Calendar of Events

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» Exhibits «

FORM

Through Feb. 25 at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St. In October 2021, KANEKO founder Jun Kaneko received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Sculpture Center, recognizing his contributions to the fi eld of sculpture. In honor of this award, he has installed an exhibit in the KANEKO Bow Truss Gallery featuring pieces from his permanent collection. Admission: free. Th ursday-Friday 1-7 p.m., Saturday-Sunday noon-5 p.m. 402.341.3800. –thekaneko.org

HOLIDAY AT SUGAR HILL: PHOTOGRAPHY BY JERRY DANTZIC

Through Feb. 27 at Durham Museum, 801

S. 10th St. In April 1957, photojournalist Jerry Dantzic gained special access to Billie Holiday during a week-long run of performances at the Newark, New Jersey, nightclub, Sugar Hill. His discreet, respectful, artful approach, using only available light, helped forge a bond of trust—and gave him unprecedented access to his subject. Th e result is a series of remarkable images that challenge the tragic narrative that frequently defi nes Billie Holiday. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for members and children 2 and under. Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, Closed Mondays. 402.444.5071. —durhammuseum.org I DON’T KNOW YOU LIKE THAT: THE BODYWORK OF HOSPITALITY

Through March 19 at Bemis Center, 724 S. 12th

St. Hospitality is usually considered a philosophical concept with juridical implications, an ethical concern, or a social/political practice. Th is group exhibition shifts the focus to consider the stealth work of hospitality on our conceptual, physical, political, and historical understanding of bodies. Admission: free. Wednesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 402.341.7130. —bemiscenter.org

FACES FROM THE INTERIOR: THE NORTH AMERICAN PORTRAITS OF KARL BODMER

Through May 1 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200

Dodge St. Th is is Joslyn’s fi rst exhibit to focus on Karl Bodmer’s watercolor portraits of Native Americans and features 64 recently conserved watercolors, including portraits of individuals from Omaha tribes. Tickets: $10 general admission, $5 college students with ID, free for Joslyn members and youth ages 17 and younger. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. 402.342.3300. —joslyn.org A PORTRAIT OF MEDICAL HUMANITIES: ARTWORK BY CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Jan. 5-31 at Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nich-

olas St. Th is exhibition is a collection of works made by Creighton University Studio Art majors and Creighton University School of Medicine students. Admission: free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Weekends 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 402.342.6452. —hotshopsartcenter.com

#SCANXIETY BY RACHEL MINDRUP

Feb. 2-28, at Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicho-

las St. Neurofi bromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder that occurs in 1 in 3,000 births. It can cause tumors to grow anywhere on or in the body at any time in an individual’s life. Th ey live in the spaces from MRI to MRI with “scanxiety” emanating into a “what next” subcurrent of daily life with NF. Admission: free. Weekdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Weekends 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 402.342.6452. —hotshopsartcenter.com

FOREVER FOREST

Feb. 5 - April 16 at Omaha Children’s Museum,

500 S. 20th St. Exploring the realities of forests through play, families will learn about sustainability, selective harvesting, transportation needs, and the everyday products we use that are made from trees. Th e exhibit includes a tree top climber, a realistic mini replica of a Union Pacifi c engine, a kid-sized home under construction for children to help build, and more. Admission: Members and under 2 free. Kids 2-15 and adults $14, seniors 60+ $13. Tuesdays-Fridays 9 a.m-4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 402.342.6164. —ocm.org

» Concerts « KEEP PUSH’N: MUSIC OF REO SPEEDWAGON WITH BOOM BAND

Jan. 1 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St.

Th e four members of the Beatles tribute band Come Together decided to take their music one step further to pay tribute to another great band. Tickets: $10 ADV. 8 p.m. 402.884.5353 —waitingroomlounge.com

THE LONELY ONES

Jan. 5 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave.

Formed in the summer of 2019, Th e Lonely Ones are a four-piece vocal-oriented hard rock band with an ear for melody and a taste for success. Tickets: $15 ADV, $20 DOS. 8 p.m. 402.884.5707 —reverblounge.com

JAIMIE BRANCH

Jan. 6 at Low End, Bemis Center, 724 S. 12th

St. Branch is a Colombian-American Brooklyn-based musician and artist working in the areas of improvisation and composition. Admission: free. 8 p.m. 402.341.7130. —bemiscenter.org

SHAYNA STEELE

Jan. 14 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. Known from recordings with Snarky Puppy, Moby, and others, Steele will perform at the Holland Music Club. Tickets: $30. 7:30 p.m. 402.342.3300. —o-pa-org

FLATLAND CAVALRY

Jan. 14 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple

St. Texas Flatland Cavalry continue to evolve as musicians and storytellers. Tickets $20. 8 p.m. 402.884.5353 —waitingroomlounge.com

PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION & ANTHONY MCGILL

Jan.14 -15 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. Principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic Anthony McGill joins the Omaha Symphony for a performance of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A Major. Tickets:$20-$81. 7:30 p.m. 402.345.0202. —o-pa-org

THE DEAD SOUTH TWIN TWANGLER TOUR

Jan 16-17 at The Slowdown, 729 S. 14th St. Th e Dead South is a four-piece acoustic ensemble that blends elements of folk, bluegrass, classical, and rockin’ boot-stompin’ acoustic music. Tickets: $28.50 ADV, $36.50 DOS, $55 two-night pass. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569. —theslowdown.com NELLY WITH BLANCO BROWN: LIL BIT OF MUSIC SERIES

Jan. 19 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. Nelly, the multi-platinum, three-time Grammy-winning artist and four-time AMA-winning entertainer reschedules his Fall Concert Series. Tickets: $45$95. 7:30 p.m. 402.934.9966 —ralstonarena.com

MUSIC OF THE KNIGHTS

Jan. 22 - 23 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber are not only knights, they are also three of the most successful songwriters of all time. Omaha Symphony’s Music of the Knights® honors their lasting musical infl uence. Tickets: $20-$89. Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. 402.345.0202. —o-pa-org

I, THE BREATHER

Jan. 27 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple

St. Celebrate the 10 year reunion tour for Th ese Are My Sins and Truth and Purpose with I the Breather, Sleepwalker, Curses, and Execution Day. Tickets $12 ADV, $15 DOS. 7 p.m. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com

Feb. 3 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N.

10th St. One of the most successful female recording artists in history, McEntire has sold over 56 million albums worldwide. Tickets: $26.50-$199. 8 p.m. 402.341.1500 —chihealth.com

WALKER HAYES-THE FANCY LIKE TOUR

Feb. 5 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. Hayes’ recent EP Country Stuff includes the RIAA certifi ed Platinum hit “Fancy Like,” which has topped every country streaming and sales chart since its release. Tickets: $25-$54. 7:30 p.m. 402.934.9966. —ralstonarena.com

OMAHA SYMPHONY-PERRY GILMORE PLAYS SAINT-GEORGES

Feb. 6 at Witherspoon Concert Hall, Joslyn Art

Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Th e program begins with the “Polish Dance” from Chabrier’s comic opera, Th e Reluctant King and concludes with Louise Farrenc’s “Symphony No. 3.” Tickets: $35$45. 2 p.m. 402.345.0202. —o-pa-org

THE BLACK ANGELS

Feb. 7 at The Slowdown, 729 S. 14th St. Th e Black Angels have toured with Queens of the Stone Age, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Th e Black Keys, and played festivals such as Glastonbury, Coachella, and Bonnaroo. Tickets: $22 ADV, $25 DOS. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569. —theslowdown.com

ERIC CHURCH: THE GATHER AGAIN TOUR

Feb. 11 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N.

10th St. Church has released nine studio albums since 2005. His style has been described as country rock, outlaw country, and southern rock. Tickets; $36-$166. 8 p.m. 402.341.1500 —chihealth.com

OMAHA SYMPHONY-BAHL AND TIME FOR THREE

Feb. 11 - 12 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. Th e concert’s fi rst half features Sarah Kirkland Snider’s “Something for the Dark.” Th e genre-bending trio Time For Th ree joins for Jennifer Higdon’s Concerto, and the program fi nishes with Rachmaninoff ’s “Symphony No. 2 in E Minor.” Tickets: $20-$81. 7:30 p.m. 402.345.0202. —o-pa-org

M-PACT

Feb. 11 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. M-pact is respected worldwide as a cutting-edge trailblazer in the realm of vocal music. Tickets: $30. 7:30 p.m. 402.345.0202. —o-pa-org

MARC E. BASSY-NOTHING IN THIS WORLD TOUR

Feb 11 at The Slowdown, 729 S. 14th St. Bassy has made a name for himself with his gold-certifi ed “Morning” and the double-platinum single “You & Me” featuring G-Eazy. Tickets: $22.50-$122.50. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569. —theslowdown.com

R&B LOVE FEST

Feb 12 at Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St. Th is concert features the classic sounds of Jon B., Sisquo w/Dru Hill, Jagged Edge, and Ginuwine. Tickets $29-$109. 7 p.m. 402.554.6200. —baxterarena.com

OBITUARY AND MUNICIPAL WASTETHE DECIBEL MAGAZINE TOUR

Feb. 12 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. Decibel’s decade-long tour returns with a co-headlining bill starring Tampa death metal legends Obituary and Richmond, along with thrash metal heroes Municipal Waste. Tickets $27 ADV, $30 DOS. 6 p.m. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com

SLEIGH BELLS

Feb. 13 at The Slowdown, 729 S. 14th St. Th is American musical duo is known for their overdriven style of noise pop, incorporating elements of pop, hip-hop, metal, and punk. Tickets: $30 ADV, $35 DOS. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569. —theslowdown.com

SLENDERBODIES PLASTIC PARTS TOUR

Feb. 14 at The Slowdown, 729 S. 14th St. Indie electronic duo Slenderbodies fuse supple beats and dreamy guitar work with hushed R&B vocals. Tickets: $20-$22. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569. —theslowdown.com

OMAHA SYMPHONY-MUSIC OF FLEETWOOD MAC

Feb 19 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200

Douglas St. Fleetwood Mac tribute band Landslide and the Omaha Symphony will perform “Go Your Own Way,” “Gypsy,” and more. Tickets: $20-$89. 7:30 p.m. 402.345.0202. —o-pa-org

TALSOUNDS

Feb. 19 at Low End, Bemis Center, 724 S. 12th

St. Natalie Chami is a Canadian-born Lebanese American who adopted the TALsounds moniker in 2009 for her explorations in the drone, ambient, and improvisational disciplines. Admission: free. 8 p.m. 402.341.7130. —bemiscenter.org

DAVID ARCHULETA OK, ALL RIGHT TOUR 2022

Feb. 23 at The Slowdown, 729 S. 14th St. Archuleta initially attracted fans in 2008 when his tenor vocals and boyish charm helped earn him a second-place fi nish on American Idol. Tickets: $25-$140. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569. —theslowdown.com FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE ORCHESTRA WORLD TOUR

Feb. 25 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. Experience all-new symphonic arrangements based on composer Nobuo Uematsu’s beloved Final Fantasy VII music. Th e concert is led by Grammy Award-winning conductor Arnie Roth. Tickets: $40-$85. 7:30 p.m. 402.345.0202. —o-pa-org

CRASH TEST DUMMIES

Feb. 25 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary tour, original members Brad Roberts, Ellen Reid, Dan Roberts, and Mitch Dorge will be joined onstage by Stuart Cameron and Marc Arnould. Tickets:$35. 8 p.m. 402.884.5353. —waitingroomlounge.com

ARTURO AND THE AFROLATIN JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Feb. 26 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. Arturo O’Farrill has expanded the defi nition of Afro-Latin music. Th e pianist, composer, and educator, along with his band, are world-class jazz musicians. Tickets: $22-$50. 7:30 p.m. 402.345.0202. —o-pa-org

» Performing Arts « WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME

Jan. 20 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.

Playwright Heidi Schreck’s boundary-breaking play breathes new life into the Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans. Tickets: $35 - $65. 7:30 p.m. 402.345.0606. —o-pa.org

BRIGHT STAR

Jan. 21 through Feb. 13 at Omaha Community

Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell and inspired by real events, young teenager Alice Murphy is devastated when her infant son is ripped away. Tickets:$25-$45. Wednesday-Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. 402.553.0800. —omahaplayhouse.com

WELLRED COMEDY TOUR

Jan 21-22 at e Waiting Room, 6212 Maple

St. Trae Crowder (Th e Liberal Redneck), Corey Ryan Forrester (Th e Buttercream Dream), and Drew Morgan (Th e Ginger Ninjer) celebrate maintaining sanity (or not) Tickets: $30 GA, $50 meet and greet. 7 p.m. 402.884.5353 —waitingroomlounge.com

FLIP FABRIQUE: SIX

Jan. 29 at Orpheum eater, 409 S. 16th St.

Flip Fabrique is a circus company based in Québec, Canada that combines astonishing feats, acrobatic comedy, and a mystery to engage audiences. Tickets: $20-$37. 7:30 p.m. 402.345.0606. —o-pa.org

Jan. 28-Feb. 13 at e Rose eater, 2001

Farnam St. Carmela, the daughter of migrants, wakes up on her birthday full of possibility. She must decide what her deepest wish is before her birthday is over. Tickets: $25. Times vary. 402.345.4849. —rosetheater.org

TAYLOR TOMLINSON-DEAL WITH IT TOUR

Jan. 29 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. Comedian Tomlinson roasts modern 20-something life with self-deprecating precision. Tickets:$29.75-$49.75. 7 p.m. 402.345.0202. —o-pa-org

DANCING WITH THE STARS: LIVE!

Feb. 1 at Orpheum eater, 409 S. 16th St.

Dancing With the Stars–Live tour 2022 allows live audiences the opportunity to experience the excitement, glamour, and glitz seen every Monday night on TV. Tickets: $59.50-$69.50. 8 p.m. 402.345.0606. —o-pa.org

PRIDE PLAYERS A ROSE TEENS ‘N’ THEATER PRODUCTION

Feb. 3-6 at e Rose eater 2001 Farnam St.

Pride Players, now in its 22nd year, uses improvisation to create songs, poetry, monologues, and skits that explore what it means to be a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or ally teen in Omaha. Tickets: $10 Times vary. 402.345.4849. —rosetheater.org

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Feb. 8-13 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.

Rich with musical hits, including “Tradition,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” and more, Fiddler on the Roof is a heartwarming story. Tickets: TBA. Times: TBD. 402.345.0606. —o-pa.org

OUTSIDE MULLINGAR

Feb. 11 - March 13 at Omaha Community Play-

house, 6915 Cass St. Rosemary secretly fell in love with Anthony at age 6, but after a bout with heartbreak, Anthony swore off women forever. Th e now middle-aged pair must overcome their own aloofness. Ticket prices vary. Friday - Saturday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 2 p.m. 402.553.0800. —omahaplayhouse.com

TODD BARRY 2021-2022 STADIUM TOUR

Feb. 12 at The Slowdown, 729 S. 14th St. Barry has released three one-hour, stand-up specials, including his latest one for Netfl ix, Spicy Honey. He is known for providing voices for the animated series Bob’s Burgers, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and more. Tickets: $25 advanced, $30 day of show, $35 reserved. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569. —the slowdown.com

THE SECRET LIFE OF BEARSRAE WYNN-GRANT

Feb. 15 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. Wynn-Grant has dedicated her life to ecological research and conservation with National Geographic Society’s Last Wild Places Initiative. Tickets: $15-$32. 7:30 p.m. 402.345.0202. —o-pa-org

WHITNEY CUMMINGS: TOUCH ME TOUR

Feb. 18 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. Best known for creating and starring in the NBC series Whitney, Cummings is also the executive producer, co-creator, and co-writer of the Emmy-nominated series 2 Broke Girls. Tickets: $39.50-$69.50. 7:30 p.m. 402.345.0202. —o-pa-org

SWEENEY TODD

Feb. 25-27 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St.

Th is dark, Tony Award-winner for best musical by Stephen Sondheim has thrilled opera audiences across the nation. Tickets: $19-$99. 402.345.0606. —o-pa.org

» Family & More « ICE SKATING

Ice skating can be one of the best ways to enjoy the season. Th e metro area off ers indoor and outdoor options with venues that range from downtown excitement to natural charm.

Grover Ice

6171 Grover St. Admission: $5 children (12 and under), $7 adults (13-55), $6 seniors (56+) Skate rental: $3 Monday-Friday 1-3 p.m., Friday 6-7:30 p.m., Saturday 12:45-2:15 p.m., Sunday 2-3:30 p.m. 402.991.7982. —groverice.com

Mahoney State Park

28500 West Park Highway, Ashland. $2 adults age 13 and older, $3 children ages 3 -12, children 2 and under free. Ice skate rental $3. Monday, Th ursday & Friday 4 p.m.–8 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. 402.944.2523 —outdoornebraska.gov/mahoney

Motto McLean Ice Arena

5015 S. 45th St. $5 ages 6 and older, 5 and under free with a paid adult. Skate rental: $2. 402-444-4955 —parks.cityofomaha.org/motto-mclean

Moylan Iceplex

12550 West Maple Road. Adults: $9 for admission and skates, $7 kids 12 and under. Times vary. 402.431.0335. —moylaniceplex.com

UNMC Ice Rink

Th rough Jan. 30 at 42nd and Emile streets. Monday-Th ursday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Admission: $7 Skate rental: Included in admission. 402.559.0697 —unmc.edu

Dates and times may change due to seasonal events, maintenance, or other reasons. Check websites and/or call ahead before heading out.

THE GREAT REUBEN DEBATE

January 14-31 at Blackstone District, 36th and

Farnam St. Vote for the best reuben in Blackstone. Participants can taste and vote for their favorite version of rueben, from a traditional sandwich to tacos. A portion of all proceeds goes to Th e Women’s Center for Advancement. Times and prices vary. —blackstonedistrict.com

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

Jan. 17 at at The Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th

St. Th e Durham Museum will off er free admission for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Visitors will be able to learn about their community, participate in a community art project at Th e Platform, and view the temporary exhibition on Billie Holiday. Admission: free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 402.444.5071. —durhammuseum.org 2020

A SYMPHONY OF SPORTS

Jan. 20 at Jewish Community Center, 333 S. 132

St. Explore music inspired by sports played around the globe. Tickets: $15. 2 p.m. 402.334.6426. —jccomaha.org

WEEKEND AT ARRENDALE

Jan. 21-23 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500

S, 20th St. Families can enjoy a themed weekend featuring character visits and activities inspired by Frozen. Admission: Members and under 2 years free. Kids 2-15 and Adults $14, Seniors 60+ $13. Friday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. —ocm.org

36TH ANNUAL CATHEDRAL FLOWER FESTIVAL

Jan. 28-30 at St. Cecelia’s Cathedral, 701 N.

40th St. Forty of Omaha’s fi nest fl oral designers join the Cathedral Flower Guild in this celebration of the coming spring season. Times TBD. Admission: free. 402.551.2313. —cathedralartsproject.org

FOURTH ANNUAL TATTOO ARTS CONVENTION

Jan. 28-30 at CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th

St. Th is event will feature the best local, national, and international artists along with tattoo contests, sideshows, and vendors. Tickets: $20 day or $40 for a three-day pass. Children under 12: free. Friday 2-11 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 215.423.4780. —villainarts.com

Feb. 10-13 at CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th

St. Th e 56th Annual Omaha Home & Garden Expo features items and ideas for inside and outside the home, with a focus on eco-friendly ideas. Show hours: Th ursday 5-9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-7p.m., Sunday 11a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets: $9 adults, $4.50 ages 5-12, free for children under 5. 402.341.1500. —showoffi ceonline.com

TANGIER SHRINE CIRCUS

Feb. 18-20 at Mid-America Center, One Arena

Way, Council Bluffs. With fi ve public performances, audiences can enjoy favorites from comical clowns and kooky Keystone Kops to high-fl ying acrobats and aerialists, as well as amazing animals. Tickets: $15-$25. Times vary. 712.323.0536 —caesars.com/mid-america-center

16TH ANNUAL OMAHA ENTERTAINMENT AND ARTS AWARDS

Feb. 20 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Th e metro celebrates some of the most talented artists and entertainers in the Omaha area at this annual event. Th e OEAA off ers a memorable evening that thanks the artists who keep Omaha culture alive. Th is year’s event will be a hybrid virtual/in-person awards show. Times and tickets TBD. 402.345.7569. —oea-awards.org

BLACKSTONE CHILI COOK-OFF

Feb. 20 at The Cottonwood Hotel, 302 S. 36th

St. Th e Blackstone District will be holding a chili battle in this annual community fundraiser. Restaurants, bars, and businesses compete for votes to determine the best chili in Blackstone. 12:30-3:30 p.m. 402.810.9500. —blackstonedistrict.com

Event times and details are correct as of presstime,

but are subject to change. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many events are canceling and/or changing dates/time/ places as needed. Most venues base these decisions on direction by the Douglas County Health Department and Nebraska’s publication of guidance on canceling events and limiting the number of people in public gatherings.

Omaha Magazine encourages readers to visit venues' websites and/or calling ahead before attending an event or visiting a museum.

SPONSORED PROFILE // STORY BY TARA SPENCER // PHOTOGRAPH BY KATIE ANDERSONSPONSORED PROFILE // STORY BY TARA SPENCER // PHOTOGRAPH BY KATIE ANDERSON

Artful Synergy

KEN HILL PUSHES THE BOUNDARIES

OOmaha Circus Arts owner and founder Ken Hill can’t sit still. The former IT tech helped people fix their computer issues over the phone while multitasking on his true passion. “I was composing music with an earbud in my right ear,” he said..

Though he had studied music composition at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, that wasn’t where he found financial success as an artist. But it did lead him there.

When he traveled to San Francisco to do a show, the organizers included fire acts to accompany the budding musician. Hill was hooked. “I fell in love with it,” he said.

Hill grew up practicing martial arts and was an instructor of a blend of kickboxing, kali, and ninjitsu prior to trying his hand at fire performance. “It has the technical foundations of my martial arts training, but rewritten by the creativity of my musical and songwriting skills.”

A local burlesque group helped teach him the basics of fire performance, but Hill said it wasn’t the style he wanted. “In my mind, I envisioned bigger stages and productions, sharing this art to the mainstream audience.”

Then circus acts started gaining popularity on YouTube, and Hill noticed more performers appearing locally.

“Originally, I thought I’d be a solo artist my whole life,” he said. “I never felt comfortable managing and owning and running things. I thought that was something that was outside my skill set.”

But when he noticed many talented performance artists struggling to find work, he wanted to help. “That was the whole reason I started this group,” he said. “Because I realized there’s all this talent all over, and if we could pull together we could create something bigger than we could alone,” he said. “The concept has always been synergy.”

He is currently the premier fire performance instructor in the Midwest, and has taught classes and performed in Costa Rica as well as performing in Las Vegas, the Bahamas, and Cabo San Lucas.

Now the 44-year-old runs the largest performance group of this size and caliber in the area. Hill said that he never thought he would be an entrepreneur.

He pulled the performers together in 2012, starting as Flowtricks Entertainment and changing the name to Omaha Circus Arts in 2019. Besides the traditional circus-style performances, Hill has incorporated technology into the performances, specifically with state-ofthe-art-LEDs and projection mapping.

“There’s nothing quite like this around here,” Hill said.

Others in the community agree.

“KEN IS A PIONEER IN THE “KEN IS A PIONEER IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, CONSTANTLY PUSHING THE CONSTANTLY PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF POSSIBILITY BOUNDARIES OF POSSIBILITY AND IMAGINATION,” SAID JESSE AND IMAGINATION,” SAID JESSE SWANSON OF CHAOS PRODUCTIONS.SWANSON OF CHAOS PRODUCTIONS.

“His kind heart and constant drive are an inspiration to all those around him. His talent is a valuable asset to the Omaha community.”

Hill puts everything back into the company— time, money, energy, and passion—as his end goal is for the artists to be able to perform full time. He thinks this is very much an achievable goal.

“We made it through the most challenging growing pains,” Hill said. “These next five to 10 years, I only see exponential expansion.”” OCA

For more information, visit omahacircusarts.com