OMAHA’S SISTER CITY IN JAPAN // MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS // JOEL SARTORE’S PHOTO ARK // NEBRASKA PASSPORT 10TH ANNIVERSARY
OMAHA MAGAZINE'S
M AY 2019 U.S.
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TAB L E of CON T E N T S THE USUAL SUSPECTS 004 From the Editor
Tyler Lemke In Memoriam
006 Between the Lines 008 Calendar of Events 036 History
The Early Days of Nebraska Tourism
046 Adventure
From Shizuoka with Love: Omaha’s Sister City in Japan
089 Obviously Omaha
Local Mountain Bike Trails
113 Explore! 117 Instagram 118 Not Funny
A Streetcar Named Destiny
A R T S + C U LT U R E 018 Theater
Nebraska Shakespeare
022 Music
Evandale
026 Poetry
a.j.k. o’ donnell
030 Art
Betni Kalk
094
F E AT U R E S
034 040 // 2 //
TEN YEARS OF THE NEBRASKA PASSPORT PROGRAM Exploring the Hidden Corners of Nebraska
JOEL SARTORE’S PHOTO ARK
Adventures with National Geographic 2018 Explorer of the Year
MAY 2019
GIVING 066 The Cattlemen’s Ball Save a Life and Hang Out with Cowboys
069 Giving Calendar PE O P L E 054 Gen O
Motocross: Haley LeClair
056 Sports
Gang Unit Detective Tony Espejo
062 Profile
U.S. Border Agent Terry Kirkpatrick
THE 2018 GRE AT PL AINS J OUR N A LIS M AWA RDS
MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 60PLUS IN OMAHA
OMAHA’S SISTER CITY IN JAPAN // MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS // JOEL SARTORE’S PHOTO ARK // NEBRASKA PASSPORT 10TH ANNIVERSARY
074 Feature
The Lucky Coin: A Memento from the Vietnam War
DISCOVER VIDEOS AND ONLINE EXTRAS
for select content in this issue.
078 Health
World Travels: Staying a Step Ahead of Cancer
082 Nostalgia
Roger Bratt on U.S. Route 6
OMAHA MAGAZINE'S
086 Active Living
Step Into Running with Bea Sides
M AY 2019 U.S.
DINING 090 Profile
Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn
094 Review
Hot Pot at China Garden
098 Feature
Nebraska Sommeliers
102 Dining Guide
$4.95
A B O U T T HE COV E R Tragedy struck in the middle of production on this issue of Omaha Magazine. We lost a beloved friend and colleague with the death of Chief Operations Officer Tyler Lemke. This May edition was originally developed as our second annual travel and adventure issue. With Tyler being an avid motorcyclist and lover of adventure, the current cover honors his memory: a lone motorcyclist rides along a foggy Nebraska road toward the unknown that awaits us all. Photo by Bill Sitzmann. A tribute to Lemke can be found on page 4. The issue’s adventure theme carries across pages 33-88.
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FROM THE EDITOR // LETTER BY DOUG MEIGS, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
For expanded content, scan this QR code with your smart device.
TYLER LEMKE IN MEMORIAM
OMAHA MAGAZINE’S CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER LONG BEFORE BECOMING Omaha Magazine’s vice president of operations and chief operations officer, Tyler Lemke started working at Our
City magazine in 1989 with brother/publisher Todd Lemke while still in college at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Papillion High School graduate (Class of ’85) also worked for a time at Vitality Magazine. He wore the most hats of anyone employed at Omaha Magazine—ad salesperson, deliveryman, accountant, graphic designer, art director…even janitor. Most recently, his primary duties involved: advertiser billing/ accounting, overseeing the Best of Omaha contest, and managing all company information and technology needs. He was a doting father of three daughters and avid motorcyclist. Born Nov. 2, 1966, he died at age 52 on March 23, 2019. He is survived by two daughters, Sarah Eve Lemke and Danielle Rose Lemke; his mother Gwenivere D. Lemke; brothers RL Scott Lemke (and wife Amy), Todd Raymond Lemke (and wife Sandy), and Bradley Stephen Lemke; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by infant daughter Vivian Leigh Lemke and father Raymond L. Lemke.
Memories from Colleagues
T
yler, my talented and loyal brother, had been at the magazine for over 25 years (holding jobs like sales, design, accounting, IT, and more) Tyler was the original creator of HER Magazine and Bride & Groom Magazine. He was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who put others first. He believed in the individual and freely gave everyone his time and expertise. His absence is a great loss at work and an irreplaceable loss for our family. —Todd Lemke (publisher)
T
yler was extremely funny and loved to poke fun at himself. He had a great sense of humor and could have me laughing so hard, I had tears. He loved to try new things that were organic and natural. I remember all his different smoothies over the years, and how he loved to talk about using coconut oil; him sneaking around eating chocolate from anyone that had some sitting out; and talking to me about his online dating funnies (and how funny women could be, and not be). Tyler was so very methodical—about anything from fixing your computer, to folding banners to go inside Best of Omaha envelopes, to explaining/showing each step through any particular process. He was so very smart and analytical. He had a funny voicemail that he is rarely in the office, but he was actually almost always here. I will miss him terribly. —Sandy Matson (assistant to the publisher)
A
fter nearly 17 years working together, I have a ton of stories about Tyler. Tyler was one person I sought counsel from—for everything. From personal life to health, computing, or buying a car, he was informed and always did his due diligence. I took it for granted that he would always be there because he was. He made me laugh, question many of my preconceived ideas, and introduced me to the “Illuminati” ;). I never once saw him be cruel, mean, or disrespectful to anyone. He asked me every single day if I was OK, "Do you need anything?” and I’m pretty sure he did that to everyone. I wish I would have asked him the same more often. I traveled a bit with Sarah on shoots and we would talk about her dad from time to time. I would tell her, “ I love your dad,” not realizing I really meant it. Tyler became a brother of mine and I’ll miss him dearly. RIP Tyler, we love you, buddy. —Bill Sitzmann (associate publisher)
I
never had a dull moment with Tyler. I loved his quirky humor and sage-like wisdom when it came to all things tech. Every time I heard him coming to the art room door, I knew I’d be laughing and we’d be trying to outdo each other’s dry jokes. He knew how to make us laugh during the most intense weeks of magazine upload. A handful of times, when he would ask “can I help you,” we would randomly joke about wanting Raising Cane’s, and he’d go out secretly bringing meals back to the art room. Anytime I ever needed computer equipment or art materials, he always went out of his way to make sure I got it—even if that meant coming in on the weekend to get things up and running. In the two and a half years I worked with him, he was there almost every day, and I knew I could count on him if I needed help with anything. There was even a time he raced back after 5 p.m. on a Friday upload day to recover a file I accidentally deleted. Tyler definitely felt like an uncle to me. I will deeply miss his kung fu in the hallways, scaring him at the front door, and racing him to the last donut. —Derek Joy (senior designer) Visit omahamagazine.com for more staff memories. MAY
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2019
MAY 2019 VOLUME 37 // ISSUE 2
EDITORIAL Executive Editor
DOUG MEIGS
Managing Editor
DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Senior Editor
TARA SPENCER
GIVE MOM SOMETHING
BEAUTIFUL
Editorial Interns
PUMULO KASAJI · KATE SMITH Contributing Writers
LEO ADAM BIGA · CHRIS BOWLING · ANTHONY FLOTT ROBERT FRAASS · JULIUS FREDRICK · LISA LUKECART NIZ PROSKOCIL · SEAN ROBINSON · CARRIELLE SEDERSTEN TIM TRUDELL · OTIS TWELVE · JAMES VNUK · JESSICA WADE ANNE WALSH · JOSEFINA LOZA WELLS · SARAH WENGERT · JUSTINE YOUNG
RegencyCourtOmaha.com
CREATIVE Creative Director
MATT WIECZOREK Senior Graphic Designer
DEREK JOY
Graphic Designer II
MADY BESCH
Contributing Photographers
KEITH BINDER · COLIN CONCES · SCOTT DRICKEY WILLIAM HESS · MIKE MCCOLGAN · SARAH LEMKE Contributing Videographers
CHRISTOPHER MARSHALL · JEREMY WADE RODMAN JOE PANKOWSKI
SALES Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing
GIL COHEN
Senior Branding Specialist
MARY HIATT
Senior Sales Executive & 60PLUS in Omaha Contributing Editor
GWEN LEMKE
Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor
SANDY MATSON
Senior Sales Coordinator
ALICIA HOLLINS
Branding Specialists
DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN Digital Sales Manager
JILLIAN DUNN Sales Assistant
SOPHIA GALARDI
OPERATIONS Operations Officer & Local Stubs Ticketing Representative Distribution Manager
Whether it is day or night, inside or out, Joslyn has so much to offer.
Accounting Associate
FREE GENERAL ADMISSION
MIKE BREWER KENDRA HILL
EXECUTIVE Executive Publisher
TODD LEMKE Vice President
GREG BRUNS Associate Publisher
BILL SITZMANN For Advertising & Subscription Information:
402.884.2000
Omaha Magazine Vol 37 Issue 2, publishes monthly except February, April, August, November, 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
(paid ticketed admission for some exhibitions)
THURSDAYS: Open ‘til 8 pm! ART WORKS: A Place for Curiosity Interactive space for all ages!
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2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | www.joslyn.org MAY 2019
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Between A LOOK AT FOUR OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS JULIUS FREDRICK —Contributing Writer When not obsessively curating Spotify playlists or wiping away a single cathartic tear from the corner of his eye at the end of a good read, Julius Fredrick can often be found at the zoo giving unsolicited tours to his friends and family. He enjoys food cut into triangles (pizza, quesadillas, finger sandwiches, etc.), and poorly delivering the misheard lyrics of his favorite artists (David Bowie and Kendrick Lamar). With degrees in English, anthropology, and psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Fredrick is inspired by the mysteries of the human condition and seeks to better understand both himself and the people around him, however clumsy the pursuit may seem.
KATE SMITH—Editorial Intern Kate Smith is an aspiring lifelong learner. Currently studying journalism, political science, and French at Creighton University, she has always had a strong connection with words. The self-proclaimed bookworm takes any opportunity she can to read or write. Smith hopes to pursue a career in news reporting and conduct research. Omaha is her home—with the restaurants, art galleries, and outdoor spaces she loves so much—but she also loves to travel. In 2018, Smith finally saw the ocean for the first time and she was swept off her feet. When she’s not studying, exploring, or traveling, Smith spends her free time challenging her mom to games of Scrabble, spending time with family, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, taking care of her plants, and playing volleyball with friends.
SARAH LEMKE—Contributing Photographer Sarah is a junior at the University of Nebraska-Omaha studying journalism and anthropology with an emphasis in creative media. Lemke began working as assistant to photographer Bill Sitzmann in 2012, and she has contributed photography to Omaha Magazine since 2013. Lemke also operates her own photography business; she previously worked as the photo editor for Fat Brain Toys and photographer for radio station KZUM in Lincoln. On top of being a federally licensed drone pilot, she is an avid motorcycle rider (a trait inherited from both of her parents), a dog fanatic, and a music enthusiast. You can often find her bowling terribly at West Lanes mid-week with her friends and winning first place in Mario Kart.
TIM TRUDELL—Contributing Writer Tim Trudell remembers hammering out his version of a neighborhood newspaper on an old typewriter his parents gave him as a childhood gift. After actually entering the journalism profession, he wrote stories ranging from national news to local sports. He has worked in community news in Papillion, Ralston, and Gretna. He is now a full-time freelance writer and online content creator (working primarily with magazines and newspapers). Trudell is the co-creator, photographer, editor, and writer for the travel blog The Walking Tourists (thewalkingtourists.com). He and his wife, Lisa, are co-authors of 100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die and the upcoming Unique Eats and Eateries of Omaha. Trudell is about to start working on a new book, 100 Things to Do in Nebraska Before You Die.
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MAY 2019
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DINOSAUR UPROAR
Through May 12 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Th is exhibit will feature 20 life-sized dinosaur installations positioned throughout the garden. Massive creations by Guy Darrough will appear right at home nestled among jungle-like landscapes and plant fossils. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children 6-12, free for children under 6 and garden members. 402-346-4002. —lauritzengardens.org
of
EVENTS
» Exhibitions « THE ART OF GROWING
Opening May 3 at Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Gallery, 3201 Farnam St. Come see the work of Susan Puelz, Shelly Bartek, Kristin Pluhacek, Rein Vanderhill, Carol Thompson, Stephen Dinsmore, Susan Tinker, and Jan Christensen as they explore the art of growing. Admission: free. 402-884-0911. —aobfineart.com
IKEBANA EXHIBITION
May 3-5 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Th is exhibition features arrangements from both classical and contemporary schools of Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children 6 to 12, free for garden members and children under 6. 402-346-4002. —lauritzengardens.org
THE BLACK INTERIOR
Through May 4 at the Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St. Th rough the use of colorful marked papers, graphites, and painting, Glyneisha Johnson explores the notion of collage as a metaphor to describe black culture through domestic interior spaces and public black spaces related to home. Admission: free. 402-933-3161. —u-ca.org
UNO BFA & BASA THESIS AND SENIOR SHOWS
HUMAN CONDITION
Through May 4 at Kaneko, 1111 Jones St. An immersion in the human condition provides audiences with a range of creative encounters that explore the physical and psychological experiences that we all face as human beings. Captivating sculptures, dance performances, and lectures encourage visitors to immerse themselves in how we define what it means to be human. Admission: free. 402-341-3800. —thekaneko.org
GARTH WILLIAMS: ILLUSTRATOR OF THE CENTURY
Opening May 4 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Williams was the illustrator of dozens of children’s classics, including E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series, and many Golden Books. Admission: free. 402-342-3300. —joslyn.org
30 AMERICANS
Through May 5 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Over 60 works by contemporary African-American artists focus on important issues of racial, gender, and sexual identity; ongoing narratives of racial inequality in the United States; poverty; racial stereotyping; and the power of protest. Admission: $10 adults, $5 college students, free for members and ages 17 or younger. 402-342-3300. —joslyn.org
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MAY 2019
NEBRASKA ARTIST BIENNIAL
Through May 4 at UNO Criss Library and Weber Art Gallery, 6001 Dodge St. Thesis students in the art program and BASA graduating seniors from the University of Nebraska-Omaha showcase their work. Admission: free. 402-554-3206. —unomaha.edu
Opening May 16 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. The 2019 Nebraska Artist Biennial is a juried exhibition featuring 50+ works from the best artists across Nebraska. Admission: free. 402-305-1510. —gallery1516.org
May
19
STRAIGHT OUT OF OMAHA
Opening May 19 at Douglas County Historical Society, 5730 N. 30th St. In a snapshot of local history and success, this exhibit will explore the inventions, celebrities, businesses, and noteworthy achievements that have grown from Douglas County. 2 p.m. Admission: free, donations accepted. 402-455-9990. —douglascohistory.org
ENCHANTED KINGDOM
Opening May 25 at the Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Get ready for a magical adventure into the Enchanted Kingdom, an exhibit fi lled with diverse creatures and characters. Explore the Market Place and pretend to be a blacksmith, a tailor, or a farmer. Admission: $13 adults and children, $12 seniors, free for children under 2 and members. 402-342-6164. —ocm.org
FACE-TO-FACE WITH BLACK HISTORY
Through May 31 at Great Plains Black History Museum, 2505 N. 24th. St. In 2018, the Black Votes Matter organization took a group of high school students on a Civil Rights tour, putting them face-to-face with black history. Th is exhibit showcases their journey. Admission: free. 402-932-7077. —gpblackhistorymuseum.org
DEPTH & ACCUMULATION
Through June 2 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. Two painters, Carolyn Albrecht and Jennifer Radil, sift through the ebb and flow nature of their medium, the self, the stories they create, and the balance of depth and frivolity. Admission: free. 402-595-2122. —artscouncil.nebraska.gov
STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE IN CONCERT
VIETNAM GHOSTS
May 9-25 at the Apollon, 1801 Vinton St. It’s 1969 and the U.S. is embroiled in the Vietnam War. Private George Andrews has been killed in action, but before his spirit can move on, he has some unfinished business that needs to be completed. Times vary. Tickets: $30+. 402-884-0135. —apollonomaha.com
May 3-4 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The Star Wars saga begins in Omaha with the groundbreaking blockbuster screened with John Williams’ Academy Award-winning score performed in its entirety. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $19-$89. 402-345-0202. —ticketomaha.com
ALISON O’DANIEL’S HEAVY AIR AND LUI SHTINI’S TEMPOS
May
11
Through June 15 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. O’Daniel creates cinema, performances, sound-dampening textiles, sculptures, mobiles, and large-scale installations that intend to visualize what it means to not have complete access to sound. Shtini is presenting his first solo institutional exhibition in the United States. His painting technique engages his surfaces through layers of underpainting and brushstrokes while his drawings extend how one might look at charcoal and graphite. Admission: free. 402-341-7130. —bemiscenter.org
ALEX GEMIGNANI
May 11 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Celebrated actor Alex Gemignani brings his talent to the intimate setting of the 1200 Club in the Holland Center. This actor, director, and composer (who you may know from his work in Carousel, Chicago, Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd, or Hamilton) brings the glitz of Broadway to Omaha. 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $40 advanced, $45 day of show. 402-345-0202. —ticketomaha.com
AMERICAN DEMOCRACY: A GREAT LEAP OF FAITH
Through June 23 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Inspired by a permanent exhibit at the National Museum of American History, this exhibit explores America’s “of, by, and for the people” government. It features multimedia experiences, immersive design, and artifacts from the Smithsonian and state historical organizations. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors, $7 children 3-12, free for children 2 years and under and members. 402-444-5071. —durhammuseum.org
THE WIZARD OF OZ
May 4 at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. In a world premiere production, American Midwest Ballet takes us dancing down the Yellow Brick Road in this imaginative full-length ballet. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $27-$67. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
» Stage Performances « DRAGONS LOVE TACOS
May 3-5 & 10-12 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. In this hilarious adaptation of Adam Rubin’s giggle-generating book, Boy and his faithful fido, Leroy, are swept up into the "Dos & Don’ts" of serving tasty treats to big beasts. Times vary. Tickets: $22.50. 402-345-4849. —rosetheater.org
MEN ON BOATS
May 3-26 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Led by an all-female cast, this is the “true-ish” story of 10 explorers charting the course of the Colorado River in 1869. Guided by a one-armed captain, the outlandish but loyal crew encounters various disasters, confl icts, and harrowing adventures along the way. Times vary. Tickets: $30. 402-345-0606. —omahaplayhouse.com
ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS
Through May 5 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. When out-of-work Francis becomes employed by two men, he goes to great lengths to serve both employers without them finding out about each other. But soon, cases of mistaken identity and the introduction of several unusual characters begin to thwart his plan. Times vary. Tickets: $36. 402-345-0606. —omahaplayhouse.com
IMOMSOHARD: MOM’S NIGHT OUT ROUND 2
May 12 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Moms, best friends, and funny ladies Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley are the creators of the web series, #IMOMSOHARD. 8 p.m. Tickets: $49.25$199.25. 402-345-0202. —ticketomaha.com MAY 2019
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR
OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR
THE WOODSMAN
A CHIC SPACE FOR CREATIVE EVENTS... Full-service Venue • Event Concierge Team Weddings • Special Events
May 16-June 16 at Bluebarn Theatre, 1106 10th St. A re-imagined tale of the origin of L. Frank Baum’s The Tin Woodman of Oz, The Woodsman gives the darkly beautiful, haunting, and heartbreaking story a new life through music, storytelling, and puppetry. Thursday-Saturdays 7:30 p.m., Sundays 6 p.m. or 2 p.m. Tickets: $35 general admission, $30 senior. 402-345-1576. —bluebarn.org
SAMUEL J. COMROE
May 16 at FunnyBone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St. A Los Angeles native and winner of Rickey Gervais’ comedy competition, “Just Sayin,’” Comroe’s comedy is made up of the trials and tribulations of living with Tourettes syndrome after being diagnosed at age 6. Tickets: $20-$30. 7:30 p.m. 402-493-8036. —omaha.funnybone.com
DEREK HOUGH
May 21 at the Orpheum Theatre, 409 S. 16th St. Fans will journey through a true fusion of dance and music as Derek Hough explores styles ranging from ballroom and tap to salsa and hip-hop and everything in between. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49.50+. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
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OMAHA IMPROV FEST 2019
May 23-26 at multiple locations. This seventh annual event will host over 70 shows with teams and performers from all over the U.S for four nights of improv fun, including Katie O’Brien and her group the Katydids, who produce the hit sitcom Teachers, and Bob Wiltfong from The Daily Show. Times vary. Tickets: $5-$20 per show. 402-720-7670. —omahaimprovfest.com
MARILYN MAYE
May 24 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Highly praised actress and singer Marilyn Maye brings her talent to the intimate setting of the 1200 Club in the Holland Center. Th is Grammy-nominated recording artist, actress, director, arranger, and educator brings her art of song and performance to Omaha. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $30. 402-345-0202. —ticketomaha.com
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MAY 2019
LOVE & LAUGHTER COMEDY SHOW
May 26 at Jesse’s Place, 2311 N. 24th St. Laugh with Vanessa Fraction of Def Comedy Jam and Tony Woods of BET’s ComicView at their upcoming show. Live music from Enjoli & Timeless, an R&B band from right here in Omaha. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $30 day of show, $45 VIP. 402-819-7773. —@jessesplace on Facebook
RAY BONNEVILLE
DIRTY HEADS
May 8 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. Dirty Heads writes songs with no expectations or plans; the boundless environment fosters their inspiration, and their music thrives on freedom. Without boundaries or blueprints, their music comes to life. 8 p.m. Tickets: $29.75. 402-346-9802. —sokolauditorium.com
May 5 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Acclaimed musician, Ray Bonneville, strips his bluesy Americana down to its essentials and steeps it in a humid Southern vibe. Bonneville’s deep voice works in rhythm with rich guitar and harmonica to create compelling poetry of hard living and deep feeling. 5 p.m. Tickets: $17 advanced, $20 day of show. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
MISS SAIGON
HAIRBALL
May 28-June 2 at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Experience the acclaimed new production of this legendary musical. Th is is the epic story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim who meets an American G.I. and changes her life forever. Times vary. Tickets: $35-95. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
May
10
May 10 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. With a fiery pyro show, smoke machines, costumes, big hair, and an ever-evolving playlist of hit songs, Hairball puts on a rock concert like nothing ever seen before. The musicians bring some of music’s most iconic bands to life, from Guns N’ Roses to Poison. 8-11 p.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $35 day of show. 402-934-9966. —ralstonarena.com
THORNETTA DAVIS
JACK & JACK
May 5 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. Jack Gilinsky and Jack Johnson bring their Los Angeles-based fame back to their hometown of Omaha. The pop duo are not only gold-selling but also lifelong friends. Their music infuses tropical grooves, electronic expanse, and hip-hop attitude to bring bright and bold bangers. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $28 day of show. 402-346-9802. —sokolauditorium.com
May 10 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Experience the soulful sounds of “Detroit’s Queen of the Blues,” backed by her band of Detroit musicians. Thornetta Davis uses her strong voice to tell stories through song with incredible delivery. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40. 402-345-0202. —ticketomaha.com
P!NK: “BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA WORLD TOUR”
May 7 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. International pop icon Pink is bringing her world tour to Omaha in the spring. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $47.50+. 402-341-1500. —chihealthcenteromaha.com
TCHAIKOVSKY’S 5TH SYMPHONY
RAGTIME
May 31-June 30 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Set in the melting pot of New York City at the turn of the century, the lives of a wealthy white couple, a determined Jewish immigrant, and an African-American ragtime musician intertwine, creating a rich tapestry of American life. Times vary. Tickets: $42. 402-345-0606. —omahaplayhouse.com
May
10-11
May 10-11 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Th is symphony combines moments of beauty and serenity with passages of epic struggle—ending triumphantly in a blaze of brass and percussion. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $19-$72. 402-345-0202. —ticketomaha.com
JULIA JACKLIN
MY FAIR LADY
May 10 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. The Australian singer-songwriter’s new album, Crushing, embodies every possible meaning of its title word from sheer intensity of feeling to smothering closeness. The album reveals how our physical experience of the world shapes and distorts our inner lives. 8 p.m. Tickets: $13 advanced, $15 day of show. 402-884-5707. —reverblounge.com
May 31 & June 1-9 at Chanticleer Community Theater, 830 Franklin Ave. Known as “the perfect musical," My Fair Lady is based on the play Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. Classic characters Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins illuminate this story of a poor flower girl’s rise to royalty. Times vary. Tickets: $80 adults, $64 seniors, $40 students. 712-323-9955. —chanticleertheater.com
» Concerts « THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH
May 1 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. When The Bird Sees The Solid Ground is a five-part series with each song as a new, original studio recording with an accompanying video. Shows will take place worldwide. 9 p.m. Tickets: $30. 402-884-5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
KNOCKED LOOSE
May 7 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Th is American hardcore punk band from Kentucky incorporates slow-tempo breakdowns into their metal music. 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $18 advanced, $20 day of show. 402-884-5353. —waitingroomlounge.com MAY 2019
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OMAHA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || CALENDAR CALENDAR OMAHA
RIVER RIOT 2019
May 10 at Westfair Fairgrounds and Amphitheater, 22984 U.S. Highway 6. Th is year’s show will feature Halestorm, In Th is Moment, I Prevail, Sevendust, Th rough Fire, Palaye Royale, Beasto Blanco, and The Impulsive. 1 p.m. Tickets: $25. 712-322-3400. —westfairevents.com
HATEBREED: 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
May 14 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. The American metalcore band celebrates their 25th year by performing with special guests Obituary, MADBALL, Prong, and Skeletal Remains. 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $25. 402-346-9802. —sokolauditorium.com
THE PRINCE EXPERIENCE
May 11 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. A tribute to Prince, the performance includes all of Prince’s most famous hits including songs from the Purple Rain era. 9 p.m. Tickets: $20 advanced, $25 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
May
15
THE TEMPTATIONS & THE FOUR TOPS
May 15 at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Two Motown Legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame groups entertain with an evening of their hit songs that defined a generation. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $49.50-$70. 402-345-0606. —ticketomaha.com
LUKE COMBS: “BEER NEVER BROKE MY HEART TOUR”
CAMP COPE
May 22 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Shortly after the release of their acclaimed self-titled debut album, Camp Cope launched the “It Takes One” campaign against sexual and physical assault at shows. 7 p.m. Tickets: $12 advanced, $15 day of show. 402-345-7569. —slowdown.com
LOESSFEST 2019
May 22-25 at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, 4200 Ave. LoessFest is a weekend extravaganza featuring musical performances, family attractions, food vendors, and open-air movie screenings. The details for 2019 were not confirmed when this issue of Omaha Magazine went to press. Visit event website for more information. —loessfest.com
CURSIVE
May 11 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. This breakthrough country music artist will perform his platinum-certified debut album, This One's For You, in his first ever headline arena tour. 7 p.m. Tickets: $25+. 402-341-1500. —chihealthcenteromaha.com
May 25 at Winchester Bar & Grill, 7002 Q St. This is the last date of Cursive’s May U.S. tour, featuring mewithoutYou and The Appleseed Cast. 7 p.m. Tickets: $20. 402-331-9933. —winchesteromaha.com
KILL VARGAS
PARACHUTE
May 15 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The platinum-selling band is on the brink of a momentous year with the release of their first new music in three years. Their tour will travel through 35+ cities. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20 advanced, $22 day of show. 402-884-5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
ELLE KING
May 13 at Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S. 13th St. Elle King brings her “Shake The Spirit Tour” to Omaha with Barns Courtney as the opener. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35. 402-346-9802. —sokolauditorium.com
LIZZ WRIGHT
May 16 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Acclaimed jazz vocalist Lizz Wright brings her smooth and vibrant alto sound to original works and well-known compositions. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15-$35. 402-345-0202. —omahaperformingarts.org
CHER: “HERE WE GO AGAIN TOUR”
May 14 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Multi-award winning singer, actress, and show-stopping performer is crossing the U.S. for the first time in five years! Following the recent global success and rave reviews for her role in Mamma Mia 2, Cher will be performing all of her hits along with new songs from the Dancing Queen album. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $37.95+. 402-341-1500. —chihealthcenteromaha.com
May 26 at Lookout Lounge, 320 S. 72nd St. Secrets, a band based out of San Diego, California, brings their post-hardcore sound to Omaha for their “Fragile Figures Anniversary Tour.” Awaken I Am, Your Last Chance, No Loss No Regrets, and From Th is Day Forward will also be performing. 7 p.m. Tickets: $13 advanced, $15 day of show. 402-391-2554. —lookoutomaha.com
THE MAINE
May 26 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The Arizona-based band fuses pop, alternative, and rock styles together to make their unique sound. With their newest independent release, Lovely Little Lonely, they push genre boundaries. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $28 day of show. 402-884-5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
May 26 at the Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Th is multi-platinum selling pop-rock quartet constantly raises the bar for quality music and explosive live shows. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 advanced, $28 day of show. 402-345-7569. —theslowdown.com
May 17 at Stir Cove, One Harrah's Blvd. Formed in 1967, Chicago is one of the longest-running and best-selling groups of all time with an impressive 47 albums that have earned gold and platinum certifications. 8 p.m. Tickets: $50-$78. 712-329-6000. —caesers.com/harrahs
LIL FLIP
May 17 at Forte Music Hall and Bar, 4727 S. 96th St. Lil Flip will be performing in support of his second album, U Gotta Feel Me. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $15 advanced, $30 day of show. 402-614-3382. —fortemusichall.com MAY 2019
SECRETS, AWAKEN I AM, YOUR LAST CHANCE, NO LOSS NO REGRETS & FROM THIS DAY FORWARD
MARIANAS TRENCH
CHICAGO
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May 25 at O’Leaver’s, 1322 S. Saddle Creek Rd. Th is power-pop group from Wichita is promoting their new album, Laugh It Off. Local bands Seymour and Garst will open. 8 p.m. 402-556-1238. —@oleavers on Facebook
RANDALL KING
May 31 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Humble beginnings, a cultivated work ethic, and the influences of classic country legends synchronized together in perfect harmony make up this singer-songwriter’s soulful music. 9 p.m. Tickets: $12 advanced, $15 day of show. 402-884-5353. —waitingroomlounge.com
OPENS MAY 25 A “true-ish” story of ten explorers charting the Colorado River in 1869.
May 3 – 26 On sale now!
A four-time Tony Award®-winning musical, with soaring ballads and a stunning score.
May 31 – June 30
On sale now!
St. Frances Cabrini The spiritual home of the Little Italy and Old Market neighborhoods since 1857.
6915 Cass St. | (402) 553-0800 OmahaPlayhouse.com
stcabriniomaha.org 10th and Williams Street MAY 2019
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OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR
» Family & More « FARMER’S MARKET
Gardening season is open in Omaha, and those desiring fresh produce will find plenty of options in the area, along with artisan cheeses, farm-raised meats, freshly baked breads, assorted treats, and craft items.
A LWA Y S L O C A L, A LWA Y S B E A U T I F U L.
Free with an Omaha Magazine Subscription. OmahaMagazine.com/Subscribe
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MAY 2019
• Council Bluff s (Bayliss Park) 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays starting May 2. • Old Market (11th and Jackson streets) 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays starting May 4. • Village Pointe (168th and Dodge streets) 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Saturdays starting May 4. • Aksarben Village (67th and Center streets) 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays starting May 5. • Papillion (84th and Lincoln streets) 5-8 p.m. Wednesdays starting May 29. • Night Market (Turner Park @ Midtown Crossing) 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Last Friday of the month starting May 31. • Florence Mill (9102 N. 30th St.) 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays starting June 2. • Rockbrook Village (110th and Center streets) 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays starting June 5. • Gifford Park (33rd and California streets) 5-8 p.m. Fridays starting June 7.
OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR
NAMASTE GOAT YOGA
SATURDAYS @ STINSON CONCERT SERIES
May 1 at Honey Creek Creamery, 25593 Old May 4, 11, 18 & 25 at Stinson Park, 2285 S. Lincoln Highway, Honey Creek, IA. Come get 67th St. Food, drinks, face painting, and balloon May your zen on and share your yoga practice with the artists will all be available during these live conbaby goats of Honey Creek Creamery. Bring a yoga certs, which feature talented bands from Omaha. mat and water to the location just 10 minutes from Th is event takes place each Saturday from May to Omaha. Photos are encouraged! Classes are offered August. The first concert of the season features Taxi Wednesdays and Fridays-Sundays during the month Driver, an Omaha band that provides an interactive of May. Times vary. Admission: $25. 402-690-9252. show with music from the ’50s until now. 7-10 p.m. —honeycreekcreamery.com Admission: free. 402-496-1616 —aksarbenvillage.com
4
THE RANCH TACO RIDE-RUN
May 2 at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Patch, 11001 S. 48th St., Papillion, NE. Come to the Bellevue Berry Farm for a bike ride and run with live music, food, and drink. Families are welcome and there is a play area for children. 5-10 p.m. Admission: free. 402-331-5500. —bellevueberryfarm.com
FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC SERIES
May 3 at Soaring Wings Vineyard & Brewing, 17111 S. 38th St., Spring field, NE. Enjoy live music on summer nights at a local winery and brewery, happening every Friday night through October. 6-9:30 p.m. Admission: $5. 402-253-2479. —soaringwingswine.com
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER’S WEEKEND
May 3-5 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Shareholders in the company created by Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffet, can learn about the year’s earning at this annual meeting. Events include the 7th annual “Invest in Yourself ” 5k, a shareholder shopping day, and more. Times vary. 402-341-1500. —chihealthcenteromaha.com
CINCO DE MAYO PARADE
May 4 along 24 St. from D to L streets. This dazzling parade—one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the Midwest—features floats, marching bands, and more. Other event festivities (including a carnival, fiesta, and boxing tournament) take place May 3-5, rain or shine. 10 a.m. Admission: free. —cincodemayoomaha.com
108th & Center rockbrookvillage.com
KENTUCKY DERBY 2019
May 4 at Horsemen’s Park, 6303 Q St. Join fellow horse race lovers on Derby Day at Horsemen’s Park to watch, wager, and win. Attendees can also enter to compete in the annual hat contest with $3,000 in prize money. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: free. 402-731-2900. —horsemenspark.com
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL OF NEBRASKA
May 4-5 & 11-12 at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S. 48th St. Step back in time to the days of knights in shining armor with full contact swordplay, equestrian jousting, six unique performance locations, 100+ costumed characters, and free make-and-take crafts. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: $13 adults, $8 children. 402-331-5500. —renfestnebraska.com
Why Helix is Better Most machines work front-to-back. Why Helix Is Better Why Helix Istradition Better The Helix turns on its side—
literally. With lateral side-to-side) Most machines work(or front-toMost machines front-tomovement, youwork use more muscles, back. The Helix turns tradition on which back. The Helix turns more tradition means you burn fat on than during its side— literally. With lateral its side— literally. With lateral the same a traditional workout—in ( or side-to-side) movement, you ( or side-to-side) movement, you amount of time. use more muscles, which means use more muscles, which means you burn more fat than during a you burn more fat than during THANK YOU a traditional workout– in the same traditional workout– in the same OMAHA! amount of time. amount of time.
YOGA ROCKS THE PARK
Starting May 5 at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St. Th is healing arts festival takes place on Sundays and combines yoga and live music as a way to heal your mind and body. Th is event occurs each Sunday through the end of June. Registration starts at 3:30 p.m., yoga starts at 4 p.m. Admission: free, donations accepted. 402-557-6006. —midtowncrossing.com
OMAHA FESTIVAL OF MUSIC
May 5 at St. Andrew’s Methodist Church, 15050 W. Maple Road. The Nebraska Brass Band, the Omaha United Methodist Mass Choir, and the Omaha Children's Choir celebrate music together at this event. 4-6 p.m. Admission: free, $10 VIP. 402-704-6322. —nebraskabrassband.com
Full Service
Ha i r, Na i l s a nd S ki n Call today to schedule your appointment
11025 Elm St. / 402.397.7383 / reveomaha.com
LEASHES AT LAURITZEN
May 6 & 13, June 3 & 10 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Bring your canine friends to explore the grounds and enjoy the outdoors. Heel for family photos, learn about local dog-related nonprofits, and enjoy treats and samples with your pup. 5-8 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 dogs, free for garden members. 402-346-4002. —lauritzengardens.org
MAGA ZINE YEAR
OF THE
Great Plains Journalism Award OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM/SUBSCRIBE MAY 2019
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OMAHA MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || CALENDAR CALENDAR OMAHA
SIP NEBRASKA WINE, CRAFT BEER & SPIRITS FESTIVAL
May 10-11 at Mahoney State Park, 28500 W. Park Highway. Celebrate spring and wine at the 6th annual wine event highlighting vintages from Nebraska wineries and craft breweries. Live music, unlimited wine, hard cider, craft beer, food, art, and more will be available. Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 1-10 p.m. Admission: $25+. 402-882-2448. —blurparties.com
CHILDREN’S BUSINESS FAIR
May 11 at Kaneko, 1111 Jones St. Children will develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers and receive awards at this one-day marketplace. 10:30 a.m. Tickets: $20 fee per business, free entry for customers. 402-341-3800. —childrensbusinessfair.org
OMAHA BREW TOUR
May 18 at Infusion’s Southwest Tap Room & ProMay 17-18 at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, 12102 S. duction Brewery, 6271 S. 118th St. Come enjoy the 180th St. This two-day wine festival includes a soumakings of eight food trucks alongside games, beer, venir glass, tastings of 150 wines from 20 Nebraska and root beer floats at the 3rd Annual Food Truck May wineries, a wine tote, admission to education Extravaganza. Th is event is great for family fun sessions, live music, artisan food vendors, and and dog-friendly. Noon-7 p.m. Admission: free. yard games. Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 1-10 p.m. —@infusionbrewingcompany on Facebook Tickets: $45-$55. 402-310-7264. —toastwinefest.com
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MARCH FOR MONARCHS
May 18 at Wildlife Safari Park, 16406 N. 292 St., Ashland, NE. Flutter over to the Wildlife Safari Park for a family fun walk where attendees undergo a migration around the park trails and learn about the monarch’s journey. Guests are encouraged to wear butterfly costumes. 8-11 a.m. Tickets: $25 for non-members, $20 for Wildlife Safari Park and Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium members, $35 day of event. 402-738-2092. —wildlifesafaripark.com
May 11 at Farnam House Brewing Company, 3588 Farnam St. Tour some of Omaha’s craft beer breweries and bars by bicycle with Nebraska Beer Ride. The event will begin and end at Farnam House Brewing Company with prize drawings at the end of the event. Participants will receive a ticket for a beer at each stop. The event is scheduled rain or shine and riders are expected to bring a helmet, a bike lock, and bike lights. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tickets: $33, $38 day-of-event. —@nebraskabeerride on Facebook
LAND STEWARDSHIP: VOLUNTEER WORK DAY
FLORENCE DAYS
May 18 at the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, 28210 W. Park Highway. Visitors can watch helicopters fly away and land right in front of them. Inside the museum, workshops and family-friendly activities await visitors. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission: $12 adults, $6 children. 402-944-3100. —sacmuseum.org
May 11-12 in downtown Florence, 30th St. between State St. and I-680 Historic Florence retains its own small-town feeling with this annual event. Get in the spirit with the Florence Days Parade on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. from Miller Park to McKinley St. Other activities include art displays, a melodrama, talks about the historic Florence Mill, and more. 10 a.m. Admission: free. —historicflorence.org
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH
May 12 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Make your plans now to visit the gardens for a wonderful brunch among the flowers. Reservations are required. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission: $30 adults, $13 children 6-12, $8 children 3-5, free for children under 2. 402-346-4002. —lauritzengardens.org
CELEBRATE CB
May 14-18 in Council Bluffs, various locations. Hop across the river to celebrate Council Bluff s. Their community pride week begins with the Clean Sweep in Bayliss Park, followed by a special Farmers Market on May 16 and a Spring Cookout on May 17. The week ends with the Celebrate CB Parade and the Children’s Activity Faire on May 18. The 5th annual Selfie Contest will begin May 6 and run through the end of the event. Times vary. Admission: free. 712-396-2494. —celebratecb.com
AKOBEN ART & SOCIAL JUSTICE
May 16 at Great Plains Black History Museum, 2221 N. 24th St. This community workshop focuses on anti-oppression art and responsibility by sharing absent narratives and building awareness through cultural art. 5:30-7 p.m. Admission: free. 402-932-7077. —gpblackhistorymuseum.org
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MAY 2019
FOOD TRUCK EXTRAVAGANZA
TOAST NEBRASKA WINE FESTIVAL
May 18 at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Volunteer with the Land Stewardship crew on selected Saturday mornings. Lunch is provided and anyone is welcome to join. Bring the family and get some hard work done. 8:30-11:30 a.m. 402-731-3140. —fontenelleforest.org
HELICOPTER DAY
ELKHORN ANTIQUE FLEA MARKET
May 19 at Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St. Th is Elkhorn event, held four times a year, hosts over 500 vendors, each with their own unique treasures. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Rain or shine. Admission: $5. 414-525-0820. —nlpromotionsllc.com
ROCK THE YARD 2019
May 19 at School of Rock, 13270 Millard Ave. Th is yearly music jam helps raise funds for the students’ summer trip. Noon-6 p.m. Admission: $5 adults, free for children 18 and under. 402-691-8875. —schoolofrock.com
2019 BIG TEN BASEBALL TOURNAMENT
May 22 to May 26 at TD Ameritrade Park, 1200 Mike Fahey St. Take your family and friends out to the ballgame for a weekend of baseball at the Big Ten 2019 tournament. Times vary. Tickets: Youth $7 single day, $30 all-session; Reserved $12.50 single day, $55 all-session; Club $15 single day, $60 all-session. 402-546-1800. —tdameritradeparkomaha.com
OMAHA MAGAZINE | CALENDAR
SALUTE TO SUMMER FESTIVAL
May 23-26 in downtown La Vista. Old-fashioned fun will be available at this annual event, which takes place on Memorial Day weekend. There will be a carnival in Central Park, a parade down Park View Blvd., and more. Times vary. Admission: free. 402-331-4343. —cityoflavista.org
Four Old Market
FIRST ANNUAL COUNCIL BLUFFS TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION
May 24-26 at Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way. This three-day convention will feature artists from reality competition series Ink Master. 2 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $20 per day, $40 three-day pass, children under 12 are free. 215-423-4780. —villainarts.com
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING
May 28-30 at Mike & Josie Harper Center, 602 N. 20th St. This conference serves as a forum for outstanding cross-disciplinary research in human trafficking, with the long-term goal of a professional association dedicated to the study of human trafficking. Featuring keynote speaker Fabrizio Sarrica. 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tickets: $100-$150. 402-280-3850. —creighton.edu
Unique holiday décor, ornaments, collectibles and gifts for every season.
Chocolates and fudge made in our own kitchen, plus many other sweet temptations.
oTannenbaum.com • 402-345-9627
OldMarketCandy.com • 402-344-8846
Travel essentials plus downtown’s largest selection of souvenirs and Nebraska-made gifts.
Authentic Italian desserts, coffee, and FlavorBurst TM soft serve ice cream.
OldMarketSundries.com • 402-345-7646
DolciOldMarket.com • 402-345-8198
OMAHA SPORTS COMMISSION AWARDS
May 30 at Holland Center for Performing Arts, 1200 Douglas St. Join the Omaha Sports Commission and the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame for their inaugural award ceremony as they recognize local sports stars. 6-10 p.m. Tickets: $60. 402-502-2216. —omahasports.org
TASTE OF OMAHA
May 31-June 2 at Omaha Riverfront and Heartland of America Park, 800 Douglas St. An annual food-fi lled festival that features eats from nearly 50 restaurants. Accompanied by live music, entertainment, and activities at Heartland of America Park, Lewis & Clark Landing, and River’s Edge Park. Times vary. Admission: free. 402-346-8003. —showofficeonline.com
All located at 10th & Howard
TURNER PARK NIGHT MARKET
May 31 at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St. Come to Midtown Crossing for an evening market with local vendors, food, activities, music, and attractions. Th is event occurs the last Friday of each month, May-September. 6-9 p.m. Admission: free. 402-557-6006. —midtowncrossing.com Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm
OMAHA’S PREMIER BUSINESS to BUSINESS Magazine
OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM /SUBSCRIBE MAY 2019
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A+C THEATER // STORY BY JAMES VNUK // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
Nebraska Shakespeare on Juno’s Swans and the All-Female
All’s Well that Ends Well
MAY
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2019
From left: Sarah Lynn Brown and Katie Becker Colรณn
// A+C THEATER //
hat is the world limiting me to, as a woman? And what if I wasn’t?” Katie Becker Colón asks as we discuss this summer’s production of All’s Well That Ends Well for Shakespeare on the Green. Becker Colón, a long-time actor for Nebraska Shakespeare and their current director of education, will play Parolles as a member of Juno’s Swans, a program for all-female Shakespeare productions. Becker Colón has had many traditionally “male” roles throughout her career. “One big highlight for me was playing a cardinal in King John, appearing on the stage in all of that jewelry and gold, and wielding power—and not power because of the character’s gender, but power because it was literal and given by a political authority like the Pope.” Though it may seem a novelty at first blush, the gender imbalance in Shakespeare is a major concern for actors seeking fulfilling roles, especially for women. For Becker Colón, the opportunities the program has presented have been challenging but rewarding. “Physical license is something I have to prepare for,” she says. “A few years ago, I played Brutus in Julius Caesar, and I had to physically pull Caesar across the stage over and over. It was wildly uncomfortable for me, because I had never before grabbed a grown man and moved him like that. It felt like stepping outside of my bounds, and it raised questions for me about why I was ‘wired’ that way.”
Sarah Lynn Brown, interim artistic director for Nebraska Shakespeare, formed Juno’s Swans after 2016’s all-male Taming of the Shrew, and they have done enormously successful all-female readings of Richard III and Julius Caesar leading up to this season. “Shakespeare is the best,” Brown says, “and it’s frustrating that we’re left to deal with the realities of his day.” Because Shakespearean plays were originally performed exclusively by men, this disenfranchisement is borne out in the available roles for men and women today. By about seven to one, there are more male Shakespeare characters than female, and the largest female role, Rosalind in As You Like It, has only 721 lines compared with over 1,500 for Hamlet.
“ Shakespeare wrote amazing people, regardless of their gender, and because of that, the gender of the actor doesn’t matter as much. No matter who plays the parts, Caesar still dies.” -Sarah Lynn Brown The challenge for Matthew Olsen, who played Bianca in 2016’s all-male Taming of the Shrew, went in a different direction than his female counterparts. “[Bianca] didn’t have a lot of lines. I’d ask Sarah things like, ‘Why is this character even here? To look pretty? What’s the point?’ and her response was ‘Yeah, no kidding.’ As a man, I have all of these roles custom-made for me, and I came to the realization that female actors go through this constantly.” Despite these imbalances inherent to Shakespeare, the Swans agree these gender-flipping experiments are opportunities for the actors foremost: “It’s not like we’re trying to ‘fix’ the plays,” Brown says. “Instead, these performances allow new things to emerge creatively. Shakespeare wrote amazing people, regardless of their gender, and because of that the gender of the actor doesn’t matter as much. No matter who plays the parts, Caesar still dies.”
However, there is an even deeper challenge to these roles than these anecdotes might suggest, and a deeper significance to offering all-female productions. “Female actors are often hesitant to take ownership of these roles, to do the actions they do onstage and not feel compelled to apologize for them,” Brown says. To alleviate this, she created an actor’s circle to precede performances, giving the women time to have space, to bond with the other players, and invite vulnerability, an experience Brown and Becker Colón both speak of fondly. “You cannot be an actor without opening yourself to risk,” Brown states, and she hopes that these productions allow actors to find new frontiers for their craft. This summer’s All’s Well production also seeks to break new ground in other ways, by inviting audience dialogue after the performances—a first for Nebraska Shakespeare—as well as bringing in numerous all-female musicians and acts to entertain ahead of performances. “When we make space for women like this,” Becker Colón says, “the world changes for the better.” Together, the Swans hope that these productions help normalize putting women in these roles and spaces, and strengthen connections for women within the Omaha community. Assistant director Ezra Colón says he’s looking forward to taking a step back. He had previously performed in 2016’s all-male Taming alongside Olsen, but he is behind the scenes this year. “I’m most excited to be in the room and to learn,” Colón says. “My goal is to help Sarah and the company create the best possible production of All’s Well as we can—this one just happens to be all-female. It is a real pleasure to see Sarah and the Swans work and create.” Olsen also has nothing but praise for the Swans. “I was blown away by the complexity they brought to the roles; the Caesar reading was some of the best work I’d ever seen… Shakespeare is universal, and somewhere we’ve lost sight of that a little. Juno’s Swans have brought some of that back.” Visit nebraskashakespeare.com for more information.
MAY 2019
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WINNING WITH
Evandale 2019 BEST NEW ARTIST
A+C MUSIC // STORY BY TARA SPENCER // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION BY DEREK JOY
MAY
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2019
MAY
// 23 //
2019
From left: Chad Riche, Cody Du, E.J. Petry, Ryan Lang, and Eric Whitney
THEIR SELF-TITLED EP RELEASED IN JANUARY WITH SONGS THEY DESCRIBE AS “HARD-HITTING, SOUTHERN-FLAVORED” ROCK MUSIC.
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MAY 2019
// A+C MUSIC //
THE HARDCORE ROCKERS of Evandale prac-
tice in the basement of a two-story home in the suburbs of northwest Omaha. A healthy, happy Rottweiler (Bianca) greets visitors at the door. The yard is lovely, and the house is tidy—suburban living at its finest. Once in the basement, however, it’s all business—music business. Instruments abound. In the practice room, there’s padding on the walls to minimize noise. The décor consists of Denver Broncos memorabilia and several posters from metal bands such as Lamb of God and Disturbed (signed). In another smaller room, there’s a makeshift recording studio.
WHITNEY AND RICHE WERE BOTH MEMBERS OF LOCAL FAVORITE VENACULAS. DU AND LANG PLAYED TOGETHER IN SHATTERPROOF, AND PETRY CAME TO THE GROUP AS A NOVICE TO A BAND THAT MAKES ORIGINAL MUSIC. FORMERLY, HE SANG IN THE COVER BAND RUKKUS.
An Interview at Band Practice In typical rocker style, one of the members of Evandale is running late to practice. As band members wait for drummer Ryan Lang to arrive from work, the others tune guitars, drink beers, and give scratches to their most loyal groupie (Bianca).
“I try to be the band dad, but no one listens,” Lang interjects.
Once gathered, the band rehashes the making of Evandale, which played a debut show at Forte Music Hall in late April 2018.
“I’d say Ryan is more like the facilitator…the counselor,” says bassist Cody Du. “E.J. and Eric are like the married couple.” Everyone bursts out laughing, and they start riffing back and forth on the fighting between “Mr. and Mrs. Tanner.”
“I don’t hang out with these guys,” jokes guitarist Eric Whitney, playing into his grumpyold-man reputation.
Petry jumps in. “You know who you are?” he says to Du. “You’re that guy that just walks up to you in public, punches you in the nose, and runs away.”
In reality, it’s pretty clear they all enjoy hanging out with each other. Their conversation is peppered with inside jokes, and it’s evident that each musician occupies a unique role in the group.
“I would never do that,” Du protests. Petry goes on, “You just throw your little stabs in there.” Du concedes, “Oh,” without further protest, acknowledging his role as the antagonist of the group.
“You know how, even as an adult, you get a little rambunctious at parties and stuff ?” vocalist E.J. Petry says before singling out guitarist Chad Riche. “Chad is the guy that’s like, ‘Hey! Hey! Settle down!’” The others agree. Riche is “the band dad,” and he seems fine with that.
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New Band, Deep Roots Evandale is a serious band that doesn’t take themselves too seriously. But make no mistake, when it comes to making music they are into it. And it’s not their first rodeo. Whitney and Riche were members of local favorite Venaculas. Du and Lang played together in Shatterproof, and Petry came to the group as a novice to a band that makes original music. Formerly, he sang in the cover band Rukkus.
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There’s a lot of band crossovers and a few (funny) tales that could be told about their lives before Evandale. But right now, the band members are looking to the future. Their self-titled EP released in January with songs they describe as “hard-hitting, Southernflavored” rock music. They had what Riche describes as a “killer” release party for the EP. The cherry on top of that night? Finding out they won the opportunity to open for Michigan hard-rock band Pop Evil. “The weird part about it was, we didn’t know until four days beforehand,” Lang says. “It was like, ‘Cool, let’s rearrange our lives for a little bit to make this work.’” In case anyone doubts the serious power behind this group, their 2019 Omaha & Entertainment Art Awards trophy for “best new artist” should bring them around. The guys say they were surprised, partially because they were not expecting it to be the first award presented that night. “I don’t think any one of us looked at the pamphlet, ’cuz it had them in order,” Lang admits. “I had to wrangle you guys up.” Their aspirations for next year include going for “best rock band” and “best album” at the OEAAs. Until then, they’ll keep busy playing shows across the Midwest, while enjoying the energy and enthusiasm of their hardcore fans. Petry starts to say it would be nice to get on a big show like…Du interjects, “Ellen?” Well, Petry was thinking more along the lines of Rockfest or Sturgis. But sure, everyone agrees, Ellen’s talk show would be a pretty sweet gig. Visit facebook.com/evandaleband for more information.
A+C POETRY // STORY BY SARAH WENGERT // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
l l e n n o d ' o . k . j . a h t i m Words
R U TOde E C R O F the Literary World Takes on
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// A+C POETRY //
A
T 21 YEARS OLD, word-
smith a.j.k. o’donnell (who does not capitalize her name) is a literary force to be reckoned with. In 2018, she published her second book, This Void Beckons, and embarked on a nationwide tour in support of the tome, which features evocative prose structured as poetry.
The tour, which included stops in New York City, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Omaha, Lincoln, and Iowa City, was supported throughout by the Colin Higgins Foundation and regionally by the Nebraska Writers Collective. A 2016 recipient of the Colin Higgins Foundation’s Youth Courage Award, o’donnell is grateful for their support and says they allowed her lots of range to steer the tour and choose venues.
“My goal in life is to put out 24 works, whatever that looks like—books, screenplays, poetry collections, anything literary project-wise,” says o’donnell, who published her first book, Nicoteane and Other Foolish Mistakes, in 2015 when she was still in high school. “Twenty-four is an important number to me; it’s the day I was born…I’m two books in, which means I have 22 pieces to go. So, about every two years.”
“As much as the last year has been about me growing as a writer, it’s also been about me growing as a young professional and learning how to navigate my circles to get the support I need,” o’donnell says. She recently started a full-time position as national communications manager for the nonprofit organization Black and Pink Inc., a prison abolitionist organization supporting LGBTQ and HIV-positive prisoners.
This Void Beckons came out under o’donnell’s own Cracked Jar Press, which she says she started with the intent to publish works from underrepresented writers. Using the publishing and tour process of her own book as a prototype, o’donnell says she learned a lot about the overall “literary atmosphere,” booking and marketing tours, formatting and publishing, and more.
Traveling was also beneficial to o’donnell’s personal growth. She relished experiences such as popping into bodegas and writing poetry on the subway in New York and exploring the Mission District in San Francisco. As she left copies of her book scattered across the nation, she also left little pieces of her heart in the places she fell in love with.
“MY FIRST THOUGHT TO CALM MYSELF DOWN WAS TO GO BACK TO THAT LITTLE KID IN THE BACKYARD READING HARRY POTTER OR PERCY JACKSON AND JUST REMEMBER: ‘YOU GET TO DO THIS. YOU GOT TO WRITE YOUR OWN BOOK.’”
-a.j.k. o'donnell
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“I like to balance the physical around me with the emotional inside of me. So, just seeing where that equilibrium is in different environments is really empowering and brings lots of artistic energy for me,” o’donnell says. “I also think for me as a young trans writer in Omaha, this tour was really vital for my ability to stay focused and grounded, because when I go to big cities like New York, L.A., and San Francisco, there are entire populations of LGBTQ people walking around and it’s very empowering for me.” In addition to her writing, o’donnell has been a voracious reader since childhood. She says she’s “always kind of in a world between writing and reading.” If ever she felt nervous to stand in front of a crowd and speak while on tour, she conjured her childhood self, which she describes as “very much a monkey-bars-in-the-summer kind of kid, sprawled with a book under a tree.” “My first thought to calm myself down was to go back to that little kid in the backyard reading Harry Potter or Percy Jackson and just remember: ‘You get to do this. You got to write your own book,’” she says. In true tour-de-force fashion, o’donnell has plenty more in the pipeline as she continues her “sacred experience” with writing and pursues her goal of 24 works. This literary dynamo is working on a novel (the working title is What the Crevice Holds), a screenplay, and another poetry collection, as well as taking classes at Metropolitan Community College, with the ultimate goal to one day earn her Ph.D. Visit ajkodonnell.com for more information.
A+C ART // STORY BY SEAN ROBINSON // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN & BETNI KALK // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY
DOCUMENTING THE STORY OF THE SAWIYANO
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// A+C ART //
HOUSES MADE OF leaf shingles and bark tied
together by vine. Tattoos created from soot and a rat’s tooth tool. Carved bamboo arrows used to capture prey that then becomes food. Undoubtedly, the culture of the Sawiyano people in Papua New Guinea looks nothing like the cornfield-meets-city life of Omaha—or any other metro in the world for that matter. For Betni Kalk, an artist who grew up with this tribe when her missionary parents were stationed there during her childhood, that’s exactly what makes this indigenous group both precious and precarious. “People say you can leave New Guinea, but it will never leave you,” Kalk says. “I’m living proof.” Though she moved to the states in her teen years, Kalk is still finding new ways to explore the village in which she was raised. She’s been back to visit twice—and sent her father on her behalf once—to capture the daily lives of this tribe through photography and video she is editing into a documentary. By doing so, she hopes to not only preserve traditional elements of culture for future generations of Sawiyano but also share this rainforest-hidden piece of the globe with others. “My worldview was formed there, so I feel indebted,” Kalk says. “To me, it isn’t about fantastic cinematography and award-worthy filmmaking. My goal is to simply capture as much culture as possible to make something I can gift to them.” Moving from Ontario, Canada, at the age of 3, Kalk’s first memories are of the rivers and bush in New Guinea’s East Sepik Province. From stumbling upon huge snakes while playing in the wild to watching her parents serve as missionaries, teachers, and impromptu medics, Kalk developed a deep appreciation for the simple, isolated life. Instead of flipping on Punky Brewster or Fraggle Rock, she passed the time drawing the landscape surrounding her. Kalk and her family moved to the States after 10 years, and she would go on to receive a master’s degree in painting and drawing— the very skill she started developing in the bush as a child. Today, she is a professor of art and design at Creighton University and often shows work at exhibitions across the country, including one this June at Connect Gallery in Omaha. “Coming to the United States, I just felt out of place at first,” she says. “When you sound like everyone else and look like everyone else but don’t think like everyone else, that’s hard.”
Kalk first went back to the Sawiyano territory in 1999, then again in 2012. Both visits, she brought video cameras to film all the pieces of daily life that make up this unique culture, including craft processes, food gathering, and creation of everyday objects. It wasn’t only her filming, though. She would rotate up to seven cameras among Sawiyano people to ensure authenticity of footage. What began as short, subtitled clips of activities she would upload to YouTube has taken on a new form as she develops the documentary. For this 30-minute short film, three- to six-second clips are montaged with no subtitles and minimal music, immersing the viewer in the culture and leaving it up to them to interpret the experience. “Telling a significant story in clips isn’t easy. I haven’t heard of someone else doing something like this, so that’s nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t scare me,” Kalk says. Arriving in the village is no cakewalk either. Because most flights go to the capital city, traveling to rural areas requires months of planning. First, she flies into Port Moresby, where she stays with missionaries until she can find transportation beyond the city. She then takes a truck to the nearest river and floats from village to village by boat, setting up home once she’s arrived. Only then does the real work of filming begin. “It’s all worth it,” Kalk says. “You can hear and read about things, but to be able to see it on video is a whole different story.” Once Kalk finishes editing the film, she plans to show it at festivals, starting with those focused on sustainability or green issues. She has heard interest from museums in Germany and France wanting to show it. And that’s just the beginning. When it comes to telling the story of the Sawiyano, there’s no stopping Kalk. She’s already compiled a book of photographs of the region with accompanying descriptive text and is working on another made up of villagers’ drawings and paintings. In fact, Google “Sawiyano” and all the top results point back to this artist who is trumpeting a traditional culture through very modern methods—with profits on projects going back to the Sawiyano for medical and educational needs. “I just want people to get a glimpse of how others live,” Kalk says. “Hopefully, this can help open worldviews, so we can start thinking about how things we do here have a ripple effect all the way to New Guinea.” Visit b-e-t-n-i.com for more information.
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FEATURE // STORY BY KATE SMITH // PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY NEBRASKA TOURISM // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
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Ten Years of the Nebraska Passport Program E X P LO R I N G T H E H I D D E N C O R N E R S O F N E B R A S K A
R
ATHER THAN TRAVELING around
the world during the warm summer months, some Nebraskans prefer to fill a different type of passport—the Nebraska Passport. The Nebraska Passport Program, now in its 10th year, challenges participants to visit 70 destinations spread across Nebraska each summer. “It’s a fun, interactive program meant to get people to discover Nebraska’s hidden gems,” says Erin Wirth, passport program coordinator for the Nebraska Tourism Commission. “Nebraska has so many hidden gems that even native Nebraskans don’t know about,” she says. “That’s really what the purpose is, to make people aware of all the cool things Nebraska has to offer and to provide a fun way to go visit them all.” Beginning May 1, participants have until Sept. 30 to collect as many stamps as they can by visiting each destination. The sites span from Omaha to Scottsbluff and highlight historical sites, restaurants, museums, outdoor and recreational areas, local shopping, and more.
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MAY 2019
“Spreading it across the state is actually a key factor in its popularity,” Wirth says. “People like to drive around the state and see places they’ve never seen before.” The Nebraska Tourism Commission designed the program to benefit the state’s economy, too. According to an economic impact study of the 2017 program, the initiative generated about $6 billion in traveler spending and $500,000 in local and state tax revenue. It is completely free to participate in the program and collect stamps. Participants, however, may want to pay admission, buy a meal, or do some shopping in order to fully experience each site. The majority of the destinations change each year, with only a few exceptions. The finalized list is released in March so participants have time to plan their trips.
All Nebraska businesses are welcome to apply to be featured as a stop on the Nebraska Passport. “We look for customer service,” Wirth says. “It’s not hard to find in Nebraska because everyone has great customer service, but we want to make sure that our participants feel welcome at each destination.” Wirth selects the destinations each year by reading the applications and visiting each business that applied in January and
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< BEGINNING MAY 1, PARTICIPANTS HAVE UNTIL SEPT. 30 TO COLLECT AS MANY STAMPS AS THEY CAN BY VISITING EACH DESTINATION.
THE SITES SPAN FROM OMAHA TO SCOTTSBLUFF AND HIGHLIGHT HISTORICAL SITES, RESTAURANTS, MUSEUMS, OUTDOOR AND RECREATIONAL AREAS, LOCAL SHOPPING, AND MORE.
February to narrow down the list. For the 2019 program, they received 252 applications for the 70 passport spots. “Then we look for destinations that have something special to offer, something unique,” Wirth says. The stops are divided into 10 different categories, with seven stops in each category. “Really the best part of participating in our program [according to participants’ feedback] is that they get to meet all the faces behind Nebraska businesses and have a ball spending time with their family and friends while hopping from stop to stop,” Wirth says.
“Quirky Nebraska” is one category for the 2019 season and features unusual and unique locations across the state that Wirth says will make people smile. There is also a “Happy Hour” category featuring a selection of breweries and wineries. “I have been to each of the stops for this year and I think they’re great,” Wirth says. “People will have a really good time.” This year’s passport program also marks a special milestone—the 10-year anniversary of the program. In celebration, the 2019 passport will feature fan-favorite destinations and favorite prizes from seasons past. Prizes are awarded after a person reaches a certain number of stops. People who complete all 70 passport stops will receive apparel that brands them a “passport champion,” which Wirth says was a very popular prize in the past.
Over its 10-year lifespan, the Nebraska Passport Program has seen many changes, but none bigger than the expanding role of technology and the growth of the passport program. A couple of years ago, an app was created to make the travel experience even more convenient. This year, the app will include GPS directions to every stop, stamp collection, and trivia questions about the destinations and Nebraska. “[The passport program has] grown so much and it’s been so successful; people just get hooked doing it,” Wirth says. In 2018, more than 50,000 passport books were distributed and 7,000 people collected prizes. A total of 749 people from seven different states collected stamps from all 70 stops, earning themselves the title of passport champion. “It’s become such a popular program that the best promotion is by word of mouth. People that have participated before get their family and friends involved,” Wirth says. “If you do the passport once, you just want to keep doing it over and over again.” To learn more about the Nebraska Passport Program, visit nebraskapassport.com. Participants can order a booklet by mail or download the Nebraska Passport app for free from any app store.
For expanded content, scan this QR code with your smart device. MAY 2019
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HISTORY // Story by Anne Walsh // Photography Provided by Durham Museum // Design by Matt Wieczorek
The Early Days of Nebraska Tourism t
Starting with the trans-mississippi expo of 1898
he moxie of Nebraska’s new tourism slogan—“Honestly, It’s Not For Everyone”—reverberated across national media in late 2018, as reporters and talk show hosts reported the creative effort to influence travelers’ vacation plans. The ad campaign follows bold Omaha and Nebraska tourism endeavors that have been getting the world’s attention as far back as the 1800s (for example, the Trans-Mississippi and International Exposition of 1898). Omaha’s spectacular Trans-Mississippi Expo followed similar world’s fairs in London, Philadelphia, Paris, and Chicago. It was the first of several high-profile, high-risk events undertaken by state and city leaders, says David Bristow, editor of the state historical society’s Nebraska History Magazine. Economic depression from the Panic of 1893 lingered into the late-1890s, and funding for // 36 //
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the Expo seemed nearly impossible. But it also was an opportunity to jump-start the regional economy, showcase the West’s industrial growth, and highlight Omaha as a gateway to Western wonders, wrote Kenneth G. Alfers in his Nebraska History article, “Triumph of the West: The TransMississippi Exposition.” Funding was secured from a variety of means, and construction began in North Omaha on a breathtaking Venetian lagoon ringed by a courtyard of classically designed buildings and pavilions with displays sponsored by other states. Incandescent lighting was incorporated everywhere along the Grand Court, in all buildings and along hundreds of poles, lit by a specially constructed power plant. It was the largest display of the new technology up to that time. The nightly brilliance symbolized the West’s
high-tech progress, wrote Amanda N. Johnson in her Nebraska History article, “Illuminating the West: The Wonder of Electric Lighting at Omaha’s TransMississippi and International Exposition of 1898.” Despite the Spanish-American War’s breakout, the great illumination helped draw 2.6 million people over the fair’s five-month run, many traveling by rail from the West, East, and internationally. Sightseers took home stories of Omaha’s marvels, and newspapers nationwide proclaimed the Expo’s greatness, wrote Johnson. A visit by President William McKinley at the fair’s end drew nearly 100,000 people and also generated vast publicity, Bristow says. Nebraska followed the Expo’s success with another tourism first at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, says Paul Eisloeffel,
The Agriculture Building and the Fountain of Neptune were built for the 1898 Trans-Mississippi in Omaha.
curator of audiovisual collections at the Nebraska Historical Society. Motion picture technology had come to Nebraska a year prior to the 1898 Expo, where Thomas Edison’s films of American soldiers during the Spanish-American War were shown. It was also at the Expo that a motion-picture camera first photographed Nebraska scenes, including a now-lost film of President McKinley’s visit, wrote Andrea I. Paul in her article, “Nebraska’s Home Movies: The Nebraska Exhibit at the 1904 World’s Fair.” Nebraska decided to promote itself at the St. Louis World’s Fair (aka the Louisiana Purchase Exposition) through a film series instead of a traditional agricultural exhibit, Eisloeffel says. Highlights included farmland scenes such as harvesting, cattle, and cowboys, as well as the University of Nebraska campus, state fair, Ak-Sar-Ben activities, and downtown Omaha. To stay within budget, Nebraska opted not to construct its own building at the fairgrounds—the only state not to do so— instead creating a theater within the agricultural building. It was an immediate success. Initially planned to be shown twice daily, the films soon were viewed continuously. The theater was expanded, and daily attendance
surged to 2,000, wrote Paul. The series subsequently was shown at the 1905 Lewis and Clark Exposition in Portland, Oregon, where the press reported the films drew hundreds daily and created “the same enthusiasm they produced in St. Louis last summer.” Two more large-scale events—Nebraska’s Diamond Jubilee in 1929 and Omaha’s Golden Spike Days a decade later in April 1939—were wildly successful despite taking place during tough economic and political times, Bristow says. The Jubilee celebrated the 75th anniversary of the opening of Nebraska Territory to settlers in 1854. Capped by a two-milelong “Parade of Nations,” the Omaha event drew about 150,000 despite the Wall Street Crash and start of the Great Depression just a week earlier. Similarly, Golden Spike Days came on the heels of the Depression and just prior to the start of World War II. Held in the city from which the transcontinental railroad originated, the event celebrated the premiere of director Cecil B. DeMille’s Union Pacific movie epic. For four days, Omahans and their out-of-town guests were transported back to the 1860s, with blocks of fake storefronts
populated by men in long whiskers and ladies in gingham dresses, says Patricia LaBounty, curator of the Union Pacific Historical Museum. Thanks to publicity churned out by the Hollywood press, more than 200,000 people showed up along the downtown parade route, cheering dignitaries and movie stars such as Barbara Stanwyck. Many tourists arrived via Nebraska’s improving highway system, which had come a long way since visitors to the Trans-Mississippi Expo first beheld an “electric carriage” exhibited by Montgomery Ward & Co. By 1912, Nebraska ranked first among all states in per capita ownership of autos, with one vehicle registered for every 45 people, wrote L. Robert Puschendorf in his Nebraska History article, “Lifting Our People Out of the Mud.” Three of the earliest automobile trail associations, all organized in 1911, promoted routes crossing Nebraska, including the Meridian Road from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. By 1913, the coast-to-coast Lincoln Highway was mapped, with Nebraska as the lynchpin between New York City and San Francisco. Years later, the state would be the first in the nation to complete its mainline interstate system. continued on p.61 MAY 2019
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MAY 2019
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FEATURE // STORY BY DOUG MEIGS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL SARTORE AND BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
J A strawberry poison-dart frog at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo // 40 //
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// FEATURE //
H
E ESCAPED A charging musk
ox, survived a flesh-eating parasite, and stared down the bloody muzzle of a hungry polar bear trying to bust into his truck.
Adventure is part of the job description for Joel Sartore, a Ralston-born photographer with National Geographic for nearly 30 years. One of the hardest parts of the job, however, has been the extended time away from family—his wife and three kids back home in Lincoln. Sartore used to spend three-quarters of his year on the road, often overseas or in inaccessible locales. The pressure of family separation reached a breaking point during an eight-week assignment to Alaska’s North Slope in 2004. He was shooting a subsistence hunt of bowhead whales by indigenous Alaskan villagers. Rain and wind battered his ramshackle motel, and he was stuck waiting for the next photo opportunity. “I really don’t like this lifestyle,” Sartore remembers his wife, Kathy, saying during a long-distance phone call. “I’m not telling you that you have to stop, but I’m basically a single mom.” His heart sank. He had months invested in seeking support from editors (for a special photography blimp) and obtaining permission from local villagers. Everything was in place, except the weather.
The villagers had one clear day to hunt whales before his departure. The blimp went out on a long cable to document the harvest. “It was bouncing around in the wind really bad,” he says. “We got one roll of film. I thought it was all going to be blurry because it was kind of dark.” But there were one or two sharp frames. Good enough. The whale image ran in National Geographic’s May 2006 issue with his other photos from the North Slope. After his return to Nebraska, the Sartore family faced a crisis far worse than the habitual missing of his kids’ birthday parties. Kathy was sick. “She was diagnosed with breast cancer around Thanksgiving,” he says. “So, it’s good that I did get home, and then I stayed home.”
Her response cut like a knife: “You’ve always got great excuses, Joel.” So, he cut the trip short by a week and a half. “At that point, I just came home, and I’m glad that I did,” he says. “It wasn’t worth endangering our marriage.”
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“There weren’t really any good pictures of a lot of these species, especially the small critters,” Sartore says. “They’re usually photographed poorly or not at all, or their skins are photographed as part of a museum collection by a biologist studying them. It was something different that I could do, something which wouldn’t keep me away so much.”
His wife’s cancer set in motion the next installment of his career.
Fast-forward to the present. His wife beat cancer, and the Photo Ark is steadily growing. “I’m about 12 years into it, and 9,500 species so far,” he says. “We think that there are probably 14,000-15,000 captive species total worldwide, and there are probably 12,000 or so at accredited zoos. So, we are more than halfway done.”
Sartore took a year-long sabbatical to care for Kathy and their three kids—Spencer, Ellen, and Cole. During that time, he reflected on his 30 stories for National Geographic. “A couple of them moved the needle in terms of conservation, but most of them did not,” he says.
Sartore estimates that the Photo Ark project has taken him to 50 countries and 400 zoos, aquariums, and animal rescue centers. He hopes to hit the 10,000-species mark by 2020, but his pace is beginning to slow.
His wife’s cancer forced him to consider his own mortality. How could his work become more enduring than the distribution cycle of a monthly magazine?
“We’re going to have to go farther to get fewer species,” he says, giving credit to Nebraska zoos for helping jumpstart the project.
“That year at home helped me to think about the shortness of life, and helped me to think about what I should do with the second half of my career,” he says. “I was 42 years old, and it made me wonder about what I could do to make a real and lasting difference in terms of saving the Earth.” “I just need to get through this shoot,” he told her. “I’ve got $5,000 sitting in the helium for the blimp. I’ve probably spent about $20,000 total in airfare and getting the blimp and operator up here. I’ve got all this money wrapped up in the shot, and I just need to stick with it. The weather is bad, and when the weather breaks, [the villagers will] go out and get a whale, and then I can get the shot.”
His ambition became the documentation of every species of captive animal, “everything from elephants all the way down to ants, termites, grasshoppers, toads, and sparrows,” with each living specimen positioned in front of a black or white backdrop in a studio-style setup.
Two artists came to mind as inspiration: the naturalist painter John James Audubon and photographer Edward S. Curtis. “I thought about Audubon’s work,” Sartore says. “He gave everything he had to document the birds and mammals of North America, and his work is still around today, even though he painted in the early 1800s.” Some of the animals that Audubon documented are now extinct. Meanwhile, the paintings continue to be admired. “Then, I thought about the work of Edward S. Curtis, who spent years documenting nearly 90 Native American tribes around the American West,” he says. “Again, he did it for so long. He specialized and concentrated on this one project, so his work is still around today. I thought, ‘OK, that would work.’”
The idea for the Photo Ark evolved gradually. He began spending more time at Lincoln Children’s Zoo and then Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. Always with a camera, he did what came naturally. He took photographs. “Lincoln was instrumental in launching the Photo Ark, and the Omaha zoo was really instrumental in building the number [of photos] and also in introducing me to other zoos,” he says. Jessi Krebs, the curator of reptiles and amphibians at the Omaha zoo, first worked with Sartore around 2009. “It didn’t take long to realize that what he was doing, it was going to be something special,” Krebs says. Part of what makes Sartore’s approach unique—along with the black or white backdrop isolating the animals’ unique features—is the great care that the photographer takes in making the photography process easy, logistically, for both animals and zoo staff.
Joel Sartore in his Lincoln studio
“When you work with photographers, they usually have something really specific in mind,” the zookeeper says. “So, we are often requested to position the animal in a ‘perfect way’ to make the animal perform. Joel never makes the animal perform. It’s never artificial, not stressful.” Krebs has been proud to help. Several of Sartore’s prints hang in his Omaha office. “Now, this project is so big and he’s photographed so much that he doesn’t come in much,” Krebs says. “But every two months, Joel checks in to see if there are any new animals.” From the dozens—maybe hundreds—of Omaha zoo animals that the photographer captured, many appeared in magazines and books for National Geographic; others covered landmarks around the world in epic proportions. “For example, the lion that was at the Omaha zoo called Mr. Big, he was projected onto the side of the Vatican, and the pope was sitting right there watching,” Sartore says. “We’ve also had Omaha animals appear on the Empire State Building and the United Nations building in New York.” The images are not only great publicity for Nebraska zoos; they help make conservation meaningful to viewers around the world.
“Lots of people can take very nice pictures of animals; Joel has the ability to snap the picture and capture much more because of the black or white backdrop and his incredible eye and timing,” says Dennis Pate, president and CEO of the Omaha zoo. “The viewer really has only the animal to focus on, including its expression, posture, mood, eye gaze, and more.” Some animals in the Photo Ark have gone extinct since being photographed, or they are functionally extinct already. “One is the Rabbs’ fringe-limbed tree frog, it went extinct due to the chytrid fungus sweeping the world. That was the first one that we’re pretty sure has since gone extinct,” Sartore says, adding that he has also photographed others that are down to just a few specimens: a species of rabbit from eastern Washington State, several insect species, the Yangtze giant softshell turtle, and the northern white rhino. “These are animals right on the cusp of extinction,” he says. “Because some of them are longlived, they’ll be here a while yet, but they are functionally extinct. Unfortunately, I meet an animal or two every year now that is either going to go away imminently or will someday. We aren’t doing this project to create the world’s greatest obituary for animals; it is to get people to pay attention, to stop and look
these animals in the eyes and realize there is beauty there and real value. And they are all worth saving.”
Sartore’s path to conservation began as a child growing up in suburban Ralston. The Omaha zoo was his local zoo, and he aspired to be a zookeeper when he grew up. His parents loved the outdoors, and they instilled this passion in him. He played in the local creek, watched wildlife, and became an Eagle Scout before graduating from Ralston High School in 1980. As an undergraduate student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he bounced between fields of study—from beekeeping to fine art—before settling on journalism. His first photography portfolio was an embarrassment, he says. But he kept at it. “I applied to The Daily Nebraskan five times before I got hired, and at any time, any one of these people who I was talking to and trying to learn from, they could have put out the fire,” Sartore says. “They could have poured cold water all over me and told me I was no good. But they were all kind to me.”
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By the time he graduated in 1985, his portfolio had improved significantly (which he credits to the critical mentorship of professors George Tuck, Bud Pagel, and Dick Streckfuss). That same year, he and Kathy moved to Kansas for his job at the Wichita Eagle, where he began as a general assignment photographer and eventually took the helm of the newspaper’s photo department. A few years in, freelance general assignment photo work began trickling in from National Geographic.
His first major assignment from National Geographic came in 1990. It was a story about the American Gulf Coast. The project was going to require 27 weeks in the field, with photo subjects ranging from Florida mansions and alligator farms to Louisiana’s Mardi Gras and pelicans flying over barrier islands. His career faced a fork in the road. “I asked for a leave of absence,” Sartore says, “and they said, ‘Well, we need somebody to run your department. You have to choose.’” Sartore chose National Geographic. “It was kind of risky quitting my nice job at the Eagle, but it worked out,” he says. His wife welcomed their move back to Lincoln, where her family lived. Meanwhile, he embarked on a series of adventures at the pinnacle of conservation-focused journalism. The intrepid Nebraskan took his shoes off to walk along the beach of Galveston, Texas. What he saw shocked him: his feet turned black from spilled oil that washed to shore; there was a dead dolphin wrapped in fishnet; garbage bags and medical waste (syringes) littered the sand. It was an epiphany for him—he realized that he wanted to make conservation his life’s mission.
Before the Gulf Coast assignment was done, he also experienced his first near-death reporting mishap. While shooting pelicans from a floatplane flying over a Louisiana marsh, he was focused on the birds as he called out the movement of the flock. Suddenly, the floatplane’s pilot let out a scream. They landed on the water not long after, and the pilot was visibly shaken as he spoke.
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“He said, ‘We almost died back there, Joel. We were right on the verge of a high-speed stall at low altitude,” Sartore says. “I asked him what a high-speed stall was, and he explained that it was when the airplane became unstable, and we would have nosed right into the earth, but he pulled us out at the last second. I told him, ‘We’re just trying to get some pictures of pelicans flying, let’s not do that anymore.’”
And what wildlife photographer hasn’t been chased by a dangerous large animal? Sartore’s list includes “lions, mountain gorillas, elephants, musk oxen, grizzly bears. You know, the usual suspects.” Each incident has been a learning experience, and he takes seriously his obligation to stay on the safe side of the line that separates “getting a good picture” from “irritating an animal.”
But it wasn’t the photographer’s last brush with danger in pursuit of pictures. He had many others over the years.
New technology—camera traps triggered by infrared beams or utilizing drones—help to avoid some of the dangerous scenarios he experienced while reducing stress to wildlife. But as a whole, he says, “The simple act of driving a car, and the possibility of getting in a wreck at high speed on I-80, is often more dangerous than what I do for a living.”
Once, he went hiking solo to photograph seabirds on the Pribilof Islands (part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge). He leaned over a sheer cliff to document the nests of some kittiwakes and murres. The coastline was several hundred feet below. Then, the ground began collapsing beneath him. “I caught myself by one arm, grabbing a big tuft of grass, and I was able to get back on top of the cliff and not fall to my death,” Sartore says. “But the light was really, really good. So, while I was hanging there by my left arm, I went and took a couple of pictures with my right arm before I climbed over. I figured, ‘Well, I’m already here.’ But that was really stupid, and that’s one of the closest times I’ve ever come to getting killed.” For another assignment, he was sitting in a rusty Chevy van that refused to start beside a pile of bones and meat from bowhead whales in Kaktovik, Alaska. A polar bear approached and decided to try peeling open the pickup’s door to feast on the corn-fed photographer inside. “He was banging on the side windows, trying to pry the doors open, and standing up banging on the windshield,” Sartore says. “Fortunately, it was a young bear that didn’t weigh enough yet to break the glass. Otherwise, he would have been able to pop the windshield open. But he didn’t quite have the mass necessary. We couldn’t get the vehicle started, and we didn’t have a firearm. It was a little tense there for a while.”
“The first thing that goes through your head is, ‘I am a moron. Why have I disturbed this animal so much that it feels the need to charge me?’ Because I’m in their house. Getting charged by an elephant, or a grizzly bear, or a musk ox, you are literally in their home and you’ve done something to anger them.”
Viruses and insect-born diseases are another story. “People in my line of work don’t often get eaten by polar bears or attacked by jaguars,” he says. “What happens is: You get bitten by an insect that is carrying malaria or dengue fever, or come in contact with bats carrying the Marburg virus, and then that threatens your life. That’s not as sexy as being attacked by a large animal, but I’ve never been physically assaulted by a bear or a lion. I have been threatened by illnesses carried by insects, though.”
A diary he kept from a trip to the Bolivian rainforest of Madidi National Park (published in the March 2000 issue of National Geographic) showcases the brutally unglamorous side of fieldwork: lying down in his own urine while waiting to capture butterflies; pulling botfly maggots out of his hand and backside; waiting for days on a platform to photograph jaguars and peccaries with team members taking turns to relieve themselves in a bucket to avoid spooking animals that seldom showed up. He went home with some pretty bad wild pig photos. Meanwhile, he also brought with him an unwelcome souvenir—the flesh-eating, parasitic disease leishmaniasis, which he contracted from a sandfly bite while marooned on the platform in the rainforest.
“I came out of the jungle with a lot of different bug bites, but this one on my lower right calf, it just kept getting bigger and wouldn’t heal up,” Sartore says. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention diagnosed the ailment. The treatment for leishmaniasis was a once-per-day, hour-long IV of antimony (a heavy metal) straight to his heart through a line in his arm because the drug is corrosive to veins. “Antimony breaks up the parasite’s life cycle,” he says. “I supposedly could still have the parasite, but it’s not able to breed in me, and I was actually treated twice for it, one year apart.” Not long after recovering, he was back in South America for a story in the Brazilian Amazon. He was with indigenous hunter-gatherers, and he noticed they all seemed to have the same healed leg wounds resembling his leishmaniasis scar. “I asked them, ‘You don’t have the money to take a boat to town to sell your fruits at the market. How do you afford the $20,000 antimony treatment?’” Sartore says. “And the guy goes, ‘Well, we have a healing bush here. We scrape the bark of that bush, and we boil it. The oil comes out, and we put a couple drops of that hot oil in the wound. It heals right up.’” The lesson from indigenous Amazonian healing is a reminder of the real value that nature carries for mankind. “It teaches you that you really don’t want to cut down all the rainforests; that’s our medicine cabinet right there,” he says. “Aside from helping to regulate rainfall in places as far away as Nebraska, you don’t want to knock down the rainforests for a lot of other reasons.” The potential pharmaceutical benefit is huge. Sartore brought a vial of the Amazonian oil home to Lincoln. He put it in his medicine cabinet. His next big scare with deadly disease came from a bat-infested cave in Uganda. He was working on a story about the Albertine Rift in 2010 and wanted to photograph the local fruit bat population. He took precautions, wore a respirator mask, and hired a guide who said the cave was regularly tested by the CDC. The guide claimed it was free from the Marburg virus, a deadly form of viral hemorrhagic fever similar to Ebola (but the assurance would later prove false). continued on p.72
Francois’ langurs at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo MAY 2019
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FEATURE // STORY BY JULIUS FREDRICK // PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
FROM SHIZUOKA e v o L with OMAHA’S SISTER CITY IN JAPAN
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“U
PSTREAM PEOPLE.” “QUIET HILL.”
Omaha. Shizuoka. The city names are so compatible in sound, yet so different in meaning. Their respective translations—at seven syllables—could be the second line of a haiku. A 1965 agreement linked Omaha and Shizuoka, Japan, as “sister cities.” Both sides pledged to maintain cultural and commercial exchange, and that relationship has continued ever since. Though striking cultural and geographic differences abound, Omaha and Shizuoka inhabitants share a kindred spirit of generosity that becomes apparent immediately. We experienced this goodwill firsthand during a winter visit to Omaha’s first sister city.
A 1965 AGREEMENT LINKED OMAHA AND SHIZUOKA, JAPAN, AS “SISTER CITIES.” BOTH SIDES PLEDGED TO MAINTAIN CULTURAL AND COMMERCIAL EXCHANGE, AND THAT RELATIONSHIP HAS CONTINUED EVER SINCE. FROM MIDWEST TO FAR EAST Located within the central Chubu region of Japan’s main island, Honshu, Shizuoka city is the capital of Shizuoka prefecture (akin to a state in the U.S.). The city is home to a population just shy of 700,000. Metropolitan life unfolds here within a landscape overflowing with natural beauty. It is a place where the briny sea air of the North Pacific intermingles with the clamor of thriving commercial districts, and where the loftiest of municipal buildings feel demure against the backdrop of Mount Fuji. The trip from Tokyo takes 60-90 minutes by way of the Central Japan Railway’s Tokaido Shinkansen—a bullet train—which is twice the speed of the regular train. A
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typical evening arrival at Shizuoka Station involves loosening of ties and shouldering of backpacks. The train cars themselves seem to exhale families, salaried workers, and uniformed students disembarking onto the platform. With the bustle of the world’s most populous metropolitan area behind them, a sense of calm prevails. Fingers pinching computerized plastic cards (“IC-cards”) glide over payment sensors at the terminal; meanwhile, lines of incoming commuters busily deposit coins into machines for single-fare tickets. Exiting the station to the north, disembarking commuters pass the reconstructed Higashi Gomon (East Gate) and Hitsujisaru Yagura (Southwest Tower) of Shizuoka’s historic Sumpu Castle. Centuries ago, the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616) retired to Shizuoka following his role in unifying the country at the end of Japan’s Age of Warring States. Once exclusive to the highest strata of Shizuoka society, Sumpu Castle remains as a space available to all in the form of a distinctive public park. Shizuoka Station’s south exit leads to Hobby Square and O-Cha Plaza. Hobby Square bills itself “the Plastic Model Capital of the World” and showcases the city’s rich tradition of plastic model manufacturing. It is a place where painstaking historical accuracy meets sci-fi mania as replica tanks square off against battalions of Gundam robots wielding plasma swords and ray guns. The nearby O-Cha Plaza is home to the World Green Tea Association. It is “a very special place,” says Hiroko Suzuki of the Shizuoka City Association for Multicultural Exchange, “a place to learn and participate in the tradition of Shizuoka green tea.” (Suzuki helps us to navigate Shizuoka during our visit.)
PARALLELS OF TEA AND BEEF O-Cha (Tea) Plaza is an educational hub designed and managed by the World Green Tea Association. The organization, according to its website, was “established by the government of Shizuoka Prefecture to further the development of green tea production, culture, and understanding through the spread of green tea’s traditions and knowledge of its healthful and commercial properties.” Certif ied Nihon-cha ( Japanese tea) instructors lead visitors through all facets of Japanese tea, everything from customs to chloroplasts. Instructor Asako Akiyama
is our guide. Her passion for tea bore roots in Shizuoka. “I’m originally from Kyushu, and traveled extensively due to my parent’s work,” Akiyama says. “When I first came to Shizuoka, I knew almost nothing of green tea, how it was produced, or its potential origins. But I became fascinated with the subject, and it’s why I’ll stay here forever.” She carries a tray bearing 16 varieties of green tea produced in Shizuoka, each possessing distinctive coloration, morphology, and flavor based on environmental and processual influences. The most popular and widely produced is called “sencha,” described by Akiyama as “highly fragrant, shorn thinly in the ‘needle style,’ and sometimes golden hued.” It is grown in the mountains where frequent fog cover “results in a thin, soft leaf.” She speaks of the water temperature and its effect on the tea’s flavor profile, how allowing the water to cool below 70 degrees Celsius before steeping decreases bitterness, enhances sweetness, and in the highest quality tea brings forth savory umami, or as she puts it, “the goodness.” And while O-Cha hosts The World Green Tea Contest every fall, one needn’t wait until then to experience some of the finest green tea in the world. Shizuoka’s passion for tea is evident throughout the city. What beef is to Omaha, green tea is to Shizuoka. In both cases, there’s often one element that distinguishes great quality from a truly spectacular experience—setting.
FOLLOWING THE TEA LEAVES Nestled in the vibrant greenery of inland Shimizu-ku (one of Shizuoka City’s three wards), Green Infinity Cafe sits along a winding road at the base of the Southern Alps mountain range. Twenty-five minutes by car from Shizuoka’s bustling Shimizu Port on the coast, Green Infinity Cafe’s neighborhood is notably more rural and rugged. Cultivated tea plants trail up the surrounding steep slopes. This cafe doesn’t look like any we’ve seen before—it is truly one of a kind. We arrive at an assemblage of corrugated-steel structures. Instead of a storefront, we discover a processing factory. This is where green tea cultivated from the basin and mountainside is steamed, rolled, and dried prior to packaging.
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Beneath a set of yellow industrial stairs, a steel door opens to proprietor Shingo Hojo. Warm tones of paneled wood cover the walls. The fragrance of green tea fills the space that once housed the factory’s office.
The ambiance, the aroma, and the perfect sip of tea evoke not only elation, but an obliging confidence in Hojo’s approach. In this tiny pocket of Shizuoka, it seems, satisfaction may very well be infinite.
“I wanted to introduce tea that is grown here locally,” Hojo says when asked why he converted the space. “The fog rolling over the hills and valley naturally manages the amount of light exposure, resulting in the highest quality tea. I want the people who live around here to enjoy that.”
T H E G A Z E OF MOU N T F U J I
Hojo’s fervor for reclamation isn’t limited to his wares; practically everything within the Green Infinity Cafe is reused or repurposed, from the sequenced rice paper doors serving as ceiling panels to the large wooden doorframe salvaged, bisected, and lain horizontally to seat customers. The one exception is the brewing equipment. It’s hard not to admire the sleek glass decanters used by employee Momoko Asano as she works. Carefully blending and steeping the loose tea leaves, she wields the glassware like a master chemist. Meanwhile, Japanese pop-punk spits off an old Panasonic stereo. “I don’t think the quality of the tea should suffer for the sake of aesthetics,” Hojo says. “That’s why our equipment and the packaging of our tea remains distinctly modern despite the homey setting.”
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Mount Fuji smolders blue in the distance, with bolts of alpine tundra streaking down its summit to the timberline below. The rich water of Suruga Bay breaks white against dark sand. Children laugh and scatter backward from the pursuing froth. There is a man painting on the beach. The mountain looms above. Pine needles surround his feet. Peeling back his brimmed hat and adjusting his sunglasses, he leans forward on a squat folding chair to survey the scene. “I need to spend more time on the pine trees,” he says. “Getting the texture down is tricky, but the contrast looks amazing if you get it right.” Fellow Shizuoka resident Akio Takeshita shares the painter’s appreciation for the pines of Miho-no-Matsubara (Miho Pine Beach). Takeshita is a member of the National Council on Fujisan World Heritage. He works to maintain the sanctity of the area through education and stewardship.
Located on the coastal side of Shizuoka’s Shimizu-ku ward, the 7-kilometer stretch of beach moors nearly 31,000 Japanese pine trees along its narrow coast. “Even 500 years ago, people enjoyed the view from here,” Takeshita says as the limbs of ancient Japanese pines coil overhead. “The connection between Miho-no-Matsubara and Mount Fuji has been recognized throughout history,” he explains, “in legend, in art, and now as part of a World Heritage Site.” Indeed, Mount Fuji’s 2013 induction by UNESCO as a cultural heritage site extended to Miho-no-Matsubara, affirming an aesthetic magnetism known to poets and artists over half a millennium ago. For example: master Sesshu Toyo (1420-1506), and at least one artist on the day we visit (the unknown artist sitting in contemplation of the perfect pine).
ZOOLOGIC A L SISTER HOOD Snow-capped mountains and glimmering ocean shores may sound about as far from Omaha as one could get, never mind the 6,000-plus-mile distance between the cities. However, there is one cherished pastime common to both cities—going to the zoo! Artwork by Jun Kaneko, a Japanese transplant to Omaha, helps to emphasize this connection at the Shizuoka Municipal
Nihondaira Zoo. The sculpture is a 7-foot-tall raccoon dog known as a tanuki. Kaneko’s sculpture was born in Omaha and traveled to Japan as an anniversary present in 2015. It commemorates 50 years of being sister cities.
Creatures Area.” She is now the sole remaining Omaha resident of Nihondaira.
“The statue once stood on natural grass,” says zookeeper Soichiro Hirata.“But it’s so popular for photos that the grass died and we replaced it with artificial turf.”
CONTINUING C U LT U R A L E XC H A NG E
Though clearly a hit, Kaneko’s polka-dotted beast faces stiff competition from nine smaller cuties. “For the last six years we have successfully bred red pandas,” Hirata says. “We are responsible for providing them to zoos all over the country.” Red pandas are an endangered species with approximately 10,000 individuals left in the wild. The Nihondaira Zoo’s red panda husbandry program is as vital as it is impressive. The red panda exhibit at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo is far from the only connection between the institutions; the two became “sister zoos” in 2002. This relationship prompted an exchange of animals. Seventeen years later, Nihondaira Zoo hosts the oldest puma in all of Japan. Arriving in Shizuoka as “Elizabeth,” the puma has become a staple of the zoo’s popular “Fierce
Perhaps the upcoming 20th anniversary will be just the occasion to renew exchanges between the zoos in Omaha and Shizuoka.
The premise of exchange is central to the sister city relationship; the exchange of knowledge, culture, and various other resources fosters mutual understanding and a high ceiling for personal and societal growth. With this in mind, the city of Shizuoka offers a generous student exchange program with subsidies for transportation, lodging, and educational activities that anyone looking to broaden their global perspective should consider. Back in Omaha, those wishing to sample a taste of Shizuoka can head to The Tea Smith at 78th and Cass streets where owner Tim Smith has connected with Kazuma Mori of the Japan Agricultural Cooperative and Wada Masayuki of Shizuoka’s Agricultural Policy Division to stock a variety of green teas from Shizuoka.
as “possessing the essence of cherry blossom.” The tea initially received a generic identifier, “Shizu 7132,” but it was renamed “Machiko Sencha” in honor of a woman who picks the leaves. It’s now available from The Tea Smith’s limited-supply Expedition Series. Rumored to “elicit a smile with every sip,” the tea is also called “Shiawase-noOcha” (i.e., “Tea of Happiness”). Thank you, Shizuoka. Until we meet again, here are a few words of gratitude: Our sister cities. Upstream people. Quiet hill. Forever in peace. Shizuoka was Omaha’s first sister city in 1965. Omaha has since added five more: Braunschweig, Germany; Šiauliai, Lithuania; Naas, Ireland; Xalapa, Mexico; Yantai, China. In 2019, Omaha has been courting a seventh sister city with France’s Isigny-Omaha Intercom (the region where Omaha Beach is located). Visit omahasistercities.com for more information.
Recently debuting at The Tea Smith from Shizuoka is an award-winning tea described
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H
aley LeClair picks the path less traveled—the route with only a few tire ruts. The 14-year-old motocross rider’s gloved hand twists the handle of her Yamaha YZ125 dirt bike. She revs the engine.
Four other motocross bikes growl beside her. The Jon Myrick Memorial Race is about to begin at the Off Road Ranch in Norfolk on June 3, 2018. A small metal gate drops. The competitors bolt. Only fumes and dust linger behind. LeClair switches to third gear and feels the heat from the motor on her thighs. A helmet covers her long brown hair, jersey pants protect her legs, and a thick long-sleeved shirt clings to her sturdy 5-foot-8-inch frame straddling the black-and-blue bike. Leading the pack out of the first turn, LeClair is off to a good start in the five-lap race. She glances behind her. Shatterproof goggles protect her green eyes from sweat and flying debris. She accelerates, faster and faster.
A Motocross Family
tough lessons
risk of injury
LeClair recalls a time when shifting seemed difficult. She discovered the sport two and a half years ago when a family friend invited her to watch a race in Lincoln.
Last June at the Jon Myrick Memorial Race, at the end of the second lap, Kyla Blumenschein passes her on a bigger bike. LeClair—tired and hot—is left behind in a cloud of dust. Nevertheless, she celebrates her second-place finish with hugs from her mother and stepdad.
Although concerned about the risk of injury, Novak realizes accidents could happen even if her daughter played sports such as softball, volleyball, or soccer. The most common injuries in motocross are concussions, breaks, and tears.
The chill and happy environment immediately appealed to her. LeClair already loved fixing cars with her father, so being around bikes felt natural. Plus, LeClair has always been a tomboy, ready to take on sports dominated by males. In elementary school, she played football as a nose guard and center. In the Best of the Midwest Motocross Championship Series, she estimates there are about 10 female riders compared to more than 40 male riders.
LeClair’s next race ends her ambitions for the day. On a jump, she knocks into another racer. Novak watches from the sidelines; her stomach drops as LeClair tumbles to the ground. Salmons rushes to check on his stepdaughter. Novak expels a sigh of relief as her daughter stands.
“I wanted to prove a point that girls can do it,” LeClair says.
“I would never have dreamed of doing what she is doing,” Novak says.
She didn’t have to convince her mother, Carrie Novak, who supported her right away.
LeClair wants to finish the race, but her bike is wrecked. The throttle cable is trashed, the bars are bent, and the air box is gutted from the other bike’s handlebars.
Within a week, the teenager soon learned how to shift her new 2003 yellow Suzuki RM125, but not without some hiccups along the way. LeClair didn’t shift correctly on a sketchy gravel road, the bike died, and she wiped out. A gravel rock stuck in her knee, requiring urgent care and four stitches. Although LeClair couldn’t ride for two weeks, she hopped back in the saddle as soon as she could. Then, during the 2016 Best of the Midwest at Abbott Motocross Park in Lincoln, LeClair struggled to start her bike on a cold October day. She met her soon-to-be stepfather, Dan Salmons, who showed her how to kick start it. Salmons asked Novak out for a date and soon LeClair was part of a blended biker family. Salmons’ son, Jakob, races and helped LeClair pick up a few tips and tricks. Her 10-year-old brother now has a pit bike, too.
Repair of her motocross bike becomes another learning opportunity. Salmons teaches her how to fix up the Yamaha. Being mechanically savvy enough to repair your own bike is another critical part of the sport.
“I'm down for girls stepping up and doing what they want to do, We don't want boys to define who we are and what we do.”
The motocross athlete’s chest protector stops a handlebar from smashing into ribs, a gray and green neck brace ensures a neck isn’t snapped, and kneepads keep broken bones at bay. A 10-year study by a Pennsylvania trauma center (presented to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ national conference in 2016), however, concluded that many injuries on the rough terrain could be life-threatening even with safety gear. “It’s not if it happens, but when it happens,” LeClair says of injuries. Thankfully, she has never suffered a serious injury from the sport. As a 15-year-old sophomore at Papillion-La Vista High School, LeClair conditions herself for motocross with shot put and discus. She hopes the exercise will strengthen her riding to the next level. “It’s so much fun. It’s such a rush every time I’m on the bike,” she says. LeClair has no qualms about taking risks, even in a male-dominated sport like motocross. “I’m down for girls stepping up and doing what they want to do,” she says. “We don’t want boys to define who we are and what we do.” Visit bestofmidwestmx.com for more information.
-Haley LeClair MAY 2019
// 55 //
Tony Espejo (center) surrounded by youth athletes and mentors with P.A.C.E. // 56 //
MAY 2019
KEEPING PACE WITH DETECTIVE TONY ESPEJO THE GANG UNIT DETECTIVE WHO FOUNDED P.A.C.E.
SPORTS // STORY BY JOSEFINA LOZA WELLS PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
// SPORTS //
NO MATTER WHERE YOU FIND YOURSELF IN LIFE, YOU CAN ALWAYS PULL YOURSELF BACK UP. Omaha Police Detective Tony Espejo says “perseverance” is the key to unlocking success. Developing Omaha’s Police Athletics for Community Engagement program is one of his career highlights. But the 48-year-old South Omaha native and father of two experienced many setbacks and ego bruises before he got to that point in his life. Espejo recalls how perseverance helped him achieve success after failure. He was a young, brazen, fast-talking graduate of Gross High School’s class of 1989. College was supposed to be the next big step into adulthood, or at least that’s what Espejo thought. After two failed attempts—flunking out of Creighton University in 1990 and then the University of Nebraska at Omaha the following year—Espejo wasn’t sure what he was going to do. So, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1992. “When I got there, it was a rude awakening,” Espejo says. “My world got rocked, but I learned the discipline part of it. I learned how far I was behind physically, mental toughness-wise, and what I really learned was how to overcome and to persevere.” How? Staring up at a rope. Every recruit in basic training was expected to climb it. They grabbed hold of the scratchy rope and began their way to the top. Most did not succeed at first, but that’s normal. “Perseverance is probably the biggest thing that I learned from there,” Espejo says of his service as a Marine. “How to push through and how you can always push yourself harder than you thought and get more things done than what you thought you could.”
“
Growth, progress, and even adventure springs from such places of frustration. Occasional setbacks are inevitable. Espejo experienced plenty. For instance, he applied four times to be an Omaha Police officer before he was finally accepted in 2000. “I almost gave up,” he says, shaking his head disapprovingly. “I almost gave up…I absolutely felt kicked in the freakin’ gut after the third time. But, finally, on the fourth try, I finally made it through the process. I made it. Again, going back to perseverance.” In addition to the rigorous application process, new police officers face many obstacles in their first year on the job. For starters, there’s extensive training; followed by a period in the field overseen by a superior; and the constant testing of patience, tolerance, and overall stability. Finally, in 2004, Espejo earned placement in the Omaha Police Department’s Gang Unit. Acclimating into his new role in the Gang Unit, he proposed an ambitious idea in 2005. Espejo pitched a police athletic league for youth supervised by the Nebraska Latino Peace Officers Association as a way to proactively curb gang recruitment. There was already a need, Espejo says. Gang activity in Omaha surged in the early 2000s. Officers were implementing routine home visits to juvenile offenders and other preventative measures to reduce crime and delinquency in the city. Espejo wanted to see his brothers and sisters in blue continue to actively build positive relationships with young people in their communities; he believed sports were the perfect opportunity for doing this. The Latino Peace Officer Association’s athletics league began in 2005, in the backyard of the South Omaha Boys and Girls Club with a soccer league of six officer-led teams and roughly 65 young players. The league was rebranded as P.A.C.E. in 2015. Now the citywide athletics league has more than 4,000 young players in baseball, basketball, CrossFit, flag football, and soccer programming—all
free of charge. P.A.C.E. also provides uniforms, sports equipment, fields (with help from the City of Omaha), and transportation to games and practices. In 2017, the National Education Association recognized the Nebraska Latino Peace Officers Association with the George I. Sanchez Memorial Award for the P.A.C.E. program. The national award honors community work that significantly impacts education and equal opportunities for Hispanics. Espejo and retired Capt. Rich Gonzalez, now executive director of P.A.C.E., run the organization from an office at Christie Heights Community Center in South Omaha. Most of the kids in P.A.C.E. come from neighborhoods in North Omaha and South Omaha. Gonzalez says P.A.C.E.’s efforts have contributed—along with other community and police efforts—to lowering street gang membership, violence, and graffiti. South Omaha Boys and Girls Club Unit Director Paco Fuentes says much of P.A.C.E.’s success is owed to Espejo’s diligent effort in spearheading the organization. “He was [and is] a worker bee,” Fuentes says. “He recruited kids for the teams. He got sponsors for the teams. In the beginning, he coordinated with us for fields. We worked together to get umpires and referees for the games.” Fuentes believes the program helped revive interest in baseball in the South Omaha community. “It brought that to a lot of youngsters who hadn’t played it before,” he says. “The kids love it.” The program is fun, but it accomplishes so much more—getting youths excited and engaged, building sportsmanship etiquette, and improving physical health. “There are just a lot of different components that these sports have brought to our kids and the community,” Fuentes says. Visit paceomaha.org for more information.
I ALMOST GAVE UP…I ABSOLUTELY FELT KICKED IN THE FREAKIN’ GUT AFTER THE THIRD TIME. BUT, FINALLY, ON THE FOURTH TRY, I FINALLY MADE IT THROUGH THE PROCESS. I MADE IT. AGAIN, GOING BACK TO PERSEVERANCE.”
// 58 //
MAY 2019
VOLUNTEER TO DRIVE GOOD. At this year’s Pinnacle Bank Championship, we’re driving good – on the course and in our community. It takes a village and a few hundred volunteers to host a tournament of this magnitude. Volunteers like you. Whether you’re a golf lover or just love giving back, sign up to volunteer today.
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// 60 //
MAY 2019
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// HISTORY //
continued from p.37
WHEN YOU WANT THE BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY...
Today, tourists are invited to exit off that interstate, to look deeper and discover what makes Nebraska so special. The Nebraska Historical Society features articles from Nebraska History Magazine on its website. Visit history.nebraska.gov for more information. A HISTORY OF TOURISM SLOGANS Here’s a look back at Nebraska’s tourism and state slogans from the 1970s through today, according to the Nebraska Tourism Commission: “Nebraska…The Good Life” (1972-1975) “Rediscover Nebraska During the Bicentennial” (1976) “Nebraska…The Good Life” (1977-1978)
CHOOSE PREMIER DENTAL FAMILY DENTISTRY AT ITS FINEST
“Vacation Nebraska” (1979) “Nebraska...Delightfully Different” (1980-1981) “Nebraska...Discover the Difference” (1982-1985) “My Choice, Nebraska” (1986) “Celebrate Nebraska” (1987) “Come See What We’re Up to Now” (1988-1991)
SPRING IS
in the Air!
“Send a Postcard from Nebraska” (1992-1997) “Genuine Nebraska” (1998-2001) “America’s Frontier” (2002-2003) “Possibilities…Endless” (2004-2013) “Visit Nebraska. Visit Nice.” (2014-2016) “Nebraska Through My Eyes” (2017-2018) “Nebraska: Honestly, It’s Not for Everyone” (2019) For expanded content, scan this QR code with your smart device.
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// 61 //
PROFILE // SUBJECT: TERRY KIRKPATRICK STORY BY: CHRIS BOWLING PHOTOGRAPHY: BILL SITZMANN DESIGN: MATT WIECZOREK
CODE-NAMED “GRUMPY GRINGO” TALES OF A BORDER AGENT DISPLACED
“Early on doing deep cover work, where you’re off in Mexico and you’re there by yourself, everybody’s trying to kill you and you don’t know who to trust. There is no right or wrong.” THE OPEN DESERT LIES STILL UNDER A MOONLESS NIGHT. SURROUNDED BY CANYONS, TWO MEN SNEAK TOWARD THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER. SILENCE. THE HOT ARIZONA NOCTURNE IS HEAVY WITH ANTICIPATION. THEY ARE ON A DRUG BUST.
“Early on doing deep cover work, where you’re off in Mexico and you’re there by yourself,” Kirkpatrick says, “everybody’s trying to kill you and you don’t know who to trust. There is no right or wrong.” “It is, ‘Get the job done,’” he adds.
Suddenly, one of the men, Terry Kirkpatrick, drops to the ground. He heard something.
Kirkpatrick arrived in Nogales, Arizona, after years of shuffling around the country. He bounced between divorced parents, living in New Mexico, Texas, and California before arriving in Chicago, far from the law enforcement officer he’d one day become.
When the U.S. Customs Service special agent raises his head toward the 30-foot-high border fence, shots ring out. Buried in the dirt, he fires a few blind rounds before peeking over the hill once more.
“When I grew up, I was a little street punk,” he says. “I was out in the streets of Chicago stealing hubcaps and wandering aimlessly all hours of the night. Nothing good was going to come of that situation.”
There, silhouetted by a match held up to a cigarette, stands El Quemado—“The Burned One”—a notorious drug smuggler in one of the most active routes along the border.
After college and a series of overseas deployments with the Navy during the Vietnam War, he ended up in Nogales, Arizona, undecided on his civilian career.
“Here I am,” Kirkpatrick felt him saying. “Come and get me.”
He tried teaching but hated it. Then, he got to talking with government workers in the small town. People who worked undercover and busted drug deals measured in metric tons.
A WAYWARD PATH TO THE BORDER Kirkpatrick recounts the story 26 years after El Quemado evaded capture. He leans back in an office chair with a thick flathead cigar between his fingers. Here, in the second-floor office of his wife’s furniture store, Hearts & Fire (on 120th and Center streets), Kirkpatrick’s age shows in shoulder-length hair turned gray. But the 66-year-old still speaks with the same swagger characteristic of his time as an agent. He moved to Omaha last June to be closer to family. El Quemado’s fate and other exploits fill his 2012 book, Sixty Miles of Border: An American Lawman Battles Drugs on the Mexican Border. In it, he chronicles 28 years investigating narcotics along the border, primarily between the sister cities of Nogales, Arizona (a town of 20,000), and Nogales, Sonora (a Mexican city with a population more than 10 times its U.S. counterpart). Although the book—published by Berkley Books, an imprint of the Penguin Group— deals in topics rife for today’s political commentary, Kirkpatrick doesn’t grandstand. In the book and other stories he tells, it’s clear Kirkpatrick never saw his work as a political statement. It was a job and mode of survival.
That interested him. BUSTING DRUG DEALERS Two years later, he was a special agent in United States Customs Service, the country’s primary border control organization tasked with investigating narcotics, illegal immigration, and other border crimes. In 2003, the agency was renamed United States Customs and Border Protection and brought under the Department of Homeland Security. For his first mission, Kirkpatrick went undercover to buy a kilo of cocaine. He discovered that he not only adapted well to the high-pressure work, he enjoyed it. “It just fit,” he says. “It was that soft leather shoe you put on. You’re made for it.” Over the years, he worked undercover throughout Mexico and as far as the jungles of South America and in far-flung international hubs like Moscow. At first, the work carried purpose for Kirkpatrick. But his conviction deteriorated after seeing so many arrested criminals get off without serving time. His effort began to feel hopeless.
In 2018, Customs and Border Protection seized nearly 900,000 pounds of drugs, with marijuana being the most popular, according to the agency’s website. That’s down from previous years largely due to a reduction in marijuana smuggling. But even with these seizures, the government estimates Mexican cartels still net between $19 and $29 billion annually. “By about 10 years in, I realized it’s not a drop in the bucket,” Kirkpatrick says of the government’s efforts to stop drug smuggling at the border. ADVENTURES ON THE BORDER Solving the deficiencies of America’s war on drugs was out of reach for Kirkpatrick. But he spent decades in U.S. Customs Service for a different reason. He simply loved his job. He loved seeing how far his wit could get him, whether he could convince powerful dealers to trust him and, if not, how he would get himself out of danger. Kirkpatrick says once he was meeting an informant at a dive 15 minutes south of the border. The bar had a few customers besides him and his source when eight men walked in from the afternoon heat. They were some of the region’s big dealers, and they all knew Kirkpatrick. As the men started staring him down, the informant scurried out the bathroom window. Kirkpatrick had moments to make a decision. He rose to his feet, walked over to one of the dealers and slapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, Chicken, thanks for the information you gave me,” he recalls saying, calling the man by his nickname. “Call me again if you get something good.” As the men sat stunned and confused, Kirkpatrick climbed in his car and floored it home. In his book, these are the moments Kirkpatrick likes to remember—a mix of humor and danger that encapsulates his life on the border. What he didn’t aim to do was offer insight into the Mexican-American drug trade, a point many critics made given the pertinence of the issue today. In his own defense, Kirkpatrick says to have offered such insights in the book would have been pointless.
MAY 2019
// 63 //
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// 64 //
MAY 2019
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// PROFILE // “There’s just no fix,” he says. “Trump’s not going to solve it. None of the presidents before him solved it, and the people after him will not solve it.” BECOMING AN AUTHOR BY CHANCE He ended up writing a book through happenstance. After Kirkpatrick retired in 2008, he followed another passion and opened the only cigar shop in Tubac, Arizona (roughly a half hour’s drive north of Nogales). He named his shop Grumpy Gringo Cigars. Kirkpatrick received the Grumpy Gringo nickname from a Bolivian man, whom he worked alongside while busting a cocaine lab in the South American country. Once, after telling stories over cigars and whiskey on the shop’s front porch, someone told Kirkpatrick he should write a book. He dismissed it, initially, but the idea nagged at him. He had the first chapter completed by the time the same customer returned. The stranger told Kirkpatrick to make him a copy.
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“What the hell do you want that for?” Kirkpatrick asked. The man told him he was an agent for Penguin Group. He was leaving Arizona on Monday and coming back Friday with a book contract. For Kirkpatrick, that’s a theme throughout his life and career. Happenstance, luck, and a little bit of intuition brought him to Nogales, pushed him through his career, and left him with stories not many can match. At times he has to wonder why it all worked out. With his feet perched on the desk and a cigar between his fingers, Kirkpatrick says he doesn’t know who or what allowed him to live this long. To have a storied career, get out when he wanted, and arrive in Omaha with his wife, along with a cadre of grandkids, he suspects something has been helping him along the way.
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“I’ve had a blessed angel over my shoulder,” he says. “Because, by all rights and means, I should be dead.” For more information, read Kirkpatrick’s book, Sixty Miles of Border: An American Lawman Battles Drugs on the Mexican Border, published in 2012.
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// 65 //
“I THINK IT IS REALLY AN INCREDIBLE EVENT,” COWAN SAYS. “IT IS UNIQUE TO NEBRASKA. THERE IS NO OTHER FUNDRAISING EVENT LIKE THIS.”
// 66 //
MAY 2019
GIVING FEATURE // STORY BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY
NEBRASKA BOASTS THREE times more cattle than humans, and Omaha is well-known for holding large philanthropic gatherings. Together, these statistics set the stage for the multi-million dollar fundraiser known as Cattlemen’s Ball—a major out-of-town draw for Omaha’s giving community. “Part of the beauty of this event is highlighting the beauty of rural Nebraska,” former Governor Dave Heineman said at a preview party for last year’s event at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha. “It really is a weekend of fun in an area of Nebraska that many people don’t get to see.” But the event is more than just fun. Since 1998, the Cattlemen’s Ball has raised over $13 million for cancer research. The fundraiser is also a social occasion to come together for a common cause. Out of 21 balls, 10 have occupied towns and communities with fewer than 1,000 people. This June 7 and 8, Wayne and Chris Krausnick will host the 2019 Cattlemen’s Ball at their property near Wauneta, Nebraska. Wauneta has a population of 577 according to the 2010 census. Country music star Clay Walker is headlining the concert on Saturday.
2018 IN REVIEW
TRAIL BOSS ROUNDUP
The 2018 event attracted herds of Nebraskans from across the state to Hergott farm near Hebron, Nebraska. Hebron is the county seat of Thayer County. It is the largest town in the county with a population of 1,579, according to the 2010 census.
The 2018 fete began Friday morning with a golf tournament at the Hebron Country Club that earned $13,000. Friday evening events for “Trail Boss” ticket holders (the premium tickets cost $400 each) included a meal and auction. The first item auctioned was the choice of a top Angus heifer ($7,000); other items included a Memorial Stadium photo signed by Scott Frost ($1,100) and a weeklong trip to a hunting cabin in Wyoming ($5,000).
“All of our small-town communities in Nebraska need to come together to thrive,” 2018 co-host and local rancher Rob Marsh says. “I thought this might be an awesome experience for my town, for my county, to come together to help keep us viable for the future.” Each ball takes two years of planning and hundreds of volunteers—250 people and 50 committees organized the Hebron ball, handling everything from horseback parking to meals to decorations. New to the 2018 ball, organizers introduced a program called “Calf for a Cure.” This fund drive allowed people to purchase a calf for $1,000, or donate $600 to feed a calf. Those calves were fed throughout the winter and sold in the spring before the ball, raising $260,000. The Hergott farm was chosen for its proximity to a main highway and its size. The 60-acre ranch in southeast Nebraska became a community of 4,500 for two days, with onsite ATMs, air-conditioned portable bathrooms, camping, shopping, and more.
Following the auction, the Trail Bosses listened and/or danced to a private concert by Grammy-nominated singer Tracy Lawrence. The Glenn H. Korff Foundation, whose namesake was a Hebron native, funded the weekend’s live entertainment. Saturday kicked off with a new event, the Rawhide Run, in Hebron. Meanwhile, many of the Trail Bosses sat down to a breakfast of frittatas and pastries. As often happens on a ranch, chores needed to be done before breakfast could commence. A storm on Friday night saturated the event site with more than 1.5 inches of rain, so the Hergotts and 200 volunteers hurried to spread three semi-loads-worth of wood chips around the grounds so visitors would not sink to their knees in mud.
MAY 2019
// 67 //
// //GIVING GIVINGFEATURE FEATURE// //
SINCE 1998, THE CATTLEMEN’S BALL HAS RAISED MORE THAN $13 MILLION FOR CANCER RESEARCH.
GIDDYUP, TOP HANDS Trail Boss tickets admit entry to all events on Friday and Saturday. “Top Hand” tickets, at $100 each, provided access to the ball starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday. On Saturday afternoon, the ball became a more casual, community affair. A fashion show (organized by host Natalie Marsh) highlighted cancer survivors. The star of the show was 2-year-old Ellie Pachta, who lost an eye to retinoblastoma shortly after her first birthday. She toddled down the runway smiling at the onlookers. “Usually, the style show has about 20 to 30 models, and they get a few boutiques to help out,” Marsh says. “My wife and her friends got 50 models, and they got eight or nine boutiques to give clothes to the models. There were about 800 people at that show.” Other Saturday-afternoon activities included an antique tractor display and blacksmith demonstrations. A wine tasting room offered sips of locally produced wines while an art show highlighted Nebraska artists from jewelry-makers to painters, potters, and more. A new event in 2018 was a history tent focusing on events from 1840-1870 along Nebraska’s portion of the Oregon Trail. There were more auctions on Saturday, too. A farm auction allowed local agrarians the chance to purchase new field equipment. A silent auction featured nearly 300 items, such as a basket of 1995-1997 Husker Football memorabilia, a branded pallet bench and table, and a John Deere scene puzzle in a barnwood frame. The serenity garden featured a flagstone patio, outdoor furniture, and abundant plants also available to bidders. A truck raffle was another way to participate. Winning the raffle (each ticket cost $100) was Jackie Novack of Creston, Iowa, who won his choice of three 2018 pickup trucks: a Ford F-150, a Chevrolet Silverado 1500, or a Dodge Ram 1500. // 68 //
MAY 2019
And, of course, there were cattle at the Cattlemen’s Ball. A ranch rodeo showcased teams of cowboys competing in events such as calf-roping and cajoling calves into trailers. A cattle show displayed nearly every form of bovine residing in Nebraska. But if the odor of livestock did not appeal to guests, they could inhale the scent of roses at the Promise Petals Tent. Individuals contributed the plants as memorials and celebrations of survival.
ALL TOGETHER NOW All 4,500 ticket holders came together for the Saturday evening activities—a meal of prime rib, garlic mashed potatoes, Caesar salad, pasta salad, rolls, and dessert followed by the final high-end auction and a concert by Grammy-nominated country artist Trace Adkins. Those who stayed awake for the after-party were treated to a second concert by Adkins’ opener, Forgotten Highway, who kept the festive atmosphere going for all the hoofers, and the hooves. “At the after-party everyone was singing and dancing to the song ‘Save a Horse, Ride A Cowboy,’ and in the center of the dance floor comes a cowboy and a horse,” Marsh says. "That horse was dancing to the song. I had no idea that was going to happen.” The 2018 event garnered $1,747,961.89, of which 90 percent went to the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. The remaining 10 percent went to health and wellness programs in the Hebron-area community. It was the second-highest amount raised at any Cattlemen’s Ball. Dr. Ken Cowan of the Buffett Cancer Center, who is stepping down as director in late June, says the funds from the Cattlemen’s Ball over the years have allowed UNMC to recruit 200 faculty members while providing significant funding for the Cancer Center.
AN UNFORGETTABLE AUCTION Cowan recalls how past balls have embodied the spirit of community support: “There was one particular ball that a family had lost their young daughter to cancer, and they had donated her two horses to raise money for the ball in her memory,” he says. Their daughter’s horses went up for auction, and the price kept going up. “As they got to the winning bid of several thousand,” Cowan says, “they asked the bidder which horse he wanted. He said, ‘Just rebid the horses.’ The second high bidder said rebid the horses, and this went on and on until the final round, when the horses went for very little money.” Cowan soon discovered the reason for the surprising auction item. “The next morning I saw one of the ranchers, and I asked about that auction,” he says. “The ranchers had gotten together, and they wanted to make sure that enough money was raised for the cause, but they wanted the horses to go for a reasonable low price [back] to the family." Stories like these are the reasons why Cowan says he has attended all but the first Cattleman’s Ball. He came to Omaha in 1999, and his work with UNMC introduced him to the ball. “I think it is really an incredible event,” Cowan says. “It is unique to Nebraska. There is no other fundraising event like this.” Visit cattlemensball.com for more information.
GIVING
CALENDAR MAY 2 0 1 9
May 10 (5:30-10 p.m.)
PEACE, LOVE, AND BT 2019 GALA
Benefiting: Brownell Talbot School Location: Brownell Talbot Campus —brownell.edu
May 11 (all day)
LETTER CARRIERS’ STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE
Benefiting: local food banks Location: personal homes (mail carriers will pick up food)
May 22
—stampouthungerfooddrive.us
OMAHA GIVES! omahagives.org
May 11 (7 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Each year, Omaha Gives! has a 24-hour online giving event to celebrate nonprofits. The goal is to inspire the community to come together for 24 hours to give as much as possible to support the work of 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the metro area. The minimum donation is $10 and there is no maximum. May 1 (11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.)
May 5 (4:30-6:30 p.m.)
Benefiting: Memories for Kids Location: Champions Run
Benefiting: Beth El Synagogue’s Seth Rich Memorial Camp Scholarship Fund Location: Beth El Synagogue
2019 GUILD LUNCHEON —memoriesforkids.org
May 3 (7-9 p.m.)
PSYCHIC GALLERY READING
Benefiting: Inclusive Life Center Location: Inclusive Life —inclusivelife.org
May 4 (9 a.m.-noon)
BRUNCH 5K
Benefiting: Junior League of Omaha Location: Aksarben Village —jlomaha.org
May 4 (9 a.m.-noon)
MDA MUSCLE WALK OMAHA
Benefiting: Muscular Dystrophy Association Location: Miller’s Landing Park —mdadonordrive.com
May 4 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.)
SPRING HONORS WALK
Benefiting: My Sister’s Keeper Nebraska Location: Benson Park —@mskneb on Facebook
May 4 (4:30-8:30 p.m.)
CHAMPAGNE AND DIAMONDS
Benefiting: Micah House Location: Mid-America Center —themicahhouse.org
May 4 (5-9 p.m.)
FOR THE KIDS BENEFIT 2019
Benefiting: Omaha Children’s Museum Location: Omaha Children’s Museum —ocm.org
May 4 (6-10 p.m.)
HATS OFF TO ACN
Benefiting: Autism Center of Nebraska Location: Autism Center of Nebraska —acnomaha.org
—heartwalk.org
May 11 (8:30-11 a.m.)
RUN-WALK TO REMEMBER 5K & KIDS FUN RUN
Benefiting: Youth Emergency Services Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek
Benefiting: Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Location: Skutt Catholic High School —keepkidsalivedrive25.org
—yesomaha.org
May 11 (6-9 p.m.)
May 7 (11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m.)
MAN & WOMAN OF THE YEAR OMAHA
D.J.’S HEROES AWARDS LUNCHEON
Benefiting: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Location: Embassy Suites, La Vista
Benefiting: Salvation Army Location: CHI Health Center —salarmyomaha.org
—mwoy.org/ne
May 9 (6:30-9 p.m.)
2019 CERTIFIED MUSCLE CARS EVENT
—chariots4hope.org
Benefiting: Joslyn Castle Trust Location: Joslyn Castle
—leadercastomaha.com
—joslyncastle.org
May 10 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)
May 14 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)
WOMEN’S POWER LUNCHEON
Benefiting: Habitat for Humanity Omaha Location: Omaha Hilton —habitatomaha.org
May 10 (11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.)
2019 AT EASE USA LUNCHEON
Benefiting: At Ease USA Location: CHI Health Center —ateaseusa.org
CHIP IN FOR CHILDREN GOLF TOURNAMENT May
14
GIRLS NIGHT OUT
Benefiting: Healing Embrace Location: Healing Embrace Community Room May 16 (6-10 p.m.)
PINOT, PIGS & POETS
Benefiting: Completely Kids Location: Happy Hollow Club —completelykids.org
May 17 (5:30 p.m.-midnight)
ON THE ROAD TO ROCK N’ SOUL
Benefiting: Boys & Girls Club of the Midlands Location: Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District —bgcomaha.org
May 17 (6:30-8 p.m.)
2019 VIKINGS OF DISTINCTION BANQUET
Benefiting: Omaha North High School Foundation Location: Anthony’s Grand Ballroom and Banquet Hall
HANDS-ON-HABITAT
JOSLYN CASTLE UNLOCKED
Benefiting: CBMC Greater Omaha Location: Flatland Church
—gottabeme.org
Benefiting: The Child Saving Institute Location: Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District May 11 (5:30-9 p.m.)
2019 LEADERCAST OMAHA
Benefiting: Gotta Be Me Inc. Location: Midtown Crossing Stage at Turner Park
—omahanorthhighschoolfoundation.com
—childsaving.org/newsevents/cabaret
May 10 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.)
THE SPRING CONCERT: GBM HEARTLIGHT CHOIR
May 11 (6-9:30 p.m.)
CABARET 2019
Benefiting: Chariots4Hope Location: Veterans Employment Info, 5404 Cedar St.
May 15 (7-8:30 p.m.)
—Healing Embrace on Facebook
Benefiting: American Heart Association Location: Stinson Park
YOUTH EMERGENCY SERVICES’ GOLF OUTING
—jlomaha.org
—wearyellownebraska.org
2019 OMAHA-COUNCIL BLUFFS HEART WALK
May 6 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
Benefiting: Junior League of Omaha Location: Joslyn Art Museum
May 16 (6-8 p.m.)
May 11 (7-11 a.m.)
—bethel-omaha.org
100TH ANNIVERSARY ANNUAL MEETING & COCKTAIL RECEPTION
16TH ANNUAL WEAR YELLOW RIDE, FUN RUN & WALK Benefiting: Wear Yellow Nebraska Location: Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
CANTOR’S CONCERT
May 15 (6-8 p.m.)
Benefiting: Children’s Square USA Location: Council Bluffs Country Club —childrenssquare.org
May 15 (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.)
May 17 (8:30-9:30 p.m.) Benefiting: Share my Smile Location: Fontenelle Forest —sharemysmile.presencehost.net
May 18 (8-11:30 a.m.)
21ST ANNUAL REMEMBRANCE WALK AND 5K RACE Benefiting: Grief ’s Journey Location: Miller’s Landing —griefsjourney.org
May 18 (8 a.m.-noon)
TAILS N’ TRAILS
Benefiting: Pug Partners of Nebraska; Hands, Hearts & Paws; Muddy Paws Location: Chalco Hills Recreation Area —tailsntrailsomaha.com
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Benefiting: ICAN Location: CHI Health Center —icanglobal.net
MAY 2019
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OMAHA’S
Favorite DRY CLEANER
// GIVING CALENDAR // May 18 (8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.)
FIFTH ANNUAL SAVE THE BRAIN CAMPAIGN GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting: Save the Brain Campaign Location: Quarry Oaks Golf Club —savethebraincampaign.org
May 18 (9 a.m.-noon)
GREAT STRIDES
ALSO OFFERING THESE CONVENIENT SERVICES:
Benefiting: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Location: Stinson Park —fightcf.cff.org
May 18 (9 a.m.-noon)
WALK MS
Benefiting: National MS Society Location: Werner Park —nationalmssociety.org
May 18 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
LOSE IT & REUSE IT MEDICAL EQUIPMENT EXCHANGE WASH, DRY & FOLD FOR ALL LAUNDRY
PROFESSIONAL SHIRT LAUNDRY & PRESSING
COMFORTER, RUG & CURTAIN CLEANING
Benefiting: CHI Health at Home Location: Outlook Nebraska —chihealthathome.com
May 20-24 (all day)
PDAC GIVES FUNDRAISING WEEK
Benefiting: Purpose Driven Advocacy Center Location: Purpose Driven Advocacy Center and online —purposedrivenomaha.com
May 20 (noon-6 p.m.) WEDDING GOWN PRESERVATION
REPAIRS & ALTERATIONS
FREE HOME/OFFICE PICKUP & DELIVERY
MORE ABOUT HOW WE SAVE YOU TIME AT WWW.MAXIWALKER.COM
22ND ANNUAL RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE IN OMAHA GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting: Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek —rmhcomaha.org
May 20 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)
MCF GOLF TOURNAMENT
Benefiting: Midlands Community Foundation Location: Platteview Golf Club —midlandscommunity.org
May 20 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)
CHILDREN’S CHARITY CLASSIC
Benefiting: Children’s Hospital and Medial Center Location: Champions Run —childrensomaha.org
May 22 (midnight-11:59 p.m.)
OMAHA GIVES!
Benefiting: more than 1,000 Omaha nonprofits Location: online —omahagives.org
May 22-26 (times vary)
SPECIAL OLYMPICS SUMMER GAMES Benefiting: Special Olympics Location: Omaha venues —sone.org
Thank You for Your Confidence and Voting Us
Best Hair Salon again in 2019.
Voted #1 Since 1992 12025 Pacific Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68154 Phone (402) 330-5660 | Fax (402) 330-5662 | creativehairdesign.com // 70 //
MAY 2019
May 27 (8 a.m.-noon)
MEMORIAL DAY RUN
Benefiting: Boys Town Location: Boys Town Skip Palrang Memorial Fieldhouse —memorialdayrun.com
May 28-30 (8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.)
THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESEARCH
Benefiting: Human Trafficking Initiative Location: Creighton University Heider College of Business —creighton.edu
Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.
SPONSORED
Scoular Names New Director of Brand Marketing & Corporate Communications
T
he Scoular Co. announced that Amy Bailey has joined the company as director of Brand Marketing & Corporate Communications. Bailey will work out of Scoular’s headquarters in Omaha, reporting to Senior Vice President and General Counsel Megan Belcher. Bailey most recently served as the senior director of Brand, Buzz & Insights Marketing for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, where she oversaw all marketing, corporate communications, branding, and corporate social responsibility activities. “Amy is an experienced business leader with over 20 years of marketing, communications, and strategy experience. Her career spans multiple industries as well as business models, bringing deep brand marketing and development expertise to the team,” said Belcher.
Bailey also worked as a strategic business consultant for Right Management, held a variety of marketing positions with Applebee’s International and Kraft Foods, and ran her own executive coaching and marketing business. She is an adjunct professor at the College of Business Administration at University of NebraskaOmaha. Bailey holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an MBA from the University of Michigan. Media Inquiries: Amy Bailey abailey@scoular.com
Savor the experience Voted First Place Best of Omaha since 2010 402.558.3202 cateringcreations.com MAY 2019
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continued from p.45
“After I was done with my work in the bat cave, I was hiking back through the woods, and the bats in the cave just left the cave to go forage at dusk,” Sartore says. “I looked up because there were thousands of bats overhead in the air, and one of them pooped directly in my eye.” Still in Uganda, he immediately called the CDC. They informed him that the cave was a known repository of the Marburg virus. Evidently, the guide either didn’t know or had lied to secure working with the photographer. “I had 48 hours before I became contagious [if I had actually contracted the virus],” Sartore says. He jumped on the next commercial flight to the U.S. and was in quarantine at home in Lincoln within 24 hours. “I never did become infected, but they were ready for me at the local hospital in Lincoln if I showed any signs of fever.” Doctors instructed him to take his temperature three times daily. If he ran a high temperature, he needed to go into isolation in the hospital. “I ended up taking my temperature over and over every day, and I never did get a fever,” he says. “So, after 21 days, we broke open a bottle of champagne at my house to celebrate—I didn’t die.”
Recognized as the 2018 National Geographic Explorer of the Year, Sartore considers himself an ambassador and spokesperson for animals. But he is quick to point out that others are the real heroes of conservation. He’s just a storyteller. “It’s an honor to tell the stories of conservationists in the field and the animals that they are saving,” Sartore says. “These are people doing great work for no thanks—they are not doing it for fame, money, or glory. They are doing it because it’s the right thing to do.” His list of conservation heroes includes many individuals, such as Ludwig Siefert (the founder of the Uganda Carnivore Program, who has helped herdsmen transition from poisoning lions that threaten cattle to becoming tourism guides and protectors of Uganda’s big cats) and Tilo Nadler (the founder of Endangered Primate Rescue Center, who established one of Southeast Asia’s premier refuges for primates confiscated from smugglers by the Vietnamese government). Plenty of conservation heroes live closer to home in Nebraska, too. At the top of his local list, he names Laura Stastny, the executive director of Nebraska Wildlife Rehab Inc.
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(“They go in the middle of the night, 24 hours a day, to save injured and orphaned wildlife”), and UNL entomologist Steve Spomer (whose research on the endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle secured important habitat protection). “I meet heroes all the time, and that’s what really keeps me going and gives me hope,” Sartore says. “There are people doing all they can to make the world better.” The role of zoos in making the world better for animals has been debated. From the perspective of animal rights and animal welfare, critics argue that zoos deprive creatures of their natural habitat and misuse wildlife for human entertainment, etc. “Nobody likes a bad zoo,” Sartore says; however, he believes most contemporary, mainstream zoos have adopted responsible approaches to animal management while also becoming vital institutions for conservation. “Think about it this way, if you lost zoos, you would lose one of the last places in cities where people can go to see and hear and smell and sometimes touch animals,” he says. “When we get to the point where nature only exists as something on a smartphone screen, people are not going to step up and want to put any effort to save anything.” But their importance goes beyond connecting mankind to our increasingly disconnected natural world. “Zoos are the true arks now,” he says. “A lot of the species that I’ve photographed for the Photo Ark would be extinct now if it weren’t for zoos providing habitat restoration and captive breeding colonies. A lot of the species that I’ve photographed—the rare ones—have been saved by zoos.” Looking at Lincoln’s Salt Creek tiger beetle is a perfect example. The endangered insect lives only in Lincoln’s saline creeks in the wild. Responding to the beetle’s collapsing population, the Omaha zoo developed a breeding program (which the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, UNL, and Topeka Zoo in Kansas have also adopted). “[The beetles] aren’t out of the woods yet, but they are not going to go extinct overnight from one bad weather event because there is a captive colony,” Sartore says. Sartore speaks with Omaha Magazine over the course of two days. He’s driving a rental car between Photo Ark sessions scheduled at Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge in Nevada and Big Bear Alpine Zoo in California. He is noticeably energized after meeting with teams working at each facility. At Ash Meadows, he photographed one of the rarest fish in the world (“confined to a
single pool of water and a single stream”). At Big Bear, he documented mountain species, including Humboldt’s flying squirrel, Steller’s jay, and the common raven. “Some of these animals are rare, some are common, but they all count toward the Photo Ark,” he says. “We want to show what biodiversity looks like.” The highlight of the weekend for Sartore was an injured brush rabbit brought into Big Bear from the Los Angeles Basin. Attacked by a house cat, the rabbit was missing an eye. “We can use that picture to show how house cats need to be kept indoors because they kill wildlife like songbirds and rabbits,” he says. It is a story that’s just as relevant to Omaha as it is to L.A. Then, he drops off his rental car and flies home in time for his youngest son’s performance in the musical Newsies at Lincoln High School.
Tips from Joel Sartore • Cat Control: Keep domestic cats indoors; put a large and bright collar with a bell on outdoor cats to protect birds. Domestic cats are devastating to wildlife populations. • Butterfly Protection: Plant a butterfly garden with native milkweed and nectar-bearing plants to sustain monarch butterflies (and other pollinators) suffering from habitat loss. The website monarchwatch.org is a great resource. • Carbon Footprint Reduction: Eat less meat (which is energy- and water-intensive to produce); insulate homes and use energy-efficient appliances (it saves money, too); avoid purchasing products from emission-intensive companies or products containing palm oil (which are hastening the destruction of life-sustaining rainforests). Vote with your wallet. • Lawn Strategies: Plant native grasses, which require less maintenance and watering (brown grass is natural during dry seasons); stop using chemical pesticides and insecticides (which ends up in streams and public water); insist that the local parks department also follow these strategies • Support Local: Volunteer at local zoos and nonprofits dedicated to conservation and animal welfare; become active in conservation through community service; become a zoo member. Visit nationalgeographic.org/projects/photo-ark and joelsartore.com for more information.
OBVIOUSLY OMAHA // STORY BY JUSTINE YOUNG // PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL MCCOLGAN
Local Mountain Biking
01
Single-Track Trails in Omaha
THE OMAHA METRO is home to many excellent mountain bike trails. Whether you’re a beginner or veteran of single-track traces, there’s something for all experience levels. Grab your helmet and don’t forget to B.Y.O.B (bring your own bike) to these off-road hotspots.
01. JEWEL PARK 688-730 Combs Road Bellevue, NE 68005 Difficulty: intermediate/advanced Don’t let Jewel Park’s shorter, 3-milelong loop fool you—this trail is a complete cardio workout. Nestled in the luscious foliage of Bellevue’s nature scene, you can expect steep climbs right from the beginning of this moreadvanced trail. If you are up for the challenge, the easily visible trail markers and multiple log jumps on this roller coaster-like ride make Jewel Park a must-do. Plus, take a moment to say hello to the playful pups at Jewel’s popular dog park, located next to this ride’s trailhead. 02. LEWIS AND CLARK MONUMENT 19962 Monument Road Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Difficulty: intermediate/advanced Take a short trip to the Iowa side of the Missouri River for this 5-mile-long ride, which begins at the historic Lewis and Clark Monument. Snap a selfie with the breathtaking westward view before you hit this single-loop trail. You can expect to test your technical skills with short, steep climbs and fast-paced fun, along with some easy-to-miss gems along this intermediate-to-advanced ride. 03. PLATTE RIVER STATE PARK 14421 346th St. Louisville, NE 68037 Difficulty: intermediate For those willing to drive south of town to the Platte River, the network of trails at Platte River State Park is worth a trip. This park offers 8 miles of single-track mountain biking and the longest route on our list. Scenic streams and densely packed trees make a beautiful backdrop for these versatile trails, which offer rides for almost any skill level.
02
04. SWANSON PARK 3110 Cornhusker Road Bellevue, NE 68147 Difficulty: beginner/intermediate If you’re looking for a ride without an abundance of difficult climbs or technical maneuvers, Swanson Park’s 6-mile trail is the place to go. Located on the outskirts of Bellevue, this spot is a short commute for Omahadwellers looking for a slower-paced afternoon ride. Take the single-track loop multiple times to work up a sweat, and then explore the smaller network of connecting trails that Swanson Park has to offer. 05. WALNUT CREEK PARK 11601 S. 96th St. Papillion, NE 68046 Difficulty: intermediate You’ll find the Walnut Creek biking trails just south of Papillion, where this 3-mile-long ride travels through open spaces and twists around lowhanging tree branches. Although most of this ride is considered beginner-friendly, cyclists should be prepared for sharp turns and challenging curves on this fun, looped circuit. Remember to keep an eye out for pedestrian cross-traffic as you speed your way through this tougher route. 06. TRANQUILITY PARK 12222 W. Maple Road Omaha, NE 68164 Difficulty: beginner Tranquility Park is a popular go-to route for novice cyclists and those looking to brush up on their biking skills. This 6-mile-long ride is located in northwest Omaha and offers a low-impact, high-fun space to get comfortable on your wheels. Regardless of your skill level, you can grab your helmet and get going for a fun afternoon on this easier single-track trail. Visit mccolganphoto.com for more local mountain bike and sports photography.
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DINING PROFILE // STORY BY CARRIELLE SEDERSTEN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY
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T I H ORLANDA W MAY
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ORLANDA WHITFIELD, PH.D., was
born and raised in Omaha. She graduated from Central High School in 1995 and received a doctorate in both education and educational leadership from College of Saint Mary, where she teaches adjunct classes. She also teaches classes at Doane University. She works full-time at CenturyLink as a communications technician and has for the last 20 years. And a little over two years ago, she opened her own business, Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn. There are few things Whitfield doesn’t do—she loves being busy. For Whitfield, owning a business is something she’s always wanted. It’s in her roots. Her dad is an entrepreneur and her grandmother, Thelma, is a professional cook and Whitfield’s early teacher. “I remember waking up to the smell of her cooking,” Whitfield says. “She always made sure we went to school or church fed.” Whitfield says she was a young girl when her grandmother first taught her how to make caramel corn on movie night. Whitfield also credits her grandmother for encouraging creativity in her culinary attempts. She says it made her feel like she could cook anything. So, it only makes sense that cooking comes naturally to her.
The most popular flavor she sells is known as the “Omaha , mix.” It s a sweet, savory mix of caramel corn covered in cheese. Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn offers between 10 to 20 flavors at a time, and Whitfield says , she s always working on new ideas. So did the location for her business in North Omaha, where she wants to start building her legacy. She was working on a committee for the Mildred Brown Foundation when she decided to open the Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn store at The Fair Deal Village MarketPlace on North 24th Street. The marketplace houses eight businesses in repurposed shipping containers with a café at the center, where the landmark Omaha diner Fair Deal Café once stood. The redevelopment kept the original art deco and tin ceiling from the café intact.
Whitfield kettle-cooks her popcorn from scratch in a commercial kitchen at No More Empty Pots, a local nonprofit that advocates for food security by connecting individuals with locally grown, organic product. The most popular flavor she sells is known as the “Omaha mix.” It’s a sweet, savory mix of caramel corn covered in cheese. Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn offers between 10 to 20 flavors at a time, and Whitfield says she’s always working on new ideas. “I love coming up with new flavors and then having people try them to see what their reaction is, good or bad,” she says. Recently her love for Thai food has influenced her creations in the form of movie theater butter and spicy Sriracha popcorn. She’s most inspired by the women in her life: her grandmother, who turned 90 last year, her granddaughter, NeMiya, and the women business owners in her community. Whitfield says they were incredibly supportive when she started her own business. Patricia “Big Mama” Barron and Gladys Harrison from Big Mama's Kitchen previously worked with Whitfield at CenturyLink. She says they gave her encouragement and wanted her to succeed. Supporting women in her community is very important to Whitfield. She’s always trying to find the best way to use her business to give back. She believes food is a great way to bring people together. That’s why her business partners with local sports teams and youth organizations selling popcorn as fundraisers. Looking to the future, Whitfield wants to expand into local retail stores and, eventually, she wants to open franchise locations. She wants her legacy to include a scholarship for women in her community who want to start a business or advance their education. “A lot of times, we as women entrepreneurs are starting businesses because the glass ceiling still exists for us in other industries,” Whitfield says. “I think that’s why you’re seeing women start more businesses than anyone else right now.” Visit stillpoppin402.com for more information.
"I love coming up with new flavors and then having people try them to see what their reaction is, good or bad," she says.
MAY 2019
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HoT Pursu it DINING REVIEW // STORY BY NIZ PROSKOCIL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK
China garden tantalizes taste buds with spicy, steaming, cook-it-yourself hot pot
MAY 2019
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I t s getti ng easier to fi nd d iverse and i nteresti ng Ch i nese food i n oma ha that goes beyond standard Ch i nese-American d ishes. // 96 //
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CHINA GARDEN 8441 W. CENTER RD. 402.397.1995 FOOD SERVICE AMBIANCE PRICE
$$$
OVERALL
(5 STARS POSSIBLE)
A
BIG METAL POT of fiery broth
bubbled away on our table at China Garden as my dining partner and I dropped sliced meat, vegetables, and tofu into the steaming stock, spiked with enough chiles and Sichuan peppercorns to leave our lips tingling. Between bites, we continued dunking food in the fragrant broth, fishing it out with chopsticks and small strainers. It’s getting easier to find diverse and interesting Chinese food in Omaha that goes beyond standard Chinese-American dishes. China Garden is among a handful of local spots that offer a separate menu with Sichuanese and other regional Chinese cuisines, including hot pot. I’ve been a fan of the restaurant’s Sichuan gems for a few years but hadn’t tried this dish until a recent visit. Hot pot, in which diners cook food in a shared pot of boiling broth, dates back to ancient China. Variations of it have spread throughout Asia and beyond. Pluck the food out of the broth, dip it in a sauce, eat, and repeat. China Garden opened in the early 1980s in a small building behind the now-defunct Cinema Center near 84th Street and West Center Road. Owners, chefs, and menu items have changed through the years, and in August 2017, the restaurant moved a block west to a larger space in the Canfield Plaza
Shopping Center. Several tables feature builtin burners for hot pots, and there are private rooms for bigger groups. Customers check off whatever they want for the hot pot on a paper menu. Options include a variety of broths, several kinds of meat, poultry, and seafood, plus tofu, noodles, mushrooms, leafy greens, and other veggies. We stuck with more familiar ingredients— beautifully marbled ribeye sliced paper thin, napa cabbage, daikon radishes, bamboo shoots, and slabs of fresh tofu—but adventurous eaters can try beef tripe and other organ meats. A plate of mussels and crab accompanies each hot pot. While waiting for our food, we mixed small bowls of dipping sauces at the condiment station using ingredients such as sesame paste, Chinese vinegar, garlic, chiles, sugar, scallions, sesame oil, soy sauce, and cilantro. There’s no hard-and-fast rule— anything goes. The restaurant’s well-versed and helpful staff are happy to answer questions and offer suggestions. China Garden’s bar manager, Luke Edson, guided us as we assembled a flavorful and well-balanced dipping sauce that enhanced each bite. After splitting an appetizer of steamed dumplings, we were ready to dive in. We chose two broths, original and spicy, served in a single pot with a divider in the middle. Tomatoes,
jujubes (also known as Chinese red dates), herbs, and spices simmered away in the original broth, a cloudy white liquid with a mild yet complex flavor. Sichuan peppercorns and chiles lent plenty of heat and intensity to the brick-red spicy broth. Cooking times vary depending on the food. Paper-thin beef needs just a quick swish in the boiling broth, while heartier items, such as root vegetables, can simmer longer. After a while, flavors start to blend and the meal can get monotonous. There’s not much textural variety since everything is boiled. Still, we enjoyed the participatory aspect of the brothy feast, hovering over the bubbling pot, chatting, cooking, eating, deciding what went in, and when to take it out. With hot pot, it’s less about the food and more about the experience. China Garden also serves individual hot pots with ingredients already assembled, as well as sizzling dry pots that don’t involve broth. Whichever style you choose, these pots are sure to hit the spot. Visit chinagardenomaha.com for more information.
MAY 2019
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DINING FEATURE // STORY BY TIM TRUDELL
N E B R A S K A S O M M E LI E R S M A S T E R I N G T
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Heather Smith, advanced sommelier at The Grey Plume
MAY 2019
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IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE HIS GOAL, BROWN HAS TO FACE THE COURT OF MASTER SOMMELIERS, AN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION THAT OVERSEES THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS. SOMMELIERS NEED TO COMPLETE ALL FOUR LEVELS TO BECOME A MASTER.
Matt Brown, aspiring master sommelier at V. Mertz // 100 //
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Already an expert and a leader in Omaha’s culinary scene, the general manager and advanced sommelier at V. Mertz hopes to add the title “master sommelier” to his resume. The title will be the culmination of a nearly 13-year adventure—from being a host at Lincoln Thai eatery Blue Orchid to running the upscale Old Market restaurant. He’s come a long way from hosting to managing an inventory of roughly 450 Old World and New World wines plus 200 varieties of spirits. If he achieves his goal this July, he will become the third master sommelier from Nebraska, joining Matt Stamp, formerly of V. Mertz (previously owned by the Stamp family), and Lincoln native Jesse Becker. Brown knows that he needs to prepare for all seemingly out-of-the-blue inquiries evaluators may throw at him during his exam. After all, the process of becoming a master sommelier is designed to challenge the best of the best. “That’s why there’s less than [300] of them around the world,” Brown says. In order to achieve his goal, Brown has to face the Court of Master Sommeliers, an international organization that oversees the certification process. Sommeliers need to complete all four levels to become a master. A three-day evaluation program makes up the introductory, or basic, level. Two days of classes include principles of vineyards and winemaking, grape varieties, production, and f lavor. They also practice tableside etiquette, including wine service and customer interactions. On the third day, candidates take an exam that includes a blind tasting of six wines (three whites and three reds). They must analyze each wine, including origin of the grapes.
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I N D U S T RY.
“I didn’t really have time to study for this one,” Brown says. “I had a lot of experience in the business and that helped me in passing the test.” Candidates have three years to complete the second level as certified sommeliers. The one-day examination consists of three parts—a written test with multiple choice answers, a blind tasting of six wines, and a wine service practical exam. As candidates taste the wine and perform table service, judges may ask questions regarding a variety of drinks, including coffee and tea, in addition to wine and spirits. The truly outstanding aspirants go on to become advanced sommeliers. People at this level are among the most knowledgeable in the industry. They’re the ones who know the history of where each wine comes from, the soil used to grow the best varieties of grapes, and even the f low of water in the region, Brown says. At The Grey Plume, Heather Smith says being an advanced sommelier is the fun part of her job as general manager. “I enjoy getting people out of their comfort zone [in trying new wines],” she says. “ If you want a pinot noir, we can give you options to try something new.” The f ive-day certif ication process includes classroom discussion to ensure candidates display sound knowledge of wine growing, production, history, and table service. The final exam consists of a written portion, a blind tasting, and table service performance. “My exam was six glasses with similar colors. I had to know where they were from,” Brown says. All the while, as he explained his answers, judges would ask questions about other drinks and request general information. The process tests a sommelier’s overall knowledge.
The top level—master sommelier—is the most challenging. The process is similar to the advanced sommelier examination, but with higher score requirements. Offered twice a year, candidates spend a considerable amount of time preparing. Brown says he studies about three hours a day. Most candidates work daily with a master sommelier mentor. But, in Brown’s case, he doesn’t have one to work with. Stamp and Becker, who each achieved the honor while working in Omaha, have since moved out of state. Stamp is co-owner of Compline, a wine bar and restaurant in Napa, California. Becker, who created the wine program at Boiler Room, is now a portfolio specialist with Winebow. Anthony Johnson, the current manager of Boiler Room, continues to use the program that Becker established nearly 10 years ago. Adjusting the inventory as needed, Johnson says he maintains the program’s core. While his team doesn’t have any true sommeliers, Johnson encourages servers to spend time with customers and gauge their beverage interests. At a restaurant, a sommelier’s daily regimen includes managing the beverage inventory, as well as visiting with customers on drink selections, says Brad Marr, a certified sommelier at Dante at Shops of Legacy. Marr, who previously owned Lot 2 in Benson with his wife Johanna, plans to pursue the advanced sommelier certification. “The challenge for us is making sure you find that perfect bottle of wine for your customer,” Marr says. In some cases, that may mean trying something new. As Omaha’s culinary scene continues to grow, the city’s sommeliers see the benefit of working together. Meeting weekly, sommeliers and restaurateurs test drinks and discuss issues. No longer seeing each other as competition, the group works together to make Omaha’s wine scene a tasteful adventure. Visit vmertz.com, boilerroomomaha.com, thegreyplume.com, and dantepizzeria.com for more information about the establishments mentioned in this article.
MAY 2019
// 101 //
- Sponsored Content AMERICAN
CHARLESTON’S - $$$
140th and Dodge streets (402-431-0023) 76th and Dodge streets (402-991-0055)
Get a Little Saucy.
Charleston’s is a casual, upbeat restaurant with a menu filled with dishes prepared from scratch daily. We focus on providing our guests with excellent prices and selecting the highest quality ingredients. Whether you are new to Charleston’s or a longstanding guest, we look forward to seeing you soon! —charlestons.com/locations
DJ’S DUGOUT - $
636 N. 114th St. (402-498-8855) 1003 Capitol Ave. (402-763-9974) 10308 S. 23rd St. (402-292-9096) 2102 S. 67th St. (402-933-3533) 180th and Q streets (402-292-9096) 192nd and West Maple St. Highway 75 and Oak Hill Road (402-298-4166)
SPEZIA SPECIALTIES WOOD FIRE STEAKS & SEAFOOD INNOVATIVE PASTA—RISOTTO—GNOCCHI FRESH SALMON DAILY
Saturday Lunch 11 am - 4 pm
1/2 Price Cocktails Daily 4 - 6 pm NO CASH VALUE. EXPIRES 5/31/2019 Not Valid With Happy Hour or Any Other Promotions. One Per Check.
Catering
Sunday Brunch 11 am - 2 pm Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Marys
. Private Party Rooms . Walk-Ins Welcome 3125 South 72 nd Street
(Easy access off I-80, take 72nd Street Exit)
402.391.2950 . Call today to make your reservation
Lunch Specials
With Free Glass of House Wine HAPPY HOUR M-F / SAT & SUN BRUNCH
BEER • COCKTAILS • WINE • SALADS BURGERS • SAUSAGES • PRETZELS 402.502.9902 6209 MAPLE ST. • BENSON BARCHEN BEER.COM
// 102 //
MAY 2019
BEER GARDEN & BEER HALL
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED 16920 Wright Plz, #118 / Omaha, NE 68130 On the corner of 168th & West Center St.
402.884.8966
Catch all of the action at six Omaha-area locations. DJ's Dugout features burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, appetizers, and an impressive drink menu along with HD TVs and projectors. Home to Blazin’ Pianos, Omaha’s only dueling piano concept. —djsdugout.com
JAMS- $$
7814 Dodge St. (402-399-8300) 1101 Harney St. in the Old Market (402-614-9333)
Jams is an Omaha restaurant legacy, an "American Grill" that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties. The dishes are made with high-quality ingredients that pair well with award-winning wines or creative cocktails. —jamseats.com
KITH & KIN - $$
402-991-1552 5018 Underwood Ave.
Kith & Kin comes from a southern term that means "friends and family." We offer a family-friendly restaurant in a beautiful space with scratchmade food at a reasonable price. Southern hospitality is our main objective. Located in the heart of Dundee. Welcome to the family. —kith-kin.us DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
rotellasbakery.com
s ’ a l l e t Ro -Free
n e t u l G reads B
A Family Tradition Since 1921
Bringing Italy to Omaha Since 1919
Take a Taste of Italy Home Today! Tues-Thurs: 8:30am-8pm Friday: 8:30am-8:30pm Saturday: 7:30am-8pm Sunday: 7:30am-6pm
402.345.3438 621 Pacific St, Omaha NE orsibakery.com
An Omaha favorite for over 100 years (1919-2019)
LE PEEP - $
69th & Pacific (402-933-2776) 177th and Center streets (402-934-9914) 156th Street and W. Dodge Road (402-408-1728) 120th and Blondo streets (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
LISA'S RADIAL CAFE - $ 402-551-2176 817 N. 40th St.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING OUR PASTA
Rockbrook Village (108th & Center) 402.391.2585 www.pastaamore.com
NUMBER #1
We can accommodate parties of 30 or more, by reservation only Catering Available
DINNER HOURS // Mon-Thur: 4:30-9PM, Fri & Sat: 4:30-10PM
Like Us on Facebook
Omaha’s most unique I TA L I A N D I N I NG E X P E R I E N C E
American. Cafe. Diner. Vegetarian-friendly. Gluten-free options. This old-school diner serves hearty portions of American comfort classics for breakfast and lunch. Family-owned and operated. This business is a must if you’re in the area. People rave about our chicken-fried steak, stuffed French toast, coffee, and friendly staff. Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
STELLA’S - $
402-291-6088 106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue
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 ICE CREAM
Thank You, Thank You,
TED AND WALLY’S - $
Thank You
402-341-5827 1120 Jackson St.
For Continually Voting For Us!
Serving Lunch & Dinner Mon-Sat 3001 S. 32nd Ave / Omaha, NE 402.345.5656
402.884.9800 13110 BIRCH DR, OMAHA, NE | LOMBARDOSOMAHA.COM
Always a Large Selection of Fresh Fish!
4150 S. 144 TH ST. • 402.894.9411 • CHARLIESONTHELAKE.NET // 104 //
MAY 2019
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. —tedandwallys.com
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
ITALIAN
LA CASA PIZZARIA - $$
402-556-6464 45th and Leavenworth streets
La Casa Pizzaria has been serving Omaha its legendary Neapolitan-style pizza and pasta for 60 years. We offer dine-in, carry-out, party facilities, catering, and now pizza shipments to the 48 contiguous states. Open TuesdaySaturday at 11 a.m. and Sunday at 4:30 p.m. —lacasapizzaria.net
LOMBARDO'S BISTRO & BAR - $$ 402-884-9800 13110 Birch Drive
We are a locally owned and operated neighborhood eatery with an Italian flare. We offer a full, made-from-scratch menu along with extensive wine, craft cocktail, and craft beer lists. Casual is the best way to describe the warm and friendly service you will come to enjoy when choosing us. We offer dine-in, carry-out, catering, a daily happy hour (3-6:30 p.m. and all-day Sundays), live music Tuesdays and Sundays, and half-price bottles of wine on Wine Down Wednesdays. —lombardosomaha.com
LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - $$ 402-345-5656 3001 S. 32nd Ave.
The restaurant is located in a residential neighborhood, surrounded by charming homes. Everyone is greeted with homemade bread, a bowl of fresh tomatoes and basil, a bowl of ovenroasted garlic cloves, specially seasoned olive oil, and (at night) a jug of Chianti! The menu includes a large variety of pasta, chicken, veal, seafood, and even a delicious New York steak. Traditional dishes such as lasagna, tortellini, and eggplant parmigiana are also available. Lunch offerings include panini, salads, and one of the best pizzas in town. Patio seating, full bar, and a great wine list complete the atmosphere. No reservations, except for private rooms. —losolemio.com
One of Omaha’s Best Happy Hours!
Walking Distance to CHI Health Center Omaha & TD Ameritrade Park CLEAR BAG POLICY IS IN EFFECT
402.346.9116 | 501 N. 13th Street | theMattOmaha.com /the old mattress factory omaha
@Matt_factory
Mon. – Fri. 3—6 PM Fri. & Sat. After 9 PM julios.com/cateringmenu 123rd & Center | 402-330-2110
the backline comedy theatre
HAPPY HOUR TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
(10-11PM)
($1 OFF ALL BEERS) www.backlinecomedy.com
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+ MAY 2019
// 105 //
PASTA AMORE - $$
402-391-2585 11027 Prairie Brook Road
ICE CREAM ● EST 1986 ●
Home -Made in Omaha
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. Lunch is 11 a.m.-2 p.m., dinner starts at 4:30 p.m. Reservations recommended. —pastaamore.com
PITCH - $$
402-590-2625 5021 Underwood Ave.
An OpenTable's Diners' Choice for 2014 HotSpot Restaurant in America. Keeping up with the traditional way the first pizzas in Italy were made, our pizzas are cooked in a coal-fired oven. The menu also features seafood, handcut steak, housemade pastas, and burgers full of flavor. Our goal is to provide you with local, housemade, and imported ingredients. We offer a happy hour menu through the week. Our bar provides an array of in-house concoctions as well as your traditional libations. Our wine selection is well-thought-out and most impressive. You will enjoy Pitch. Monday 3 p.m.-10 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., FridaySaturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 3-10 p.m. —pitchpizzeria.com
SPEZIA - $$$
402-391-2950 3125 S. 72nd St.
Thanks for Voting Us # BREAKFAST YEARS in a Row!
11
1
NOW OPEN 69th & Pacific • 993-2776 177th & Center • 934-9914 156th & Dodge • 408-1728 120th & Blondo • 991-8222 Drive-Thru Open (Center St. Only) | Open Daily 6:30am-2:00pm Serving Breakfast & Lunch All Day!
LEPEEP.COM // 106 //
MAY 2019
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 DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
MEXICAN
FERNANDO’S - $
7555 Pacific St. (402-339-8006) 380 N. 114th St. (402-330-5707)
Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily. Catering and party rooms also available. MondayThursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m. —fernandosomaha.com
JULIO’S - $
402-330-2110 2820 S. 123rd Court
Locally owned since 1977, Julio’s prides themselves on serving the finest Tex-Mex cuisine and offering top-notch customer service. Our loyal customers are the reason we have been around for nearly 40 years. We have an extensive menu that has both classic and innovative dishes—giving everyone the opportunity to find something they love. Salivating for Southwestern fare? We have tacos, tostadas, a dozen different enchiladas, and classic fajitas. And, of course, nachos! —julios.com
LA MESA - $$
158th Street and W. Maple Road (402-557-6130) 156th and Q streets (402-763-2555) 110th St. and W. Maple Road (402-496-1101) Fort Crook Road and Hwy 370, Bellevue (402-733-8754) 84th Street and Tara Plaza, Papillion (402-593-0983) Lake Manawa Exit, Council Bluffs (712-256-2762)
Enjoy awesome enchiladas, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouth-watering margaritas, and more at La Mesa. Come see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s No. 1 Mexican restaurant 16 years in a row. Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. —lamesaomaha.com
MARGARITA'S MEXICAN RESTAURANT - $ 402-393-7515 4915 S. 72nd St.
Margarita's is a business with more than seven years in the food world. We offer authentic Mexican food where you can enjoy a nice moment with your family. —margaritasmenu.com
ROMEO'S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $ 90th and Blondo streets (402-391-8870) 146th Street and W. Center Road (402-330-4160) 96th and L streets (402-331-5656) Galvin and Avery roads, Bellevue (402-292-2028) 29th and Farnam streets (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
BÄRCHEN BEER GARDEN - $ 402-502-9902 6209 Maple St.
Located in Benson, Bärchen is a modern American beer garden and beer hall influenced by German communal drinking culture. Indoor seating for approximately 125 people and outdoor seating in our beer garden for approximately 125-150 people. The laid-back atmosphere pairs well with our 30 rotating taps, international beer list, unique sausage & sandwich menu, and locally made pretzels. We are family and dog friendly—all are welcome. Hours: Tues-Thurs 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information or to host an event, please email gm@barchenbeer.com —barchenbeer.com
BRUSHI BISTRO+BAR - $$
WALKING DISTANCE
TO CHI HEALTH CENTER OMAHA & TD AMERITRADE PARK YOUR PRE-GAME HE AD QUARTE RS FOR LUNCH, DINNE R OR YOUR NE XT EVE NT!
501 N. 13TH ST • 402.346.9116 • THEMATTOMAHA.COM / theoldmattresfactoryomaha
@Matt_factory
402-884-6878 721 N. 132nd St.
Swiss-trained chef Paul Braunschweiler combines the best of Europe’s epicurean delights with an American flair. Brushi’s casual and open atmosphere combine to create a true bistro experience. Fresh ingredients highlight the menu. Happy Hours and nightly specials. Private dining available. Patio seating weather permitting. —brushiomaha.com
CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $ 402-345-1708 3578 Farnam St.
Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia—Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best Reuben sandwich, we are a Midtown beer-lover’s destination. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Kitchen hours: Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight. Closed Sunday. —beercornerusa.com
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
Omaha’s Authentic German Restaurant Family-owned since 1976
E U R O P E A N A M E R I C A N C U I S I N E
Gerda’s Family is carrying on her traditions and recipes, stop in for fresh bakery items and classic German dishes. 10 minutes from Downtown Omaha 5180 Leavenworth | 402.553.6774 gerdasgermanrestaurant.com
Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben! Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.
3578 Farnam St • 402-345-1708 www.beercornerusa.com
7 21 N . 13 2 N D S T R E E T O M A H A , N E 6 815 4 4 0 2 . 8 8 4 . 6 8 7 8 B R U S H I O M A H A . C O M
MAY 2019
// 107 //
FIRST WATCH - $
1222 S. 71st St. (402-932-5691) 2855 S. 168th St. (402-330-3444) 3605 N. 147th St. (402-965-3444) 304 Olson Drive., Papillion (402-965-3444) 2015 Pratt Ave., Bellevue (402-991-3448)
We begin each morning at the crack of dawn, slicing fresh fruits and vegetables, baking muffins, and whipping up our French toast batter from scratch. Everything is made to-order here at First Watch. We use only the finest ingredients possible for the freshest taste around. —firstwatch.com
GERDA’S GERMAN RESTAURANT & BAKERY - $ 402-553-6774 5180 Leavenworth St.
jamseats.com
Omaha’s only authentic German restaurant, a little piece of Germany in the metro. Inspired by Gerda's recipes for homemade spaetzle, schnitzels, and rouladen. Fresh-made soups, red cabbage, sauerkraut, and dumplings are a few other treats. Stay for a dessert of Black Forest cake or grab a fresh bakery item for breakfast on your way out. Check hours online. —gerdasgermanrestaurant.com
GREEK ISLANDS - $ 402-346-1528 3821 Center St.
Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests. Carry-out and delivery available. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., FridaySaturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. —greekislandsomaha.com
J.COCO - $$$
402-884-2626 5203 Leavenworth St.
Stella’s Bar and Grill
The building that once housed a beloved neighborhood grocery has a new future. Built as a grocery back in 1925, it is now home to J. Coco. Our seasonal menus, rooted in tradition, showcase our natural ingredients. Local, organic, and sustainable when available. We feature craft bartending, housemade desserts, and pastas. We celebrate the traditional with a modern twist. Lunch: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5 p.m.-close. —jcocoomaha.com
Thanks to our customers for voting us the “Best Burger in Omaha” “Serving World Famous Hamburgers since 1936” 106 Galvin Rd • Bellevue, NE • 402-291-6088 • Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm // 108 //
MAY 2019
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
VOTED OMAHA’S #1 SPORTS BAR
NEW LOCATION COMING SOON!
ELKHORN - 192nd & Maple
DOWNTOWN - 10th & Capitol MIRACLE HILLS - 114th & Dodge MILLARD - 180th & Q AKSARBEN VILLAGE - 67th & Center BELLEVUE - 23rd & Cornhusker PLATTSMOUTH - Hwy 75 & Oak Hill
DJSDUGOUT.COM Open for Happy Hour 4-7pm Daily
Best Greek
Dining Room Opens at 5pm Daily Private Dining Room Available all day
Family Owned Since 1983 Family Owned Since 1983 Catering ~ Party Room Available CATERING / PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE Homemade, Fresh Food ~ Always HOMEMADE, FRESH FOOD, ALWAYS. 3821 Center St. 402/346-1528
140 Regency Parkway Omaha, NE 68134
3821 Center St / 402.346.1528
GreekIslandsOmaha.com GreekIslandsOmaha.com
FlemingsSteakhouse.com/Omaha 402.393.0811
www.romeosOMAHA.com
MAY 2019
// 109 //
KOREA GARDEN AUTHENTIC ASIAN CUISINE AND SUSHI - $$ 402-505-4089 5352 S. 72nd St.
Lunch specials served Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m., featuring signature Korean dishes like bulgogi, doenjang jjigae, and grilled mackerel. Menu includes appetizers, traditional specialties, rice, noodles, soup, and beverages. —koreangardenomaha.com
PARADISE BAKERY - $
17305 Davenport St. (402-934-5757) 120 Regency Parkway (402-991-3000)
Paradise Bakery offers freshly prepared baked goods made from scratch every morning with the finest ingredients available. Offering a variety of meals including soups, salads, and sandwiches. Our associates are extremely proud of the reputation Paradise has earned for providing exceptional service and producing the finest-quality products. —paradisebakery.com
TAJ KABOB AND CURRY - $ 402-933-1445/402-238-4317 654 N. 114th St.
Taj of Omaha shares its love of traditional Indian cuisine with friends and family in the Omaha area. The owners invite you to come enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and new menu. Taj offers both lunch and dinner specials, delivery and catering services, and a free party room. —tajofomaha.com STEAKHOUSES
CASCIO'S - $$
402-345-8313 1620 S. 10th St.
Food Features • Restaurant Reviews Chef Profiles • Dining Guides • In Every Issue
Cascio's is Omaha's No. 1 steakhouse. We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties. We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking. —casciossteakhouse.com
THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$ 402-391-7440 2121 S. 73rd St.
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., cocktail hour 3-6 p.m., dinner nightly 5 p.m. —droverrestaurant.com
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
// 110 //
MAY 2019
FLEMING'S PRIME STEAKHOUSE - $$$$ 402-393-0811 140 Regency Parkway
At Fleming’s, a steak is never just a steak. It’s the culmination of a meticulous process of selection, preparation, and service that ensures it reaches your table at its very best. We obsess over every detail so that you’ll savor every bite. This is why we offer the finest USDA Prime beef, available both wet- and dry-aged and broiled at 1,600 degrees or iron-crusted. You can elevate your selection even more with our indulgent steak companions, including truffle-poached lobster, diablo shrimp, and lump crabmeat. Each dish is crafted from scratch by our culinary team and served by our skillful staff. Reservations recommended. —flemingssteakhouse.com
STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD ITALIAN SPECIALTIES 7 private party rooms Seating up to 400 Lots of parking
1620 S. 10th Street
402-345-8313
www.casciossteakhouse.com
OMAHA’S ORIGINAL STEAKHOUSE
JOHNNY'S CAFÉ - $$$ 402-731-4774 4702 S. 27th St.
Years of quality dining and hospitality make Johnny's Café a restaurant to remember. We serve only the finest beef the Midwest has to offer. Aged steaks and prime rib are the specialties, with homemade bread and pies to complete a meal. An excellent wine list adds to the enjoyment at one of Omaha's original restaurants. Hours: MondaySaturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. —johnnyscafe.com
STEAK & GRAPES - $
402-884-8966 16920 Wright Plaza, Suite No. 118
We are obsessed with really, really good grapes; creative, gourmet comfort food; and a funky, fun atmosphere in which to share them. We search all over the world to find you great wines. Many wines come from our relationships with smaller, undiscovered vineyards, which offer a great value to our guests. Wine is supposed to be fun. We pour heavy and will open any bottle for our guests to try by the glass. When you taste a new varietal at Steak & Grapes, let us know how it changed your concept of what wine is supposed to be. Our gourmet comfort food is made fresh, using eco-friendly and local ingredients. As for the fun, we instigate it, but count on you to see it to fruition (literally through the fruit). Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., FridaySaturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (Join us for Saturday and Sunday brunch.) —steakandgrapesomaha.com
DINING GUIDE LEGEND
$=$1-10 • $$=$10-20 • $$$=$20-30 • $$$$=$30+
• Proudly serving visitor & locals for 90 years. • Featured on CNN.com Best Meat Cities in America • Serving hand cut steaks, aged on premise and slow roasted prime rib with pride. 402.731.4774 johnnyscafe.com 27th & ‘L’ St., Kennedy Frwy, ‘L’ St. Exit 8 Minutes from Downtown Omaha.
Best Of Omaha 13 Years Running
WHERE WHERE GOOD GOOD FOOD FOOD AND AND GOOD GOOD SERVICE SERVICE NEVER NEVER GO GO OUT OUT OF OF STYLE. STYLE.
VOTED #1 16 YEARS
IN A ROW OMAHA – 158TH & MAPLE (402) 557-6130 BELLEVUE – FT. CROOK RD & 370 (402) 733-8754
OMAHA – 110TH & MAPLE (402) 496-1101 PAPILLION – 84TH & TARA PLZ (402) 593-0983
OMAHA – 156TH & Q (402) 763-2555 COUNCIL BLUFFS – LAKE MANAWA EXIT (712) 256-2762
MAY 2019
// 111 //
STAY & PLAY IN SARPY COUNTY!
// EXPLORE CALNENDAR //
Kick off the summer concert season at Sumtur Amphitheater near Papillion. June 6 - Sublime with Rome June 27 - Three Dog Night
Located just a few minutes south of Omaha, Sarpy County awaits with a wonderful mix of fun things to see and do. Enjoy over 25 miles of biking/hiking trails. Stay in one of our premier hotels. Spend the day at a family fun center. From parks, lakes and winery to malls, specialty shops, and theatres, Sarpy County is the perfect destination for your next getaway. For a full list of shopping, restaurants and area events, visit us at
GoSarpy.com.
BELLEVUE • GRETNA • LA VISTA • PAPILLION • SPRINGFIELD • OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE • OMAHA METRO Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue
Leopard Lanes, Bellevue
Embassy Suites, La Vista
Holy Family Shrine, near Gretna
Walnut Creek Recreation Area, Papillion
// EXPLORE CALENDAR //
NEBRASK A SPACE DAY 2019
May 4 at Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, Ashland. Guests can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing at Space Day. This family event features activities, movies, planetarium shows, and guest speakers. 402-94 4-3100. —sacmuseum.org
COMMUNIT Y APPRECIATION DAY/STUHR UNDER THE STARS May 4 in Grand Island.
The star t of the summer season features free admission, food and drink specials, and activities for the whole family. When the sun goes down, attendees can enjoy an outdoor movie under the stars at the Stuhr Museum’s Railroad Town. Blankets and chairs for sitting are encouraged. 308-385-5316. —stuhrmuseum.gov
LINCOLN MARATHON
FREE FISHING AND PARK ENTRY DAY
May 5 in Lincoln. This event includes three different races. Runners can par ticipate in the full marathon, half marathon, or 1-mile race. Races start at 7 a.m. and end at Memorial Stadium. —lincolnmarathon.org
SIP NEBRASK A WINE, CRAFT BEER, AND SPIRITS FESTIVAL May 10-11 at Mahoney State Park, Ashland. The sixth annual festival comes to Mahoney State Park for a weekend filled with live music, wine and beer tastings, and vendors for festivalgoers to enjoy. 402-882-24 48. —blurparties.com/sipnebraska
May 18 at any Nebraska state park or recreation area Enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the purchase a fishing license or park permit. 402-471-0641. —outdoornebraska.gov
May
KENNY CHESNEY’S “SONGS FOR THE SAINTS 2019 TOUR” May 18 at Pinnacle
18
Bank Arena, Lincoln. Countr y music star Kenny Chesney brings his act to the Pinnacle Bank Arena for a night of fun and music. 402-904-4 4 4 4 . —pinnaclebankarena.com
WILDLANDS DAY & FREE PARK ENTRY
May 18 at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center, Gering. In Nebraska’s panhandle, this family-friendly event includes a bird hike, wildflower walk, and many other activities. 308-436-3777. — outdoornebraska.gov
NEBR A SK A JUNK AT HON
May 24-26 at Thompson’s Treasures Antique and Uniques, Sargent. Vendors come together for a festival of antiques, food, and more in central Nebraska. 308-750-9435 . —facebook.com/junkathonfleamarket
FORT KEARNY OUTDOOR EXPO May 11 at Fort
Kearny State Recreation Area, Kearney. This family-friendly event caters to those who are interested in Nebraska’s outdoor activities and wildlife. Fishing, camping, and archery are but a few of the offered recreational opportunities. A park entry permit is required. 402-471-6009. —fortkearnyexpo.com
TOAST NEBRASK A WINE FESTIVAL 2019
May 17-18 at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Gretna. Vala’s brings you its all-Nebraska w ine festival, complete with music, food vendors, and many local wineries available for tasting. 402-310-7264 . —toastwinefest.com
NATIONAL BIRD DAY
May 4 at the Arbor Lodge Mansion, Nebraska City. Celebrate birds while touring the Arbor Lodge Mansion. Visitors can “hunt” for the many resident birds. 402-471-0641. —outdoornebraska.gov
BILL MORRIS MEMORIAL FISHING DERBY
May 18 at Ponca State Park, Ponca. This all-ages event includes hands-on activities throughout the day. Prizes will be distributed in many categories. 402-471-0641. —outdoornebraska.gov
ANNUAL BROWNVILLE SPRING FLEA MARKET May 25-27 in Brownville. Hundreds of vendors bring their wares to this annual tradition, including recycled and up-cycled products, food, and antiques. 402-825-6001. —brownvillehistoricalsociety.org
MIGRATORY BIRD DAY CELEBRATION May 25-27 at the Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area, Crofton. This all-day event includes a glow in the dark egg hunt, guided bird walks, and more (along Nebraska’s riverine border with South Dakota). 402-388-4169. —outdoornebraska.gov 64TH ANNUAL WILL A CATHER SPRING CONFERENCE May 31-June 1 at National Willa
Cather Center, Red Cloud. This annual event celebrates the works and life of Willa Cather. 866-731-7304 . —willacather.org
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// EXPLORE CALENDAR //
IOWA
ULTIMATE SPRING WOMEN’S EXPO
CASCADE WING & BREW FEST 2019
May 4 at Cascade Amphitheater, Cascade. Attendees can enjoy some wings and beer as this festival comes back for its sixth year of food, drinks, and live music. 563- 690-8611. —cascadeiowa.org
MAIFEST May 4 at Amana Colonies, Amana.
Dancers, food trucks, and a parade will bring German traditions to this celebration of spring. 319-622-7622. —festivalsinamana.com
THIRD ANNUAL COFFEE & DONUT FESTIVAL
May 4 at the Capital Square, Des Moines. Coffee and doughnuts are the highlights of this Des Moines festival, which includes games and plenty of family fun. 515-599-7500. —coffeedonutfest.com/des-moines
ART WALK May 4 at Kohlmann Park, Waverly.
This fine arts walk includes more than 40 artists for visitors to peruse. Open to the public. 319-352-4526. —waverlychamber.com
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY: MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU May 4 at Oak Leaf Comics & Collectibles, Mason City Iowa. This event includes free comic books, inflatables, and fun for the whole family. Fifty percent of sales will be donated to the North Iowa Youth Center. 641-424-0333. —dustcatchers.com
May 7 at the Wild Rose Casino, Clinton. Bring some friends to this event that includes shopping, prizes, and more. 563-243-9000. —wildroseresorts.com/clinton
THE BEACH BOYS: "NOW & THEN TOUR"
May 9 at the Sioux City Orpheum Theatre, Sioux City. The iconic band will bring their hit music to the Orpheum Theatre for a night to remember. 712-244-5000. —orpheumlive.com
SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL May 9-12 at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines. This event celebrates everything about gardens with activities, workshops, and more. 515-323-6290. —dmbotanicalgarden.com
DOWNTOWN SHOW AND SHINE
May 5 at 206 Main Street, Cedar Falls. Cars and motorcycles will line Main Street for viewing. Food vendors will be available at this free event open to the public. 319-277-0213. —communitymainstreet.org
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MAY 2019
ANNUAL TIVOLI FEST May 24-May 26 in Elk Horn. Celebrate all things Danish at this annual spring festival, which includes Danish food, dances, live enter tainment, fireworks, and more. 712-764-7001. —danishmuseum.org
ORANGE CITY TULIP FESTIVAL
May 16-18 in Orange City. This event, which began in 1936, celebrates Dutch heritage and consists of beautiful tulips, dances performed in traditional Dutch clothing, daily parades, Dutch food, and more. 712-707-4510. —octulipfestival.com
TREE TOWN MUSIC FESTIVAL May 23-26 at the
Heritage Park of North Iowa, Forest City. This three-day event brings together big names in country music for a fun festival. Performers include Jake Owen, Dierks Bentley, Lauren Alaina, and more. 641-585-3378. —treetownfestival.com
05
Rust, Avoca. Attendees can enjoy an outdoor market of vintage goods. Drinks, food, and vendors will be available. 402-267-4104 . —ruralrouterust.com
May 24-25 at the Westin Gateway Park, Des Moines. In its 17th year, Celebrasian will be a celebration and appreciation of Asian culture, uniting the Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander communities in Des Moines. Guests can enjoy live performances, authentic food, May and educational activities. 515-770-1026. —iowaasianalliance.com
09
May
VINTAGE GARDEN MARKET WITH FRIENDS May 4-5 at Rural Route
CELEBRASIAN
80TH ANNUAL NORTH IOWA BAND FESTIVAL May 23-27 in Mason City.
Seventy-six trombones (or more) will parade through the streets of this Iowa town, where Music Man composer Meredith Wilson lived. Along with marching bands, this festival includes a carnival, food, games, and live entertainment. 641-423-5724. —nibandfest.com
BOONE RIVER VALLEY FESTIVAL
May 24-27 at the Boone Valley Brewery, Boone. Festival attendees can enjoy a weekend filled with music, crafts, and fun for the whole family. —boonerivervalleyfestival.com
SPRING ART & CRAFT FESTIVAL
May 25 at Triangle Park, McGregor. This event kicks off summer with vendors, food, and activities for kids. 563-873-2186. —mcgreg-marq.org
IOWA ARTS FESTIVAL May 31-June 2 in Iowa
City. A family-friendly event that brings together different artists in the Iowa area, this event also features live music performances, food vendors, and more. 319-337-794 4 . —summerofthearts.org
Nebraska’s Great Park Pursuit Visit Parks. Be Active. Win Prizes. May 1 –September 16, 2019 Explore Nebraska parks with this free statewide program. Learn more and register your team at NeGPP.org or download our free app.
844.271.6909 MAY 2019
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// EXPLORE CALENDAR //
K ANSAS BOOTS AND BEER AUCTION
May 3 at Hoover Pavilion, Dodge City. This event brings many food and craft beer vendors together, also featuring live and silent auctions. 620-227-8188. —boothill.org
KS FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
May 4 at the Warehouse Arts District, Lawrence. This oneday festival features more than 25 food trucks with offerings from across the world and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit Just Food, the Douglas County Food Bank. 785-856-3040. —ksfoodtruckfest.com
MISSOURI
HARRY’S HAY DAYS May 4-5 in Grandview. This
GAT SBY DAYS
May 2-6 in Excelsior Springs. Break out the beads, fringe, and zoot suits for this homage to the roaring ’20s. Events include a fashion stroll, antique car parade, a “Gin & Jazz” party, vaudeville performances, and more. 816-630-6161. —exspgschamber.com
family-friendly event—taking place at the childhood home of Harry Truman—will be a celebration of his birthday and legacy. It is a two-day May event filled with music, vendors, games, and a parade. 816-316-4888. —grandviewharryshaydays.com
04
A RTFES T ON WA LNU T May 4-5 in Springfield. Over 100 artists will be on display at this celebration of art, with performances, food, and activities for the whole family. 417-831-6200. —springfieldarts.org RENDITIONS POLISH POTTERY FESTIVAL May
47TH ANNUAL SQUARE FAIR & ARTS FESTIVAL
11 in Weston. This celebration of Polish culture includes live music, dancing, traditional food, and displays of unique pottery and art. 816-640-2909. —westonmo.com
May 11 at the Anderson County Courthouse, Garnett. An annual event, this free family fun affair brings many craft vendors for visitors to peruse. Live entertainment, food, and more. 785-4 48-6767. —garnettbpw.com
PEONY FESTIVAL May 18-19 at Stockton Area
Chamber of Commerce, Stockton. The annual Peony Festival will feature peony displays around the city. The event includes a parade, craft vendors, and more. 785-425-6703. —stocktonks.com
VOLKSWESTON 2019 APPLE BLOSSOM PARADE & FESTIVAL
May 4 in St. Joseph. The parade has been in existence for over 90 years, and it has expanded into a festival with a Kansas City BBQ Societysanctioned barbecue contest. The event runs in conjunction with Discover Downtown, which features live music, food vendors, and kids activities. 816-261-0422. —appleblossomparade.com
10TH ANNUAL SIKESTON JAYCEE & HEALTH FACILITIES REHAB CRAWFISH BOIL & MUSIC FESTIVAL May 4 at the Sikeston Rodeo L AWRENCE BUSKER FESTIVAL 2018
May 24-26 in downtown Lawrence. This annual event invites everyone to enjoy a get-weirdweekend. It includes unusual live performances by ar tists—both local and global—and the Busker Ball at the Lawrence Arts Center. This will be the first ever all-female busker festival. 785-843-2787. —lawrencebuskerfest.com
TUMBLEWEED MUSIC FESTIVAL May 30-June 1 at the La Cygne Reservoir, La Cygne. The annual festival filled with music and fun is back for another round. Attendees can enjoy three days and two nights of camping, country music, canoeing, and hot air balloon rides. —tumbleweedcountry.com
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MAY 2019
Grounds, Sikeston. Attendees can enjoy music and family entertainment. This event includes a grand feast of Louisiana crawfish. 573-471-2498. —sikeston.net
May 11 in Weston. This event will display vintage Volkswagens along Main Street to the City Hall parking lot. 816-640-2757. —westonmo.com
FOURTH ANNUAL WESTON WINE FEST
May 18 at Pirtle Winery, Weston. Attendees can enjoy wine, food, and live music. 816-640-2752. —pirtlewinery.com
WESTPORT ROOTS FESTIVAL
May 25-27 in Kansas City. The music festival is back for its fifth year. Attendees can enjoy three days of fun and music from 60 bands. 816-960-4560. —westportroots.com
CENTRALIA ANCHOR FESTIVAL May 31-June
2 at the City Square, Centralia. This event brings a fun day filled with music, parade, a carnival, and more. 573-682-2272. —centraliamochamber.com
KC PRIDEFEST
May 31-June 2 at Berkley Riverfront Park, Kansas City. Entering its 43rd year, KC PrideFest is back for a celebration of love and diversity. 816-535-0911. —facebook.com/kcpridefest
Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.
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MAY 2019
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NOT FUNNY // COLUMN BY OTIS TWELVE // PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL SITZMANN
HOW DID I GET HERE? A STREETCAR NAMED DESTINY
T
HERE'S AN OLD joke about a trav-
eler in New Hampshire chatting with an upstate farmer. “Have you lived here your whole life?” asks the visitor. The farmer replies, “Not yet.”
A lot of folks think I’ve lived my whole life here in Omaha. “You look like you’re from here,” they say. Perhaps it’s the faraway look in my eyes as I stare off towards the distant horizon. Maybe it’s my stoic persona. I don’t know. I’m even frequently asked about where I went to high school. Many assume that, with my boyish charm, incisive intelligence, and somewhat socially maladaptive personality that I must have attended Creighton Prep. I didn’t. I was, in fact, trained by Benedictines, the natural enemies of Prep’s Jesuit founders. Those 16th century bloody feuds are still bitterly remembered. That said, I didn’t get prepped there, but I was admitted to Creighton University despite my somewhat shady secondary school background. How that happened is a short story that I will endeavor to lengthen. Truth is, I’m not from here. I was born in Des Moines and then quickly trundled off to Philadelphia for a while with my Navy dad and family. Yeah, I was a toddler in the City of Brotherly Love.
We moved to Kansas City, eventually, where the nuns thought my Philly accent was a speech impediment and soon had it out of me, using rulers and holy water. So, mostly, I grew up in Kansas City, which is really different from Omaha. Omaha is like the little brother to Chicago—a smaller version of the Windy City, it’s one of those “broad shoulders” Midwest cities that grew up on the far side of the wide Missouri. Kansas City, Missouri, is a sister to Atlanta—Southern-styled and genteel, with a touch of the mob, it’s a city that stayed on the east side of the Muddy. You got kolaches and a cathedral; we got easy access to grits and lots of Baptist gospel choirs. You got polkas; we got ragtime. You say “Bee-at-triss;” we say “Miz-zer-rah.” But a streetcar got me here. Let me explain. My dad went to Creighton, before a certain World War intervened. Before he got his Navy wings, he was just a ground-bound farmer’s son who had made it to college—no small accomplishment. My dad, Vince, was a fun-loving guy and there was a certain pub in Dundee. It may, or may not, have been called the Golden Buddha. Whatever the name, my dad would take the streetcar from the Creighton campus that ran straight into old Dundee and visit the establishment—only after his studies were completed, of course. That’s where he met Harry.
For expanded content, scan this QR code with your smart device. MAY
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2019
Harry? Hang on I’m getting there—or here… Harry went to Creighton, too, and when Vinnie met Harry a friendship came to be. And then, Harry took Vinnie home to Iowa one weekend and introduced him to Ethel. Love happened. Biology worked. Eventually, I came to be—in an existential sense. Cutting to the chase, I was weaned, learned to walk, picked up a Philly accent, lost my Philly accent, played second base for the Monarch Electric Bolts, grew 62 inches, hung out with Benedictine monks, graduated from high school, and as time came to pass…I decided that I wanted to attend my father’s alma mater…so… Here I am. A visitor recently asked me, “Do you like it here?” I remembered the New Hampshire farmer and replied, “Yes…So far.” Yep, here I am in Omaha. All thanks to a streetcar. We should still have some of those. Otis Twelve hosts the radio program Early Morning Classics with Otis Twelve on 90.7 KVNO, weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Visit kvno.org for more information.
A shoreside vacation is closer than you think. You don’t have to hit a coast to get the sun-and-sand summer you crave. Your sandcastle-building,
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cannonball-jumping, inner-tube-lounging, barhopping-by-boat vacation is just a few hours away. You. Me. Okoboji. Visit vacationokoboji.com to download your FREE visitor’s guide today.
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MAY 2019
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MAY 2 11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.
NEBRASKA HIGH SCHOOL ALL-STATE WINTER PROGRAM GREATER OMAHA SPORTS COMMITTEE DOWNTOWN DOUBLETREE 1616 DODGE ST.
MAY 4 5 - 8:30 P.M.
TABLE GRACE THE MUSICAL STAGE READING TABLE GRACE MINISTRIES THE B SIDE BENSON THEATER 6058 MAPLE ST.
MAY 5 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.
MAY 16 11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.
MAY 26 8 P.M. - 2 A.M.
THE HARVEST SPOON FESTIVAL SIX FARMS CELEBRATING HARRISON AND POTTAWATTAMIE LOCAL FOODS DOE'S AND DIVA'S DAIRY, INC. 31140 185 T H ST. HONEY CREEK, IA 51542
2019 HONOR ROLL LUNCHEON ROTARY CLUB CHI HEALTH CENTER OMAHA 455 N. 10 T H ST.
LOVE AND LAUGHTER COMEDY SHOW
WHITE RHINO PRODUCTIONS, LLC JESSE’S PLACE 2311 N. 24 T H ST.
MAY 30 11:30 A.M. - 1 P.M.
SUMMER ETHICS LUNCHEON BUSINESS ETHICS ALLIANCE TD AMERITRADE PARK 1200 MIKE FAHEY ST.
WELCOME TO OMAHA
WELCOME TO
Omaha
Omaha is known by many nicknames: The Big O, The River City, The Gateway to the West, The City that Does Not Coast (#WeDon’tCoast), Home-aha. Whether you are new to the area or a returning visitor, Omaha has something for everyone. Enjoy and explore! Local businesses and attractions welcome you to “Oh, what a town.”
MAY 2019
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WELCOME TO OMAHA
Doughnuts & Coffee Since 1937 Fundraising Available OUR MISSION: To touch and enhance lives through the joy that is Krispy Kreme. OUR VISION: To be the worldwide leader in sharing delicious tastes and creating joyful memories.
2420 West Broadway
(712) 352-0296 Council Bluffs, IA
707 South 72nd St. (402) 932-5581 Omaha, NE
2715 South 120th St.
(402) 334-9000 Omaha, NE
5 Omaha Foodie Facts Omaha is home to legendary steaks. It’s in the city’s DNA. Carnivores enjoy a friendly debate over which classic Omaha steakhouse serves up the best steak. We invite you to be the judge. Warren Buffett’s favorite is Gorat’s, a traditional old-school steakhouse. Omaha is the birthplace of the Reuben sandwich; it was created during a late-night poker game at the Blackstone Hotel in the early 1900s. Chew on that, New Yorkers! Stella’s Bar and Grill serves up the Stellenator, weighing in at 4.5 lbs. and 4,900 calories, includes six burger patties, six fried eggs, six slices of cheese, 12 pieces of bacon, lettuce, tomato, fried onions, pickles, jalapeños and peanut butter. This 45-minute take down challenge is not for the faint of heart – more people have been to the moon!
1080 N 204th Ave Elkhorn, NE 68022 402.289.1175 reggandwallys.net
With a strong agriculture background, it is no surprise Omaha is on the forefront of the farm-to-fork movement. A wide variety of local restaurants serve food so fresh, you’ll taste the sunshine. Check out Kitchen Table, Dante’s and Stirnella, to name a few.
Explore aviation war heroes of WWII and the Cold War. M U S E U M O P E N DA I LY 9 AM - 5 PM
Omaha’s craft brew scene is definitely worth the buzz with seasonal concoctions being created at breweries sprinkled throughout the city. Be sure to request the free Omaha Craft Brew Penny Pack and enjoy “Buy 1 Get 1 for a Penny”coupons at 12 featured breweries. Go to VisitOmaha.com/PennyPack. Easy mobile redemption will instantly be delivered via text and email.
For more on Omaha’s food scene go to VisitOmaha.com // 122 //
MAY 2019
OMAHA FOR
EVERYONE FOR OMAHA
Our pioneering spirit led us away from the coasts. Here, we built a home, a place where we could lift others up and help others over. That’s what we do. Every person who arrives to work and play hard elevates us even more.
WELCOME
Get to know us at
WeDontCoast.com Find local events, inspiration and insight into living and working in Greater Omaha.
WELCOME TO OMAHA
Omaha’s First Brewing Company with Unique Jalapeño & Raspberry Beers
402.391.3535 | TheWineryOmaha.com 741 N. 98th St. at Clocktower Village Omaha NE, 68114
Best Indian Restaurant
PROUD TO BE BEST OF OMAHA WINNER FOR SEVEN YEARS & COUNTING!
14 YEARS IN A ROW!
5203 LEAVENWORTH ST 402-884-2626 JCOCOOMAHA.COM
Located in Rockbrook Village 10922 Elm St., Omaha, NE 68144 402-392-7331 | jaipurbrewhouse.com
Lunch | Thurs. & Fri. | 11 am to 2 pm Dinner | Sun. to Wed. | 5 - 9:30 pm Thurs. to Sat. | 4:30 - 10 pm
HOURS: Mon-Sat: 10am - 8pm Closed on Sunday
L O C A L LY O W N E D & O P E R AT E D 3 51 N 7 8 th S t , O m a h a N E , 6 81 14 // 124 //
MAY 2019
|
foodiesomaha.com
|
402.884.2880
WELCOME TO OMAHA
5
Great Omaha Souvenirs 402-502-7450 14242 Fort St., Omaha, NE 68164
Benson Soap Mill re-purposes natural and discarded products from Omaha restaurants, coffee shops, and farms to create high-quality products. Choose from a variety of hand soaps, bars and bath bombs for a simple, sudsy and sustainable way to remember your time in Omaha. Sold at a variety of local retailers throughout the city. Lithuanian Bakery’s Napoleonas Torte, a recipe perfected over 40 years, is always a guaranteed thank-you-card-inducing gift. This delicious creation takes three days to make and features 17 layers of thin wafers, sweet cream and apricot filling. These treats are frozen and shipped all over the country. Hot Shops Art Center, home of all that is molten, is a creative gift-givers dream come true. Nearly 80 artists offer one-of-a-kind gifts in a variety of artistic fields, like blown glass, jewelry, framed art, pottery, quilts, and woodcarving to name a few. Each piece promises to be an original.
GS
ALO WI
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BU
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OR I GI
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’S
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The Cordial Cherry creates delicate works of art out of creamy chocolate and sweet cherries – earning a place on Oprah’s list of favorite things. The sweet boutique is filled wall-to-wall with beautifully handcrafted treats taking on different “personas” (think nativity scenes, bumblebees, baseballs, etc.). Grab a gift box and pick your cherries to create a customized present. Located in The Shops of Legacy.
120 S. 31st Ave. Set.1503 Omaha, NE 68131 402.884.5300 | rayswings.com
THANK YOU OMAHA
F O R V OT I N G U S B E S T F R I E D C AT F I S H T WO YEARS IN A ROW!
ECreamery has been featured on The Shark Tank, The View, Today Show, and Rachel Ray. This artisan ice cream shop churns sixteen flavors of specialty ice cream, gelato and dairy-free sorbet. Create a sweet concoction as unique as the recipient and ship it to their doorstep.
RESTAURANT Restaurant & Lounge & LOUNGE Fre sh f i sh, c h ic k e n, a n d h o us e - c u t s te a k s s e r ve d i n a r us t ic a n d f r ie n d l y at mo s ph e re For more unique Omaha souvenir ideas, go to VisitOmaha.com
1006 Cunningham Road, Bellevue 402-292-9963 • catfishlakerestaurant.org
“Fresh fish, chicken, and house cut steaks served in a rustic and friendly atmosphere”
MAY 2019
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WELCOME TO OMAHA
restaurant and wine bar
F R E SH. L O C A L . DI V I N E .
OLD MARKET PASSAGEWAY • 1022 Howard St. • 402.345.8980 • vmertz.com Open for dinner at 5:30 PM • Tuesday — Saturday
WELCOME TO OMAHA
Did you know…
… Omaha is home to the world’s largest indoor desert, under the world’s largest geodesic dome? The Desert Dome stands 13 stories tall and features a 30-foot tall sand dune containing 300 tons of red sand. You’ll find it at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. … many iconic artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Pollock, and Renoir have works on display in Omaha. Guests marvel at the original Chihuly glass sculpture standing 33 ft. tall and 22 ft. wide. Stop by and see it for yourself at Joslyn Art Museum which offers free admission. … Omaha has more than 400 public works of art on display throughout the city. You’ll find brightly painted murals, sculptures and art pieces including a 13-feet tall fork with spaghetti in the heart of Omaha’s historic Little Italy neighborhood. … Boys Town is home to the world’s largest ball of stamps. … you can stand in two states at once on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge – affectionately known as Bob. The state line between NE and IA runs right through Bob. Check out his Twitter and Instagram accounts @BobTBridge
E E R r F e d n U & 2 1 s e $8.00 | Ag
For a complete list of Omaha fun facts, check out VisitOmaha.com
!
Dragon Dances • Martial Arts Exhibitions Multicultural Performances • Variety of Vendors Delicious Food & Drinks • Beer Garden Rubik’s Cube, Yo-Yo, and Egg Roll Eating Contests
FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! MAY 2019
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OMAHA MAGAZINE – it’s about all of us. Omaha Magazine publishes stories about interesting people who live next door and fascinating former Omahans. It is the place to read stories about the arts, the food, the music, and the events that are making Omaha the cultural epicenter of the Midwest.
OmahaMagazine.com/Subscribe
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