is celebrating 15 years of collaborative work at its annual Rebuilding the Village Conference, this year featuring keynote speaker Earvin “Magic” Johnson, an NBA legend and entrepreneur.

Other speakers include Suzan Hart, Anna Barber, George Fraser, Dr. Randall Pinkett, Dr. Pamela Jolly, Tawanna Black and conference host Willie Barney.

Conference presentations address a wide array of topics affecting Omaha, including education, home ownership, diversity and inclusion, violence prevention, en-

May 2022

trepreneurship and health. There will also be a Black Business Expo available to participants between sessions.

The event runs from 7 a.m. — 4 p.m. Tickets are $125 to $225.

Register at www.rtvomaha.com.

More information at empoweromaha.com.

--Lynn Sanchez

Built to Spill carved themselves an unmistakable space within the indie rock stratosphere in 1999 with their album “Keep It Like A Secret,” widely celebrated for its sprawling guitar passages, vocals, and experimental song structures.

And after releasing nine records starting in 1993, Built to Spill’s newest full-length is highly anticipated and due in September.

The bands Sunbathe (Portland, Oregon) and Distant Family (Boise, Idaho) fit the bill perfectly with their atmospheric-driven, highly lyrical music.

Tickets are $25. The show starts at 8 p.m., with doors at 7.

— Matt Casas

May 26

Built to Spill with

Sunbathe and Distant Family The Waiting Room

May 26-July 31

Animals:

Photography and Painting Garden of the Zodiac Gallery

W PICKS W (Garden of the Zodiac Gallery has no current COVID viewing policy) The Garden of the Zodiac Gallery brings the circus to town, with an exhibition about animals opening Thursday, May 26, from 6-8 p.m. Organized by Berliner Christian Rothmann, it features an array of international artists who have approached the subject of animals through perspectives ranging from candid observation to delightful humor.

Participating artists include Katharina Arndt, Andrew J. Baran, Frauke Bergemann, Joseph Broghammer, Paolo Dolzan, Elliott Erwitt, Michael Dressel, Peter Eudenbach, Theo Heimann, Vera Mercer, Fulvio de Pellegrin, Paul Pretzer, Christian Rothmann, Larry Sosso, Alec Soth and William Wegman.

Check out gardenofthezodiacgallery.com or go to Facebook.

--Janet L. Farber

May 28

Belle and Sebastian

guitars, and soulful rhythm – like Mac Demarco meets Chicano rock in the Sixties/Seventies.

Tickets are $35. The show starts at 8 p.m., with doors at 7.

— Matt Casas

with

Divino Niño The Admiral

Two world-class bands are visiting the revitalized Admiral, previously Sokol Auditorium. Many celebrate Scottish band Belle and Sebastian for three vital late ’90s indie-rock records (especially “If You’re Feeling Sinister”) and their softer approach -- reflecting wellread garage rock more than saccharine soft rock.

The Omaha show is Divino Niño’s last night on this tour. The American/Colombian band delivers effortless harmonies, jangly

May 2022

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F I L M

Valhalla at Ya Boys ‘The Northman’ is a familiar revenge refrain

by Ryan Syrek

I

“The Northman” is pretty. As jarring as that sentence is after the previous one, that’s exactly what it’s like to watch the film: The grotesque bumps right up against the beautiful. Eggers is clearly most at home with the weird, dark moments that clearly unsettled the people who gave him tens of millions of dollars, thinking they had the next “Braveheart” or “Gladiator” on their hands.

n 2017, Nicole Kidman was married to Alexander Skarsgård in HBO’s “Big Little Lies.” Five years later, she’s playing his mom in “The Northman.” Just another reminder that in Hollywood, age is just a number … for men to use against women. Anyway, let’s get to why you’re really here: Yes, Willem Dafoe does appear in a Viking-era dog costume and in his underpants and as a disembodied head. It’s all true.

Writer/director Robert Eggers has made largely inert, widely beloved feature films: “The VVitch” and “The Lighthouse.” “The IVorthman” completes his “The” trilogy. None of the three say anything original or interesting. All are well made. If you liked his first two and have no strong objection to Oedipal urges, strap on your umlaut and buckle up your Björk for a Norse by Norse-west tale of vengeance and volcanos.

As a child, Prince Amleth watches the murder of his daddy, King Aurvandil War-Raven (Ethan Hawke), at the hands of his brother, Fjölnir the Brotherless (Claes Bang). Fjölnir’s last name is kind of a spoiler but also makes me wonder what my last name would be in the world of “The Northman.”

Ryan the Carpal Tunneled? Any-

Come for Skarsgård abs, stay for Björk. This Norse tale of bloody revenge says nothing new but says it with style.

IMAGE Courtesy of Focus Features. way, itty-bitty Amleth presumably does nothing but exercise his core muscles for two decades or so and then seeks revenge for his father and to free his mother, Queen Gudrún the Freudian Nightmare (Kidman).

Amleth gets a few prophecies from Björk, who is presumably not playing herself here, and a character named He-Witch (Ingvar Sigurdsson). He meets up with Olga of the Birch Forest (Anya Taylor-Joy), who maybe does magic?

Mostly she just spreads her fingers wide and her eyes wider and

chants. Olga and Amleth end up slaves at Fjölnir’s compound, and that’s where the killin’ starts.

Eggers and his cowriter Sjón narratively don’t get much further than the standard “dig two graves” warning about revenge.

Maybe there’s a basic intro to the perils of cyclic, inherited toxic masculinity here? Even then, chances are that if you have truck nuts on your vehicle because your dad gave them to you as a Christmas gift, you aren’t going to see a movie in which a woman repels a rapist with her menstrual blood.

The film is caught somewhere between popular violent historical fiction and whatever the genre is in which Ethan Hawke burps in Willem Dafoe’s face.

That said, kudos to Eggers for trying to make an epic blockbuster in his style.

We should all want to see our generation’s most renowned artists play in the biggest sandbox, with the most toys possible. It’s not our money, and better this than “Oreos: The Movie” or whatever nonsense “intellectual property” adaptation lies in wait for us next.

Grade = B-

Other Critic al Voices to ConsideR David Gonzalez at Reel Talk Inc says: “In a year full of blockbusters, few and far between will be as ambitious as Eggers’s ‘The Northman.’”

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May 2022

Kristy Puchko at Mashable says: “While I admire the structure of such storytelling, Eggers’s execution feels hollow, capturing the horror but undercutting the heart.”

F I L M

In Another Dimension, This Review Is a Taco

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ Is Absurd, Nihilistic Perfection

by Ryan Syrek

The fact that life has no meaning has most often been seen as a bummer. “Everything Everywhere All at Once” begs to differ. Well, it doesn’t “beg” to differ so much as it flips a middle finger at the idea. And that middle finger is a hot dog. Embrace the preposterous, y’all.

ality in which he simply stayed famous after “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” and “The Goonies” is better than this one, no matter what human appendages are transformed into tubular processed meat.

Writers/directors Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert – who are more original than their team name (“The Daniels”) – are playing fun and games with nihilism. Their surreal, hilarious sci-fi melodrama When I tell you that you will cry at a movie in which some casually puts forth an oddly people have hot dogs for fingers, please know it’s not comforting take on modern because mustard isn’t involved. IMAGE Courtesy of A24. life: Nothing we do matters, isn’t that great? The absence of purpose comes with an absence of rules and the freedom to Evelyn that she is the key to de- in a world where humans evolved define meaning for ourselves. De- feating an omnipotent evil being. to have hot dog fingers, and many spite its ultra-hyperbolic title, “Ev- Said evil being happens to reside others, Evelyn fights a malevolent erything Everywhere All at Once” in the body of their daughter, Joy IRS agent (Jamie Lee Curtis) and may have actually undersold itself. (Stephanie Hsu). Luckily, an alter- other disciples of the creature that nate version of Evelyn developed intends to end all realities. If you As wildly chaotic and recklessly technology to harvest memories, achieve harmonic convergence ambitious as the film is, very little knowledge and skills from other with this weird-ass film, you will actually happens. Evelyn (Michelle worlds. Doing something weird laugh as hard at a poorly made anYeoh) is battling depression and – the weirder the better – creates imatronic raccoon as you cry at the the IRS. The laundromat that she a bridge between realities that al- quiet rebellion that is love. owns with her husband, Waymond lows a download. This is the best Holy shit, Michelle Yeoh. In a (Ke Huy Quan), is being audited. conceit for transporting across Almost the entirety of the film is time and space this side of a float- performance destined to be ignored so that a white lady in a fat set in either the IRS building or the ing police box. suit can win an award for playing laundromat. It is also set in thouWith the aid of an Evelyn that’s another famous white lady, Yeoh sands of alternate realities. a kung fu master, an Evelyn that’s is fearless. For his part, Quan is a An alternate version of Way- a hibachi chef, an Evelyn that lives revelation. Whatever alternate remond hijacks his body and tells

The film is repetitive, sure.

But it is repetitive for the sake of inclusivity. Some of us are “all in” the moment you say “multiverse,” but many normals out there need their narrative food cut up for them. For all its abstraction and shenanigans, the movie The Daniels made is purposefully accessible. That’s kind of the point. We are all in this nightmarish nonsense together.

The hype that “Everything Everywhere All at Once” has generated is as threatening as the demonic bagel it features. Yet it’s somehow better than I expected. I did not expect to cry at a conversation between two rocks. Being neither a mother nor a daughter, I did not expect to understand that dynamic in a new way. I did not expect to ever feel comforted at the thought that life has no meaning. Another reality’s Ryan may have been prepared, but I’m good with being surprised in this dimension.

Grade = A+

Other Critic al Voices to ConsideR Josephine L at Geeks of Color says: “One moment they’re speaking in English, the next in Mandarin, and then in Cantonese. To someone outside of this cultural circle, it may not make sense,

but for someone like me, a child of a Chinese immigrant family, I couldn’t stop smiling.”

Amy Nicholson at “The Wall Street Journal” says: “Despite their wunder-

cabinet of delights, the filmmakers most want to celebrate human beings in all their contradictions. Each of us, the movie says, is capable of everything.”

Kate Sánchez at But Why Tho?

says: “The chaos is crafted with intention, meant to brush against Evelyn’s expectations for herself and her family as they jump through multiverses trying to save the world.”

May 2022

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F I L M

CUTTING ROOM

by Ryan Syrek

I’m so excited that a movie event is happening in Omaha again that I’m not even going to make a Kevin Costner joke. In this caption. I’m not going to make a Kevin Costner joke in this caption.

IMAGE Courtesy of Universal Pictures.

I

don’t want to jinx this. The last time I declared the “Cutting Room” column to be officially back, Omicron exploded. I’m not saying that a column dedicated to previewing Omaha film happenings and other random thoughts caused a viral outbreak, but my writing has been accused of worse. Anyway, let’s not spook the good news. Let’s just quietly talk about what hit the cutting room floor this month.



You can buy tickets to film historian Bruce Crawford’s latest tribute to classic films. “Classic” being used loosely here because Kevin Costner is involved. Oh, Kev won’t be here, but actor/author Dwier Brown

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will be for a screening of “Field of Dreams,” in which he played John Kinsella. At 7 p.m. Saturday, May 14, Crawford’s 46th film event will be held, for the first time, at the Omaha Community Playhouse. Tickets are $25 and available at all local Hy-Vee stores, with proceeds benefitting HELP Medical Services. It’s a cinematic celebration for a good cause, which is almost enough for me to let Costner back into my town. Almost.



Given that counting on new releases is dicier than a bag full of D20s, pretty much all theaters in town have been trying out various things. More and more theaters are rolling out

May 2022

the classics. I’m still using “classic” in that very loose sense, as above, considering that Alamo Drafthouse is screening “Friday the 13th Part IV: The Final Chapter,” “Nicolas Uncaged: The Marathon” and “Demon Seed” in May. That is a wide range of “classic” right there.

It’s a far cry from the repertory series we’ve come to count on at Film Streams, which tends to skew a bit more “traditionally classic” and a little less “Demon Seed.” Marcus Theaters has been expanding into a lot more Bollywood offerings. I’ve heard just bonkers things about “RRR,” which is either pronounced as three Rs or a sexy growl, I can’t be sure. Speaking of sexy growl, ACX Cinemas has added mov-

ie-themed pub trivia offerings.

All of this is to say that our local theaters are doing what they can to keep afloat. Whenever and however you feel comfortable doing so, I urge you to get out there. Full disclosure: I still wear a mask, pretty much at all times. Even when I’m alone …

The point is, I want to keep this column going and those theaters alive, so let’s be safe and supportive, OK? Cutting Room provides breaking local and national movie news … complete with added sarcasm. Send relevant information to Ryan (film@thereader.com) and follow him on The Reader Film Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/thereaderfilm

H O O D O O

Summertime Blues

Lincoln’s Zoo Bar sets the lineup for the 49th anniversary street fest, Music for the City kicks off a Plethora of outdoor shows and there is plenty happening in local clubs

by B.J. Huchtemann school, chitlin’ circuit style of bawdy, funky blues. An accomplished showman, Rush is equal parts bluesman and entertainer. As his bio notes, he is a Grammy-winning blues legend, Blues Hall of Famer, 12time Blues Music Award winner and recipient of the prestigious B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award.

In 2021, Rush released a memoir, “I Ain’t Studdin’ Ya: My American Blues Story,” written with Herb Powell.

T

he much-anticipated summer event held annually by Lincoln’s historic Zoo Bar has announced its lineup. The 49th anniversary celebration of Zoofest is Friday and Saturday, July 8-9, on the street in front of the bar, North 14th Street between O and P streets. The focus is on soul with some heavy-hitting performers.

Friday’s schedule is The Bel Airs (5 p.m.), The Melody Trucks Band (7 p.m.), Booker T. (9 p.m.) and Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal (11 p.m.). Saturday’s schedule is Big Daddy Caleb & the Chargers (3 p.m.), Dale Watson (5 p.m.), Curtis Salgado & the Phantom Blues Band (7 p.m.), Bobby Rush (9 p.m.) and Andy William & the Nebraska All Stars (11 p.m.).

For those who need a little more background -- Booker T. is THE Booker T. of Booker T. & the MGs, a Memphis/Stax Records soul icon famous for his instrumental classic “Green Onions” and a life-long career in soul music. In 2019, he released a book, “Time is Tight: The Autobiography of Booker T. Jones.”

At the age of 80-something, Bobby Rush is a legend in the old-

Portland, Oregon, singer-songwriter Curtis Salgado and his exhilarating mix of soul, blues, gospel, funk and more need no introduction to local audiences.

The Alligator recording artist is a local favorite and a multiple Blues Music Award winner with over 20 nominations, including receiving the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award.

Melody Trucks is a newcomer to local stages. The Florida performer is the daughter of the late Butch Trucks of the Allman Brothers Band.

She also toured with her father in Butch Trucks and the Freight Train, and her show promises to mix her own music with the legacy of her father’s signature sounds. Find out more at melodytrucksband.com.

Single-day tickets and a weekend pass are available. Get the details at zoobar.com and check out the May schedule that includes Dale Watson on Saturday, May 7, 7 p.m., and Southern Culture on the Skids on Monday, May 16, 6 p.m. Find late-breaking news and pop-up events at facebook.com/ zoobarblues.

Music for the City Playing With Fire promoter Jeff Davis brings back his other free concert series, Music for the City, starting May 21. These shows take

place at the Dam Bar & Grill on Miller’s Landing at the River City Star. Saturday, May 21, the headliner is the Dom Martin Band from Northern Ireland. The Terry Quiett Band has the third slot and an opening national act is TBA. A BluesEd youth performance band will open the show at 4:30 p.m. See musicforthecity.net for details on the three remaining summer shows, including headliners JW Jones, Monkey Junk & Friends with Paul Reddick and Nikki Hill.

Southern Culture on the Skids and their “deep-fried hillbilly rock” take the stage at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar on Monday, May 16, and plug in at Waiting Room on Tuesday, May 17.

Photo artist website scots.com

Playing With Fire also returns July 15-16 and Aug. 12-13 at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing.

Check out the lineup for this annual free summer series at playingwithfireomaha.net.

BSO Presents The BSO Presents series is on the move. Thursday, May 5, 6-9 p.m., catch Tony Meza & Chupacabra at the Philly Backroom Entertainment Venue. Thursday, May 12, 6-9 p.m., powerhouse Canadian entertainer Dawn Tyler Watson performs at The Strut. Thursday, May 19, 6-9 p.m., the Paul Nelson Band is featured at Stocks n Bonds.

Check out omahablues.com for details, late-breaking additions and a curated list of local blues and roots shows.

Hot Notes The Sunday Roadhouse concert series presents the country, honkytonk, twang and rock sounds of Western Centuries on Friday, May 13, 8 p.m., at Reverb Lounge.

Shows coming up in the series include Chicago’s The Claudettes

on Sunday, June 19, 5 p.m., at Waiting Room and the just-announced return of Americana icon James McMurtry on Tuesday, July 26, 7:30 p.m., at Waiting Room.

See sundayroadhouse.com for more show listings.

Southern Culture on the Skids is up at Waiting Room on Tuesday, May 17, 8 p.m. The classic country-swing sounds of Texas’ Asleep at the Wheel are scheduled for the beautiful Scottish Rite Hall on Friday, June 3, 7 p.m. For tickets see onepercentproductions.com.

Omaha’s own Blues Music Award nominee for acoustic blues album, Héctor Anchondo can be seen at Slowdown on Friday, May 13, 8 p.m., with The Broadways opening. Anchondo has been invited to perform as part of the Blues Music Awards ceremony in Memphis on May 5 when the winners will be announced. The winners will be posted on the Blues Foundation’s site blues.org.

The Soaring Wings Winery hosts its annual blues festival Saturday, June 4, with headliner the John Nemeth Band.

May 2022

33

B A C K B E A T

Omaha Band Making a Splash Midwest Coast Rides R&B and Soul Waves Toward New Horizons

by Virginia Kathryn Gallner

S

tarting a band was a lifeline for Olivia Klein and Skye Junginger.

“I was like, is this a good idea?” Junginger had asked himself.

He moved back to Omaha in the middle of his graduate program in March 2020. Junginger took all of the uncertainty and fear of those early pandemic days and decided to make music.

In April 2020, Junginger started asking around to see who would feel comfortable forming a pandemic bubble to play music. It gave him a sense of hope, knowing the band would be ready to perform when the world opened again.

One of the musicians he contacted was Klein.

“It was tough to conceptualize and process everything,” Klein said. “To have a sense of community that kept our brains engaged.”

Klein used to see concerts almost every week. The pandemic took away her sense of community. “[After] having that taken away … just to be around people who played

34

Midwest Coast has shows coming up at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln and the Slowdown in Omaha — Photo by Gabby Hiatt. instruments was vital in that time.” Learning new music with friends every week gave her a sense of hope, too.

For Junginger, electric R&B and soul group Midwest Coast is a very different project. It is the first he has run on his own.

May 2022

He has been in groups with several of Midwest Coast’s members before, including his first band, Escape from Alcajazz.

Midwest Coast has certainly found their stride. This year, they took the Omaha Enter-

tainment and Arts Award for Outstanding New Artist.

Klein takes the microphone as lead vocalist, and Junginger plays tenor saxophone.

The other band members are Gage Wiggins on guitar, Sam McDermott on keys, Henry

B A C K B E A T Tomsu on bass, and Fay Porter on drums. Klein has a side project with many of the same band members with Ben Curran named Liv’n the Dream.

Junginger, Wiggins, and McDermott also play in the local R&B group Travis.

Junginger said that running a group is much more work than one would expect. “The booking, finding everyone’s availability, learning tunes, writing. Everywhere else, you’re kinda just waiting for instruction.”

This is also the first time that Klein has navigated songwriting. Midwest Coast performs some covers and arrangements, but writing original music has been a transformative experience for her. For a long time, she struggled with songwriting, but she decided “if there’s gonna be a time to do it and just be vulnerable, this is the group I wanna do it with.”

For Junginger, jazz was love at first note. Raised by his grandparents, he was encouraged by his grandmother to try tenor saxophone. From there, he went on to the high school band, and continued exploring musical collaboration at a young age through the BluesEd program and Metropolitan Area Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Junginger went to the University of Nebraska-Omaha for his undergraduate degree in saxophone performance and completed his master’s in jazz studies at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

The saxophone has even taken Junginger overseas. He has played at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China, the Saulkrasti Jazz Festival in Latvia, and the USA Yongsan Army Base in Seoul, South Korea. UNO and the Omaha Sister Cities Association facilitated many of these

Midwest Coast on stage — Photo by Gabby Hiatt. opportunities through their ongoing collaborations.

Klein also had an early start in music. She has been singing since elementary school, and she did swing choir in middle school. Her grandparents were also instrumental in encouraging her to go beyond the basics — especially her “grandma manager,” or “gram-ger,” as she likes to call her grandmother. In middle school, Klein joined School of Rock, in which she learned how to perform rock vocals. As a founding member of BluesEd band The Redwoods, she had opportunities to perform at festivals, showcases, and rock clubs.

Music has taken Klein in different directions than it has Junginger. Klein has been working in the music industry for a few years. In her junior year of college, she started as a music director for the University of Nebraska at Lincoln campus radio station. She has interned with media and radio promotion companies, and she has done marketing for livestream shows.

Klein does a lot of work behind the curtain, but she loves the stage as well — and she goes to shows as often as she can.

In their individual careers, both have major life changes on the horizon.

This summer, Klein will be heading to New York City after graduation. Maggie Vlassakis of Terragram will be taking the

helm as lead vocalist. Junginger will be pursuing a doctorate in jazz studies.

In the meantime, before Klein and Junginger leave town, they have a busy summer ahead. Midwest Coast has been selected for the Nebraska Arts Council’s Touring Artist Roster. They are also planning an EP for release this year.

Their next show will be at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln on May 6, with another the following night at the Slowdown in Omaha. These shows will be Klein’s farewell, with Vlassakis taking over as lead singer.

Find Midwest Coast online: fb.com/BandMidwestCoast instagram.com/bandmidwestcoast/

Together again!

Back Sundays IN PERSON @ 10:50 am ONLINE via Facebook

We WILL NOT be resuming other activities.

Masks & social distancing will be required.

7020 Cass Street 402.556.6262 www.fumcomaha.org

May 2022

35

C R O S S W O R D

Point of No Return

AnswerS in next month’s issue or online at TheReader.com

— they don’t bounce back —

by Matt Jones

Across

1

1. “Git ___, little dogies!”

14

6. Trebuchet trajectory

17

18

9. “Paper Moon” Oscar winner O’Neal

20

21

2

3

16. 32 degrees, maybe 17. Did some aviation, but only with way awesome instruction?

20. Comedian/podcaster Maron

23. This mo.

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

34. Acid in proteins 35. Peak performance?

23 27

28

16

25 31

32

33

41 45

63

52. Doubled, a Hawaiian food fish 53. John Irving’s “A Prayer for ___ Meany”

51 55

56

57

58

64

59

48. Venetian shopping district 49. Jenkins of “World of Warcraft”-related memes

49

50 54

35

46

48

53

34

42

44

47

45. Hoarder’s secret

38

40

43

44. “The Daily Show” correspondent Sloan

26

37

39

52

42. Swing a scythe 22

30

36

40. Bulb power measurement

19

24

29

21. Seasoned veteran 22. British medical org. honoured by “Clap For Our Carers” early in the pandemic

5

15

14. Furniture hauler 15. Indigo Girls, for example

4

60

61

62

54. “Do you need something?”

65

56. Bushel, byte, or becquerel

25. Soul, in France

66

67

68

57. “Brooklyn NineNine” character

27. Jewelry store, but only for fun?

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70

71

58. Tiniest bit 60. Pipe bends

36. Totality 37. Olympic swimmer Ian or track athlete Jim 38. Wrestler in a mawashi 39. Streams 41. Palindromic holiday

50. “___ death do us part” 51. Tailless primate 52. Touch grass (by shortening it) 55. They may be absolute Legends

69. Opener

70. Bagpiper’s accessory 8. “Dream ___ LLC” (Adult Swim show) 71. Boxer Fury 9. Microsoft font named for Mount Rainier

Down

1. Radio options

42. Took another shot at 59. “___-Nomics” (1988 2. Kinks title woman reggae album) 43. Greek salad topper 3. Done 63.

Completely different 44. Richards of “Starship Bulgarian currency? 4. Game show prize Troopers” with a smell?

66. Red card 46. Key near Tab 5. “Despicable Me” 67. “Equal” prefix supervillain 47. Essential Spanish word for “sun”?

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68. Much, to a musician 6. Extra, for short

May 2022

7. Cursed the day

10. Pilot with skills 11.

12.

13.

18.

19.

24. They’re hopefully housebroken 26. “Who ___ But Quagmire?” (“Family Guy” bit) 27. “Baby Beluga” singer

28. Pulitzer-winning Get on another road? novelist Glasgow Ogden’s state 29. Stops streaming Pharmacy supply 30. Alaskan carving “Come Away With 31. Bedard who voiced Me” singer Jones Pocahontas “Giant Steps” 32. Agree to take part saxophonist, familiarly 33. “Nicely done!”

61. Low-carb, high-fat diet 62. Shakespeare’s river 64. 1967 NHL Rookie of the Year 65. Rescue squad initials © 2022 Matt Jones

AnsweR to last month’s “OK Computer” M A G I C

M C A D A M

M A R I L U

I N H A L I N G

S O Y L A T T E

R O D A N T H E

L O O S

A M I T R I

S B S R A I T E L S

T T I C A I S C A L C P U R E D V S E L I E C P U B L A I M L C P U N S P A U L I C P P I N S O R N O G I C P A L T I E R E D O N

L E D M E I S R H K

N I C E S H O T

F R O N T E N D

T S Q U A R E S

U N P U R E

P R I Z E S

S T O L E N

S N E L L

M E T Z

C O M I C S Garry Trudeau

JeffREY Koterba

Jen Sorensen

May 2022

37

O V E R

T H E

E D G E

The Price of Truth

Does Money Buy Influence of the Press?

by Tim McMahan

I

n last month’s column, I wrote about the new online news publication Nebraska Examiner and said it was part of the States Newsroom nonprofit network of statebased media outlets. I went on to say States Newsroom reportedly had received funds from a foundation with ties to billionaire George Soros.

I based the statement on an article I found online, though I’d heard the Soros rumors from a number of other people with connections to the news business.

Within a day of the article being posted online, the Examiner’s editor, Cate Folsom, pointed out that the article I cited was baloney and that a PolitiFact fact check also had claimed the article was false. After I found the PolitiFact item, I went online and added a note to the column saying such, and added that Folsom said States Newsroom and the Nebraska Examiner have not received funding from George Soros.

A reporter from the Examiner also contacted me, saying my column might dissuade potential donors from supporting their fledgling news organization, and I have to agree. Imagine a member of the Trump cult connecting a so-called liberal activist like Soros to the Examiner. The loudest “Harumph” in the world would be heard, followed by an exclamation of “Fake news!”

Such an affiliation would definitely hold sway on where I spend my hard-earned charitable dollars. I would be much more likely to donate to a Soros-funded (through third-party foundation) news publication than, say, a Ricketts-funded publication or a Trump-funded publication.

38

Billionaire influence is now on the verge of bleaching into social media (though with Zuckerberg, many would say it already has). Super-billionaire space cowboy Elon Musk put everyone in a tizzy when his offer to buy Twitter for $43 billion was accepted. Musk is concerned about who decides what will be allowed to pass through that social media fire hose. He’s implied that if he took over, he’d support an “anything-goes” p o l i c y. A n d t h a t , o f course, would likely mean the return of @realDonaldTrump.

PHOTO: ABOBE

When it comes to the business of news gathering and reporting, we live in desperate times. It costs a whole lot of money to run a real newsroom that actually pays a professional, journalism-schooled staff of reporters a living wage.

So if a foundation is created that supports freedom of the press and if a billionaire financially supports said foundation and then that foundation offers a grant to the nonprofit news organization, should that organization turn up its nose and say, “No thanks”?

That’s a question that eventually will have to be answered by most of these start-up online news publications in this era when people no longer want to pay for anything they acquire digitally — be it music, movies or reporting.

If you’re not selling subscriptions or advertising, the money has to come from somewhere.

In a complete and utterly unassociated activity, Mr. Moneybags Soros was among a group of folks, including fellow billionaire Reid Hoffman, that last Oc-

May 2022

tober created Good Information Inc., a public benefit corporation whose mission includes investing in local news companies, according to Axios. The group is run by former Democratic strategist Tara McGowan. From the Axios article: “Although backed and launched by progressives, McGowan says the group could make investments in entities across the political spectrum so long as their editorial standards support factbased information.”

Sounds like a good mission, but likely not good enough for States Newsroom organizations like Nebraska Examiner, where even a hint of accepting that kind of funding could taint its reputation as being unbiased. I wonder if accepting a donation from a liberal like me also would taint the Examiner’s rep.

The underlying fear is that it’s only a matter of time before self-appointed Citizen Kanes take over all the newsrooms. Just turn on Fox News and see what could happen, right Mr. Murdoch?

The problem has never been Trump tweeting his avalanche of bullshit. It’s been the other media outlets amplifying every one of his tweets, giving credence to his message even as they say — over and over again — that his message is bullshit. Amplification can legitimize false reporting in people’s minds, and that was exactly what the Examiner was concerned about when I echoed a report that had been proven false.

The Examiner continues to make waves with its reporting. It broke the story about accusations against Trump-endorsed candidate for governor Charles Herbster, a story that was picked up days later by the New York Times, which cited the Examiner report.

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.