Omaha Magazine - September 2023 - Hotel Edition

COMEDIAN ZACH PETERSON • OF BRONZE, IRON, AND INK • THE SECRET SAUCE: CHEF MICHELLE ALFARO

PG.120

The Omaha Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary will host Tastes and Treasures, “Providing Hope to All Ages,” an annual fundraiser to benefit local programs and projects of The Salvation Army. The event promises an evening of fun, food and philanthropy featuring regional celebrities Juli Burney, humorist, and Michael Lyon, master of ceremonies.

Thursday, September 14th

Scott Conference Center

6450 Pine St. in Aksarben Village

6 PM Social hour followed by dinner and entertainment

For reservations: tastesandtreasures.com

Online Silent Auction September 7-14

THE CITY THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

Though the retired slogan “Nebraska Nice” may be something on an instate meme at this point, there’s no denying that inhabitants of Nebraska, and by demographic concentration, Omaha, are among the most generous people around. Though a lifelong resident of Omaha, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel fairly extensively and still, with few exceptions, I’ve rarely encountered people with hearts more open than in my hometown (or wallets and purses, for that matter).

Our annual 'Big Give' special section highlights this well, and each nonprofit and charitable organization is well worth your consideration, whether for donations or volunteering opportunities.

Yet, generosity in Omaha displays in many different forms. For example, there’s the generosity of laughter, song, and spirit as seen in this issue’s Arts & Culture section. Then, there’s the unrivaled support of women’s athletics, as revealed by our sports profile on Creighton Volleyball head coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth.

Conversation, compromise, and collaboration are uniquely bountiful in the case of our cover story. Initiated by Empowerment Network Founder and CEO Willie Barney, city officials, charitable organizations, and individual residents (or ‘neighborhood champions’ as described by YouTurn Executive Director Teresa Negron) set aside personal gain and grievances to make Omaha 360 not only a model for violence intervention and prevention locally, but nationally as reported by ABC and the Washington Post. Due to their selfless efforts, gun violence in the metro has reduced significantly over the past 15 years so much so, that former President Barack Obama has declared Omaha a My Brother’s Keeper Alliance ‘Model City as of 2023 a distinction shared by only three other cities this year.

Indeed, some people grow more generous with age others, like our adventure profile subject Brandon Schutt are simply built that way. Having undergone multiple operations as a result of rapid adolescent growth, the young man preserved with an unselfish spirit intact. After a viral video of Schutt surfaced one in which he helped a competing racer stand and cross the finish line after falling during a high school track meet the mayor of Bellevue proclaimed November 16, 2021 “Brandon Schutt Day” in honor of his altruism. Perhaps even more remarkable, this he just ran 365 miles across the state of Nebraska to raise money for charity.

Every September, Omaha Magazine’s ‘Giving Issue’ highlights the kindness, hospitality, and philanthropic spirit of our city and thankfully, there’s never a shortage of worthy subjects.

Thank you for reading, and for making my home such an inspiring place to live.

Sincerely,

-Julius Fredrick

THE LINES

Between

A LOOK AT THREE OMAHA MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS

LIZZY DIAMOND Editorial Intern

Lizzy Diamond (yes, that’s her real last name) grew up in Bennington with her three siblings and now attends Nebraska Wesleyan University. She is majoring in English with minors in communications and theater arts. During her time as editorial intern, she has had some fun and learned so much about the writing and editorial processes at Omaha Magazine. She also loves performing with the NWU theater department, where she is usually playing a child, but sometimes she gets to be an adult. When she is not working, writing or stuck at some rehearsal, she can be found visiting the Omaha zoo, lounging with an adorable basset hound, reading historical fiction or romance novels, and telling everyone about her latest celebrity crush. After graduating next spring, she hopes to live out her dreams of becoming a writer or editor and getting to travel to Europe.

MATT WIECZOREK Creative Director

Proudly born and raised in Ralston, Matt is the youngest of four boys. A multi-sport athlete and 2002 graduate of Ralston High School, he holds degrees in graphic design, computer graphics, and illustration from the now-shuttered Creative Center. Matt’s professional life has taken him from Hayneedle to DocuLynx, to Fat Brain Toys and finally Omaha Magazine. This DIY’er enjoys building and welding, and considers himself an amateur carpenter (and shade-tree mechanic), all of which are useful skills he and his wife, Chelsie, are using to fix up their Ralston abode. Matt relishes the outdoors camping, hiking, and biking as often as possible. During downtime, Matt enjoys relaxing with a cigar and a tumbler of small-batch whiskey while hanging out with Chelsie and his English bull terrier, Koa.

SARA WIEBOLD Contributing Writer

Born and raised in Omaha, Sara Wiebold returned to Nebraska with her two kids and fiancé when COVID shuttered the restaurant industry in 2020. She has spent time working and managing dining concepts in Lincoln, Omaha, and St. Louis, and received her Sommelier Certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers in March 2017. She has held every position in a restaurant, from hostess to general manager to her current role as the beverage director at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City. Self-described as hospitality-obsessed, her favorite hobby is dining out with friends and family, exploring all the Omaha (and beyond) dining scene has to offer. Sara is our newest restaurant reviewer, bringing light to the amazing chefs and culinary institutions the metro has to offer.

Contributing Writers JACOB ANDERSON · LEO ADAM BIGA · TAMSEN BUTLER MICHAEL KELLY · SARA LOCKE · SUSAN MEYERS · CAROL NIGRELLI SOPHIA RIDGE · WILLIAM RISCHLING

DOUGLAS “OTIS TWELVE” WESSELMANN · MIKE WHYE SARA WIEBOLD · DAVID WILLIAMS CREATIVE Creative Director MATT WIECZOREK Senior Graphic Designer RENEÉ LUDWICK

Graphic Designer II RACHEL BIRDSALL

Graphic Designer I NICKIE ROBINSON

Contributing Photographer SARAH LEMKE

STAY IN THE KNOMAHA!

Summer in the metro is jam packed with tons do—art, concerts, theater, festivals—we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive list and highlighted picks!

Art Music Festivals

FLIGHT AND HOPE

Samuel Bak Museum

August 12—December 22

Admission: Free 2289 S 67 St. unomaha.edu

Th is exhibition explores themes of fl ight, journey, and migration through Samuel Bak’s oeuvre. His work, informed by his experiences as a forced migrant and refugee in the aftermath of World War II, offers a potent reminder of the humanity of migrants, their dreams of freedom, their fl ight from oppression, their search for home, and the fraught journey they undertake in the hope for a better life. The exhibition paintings depict the ordeal of upheaval but also the hope and tenacity of those fleeing violence. Flight and Hope will situate Bak’s works as part of a broader conversation about the status of refugees in 2023. His paintings remind us that those undergoing this traumatic displacement are human; that individuals caught in confl ict long for peace and a home; and that hope is, despite all odds, eternal. 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 10 am to 6 pm Thursday; noon to 4 pm Sunday. 402.554.6100.

CLYDE’S

Omaha Community Playhouse

September 17

Admission: $40 6915 Cass St. omahaplayhouse.com

Fresh from Broadway, this production serves up equal parts fi re and ferocity. As it should. The play is by Lynn Nottage, who won Pulitzer Prizes for Ruined , which centers on women during the Congolese civil war, and Sweat , which tells the story of steelworkers fi ghting union-busting managers, as well as themselves. Quick-paced and guff aw-out-loud funny, this production centers on Clyde’s, a restaurant famous for sandwiches and second chances. The kitchen is where previously incarcerated individuals who are part of a transition program work with pride and resilience. As the employees strive for redemption, the restaurant owner, Clyde, ensures that they can’t leave their own purgatory. Full of dark humor, Clyde’s shows that a fresh start is attainable…if you pay the right price. 402.533.0800

SEPTEMBERFEST OMAHA

CHI Health Center Lot D

September 1—4

Admission: $7 (Free for 5 and Under) 455 N 10 St. septemberfestomaha.org

Since 1977, SeptemberFest has off ered entertainment, educational and artistic displays, a carnival, and Omaha’s largest parade. The festival lasts fi ve days, running through Labor Day weekend. The annual Salute to Labor has something for the entire family, from the musical acts in the Beer Garden, to plenty of entertainment for children in the Kiddie Kingdom, to a giant carnival midway for the entire family. SeptemberFest also includes arts & crafts, food, and a number of new special attractions each year. The event draws visitors from a fi ve-state area including Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota. Proceeds from SeptemberFest fund a number of community improvement projects, and the event has been honored with a number of awards. 402.278.2951

L D C E A of 8 15 22

» EXHIBITIONS « THE LUNCHBOX: PACKED WITH POP CULTURE

Th rough September 3 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Featuring over 500 lunchboxes and one-of-a-kind original paintings, the display provides an overview of the history of lunchboxes, insight into the production process, and an educational introduction into the dynamic world of collecting. Th e Lunchbox demonstrates how lunchboxes are time capsules of American pop culture from the 1950s through the 1980s. Noon to 4 pm Sunday; 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday— Saturday. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

HONORING 75 YEARS: THE HISTORY OF OMAHA’S WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL PARK

Th rough September 3 at Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Th is exihibition explores the history of Omaha’s seminal park, which was formed from a 65-acre tract of land formerly occupied by the Happy Hollow Country Club and later, the Dundee golf course, to become the site of a permanent tribute to those men and women who served our country in the US military. Noon to 4 pm Sunday; 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday—Saturday. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

9 16 23

EVENTS

A GENERATION OF HOPE: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF THE HEARTLAND

Th rough September 3 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S 20th St. Th is exhibition is a celebration of the people who have called this region home for thousands of years. Children can learn about their culture and traditions throughout this interactive exhibit. 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday—Friday; 9 am to 5 pm Saturday—Sunday. 402.342.6164 —ocm.org

ABOVE & BEYOND: PRESENTED BY BOEING

Th rough September 10 at Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, 28210 W Park Hwy, Ashland. Above and Beyond celebrates the power of innovation. Packed with interactive challenges, vehicle concept models and prototypes, immersive media presentations, and inspiring innovator stories, this exhibition invites visitors to experience what it takes to make impossible dreams take fl ight. Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm. 402.944.3100

—sacmuseum.org

PRESENCE IN THE PAUSE: INTERIORITY AND ITS RADICAL IMMANENCE

Th rough September 17 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Features work focusing on the complexity of everyday relationships through portraits and domestic scenes that examine personhood, memories, and the speeding up and slowing down of contemporary life. 11 am to 5 pm, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; 11 am to 9 pm Thursday. 402.341.7130. —bemiscenter.org

ART FROM THE HEART BY TELAGIO BAPTISTA

Th rough September 23 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Award-winning artist Telagio Baptista tells stories with a single image. Drawn to visual arts from a young age, he worked in graphic design and then fully dedicated himself to his passion, watercolor painting. His paintings are rooted in realism as he depicts people, places, plants, and animals. Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm. 402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

GLASS IN FLIGHT 2 BY ALEX HEVERI

Th rough October 15 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Guests can discover 16 life-like installations in a sculpture exhibit that showcases the beauty and importance of butterfl ies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. They can see the giant insects made of steel frames and Dalle de Vera glass, and witness the interaction of sunlight and colored glass alongside the garden’s plant collection. Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm. 402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

ERIN HANSON: COLOR ON THE VINE

Th rough November 5 at Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art, 575 E St, David City. Acclaimed California impressionist painter Erin Hanson presents a solo exhibition of coastal vineyard landscapes. 10 am to 4 pm, Wednesday—Saturday; 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday; 1 to 4 pm, Sunday. 402.367.4488.

—bonecreek.org

JURASSIC NEBRASKA

Th rough January 2024 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S 20th St. Children can experience what life would be like if dinosaurs were around in their everyday lives; toss a football against some ferocious defenders; explore and discover fossils in a giant dig pit; climb Chimney Rock to look a T-Rex in the eye; and more. 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday—Friday; 9 am to 5 pm Saturday— Sunday. 402.342.6164

—ocm.org

// 8 // SEPTEMBER 2023

Five venues, five unique celebration experiences Hosting events for 100 - 1,000 guests, Omaha Event Group boasts 15 years of experience with over 300 events each year, including Omaha Fashion Week Schedule a consultation with our team of experts today

CONCERTS

HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR

September 1, 7:30 pm, at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Starring The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, Classics IV, and The Cowsills. The tour will delight audiences with a show full of chart-topping hits from the ’60s and ’70s. 402.345.0606

—o-pa.org

BLACKBERRY SMOKE

September 7, 7 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. The southern rock band might be known for fuzzed-out electric guitars, but their songs translate equally well to being acoustic play. 402.345.0606.

—steelhouseomaha.com

HERE COME THE MUMMIES

September 7, 7 pm, at The Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. With Perpetual Groove. Here Come the Mummies is an eight-piece funk-rock band of 5000-year-old Egyptian mummies with a one-track mind. Their “Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave” is sure to get audiences moving and grooving. —theastrotheater.com

5TH ANNUAL SHADOW RIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL

September 8, 5 pm, at Shadow Ridge Country Club, 1501 S 188 Plaza. Th is fun festival is headlined by the Barenaked Ladies and Collective Soul and will also feature Toad The Wet Sprocket and The Samples. Attendees can enjoy live music, local foods, and cold brews. 402.333.4020

—shadowridgecountryclub.com

STAIND

September 10, 8 pm, at Harrah’s Casino Stir Concert Cove, One Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluff s, IA. Over the course of their career, Staind has released seven studio albums and eight Top 10 singles, selling over 15 million albums worldwide. 712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s

JAI WOLF

September 11, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. With Evan Giia and Myrne. Evoking the heart-tugging feeling of a cinematic score, Jai Wolf makes electronic pop that conjures a dazzling spectrum of emotions. His audiences will no doubt feel the magical sense of connection. 401.345.7569

—the slowdown.com

COHEED AND CAMBRIA

September 13, 8 pm, at The Admiral, 2234 S 13th St. With special guest Deafheaven. Th is four-piece band from Nyack, New York, incorporates aspects of pop, heavy metal, and post-hardcore to create their progressive rock sound. 402.706.2205.

—theadmiral.com

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS

September 14, 8 pm, at Th e Admiral, 2234 S 13th St. With American Aquarium. Drive-By Truckers pay homage to the Muscle Shoals honky-tonk where founding members Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley got their start: a concrete-floored dive lit like a disco, with the nightly promise of penny beer and truly dubious cover bands. 402.706.2205

—theadmiral.com

JONAS BROTHERS “THE TOUR” 2023

September 16, 7:30 pm, at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. One night. Five albums. The Jonas Brothers’ latest tour will include hits from fi ve of their biggest albums. So whether audiences grew up with hits like “S.O.S.” or are fans of the new stuff, they’ve got it covered. 402.341.1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

BETH HART

September 16, 8 pm, at Th e Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. Th is blues-rock artist is as real as it gets. In a music industry full of glossy production and airbrushed photoshoots, this is one artist who throws down her cards to give audiences an authentic experience.

—theastrotheater.com

PARLIAMENT-FUNKADELIC

September 17, 8 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. Headed by George Clinton, this American funk collective has been performing for decades. Audiences can enjoy music from the two groups, Parliament and Funkadelic, that include inductees to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 402.345.0606.

—steelhouseomaha.com

SWANS

September 19, 8 pm, at Th e Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. With Norman Westberg. Swans are an experimental rock band formed in 1982 by Michael Gira. Initially part of the new wave scene, Swans have, through various iterations, contributed to the development of noise rock, post-punk, industrial, post-rock, and more. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com

MEDIUM BUILD

September 21, 7 pm, at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. With Rent Madison. Medium Build fi nds levity in the rough edges and complications, crafting slice-of-life songs about growing up and making mistakes. Medium Build is an amalgamation of genres and influences centered on approaching life and music with humor, empathy, and casual absurdity. 402.884.5707. —reverblounge.com

MSSV

September 21, 7 pm, at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Featuring Mike Baggetta, Stephen Hodges, and Mike Watt. With Bad Bad Men. MSSV blends industrial vigor and impressionistic languor into a lingering impression of pressure, combustion, and power. 402.884.5707. —reverblounge.com

CASEY DONAHEW

September 22, 7:30 pm, at Th e Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. Over the last 18 years, Casey Donahew has risen from a favorite on the local Texas music scene, racking up 21 #1 singles, to a nationally hot touring act who consistently sells out venues all across the country. —theastrotheater.com

EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY

September 22, 8 pm, at Th e Admiral, 2234 S 13th St. Features Austin, Texas, natives performing passionate, powerful instrumental music. Equal parts romance and tragedy, their beautiful melodies have the tendency to ignite into head-spinning walls of noise. 402.706.2205 —theadmiral.com

AX PLAYS MOZART

September 22-23, 7:30 pm, at Holland Center of Performing Arts, 1200 Douglas St. World renowned pianist Emanuel Ax joins the Omaha Symphony in a performance of one of Mozart’s greatest piano works, Piano Concerto No. 25. 402.345.0606

—omahasymphony.org

THE USED

September 23, 7 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. The American punk rock band from Orem, Utah, brings their distinctive sound to Omaha. 402.345.0606.

—steelhouseomaha.com

GOO GOO DOLLS

September 23, 7:30 pm, at Th e Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. With special guest Fitz & The Tantrums. Multi-platinum, four-time Grammy-nominated rock band the Goo Goo Dolls have spent the summer taking their “Big Night Out Tour” all over the country, including a stop in La Vista.

—theastrotheater.com

KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND

September 24, 7:30 pm, at Th e Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. Twenty-fi ve years into his recording career, Kenny Wayne Shepherd continues to create genre-defi ning, blues-infused rock & roll. Shepherd has built an enviable resume as an accomplished recording artist and a riveting live performer.

—theasrtotheater.com

EVERCLEAR

September 27, 6pm, at Barnato, 225 N 170th St, Suite 95. With The Ataris and The Pink Spiders. Everclear returns to Barnato, this time for an indoor, intimate headlining tour experience with big production and a full night of music. 402.964.2021

—barnato.bar

THE BABYLOK TOUR

September 28, 7 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Featuring BABYMETAL and Dethlok. Th is Japanese kawaii metal band BABYMETAL has earned success abroad and is joining forces with Dethlok to embark on the Babylok tour. 402.345.0606

—steelhouseomaha.com

311

September 29, 7 pm, at Th e Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. With special guests AWOLNATION and Blame My Youth. Th is American rock band was founded here in Omaha. Now with 13 studio albums, the band is returning home during their fall tour.

—theastrotheater.com

JORDAN DAVIS

September 28, 7:30 pm, at Liberty First Credit Union Arena, 7300 Q St. With Mike Ryan and Dylan Marlow. Country Music star Jordan Davis will perform hits from his latest album Bluebird Days, among his other hits. 402.934.9966 —libertyfi rstcreditunionarena.com

SAM HUNT

September 29, 8 pm, at Harrah’s Casino Stir Concert Cove, One Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluff s, IA. With Lily Rose. Earner of nine No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay chart hits, Sam Hunt is bringing his notable country sound to the metro area with his “Summer on the Outskirts” tour. 712.329.6000.

—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluff s

NEXT FROM NASHVILLE WITH TY MARCH

September 29, 8 pm, at Barnato, 225 N 170th St, Suite 95. Nashville up-and-comer Ty March is a unique artist with any equal mix of energetic and emotional tones that will undoubtedly get stuck in your head. 402.964.2021

—barnato.bar

STEWART COPELAND: POLICE DERANGED FOR ORCHESTRA

September 30, 7:30 pm at Holland Center of Performing Arts, 1200 Douglas St. Th e highenergy orchestral evening celebrates the work of legendary rock star and composer Stewart Copeland and focuses on the epic rise of his music career that has spanned over four decades. 402.345.0606

—omahasymphony.org

BRETT YOUNG: DANCE WITH YOU

September 30, 7:30 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. Features the American country pop singer. 402.345.0606.

—steelhouseomaha.com

STAGE PERFORMANCES

MEREDITH MASONY

September 1, 7:30 pm; September 2, 6 & 8:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St, Village Pointe. Meredith Masony is a wife, mother to three, and the emotional support person to one dog and two cats. Life isn’t supposed to be easy, but at least we can fi nd the funny. Meredith recently fi nished a 76-city national tour and is ready to get intimate on all of the dirty jobs she does as a mom. 402.493.8036.

—omaha.funnybone.com

THE MOUSETRAP

September 1-3, 7-10, check for showtimes, at Lofte Community Th eatre, 15841 Manley Rd, Manley. After a local woman is murdered, the guests and staff at Monkswell Manor fi nd themselves stranded during a snowstorm. It soon becomes clear that the killer is among them. Th is murder mystery features a brilliant surprise fi nish from Dame Agatha Christie, the foremost mystery writer of her time. 402.234.2553

—lofte.org

STEVE HOFSTETTER

September 3, 7 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Author, columnist, and comedian Steve Hofstetter has made appearances on several primetime series and is one of the top booked acts on the college circuit. He has performed live to sold-out venues across the country and may be adding the Slowdown to that list. 402.345.7569. -–theslowdown.com

QUINN DAHLE

September 6, 7:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St, Village Pointe. Dahle’s comedy appeals to all age groups and ethnicities, and he loves to talk about them all. However, audiences often come back just for his improvisational crowd work where he can be the most spontaneous. 402.493.8036. —omaha.funnybone.com

OPERA OUTDOORS

September 8, 7 pm, at Turner Park 3110 Farnam St. Join Opera Omaha’s annual kick-off to the 23/24 Season with the return of Opera Outdoors. In its 11th year, this free, family-friendly opera concert for the community will include highlights of the upcoming season in addition to some of opera’s greatest hits. 402.346.7372 —operaomaha.org

ARTHUR & FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL

September 8-24 at Th e Rose Th eater, 2001 Farnam St. From books to screen and now to the stage! Arthur is confronted with the biggest challenge of his life: writing a story about what makes you special. Come along with Arthur & Friends through this musical exploration of what makes us awesome, just as we are. 402.345.4849 —rosetheater.org

KERWIN CLAIBORNE

September 10, 7 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. Featuring comedy from one Mississippi native who has gained a following from his social media videos and nationwide shows. 402.493.8036. —omaha.funnybone.com

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL

September 15—October 15, at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Tony Award winner

Beautiful: Th e Carole King Musical is the inspiring true story of singer/songwriter Carole King’s remarkable life, her journey to fame, and the mammoth impact she and her work had on the music industry. While not without strife and heartache, King’s story and unbreakable spirit will capture audiences’ hearts. 402.553.0800 —omahaplayhouse.com

ANCIENT ALIENS

September 21, 7:30 pm at Th e Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. Featuring Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, William Henry, Nick Pope, and David Childress. The 90-minute live experience celebrates the long-running program “Ancient Aliens” on The History Channel. The panel will discuss thought-provoking extraterrestrial theories on fan-favorite topics from Ancient Egypt to the moon. —theastrotheater.com

PSYCHIC MEDIUM CINDY KAZA

September 21, 7:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St, Village Pointe. Cindy Kaza is a psychic medium who had her fi rst memorable encounter with a spirit when she was just 10 years old. Kaza now travels across America providing people evidence and messages from the other side. 402.493.8036 —omaha.funnybone.com

MACBETH

September 21—October 22, at Bluebarn Theatre, 1106 S 10th St. Murder, witchcraft, and superstition are steeped into William Shakespeare’s darkest play. The story follows one man and his wife who will stop at nothing to get the Scottish crown. 402.345.1576 —bluebarn.org

MORE:

HUTCHFEST 2023

September 3, 10 am at Millwork Commons, 1229 Millwork Ave. Attendees of this makers’ fair can peruse 200+ handmade artists and makers from across the midwest, feast on street-style brunch fare, sip gourmet cocktails and coff ee, get goofy in the oversized lawn games park, and enjoy local music performances.

—hutchfestomaha.com

TOWERS OF TOMORROW WITH LEGO BRICKS

Th rough September 3 at Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Features 20 skyscrapers from North America, Asia, and Australia constructed in breathtaking architectural detail by Ryan McNaught, one of only 21 LEGO®-certified professionals in the world. Noon to 4 pm Sunday; 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday—Saturday. 402.444.5071.

—durhammuseum.org

ALL-EUROPEAN SHOW AND SHINE

September 10 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. The All-European Show and Shine will feature fi ne European cars and motorcycles on display surrounded by the beauty of the garden. Guests may walk the 100 acres of gardens or they may take a narrated tram tour for $5 per person ($3 for garden members). The café will be open from 11 am to 2 pm for lunch and snacks. 402.346.4002. —lauritzengardens.org

ONCE UPON A TIME AT THE CASTLE

September 18, 5:30 pm, at Joslyn Castle, 390 Davenport St. Once Upon a Time at the Castle is a storytime adventure featuring a youth librarian from Omaha Public Library reading classic fairy tales from around the globe. After story time, the group can reenact tales using costumes, props, and the Castle gardens as their land of imagination. 402.595.2199

—joslyncastle.com

SLEEPING BAG SAFARI

September 18, 6 pm, at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S 10th St. Join the Zoo for an overnight program where adult guests spend the night at the zoo’s Tent Camp Site and experience the exhibits after hours. Program includes picnic dinner and drinks, an evening hike, movie, snacks, “grab-n-go” breakfast, morning hike, and a free day at the zoo. Th is event is for guests ages 21 and older. 402.733.8401

—omahazoo.com

2023 RIVER CITY RODEO

September 22—23, 7:30 pm, at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. River City Rodeo is a weekend Western festival featuring two nights of high-caliber PRCA rodeo where world champion cowboys will compete for their official entry into the National Finals Rodeo. The seven thrilling rodeo events include steer wrestling, team roping, and bull riding. 402.341.1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

FALL EQUINOX HIKE

September 23, 7 pm, at Camp Wa-kon-da, 402 Forest Dr. Join Fontenelle Forest this autumn and enjoy their Fall Equinox Hike. The hike will be about 1-1.5 hour in length over moderate terrain. After the hike, guests will meet at the bonfi re to make s’mores. 402.731.3140

—fontenelleforest.org

Would you like weekly event recommendations delivered right to your inbox? Open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code (left) to subscribe to Omaha Magazine ’s Weekend Entertainment Guide online.

On Monday nights, the North Omaha Music and Arts near 24th and Lake streets becomes a magnet for multi-generational jazz talent, featuring a lineup that's worked with some of the most trailblazing icons in contemporary music. At no cover charge, attendees are introduced to seasoned artists who’ve played for Wynton Marsalis, jammed at Lauryn Hill’s house, and toured for national Broadway shows. Open mic kicks off around 7pm. About an hour later, eager young musicians are invited to hone t heir chops.

For the “pro” set, Dana Murray—executive director of North Omaha Music and Arts—usually sits behind the drums. For Jeff Jenkins, it’s behind the ivory keys.

On a warm Tuesday evening in June, Jenkins strolled into NOMA looking the part of a jazz pianist. Wearing a dark blue plaid blazer, a black pork pie hat, and sporting a neat goatee, Jenkins watched with anticipation as fellow musicians set up for the night’s session.

Born in Hebron, Nebraska, Jenkins and his family moved to Nebraska City when he was 2 years old. His father, Bill, a trumpet player, was a high school music director. He encouraged the young Jenkins to play trombone, but it was his mother, Ellie, who taught him piano. More than 50 years later, Jeff ’s son, Ellington (named after famous jazz pianist Duke Ellington), still has the Baldwin Acrosonic piano that Jeff learned to play on when he was 4.

After graduating from Nebraska City High School, Jenkins spent two years at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont when his father sent him to the Jamey Aebersold jazz camp in Kansas. While there, he met composer and jazz pianist Dan Haerle, who encouraged Jenkins to finish his schooling at the University of North Texas.

“At that point, that was one of probably a half-dozen places in the country where you could actually study jazz,” Jenkin s recalled.

Jenkins followed Haerle’s advice, earning his Bachelor of Arts in jazz performance before spending time in Dallas to learn the ropes of live gigs. In 1983, he decided to move to New York City. He sold the piano he had in Dallas to buy a new one in New York, and braced himself for intense competition.

“People are nice in New York, but they’re brutally honest,” Jenkins said. “If you’re not cutting it, they’ll tell you.”

During his fi rst year in New York, Jenkins didn’t perform for audiences. Living off his savings, he focused exclusively on practice. Putting a piano in a New York studio apartment meant sleeping beneath it atop a rolled-out futon mattress.

“I thought it was romantic and cool. Now, I wouldn’t think that,” Jenkins laughed.

Jenkins’ fi rst big break came with the off-Broadway musical Little Shop of Horrors in 1984. After fi lling in for a friend in the off-Broadway version, Jenkins was hired to play

keyboards for the national tour. For two years, he traveled throughout the United States. When he returned to New York in late 1985, he took over the keyboard position for the New York production of Little Shop of Horrors. As one of the most successful off-Broadway productions in New York City’s history, the coveted slot offered both fi nancial stability and musical credibility.

In 1990, Jenkins moved to Denver, Colorado, to be with his then-wife. Even though Jenkins was no longer living in New York City, he continued to encounter some of the most influential figures in jazz, including Bobby Hutcherson and Freddie Hubbard. Along with playing festivals, Jenkins was part of a music ensemble that opened for David Byrne at the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

In 2008, Jenkins joined the faculty of the University of Colorado at Boulder as a jazz studies professor. In addition to teaching, Jenkins ran his own recording studio, Mile High Music. Brad Goode, a trumpet player and an associate professor of jazz studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder, recorded his album Chicago Red at Jenkins’ studio. Jenkins plays keyboards on Goode’s latest album, The Unknown, which was released this year. During a Zoom interview, Goode said Jenkins’ deep knowledge of jazz extended to other genres, like Latin music and Broadway musicals.

“He’s not a ‘dabbler'—he’s an expert in so many different areas of music,” Goode noted.

Jenkins moved to Omaha in August 2022 with his wife, singer Terri Jo Jenkins. Th is past spring, he retired from the University of Colorado. He cited his health as one of the main reasons he chose to retire. He was diagnosed with Adrenomyeloneuropathy, or AMN—an inherited genetic disorder that affects the spinal cord, requiring Jenkins to use a cane.

Growing restless in his fi rst year of retirement, Jenkins began playing at The Jewell in Omaha’s Capitol District, where he caught the eye of drummer nad music producer Dana Murray. In addition to the Monday night sessions, Jenkins teaches a jazz improvisational class at North Omaha Music and Arts.

“There’s a soul and organic nature about how he plays,” Mu rray said.

Visit northomahamusic.org, jewellomaha.com, and Jenkins’ YouTube channel @allkeyspro6606 for more information.

“There’s a soul and organic nature about how he plays.” -Dana Murray

One

Cool Cat

Jazz pianist Jeff Jenkins made a name for himself in New York & Denver.

Now, he’s delighting crowds in Omaha

BY SEAN MCCARTHY // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

Scarlet, Cream, & an Abstract Dream

Ashley Spitsnogle Seizes Opportunities, Paints a Portrait of Success

Ashley Spitsnogle’s creativity comes in many forms. Whether fans know her from her illustrative work, her abstract pieces, or her larger-than-life Huskers portraits, the passion, artistry, and joy present in each piece remain constants.

Spitsnogle initially honed her talent through painting and drawing courses at Doane College, bolstered by a graduate intensive in Florence, Italy. She has nurtured a career as a self-employed artist ever since, seeking new opportunities and tackling fresh challenges to do what she loves.

One of Spitsnogle’s fi rst gigs as an artist was to illustrate Josh the Baby Otter, a children’s book promoting water safety. After losing their son in a tragic drowning incident, Blake and Kathy Collingsworth of Lincoln, Nebraska, wrote the story to teach parents and kids alike how to enjoy swimming safely. Both Spitsnogle and the Collingsworths now work with organizations like Rotary International, the Coast Guard, and the Michael Phelps Foundation, and have printed over a million copies of the book.

“I loved working on the book and promoting it because of how passionate everyone in those organizations is,” Spitsnogle said. “But i’d say that abstract is probably my favorite way to paint.”

According to Spitsnogle, she quickly took to abstract painting during her studies at Doane and now primarily produces abstract works out of her Elkhorn gallery.

“The actual physical painting usually happens quickly with abstract art, but the preparation often takes weeks or even months ahead of time,” she explained. “I establish a visualization of what I want to paint and a plan of what colors to mix and how to make them stand out, but even then sometimes it goes a totally different direction on t he canvas.”

Following this intensive preparation period, Spitsnogle can often fi nish an abstract piece in a single day. Th is pace has also opened opportunities in the sports world, though not in the ways one might expect.

Her fi rst introduction to the professional Husker world was at a fundraising gala for TeamMates, a teen mentoring organization, where Spitsnogle was asked to do a live painting. After considering a subject that would have broad appeal, she decided to reproduce a famous sideline scene of former Husker Football Coach Tom Osborne and the late Brook Berringer.

The painting was received positively by Osborne, the Berringer family, and Big Red fans online—revealing a unique opportunity for artistic connection, eventually leading Spitsnogle to obtain licensure from the university to produce and sell Husker artwork.

Now alongside her abstract pieces, those visiting Spitsnogle’s gallery are quick to notice the iconic Cornhusker scarlet spanning several of her canvases. The collection includes a variety of Husker sports scenes, from interviews with coaches to frame-by-frame recreations of classic Husker moments and legend ary players.

One such legend immortalized in Spitsnogle’s art is Heisman Trophy-winner Johnny Rodgers, who’s thoroughly impressed by her skill.

“Ashley is a young artist with oodles of talent, and even more personality,” Rodgers said. “You can be as sweet as can be, but without skill and dedication, you won’t go anywhere.”

Rodgers lauded Spitsnogle for her dedication, and emphasized that greatness can’t be achieved without hard work.

“You can tell she has respect for herself and her craft, but also respect for the people she is working with,” he noted. “I hope I am around 20 years from now to see what she does. She will be a world-class artist one day.”

Rodgers shared that he will sign as many autographs and make as much in royalties from a signing at Spitsnogle’s gallery as he will at large-scale events in some of the biggest cities in the nation.

One of her most popular works captures that fan-family mentality, showing a timeline progression of historic Husker styles in a panoramic view outside Memorial Stadium’s iconic east gate, blending from black-andwhite top hats and cigars to corn heads and Husker scarlet. The painting features suggestions from fans and captures generations of team spirit and nostalgia in a single canvas. For Spitsnogle, capturing these memories and moments of hope makes each Husker piece meaningful.

“After our signing with Johnny, my dad told me that when he was watching Johnny play growing up, he never could have imagined that he would be sitting in his daughter’s studio watching one of his heroes sign her artwork,” Spitsnogle said.

Another highly regarded piece features two Nebraska football stars whose lives were tragically shortened—Brook Berringer and Sam Foltz walking through a brightly-lit game day tunnel together. Spitsnogle said that the feelings of hope and love the piece inspired in both players’ families makes it a personal favorite for the artist.

Admirers of Spitsnogle’s work can look forward to seeing more abstract canvases, a second installment of Josh the Baby Otter, and, later this year, another fan meet-and-greet signing at her Elkhorn space with Heisman Trophy-winners Eric Crouch, Mike Rosier, and Johnny Rodgers.

As for the longterm, she’s simply excited to take on more opportunities to create, whatever they may look like.

“I just really freaking love what I do,” Spitsnogle affi rmed. “I love getting to be around other artists every day. I love being able to work with so many passionate people and organizations. I love being able to capture meaningful memories both for my family, and the rest of the Huskers family.

“I love being able to have a job that furthers my art.”

For more information, visit ashleyspitsnogle.com.

MEGAN BARTHOLOMEW

Bill Sitzmann

Renee Ludwick

The Hot Widows Club Podcast

PROVIDES SOLACE FOR OTHERS

rystal Sauser and Allie Bruening describe themselves as “tired as hell from raising kids, wiping asses, making decisions, and being parents if you know, you know.”

Actually, most people don’t know at least not in their late 30s or early 40s. That’s when both women watched their husbands die from cancer; agonizing experiences that left each feeling helpless. But when they lost their soulmates, they found each other, and through their tears, they somehow managed to laugh long enough to found the Hot Widows Club Podcast , an online show dedicated to exploring grief and life after the death of a loved one.

At times brutally serious, others uproariously funny, the bi-weekly, unscripted podcast touches on a subject that for many is either uncomfortable or downright taboo. Then again, Sauser and Bruening, both Omaha residents, know all about being uncomfortable. Sauser’s husband, Eric, died in February 2021 following a 2019 diagnosis of leukemia. He was only 43. Now 41 and a human resources director for Airlite Plastics, Sauser was left a single mother to three children, ages 11, 9, and 5.

“I had loved him like no other. I died with him,” she confessed. “We had a very jovial relationship. I spitballed a lot with him.”

In a way, she spitballed his obituary.

Hosts of the Hot Widows Club Podcast Allie Bruening (right) and Crystal Sauser (left).

“I wanted to do something special,” Sauser reflected of the humorous obit that said, in part: “Eric hated sad stories, beets, romantic comedies, a snow-packed driveway, and turning off the garage light…We are not positive, but we think the cause of death was either leukemia or more likely being ‘dead sexy.’”

Sauser’s heartfelt ode to Eric went viral and captured the attention of Ross Bruening, who himself had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer around the same time as Eric. He died at 38 in May 2021. He told his wife that, when it was his time, he wanted a similarly irreverent riff on his passing. She wrote: “Despite multiple rounds of chemo and several major surgeries, the doctors were unable to determine whether the cause of death was his cancer diagnosis or the outcome of recent Husker football seasons.”

Like her podcasting partner, Bruening, today 38 and CFO of the Strawhecker Group, was also devastated and left to care for her children, ages 4 and 2, on her own.

A mutual friend and coworker put them in touch, believing they could support one another. When Sauser and Bruening met in July 2021, they sat together and wept. Then Bruening shared something that changed how both would process their husbands’ premature deaths a podcast.

“I couldn’t talk about my grief, and it really drove me crazy,” she explained. “Ross and I talked about everything. He was my best friend. I lost that, and going through it was one of the hardest things of my life. I felt very alone. I didn’t know anyone else with the same experience.”

Bruening didn’t want other people in like circumstances to feel the same, and a podcast seemed like the right vehicle to bring them together.

“We all process our grief differently,” she said. “I wanted everyone to know that they’re not alone.”

“When Allie said she just wanted to talk about grief, she didn’t realize that I was foul-mouthed,” joked Sauser, who, after a little trepidation, leaped at the suggestion.

Although they discussed using one of their basements to record, they ultimately approached Webberized, an Omaha business Margie Sturgeon and Richard Lewis founded as a platform to help people tell and disseminate their stories.

During their first phone call, Sturgeon heard in Bruening's voice that the recent widow had something she desperately needed to share.

“That meant a lot to me,” Sturgeon said. “I immediately thought it was so important. I lost my own mother to cancer in 2009. Grief is an ongoing, universal process. but people don’t talk about. For example, what it’s like seeing someone’s last moments. Crystal and Allie have created a space where people feel comfortable discussing that.”

“Especially when you lose a spouse, it’s life-altering,” Lewis added. “The way they bring in guests, they have a great rapport… what they are doing on their podcast is helping other people.”

In March 2022, Sauser and Bruening dropped the first episode of the Hot Widows Club Podcast , a name they chose tongue-incheek to encapsulate both the difficult subject matter and the humor they brought to it.

Since its debut, the podcast has garnered over 20,000 listens.

“People want to hide us and tell us we’re an anomaly for losing spouses so young,” Sauser said. “I’d say, ‘Bitch, please. We are not an anomaly. There are other beautiful widows and widowers out there who are strong, confident people.’ The most special thing that we’ve found is that the podcast makes those people who felt alone now feel so connected.”

It’s also allowed the recording duo to experience something beyond sorrow and loss.

“Grief isn’t complete sadness; you can find joy,” Sauser said. “I didn’t realize that I didn’t have to just lie in bed for like three or five years and cry and wear a black shawl over my head. We’re broken, but we’re not non-functional.”

Bruening concurred and emphasized that the Hot Widows Club Podcast is about giving back.

“Podcasting gave me a purpose when I was going through something so traumatic,” she shared. “I struggle; it’s hard. But we’re serving our community. I feel very validated putting my grief out there. This has been really special to me.”

Just as listeners have felt connected to other widows and widowers, so, too, have Sauser and Bruening connected to one another, depending on each other during days good and bad.

“Allie is my better half and gave me confidence that I never knew I was capable of,” Sauser said. “She is a presence of love and encompassing grace who brings me up when I’m down and carries me. She calls me out on my bullshit and I call her out on hers.”

Still, both podcasters continue to feel connected to their late husbands.

“I don’t feel Eric has ever left my side,” Sauser said.

“I’ve said the exact same thing,” Bruening softly added. “I hated that Ross died the way he did. I wanted to make something from it and Crystal and I have.”

The Hot Widows Club Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple, Google, and other podcasting platforms. For more information, visit facebook.com/HotWidowsClubPodcast.

“People want to hide us and tell us we’re an anomaly for losing spouses so young. I’d say, ‘Bitch, please. We are not an anomaly. There are other beautiful widows and widowers out there who are strong, confident people.’ The most special thing that we’ve found is that the podcast makes those people who felt alone now feel so connected.”

— Crystal Sauser

“We all process our grief differently. I wanted everyone to know that they’re not alone.”

—Allie Bruening

STORY BY WILLIAM RISCHLING // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

A LAUGHING MATTER

From Punk Rock to Punchlines With Zach Peterson

There is a sort of ease that passes over the crowd when a comic takes control of the room; a shared knowledge that the individual guiding the experience promises smiles, laughter, and aching sides. However, comedy is an unforgiving career wherein financial security is far from assured. Nontheless, Omaha maintains a thriving comedy scene thanks in no small part to premier local talent, like Zach Peterson.

Between running the Omaha chapter of Don’t Tell Comedy, operating his own brand under Broken Magic, and lending support to area comedians, the Iowa-born comic keeps a hectic schedule.

“I started when I was 27,” Peterson reminisced. “I remember because it was a big year for me; a lot happened. I got into comedy and graduated college in the same year. I was in punk rock and hardcore bands, and I was always the singer. I wasn’t really musically talented in any other way like my friends were, so they kept on doing music and I had to find my own thing.”

Peterson's recollection was laced with hard-won humility. While a firm direction remained elusive well into his late 20s, Peterson’s patience paid off when he embraced the comedy stage.

Peterson continued, “Some of my friends were like, ‘Hey, we're making videos’ […] and then some of those people started doing stand up. I started doing stand-up [too], and just seemed to really fit.

“I remember going on stage for the first time and it felt like, ‘This is the thing I'm supposed to do.’”

As anyone who has attended a basement show can attest, being a punk rocker is not for those wary of the spotlight an experience that steeled Peterson to the fickle, at times unpredictable scrutiny of stand-up audiences.

In regard to anxiety before a show, Peterson said, “It doesn’t happen so much anymore. After 13 years of doing it, I don't care. I can get on stage, and it's a non-event. I just have more fun now because there's no stakes. There’s less pressure to do well every single time; so long as I’m having fun, [and] the audience is having fun. I put my sense of humor out there instead of doing what I think other people will find funny, and sometimes it takes a little bit longer to get people on board. But if I’m not doing material that I like then it’s not nearly as fun.”

An unavoidable pitfall of comedy is the attention-seeking heckler. From videos of awkward interactions and even physical altercations the harassment of working comics appears to be a common, if not viral, occurrence.

Peterson’s view of this phenomenon is rather nuanced, claiming, “I think the perception of heckling is far worse than the actual problem of heckling. One of the last times I hosted at the Funny Bone there was a couple that was just fall-down drunk, and they were a pain in the ass but they were just drunk, you know? Most of the time the venue will take care of it for you. And if someone's really ruining the show, then you have to engage […] it sucks, but it's part of the job.

"People end up forcing heckler interactions, they want stuff for their TikTok but at the same time, that's the game. And I don't blame anyone for playing the game.”

Zach Peterson

“I like organic crowd work. For me, being an old person that just likes jokes, it can be a bit disheartening to see people try to get unique moments instead of letting them happen organically, but that's the way that things are going. People end up forcing heckler interactions, they want stuff for their TikTok but at the same time, that's the game. And I don't blame anyone for playing the game.”

Peterson emphasized the necessity of including the audience in the performance while still maintaining control over the room. It’s become second-nature to him now, like breathing or taking a morning leak.

“Say you're performing in a club and you sold 15 tickets. It happens more than anyone wants to admit,” Peterson chuckled. “One of the best things you can do is engage the audience, because you're not going to get the big thunderous laughs that you want. Just make sure that everyone there has the best time possible. Sometimes, those are the most fun.”

Peterson concluded by celebrating his fellow comedians and the Omaha comedy scene at large.

“There's a community, there's a culture, and there's a whole thing going on that people may not be aware of,” he explained. “Dylan at The Backline [Comedy Theatre] serves as a great community hub for comedy in Omaha. And they run the Omaha Comedy Festival, which is phenomenal. I've done probably 60 to 70 festivals around the country, and that one's legit. Colleen and Daisy at The Funny Bone create a great environment for comedians to get in front of big crowds and professional comics […] I encourage people to be part of the community.

“You need more people to give a damn. I love it. It's changed my life in dramatic ways but you have to really be passionate about it.” For more information, visit brokenmagic.com.

ive 'Tis Better to

NEW OMAHA NONPROFITS AIM TO ADDRESS MANIFOLD NEEDS

There’s no doubt about it: the city is home to generous people. Whether it’s a school drive or a charity, Omahans don't hesitate to open their wallets (and checkbooks) to help those in need. While there are many deserving, established nonprofits throughout the city, these six newcomers are taking on unique issues. As community members prepare their end-of-year quarterly giving, these fledgling organizations shouldn’t be overlooked—each offers unique and important avenues of impact and are well worth the consideration of the engaged citizen.

1. INSPIRE COLLABORATIVE HEALTH ASSOCIATION

12020 Shamrock Plaza, Suite 200 | 402.953.9660

ICHA is a nonprofit organization that bridges the healthcare gap by creating a community for medical providers and alternative practitioners to come together. The organization offers a conduit for the communication and cooperation of its growing network of health professionals to give the public a reliable resource to pursue their health the way they want with the support they need, while simultaneously offering better-individualized wellness recommendations. By bringing together a group of open-minded and qualified healthcare professionals, the association facilitates collaborations between health specialties to make each patient or client not only feel heard, but also start them on the path to a healthier lifestyle. —inspirehealthassociation.com

2. OMAHA FOR US

402.814.1146

This nonprofit builds intentional community and creates equitable space in service to LGBTQ+ individuals and families of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. The organization, which has the support of Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, is working to create an LGBTQ+ community center in the metro with programming to meet their specific needs. The agency plans to offer programs and services that will include LGBTQ+ affirming clinical counseling and support groups. Mental health services, which are often challenging for many in the LGBTQ+ community to obtain, will be a main priority. —omahaforus.org

3. GOOD VIBRATIONS

402.679.3302

When Emiliano Carrera-Ybanez dreamed of joining the All-State Orchestra at Bryan High School in 2017, the then-sophomore lacked the funds to make his dream come true. Omaha Symphony violinist Judy Davis came up with the idea to help pay for private lessons and an instrument. Good Vibrations was born—the nonprofit provides new or used instruments, which are professionally repaired and restored, to students attending Title I, or low-income, schools in Omaha while also bringing them together with mentors from the Omaha Chamber Music Society. Additionally, the nonprofit provides professional development workshops for teachers and future music teachers about stringed instrument purchase and care, as well as private lessons for teachers that don’t specialize in chordophones. —omahachambermusic.org/good-vibrations

4. NEBRASKA MONARCHS

531.242.3253

The mission is simple: bring back butterflies. Nebraska Monarchs accomplishes this by helping people and communities create gardens and habitats that help native pollinators thrive. The organization has been working to restore pollinator habitat in Midwest communities since 2015 via free milkweed seed and native plant giveaways. In late 2022, Nebraska Monarchs officially became a 501(c)(3) non-profit when the board voted to refocus resources away from the free seed program in favor of the native plant giveaway, where organizations and individuals residing in Omaha and surrounding communities can receive free native plants that are locally sourced from Midwest Natives Nursery. —nemonarchs.com

5. GIVE BLUE HOPE

402.906.9077

This nonprofit’s mission is to help bridge the financial gap for the immediate families of law enforcement officers, corrections officers, or first responders who have been feloniously assaulted and killed while protecting and serving the communities they loved. Founded by Curtis DeBerg, a former police officer who provides personal security and works as a driver for Warren Buffett, Give Blue Hope helps bridge the financial gap from the time a police officer is killed in the line of duty to the benefit package of the department which helps with immediate bills such as groceries, car payments, rents, mortgages, and/ or electricity.

—givebluehope.org

6. ASTUTE COFFEE

1818 Dodge St. | 402.345.0213; 2929 California St. | 531.466.4654

Formerly The Bike Union and Coffee, Astute Coffee connects young adults to the workforce and supports their self-sufficiency through personal and professional development programming. The workforce development coffeehouse model exists solely to provide professional resources to young adults who have been impacted by the foster care system. The BUMP mountain bike program partners with Child Saving Institute's emergency shelter. Every coffee purchase from Astute strengthens an organization with the purpose to give back to the community.

—shareomaha.org/nonprofit/astute-coffee

(and Beyond) at the German American Society

STORY BY TAMSEN BUTLER // ILLUSTRATION BY MIDGER // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

maha’s German American Society (GAS) was founded in 1883, serving as a cultural hub for German Americans to explore their heritage for 140 years and counting. The club celebrates all things German—not just the Bavaria region, as is the case for many German societies in the US—and welcomes all, regardless of ancestry.

Frank Friehaut, entertainment director and former GAS president, was hooked after his first visit. A fourth-generation American with German ancestry on both sides of parents, he grew up with “a lot of German traditions. Different things like opening gifts on Christmas Eve, different meals, like the Sauerbraten my mom would make.”

“After I moved to Omaha, my wife and I drove past the club a couple times and said ‘Boy, we both have German ancestry.’ Then a friend invited us out and it’s just been a blast ever since,” Friehaut recalled. “We started

doing the German folk dancing, wearing the Lederhosen, and having a great time. It’s a great club to meet other families, other couples, and different aspects of the suborganizations of the club.”

He’s been with the Society for more than 20 years.

And while the GAS does indeed host an annual German Day Oktoberfest celebration (the largest in the state), it’s far from the only opportunity to participate in Germanic culture. With a wide variety of annual celebrations and sub-organizations, the German American Society provides Omaha residents the chance to experience authentic German cuisine and culture year-round.

When asked what aspects of the club feel the most authentically German to him, Friehaut responded, “Everything from the German food, of course, the beer. There’s a shooting club, the air rifles, the German dance, the singing clubs. Both the formal chorus and the men’s chorus. There’s the Turners, which is the gymnastics—we still have the kids doing that. There’s a men’s club that was birthed out of that. So there’s a lot of different aspects to the German culture that just makes it a lot of fun.”

“We started doing the German folk dancing, wearing the Lederhosen, and having a great time. It’s a great club to meet other families, other couples, and different aspects of the sub-organizations of the club.”

—Frank Friehaut

“Most of those clubs stem from clubs that are out of Germany. In Germany, there are huge shooting clubs that have shooting fests like in Hanover and other cities, so these clubs come from over there,” added GAS chairperson Michael Olk. “The traditions of singing and dancing all come from Germany, so they were continued here. All those aspects are a part of how we celebrate the greatness of the German culture.”

Olk further explained, “It’s an apolitical club, non-political—it’s all just the fun features of the German culture. You don’t have to be German to belong. As a matter of fact, we have a lot of members who aren’t."

Freihaut added, “Obviously, Germany itself has had a very checkered and horrible history that we never want repeated, but that doesn’t mean there’s not some great aspects of our culture that we want people to enjoy. That’s where our ancestors came from and that’s what we try to get out there that there are neat aspects of the German people who came and settled in Nebraska.”

President David Hollran clarified that the Society hosts 11 sub-organizations and 10 activity groups. Whether members want to learn how to make authentic German sausage, how to shoot an air rifle, speak German, or sing four-part harmonies to German songs—or even brew German beer—there’s no shortage of cultural activities.

Olk, who is also the Society’s cultural director, said, “If you come and you see all the sub-organizations,  you’re going to be able to immerse yourself in every aspect of German culture—the dancing, the singing, the sausage-making, the wine-making, and the beer-making.”

As for those curious to sample German cuisine and drinks, Friehaut bills the German Day Oktoberfest festivities the best bet for variety.

”Bratwurst is a favorite for me, but they also make a wonderful rotisserie chicken and on Saturdays we roast a pig,” he explained. “People always think of the brats, and they’re always there and always fantastic, but I love the chicken and the pork dinners. These are suckling pigs, so they’re 55-60 pounds and we get them from a special place in Iowa and they go on a spit. We even put a special oil on the skin so it’s crispy brown, and it just turns round and round…”

Served with the chicken or pork is German potato salad, Sauerkraut, and a hard roll.

“Then if you get a nice cold Stein of beer with that and, like a friend of mine used to say, ‘It’ll make a puppy pull a freight train’ it’s so good!” Friehaut exclaimed.

Hollran also suggests that people attend the annual Christmas in Germany celebration to try the Glühwein, which is a hot, mulled wine.

For every annual celebration, most of the food is prepared by Society volunteers or kitchen staff. During German Day Oktoberfest, the Society recruits between 140 and 160 volunteers a day. The need for volunteers is the reason the Society combined German Day and Oktoberfest into a single celebration.

“It’s a little different than any other Oktoberfest around town because we’re the German Club and we try to put the culture stuff out there,” Friehaut noted. “It’s celebrating our German culture; showing Omaha and Nebraska our culture. We try to make that a full-family event and we’ve tied that into Oktoberfest that worldwide, everybody knows.”

This year’s German Day Oktoberfest celebration will be the 139th one the Society has celebrated and is widely regarded as among the more authentic in the country.

The same goes for the many other ‘fests’ hosted by the GAS, whether it’s Bockfest (which celebrates the making of Bock Bier), Maifest (celebrating the arrival of Spring), or Fasching (a carnival celebration akin to Mardi Gras).

“When you go to one of the restaurant or microbrew Oktoberfest, they’re essentially just beer or food,” Freihaut explained. “When you come the German American Society, we put that cultural aspect to the forefront so you actually see the folk dancing, the German singing, and the food we try to make authentically.

“In fact, the sausage club makes the bratwurst!”

For more information, visit germanamericansociety.org

“It’s a little different than any other Oktoberfest around town because we’re the German Club and we try to put the culture stuff out there.”

—David Hollran

chef profile

Family, Prayer, and Determination Propel Chef Michelle Alfaro into Culinary Spotlight, Past Cancer Diagnosis

Michelle Alfaro’s journey as a chef began with an unlikely request: her 17-year-old son asked if he could go on a mission trip to El Salvador to serve an impoverished community. She and her husband, Jose, saw the passion in their son’s eyes, and committed to making his vision a reality. They began raising money by offering their time and labor to neighbors and friends for a variety of odd jobs. However, despite their earnest efforts, it became clear this strategy wouldn’t raise enough money in time for their son's departure. Still, they minced, mashed, and mixed every possibility until, at last, they discovered the recipe for success: homemade salsa.

“We started selling our salsa to people that I worked with, and we sold $700 worth on the very first day,” Michelle recounted.

The Alfaro’s homemade salsa exploded in popularity, and the proud parents acquired the funds for their son’s mission trip in short order. Then, it was back to business as usual. Michelle was the Zoning Board of Appeals Administrator for the City of Omaha at the time, and while prepping documents for a monthly meeting, a pleasant aftertaste lingered. She picked up the phone and rang Hy-Vee, curious about the logistics of getting her salsa on the store shelves of the regional grocery giant. Her impulse proved fateful—the director of the store was not only onsite this day, but available to speak with Michelle personally.

“I’d never done anything like that before in my life,” Michelle explained. “While I was staring at my computer screen, the inclination to call Hy-Vee was just so strong. I felt God saying that I was meant to be doing something different with my life, so I called and a day and a half later I was sharing my salsa with the director and a small group of people.”

Michelle’s salsa was an instant hit, being praised as among of the best a taste-testing group had ever scooped. Hy-Vee committed to her products, and within the first six months of operation, her salsa was in 13 of the 14 local metropolitan locations. In the meantime, Michelle needed to find a proper commercial kitchen to meet the demand.

BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

I felt God saying that I was meant to be doing something different with my life, so I called and a day and a half later I was sharing my salsa with the director and a small group of people.”

—Michelle Alfaro

She and Jose went for long drives, prospecting small towns surrounding the metro. While in Louisville, Nebraska, a quaint cafe that closed at 2pm each day caught their eye. Michelle found the owner on Facebook and inquired about using the kitchen after closing for the day. It just so happened that this owner shared Michelle and Jose’s faith, establishing an immediate connection.

“We prayed together, and she opened up her kitchen to us,” Michelle said.  “After we spent some time chatting and getting to know each other, it’s what God wanted her to do.”

The Alfaros’ salsa operation was now in full swing, requiring the couple to work more than 100 hours a week to maintain their full time jobs while scaling production. In time, this arduous routine grew unsustainable— and the Alfaros had to make a difficult decision. After much deliberation, they chose to leave their full-time jobs to focus exclusively on their business. The gamble payed off, as yet another opportunity emerged.

“While we were marketing the salsa, Michelle would make her amazing creations to accompany and highlight the salsa in the photoshoots, but everything just looked so good that people started asking if she sold the food as well,” Jose explained.

Michelle started doing pop-ups, and the popularity of her dishes led to area event coordinators requesting her catering services. However, due to lack of a business plan and COVID ravaging the marketplace, Michelle and her husband found themselves in a harrowing situation. As the hospitality industry sputtered, she interviewed for another city position as well as a waitressing position.

“They were so different, but we just needed to bring money in and those were the two

openings,” Michelle recalled. “I asked God to close the door I wasn’t meant to walk through. Then, I got the call that I didn’t get the administrative position…”

She earned a managerial role after a month of working in a restaurant, a role she maintained for about a year. While there, Michelle learned the financial workings of the restaurant and decided to relaunch her own concept after a kitchen became available in Louisville, near her original hub. Her restaurant, Sauced, was born and they began service with carryout only. It was a kitchen—and only a kitchen—yet, as word of mouth buzzed over the flavor of her culinary creations, patrons lined up outside the spartan establishment for up to an hour at a time.

“One man called 87 times to try and place an order,” Jose said. “We only had one phone line and we were taking orders from people who were waiting in person. That man still comes to this location today.”

Michelle moved from the Louisville kitchen to their current Papillion restaurant in Spring 2022. The business and community support continued to grow; however, a visit to the doctor threatened to upend everything. Michelle was diagnosed with cervical cancer later that year. The community, her staff, and her husband all stepped up and kept Sauced running smoothly while Michelle underwent surgeries and extended hospital stays. This nerve-wracking, life-altering period was blanketed with prayers and blessings from friends and family, and Michelle was confirmed cancer-free as of July 2023.

Having beat cancer, Chef Alfaro is helming the Sauced kitchen once more. Despite numerous setbacks, Michelle has proven her tenacity and talent, and continues to blend unique flavors with classic dishes to the delight of her customers. After all, for Michelle, cooking is about bridging love, passion, and connection to her community, which she views as family. Jose summed up Michelle’s food succinctly:

“It just makes you happy.”

Visit saucedbyalfaropapillion.com for more information.

STORY

sara wiebold

PHOTOGRAPHY

bill sitzmann

DESIGN

matt wieczorek

LambLollipops:FourFrench-trimmedlambchops, garnishedwithlemonandgarlicoverabedofarugula.

SIPS ON 10 TH POPS THE CORK WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

Sips On 10th is located within Omaha’s historical, yet vibrant, Little Italy neighborhood. The area is undergoing a commercial renaissance, with an influx of exciting new businesses cropping up over the last few years. Sips on 10th stands out as a versatile space ready to welcome longtime locals as well as new-to-thearea and Blue Barn showtime patrons. This cherished building has been a cornerstone of the community for over half a century, with roots dating back to the 1890s and a legacy steeped in hospitality that has borne witness to the evolution of Omaha's urban sprawl. Today, Sips On 10th carries on that tradition with odes to the neighborhood’s heritage while reinvigorating the space with an approachable, yet aesthetically artisanal menu of drinks and food.

At Sips On 10th, one’s culinary journey could begin early in the morning or extend into the late hours of the night, making it a go-to spot for both brunch enthusiasts and late-night revelers. The menu is a trove of tantalizing options depending on the hour and one’s appetite, featuring a range of staple dishes along with a few surprises. My dining experience began with a late-night drop-in and the always welcome surprise of reverse happy hour.

The interior is a mix of exposed brick and quartz high-top tables, melding classic and modern design elements. The bar sits off the front entrance, enticing passersby to wander in before or after a theater performance. Past the bar is the lower dining room and patio areas, where large garage doors open to let in the gentle summer breeze over a round of drinks and snacks. The weekend vibe was energetic and fun, as large portraits of Warren Buffett and Lady Gaga peer over the bar as hip hop plays over speakers, punctuated by the sounds of cocktail tins rattling and wine bottles popping.

I typically like to start with a cocktail but always glance at the wine list to come up with a game plan. Here, I stopped pursuing the former and immediately took notice of how approachable the prices were. This affordability extended to the cocktails and spirits as well. I find a lot of enjoyment in getting great value on a wine list—it’s also a sure way to get me to happily spend more than I was planning…it seems this is a cornerstone of their wine program, providing an amazing drinking experience at a lower price point for all to enjoy.

After probing the staff about the wine list, specifically the champagne section, I settled on the Laurent Perrier Rosé, and we were off to a bubbly start. The list also included an impressive selection of sparkling wines from all over the world, as well as the traditional cabernet-chardonnay-pinot noir-sauvignon blanc heavy hitters from both classic and cult producers. Most restaurants do not

carry large formats of sparkling wine, let alone renowned multi-generational champagne houses. Combine this with the price points and there’s plenty to sip, and celebrate. Service was prompt and friendly from beginning to end, albeit some of my more nuanced wine questions went unanswered. Sips on 10th has only been open since March of this year, and its potential is obvious.

The menu is small enough—you get the sense everything is house made, but large enough to represent a variety of palates. A standout dish is the Venice Inn Escargot (the Caniglia family restaurant namesakes just one example of how the restaurant pays homage to Omaha's culinary tradition) a classic favorite that isn’t seen on every menu. Here, it was perfectly broiled, with a balanced butter-tocheese ratio—an ideal, rich accompaniment to our sparkling wine. Dare I say they give the traditional M’s Pub escargot starter a run for their money!

If you're looking for a side dish to accompany your meal, the ‘Sidewinders’ are a must-try. These crispy potato spirals, expertly fried to perfection, came served in a heaping pile with three delectable sauces (bacon jam, champagne aioli, and homemade ketchup). For those craving a touch of sophistication with their late-night bites, the lamb lollipops are an absolute knockout, served in portions of four. Tender and succulent, these were cooked to perfection at 10pm—that isn’t a ‘gimme.’ They selfdescribe the menu as “upscale bar snacks,” and Sips On 10th certainly makes good on that promise.

The thoughtful preservation of this space showcases this restaurant group's commitment to maintaining Omaha's landmarks while transforming it into a vibrant hub for social gatherings. Whether you're seeking a leisurely brunch or a late-night indulgence, this menu is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you thinking about your next stop in. I am excited to see the neighborhood continue to rise, and with it the first (unofficial) champagne bar in the city.

Run, don’t walk. Cheers! Visit

WHETHER YOU'RE SEEKING A LEISURELY BRUNCH OR A LATE-NIGHT INDULGENCE, THIS MENU IS SURE TO SATISFY YOUR CRAVINGS AND LEAVE YOU THINKING ABOUT YOUR NEXT STOP IN.

Caniglia’s Venice Inn Escargot: Classic escargot dish served in a buttery garlic sauce beneath a blanket of mozzarella cheese.

AMERICAN

BARREL & VINE- $$

1311 South 203rd St., Omaha, NE 68130 - 402.504.1777

Barrel and Vine’s restaurant is an elevated food experience that is made from scratch daily with love in our kitchen. Our menu combines a mixture of Chef driven creative dishes, craveable comfort meals and premium Nebraska steaks. Barrel & Vine also doubles as a live music venue and offers a rooftop bar, outdoor patio with firepits, and dozens of high end bourbons, scotch, and over 100 wine selections. Come check out an experience that is like nothing else in Nebraska. Open 7 days a week. —bvomaha.com

DJ’S DUGOUT SPORTS BAR - $

Seven Metro Area Locations:

Bellevue - 10308 S. 23rd St.

- 402.292.9096

Miracle Hills - 777 N. 114th St. - 402.498.8855

Downtown - 1003 Capitol Ave. - 402.763.9974

Aksarben - 2102 S. 67th St. - 402.933.3533

Millard - 17666 Welch Plaza - 402.933.8844

Elkhorn - 19020 Evans St. - 402.315.1985

Plattsmouth - 2405 Oak Hill Rd. - 402.298.4166

Voted Omaha’s #1 Sports Bar, DJ’s Dugout is locally and Vietnam Veteran owned. DJ’s Dugout features delicious burgers, wings, wraps, salads, sandwiches and an impressive drink menu. Plus, DJ’s has huge media walls full of HD TVs and projector screens. Catch all the action at DJ’s seven Omaha-area locations. Dig In... At The Dugout! —djsdugout.co m

DINING GUIDE Omaha

JAMS- $$

7814 Dodge St. - 402.399.8300

17070 Wright Plz, Ste. 100 - 402.810.9600

1101 Harney St. in the OldMarket

- 402.614.9333

Jams is an Omaha restaurant legacy, an “American Grill” that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties. The dishes are made with high-quality ingredients that pair well with awardwinning wines or creative cocktails. —jamseats.com

LE PEEP - $

69th & Pacific - 402.933.2776

177th and Center St. - 402.934.9914

156th St. & W. Dodge Rd. - 402.408.1728

120th and Blondo St. - 402.991.8222

Le Peep puts a wholesome perspective on your favorite neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot. Fresh. Simple. Elegant. Inviting. We put the emphasis on people, both patrons and staff. We focus on providing each of our guests the fresh food and friendly service that they have come to expect. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m. —lepeepomaha.com

STELLA’S - $

106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue - 402.291.6088

Since 1936, we’ve been making our world-famous Stella’s hamburgers the same way. The family secrets have been handed down to each owner, ensuring that your burger is the same

T ED AND WALLY’S - $

1120 Jackson St. - 402.341.5827

Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream in the Old Market. Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt and ice. We offer your favorites, plus unique flavors like margarita, green tea, Guinness, and French toast. Special orders available. Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.- Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday. Noon-10 p.m. —tedandwallys.co m

VARSITY SPORTS CAFE - $$

Ralston - 9735 Q St. - 402.339.1944

Bellevue - 3504 Samson Way - 402.932.1944

Millard - 14529 F St. - 402.505.6660

Ralston, Bellevue and Millard. We are truly grateful to have been welcomed into each of these communities and welcome you in for good food, a cold drink and a comfy seat to enjoy the sport of your choosing! Determined to bring only the freshest ingredients, homemade dough and our specialty sauces to the table, we have worked hard to perfect our craft for you. Our goal is to bring the best food service to the area and show the best sports events that you want to see. Pick up and Delivery availalble. Please check website for hours of operation. —varsityromancoinpizza.com

ITALIAN

PASTA AMORE - $$

11027 Prairie Brook Rd. - 402.391.2585

Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine, and capellini. Daily specials and menu items include a variety of fresh seafood and regional Italian dishes, such as linguini amore and calamari steak, penne Florentine, gnocchi, spaghetti puttanesca, and osso buco. Filet mignon is also offered for those who appreciate nationally renowned Nebraska beef. To complement your dining experience, the restaurant offers a full bar and extensive wine list. Be sure to leave room for homemade desserts, like the tiramisu and cannoli. Monday-Thursday 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 10 p.m. Reservations recommended.

—pastaamore.co m

S PEZIA - $$$

3125 S. 72nd St. - 402.391.2950

Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you’ll find a casual elegance that’s perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers’ Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open Monday-Sunday. Cocktail hour 4-6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended.

—speziarestaurant.com

Historical Facts

ROTELLA

Third Generation 1957

Eight year old Louis Rotella Jr. on 24th & Pierce Street in 1957, little did he know at this time that the building in the background would become the second home of Rotella’s Italian Bakery in 1964. At this location his father Louis Sr., and his son Louis Jr. would propel their family owned bakery into the nationwide marketplace in the 1980s. Louis Jr. has been guiding the bakery as Vice President and later as CEO since 1975. Their current modern La Vista facility sits on 44 acres and is now one of the largest custom bakeries in the United States.

Celebrating

Since

Louis Rotella Jr. 1957-Age 8

Reuben Sandwich

MEXICAN

FERNANDO’S - $

7555 Pacific St. - 402.339.8006.

380 N. 114th St. - 402.330.5707

Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily. Catering and party rooms also available.

Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m. —fernandosomaha.com

LA MESA - $$

158th St. and W. Maple Rd. - 402.557.6130

156th and Q streets - 402.763.2555

110th St. and W. Maple Rd. - 402.496.1101

Fort Crook Rd. and Hwy 370 - 402.733.8754

84th St. and Tara Plaza - 402.593.0983

Lake Manawa Exit - 712.256.2762

Enjoy awesome appetizers, excellent enchilada’s, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouthwatering margaritas and much more at La Mesa! Come see why La Mesa has been voted Best of Omaha’s 20 Years in a Row!

Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. lamesaomaha.co m

Omaha

DINING GUIDE

ROMEO’S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $ 90th and Blondo streets

- 402.391.8870

146th St. and W. Center Rd.

- 402.330.4160

96th and L streets

- 402.331.5656

Galvin and Avery roads

- 402.292.2028

29th and Farnam steets

- 402.346.1110

Romeo’s is your friendly, family Mexican food and pizza restaurant. We take real pride in serving our guests generous portions of the freshest, most flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients available. Zesty seasonings and the freshest ingredients combine to ensure the ultimate in flavor. Our savory taco meat is prepared every morning at each location. Make sure to try our chimichangas; they’re the best in town.

—romeosomaha.com

SPECIAL DINING

BARROCO WINE BAR AND CRAFT COCKTAILS - $$ 2935 South 108th St. - 402.885.8185

(Next to Christian Nobel Furs)

Barroco Wine Bar and Craft Cocktails is an upscale bar with an authentic European vibe. Choose from over 200 wines by the bottle, 40 wines by the glass, classic craft cocktails, beer, locally sourced pizza, charcuterie, and other light bites to compliment your beverage experience. —barrocowinebar.com

CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $ 3578 Farnam St. - 402.345.1708

Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia—Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best Reuben sandwich, we are a Midtown beer-lover’s destination. Hours:

Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Kitchen hours: MondayWednesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.midnight. Closed Sunday. —beercornerusa.co m

GREEK ISLANDS - $ 3821 Center St. - 402.346.1528

Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carry-out and delivery available. Monday-Thursday

11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday

11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. —greekislandsomaha.co m

ZEN COFFEE COMPANY - $

West - 132nd and Center

Downtown - 25th and Farnam

One Pacific Place - Drive Thru Kiosk next to Trader Joes

Zen features over 50 popular drink options including Butter Beer, Honey Bee, Lavender Lady and Sunshine Daydream. Choose from hot or iced lattes, blenders, fruit smoothies and teas! Grab a flight or double cup to try the seasonal features! Delicious pastries and toasts made in house daily. —zencoffeecompany.com

DINING GUIDE Omaha

STEAKHOUSES

CASCIO’S - $$

1620 S. 10th St. - 402-345-8313

C ascio’s is Omaha’s No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties. We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking. —casciossteakhouse.co m

T HE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$

2121 S. 73rd St. - 402-391-7440

Famous for the original Whiskey Steak. Truly a one-of-a-kind Midwestern experience. Excellent food, wine, service, and value. Rare...and very well done.

LUNCH: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., DINNER: Monday-Friday 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 4:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Sunday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m., LOUNGE: Monday-Friday Cocktails only 2 p.m.-5 p.m. —droverrestaurant.com

come and

explore. LET’S

PLAN A ROAD TRIP!

NEBRASKA

ERIN HANSON: COLOR ON THE VINE THROUGH November 5 at the Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art in David City. Erin Hanson explored wine country landscapes across America for this collection emphasizing its pastoral beauty. Hanson’s Open Impressionism technique emphasizes the vibrant colors, textures, and rhythms of light and shadow found in the outdoors. Her oil paintings in this collection evoke the emotion one feels when standing outdoors, gazing over rows of vines, and sipping a glass of liquid sunshine. —bonecreek.org

CRAWFORD ROCK SWAP September 1—4 at Crawford City Park in Crawford. Rockhounds of all ages enjoy trading their finds with the many vendors who participate in the swap, and daily field trips allow new and experienced rockhounds to add to their collections. The event also includes an auction, hot dog feed, and the annual Fairborn Agate Collectors Gathering. 308.432.3006 —discovernwnebraska.com

WAUSA LABOR DAY September 1—3 in Wausa Wausa’s annual Labor Day celebration will feature something for everyone in the family. Notable events include a car show, volleyball, cornhole tournaments, and so much more over the course of this three-day festival. 402.586.2311

—wausane.com

PLATTSMOUTH HARVEST FESTIVAL September 7—10 on Historic Main Street in Plattsmouth Entering its 92nd year, the Plattsmouth Harvest Festival is the oldest continuous harvest festival in Nebraska. This family event features music and entertainment, parades, contests, a free community picnic, and so much more. —plattsmouthharvestfestival.com

Sept

RYANHOOD - BLUEGRASS DUO

SEPTEMBER 8—10 at Brownville Concert Hall in Brownville Acoustic-duo Ryanhood got their first break more than a decade ago as street performers at Boston’s Quincy Market. Their shows are driven by strong acoustic guitar performances that are, at times, energetic, hopeful, and quietly moving. 402.825.3331 —brownvilleconcertseries.com

MAKE LINCOLN 2023 September 9 at Turbine Flats Project in Lincoln Make Lincoln 2023 is a day filled with hands-on workshops, demonstrations and exhibits showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of the city. Guests cam explore exciting projects in fields like robotics, woodworking, electronics, textiles, 3D printing and more.

—Lincoln.org/event/make-lincoln-2023

NATIONAL AVOCADO LAUNCHING CHAMPIONSHIP September 9 at Wild West Arena in North Platte Teams of three will compete to score the most points by launching avocados at targets using slingshots, water balloon launchers, resistance bands, bulging muscles- basically, any launcher that is human powered. Top four finishers will earn prize money. 308.532.4729

—avocadolaunching.com

LAST BLAST TRIATHLON September 10 at Branched Oak Lake in Raymond

There are two opportunities to get active and participate in the Last Blast Triathlon. The Adult Long Distance Race consists of a 1.5 K swim, 26.5 mile bike and a 10 K run. Alternatively, there is the Adult and Junior Sprint Race consisting of a 0.75K swim, 15 mile bike ride and 5 K run.

—runsignup.com/Race/NE/Raymond

DAYTRIPS IN NEBRASKA, IOWA, KANSAS, AND MISSOURI

COMPILED BY Lizzie Diamond

12TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW September 10 in Downtown Historic Fairbury Square in Fairbury The Fairbury City Museum sponsors an annual car show in September each year. Guests can see dozens of classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles and enjoy food, games for the kids, drawings for prizes, and trophies awarded for the top car of each class. 402.300.0906 —fairburychamber.org

DISNEY ON ICE: INTO THE MAGIC September 15—17 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln Into the Magic takes families on a high-sea adventure as Moana sets sail on a life-changing quest to save her island with help from the demigod Maui. With the ice floor transformed into a vast oceanic scape, Disney On Ice allows Moana’s strength and determination to take center stage. 402.904.4444 —pinnaclebankarena.com

APPLEJACK FESTIVAL 2023 September 15—24 in Nebraska City This festival is the mother of all fruit-based and fall festivities. Nebraska City’s historic AppleJack Festival annually draws between 60,000 and 80,000 people to Nebraska City to celebrate the harvest with a full lineup of family-friendly events. 402.873.6654 —nebraskacity.com

Sept 15-24

Sept 15-17

GREELEY IRISH FESTIVAL 2023 September 16 in Greeley The familyfriendly festival is alive with the sounds and sights of Ireland and entertainment and activities for all ages to enjoy and explore. Guests can see local Irish pride and hear the most unique lineup of Irish music in the world. 308.428.5595 —greeleyirishfestival.com

UNL FOOTBALL VS. NORTH -

ERN ILLINOIS September 16 at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln September 16 marks the first home game of the season for the Nebraska Cornhusker. The 2023 season marks the 100th anniversary of the university’s iconic Memorial Stadium. —huskers.com

OKTOBERFEST September 22—23 at Norfolk Area Chamber in Norfolk Nebraska residents celebrate the state’s German heritage and the fall harvest with this twoday family festival. Octoberfest grows yearly offering live music, German food, a beer garden, and family entertainment. 402.371.4862 —norfolkareachamber.com

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS September 22—October 1 at Lincoln Community Playhouse in Lincoln Based on the cult-classic film, Little Shop of Horrors is a rock and roll musical comedy about a man-eating plant that manipulates a hopeless florist-shop clerk in its attempt to take over the world. 402.489.7429 —lincolnplayhouse.com

NORTH PLATTE CANTEEN FESTIVAL September 23—29 Historical Downtown Canteen District — Fox Theater in North Platte This is a celebration honoring the North Platte World War II Canteen, which served over six million soldiers passing through. The festival will have a patriotic music production in the afternoons and a theater production in the evenings. —visitnorthplatte.com

THE ODD COUPLE September 28— October 1 at The World Theatre in Kearney This classic comedy takes the stage at Kearney’s historic World Theatre. Good friends Oscar and Felix move in together despite having nothing in common. Hilarity ensures as these two very polar-opposite friends have to figure out how to reconcile their differences. 308.627.5796 —cranerivertheater.org

NO DRAMA LLAMA

How much fun can you pack into a trip to Lincoln? A relaxing and stress-free vacation is waiting for you. Trek around town at your leisure and discover a surprise around every corner.

Lincoln Children’s Zoo

LINCOLN.ORG/ OMAHAMAG

IN LINCOLN, NEBRASK A

IOWA

DIRECT FROM SWEDEN: THE MUSIC OF ABBA September 2 at water Works Bark in Des Moines The Des Moines Symphony, complete with a full rock band, performs and evening of ABBA’s greatest hits at the Lauridsen Amphitheater . Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic blankets, snacks, and their dancing shoes for this free, family-friendly evening of music in the park. 515.280.4000 —dmsymphony.org

ARTSPLASH 2023 September

2—3 at Sioux City Art Center Campus in Sioux City A celebration of the visual and performing arts, the twoday event provides the tri-state area with a family-centered arts adventure of exceptional quality. This event is free to the public. ArtSplash welcomes all because the arts are for everyone. 712.279.6272 —siouxcityartcenter.org

OKOBOJI ANTIQUE & FLEA MARKET

September 2—4 at Treasure Village in Milford The Annual Antique & Flea Market at Treasure Village in Okoboji is a favorite of treasure hunters from miles around. Over 50 vendors will be displaying everything from antiques and collectables to beef jerky and local wine. Visitors never know what they’ll find at Treasure Village.712.337.3730 —treasurevillage.org

DEE’S BEE AND BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL September 8 at Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji Dickinson County Conservation’s largest annual event celebrates pollinators with butterfly tagging, crafts, activities, entertainment, and more. This is a family favorite for kids of all ages to learn about pollinators while having fun. 712.336.6352 —dickinsoncountyconservationboard.com

CHECKER’S STONE SOUL PICNIC

2023 September 10 at Overman Park in Cedar Falls The 12th annual edition of this end of summer event features six live, local bands from a variety on genres performing at the park band shell. Admission is free, and food from Blue Barn BBQ and desserts from Karma Cafe will be available for purchase. 319.230.6732 —traveliowa.com

WILD WOMEN OF THE WOODS September 15—16 at Hickory Grove Park in Ames This is a two-day event designed to give women the opportunity to explore the outdoors, learn or improve skills, and connect with women with similar interests. They can try their hands at archery, paddle boarding, sketching and even more. 515.38237200 —storycountyiowa.gov

Sept

KANSAS

2023 KANSAS STATE FAIR September 8—17 at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson

Sept. 8-17

FOOD TRUCK FIGHT September 16 at Riverside Park in Muscatine Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, Muscatine’s historic downtown district is the perfect backdrop for food truck fanatics to eat, listen to live music, and enjoy time with family and friends. Visitors can vote for their favorite food truck to be crowned Food Truck Fight Champion. —foodtruckfight.com

It’s a place where all the iconic features of Kansas life come together. The fair is still the place to see the famous butter sculpture, giant pumpkins, grandstand entertainment, the legendary Ye Old Mill, and the Governor’s Cookie Jar. Visitors from Kansas and beyond come out annually to have some fair fun. 620.669.3600 —kansasstatefair.com

LENEXA SPINACH FESTIVAL September 9 at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa Hailed as the Spinach Capital of the World in the 1930s, Lenexa celebrates its history with a free, family-friendly event packed with food, music, entertainment, contests, children’s activities, recipes, and dozens of fine-craft vendors throughout the park. 913.477.7100 —lenexa.com

Photo by Travel South Dakota

MUDDY RIVER MUSIC FESTIVAL Sep -

tember 9 at Lewis and Clark Riverfront Pavilion in Atchison This festival features four local and regional musicians on Atchison’s riverfront. The 2023 lineup includes Soca Jukebox, Lazy Wayne Band, Tigirlily, and Michael Ray. Food vendors will be on sight, and guests are advised to bring their own lawn chairs. 913.367.2427 —visitatchison.com

MISSOURI

Come From Away August 29—September 3 at the Starlight Theatre in Kansas City This New York Times

Critic’s Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable, true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. 816.363.7827 —kcstarlight.com

BIG RIVER STEAMPUNK FESTI -

VAL September 1—3 in Historic Downtown Hannibal Visitors can don their goggles and celebrate the Victorian inventions, industry, and architecture of Hannibal’s Gilded Age. Cosplay, costume contests, illusionists, live music, vaudeville shows, high and low tea, and more will be offered at this unique festival full of fun and fantasy. 573.221.2477 —visithannibal.com

INDEPENDENCE UNCORKED WINE

Festival September 9 at the Historic Bingham Waggoner Estate in Independence Independence Uncorked will be one of the largest Missouri wine festivals in the state featuring 20 Missouri wineries sampling several of their wines, a guest spirits distiller, and more than 2500 attendees. The day will also feature art, music, beer, food booths, and wine classes. 816.461.3491 —independenceuncorked.com

LIBERTY FALL FEST September 22—24 in Historic Liberty Square in Liberty The festival has over 200 artists and vendors and two stages packed with entertainment from regional and local artists. Kids of all ages can play in the carnival. There will be plenty of opportunities to pick up handmade gifts or delicious food from a wide variety of vendors. 816.781.5200 —libertyfallfest.com

EVENT TIMES AND DETAILS MAY CHANGE. Visit omahamagazine.com for complete listings. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

(Especially smart kids and ridiculous fake cowboys)

The Lincoln County Historical Museum offers tons of educational fun for curious people of all ages. The history of America flows through North Platte from western expansion to the intercontinental railroad and the famous North Platte World War II Canteen. You’ll find original settlers’ houses, agricultural equipment, and even a caboose to explore. If you’re looking for a unique slice of American history, you’ll find it at the Lincoln County Historical Museum.

That’s why Lincoln County Historical Museum gets Buffalo Bill’s Buffalo of Approval.

WHEN IN ROME

learned a great life lesson in Rome. Giving isn’t always “charity.”

Not Rome, Iowa, that little hamlet on the Skunk River West of Mt. Pleasant. I am referring to Rome, Italy, on the Tiber. Rome, the Eternal City.

The center of the greatest empire ever seen…that is literally true. In the old, ruined Julian Forum you can actually see the exact mid-point of everything… the “Urbis Umbilicus,” the belly button of the world where all roads lead. The navel of the city, like many things in that ancient metroplex, is clearly labeled with an engraved stone tablet and is easy to find if you paid attention in Latin class.

Latin, as it turns out, is more useful than algebra. Though, it should be noted that the inverse is true if you are visiting the Giza plateau in Egypt.

Certainly, it goes without saying that when “in Rome,” you should act as the Romans do, though it must also be said that there are a few exceptions to this maxim.

First: Don’t dress like the Romans do. For one thing, Roman shoes are very stylish, expensive, and ill-suited to walking miles and miles over ancient cobblestone pavements, and only experienced supermodels or Roman women should even consider wearing spiky high heels while hurrying past the Pantheon, or operating speeding Vespas across crowded piazzas. Sensible footwear is recommended.

Second: Don’t cross the street like a Roman. They are professionals and know how to carry themselves. They know how to act like they belong in the swirling current of tiny cars, motor scooters, taxis, and minivans full of sun-dried tomatoes, vestments, and recycled relics. They survive the crossing. You will not.

Third: Don’t vote like Romans vote. They have a propensity to elect extremely stupid, extremely rich, and extremely misogynistic, ego-driven, media-centric guys who run the country into one mess or another based on whatever impulse they wake up with.

But, other than those exceptions… When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

For instance, if you see a long line, be a Roman…just walk on by. I followed that principle one day walking by the entrance to the Vatican Museum. Sure, seeing the amazing items that are there and the Sistine Chapel, which I have heard is decorated by some pretty fair art work, might be worthwhile, but there was a line and I needed coffee— real Italian coffee.

I went on by and proceeded up Valle Vaticano to a little caffe, ordered a latte macchiato, and as I sipped I spied a young woman getting out of a van at the curb outside the shop. As I watched she unfurled a long, black cape and wrapped it around her shoulders. She then raised a hood over her beautiful raven hair flecked with silvered ends and transformed herself. She slowly shrunk in height becoming an old crone of under 5 feet right in front of my eyes. Her right leg and foot twisted beneath her, so that when she walked the side of that foot was flattened on the pavement. She took a silver tray from the van driver and began limping her way back towards the museum entrance.

I had to follow. I watched her approach the folks waiting for admission and marveled as she offered them her tray, which I could now see was covered with Holy Cards. The young woman had become a beggar. She proceeded to exchange those cards for Euros as people, seeing her obvious age and affliction gave her their alms. It was a very Christian thing to do, in one of the most Christian places on Earth. Her performance was flawless. Her face mostly hidden by the black hood, her tall body shrunken under the cape; her arm, hand, leg, and foot twisted as she worked the crowd.

She came to me.

I never hesitated as I reached into my wallet.

Charity or applause?

Giving…

Because… When in Rome.

Otis Twelve hosts the radio program Morning Classics with Otis Twelve on 90.7 KVNO, weekday mornings from 6-10 a.m. Visit kvno.org for more information.

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