Omaha Magazine - Nov/Dec - Hotel Edition

BAND 311 • ILLUSTRATOR JULIA MCGUIGAN • IZZY’S PIZZA BUS • B & G TASTY FOODS

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 23

Hotel Edition

PG.14

Nick Hexum on Roots and Resilience

N E B R A S K A’ S L A R G E S T I TA L I A N WINE LIST

HALF-PRICE WINE E V E R Y T H U R S DAY & S U N DAY

O M A H A’ S I TA L I A N W I N E E X P E R T S

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Italian Wine Producers Visit Monthly HERE’S WHO JOINED US THIS SUMMER: 1 - FEDERICA ZENI OF ZENI 1870, OWNER & WINE PRODUCER , BARDOLINO, VENETO 2 - NICOLA BISCARDO OF NICOLA BISCARDO SELECTIONS, WINE PRODUCER & WINE IMPORTER, VERONA , VENETO 3 - G IACO M O G I U STI O F I G I U STI & Z ANZ A , WI N E PRO D U CE R PISA , TU SC AN Y 4 - B E N E D E T TO B A R AC C H I O F B A R AC C H I W I N E & I L FA LC O N I E R E , OW N E R & W I N E P R O D U C E R , CORTONA , TUSCANY

Drink he with t Wine Maker

DANTEOMAHA .COM 16901 WRIGHT PLAZA

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4 02 . 932 . 3 078 SIGN UP FOR EVENTS & E M A I L U P D AT E S

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IT S O I R U rC u o y w o l l Fo

Ch rs!

VisitRapidCity.com | TravelSouthDakota.com

what % of US adults say they read magazines in the last 6 months?

91

when advertisers were asked which medium offers the highest ROAS, which was the highest overall?

This includes 95% of those under 35 and 95% of those under 25.

THE MAGAZINE ROAS OF $6.51 WAS DOUBLE THAT OF THE TV ROAS OF $3.23, AND MORE THAN DOUBLE OF THE DIGITAL ROAS OF $2.43.

(MRI-Simmons, Fall 2019)

(NCSolutions 2005-Q12019)

HOW MANY ADULTS AGES 18+ READ MAGAZINES?

228.7

MILLION THAT’S AN INCREASE OF 18 MILLION SINCE 2012.

(MRI-Simmons, Fall 2012-2019)

THE PRINT MAGAZINE INDUSTRY IS GROWING 139 new print magazine brands with a frequency of quarterly or greater were introduced in 2019 (Samir “Mr. Magazine” ™ Husani Monitor 2020)

PRINT READERS

REMEMBER MORE.

MAGAZINES REACH PREMIUM AUDIENCES IN HIGH-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS*

At a greater rate than newspapers, internet, radio or TV * Household income $250K+ (MRI-Simmons, Fall 2019)

compared to top tech sites MAGAZINES outperform reaching

WOMEN AGES 18+ (MRI Media Fusion)

PRINT STIMULATES EMOTIONS AND DESIRES PRINT IS PREFERRED BY THE MAJORITY (EVEN MILLENNIALS) PRINT READERS EXPERIENCE MORE FOCUSED ATTENTION AND LESS DISTRACTION, WHICH DRIVES SENSORY INVOLVEMENT CONTRIBUTING TO GREATER READER IMPACT, COMPREHENSION AND RECALL. (MPA, Scott McDonald, Ph.D. Nomas Research)

FROM THE EDITOR // LETTER BY JULIUS FREDRICK

O, THE HUMANITY NAVIGATING OMAHA’S EMERGING HOMELESSNESS CRISIS WITH CAUTION AND CARE

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or the vast majority of those experiencing homelessness, their circumstances are rarely, if ever the result of a single issue or decision. Trauma, mental illness, accidents, and drug abuse are indeed common. Tenuous employment, stagnant wages, the rising costs of goods, and a white-hot housing market have exacerbated existing issues. The interplay between these factors, and many more besides, means the topography of “rock bottom” is highly stratified, and of course, deeply personal.

While Omaha may appear at times well insulated from the brunt of the social ailments faced by the nation at large, homelessness is not one of them—according to data compiled by the Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless (MACCH) the metro has seen a 200% spike in unhoused people over the last 5 years.

And with expiration of pandemic relief benefits this year, the problem is expected to get worse before it gets better. Our main feature explores Omaha’s relationship with homelessness in detail—examining the varied and interlocking circumstances that underly, reinforce, and hopefully, curb the displacement of people from their homes.

Remember, despite whatever dark days may lie ahead, there’s always hope. Shaunna Brink, chronically unhoused for 5 years and counting, believes so anyway: “Even if it seems like the world has turned its back on you there are people, there are people out there [who care], you know? A lot of people get so down that they're just waiting on that miracle, and sometimes it just doesn't come.

“So you just got to fight for it.”

As always, thank you for reading.

Sincerely, Julius Fredrick *Note: The hotel edition of Omaha Magazine has a different cover and does not include all of the editorial content included in the magazine’s full city edition. For more information on our city edition, visit OmahaMagazine.com.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

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2023

TAB L E of CON T E N T S THE USUAL SUSPECTS 001 From the Editor

O, the Humanity

004 Between the Lines 007 Calendar of Events 026 Adventure

Ex-Colonel Chris Kolenda

040 History

A Brief History of Fontenelle

065 Obviously Omaha

Local Independent Bookstores

082 Explore!

087 Instagram 088 Not Funny

IT’S UNANIMOUS

ARTS + CULTURE 022 Film

Omaha Filmmaker Tony Bonacci

014 Music

014

311’s Nick Hexum

018 Visual

Julia McGuigan Draws out the Best of Omaha

DINING 066 Feature

B & G Tasty foods

070 Profile

Brett Geiger Izzy’s Pizza Bus

072 Review

A Fusion Fiesta

076 Dining Guide

066

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SEPTEMBER 2023

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* Note: The hotel edition of Omaha Magazine has a different cover and does not include all of the editorial content included in the magazine’s full city edition. For more information on our city edition, visit OmahaMagazine.com.

Listen to the entire issue here. Open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code.

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM/PAGES/SUBSCRIBE

Between

THE LINES A LOOK AT TH R E E OMAHA MAGAZINE CO N T R I B U TO R S CLAUDIA MOOMEY— Editorial Intern Born in California and raised in Omaha, Claudia Moomey is the youngest of two daughters. She graduated from Millard North High School in 2016 before graduating from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in British, Irish, and Anglophone Literature, and minors in History and Medieval/Renaissance Studies.

During her free time, when she’s not reading classic literature or putting her collection of Blackwing pencils to paper, she's likely attending various theater shows, photographing local bands at rock concerts, or napping with her Russian Blue cat, Shenzi. She spends a significant amount of time experimenting with recipes, including savory dinners, desserts, and craft cocktails.

Moomey hopes to eventually hold an editorial or writing position as a full-time career, where she will implement her strongest opinion: the Oxford Comma is a necessity.

JOEY WINTON— Graphic Design Intern Joey Winton is a 22-year-old from Omaha. Nebraska. He attended Doane University from 2019-2023 and graduated with a BFA in graphic design. Outside of art and design he enjoys cooking, writing, playing and listening to music, watching movies—Predator (1987) is his favorite—exercising, and video games. As a saxophone player, his favorite genre of music is jazz, but he also enjoys classical, punk, metal, and pretty much anything that isn’t pop-country. Winton's favorite bands and artists include Breaking Benjamin, Gorillaz, and The Count Basie Orchestra, though the list extends well beyond that. Some of his favorite visual artists include Francisco Goya, Zdzisław Beksiński, and H.R. Giger. His other interests include Star Wars, gin, history, sociology, and sharks. Winton's commissions are open and examples of his work can be found at joeywinton.com.

NATALIE VELOSO—Associate Editor In August, Veloso joined Omaha Magazine’s editorial team. She is a recent graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, having completed her bachelor’s degrees in Journalism & Media Communication and Latin American Studies/Spanish in the spring of 2023.

During her time at UNO, she served as copy editor and digital content manager for The Gateway. While Veloso gained experience during her undergraduate years in broadcast journalism, bilingual political reporting, public relations, marketing, and social media, her true passion lies in editorial and creative writing. Throughout her university courses and internships, Veloso developed a particular affinity for arts, culture, and entertainment writing. Born and raised in Omaha, she enjoys exploring, supporting the local art and music scene, and discovering new eateries with friends. // 6 //

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 VOLUME 41 // ISSUE VI

EDITORIAL Managing Editor

JULIUS FREDRICK Senior Editor

KIM CARPENTER Associate Editor

NATALIE VELOSO Editorial Intern

CLAUDIA MOOMEY Contributing Writers

LEO ADAM BIGA · TAMSEN BUTLER · CATHERINE A. DUNN · DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN ·SARA LOCKE · LISA LUKECART · CHASE MURPHY CAROL NIGRELLI · KARA SCHWEISS DOUGLAS “OTIS TWELVE” WESSELMANN · MIKE WHYE CHRIS WOLFGANG · DAVE ZORKO

CREATIVE Creative Director

RACHEL BIRDSALL Senior Graphic Designer

RENEÉ LUDWICK Graphic Designer I

NICKIE ROBINSON Graphic Design Intern

JOEY WINTON Contributing Photographer

SARAH LEMKE

SALES DEPARTMENT Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing

GIL COHEN Branding Specialists

DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN Contributing Branding Specialists

GREG BRUNS · TIM McCORMACK Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor

SANDY MATSON Senior Sales Coordinator

ALICIA HOLLINS Sales Coordinator

SANDI McCORMACK

OPERATIONS Business Manager

KYLE FISHER Ad Traffic Manager

DAVID TROUBA Digital Manager

LUIS DE LA TOBA Distribution Manager

DAMIAN INGERSOLL

EXECUTIVE Executive Publisher

TODD LEMKE Associate Publisher

BILL SITZMANN For Advertising & Subscription Information:

402.884.2000 Omaha Magazine Vol 41 Issue IV, publishes monthly except February, April, August, December, totaling 8 issues by Omaha Magazine, LTD, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137. Periodical postage at Omaha, NE, and additional offices and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Omaha Magazine, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137

S T AY I N T H E K N O M A H A !

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

Art

MERRY & BRIGHT: HOLIDAY POINSETTIA SHOW

Lauritzen Gardens November 18—December 31 Admission: Adults: $15. Children: $9.

100 Bancroft St. —lauritzengardens.org See the holiday magic at Lauritzen Gardens’ “Merry & Bright: Holiday Poinsettia Show.”

Inside, you'll find thousands of beautiful poinsettia plants filling the floral display hall. Visit the iconic 20-foot tall poinsettia tree, tour the lush conservatory to see the holiday express, or find the perfect gift at the gift shop. You can make your visit even more joyful by toasting marshmallows at the fire pits in the Family Chill Zone. It's a cozy place for families to relax, play games, and enjoy the winter weather. S'mores kits are available for purchase at the front desk. Standard garden admission rates apply to experience this glowing tribute to the holidays. Members are admitted for free during the day. The garden is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the last daytime entry at 3 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. 402.346.4002.

Music

Festivals

A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS

HANDEL’S MESSIAH CONCERT

Experience an early festive showdown this fall by catching a holiday-themed show with immensely skilled and seasoned artists—it's not just for older folks; it's for everyone! The show will take place at the Orpheum Theater and promises to be an unforgettable night. “A Motown Christmas” will feature world-class, legendary singers from iconic groups like the Temptations, The Contours, and The Miracles. See the members of these legendary groups belt out R&B-renditions of classic Christmas songs and chart-topping hits from the 1960s and 1970s. In true Motown fashion, the performance is also set to showcase captivating costumes and remarkable choreography.

Whether you have an affi nity for the Motown era or just want to have a great time, attendees can look forward to exceptional musical renditions and danceable melodies on Monday, November 13. It's going to be a groovy and festive night!

402.661.8501.

Voices of Omaha proudly presents the 54th annual performance of Handel's Messiah as a heartfelt gift to the community, welcoming all without any admission charge. Led by Artistic Director Paul L. Koenig, this professional concert presents an experienced orchestra, accomplished soloists, and a well-prepared chorus, all coming together to offer a remarkable musical performance of this revered German masterpiece. Th is beloved tradition began in 1969 at the Omaha Civic Auditorium, marking the inception of an enduring legacy. Best of all, this holiday celebration is entirely free, welcoming everyone to enjoy the magic of Handel's Messiah with friends and family. Revel in the holiday spirit and visit the Holland for this special occasion and be part of the enduring tradition that continues to enchant and unite our community.

402.345.0202.

Orpheum Theater November 13 Admission: Ticket Prices Vary.

409 S 16th St. —o-pa.com

Holland Center of Performing Arts November 19, 3 pm Admission: Free.

1200 Douglas St. —voicesofomaha.org

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FLIGHT AND HOPE

Th rough December 22 at the Samuel Bak Museum: Th e Learning Center, University of Nebraska-Omaha, 2289 S 67th St. Th is exhibition explores themes of flight, journey, and migration through Samuel Bak’s oeuvre informed by his experiences as a forced migrant and refugee in the aftermath of World War II. 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 10 am to 6 pm Thursday; noon to 4 pm Sunday. Admission: free. 402.554.6100.

—unomaha.edu/samuel-bak-museum-the-learning-center/ collections-exhibitions

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EVENTS

» Exhibitions « THAT WHICH CONNECTS US

BY KEITH BUSWELL

November 15—December 31 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Th rough the imagery of trees, “Th at Which Connects Us” examines underground networks of tree roots and fungi that embody community as an analogy of humans’ own interpersonal relationships. Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm. 402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

WHITE CHRISTMAS—THE EXHIBITION

November 21—January 28 at Th e Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. The Durham will host this festive exibition during the museum’s Christmas at Union Station season. It will feature fi lm, costumes created by legendary designer Edith Head, along with props, sheet music, behindthe-scenes photos, archival materials, and more from the 1954 fi lm. Noon to 4 pm Sunday; 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday—Saturday. 402.444.50714.

—durhammuseum.org

WINTER OPEN HOUSE

December 2—3 at Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St. The Winter Open House will showcase 90 of Hot Shop’s resident artists who invite guests to see demonstrations and purchase their latest works. The artwork includes painting, photography, sculptures, pottery, glass art, weaving, quilts, jewelry, and more. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is requested. 402.342.6452.

—hotshopsartcenter.org

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

NEO-CUSTODIANS: WOVEN NARRATIVES OF HERITAGE, CULTURAL MEMORY, AND BELONGING

December 7—April 2024 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. Th is exibition builds on, as well as expands on the conceptual function of textiles in exploring cultural practices, histories, heritage, and notional of belonging within the African and diasporic canon. 11 am to 5 pm Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; 11 am to 9 pm Thursday.

402.341.7130.

—bemiscenter.org

PAOLO ARAO: REVERBERATIONS

December 7—April 2024 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Arao makes sewn paintings, weavings, and site-responsive installations that are rooted in geometric abstractions. Th is exibition will showcase Arao’s work over the past 5 years, including work he began as a resident at Bemis Center in 2020. 11 am to 5 pm Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; 11 am to 9 pm Thursday. 402.341.7130.

—bemiscenter.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

JULIA CHILD: A RECIPE FOR LIFE

Through February 2024 at The Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Julia Child’s insatiable curiosity and tenacious spirit drove her to endlessly try, test, prove and communicate how to make delicious food. Th is exibition explores the key ingredients that led to Julia’s personal evolution and America’s culinary revolution. Noon to 4 pm Sunday; 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday—Saturday.

402.444.5071.

SHARING THE GLORY: THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL IN OMAHA

Th rough May 2024 at General Crook House Museum, 5730 N 30th St. The Douglas County Historical society’s 2023-2024 exibition is a homer. Th is exibition will focus on Omaha’s rich and extensive history and love of baseball.

The General Crook House Museum is open seven days a week. 10 am to 4pm Monday—Friday, 1pm to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. 402.455.9990.

—douglascohistory.org

HUNGRY? F O O D F E AT U R ES . C H E F P R O F I L ES . R ES TAU R A N T R E V I E W S

OMAHAMAGA ZINE .COM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 //

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Concerts SHANIA TWAIN: QUEEN OF ME TOUR

November 2, 7:30pm at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N 10th St. See one of music’s biggest stars as she makes a stop in Omaha a on her current national tour, extended due to popular demand. A portion of every ticket purchased to this concert will be donated to SKC, who provides services that promote positive change in children’s lives in times of crisis and economic hardship. 402.341.1500 —chihealthcenteromaha.com

LAS CAFETERAS

November 10, 7:30 pm at Orpheum Th eater, 409 S 16th St. The Chicano band from East Los Angeles brings a sonic explosion of Afro-Mexican rhythms to the stage. Experience their powerful lyrics and contagious beats that bring folk music to another level. 402.345.0606 —o-pa.org

BELLES

ABRAHAM ALEXANDER

November 10, 8 pm at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. With stunning vocals and lyrics as rich as the soil of her native land Nebraska, Kelli Rachel Belles’ natural charisma, storytelling, heart, and wit come through her songs. She is bringing her brand of country music, Wildflower Country, to 21 cities across the country.

402.884.5707.

—reverblounge.com

THE MAGIC FLUTE

November 12, 7 pm at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Join the American contemporary worship music collective at Steelhouse this November.

Originating from Atlanta, the group brings a new sound to worship and gospel hits. 402.345.0606.

—steelhouseomaha.com

November 3, 8 pm at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. From open mics in Fort Worth, TX to recent stints on the road opening for Leon Bridges, Ani DiFranco, and Mavis Staples— an instructive trinity for his sound— Alexander is ready for the headlining spotlight and to articulate what many are feeling. 402.345.7569 —theslowdown.com

November 3—4, 7:30 pm at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. In an evening of magic and wonder, Maestro Anguish Kumar Bahl is joined by the Principal Flutist of the Seattle Symphony, Demarre McGill, for the memorable and sparkling Concerto for Flute and Orchestra by Kevin Puts. 402.345.0202.

—omahasymphony.org

NEEDTOBREATHE

November 3, 7 pm at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. NEEDTOBREATHE presents The Caves World Tour, with special guest Judah & the Lion. 402.345.0606.

—steelhouseomaha.com

AEROSMITH: PEACE OUT THE FAREWELL TOUR WITH THE BLACK CROWES

November 10, 7 pm at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N 10th St. Omaha fans can enjoy one last live encounter with four-time GRAMMY-winning American rock legends Aerosmith at their fi nal concert tour with special guests the Black Crowes. Experience five decades of the band’s groundbreaking hits in one rockin’ night. 402.341.1500 —chihealthcenteromaha.com

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

MAVERICK CITY MUSIC

BRAHM’S GERMAN REQUIEM

November 12, 7:30 pm at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Join Omaha Symphony as hundreds of incredible high school choristers come together with the orchestra performing a choral masterpiece conducted by Maestro Ernest Richardson. Brahm’s German requiem is a powerful and emotional work sure to leave a lasting impression. 402.345.0202 —omahasymphony.org

THE IGUANAS

November 18, 8 pm at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. With eight studio albums and countless tours and Jazz Fest appearances, The Iguanas’ three-decade run has taken them all over the map musically and geographically, yet the inescapable patina of New Orleans infuses every note they play. 402.884.5353.

—waitingroomlounge.com

PENTATONIX THE MOST WONDERFUL TOUR OF THE YEAR

November 21, 7 pm at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N 10th St. The renowned a capella group takes the stage in Omaha this holiday season! Enjoy the group’s popular classic Christmas song covers and original hits, along with new songs from their seventh holiday album.

402.341.1500 —chihealthcenteromaha.com

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALFBLOOD PRINCE IN CONCERT

November 25—26, 7:30 pm at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. In Projected onto a giant screen and accompanied by a live symphony orchestra, the audience can join in on Harry’s adventures like never before. Nicholas Hooper’s wonderful score and this classic tale combine to deliver all the adventure, humor, and suspense in an unforgettable experience.

402.345.0202 —omahasymphony.org

MOON TAXI

December 6, 9 pm at The Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Join Nashville-based indie-alternative rock band Moon Taxi for an electrifying musical experience. From chart-topping hits to soul-stirring melodies, this band brings their unique sound to Omaha. 402.345.7569 —theslowdown.com

DOJA CAT - THE SCARLET TOUR

December 8, 6:30 pm at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N 10th St. GRAMMY-winning global superstar Doja Cat is bringing her artistry to Omaha for her first North American Arena Tour this December. The Scarlet Tour brings Doja Cat’s greatest hits to the stage alongside special guest Ice Spice. 402.341.1500 —chihealthcenteromaha.com

JINGLE JAM – JA RULE & ASHANTI

December 10, 7 pm at Baxter Arena, 2524 S 67th St. Experience the second annual Jingle Jam concert this holiday season. Featuring artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, Lloyd, Twista, and Do Or Die, this performance-fi lled night will get you in the holiday spirit. 402.554.6200 —baxterarena.com

CANDLELIGHT: THE FOUR SEASONS & MORE

December 13, 6:30 pm at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience with their candlelit concerts in awe-inspiring locations. Th is candlelit musical evening will feature a local string quartet playing Vivaldi’s iconic Four Seasons.

—candlelightexperience.com

PHYSICIANS MUTUAL OMAHA SYMPHONY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

December 14—17, 7:30 pm at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Maestro Ernest Richardson, the Omaha Symphony, and a stellar cast of singers and dancers send spirits soaring with festive favorites and Christmas classics. 402.345.0202 —omahasymphony.org

CANDLELIGHT HOLIDAY SPECIAL

December 20, 6:30 pm at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. Under the gentle glow of candlelight, a local string quartet will play a variety of holiday classics. Patrons will get to hear iconic pieces from Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, along with classic hymns such as “Deck the Halls” and “O Holy Night” at the Rose Theater.

—candlelightexperience.com

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS BY CHIP DAVIS

December 22—23, 7:30pm at Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St. Th is musical spectacle has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years. The program includes dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. Audiences can experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sounds of Mannheim Steamroller. 402.345.0606 —o-pa.org

STAGE PERFORMANCES MATT RIFE: PROBLEMATTIC WORLD TOUR

November 4—5, 7 pm at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Popular comedian Matt Rife visits Omaha for two consecutive nights. See his refreshingly genuine and quick-witted comedy at these 21+ shows. 402.345.0606.

—steelhouseomaha.com

PIPELINE

Th rough November 5 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Where does the pipeline to prison begin? A gripping, thought-provoking, harrowing drama, Pipeline is the journey of a mother and educator who tries desperately to keep both her son and her students on the straight-and-narrow paths. It is an examination of the American education system and the obstacles that students, educators and parents encounter to achieve success. 402.553.0800 —omahaplayhouse.com

URINETOWN

November 16—December 3 at University of Nebraska Omaha, 6505 University Dr. S. In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides that he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom. 402.554.7529.

—unomaha.edu

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

A VERY DIE HARD CHRISTMAS

November 17—December 23 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. It just isn’t Christmas without A Christmas Carol. Experience Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition as Ebenezer Scrooge takes us on a life-changing journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas. The must-see holiday event for the entire family, fi lled with stunning Victorian costumes, festive music and crisp, wintery sets. 402.553.0800.

—omahaplayhouse.com

November 24—December 17 at Bluebarn Theatre, 1106 10th St. Bluebarn’s holiday smash hit is back. Th is play takes audiences to Nakatomi Place as John McClane battles Hans Gruber with Christmas itself on the line. Th is madcap celebration of 1980s nostalgia will have audience members rolling in the aisles, whether they are a Die Hard virgin or know every line of the movie by heart. 402.345.1576.

—bluebarn.org

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS - LIVE ON STAGE

SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM: THE MYSTERY OF THE MAGI'S GOLD

November 18 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. A fresh take on the beloved classic, "A Charlie Brown Christmas – Live on Stage" faithfully portrays Peanuts characters with real actors. Th is Emmy-winning story by Charles M. Schulz has warmed hearts for over 50 years. The live adaptation includes favorite scenes, more fun, music, and a chance for the audience to sing along with the Peanuts gang as they discover the true Christmas spirit. 402.345.0606.

—steelhouseomaha.com

November 24—December 23 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Th is show is a holiday extravaganza full of laughs and audience participation. A brassy and bossy nun formally known as “Sister” retells the nativity story and unwraps the mystery that has intrigued historians throughout the ages— whatever happened to the Magi’s Gold? Employing her scientific tools, assisted by a local choir and audience banter, Sister delivers a humorous and irresistible satire that will keep you on your toes. 402.553.0800.

—omahaplayhouse.com

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MORE: BEST OF OMAHA 2023 SOIRÉE!

November 2, (time) at Th e Granary, 7401 Main Street You’re invited! Voters are welcome to come mingle with this year’s Best of Omaha winners at our celebratory cocktail party. Enjoy delicious samples, signature drinks, entertainment, and more! Winners are welcome to pick up their winner packet and network with hundreds of fellow award winners. 402.884.2000.

—omahamagazine.com

OWL PROWL

November 17—18 at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N. Guests will have a chance to explore the mysterious world of owls. They will learn about the owls of Nebraska and meet Fontenelle’s educational owls up-close. Activities will be both indoors and outdoors, including s’more sand hot chocolate around a fi re pit and a guided hike to look and listen for owls. 402.731.3140.

—fontenelleforest.org

OMAHA TURKEY TROT 5K

MY FAIR LADY

November 28—December 3 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St. Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Lovely,” My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed? 402.661.8501.

—o-pa.org

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL : CORTEO

November 30—December 3 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N 10th St. Experience the visual story of a nostalgic clown who dreams about his funeral and looks back on his personal experiences. Corteo is guided through a timeless ceremony in which fantasy teases reality with music, resulting in a visually stunning performance. 402.341.1500.

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

MARK NORMAND: YA DON’T SAY TOUR

December 8, 8 pm at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Experience Mark Normand’s comedy live in Omaha this December.

Dubbed by Jerry Seinfeld as the “best young up and coming comic,” Normand is one of the most talked about touring comedians on the scene.

402.345.0202.

—o-pa.org

November 23 at Charles Schwab Field, 1200 Mike Fahey St. Join the Th anksgiving tradition at the 7th annual Omaha Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk! Omaha’s very own Cake Creation Donuts will be waiting for you at the fi nish line.

After running on Th anksgiving morning, you've earned a treat! Th is event supports the Make-AWish foundation, which grants the wishes of kids with serious medical conditions to bring hope and happiness. It's a wonderful way to celebrate Th anksgiving and give back to the community.

224.757.5425.

THE NUTCRACKER

December 9—10 at Orpheum Th eater, 409 S 16th St. Visual splendor, dazzling spectacle, a charming story, and brilliant classical dancingit’s no wonder the America Midwest Ballet’s version of the world’s favorite holiday ballet is a family tradition. Fresh, lively, and thoroughly entertaining, The Nutcracker highlights the versatility of AMB’s cast of professional artists, backed by a polished ensemble of student dancers from across the metro area. 712.890.5590.

—amballet.org

RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER

December 1—23 at Th e Rose Th eater, 2001 Farnam St. The beloved TV classic soars offscreen and onto the stage. Audiences will join Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and, of course, Rudolph in this puppet-fi lled musical spectacular that speaks to the misfit in everyone. 402.345.4849.

—rosetheater.org

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

LIGHTING CEREMONY

November 25, 6pm at Gene Leahy Mall at The Riverfront, 1001 Douglas St. The lighting ceremony serves as the official “kick-off ” for the 2023 Holiday Lights Festival. A short performance by Musical Kids will precede the program, where Mayor Jean Stothert and emcee Terri McCormick from STAR 104.5 The Christmas Station will lead the Omaha community in a countdown to start off the holiday season.

—holidaylightsfestival.org

MONSTER JAM

November 25—26, 2 pm at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N 10th St. Bring the whole family to experience this thrilling, massive truck show!

Going strong since the early 1990s, this one-of-akind experience features some of the best drivers and monster trucks in the world. 402.341.1500..

—chihealthcenteromaha.com

2023 TESTIFY CHRISTMAS CLASSIC WEIGHTLIFTING MEET

December 2, 6 am at Testify Strength & Conditioning, 14505 Grover St. Testify Strength & Conditioning is hosting their annual Christmas Classic Weightlifting Meet. Male and female competitors in Masters, Senior, Junior, and Youth divisions are eligible to compete!

—testifysc.com

NERDMAS II – RETURN OF THE WEIRDOS

December 2, 11 am at Liberty First Credit Union Arena, 7300 Q St. For those seeking the holiday spirit beyond the usual Christmas traditions, visit this craft and vendor show for Nerds, Geeks, and Gamers! The show will feature action fi gures, fantasy, sci-fi, comic books, video games, and more. 402.934.9966.

—libertyfi rstcreditunionarena.com

FAMILY WORKSHOP: GINGERBREAD HOUSE

December 2, 12 pm at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Th is family-friendly workshop allows guests the opportunity to decorate their own gingerbread house to take home! One gingerbread kit will be provided per family. Pre-register and celebrate the holidays with this sweet activity! 402.346.4002.

—lauritzengardens.org

DIY NUTCRACKER WORKSHOP

December 7, 6 pm at Creative Culture Omaha, 1410 Howard St. Open to all ages, join Creative Culture for a fun night of creating DIY wooden nutcrackers. Wear your favorite ugly sweater and enjoy a hot cocoa bar with family and friends!

531.867.3278.

—creativeculturediy.com

HOLIDAY CRAFT & VENDOR MARKET

December 9, 10 am at Westside Community Center, 3535 S 108th St. Join DogGurt and over 75 other local vendors for Westside’s second-annual Craft & Vendor market! Bring kids and pets to take pictures with Santa, and enjoy food trucks, raffles, and more! 402.390.3331.

—westside66.org

WINTER WONDERLAND

December 9—January 2 at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N. Fontenelle Forest invites visitors to enjoy a festive holiday display of decorated trees and wreaths in the Nature Center’s Great Hall, bundle up and enjoy a stroll along the first loop of the lighted Riverview Boardwalk, experience holiday lights against the beautiful and unique backdrop of an urban forest, and decorate wooden tree cookie ornaments as a reminder of their visit. 402.371.3140.

—fontenelleforest.org

OMAHA STARTUPS HOLIDAY PARTY

December 14, 6 pm at Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, 302 S 36th St. Join the holiday fun with fellow startup folks at this third annual networking party. If your company is too small for a party of your own, celebrate the holidays with other community members in support of the growing Nebraska startup ecosystem!

—thecottonwoodhotel.com

OMAHA FAIRYTALE BALL

December 17, 10 am at Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine St. Join your favorite princesses and friends at this magical event! Th is event features ten performances and activities for the whole family. Each session also includes a meet & greet for photos, hugs, and autographs. Enjoy stories, songs, dances, crafts, games, and more!

—scottcenter.com

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.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 //

13 //

RETURN OF THE FUNK, THE MUSIC, & THE

Omaha Stylee

311’s Nick Hexum on Roots & Resilience L-R Tim Mahoney, Doug “SA” Martinez, Nick Hexum, Aaron “P-Nut” Wills, and Chad Sexton of 311

A/C MUSIC // STORY BY CATHERINE A. DUNN, CHASE MURPHY, AND DAMIAN INGERSOLL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

O

n April 21, 1998, Omaha Magazine’s own Damian Ingersoll submitted his final paper as a Jefferson High School senior in Des Moines, Iowa. The 11-page essay was clearly a labor of love. Titled “A History of 311,” the opening sentence read: “311 of Omaha, Nebraska, is one of the best bands around today.”

Some 25 years later, Ingersoll’s thesis remains well supported.

On September 29, 2023, a sell-out crowd swarmed the grounds of the newly opened Astro Theater in La Vista, Nebraska. 311 had returned home to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut studio album, Music.

Clad in a Union Omaha Soccer T-shirt, frontman Nick Hexum—with vocalist/DJ Doug “SA” Martinez, lead guitarist Tim Mahoney, Aaron "P-Nut" Wills on bass, and Chad Sexton on the sticks—opened the set with a heavy-hitter. Hexum’s smooth, rueful tenor met the snarling riffs and punchy drums of their hit song “Beautiful Disaster,” and the crowd went wild.

311’s reputation for dynamic stage presence and killer live performances has hardly waned over the decades.

As Hexum noted, “We’ve mellowed a little bit…but not much!”

That energy can be traced back to Omaha during the 1980s; Hexum played in a cover band called “The Ed’s” with Mahoney and met Sexton in jazz band at Westside High School. The three shared a passion for exploring musical genres, and eventually, a desire to create something novel by bending them.

Hexum, Maloney, and Sexton celebrated high school graduation. Hexum had graduated a year early, but he was back in town from Los Angeles for his friends’ ceremony.

“we’ve mellowed a little bit…but not much!”

—Nick Hexum They had a jam session that laid the bones for what would become 311—for now, a band called Unity.

Members of the group frequently shuffled between living in Omaha and Los Angeles,

and it was over a 1,500-mile stretch of telephone line connecting the cities that 311 was truly born. An incredible musical opportunity had emerged, not in L.A. but Omaha; when Sexton revealed to Hexum that his band (which included a young “P-Nut” Wills) was opening for punk outfit Fugazi at Sokol, the latter found himself in the pull of the ‘Big O’ once more.

The concert was a success, and the newly christened 311 would continue to produce original music—recording 11 tracks at Papillion’s IEV Studio, collectively called Dammit! and distributing it via 300 cassette tapes.

With the reintroduction of Maloney (over then guitarist, Jim Watson) and frequent collaborator “SA” Martinez not long after, the final line-up for 311 was cemented (and hasn’t shifted since).

As for the name itself, the band has stated it resulted from the aforementioned guitarist Jim Watson being booked for skinny dipping in a public pool. The arresting officers wrote “311” on the ticket—the Omaha Police Department’s code for indecent exposure.

Equal parts rock, reggae, hip hop, and funk, punctuated by the paradoxically harmonious contrasts of Hexum and Martinez’ vocals, 311 garnered a loyal fan base by playing live shows in the Omaha bar scene and other smaller venues like Peony Park.

“After coming up in clubs like the Ranch Bowl and Howard Street Tavern we saw that we could whip crowds into a frenzy, and that really gave us the confidence to know we had something special,” Hexum recalled. “We found that if we unleashed high energy, the crowd would feed off of that and lose their inhibitions and go crazy.”

The band would go on to sign a record deal with Capricorn Records and in February of 1993, release the album Music under the guidance of renowned British record producer and audio engineer, Eddy Offord.

“On that first album we learned we could say yes to experimentation, an anything-goes attitude,” Hexum said. “We told our producer we wanted to use percussion and samples and hip-hop beats mixed into our rock music. That was not common at the

time. We got a kick out of defying genres and that’s something that’s really stayed with us.”

While promoting the album and financing their own tour, the band cruised from show to show in an old RV loaned by Sexton's father and a Volkswagen bus packed with equipment in tow.

During a drive to a show in Kansas City, a sharp incline set the RV careening, and after the ensuing crash, aflame. As the fire grew and threatened to encircle them, the band filed out the only functional door and leapt to safety. All of their equipment and personal affects were lost to the blaze, but no one was seriously injured.

Despite the smoldering setback, the band knuckled down and continued their tour with borrowed equipment.

“I feel like growing up in the Midwest just teaches you to be resilient,” Hexum recalled.

“There’s something about the culture that fosters resilience, and it was a skill my dad really helped to instill in me.”

That resilience paid off—the band’s 1995 release the self-titled 311 went triple-platinum and hit No. 12 on the Billboard 200 thanks to hit singles like “Down” and “All Mixed Up.” Over the proceeding three decades, 311 has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia.

To date, the band has released 13 studio albums, two live albums, and four compilation records, along with four EPs and four DVDs. Beyond a nod to their big break, 311’s return to the metro is an acknowledgement of what came before—the wild, impassioned, homegrown crowds that pushed and encouraged the band to take that step.

“It’s always been well-known that Omaha rock crowds are some of the most energetic around,” Hexum affirmed. “It’s hard to say why except maybe people aren’t jaded like you might get on the coasts.”

Besides, there’s more yet to come for 311’s relationship with Omaha. After all, the Union Omaha tee Hexum wore on The Astro stage wasn’t just for show—as had been announced the day prior, he’s the soccer club’s newest co-owner.

For more information, visit 311.com.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 //

15 //

A/C MUSIC

“It’s always been well-known that Omaha rock crowds are some of the most energetic around. It’s hard to say why except maybe people aren’t jaded like you might get on the coasts."

—Nick Hexum

A/C VISUAL

One

Street,

One Sketch at a Time Julia McGuigan Draws out the Best of Omaha STORY BY CAROL NIGRELLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

A/C VISUAL

T

hose who say Omaha lacks a unique “vibe” are in for a surprise upon entering the Julia M Illustrates Studio & Gift Shop downtown.

The bright pink door of illustrator Julia McGuigan’s little storefront, nestled in an industrial area near Cuming Street, provides ample and engaging evidence to the contrary.

Large, framed prints of several Omaha neighborhoods, landmarks, churches, and buildings hang upon a wall. Those same images, printed from McGuigan’s original drawings, appear in a variety of sizes stacked neatly on two racks; they grace greeting cards, calendars, coasters, candles, coloring books with 40 prints, ornaments, T-shirts, tote bags, and stickers. She sells tea towels and magnets with a Nebraska motif and ceramic mugs celebrating the Omaha skyline. There’s even a 285-piece Omaha Map jigsaw puzzle.

“My drawings of Dundee, Morton Meadows, and Lauritzen Gardens are among the most popular, especially the cards,” said McGuigan, who also retails through her website, which she designed. “My 2024 calendar featuring 12 coffee shops keeps selling out.”

A long table in the middle of the store accommodates six white chairs; studio space for McGuigan to do her illustrations and hold the occasional workshop. Aspiring artists of all ages attend to hone their skills.

The two-hour Urban Sketching Workshop has proven popular in the past, as have her lessons on color theory.

To fill the shelves completely and make the store more “gift shoppy,” McGuigan went outside her own portfolio and sourced items from other manufacturers. She carries paper products, coloring posters, “how-to-draw” books, baby finger paints, paint-by-number kits, pencils, and crayons—in other words, “things that I like to buy when I go to a gift shop,” she said.

For McGuigan, she couldn’t have drawn a better picture of how her life-long dream of becoming a self-sustaining artist would turn out.

She was born Julia Nichole Mason in 1991, a beautiful surprise to her parents who already had two sons, ages 12 and 10. As the baby girl of the family, she stayed close to her mother, who was both a hairdresser and an artist. She has happy memories of her mother’s art studio in the basement of their Papillion home.

“We were always crafting together or scrapbooking. She’d make ornaments for her customers,” McGuigan recalled. “That really influenced me because I was always around it.”

After graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2014 with a degree in art education, McGuigan ventured abroad. She chose Costa Rica “because of its environment and being so bio-diverse,” she said. “I was drawn to its beauty.”

The four months she spent at the university in San Jose taking Spanish and Latin American architecture had a profound effect on how she would approach her own art.

“I was heavily influenced there by a local artist who sells prints of provinces of Costa Rica, and I thought it was brilliant,” McGuigan said. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, somebody needs to be doing this in Omaha,’ because I had never seen anything like it here.”

When McGuigan returned to the metro, she moved into The Rochester apartments on 14th and Izard streets in the heart of North Downtown’s art community. She began expanding her portfolio, sketching the buildings, landmarks, neighborhoods, and flowers around her, while teaching art in several schools within the Omaha Public Schools system.

Soft spoken and gentle while maintaining an upbeat demeanor and sunny smile, McGuigan made friends easily among colleagues and parents. As her contacts grew, so did the opportunities to supplement her income. Eventually, she was commissioned to draw people’s houses. Ashley Walters, who lives near 90th and Pacific streets, was among the first to request her keen aesthetic eye.

“Julia actually did a watercolor of our home a few years ago and it’s beautiful,” said Walters, who was perusing Julia M

Illustrates for the first time. “She visited our children’s elementary school and talked about art, which they all really enjoyed.

I’ve followed her ever since on Instagram.”

Walters purchased a few items, including a T-shirt imprinted with an image of the Blackstone District’s Coneflower Creamery.

When COVID forced McGuigan to teach remotely, she decided it was a good time to pursue her master’s degree in illustration. She took online courses through the Savannah School of Art and Design; during the three years she spent toward earning her degree, McGuigan experienced several life-changing events.

In June 2021 she married musician and well-known Omaha guitarist Matthew McGuigan. He and his brothers, Billy and Ryan, have performed a successful Beatles interactive show for years, both here and on the road. She became stepmom to Matthew’s son, Lennon, whose namesake reflects Matthew’s love of all things ‘Fab Four.’ A year-and-a-half ago, she gave birth to baby Shawn, named after her late father.

And as if her life wasn’t full enough, the opportunity to open her own store suddenly materialized at 1711 Cuming, in a space right next door to people who’ve been doing her printing for years.

“My husband said, ‘This is exactly what you need. All your inventory is in our basement and taking over our lives,’’ she recounted with a laugh.

With her landlords and friends at the adjacent Automatic Printing always looking out for her, McGuigan says she feels safe in an area with very little foot traffic. Still, she has other ventures in mind.

“I’d like to open a stationery store that showcases other artists and hopefully partner with someone so I can spend more time with my family,” she said.

Whatever the future holds for Julia McGuigan, Omaha and its surrounding communities will always remain in the picture—and a source of inspiration.

For more information, juliamillustrates.com.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 //

21 //

T

ony Bonacci was still a teenager when he started making short films and dabbling in public access television.

More than two decades later, he’s finally introducing his first feature film, The Headliner, after what he describes as “long and hard years of making music videos, short films, and commercials while at the same time working in the film production and photography industry in Omaha.”

“I started making short films when I was at the Omaha Public Schools Career Center. That’s when I really knew I wanted to be a filmmaker.

A friend of mine introduced me to fellow Omaha filmmaker, Nik Fackler, and we became friends and started making short films together.

He went on to make Lovely, Still (2008) and I sort of ended up focusing on band photography throughout my early twenties,” Bonacci recalled. “After living in Kansas City and Lawrence, Kansas, in 2008/2009, I moved back to Omaha and started doing production assistant work in Omaha while continuing to do photography, short films, and music videos.

I learned a ton while working on set.

It’s been quite a struggle and time goes by quickly—but here we are.”

The Headliner originated as a 2017 short film Bonacci worked on with friend and screenwriter Christine Burright in hopes that it could serve as proof of concept for a feature film. The short version was well-received, and Bonacci and Burright partnered again for the feature version, also bringing back Darrick Silkman to play the lead character.

“It was one of the first screenplays I’d ever written and I don’t think I actually wrote what they were looking for, but at no point did Tony say no to me. It was the same for the feature. He trusted the characters and tone I set for the screenplay and put his own spin on it for the film.

It was a true collaboration, which, honestly, isn’t always how film goes,” Burright said. “As a screenwriter early in my career, it’s a dream to get a feature film produced with a director like Tony and a lead actor like Darrick.”

// 22 //

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

A/C FILM STORY BY KARA SCHWEISS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY RENEE LUDWICK

The Headl ineR

Omaha Filmmaker Tony Bonacci Debuts First Feature Film

“I love working with Tony. He involved me in the preliminary stages of this project regarding character development and storyline,” Silkman said. “Tony keeps things lighthearted, casual, and fun on set, which is beneficial to the actors, especially in a comedic project such as this one. I can’t remember ever feeling any tension on the set, even during the times that we were pressed for time. He has also kept me in the loop regarding post-production, letting me view the film in several editing stages over the last few months.”

A/C FILM

Bonacci, who admits to favoring “awkwardness and weird relationships” in his projects, said The Headliner is about a stand-up comedian, Chad Allen, trying to find his voice and break out of the Omaha scene. As he develops material and his career, the character also attends to relationships with various people in his life and a major career opportunity that leaves the comic conflicted.

“Zach Peterson, who is one of the biggest and best local comics, wrote all the stand-up material for my main character,” Bonacci said. “He's also in the movie performing his own stuff.”

Other local comics featured in the film include Rachel Ware, Carmela Anderson, Megan Malone, and Tyler Walsh. The film was shot locally.

“I hope people in Omaha and Nebraska see it and know how much Tony loves his local community. He was so intentional about featuring the incredible bars, clubs, comedians, actors, et cetera we have here,” Burright said.

“It’s a film that really speaks to the complexities of life and adulthood beyond your 20s and 30s which—if you know, you know—can be both miserable and hilarious at the same time.”

“It has a really nice balance of somewhat crude humor and heart. It also offers a nice blend of storytelling and stand-up performances, toggling back and forth between the two,” Silkman said. “One of my favorite things about The Headliner is how the stand-up performances tend to comment on what is going on in the narrative of the film.”

“I just turned 40, and there’s no way I’m going to start over and struggle in the film industry when I can just make my movie here and live comfortably. Omaha has been pretty great, though. I learned everything I know here working on film and photo sets and a lot of people have been really supportive,” Bonacci said. “My near-future goals are to get The Headliner into film festivals and then hopefully get a streaming deal.”

He added, “So far, success has only meant completion. I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m successful. I’d say I’m persistent and unwilling to give up. I’d say the reason I’m able to accomplish things in this competitive sector is because I’ve developed good relationships with collaborators and because I know how to get certain things done. I also know how to stick with what I want for a film project with confidence,” he said. “Hopefully another reason is because the material is entertaining. That’s the main hope.

I want people to like my projects.”

For more information about The Headliner, visit facebook. com/theheadlinerfilm.

// 24 //

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

S

alt anctuaries

OBVIOUSLY OMAHA // STORY BY NATALIE VELOSO // DESIGN BY RACHEL BIRDSALL

Heal with Halotherapy at Six Omaha Spas The tranquil trend of salt spas has found its way to Omaha. For those seeking a unique wellness experience, these serene spaces introduce halotherapy, or salt therapy, used to induce relaxation and improve breathing. The inhalation of minuscule salt particles is an alternative approach for respiratory issues like asthma, bronchitis, and cough. These salt-based experiences around the city offer a healthy taste of serenity.

1

SALT & SPA

7822 Wakeley Plaza, Omaha, NE 68114 saltandspa.com

4

Unwind in Salt & Spa's salt room, a haven of tranquility designed to cleanse and revitalize with natural salt air. The adult salt room features illuminated Himalayan salt bricks and soothing music, fostering an idyllic setting for relaxation, meditation, and yoga for up to eight participants.

The children’s salt room is adorned with salt flooring and play-friendly toys. Open: Monday—Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2

FLOAT DISTRICT

12744 Westport Pkwy Ste. 1F, La Vista, NE 68138 floatdistrict.com Float District offers a range of therapies, but the spotlight is on their novel halotherapy rooms. Halo-IR booths offer a perk: members’ children enjoy free halotherapy. The offer extends to the Halo sauna for children 12 and older, merging halotherapy and infrared benefits with a halogenerator.

Open: Monday—Saturday 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., “Wacky Wednesdays” 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment only.

3

SKILLED TOUCH HEALTH AND HEALING

11844 Standing Stone Dr #200 Gretna, NE 68028 Skilledtouchhealth.com Of the specialized therapies offered at Skilled Touch, dry salt therapy is ideal when your need for healing is multifaceted. With the use of a halogenerator, pure microscopic salt particles are dispersed via aerosol into a salt booth. This works to address respiratory concerns and skin conditions.

For best results, Skilled Touch recommends a series of treatments. Open: Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TRUE REST FLOAT SPA

390 N 14th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501 truerest.com True REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulus Therapy) takes a different salt-infused approach—flotation therapy.

It presents a zero-gravity environment where the mind and body can wholly unwind. Using 1,000 pounds of Epsom salts, the water's buoyancy emulates a sensation of weightlessness. This flotation therapy dissipates pressure points on the body, offering pain relief of up to 100%.

Open: Monday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Tuesday—Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

5

VALO WELLNESS SPA

120 Regency Pkwy Suite 104, Omaha, NE 68114 valowellnessspa.com Valo presents the Wellness Playground, or touchless treatments lasting 15-25 minutes on zero-gravity loungers. The Halo/Infrared Heated Salt service utilizes heat waves to warm your body and stimulate the immune, lymphatic, and cardiovascular systems. This combined with halotherapy is especially beneficial for respiratory and skin issues. Open: Monday—Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

6

SAKOON THE SPA

1529 S. 203rd St. Omaha, NE 68130 sakoonthespa.com Drawing from the Urdu term for serenity, the spa offers a variety of facials, massages, and treatments that begin with the Himalayan salt relaxation room. Unwind with the Himalayan salt crystal massage, enjoying benefits like reduced blood pressure and balanced electrolytes. Open: Monday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday—Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday—Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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SECTION // NAMES

n

r y o t s i H o Inn & i t ova STORY tamsen butler PHOTOGRAPHY bill sitzmann DESIGN rachel birdsall

// 66 // NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

The B & G ‘Baddie Melt’: Ground Beef, Onions, and Melted Cheese on Between Sliced, Toasted Bread.

Dining Feature B&G

Tasty Foods is so much more than an eatery—it’s a playground of memories for countless Omaha natives. Originally opened in 1953, this loose-meat sandwich shop’s popularity ebbed and flowed for years and exchanged hands more than once. And though the years passed, the love affair Omaha had with the tasty recollections of B&G Tasty Foods never seemed to wane.

“It was one of those rites of passage as a young Omahan,” explained Nick Bartholomew, local restaurateur and new owner of B&G Tasty Foods. “If you were with your family, and you were in that area, even if it was past lunch, you made an excuse to go to B&G and enjoy some family time together. It really put whatever you did that day behind you because there was always something on that menu that someone could enjoy.”

Though the location has changed (its new storefront is located at Nebraska Crossing), Bartholomew still gets to enjoy the reminiscing that customers often share when they stop by to eat. “I can tell you that nearly every day goes by, someone walks in and says, ‘In ’67, I was one of the original carhops….’ It’s stories from people who lived it, even 10 years before I was born, this was this guy’s first job,” he relayed.

Bartholomew was thrilled to bring B&G back to Omaha. When it closed back in 2019, he already knew he wanted to put in an offer to buy.

COOKED UP IN THE SAME POT

“Not only is it fun to be able to resurrect that and hear those stories,” he continued. “But I knew, ‘You better get this right and take it seriously—it’s not something you’ve done before.’”

Typically known for his culinary innovation, taking on a legendary Omaha eatery—and trying to keep the recipes the same to honor the menu’s history—was a new endeavor for him.

“For the people who’ve had experiences at B&G, it’s not just about food. It’s never just been about food; it’s been about that shared experience and the creation of culture,” Bartholomew said. “It’s about Omaha being able to count on something no matter what’s going on around us."

How did Bartholomew and his staff get the recipe to taste like the food everyone so fondly remembered?

“It was hard,” he admitted. “I wanted to get it right, that was the new challenge—to make sure that this was a pretty intricate recipe, and it took us a couple of years to get it right.”

When the sandwiches just weren’t turning out NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

// 67 //

DINING FEATURE // B&G TASTY FOODS: WHEN HISTORY AND INNOVATION COLLIDE

right, Bartholomew brought in previous owner Eddie Morin to show them how it should be done.

“I finally had the previous owner standing next to me and videotape him doing it. It was one of those things that was elusive for me,” Bartholomew confessed. “Now we’ve got to a point where we nailed it.”

Morin, who bought B&G in 2009 after working there and falling in love with the place, said that when he came to teach Bartholomew and his crew how to properly make the loose meat sandwiches, he brought along B&G’s old head chef, Eric Shew. Shew’s chef history with B&G predates Morin’s, and “he always understood the food,” Morin added.

It turned out that the key element Bartholomew and his team were missing was one very important factor of the meat preparation.

“You get into a position where you feel like, ‘Oh, I’ve got this, it’s just a recipe. My grandma gave me thousands of these.’ But the truth is, we screwed it up before we got it right,” Bartholomew revealed. “We didn’t screw it up at this location. Within the pop-ups and those kinds of things, where we were trying to get our footing and see if this was something that was really going to draw people. We wanted to know if it would have the same appeal that it had in 1971 as it does now.”

They’d been erring with one simple but important step— they were cooking the sauce separate from the meat. But it was a lightbulb moment when they realized that, of course, a recessionary food like loose meat sandwiches would be made in one big pot instead of prepared separately and then combined. Once Morin and Shew showed them the correct way to prepare the meat, everything fell into place.

And, with that, the B&G Tasty Beef Sandwich was back in business.

The move to Nebraska Crossing was largely because the location simply made more sense than the original storefront at Beverly Hills Plaza. With only one cash register and no drive-thru at the original spot, and rent that was surprisingly high, “it was going to be detrimental to its health if that didn’t change,” Bartholomew said.

“Although we loved the location, the truth of B&G is, if there was going to be an evolution, it had to start with us, and we had to pull the Band-Aid off right away,” he continued. “We knew we weren’t going to go back to Beverly Hills Plaza, but we started looking for areas, you know spots around that area we could take on and we felt confident we’d find one."

In fact, Bartholomew’s idea that B&G had to move to succeed was one of the main reasons Morin sold to him. Morin was courted by a variety of prospective buyers—some who traveled from as far as the West Coast to propose a buy.

“They all wanted to keep everything the same,” Morin noted.

“Nick was younger and had a better vision. It needed to be moved; Nick was the only one who seemed to get that.”

Morin liked the idea that Bartholomew only wanted to buy the B&G brand, not the space. For Morin, who had also explored moving the restaurant’s location prior to making the decision to sell, Bartholomew was the only prospective buyer who understood what it would take to allow this Omaha favorite to flourish in a new era.

// 68 // NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

It helped Morin to know that B&G would be in good hands, with a local restauranteur with demonstrated success. Ultimately, that made it easier to let go.

“It’s not my baby,” Morin said, who was the fourth B&G owner in the history of the eatery. “I was the caretaker. I wanted to hand it off. I wanted Omaha to have a B&G.” Nowadays, Morin cheers on Bartholomew’s efforts from afar.

“I wish them the best success. I just don’t want to run it,” he said.

“Still, to this day, Eddie’s been on the spot to show us any recipe we need, day or night,” Bartholomew noted. “He’s a phenomenal human being.”

While Bartholomew has proven his resolve toward honoring B&G’s history and Omaha’s love for the food by sticking with the original recipes, he’s also true to his welldocumented nature as a culinary innovator and has introduced some new menu items to complement the classic menu.

“The idea now is this is going to be the evolution of B&G,” Bartholomew explained.

“What carries us forward as a concept? What gets us to the next levels of what we need to be for Omaha?”

“The bourbon caramel ice cream will change your life—I mean, truly,” he said. “It’s 7.5 to 8.5% ABV so you will feel its presence.

We use a nice bourbon in that and there’s one that we do for all the horchata that’s absolutely fantastic.”

It was hard.

I wanted to get it right, that was the new challenge.

—Nick Bartholomew

Bartholomew and his team are also working on ways to make the food more accessible.

“If you want them premade with fries and condiments on the side, it’s ready. If you want it in a hot setting in a catering dish where your guests can walk down a buffet line and be more presentable like that, no problem,” he said. "If want it frozen and sent to Portland, ME, we got you.

"I think that’s the next step. Moving forward with the other locations, the event style, community style creation of this is bigger than just food feeling. Because truly, B&G represents, at least in my mind and in the minds of other Omahans, this feeling of family.”

With plans in the works for new B&G locations throughout Omaha, including the old Over Easy location on Q Street, it’s likely the Metro will soon witness the resurgence of this beloved brand—and the triumphant return of Omaha’s original Home of the Loose Meat Sandwich.

His introduction of alcohol-based ice cream has proven a welcome addition.

Spicy Chicken Sandwich Served with Lettuce, Pickles, and ‘Comeback Sauce.’

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

// 69 //

STORY david zorko PHOTOGRAPHY bill sitzmann DESIGN rachel birdsall

"That interview was the 'you make it [on the show] or you don’t' deal-breaker."

-Brett Geiger

e l i f o r p f e h c

T

he pop-hiss of an air brake, a streak of headlights, and bright colors pausing curbside often indicates the arrival of a bus. However, if the sign swings out to reveal not a stop sign, but a pizza perpendicular to the driver, then something tasty has arrived on the scene: Izzy’s Pizza Bus. Helming the wheel—and the ovens within—is Brett Geiger, the pizzaiolo behind the airy, flavorful, Detroit-style pies that brown to perfection in an 8”x10” trapezoidal, flared pan.

Brett’s journey in the bus, otherwise known as ‘Vincent,’ didn’t begin in Omaha. It first roared to life in Las Vegas, Nevada, when Brett was a member of the Cirque du Soleil backstage staff. While in Sin City, Geiger began making pizzas on the side because he felt pizza had become too expensive and he wanted to make it for himself. He learned from Tony Gemignani’s book The Pizza Bible and podcasts such as “What’s Good Dough?” As he moved forward in pizza, he scaled Cirque back to part time.

The bus’ official birthday was October 3, 2019, with its first pizza

“There was a lot more hype than we expected,” Cherish said.

“It was much more well-received than I thought,” Brett added.

Both Geigers theorized that the Omaha populace may already have their favorite pizza spots locked in, but as it turned out, the city craved variety. At that first event, the crew “sold out in 45 minutes, with a huge line, like 20 minutes before we opened,” Brett recalled.

Both the Geigers and their inspired take on pizza have won the heart of Stacy Winters, who oversees the active and influential Omaha Food Lovers Facebook group.

d r a o b A All

S ' Y IZZ S U B A Z Z PI

emerging from the ovens for sale that day, but as Brett stated, “It barely left; it was such a terrible day. I had no idea on how to operate, I built the bus for fun [and] I had this grand idea of showing up…not really prepping anything. It was a big, big learning day.”

However, that sputtering start became a lifeline to Brett, wife Cherish, and daughter Izzy (for whom the business is named). As COVID hit in 2020, Cirque performances were halted, but the bus was permitted to continue via contactless pickup. During this time, Izzy’s started to gain traction in Las Vegas, until a desire to be closer to family brought the bus to Omaha in July, 2022.

Omaha’s introduction to Geiger’s saucetopped pizzas occurred on July 15 of that year at the Bearded Brewer.

“Brett and Cherish are some of the most down-toearth people— you can’t help but root for them!” Winters exclaimed.

“Izzy’s is some of the best pizza in Omaha! That focaccia-like crust and caramelized, crispy cheese edge is otherworldly…”

Outside Omaha, those cheesy Detroit-style pies haven’t escaped notice. On September 8, 2023, Brett and the bus premiered on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives hosted by Guy Fieri. Their television debut was originally shaping up in Las Vegas, with Geiger contacted by DDD a few months before moving to Omaha. At that time, likely due to the move, the production team chose not to proceed, and the emails in Brett’s inbox faded into memory.

Geiger recalled that he felt “blessed that I had that email once in my life.”

A preliminary interview was scheduled and conducted, followed by a second to discuss recipes—the made-from-scratch sauce chosen by daughter Izzy, the house-made ranch, and the freshly shredded cheese selection (along with the story behind the bus itself ).

That interview was the “you make it [on the show] or you don’t” deal-breaker, Geiger relayed.

A few weeks later, in early May, 2023, the “you made it” was heard over the Geigers’ receiver. Izzy’s Pizza Bus was going to share parking with Triple D’s red 1968 Camaro, and Brett was going to share time in front of the ovens with Guy Fieri. Geiger and Fieri’s first meeting transpired during filming—unscripted, and “nerve wracking…the adrenaline was through the roof—I think I blacked out for part of it. I know that I made dough in front of him, but I don’t remember making it,” Geiger recalled.

A seemingly foregone opportunity became reality as the Geigers were able to view the results during an open house watch party at the bus’ Trucks and Taps home base, located at 5402 S 108th St in Omaha. Geiger pulled out a piping hot ‘Honeypeño Pizza’, with its mozzarella/brick cheese blend, pepperoni, house-pickled jalapeños, red sauce, parmesan, and a generous drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey for good measure. He also cooked up a ‘Miss Mona,’ which included a medley of delectable toppings, including: pulled chicken, diced bacon, and house-made ranch. Brett and Cherish spoke of Fieri’s character, noting that he was “genuine” and even went over to greet daughter Izzy before interacting with the rest of the Izzy's staff.

Geiger’s pizza accolades and recognition are well deserved; the heart, quality, and care shine through with every bite of the puffy, cheesy, crispy, frico-edged rectangular pies.

Brett is focused on his craft, and Cherish is his constant partner—making pizzas, and helping customers while honoring daughter Izzy with every order.

When those big red letters atop a big red and yellow bus arrive…there’s a chance the tantalizing aroma of pizza may follow. If so, the only corners cut are to frame the pie. But passengers be warned—there’s no seatbelts on Izzy’s Pizza Bus, and there’s no stops between that first bite and a newfound craving.

For more information, visit izzyspizzabus. com. Dave Zorko is the host of the “Faturday Omaha”podcast and radio show.

Then, a fresh email arrived in March of 2023. Brett read it while sitting on the couch with Cherish, and he looked at her and said, “You’re never going to guess the email I just got.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

// 71 //

Dining Review

A Fusion

I t E F S A Global Flavors Converge on the Corner Kitchen

Chilango Burrito: A flour tortilla stuffed with beef barbacoa, longaniza, bacon, sweet corn, rice, pico de gallo, beans, matcha mayo, and cacahuate salsa.

STORY sara wiebold PHOTOGRAPHY sarah lemke DESIGN rachel birdsall

J

ust off I-80 in South Omaha an unassuming strip mall on the corner of 50th and Q holds a delectable secret—a food sanctuary producing consistent, unmatched flavors you won’t find anywhere else, The Corner Kitchen.

Self-described as Mexican street food with global influences, this restaurant lives up to its ethos, offering a delightful fusion of Mexican, Asian, American, Caribbean, and Latin dishes all under one roof.

Quesa-Burria Taco: Beef birria garnished with cilantro, onion, and jalapeño peppers in a fried tortilla.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

// 73 //

DINING REVIEW

A

s soon as you walk in, you're greeted by an inviting atmosphere, with custom art pieces matching their menus hanging on the walls. The interior features around 10 cozy tables, a counter for ordering, and a big chalkboard menu that dominates the scene. The upbeat Hispanic music playing in the background sets the perfect mood for an exciting dining experience.

You order at the counter when ready and the kitchen thoughtfully courses out each dish, made to order.

The menu at The Corner Kitchen is a masterpiece of creativity, freshness, execution, and beautiful plating. Its varied options provide guests with combinations where flavors play harmoniously together, often with unexpected twists.

Take, for instance, the Chipotle Miso Ramen: chipotle-seasoned chicken breast, oyster mushrooms, bok choy, miso broth, and a perfectly jammy egg. The miso broth introduces an umami-adobo flavor that elevates the dish to new heights, and the ramen noodles strike an ideal balance between firm and chewy.

They cater to vegetarian, vegan, and glutenfree guests, their selections not only abundant but enticing a to a number of palates and preferences. Among these options, the Korean Equites stands out—a cheesy dish featuring fresh corn with a hint of chili oil.

The Elote Tots, served crispy with a generous smothering of sriracha mayo and cotija cheese, are a must-try.

The burrito selection is eclectic, blending and rolling various culinary influences into flavor-packed flour tortillas. The Nashville Hot Chicken Burrito, a twist on the trendy southern sandwich, comes with mango slaw, rice, and salsa macha, balancing heat and flavor. Another standout is the Chilango, featuring Beef barbacoa, longaniza, sweet corn, rice, and cacahuate salsa—a flavor explosion that leaves you craving more. My only regret was not asking for more salsa for my leftovers.

A recurring theme of the Corner Kitchen menu is the combination of unexpected flavors that and textures merge seamlessly to create a complete, cosmopolitan culinary experience. Don't pass up the opportunity to try their tacos with handmade corn tortillas, especially on Taco Tuesday. The Korean Pork Tacos are a personal favorite, combining sweet, savory, smoky, and spicy elements, topped with a crunchy Korean coleslaw, green onions, and black sesame seeds. Another plus—all the salsas are served on the side with limes, allowing you to easily tailor each bite to your liking.

For the dessert course, The Corner Kitchen continued to impress with its sweet offerings. I savored the Elote Flan, a delightful creation featuring a corn-flavored custard paired with luscious caramel ice cream. Flan, like so many other desserts, is often considered an art form, and was expertly executed here—light yet rich, with a simple yet elegant combination of ingredients that provided both comfort and luxury. The velvety sweet corn custard harmonized beautifully with the rich caramel ice cream, creating a medley of flavors. Unable to resist temptation, I also indulged in the ‘Chocoflan’, a decadent treat combining chocolate cake with velvety vanilla custard—a perfect choice for those who may be hesitant about the corn custard. Both desserts shone brightly, but my heart leaned toward the Elote Flan for its unique and unforgettable flavor profile.

What's even more commendable is their commitment to showcasing local farmers on the menu, making it not only a great deal for your taste buds but also a meaningful investment in the community. // 74 //

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Presentation at The Corner Kitchen is yet another standout feature. Whether it's a single taco, a heaping bowl of ramen, or a side of Elote tots, everything is plated beautifully, turning every meal into a visual delight. The price points represent an amazing value considering the quality of the dining experience offered. What's even more commendable is their commitment to showcasing local farmers on the menu, making it not only a great deal for your taste buds but also a meaningful investment in the community. The Corner Kitchen's convenient hours, from 11am to 9pm, ensure that no matter your schedule, you can savor their delicious offerings. The menu remains consistent throughout the day, with specials that change regularly. For those seeking a beverage to accompany their meal, the restaurant offers a selection of Mexican beers, seltzers, and rotating frozen drinks, often featuring seasonal margaritas.

Remarkably, this restaurant has been open for just a year and a half, yet it's already making waves in Omaha's culinary scene by pushing the boundaries with their unique combinations of styles and flavors. With its creative and delicious dishes, it's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to embark on a culinary adventure that borders and expectations alike.

For more information, visit facebook.com/ cornerkitchenoma.

COR N ER K ITCH EN

4 2 1 8 S . 5 0 T H S T. I 5 3 1 . 2 1 3 . 24 8 9

FOOD SERVICE AM BIANCE OVERALL 5 STARS POSSI B LE

Taco Platter: Featuring the Qusa-Birria Taco (top left), the Quesadilla Taco (middle), the Korean Pork Taco (bottom left), and the Siracha Chicken Taco

- Sponsored Content -

Omaha

DINING GUIDE 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.com

JAMS- $$ 7814 Dodge St. - 402.399.8300 17070 Wright Plz, Ste. 100 - 402.810.9600 1101 Harney St. in the OldMarket - 402.614.9333

TED 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.com

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 as the one you fell in love with the first time you tried Stella’s. And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back! Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Sunday. —stellasbarandgrill.com

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

VOTED OMAHA'S #1 SPORTS BAR! Sports Bar

20232 WINNER

2023 1 Place st

Sports Bar

2024 First Place

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

// 76 //

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

7 OMAHA METRO AREA LOCATIONS | DJSDUGOUT.COM |

Omaha

DINING GUIDE I TA L I A N

Get a Little Get Saucy.

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.com

a Little Saucy.

SPEZIA SPECIALTIES

FRESH SEAFOOD • ANGUS BEEF INNOVATIVE PASTA • RISOTTO SPEZIA SPECIALTIES WOOD FIRE•STEAKS & SEAFOOD GNOCCHI FRESH SALMON DAILY INNOVATIVE PASTA—RISOTTO—GNOCCHI FRESH SALMON DAILY

SATURDAY LUNCH [11am–4 pm]

Open 7 Days a Week for Lunch & Dinner

$10

SPECIAL FALL/ WINTER DINING OFF ANY TICKET OVER $25 NO CASH VALUE. EXPIRES 12/31/2011 FEATURES Catering

COCKTAIL HOUR Join us for your

MONDAY – SATURDAY next lunch date or 4 – 6 PM ALLlunch COCK TAILS, GL ASS WINE meeting!

AND BEERS ARE HALF PRICE

. Private Rooms•.402-391-2950 Walk-Ins Welcome CALL FOR Party RESERVATIONS 3125 South 72

Street

CENTRAL LOCATION • 3125 SOUTH 72ND STREET • nd EASY ACCESS OFF I-80 • 72ND STREET EXIT

(Easy access off I-80, take 72nd Street Exit)

402.391.2950 . Call today to make your reservation

Hamburger

thanks to our customers for voting us the

SPEZIA - $$$ 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

“BEST BURGER

IN OMAHA 2023 First Place

“Serving World Famous Hamburgers Since 1936”

106 GALVIN RD., BELLEVUE, NE • 402-291-6088 • OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY, 11 AM - 9 PM

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

// 77 //

Historical Facts

Ice Cream

ROTELLA Second Generation

1967 Louis Rotella Sr. of Rotella’s Italian Bakery introduces sliced bread and plastic packaging in 1967, new innovations for an Italian bakery at the time. This allowed the bread to stay fresh longer, hence the phrase, “best thing since sliced bread”.

2023 First Place

n Sandwi ube ch Re

Since 1921 Celebrating over 100 Years of Baking Excellence!

Bakery

2023 First Place

Louis Rotella Sr. 1967-Age 40

rotellasbakery.com

Rotella History Nov/Dec2023 Lou Sr Omaha Mag ad.indd 1 ek Dining Gre

2023 First Place

Family Owned Since 1983 CATERING / PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE HOMEMADE, FRESH FOOD, ALWAYS. 3821 Center St. / 402.346.1528 GreekIslandsOmaha.com

// 78 //

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

2023 First Place

Voted Omaha’s Best Reuben 12 Years In A Row! Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

3578 Farnam St • 402-345-1708 www.beercornerusa.com

9/22/23 1:03 PM

Gracias Omaha for Voting Us Best Mexican Restaurant & Best Chimichanga!

xican Dining Me

ichanga Chim

2023 Winner

2023 Winner

Four METRO Locations!

3 90th & Blondo 402.391.8870 3 146th & Center 402.330.4160 3 96th & L 402.331.5656 3 Galvin & Avery 402.292.2028

www.romeosOMAHA.com

Omaha

DINING GUIDE Breakfast

day Brunch Sun

MEXICAN Staff & Servi ce ait W

2023 First Place

2023 First Place

2023 First Place

156th & Dodge • 408-1728 177th & Center • 934-9914 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 69th & Pacific • 933-2776

Thanks for Voting Us # BREAKFAST YEARS in a Row!

15

1

Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day!

LEPEEPOMAHA.COM | @LEPEEPOMAHA

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.com

h Steak ouse

2023 First Place

@The Drover Restaurant & Lounge | Gift Cards Available 2121 S. 73 St. | (402) 391-7440 | DroverRestaurant.com Lunch M-F 11am-2pm | Dinner M-F 5pm-10 PM Sat 4:30pm-10:30pm • Sun 4:30pm-9pm | Lounge M-F Cocktails Only 2-5pm

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

// 79 //

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.com

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.com

STEAKHOUSES CASCIO’S - $$ 1620 S. 10th St. - 402-345-8313

Cascio’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.com

THE 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

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.

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explore.

come and

LE T’S PLAN A ROAD TRIP!

COMPILED BY Claudia Moomey

DAYTR IPS I N NE BRA SKA, I OW A , K AN SA S, M I SSOURI , & SOU T H DA K OT A NEBRASKA

CURRY CL ASH 2023 November 2 at Lancaster County Event Center The

the biggest vendor show for holiday shopping in Southeast Nebraska and North Central Kansas. 402.300.1139 —frostfrolic.org

Asian Community and Cultural Center is holding its 9th annual ZOO LIGH T S November 24— Curry Clash. Attendees can Dec December 30 at the Lincoln enjoy a wide variety of curryChildren’s Zoo in Lincoln Kids inspired tastes from Lincoln and adults alike can get in the chefs. There will be a smidholiday spirit with Zoo Lights gin for everyone from savory powered by LES. The Zoo will be to sweet, mild to four-alarm spicy. transformed into one of the largAttendees will be able to vote for est lights displays in the midwest. their favorite taste and support the This experience will include a 40 ft. work of empowering new Americans Christmas tree, over 30 lit animal in Lincoln. 402.441.6545 silhouettes, holiday train rides, a tree canopy light walk, a 60-foot L ANCE LIPINSK Y & THE LOVERS light tunnel, and more. 402.475.6741 IN “SHAK E BABY SHAK E” Novem- —lincolnzoo.org ber 3—5 at Brownville Concert Hall in Brownville " Shake Baby Shake" A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND is an explosive retrospective stage MURDER November 30—December 3 show of the golden age of Rock and and December 7—9 at Northeast ComRoll. Lance Lipinsky and his authenmunity College in Norfolk "A Gentletic show band The Lovers will be man’s Guide to Love and Murder" is performing the hits of major arta killer romp filled with unforgetists of the 1950s and 60s such as table music, non-stop laughs, and Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Elvis a scene-stealing role for one actor and Chuck Berr y. 402 .825 .3331 playing all eight of the doomed heirs —brownvilleconcertseries.com who meet their ends in the most side-splitting ways. 402.258.3782 ANNUAL FROS T FROLIC HOLIDAY —nctheatre.org MARK ET November 4 at the JefferIOWA son County Fairgrounds in Fairbury Over 100 booths attract shoppers each year to this Holiday Market NATIONAL FARM TOY SHOW Novemshow. The annual frost frolic is ber 3—5 in Dyersville The National sponsored by Homeless No More Cat Farm Toy Show welcomes over 300 Rescue and Adoption Center and is vendors and 8,000 attendees to

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

the community of Dyersville every November. Held at the National Farm Toy Museum, Dyersville Beckman High School, Commercial Club Park, and other locations in town this show is a can’t miss for farmers and toy fans alike. 563.875.2727 —nationalfarmtoymuseum.com

AN EVENING WITH THE L ATE JOHN CLEESE November 15 at the Vibrant

Music Hall in Waukee Known for

being one of the founding members of Monty Python, John Cleese promises to deliver lots of laughs during this night of comedy celebrating both his life and his career as a comedian. He is widely recognized as “one of the most influential and important comedic voices in entertainment histor y.” 888.804 .0217 —milwaukee-theater.com

H A RRY POT T ER A ND T HE H A LFBLOOD PRINCE IN CONCERT Novem-

ber 18 at Mississippi Lofts and Adler Theatre in Davenport At this show-

ing of the sixth installment of the Harry Potter series, the Quad City Symphony orchestra provides the accompanying music. Guests will enjoy Nicholas Hooper ’s original score live while revisiting the magic of the 2009 film in a unique experience that will enchant audiences of all ages. 563 .326.8500 —qcso.org

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E XPLORE CAL E NDAR

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER December

20 at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids This neoclassical

music group is know n for their f u sion of mo der n ro c k w it h elements of classical music. With 28 million albums sold in the U.S., this holiday concert is sure to be a night to remember. 319.398.5211 —creventslive.com alliantenergypowerhouse

DISNEY ON ICE: MAGIC IN THE STARS

November 23-26 at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines This Disney

KANSAS

TANNENBAUM FOREST November 24—

December 17 at Festhalle Barn in Amana Visitors can step into the

Nov

barn and see over 60 unique Christmas trees, each decorated by a different business, organization, group, or family.

The forest is free to visit, but a free will donation to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital is encouraged. 319.622.7622 —amanacolonies.com

CHRISTKINDLMARKET DES MOINES

November 30—December 3 at Principal Park in Des Moines The Christ-

performance features Elsa (Frozen) and Mirabel (Encanto) as they glide kindlmarket is a great way to learn across the ice, celebrating their about European culture with unique gifts that make them this 700-year-old tradition. The Nov special. The optional Characmarket will feature authentic ter Experience tickets allow food, artisanal products repchildren to spend interactive resenting various European time with each of these charcultures, and entertainment for acters before the show that will adults and children. 515.250.6366 surely make for an unforgettable —christkindlmarketdsm.com experience. 515.564.8000 —disneyonice.com/ magic-in-the-stars

23-26

AT

6

BUDDY GUY: DAMN RIGHT FAREWELL November 6 at the Lied

Center of Kansas in Lawrence With special guest Ally Venable, this night of blues promises to be one to remember.

Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 , Buddy Guy, now 87 years old, is one of the most influential musicians of all time, leaving his mark on household names like Er ic Clapton , John Mayer, and Jimi Hendrix. Boasting eight Grammy Awards and the #23 spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list, blues fans young and old will enjoy this unforgettable night of nostalgia on Buddy ’s last tour. 785 .864 . 2787 —lied.ku.edu

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: CORTEO November 9 at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita Corteo, meaning “cortege” in

Italian, features a parade imagined by a clown. This spectacular and imaginative show will dazzle audiences by blurring the lines between illusion and reality with amazing acrobatics and lyrical music. The playful characters and thoughtprovoking symbolism makes for an entertaining commentary on the nature of humanity. 316.265 .2800 —visitwichita.com

CARNIVAL OF INK November 10 – 12 at the KCI Expo Center in Kansas City

PRESENTED BY

This Midwest tattoo convention will be held for its 10th year in November 2023. Featuring live performance art and drawing talent, tattoo artists attending from both the U.S. and abroad will be announced on the carnival’s Facebook and Instagram pages in advance. Anyone wishing to commission artwork from the participating artists can reserve a spot with their desired artist through these channels. Single-day and all-weekend passes are available. 816.891.7694 —carnivalofink.com

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE 2023 November 16-19 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park A one-

stop-shop for holiday gifts, this boutique has all the new holiday decor, apparel, toys, treats, and more to add some cheer to the end of the year. Admission options include mu lti- day passes a nd adult evening passes. 816.601. 2707 —opconventioncenter.com // 84 //

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

E XPLORE CAL E NDAR

S A IN T L UCIA FE S TI VA L Decem-

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY PRESENTS THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH November 11 at

ber 9 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg Lindsborg ’s tradi-

the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City This reimagined specta-

tional Swedish festival is a celebration of culture and the holiday season. It will feature Swedish folk dancing performances, a ser vice honoring Saint Lucia, and many other activities throughout the downtown area. 888. 227. 2227 —visitlindsborg.com

IR E L A N D W I T H MICH A E L LONDR A LIVE! December 15

at Stiefel Theatre in Salina Londra interlaces songs and stories of Ireland to a backdrop of spectacular footage filmed for his PBS travel series.

He creates an immersive journey around the Emerald Isle, including Irish dancers and Fiddles and Pipes.

The audience will be drawn across the Atlantic Ocean to Ireland in this unique live show. 785 .827.1998 —stiefeltheatre.org

r yes, scotches, Irish whiskeys, bourbons, Japanese whiskeys, and Canadian whiskeys at your leisure.

—blackhillsthingstodo.com

Nov cle includes new technology MOUNTAIN WEST BEER FEST and a 360 -degree environNovember 11 at The Monument for a more immerment, Rushmore Hall in Rapid sive experience of classic City The Mountain West Beer superhuman feats. Adults and Fest is the largest beer tastchildren of all ages will feel like ing event in the area. Rapid City part of this live circus with will host over 70 breweries and daring, never-before-seen 200 craft beers to tr y at the 6th acts performed before their a n nu a l fes t iv a l . 6 0 5 . 3 4 3 . 6161 Dec eyes. 816.949.7100 —events.visitrapidcity.com —do816.com/events

11

15

LUMIN A RY WA L K November 28 – December 20 at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Overland Park Experience a festive

walk through enchanting woods with holiday lights, candles, beverages, and live musical performances. This event is family friendly on Friday and Saturday nights in November and December, with adult-only versions on select Thursday nights. The magic of holiday cheer, community, and peace will create a night to remember for all ages. 913.322.6467 —artsandrec-op.org

WHAT WE COLLECT Through December 30 at Mid-America All-Indian Museum in Wichita The human

desire to collect objects is being recognized in historical and cultural studies. What makes people collect things and why? This exhibit highlights different objects donated to the museum by collectors, families and individuals. 316.350.3340 —theindianmuseum.org MISSOURI

HEROES AND VILLAINS November 5 at Kauffman Performing Arts Center in Kansas City The Kansas City Sym-

phony is putting on an epic superhero showdown as the “good guys” take on villains in a fun musical battle. This concert overflows with tales of caped crusaders and wellknown music. 816. 471.0400 —kcsymphony.org

MARK T WAIN’S ANNUAL BIRTHDAY BASH November 25 at Mark

Twain Museum in Hannibal Mark Twain would be celebrating his 18 9th bir thday this year. This party includes crafts like decorating par ty hat and wooden ornaments, beaded necklaces and oldfashioned games with a twist like “ Pin the ‘Stache on Twain” and “Musical Mustaches.” 573 . 221.9010 —marktwainmuseum.org

DO W N T O W N L I V ING W INDO W S

December 1 in downtown Jefferson City A Jefferson City tradition for

more than 20 years, Living Windows takes place downtown where storefronts and windows come alive with dancers , singers , and holiday themes. Attendees can enjoy refreshments, listen to carolers, and watch performances sharing the holiday spirt. It is the perfect opportunity to stroll the streets and experience holiday cheer. 573 .632 . 2820 —visitjeffersoncity.com/events SOUTH DAKOTA

DA KOTA A NGLER ICE INS TITUTE

November 10—12 at Sioux Falls Arena & Convention Center in Sioux Falls

The Dakota Angler Ice Institute was star ted in 20 08 to give ice fishermen an oppor tunity to see the latest and greatest in the ice fishing industry. It has grown to be the second largest ice fishing show in the nation where attendees can make new discoveries to improve their ice fishing game. 605 .336932 —dakotaanglericeinstitute.com

2023 BIG WHISKEY FESTIVAL Novem-

ber 11 in Deadwood Tickets for this event come with 15 sample tickets to try any of more than 30 whiskeys at multiple locations in Deadwood, SD. Explore the area and sample

AUTUMN FESTIVAL, AN ARTS AND CR AF T S AFFAIR November 19-21

at Danny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls Ranked in the Top

100 Shows in the Countr y by Sunshine Artist Magazine, Sioux Falls’ autumn craft fair offers hundreds of artisans and vendors, an hourly gift certificate winner, and lots of food and drink among fun family ac tiv ities . Ad m ission is good all weekend long. 402 .331 . 2 8 89 —artssouthdakota.org/event

FRONTIER CHRISTMAS December 9 at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park in Lake City Guests of the park are

invited to celebrate the season in classic frontier fashion with Christmas crafts, homemade bread, handson activities, sleigh rides, caroling Frontier Christmas December 9 at For t Sisseton Historic State Park in Lake City Guests of the park are invited to celebrate the season in classic frontier fashion with Christmas crafts, homemade bread, hands-on activities, sleigh rides, caroling, and many other holiday traditions. 605 . 4 4 8 .5 474 —gfs.sd.gov/events

DAVE MARTINSON BIG BAND PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER SUITE Decem-

ber 17 at the Historic Homestake Opera House in Lead Enjoy the holi-

day classic, the “Nutcracker Suite,” with a jazz flare! Dave Martinson and his Big Band group perform the entire collection of music, as arranged by Duke Ellington, in this timeless tradition. 605 .584 . 2067 —aftontickets.com

EVENT TIMES AND DETAILS MAY CHANGE.

Visit omahamagazine.com for complete listings. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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NOT FUNNY // COLUMN BY OTIS TWELVE // PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL SITZMANN

IT'S UNANIMOUS

S

o, I was watching football—the kind where they use their feet “football”—the other day and I suddenly had some deep thoughts.

Please forgive me.

It was a Manchester United game, and though they were losing to Brighton— as in:

“Ever since I was a young boy I've played the silver ball From Soho down to Brighton I must have played 'em all…”

Can’t get those lyrics out of my head— sorry. Anyway, I thought that it was wonderful that the city of Manchester was “United” and I found myself wishing my country could be “united” too.

Then I remembered that there were two Premier League teams in Manchester – Manchester City and Manchester United. I also discovered that Man-United fans hate Man-City fans. Last summer, in fact, there was a big brawl in a London tube station after the teams met in the Cup final.

Insults were hurled, eyes were blackened, souvenir jerseys were ripped, arrests were made by the Bobbies and, in a nod to modern reality, a viral video was produced.

It turns out that Manchester City’s number one fan is Elton John and Orlando Bloom wears the Man-United Red & White. I don’t think those two celebrity fans have ever come to blows, but if they ever do face off, I’ll bet on Legolas finishing off the Rocket Man even though Elton did do a great version of “Pinball Wizard” as in: “Even on my favorite table He can beat my best His disciples lead him in And he just does the rest…”

Again, forgive me… I am really sorry, the lines are just stuck in my head and they pop out without warning, or copyright consideration. Okay…okay… back to today’s topic. So, it turns out Manchester isn’t very “united” at all, and maybe, just maybe, it’s okay that my “United” States of America isn’t really “united” either. And, just to be clear, an Elvish bow will always beat a short guy in Liberace hand-me-downs.

Like Manchester football clubs, the “United” States also has lots of celebrity fans, many of whom hope to appear

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

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2023

at various halftimes lip synching their songs. Though it should be noted that attendance at our football games — where players don’t use their feet to move the ball all that much—and all other sporting events is way higher than the number of citizens who go to city council meetings, congressional hearings, ten-thousand-dollar-a-plate fund raisers, or voting booths.

We “United” States-ians disagree about almost everything, even food, which is something we, as a species, never used to disagree about. Back when our semi-furry ancestors were hunting and gathering, if we could eat it, we did.

If it was edible, we all agreed it was food. Not any more, now some folks are carnivores. Some are omnivores.

There are vegetarians, vegans, and a tiny minority even like okra. That’s why America is number one in big all-you-can-eat buffets—something you will never find in Manchester.

We are divided by our opinions and beliefs about politics, music, religion, the use of first-person narrators in fiction, and women with bangs. The width and depth of our disagreements and quarrels is enough to make you give up on any hope at all that America can survive.

But then, out of nowhere… a ray of hope… One day earlier this year, America turned on its 287 million television sets and there it was…

Something we could all agree on…

And the lyrics that tried to burrow into our brains… threatening to replace the timeless rock opera lyrics I love like an invasive species of garden snail…

“It’s a little pill with a big story to tell Yada yada yada…

At each day’s start As time went on it was easy to see May cause a life-threatening infection…”

And now, after nearly a year of almost constant, mind-numbing repetition, it’s unanimous. 100% of us absolutely hate this jingle. I even posit that Elton John and Orlando Bloom would agree if they spent even one day with me watching American cable TV. We all speak with one voice. Stop!

Finally, we truly are the completely “United” States of A.

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