Omaha Magazine - July/August 2022 - The Arts & Culture Issue

OSCAR WINNER DON HALL • BEST OF OMAHA CAMPAIGN • LAWYERS OF OMAHA • MONSTER CLUB OMAHA

THE 2022 ARTS & CULTURE ISSUE

grammy winner

ANDREW RANNELLS JULY/AUGUST 2022 | U.S. $5.95

PHOTO BY DANA DAMEWOOD

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FROM THE EDITOR // LETTER BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN

ANIMATION DIRECTORS, BROADWAY STARS, AND CARTOONS A rt s & C u lt u r e A b o u n d

T

he big deal in Glenwood, Iowa, (where my husband and I live) is their annual homecoming festival and parade.

Each year the parade has a theme, and in 2015, the parade theme was Heroes. The reason for this was that earlier in the year, director Don Hall (originally from Glenwood) won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year for the movie Big Hero 6. Hall has gone on to produce even bigger works, including the pandemic-era hit Raya and the Last Dragon, which is why he is one of our A+C articles this round.

Many of the articles in this edition are devoted to arts and culture. The main feature is about Omaha native, and now Broadway and TV star, Andrew Rannells, known for originating the role of Elder Price in The Book of Mormon as well as performing in the popular Hamilton.

The other feature is about a man I have worked with, and considered a friend, for many years. Jeff Koterba was a former colleague of mine who has forged his own path since being let go from the Omaha World-Herald. He’s drawn (and sometimes met) everyone from astronauts to politicians, and he’s one of the nicest guys I know.

KVNO is the morning home of our back-page columnist Otis Twelve (or Jeff Koterba when Otis is out) and the all-classical station is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. We talked to several people who worked at the station to discover what makes this classical station unique.

The city said goodbye to beloved music director for the Omaha Symphony Thomas Wilkins in 2020, and the new maestro, Ankush Kumar Bahl, has now been here for a full season with the beloved orchestra. Why he came to the city, and what he brought with him, is the subject of our profile story this round.

We also have a few special sections for you to peruse this round.

Those needing a lawyer can find a selection of good ones in our Lawyers section, while a few arts and entertainment places are featured in the arts special section.

The special section I hope you take time to read thoroughly is the Campaign section. It’s that time of year again. Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha contest starts July 1 and ends on Aug. 19. There’s lots of fun categories that have been added this year—Cookies and Night Club are two of my favorites, while perennial favorites such as Best Mexican Food and Cigar Bar are still ones the public can vote on. It doesn’t take much time, and each year as my husband and I vote, we find ourselves filling in more than the requisite five selections, as looking through the list brings up discussion of the many great places we visit to eat, play, and repair our home or cars.

There’s a lot of great articles, and information, in this edition. I hope you enjoy it. *Note: The hotel edition of Omaha Magazine has a different cover and does not include all of the editorial content included in the magazine’s full city edition. For more information on our city edition, visit OmahaMagazine.com.

JULY/AUGUST

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2022

TAB L E of CON T E N T S THE USUAL SUSPECTS 003 From the Editor

Animation Directors, Broadway Stars, and Cartoons

006 Between the Lines 008 Calendar of Events 042 Adventure

Orange City

064 History KVNO

081 Obviously Omaha Open Mics

098 Explore!

103 Instagram 104 Not Funny

Ars Gratia Artis

ARTS + CULTURE 014 Music

Dereck Higgins

018 Theater

Tyrone Beasley

022 Film

Don Hall

PE O P L E

048

038 Sports

Leigh Jahnke

044 Profile

Ankush Kumar Bahl

046 Gen O

Molly Ashford

FEATURES

048 054 // 4 //

ANDREW RANNELLS STAYS TRUE TO HIMSELF

GIVING QR

The Book, The King, The Tonys

GETTING HIS VOICE BACK Jeff Koterba

JULY/AUGUST 2022

066 Giving Profile

Pear Tree Performing Arts

068 Calendar QR

QR

read current and previous issues online at omahamagazine.com 60PLUS IN OMAHA

OSCAR WINNER DON HALL • BEST OF OMAHA CAMPAIGN • LAWYERS OF OMAHA • MONSTER CLUB OMAHA

074 Profile

Diane Hansen THE 2022 ARTS & CULTURE ISSUE

076 Nostalgia

DISCOVER VIDEOS AND ONLINE EXTRAS

for select content in this issue.

Comic Books

078 Active Living Connie Lee

DINING 082 Feature

Monster Club

086 Profile

Corina Figueroa

088 Review

Cumbia Bistro

092 Dining Guide SPECIAL SECTIONS

grammy winner

ANDREW RANNELLS JULY/AUGUST 2022 | U.S. $5.95

A B O U T T HE COV ER Andrew Rannells relaxes at home in his condo in downtown Omaha, which he said also serves as a “part-time home” for his mother.

025 Best of Omaha Campaign Sponsored Content

058 Lawyers of Omaha Sponsored Content

060 Arts and Entertainment Venues Sponsored Content

Step

LOCATE A QR CODE PRINTED IN THIS ISSUE.

Make sure you have internet access.

Step

OPEN THE CAMERA APP IN YOUR SMART DEVICE.

Newer smartphones/tablets come with capability to scan QR codes.

Step POINT AT THE QR CODE. A link will appear. Click on it.

088

Step ENJOY YOUR EXPERIENCE. Watch, click, shop, explore!

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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Between

THE LINES A LOOK AT TH R E E OMAHA MAGAZINE TEAM MEMBERS

RENEÉ LUDWICK—Art Intern Ludwick is a senior and a graphic design major at Concordia University of Nebraska. Ludwick is artistically inclined in many aspects. Her favorite form of art, to pass time, is needle felting, making amazing sculptures with only wool and a needle. In her free time she trains her dog, Ariel; reads comics; watches anime; and plays video games. In the future she hopes to work in animation.

JULY/AUGUST 2022 VOLUME 40 // ISSUE 4

EDITORIAL Managing Editor

DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN Associate Editor

LINDA PERSIGEHL Editorial/Digital Assistant

JULIUS FREDRICK Editorial Intern

SOPHIE ROSSITTO Contributing Writers

JOHN ASHFORD · LEO ADAM BIGA · CHRIS BOWLING TAMSEN BUTLER · KAREN CAMPBELL · DWAIN HEBDA TERRY JENSEN · JEFF LACEY · SARA LOCKE · JONATHAN OROZCO SEAN ROBINSON · JOEL STEVENS · JARRETT VAN METER DOUGLAS “OTIS TWELVE” WESSELMANN · DAVID ZORKO

CREATIVE Creative Director

MATT WIECZOREK Senior Graphic Designer

DEREK JOY

Graphic Designer II

MADY BESCH Art Intern

RENEÉ LUDWICK Contributing Photographers

JUSTIN BARNES · KEITH BINDER · COLIN CONCES SCOTT DRICKEY · JOSHUA FOO · WILLIAM HESS · SARAH LEMKE

SALES DEPARTMENT

SOPHIE ROSSITTO—Editorial Intern Rossitto grew up in a small town in northern Arkansas and recently finished her junior year at Harding University, where she is majoring in journalism and minoring in music. She has many family connections in Omaha and has always enjoyed visiting this area during the summer. During her journalism studies, Rossitto has written articles for her local and university newspapers, and has loved learning more about interesting people in the community. After graduating, she hopes to become an editor for a newspaper or magazine. In her free time, Rossitto enjoys playing piano, baking cookies, and spending time with family.

Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing

GIL COHEN

Branding Specialists

DAWN DENNIS · GEORGE IDELMAN Contributing Branding Specialists

GREG BRUNS · JILLIAN DUNN · MARY HIATT · TIM McCORMACK Publisher’s Assistant & OmahaHome Contributing Editor

SANDY MATSON

Senior Sales Coordinator

ALICIA HOLLINS Sales Coordinator

SANDI McCORMACK Appointment Setter

TAYLOR JANZEN · KERI BROCK

OPERATIONS Accounting/Operations Manager

SCOTT STEWART—Freelance Writer Stewart enjoys playing board games, watching UNO hockey, and boring his friends by waxing philosophical—even if some of them secretly enjoy trolley problem memes, too. He lives in the Quail Creek area with his wife and their energetic dog. While Stewart has successfully infiltrated society, he can’t comprehend how dysfunctional it is for so many. His role in the economy is as a journalist, hoping an informed populace is more predisposed toward compassion. Stewart believes knowledge must be shared; if knowledge itself is not power, its absence inhibits power. So, he’ll keep on telling stories, intending that they inspire others.

KYLE FISHER

Ad Traffic Manager

DAVID TROUBA Digital Manager

MEGAN BARTHOLOMEW Distribution Manager

DAMIAN INGERSOLL

EXECUTIVE Executive Publisher

TODD LEMKE

Associate Publisher

BILL SITZMANN For Advertising & Subscription Information:

402.884.2000

Omaha Magazine Vol 40 Issue IV, publishes monthly except February, April, August, December, totaling 8 issues by Omaha Magazine, LTD, 5921 S. 118 Circle, Omaha, NE 68137. Periodical postage at Omaha, NE, and additional offices and additional mailing offices.

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

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JULY/AUGUST 2022

Market directly to our audience, digitally!

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EVENTS

» Exhibits « LYDIA CHESHEWALLA: BODY SPEAKING TO BODY

Through July 16 at The Union for Contemporary Art, 2423 N. 24th St. Cheshewalla is a transdisci-

plinary artist from Oklahoma, living and working in motion throughout the ecological landscape. As an Osage woman, her work primarily focuses on community, emotional awareness, environmental justice, ephemerality, kinship, and art as healing action. 1-8 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. 402.933.3161 –u-ca.org

PARADISE ON EARTH: THE ART OF MARCEL MOULY

Through Aug. 20 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. Mouly’s paintings depict colorful open

fields, landscapes of countrysides, and exotic locations he visited during his many travels. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Advanced timed tickets required: $5 general, $4 college students with ID, $3.50 students (K-12) and seniors (55+), free to members and children under 5. 402.731.1137 –elmuseolatino.org

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JULY/AUGUST 2022

DINOSAUR REVOLUTION

Through Sept. 4 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. This exhibit combines learning and play

to challenge visitors’ knowledge about dinosaurs, display cutting-edge discoveries, and debunk popular myths. Admission: $13 adults, $10 seniors (62+) and military/veteran, $7 children (3-12), free for members and children 2 and under. Noon-4 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, closed Mondays. 402.444.5071.

–durhammuseum.org

NAMASTE INDIA

Through Sept. 4 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. From Bollywood to the Taj Mahal,

from playing cricket to practicing yoga, visitors will experience the wonders of India in the cultural exhibit Namaste India. Admission: Free to members and children under 24 months, $14 children 2-15 and adults, $13 seniors (60+). 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 402.342.6164.

–ocm.org

MAYA DUNIETZ: ROOT OF TWO

Through Sept. 18 at Bemis Center, 724 S. 12th St. Th is solo exhibition by Maya Dunietz

engages the physicality of sound through a series of installations encompassing the entirety of Bemis Center’s 13,000-square-foot gallery space. Admission: free. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays.

402.341.7130.

–bemiscenter.org

CARNE Y ARENA (VIRTUALLY PRESENT, PHYSICALLY INVISIBLE)

Through Sept. 10 at K ANEKO, 1111 Jones St.

Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Academy Award-winning virtual reality experience explores the human condition of immigrants and refugees. The 20-minute solo experience is based on true accounts. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday. Admission: $40. 402.341.3800.

–thekaneko.org

BEYOND VAN GOGH

Through Aug. 14 at Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way. Th is limited-run exhibit has more

than 300 of the greatest works by Vincent Van Gogh. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Tickets: $29 children 5-15, $45 military, $50 general, $84 VIP. 712.323.0536.

–vangoghomaha.com

» Stage Performances « TRACY MORGAN

July 8 and 9 at Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. Starring for seven seasons on NBC’s “30 Rock,”

Morgan appeared opposite Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin. He can currently be seen in the second season of the TBS show “The Last OG.” 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets: $40-$50. 402.493.8036.

–omaha.funnybone.com

CHRISTOPHER TITUS

July 15 and 16 at Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. Titus has six one-hour comedy specials

running on Comedy Central, and his seventh special, "Born With a Defect," spent four weeks on the Billboard Top Ten Comedy Chart. 7:30 p.m.

Friday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $25-$35. 402.493.8036.

–omaha.funnybone.com

FELIPE ESPARZA

July 16 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St.

Esparza is a comedian and actor known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You,” and his dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones.” 7 and 9:15 p.m. Tickets: $32.50 advanced/$35 day of show. 402.884.5353.

–waitingroomlounge.com

DEON COLE

July 22 and 23 at Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. Cole is a comedian, writer, and actor, who

can be seen as Charlie on ABC’s “Black-ish” and Freeform’s “Grown-ish.” 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Friday; 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets: $39-$49. 402.493.8036.

–omaha.funnybone.com

Five venues, five unique celebration experiences. Hosting events for 100 - 1,000 guests, Omaha Event Group boasts 15 years of experience with over 300 events each year, including Omaha Fashion Week. Schedule a consultation with our team of experts today. hello@omahaeventgroup.com | 402.819.8792 | omahaeventgroup.com Omaha Design Center | The Downtown Club | Empire Room | Omaha Palazzo | Anderson O'Brien Fine Art Gallery

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

DAVE LANDAU

TESLA WITH WARRANT

demeanor and dark style of comedy landed him on Comedy Central’s “This is Not Happening” and AXS.TV’s “Live at Gotham” five times. 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Saturday. Tickets: $30. 402.493.8036.

–omaha.funnybone.com

their most iconic albums, “Five Man Acoustical Jam,” over 30 years ago, and they are still bringing their 1990s rock 'n' roll to performances today. 8 p.m. Tickets: $42.50-$113. 712.329.6000.

–caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluffs/shows

July 29 and 30 at Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. As a top rising comic, Landau's laid-back

THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE

Aug. 19-Sept. 18 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Th is comedy follows an

unemployed Elvis impersonator who fi nds a hidden talent after a drag queen convinces him to fill in for one of her shows on stage. Times vary.

Tickets: TBD. 402.553.0800.

–omahaplayhouse.com

Aug. 25 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Hart is an Emmy-and-Grammy-nom-

inated comedian and actor who has opened 10 Hollywood films at No. 1 at the box office. 7 p.m.

Tickets: $56-$396. 402-341-1500.

–chihealthcenteromaha.com

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

Aug. 26-Sept. 18 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. Audiences can join SpongeBob,

Patrick, Sandy, and the rest of the Krusty Krew through this adventure centered around friendship, overcoming differences, and the end of the world. Times vary. Tickets: $25 for non-members, free for members (4 tickets each). 402.345.4849.

–omahaplayhouse.com

» Concerts « SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

What would summer be without music? Omaha has plenty of places for family-friendly musical entertainment to keep people dancing in the street, and the heat.

• Saturdays @ Stinson Park, 67th and Center Streets, 7 p.m., through Aug. 27.

–askarbenvillage.com • Jazz on the Green, Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St., July 7 through Aug. 11.

—o-pa.org/jazz-on-the-green • Outdoor Concert and Movie Series, Central Park Lakes, 8305 Park View Blvd. in La Vista, 7 p.m. Ground Zero (July 8) and Kaylyn Sahs (July 29).

–cityoflavista.org • Music and Memories at Shadow Lake Towne Center, 7775 Olson Dr., 6:30 p.m., through Aug. 12.

–shadowlaketownecenter.com • Vibes Summer Concert Series at Village Pointe, 17305 Davenport St., 6:30 p.m., Thursdays through Aug. 25.

JULY/AUGUST 2022

AS I LAY DYING WITH WHITECHAPEL, SHADOW OF INTENT, AND BRAND OF SACRIFICE

July 7 at The Admiral, 2234 S. 13th St. Th is

five-member metal band from San Diego has sold over 1 million albums. 7 p.m. Tickets: $35 general audience/$55 premiere balcony.

–admiralomaha.com

TAYLOR FEST

SAM HUNT

This event celebrates the music of Taylor Swift, featuring the singer’s early hits, her current music, and more. This is an 18+ show. 9 p.m. Tickets: $20. 402.884.5353.

–waitingroomlounge.com

country, hip-hop, and R&B in his music, and his debut album “Montevallo” went triple platinum.

8 p.m. Tickets: $84-$228. 712.329.6000.

–caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluffs/shows

July 1 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St.

RED CLAY STRAYS

July 2 and 3 at Barnato, 225 N. 170th St. Th is

KEVIN HART

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July 1 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs. Rock band Tesla released one of

Alabama-based band released their debut single, “Good Godly Woman,” in 2019. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25-$100.

–barnato.bar

BRIGHT EYES WITH HOORAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF

July 2 and 3 at The Admiral, 2234 S. 13th St.

Omaha’s own Connor Oberst comes home with his three-member band, which has explored a variety of genres ranging from folk-rock to electronic music. 8 p.m. Tickets: $39.50 advanced/$45 day of show/$75 premiere balcony.

–admiralomaha.com

ARLIE

July 5 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Th is

band began as a solo bedroom project in 2015 and grew to a full ensemble. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 advanced/$18 day of show. 402.345.7569.

–theslowdown.com

PUSCIFER WITH MOODIE BLACK

July 5 at The Admiral, 2234 S. 13th St. This rock

band will provide multi-dimensional experiences inspired by the Magical Verde Valley in Arizona.

8 p.m. Tickets: $59.50 general audience/$99 premiere balcony/$60 day of show.

–admiralomaha.com

THE ACACIA STRAIN WITH MALEVOLENCE

July 6 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. This

metalcore band, which formed in Massachusetts, is known for their heavy rhythm section, apocalyptic sounds, and triple-guitars. 7 p.m. Tickets: $18 advanced/$20 day of show. 402.884.5353.

–waitingroomlounge.com

July 7 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs. Hunt has combined genres such as

AUBREY LOGAN

July 8 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Fusing Calypso rhythms with jazz,

funk, and love songs, vocalist and trombonist Aubrey Logan’s powerhouse performances set her apart as one of the most brilliant contemporary jazz artists. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402.346.7372.

–ticketomaha.com

CHRIS JANSON WITH ASHLAND CRAFT AND ROMAN ALEXANDER

July 9 and 10 at Barnato, 225 N. 170th St.

Janson is a singer-songwriter, platinum-selling recording artist, and multi-instrumentalist who has topped the country music charts. 7 p.m. Tickets: $37.50-$115.

–barnato.bar

TINY MOVING PARTS WITH THIS WILD LIFE AND IN HER OWN WORDS

July 9 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St.

This Minnesota-based trio addresses topics such as anxiety and mental health while incorporating a signature emo, rock, and pop-punk style.

8 p.m. Tickets: $22 advanced/$25 day of show.

402.884.5353.

–waitingroomlounge.com

THE IMPULSIVE

July 9 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This hard

rock band has garnered more than 1 million streams and views across multiple platforms for songs such as “Fade” and “Bury Me.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $8. 402.345.7569.

–theslowdown.com

FAST TIMES

July 9 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Th is '80s concert special will fea-

ture the songs of Van Halen, Billy Idol, Motley Crue, The Cure, and more. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402.346.7372.

–ticketomaha.com

AUGUST 8–14, 2022 | THE CLUB AT INDIAN CREEK | The biggest tournament of the Korn Ferry Tour regular season returns to Omaha as the top players battle to secure their PGA TOUR cards for the 2022–2023 season.

Don’t miss it!

Learn more at thepinnaclebankchampionship.com/tickets

OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

SHAWN MENDES WITH DERMOT KENNEDY

CASEY DONAHEW

singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes is known for songs such as "Senorita" and "There's Nothing Holding Me Back." 7 p.m. Tickets: $16-$1,095.

402.341.1500.

–chihealthcenteromaha.com

Love Song,” was the most-played independent song on country radio in 2019. 7 p.m. Tickets: $30 advanced/$35 day of show. 402.884.5353.

–waitingroomlounge.com

July 10 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum

COLLECTIVE SOUL AND SWITCHFOOT

JOSH A

July 11 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Producer,

rapper, and singer Josh A started in the Florida music scene and has addressed topics such as isolation, depression, and heartbreak in his music.

8 p.m. Tickets: $25 advanced/$30 day of show.

402.345.7569.

–theslowdown.com

AJJ WITH OPEN MIKE EAGLE

July 12 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St.

Th is band from Arizona combines a folk-punk sound with commentary about social issues. 8 p.m. Tickets: $22 advanced/$25 day of show.

402.884.5353.

–waitingroomlounge.com

FRANK TURNER & THE SLEEPING SOULS

July 13 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. A former

member of punk rock band “Million Dead,” Frank Turner has turned his attention to folkier, acoustic music. 7 p.m. Tickets: $29.50. 402.345.7569.

–theslowdown.com

RHYTHMS COLLECTIVE WITH LINOMA MASHERS

July 14 at Turner Park at Midtown Crosing, 3110 Farnam St. This award-winning band per-

forms original tunes as well as standard island tunes and American classic rock in reggae and ska styles. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: free. 402.346.7372.

–ticketomaha.com

BIG GIGANTIC

July 15 at Waiting Room Outdoors, 6212 Maple St. This duo combines live instruments and elec-

tronic dance music. They cross multiple genres, such as jazz, dubstep, and hip hop. 6:30 p.m.

Tickets: $35. 402.884.5353.

–waitingroomlounge.com

NATE SMITH

July 15 and 16 at Barnato, 225 N. 170th St.

Country artist Nate Smith incorporates rock ’n’ roll, powerful vocals, and backwoods soul into his music. 8 p.m. Tickets: $17.50-$300.

–barnato.bar

PLAYING WITH FIRE FESTIVAL WEEKEND I

July 15 and 16 at Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St. PwF is dedicated to supporting local, non-

profit organizations and building bonds between people–locally, nationally, and internationally– with free, live music concerts presented by brilliant worldwide musicians.

–playingwithfireomaha.net

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July 16 at Waiting Room Outdoors, 6212 Maple St. Donahew’s latest No. 1 single, “Let’s Make a

JULY/AUGUST 2022

July 16 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs. Rock band Collective Soul has

performed for fans across the world, and alternative band Switchfoot has sold nearly 10 million copies of their studio albums worldwide. 8 p.m.

Tickets: $39.50-$229. 712.329.6000.

–caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluffs/shows

COLA

July 18 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. The

three-member band Cola combines driving guitar parts, unexpected drum patterns and thoughtful songwriting into their music. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12.

402.345.7569.

–theslowdown.com

DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS WITH LYDIA LOVELESS

July 19 at Falconwood Park, 905 Allied Road, Bellevue. Drive-By Truckers recorded its 12th

studio album, “The Unraveling,” with a Grammy award-winning engineer in Memphis. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35 advanced/$40 day of show.

–falconwoodpark.com

MO LOWDA & THE HUMBLE

July 20 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Th is indie rock band from Philadelphia

has brought their versatile, energetic sound to live shows in clubs and theaters throughout the U.S. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 early bird (2) packs/$15 advanced/$18 day of show. 402.884.5707.

–reverblounge.com

THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS/ ATTACK ATTACK!

July 21 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St.

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus has sold over 1 million albums and has topped the Billboard charts seven times since 2010. Ohio-based band Attack Attack! has crafted a unique sound featuring screamo, electronic, and metalcore influences.

6 p.m. Tickets: $22 advanced/$25 day of show.

402.884.5353.

–waitingroomlounge.com

CHASING CHANCE

July 22 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Chasing Chance is a local band that brings loud drums, chanting vocals, and heavy bass music to their performances. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $10. 402.345.7569.

–theslowdown.com

POISON

July 22 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs. Rock band Poison started in the

club scenes of Pennsylvania and Los Angeles before finding success with hits such as “Every Rose has its Thorn” and “Unskinny Bop.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $85-$603. 712.329.6000.

–ticketmaster.com

CHRIS ISAAK AND LYLE LOVETT

July 22 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Chris Isaak has released nine

albums and has been nominated for two Grammy awards. Singer, composer, and actor Lyle Lovett has fused elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues into his music in a convention-defying manner. 8 p.m. Tickets: $63.50-$179.50.

402.346.7372.

–ticketomaha.com

GRETA VAN FLEET WITH RIVAL SONS AND THE VELVETEERS

July 23 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Grammy-winning rock band Greta Van

Fleet is known for songs such as "Highway Tune" and "Heat Above." 7 p.m. Tickets: $36-$375.

402.341.1500.

–ticketmaster.com

VINCE GILL

July 23 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. One of the most popular artists

in modern country music, Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm, soaring tenor, and quick wit.

8 p.m. Tickets: $49.50-$124.50. 402.346.7372.

–ticketomaha.com

S. CAREY WITH COURTNEY HARTMAN

July 26 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave.

Drummer Sean Carey, who has served as drummer and backing vocalist for the group Bon Iver, explores themes of nature and sustainability in his solo music. 8 p.m. Tickets: $18. 402.884.5707.

–reverblounge.com

COIN WITH BLACKSTARKIDS

July 26 at The Admiral, 2234 S. 13th St. This

band formed in Nashville and brought their bright, indie pop sound to stages across North America during their 2021 tour. 8 p.m. Tickets: $29.50 general audience/$50 premiere balcony/$35 day of show.

–admiralomaha.com

JASON BOLAND AND THE STRAGGLERS

July 29 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. The country group has independently sold

more than 500,000 records and released 10 albums. 8 p.m. $23 advanced/$28 day of show.

402.884.5353.

–waitingroomlounge.com

OMAHA MAGAZINE | EVENTS CALENDAR

EL FANTASMA

• Old Market (11th and Jackson streets) 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays

Fantasma, is a Mexican singer-songwriter who performs regional music. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $60$500. 402.934.9966.

–libertyfirstcreditunionarena.com

• Village Pointe (168th and Dodge streets) 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays

July 29 at Liberty First Credit Union Arena, 7300 Q St. Alexander Garcia, also known as El

• Papillion (City Park) 5-8 p.m. Wednesdays

PAT BENATAR AND NEIL GIRALDO

LEASHES AT LAURITZEN

classic rock hits such as “Love is a Battlefield” and “Heartbreaker.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $39.50-$199.

712.329.6000.

–caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluffs/shows

Canines can explore the grounds and enjoy treats and water located at stations throughout the garden. Adults can bring up to two dogs. 5-8 p.m. Tickets: $10 for non-members, $5 for dogs, free for members. 402.346.4002.

–lauritzengardens.org

July 30 at Stir Concert Cove, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs. Benatar is known for

BROTHER MOSES

July 31 at Barnato, 225 N. 170th St. Arkan-

sas-based band Brother Moses formed in 2014 and have incorporated catchy hooks and intertwined guitar parts into their indie rock songs. 8 p.m.

Tickets: $15-$250.

–barnato.bar

MARK IRVIN

July 31 at Sumtur Amphitheater, 11691 S. 108th St. Mark Irvin is a singer/songwriter, recording

artist, freelance musician, and music educator from Omaha. 7 p.m. Tickets: free.

–papillion.org

PLAYING WITH FIRE FESTIVAL WEEKEND II

Aug. 12-13 at Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St. PwF is dedicated to supporting local, non-

profit organizations and building bonds between people–locally, nationally, and internationally– with free, live music concerts presented by brilliant worldwide musicians.

–playingwithfireomaha.net

OUTLANDIA FESTIVAL

Aug. 12-13 at Falconwood Park, 905 Allied Road, Bellevue. National acts Wilco and The

National play alongside locals such as Mesonjixx and Clarence Tilton at this event, being held for the first time. Times and tickets vary.

–outlandiafestival.com

» Family & More « FARMERS MARKETS

Here are the times and dates for the local markets.

Attendees are encouraged to check with organizers for availability before attending any market.

• Aksarben Village (67th Street and Mercy Road) 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays • Council Bluffs (Bayliss Park) 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Thursdays • Gifford Park Neighborhood Market (33rd and California streets) 5-8 p.m. Fridays

July 4 and 11, and Aug. 1 and 8 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St.

RALSTON INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

July 3-4 in Downtown Ralston, 7400 Main St. Th is year’s theme is to be determined, but

the event always includes a kiddie parade, street dances, quilt show, carnival, and more. The big parade will commence at 1 p.m. Admission: free.

402.339.7737.

–ralstonareachamber.org/events/calendar

RIBSTOCK FESTIVAL

July 23 at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village.

Th is celebration of barbecue features rib sampling, a photo booth, and live music. Proceeds go toward the Food Bank for the Heartland, Project WeeCare, and the Millard Business Association scholarship fund. Noon to 10 p.m. Admission: $5. 402.496.1616.

–aksarbenvillage.com

BENSON DAYS

July 30 and 31 along 60th and Maple St. Benson Days celebrates the neighborhood’s creative culture. Saturday features a parade starting at Benson High. Sunday features a kickball tournament, bike ride, and tour of Benson’s historic buildings. Email bensondaysne@gmail.com for more information.

Admission: free.

–bensondays.com

NEW AMERICAN ARTS FESTIVAL

Aug. 5 in Benson, 60th St. at Military Ave. The

street festival will include exhibits, food trucks, and on-street performances. 5-10 p.m. Admission: free. Email info@bffomaha.org for more information.

–bffomaha.org

PETFEST 2022

NEBRASKA BALLOON AND WINE FESTIVAL

Aug. 19-20 at Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, Elkhorn.

Guests can taste award-winning wines, watch hot air balloon launches, view arts and craft displays, and more. 5 p.m. Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday. Tickets: $21-$15 adults, $8 children under 12, children 5 and under free. 402.346.8003.

–showofficeonline.com/NebraskaWineBalloon

OMAHA FASHION WEEK

Aug. 22-27 at Omaha Design Center, 1502 Cuming St. OFW is returning to the runway

for Fall 2022. The MAGIS Showcase will feature work by emerging and talented designers. 6 p.m.

Ticket prices vary. 402.937.1061.

–omahafashionweek.com

MILLARD DAYS

Aug. 23-28 at Andersen Park, 136th and Q St. Th is event includes a parade, carnival, beer

garden, tractor pull, and live music. Times vary.

Admission: free, $25 for carnival. 402.679.5258.

–millarddays.com

DUNDEE DAY

Aug. 20 in Dundee, 50th St. and Underwood Ave. Th is street festival celebrates the Dundee

neighborhood with a parade, 5k run, art and craft vendors, pancake breakfast, book sale, food trucks, live music, and a beer garden. Admission: free.

–dundeeday.org

SEPTEMBERFEST

Sept. 2-5 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. This festival runs through Labor Day

weekend and provides musical acts, educational and artistic displays, a carnival, Omaha’s largest parade, a beer garden, and food. Times vary.

Admission: $7 per person per day, children 5 and under free. 402.278.2951.

–septemberfestomaha.org

Aug. 13 at Petshop, 2725 N. 62nd St. BFF's

annual music festival fundraiser will present an incredible lineup of local musicians, artists, and performers. Times vary. Tickets: $30 advance, $35 day of show. Email info@bffomaha.org for more information.

–bffomaha.org

Event times and details are correct as of presstime, but are subject to change.

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

JULY/AUGUST 2022

// 13 //

For expanded content, open the camera on your smart device and hover over the QR code above.

JULY/AUGUST 2022

// 15 //

“

my ought has always been ‘I ve e music and I’m p tty g d, so t’s see what happens.

-De ck Higgins

"

eleased by French independent music label Sordide Sentimental (noted for capturing isolated flares of new-wave supernova Joy Division prior to their cataclysmic end), 1986’s Essence & Charm LP includes an informative note on the back, fuchsia and gold block-letters leaping past jewel case glare: “Music of intense charm…The music of Digital Sex is superb, very melodious, enchanting and marked by strange vigour, seductive and nervous,…for they are made of the stuff of authentic creators and not that of imitators…”

While this note, and the front cover’s casual, albeit illustrated, nudity, is very much de la mode Françoise, it’s for good reason: while Essence flew over the heads of many Midwestern listeners, it landed a No. 1 single in Southern France—prompting the above rerelease (with additional tracks)—and Nebraska’s first contribution to the CD format.

This is due, in large part, to one of progressive rock’s most enduring, yet combustible, artistic forces: Omaha’s own post-punk Prometheus, Dereck Higgins.

“With Digital Sex, when I started that band, the idea was ‘let me see what can happen,’ it wasn’t the idea like when Rush said ‘We’re gonna make it!’” Higgins recalled, “my thought has always been ‘I love the music and I’m pretty good, so let’s see what happens.’

I never wanted to be rich and famous, I wanted to know that I was good, that I could come up with music that’s original…And I’m still going, yeah, I’ll be 67 in July.”

With John Tingle’s guitar riffs, Stephen Sheehan’s vocals, Greg Tsichlis’ drumbeats, and Higgins’ bass smoldering with the airy, portentous weight of a cumulonimbus, Digital Sex eventually drew attention stateside, culminating in an appearance on MTV News. Yet, as often occurs at the melting point of drugs, sex, and rock ’n’ roll, the chemistry proved tricky.

“Yeah, we broke up constantly. We started out in about ’82, and we got the album out by ’86, but we kept getting back together into the ’90s because what were doing was so potent, you know…”

In time, Digital Sex’s brand of bottled lightning would lose its lid completely, grooves of controlled chaos worn down by mounting creative impasse.

The breakup hasn’t deterred Higgins’ ambitions, though, and judging by his borderline superhuman output in the decades since, one might conclude—as the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame did in 2019—that it had the opposite effect.

That’s because a Higgins blood test is incomplete until measured in treble clefts, octaves, and time signatures—revealing a double helix of musical virtuosity and relentless self-expression inseparable from his DNA. Apparently, the condition is hereditary.

“Both of my parents were musicians, they met on the road. So I grew up in a musical household here in Omaha,” Higgins said. “My parents told me I was rockin’ to music before I could walk, you know, Chucky Berry, Little Richard, and the Everly Brothers were the ones that would just trip my trigger when I was a baby.”

While growing up, his father, brass man James “Red” Higgins, introduced young Dereck to a number of larger-than-life figures.

“North Omaha is criminally ignored, historically, it was a hotbed for music, everyone from Louis Armstrong to Duke Ellington, Count Basie to Miles Davis…they all played over here on the North side,” Higgins said. “It’s separate from the white circuit, called the Chitlin Circuit, these amazing musicians would stay with us, and we’d have dinner with them.”

“Yeah, I sat on John Coltrane’s lap, true story,” he said with a grin.

These fond family memories are in sharp relief for Higgins, with the 2021 death of his brother, Patrick, still heavy on his heart.

“I discovered my brother dead in his apartment last year…traumatic as f**k, wasn’t expecting it,” Higgins said. “My brother was one of my biggest fans, and a very talented jazz guitarist…I was trying to encourage him to get back into the game because he was battling addiction and had two heart attacks in five years…that’s what took him out. Damn.”

Such loss underscores Higgins’ belief in the transformative, healing power of music—and the tragedy of its absence— strengthened by a 27-year tenure as a licensed mental health specialist. This sentiment not only extends to blood relatives, but also the brothers and sisters he’s made in rehearsals, on stage, and in the recording booth. Some, like 24-year-old Chemicals bandmate Jacob “Cubby” Phillips have come to view Higgins as a father figure.

“He is so supportive of my passions,” Phillips said, “and his commitment to his own passions—he could’ve decided to pursue more typical life paths—but he didn’t because he loves this sh*t so much, he loves his music and he needs it. That’s inspiring to me, extremely inspiring.”

Phillips’ praise is well-founded. Higgins keeps busy with his music label DVH Recordings, activity in as many as 10 local acts at a time—punk band ATF, progressive outfit inDreama, the Dereck Higgins Experience (D H X), David Nance Group, and the aforementioned Chemicals, to name a few—plus a YouTube channel broadly focused on his world-renowned record collection (numbering over 27,000 subscribers at time of writing).

He offered the following advice to Phillips and other aspiring artists: Maintain harmony.

“The creative process is the management of the highs and the lows,” Higgins affirmed, “wait for it, you can’t push it, it’s like they say with birth, don’t push 'til it’s time to push…believe in yourself. Just let it roll, you know?

“Let the music come to you.”

Visit dereckhiggins.bandcamp.com for more information.

JULY/AUGUST 2022

// 17 //

18

THE CURTAIN

RISES RISES RISES RISES RISES RISES RISES RISES RISES

ON NEBRASKA SHAKESPEARE:

T Y RONE MORE

BE A SL E Y

SE T S

INCLUSI V E

A

NE W,

SCENE

A+C THEATER // STORY BY SEAN ROBINSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

“MY FOCUS IS TO BRING IN MORE PEOPLE FROM THE COMMUNITY AND SHOW HOW SHAKESPEARE’S STORIES ARE RELEVANT TODAY. WE’RE WORKING ON WAYS TO SHOW HUMANITY IN THOSE STORIES AND BE MORE ACCESSIBLE, INVITING, AND WELCOMING.”

-TYRONE BEASLEY

Beasley took the position last summer, getting hired around the same time as Brett THEATER Bernardini, Nebraska Shakespeare’s executive director. Together, “To be or not to be …” the two of them have worked to create a Shakespeare posed greater culture of that question cen- belonging within the turies ago, and it organization and for rings true today. It’s everyone who interone of many Tyrone acts with it.

Th at statement was Beasley must ask more than just empty himself as Nebraska This all comes on words—it was the Shakespeare’s new the heels of last beginning of immeartistic director and year’s cancellation diate change, ushdirector of education. of Shakespeare on ered by Beasley and In this role, he’ll help the Green amid con- Bernardini’s hiring. prove whether the troversy over racial “There was a restrucorganization can rise diversity. At the time, turing of our internal to the occasion to be a production members culture, and Tyrone space of creativity and resigned due to a offered incredible inclusivity—or not. belief that Nebraska perspective as we Shakespeare wasn’t wrote a contract “My focus is to bring in doing enough to be with the community,” more people from the equitable and inclu- Bernardini said. community and show sive. The company’s how Shakespeare’s sto- board of directors “These are commitries are relevant today,” issued a statement, ments on how we Beasley said. “We’re including an action plan to become more working on ways to plan to improve. diverse, equitable, show humanity in and inclusive. Th is those stories and be includes short and more accessible, invitlong-term goals, like ing, and welcoming.” the hiring of diverse staff, educational programs for underrepresented areas of our state, and creating events safe for open dialogue.”

A+C

Under Beasley’s creative leadership, Shakespeare on the Green makes its return to Elmwood Park this year. Beasley not only helped lay the foundation for creating a more welcoming space, but he’s also directing this year’s tragedy, Othello.

“After two years away, it’s going to be so exciting to get back in the park and have an audience,” Beasley said. “I’m thrilled to be directing, for the community, and that my father is a part of it performing in a show.” Among his many ac c ompl ish ment s, Born in Omaha, Beasley studied acting, Beasley is the son of earning a graduate nationally known degree in theater actor John Beasley, from California State who is known for U n i v e r s i t y - L o n g roles in the film The Beach, and perMighty Ducks and the formed at Chicago’s TV show Everwood. esteemed Goodman It was his dad’s career Theater under directhat inspired him to tor Peter Sellars. He pursue theater and returned to Omaha gave him his first taste to hone his directof directing. ing skills at the John Beasley Theater before “I would watch him as joining the Rose as a kid growing up, and artistic associate he would ask me after its director of outbound a play, ‘How do you programming. think I did? I know you’ll be straight with During his time at me,’” Beasley said. the Rose, he created “And I’d say some- workshops for incarthing like, ‘When you cerated youth—a first came out, it felt gram he would likeproto like you were acting. emulate for Nebraska Then you got more Shakespeare. into it and became the character.’”

Beasley said, “I’m looking to What followed from really expand educational this was a career as opportunities storied and impressive Shakespeare because doesn’t as his father’s. exist within a bubble.

His works should be accessible to everyone, beyond drama classrooms and ticketed theaters.”

“As a director, I love to work collaboratively,” Beasley said.

“I love facilitating the creativity of other artists—I aspire to do that as an artistic director as well. I want everyone to bring what they have to the table, different ideas and then let’s talk those ideas through.”

The spotlight is on Beasley.

Ba lancing stage directing duties with helping to enact large social change within an organization seems like a lofty job—and one that doesn’t happen overnight. But, if his previous experience and determination are any inclination, Beasley is sure to earn a standing ovation.

“One of the things t hat nonprof its make a mistake of is they think everyone from the outside has the right answers,” Bernardini said. “But this—the theater—is Tyrone’s world. This is the space he inhabits. Success will come because this is his universe.”

Another way Beasley Visit nebraskashakehas worked to make speare.org for more poetry and plays from information. the 16th century more approachable is by reframing stories with a modern twist. Prior to accepting his fulltime staff position at Nebraska Shakespeare, he worked with the organization directing a hip-hop version of Romeo and Juliet.

21

Don Hall to THE

A+C FILM T u r n s

V i s u a l s

STORY BY JOEL STEVENS

|

i n t o

O s c a r s

DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

23

A+C FILM on Hall has won an Academy Award. He’s directed billion-dollar Disney properties from Winnie the Pooh to this year’s Oscar-nominated Raya and the Last Dragon.

The next three features Hall directed or co-directed would all be computer-generated and combine to make more than $1.3 billion at the box office. Big Hero Six won Best Animated Feature at the 87th Academy Awards.

into fully formed worlds that are felt as much as they’re seen, whether it be a techno-near future San Fransokyo, the magical realm of Kumandra in Raya, or mythological Motunui in Moana.

His first streaming series drops on Disney+ this summer. Strange World, his much-anticipated fifth animated feature, lands in November.

“I think that’s the fun part of the process, especially early on in development where we spend so much time thinking through these different worlds,” Hall said.

It’s the drawing that captures Hall’s attention. The sketched DNA of animation springing to life from pen to script to screen is still his first love. In many ways the 53-year-old who arrived at Walt Disney Animation Studios in 1995, fresh out of the California Institute of the Arts, is still the same kid who grew up drawing and consuming animation and fantasy stories in Glenwood, Iowa.

“We’re trying to build a world that feels familiar and lived in, even if it’s a fantasy world. We want it to be realistic at least to the parameters of the logic of the world we’re building. I really enjoy that, but I think everybody at Disney does this as sort of a part of what we do.

I think that’s what makes these movies feel so big and expansive.”

“I still draw as much as I can,” said Hall, adding every one of his film’s rough character designs, visual development, and storyboards all began in hands-on collaboration.

Today’s animated films are almost entirely computer-generated, but the foundation remains the hand-drawn image. Drawing that is typically done digitally, on Wacom tablets or iPads like Hall uses.

“Generally, I draw more at the early developmental stages of a film,” Hall said. “The deeper into our process we get, the less time I have to draw. I’ll do quick sketches in meetings to illustrate a thought, but that’s about it. Drawing is the thing I love to do most in life. Hard to imagine not drawing. Guess that’s one of the reasons I love animation.”

Hall’s first job in animation was as a storyboard apprentice—“An intern, really,” he said—but for him, it was a dream job. The first thing after getting the Disney nod was to call his parents, Janet and Don Hall Sr., who still reside in Glenwood.

“It was emotional, but there was a practical component to it as well, I just felt like it was the place I was going to learn the most,” Hall said of his Disney hiring. “To be there—with all the history and the legacy in addition to all the great people I knew were there—where I was going to learn the most dictated everything.”

Hall would go on to cut his teeth in various roles on a half-dozen projects, including hits The Emperor’s New Groove, Tarzan, and The Princess and the Frog. He stepped up to the director’s chair for the first time in the 2011 Winnie the Pooh reboot. The film would be the studio’s last traditionally animated feature. // 24 //

JULY/AUGUST 2022

"We made movies.

We’re stilL making movies. If we can do that during such a global crisis, I think you walk away with a certain amount of confidence."

DON HALL Hall is currently deep in production on Strange World, Disney’s 61st animated feature film. Based on his original story idea, Hall’s tight-lipped about the plot that reportedly revolves around a family of explorers. A single publicity shot from the film shows a colorful fantasy vista with a decidedly pulp magazine look and feel.

“That’s a pretty fair assumption,” Hall demurred. “I like those stories. I’ll put it that way.”

Hall co-wrote the script with Qui Nguyen, who is also co-directing the project.

Nguyen also co-wrote Raya and the Last Dragon.

If Hall’s latest feature is indeed influenced by the sci-fi fantasy magazines of his youth, an affection for those stories and their universe building are all over his oeuvre. With Big Hero 6, the filmmaker plunks audiences

Hall returns to his biggest hit June 29 with the Disney+ Big Hero Sixinspired Baymax! The streaming series is Disney’s first to be produced entirely by the feature animation division.

“This was another world that was so expansive and built, and we only explored what we explored in the movie,” Hall said. “But ultimately it came down to Baymax the character and wanting to revisit a character that is very near and dear to my heart.”

Nearly three decades into the business, Hall is still discovering things about animation, creativity, collaboration, and, in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, necessity. Raya and the Last Dragon, Hall’s 2021 hit, was largely completed on time and on budget from his and his production crew’s homes during lockdown.

“We made movies, not a movie,” Hall said. “We made movies. We’re still making movies. If we can do that during such a global crisis, I think you walk away with a certain amount of confidence. The movies haven’t fallen off in quality at all, they’ve actually furthered the art and the technique of what we do. To come out of that with confidence, I think we learned some things practically we can put into practice going forward.”

Search “Don Hall” on imdb.com for more information.

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Through the years, the contest has grown, and with it, the number of voters has also grown. Please welcome our sponsors, Boomer 1490 AM Radio and KETV. In order to become a “Best of Omaha,” restaurants, retailers, and businesses need your vote. You can feel good about voting in Best of Omaha, because we are the city’s legitimate “best of ” contest.

Like the local businesses you love, our voting system is fair, convenient, and free from manipulation. We use a verified email system for all voters. We only accept one ballot per verified email in order to avoid vote-stuffing. The ballots are free of advertising and sponsorships. It doesn’t take much time to vote, and, although there are lots of fun categories from which people can choose—Cookies and Wedding Videography are among new favorites around here— the minimum number of votes is five. We also leave the category fields blank so voters are not steered toward certain businesses.

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Anyone who completes the Best of Omaha voting ballot will receive the certificate and discounts that come with it. Who you vote for does not show or affect your ability to receive the discounts.

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That’s why KETV is proud to be a part of Omaha Magazine’s Best of Omaha campaign. Your votes help shine a light on the amazing local businesses making a difference in Omaha. From the nominees to the winners, thanks for making Omaha such a unique and fun city.

S H AW N O S WA L D

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Walnut Media is honored to once again partner with Omaha Magazine as a media sponsor of the Best of Omaha campaign. As the area’s only locally owned and operated media company, we recognize how important the connection to local consumers is.

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// SPORTS

T

he video’s initial frame is a shot of an old Toro lawn mower pointed to the left-hand side of the screen, but not even a full second elapses before Leigh Jahnke f lips into the shot from the right, plants her hands on the ground, and f lips her sneakered right foot up to the mower’s push bar. She proceeds to push the mower across the yard, her hands doing the walking, her right foot doing the pushing, and her left foot extended up above it all like a periscope.

These are the first seven seconds of Jahnke’s 2:37 audition video for the 2022 filming of American Ninja Warrior. The remainder of the reel includes shots of her feeding cows, balancing atop a moving horse, and being named homecoming queen during a November University of Nebraska-Lincoln football game. At one point she appears to bench press two round hay bales, each roughly the size of a pickup truck, that are held together by a single, standard-sized barbell. A zoom-out reveals the assistance of heav y duty farm machinery, but the video’s creativity and novelty succeeded in its ambition: the West Point, Nebraska, native was selected to take part in the 14th season of the NBC program.

Jahnke, who graduated from UNL this spring with degrees in Spanish and biology, is now a seasoned ANW veteran. She first competed on the program in 2019 after her freshman year at UNL, her initial interest in the sport blossoming from her love of climbing. She also played volleyball, basketball, pole vaulted, wrestled, and competed in gymnastics as a youth, all of which she credits with her natural aptitude for the Ninja obstacles, but said her work ethic and perseverance are a result of growing up on the family cattle farm.

“Working on a farm is hard work and you don’t really get a day off, so it really taught me discipline and dedication,” Jahnke said.

“I raised my own calves, and you have to wake up every day and feed them. You can’t not do chores a day, stuff like that, so I think it taught me a good work ethic.”

When something is broken on a farm, farmers roll up their sleeves and fix it. When Jahnke struggled with a specific obstacle during her 2019 debut, she did the same.

“The first time I was on the show I didn’t really have a lot of obstacle experience, just sports experience,” she explained. “On

the show, I got out on these things called the f lywheels, which are just these wheels that spin, and you have to let go of one and swing and grab the other with both hands and just keep going.

I fell on one of those, so that same summer my dad and I on the farm, we built a replica of that using scrap wood and tires to act as the f lywheels.”

In Lincoln, Jahnke’s training is mostly comprised of climbing (she is president of the UNL rock climbing club) and standard gym workouts, but she tries to incorporate one Ninja-influenced workout per week. For these she heads to Nebraska Ninja training gym, where program director Nic Moore is building a community of tiptoeing, somersaulting, wall-running athletes. Moore, who grew up a gymnast in Lincoln, said that he has seen an uptick in interest in the sport, and now trains people from age 4 to 68.

“It reminds you of being a kid, going and climbing in a tree, going and jumping across the creek to see if you could make it or not,” he explained of the appeal. “Carefree, as a kid, just going out and getting dirty and just trying something that you’re not familiar with.”

Moore ac c ompa n ied Jahnke on her trip to Oklahoma City for the 2019 filming and served as a designated “tester” for the course, but didn’t make the trip to this year’s regional filming, which took place in March in San Antonio and will air this summer. This time around, Jahnke was accompanied on her trip by fellow Nebraska participants Maggi Thorne and Michael Galeski, who also participated in 2019.

Jahnke does not yet know if her “run” will make the final cut.

If it does air, people around the country will be reintroduced to the do-it-all kid from West Point, who, by the way, plans to spend her first year post-college teaching English in Spain on a Fulbright Scholarship.

“They do such a good job of highlighting all of these people who are amazing outside of their athletics,” Jahnke said of the program.

“There are so many cool stories and so many cool people who have these amazing experiences. When you go to a football game, you don’t get to hear the stories of all the players, so I think that’s something too that is really neat about the sport.”

Visit nbc.com/american-ninja-warrior for more information.

“IT REMINDS YOU OF BEING A KID, GOING AND CLIMBING IN A TREE, GOING AND JUMPING ACROSS THE CREEK TO SEE IF YOU COULD MAKE IT OR NOT.” —NIC MOORE JULY/AUGUST 2022

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH LEMKE // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

ADVENTURE // Story by Julius Fredrick

Tulip

ORANGE CITY’S ANNUAL

Festival “I

Dutch Pride, Bulbs Brighter than Ever After 81 Years

“It is my pleasure to introduce one of the most important ambassador groups for our annual Tulip Festival…” sounded a loudspeaker over Central Avenue in Orange City, Iowa. Hushed murmurs and creaking lawn chairs gave way to the crisp, practiced staccato of klompen (wooden clogs) on pavement, “the 2022 festival queen…Naomi Mellema, and her lovely court!”

“We just like to have fun and interact with people,” Mellema said after the procession, she and her court’s appearance in Saturday afternoon’s Straatfest (street festival) marking the midpoint of her royal timetable. “Talking to tourists and citizens of Orange City throughout the day…I’m really glad I have this opportunity.”

A little over two hours from Omaha via I-29 North, Orange City, Iowa, exemplifies the charmed serenity afforded by a sequestered, tight-knit community just shy of 6,300 citizens. Named for Dutch revolutionary William of Orange, the town’s gambrel roofs and sinuous eaves thread a rich tapestry of Dutch Colonial architecture throughout the otherwise modest township.

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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owntown’s Windmill Park— displaying six ornamental windmills, including a poldermolen (drainage mill), a stellingmolen (tower mill), and a wipmolen (hollow post mill)—offer glimpses of the Netherlands' vaulted ingenuity, the painstakingly detailed reconstructions a testament to this legacy in their own right.

ADVENTURE //

Orange City’s Dutch pride comes into full bloom during the third week of May each year, 2022 marking the town’s 81st consecutive Tulip Festival to date—an occasion Mellema had been planning for since the coronation of 2021’s graduating class.

“So to become queen…Any [high school] senior girl in Orange City can put their name out for the court in early fall,” Mellema said, “and then after the five are announced they start preparing for a pageant in November—each of us had to prepare a skit informing people about different aspects of the festival, about our community and our Dutch heritage—tying it to our personal lives in a five-to-10-minute skit that we wrote and memorized.”

Mellema’s performance proved inspired enough to win over the judges, and with their glowing scores, the crown and its accompanying duties.

“I was able to speak to the House and the Senate,” Mellema said, recalling her diplomatic visit to the U.S Capitol, “it was a bit nerve-wracking, but an amazing opportunity…then we got to meet [Iowa] governor Kim Reynolds, and we actually taught her how to Dutch dance, which was really cool.”

While Mellema, resplendent in “plum-colored satin…a typical Sunday and special occasion dress of the 1800s…from the province of Drenthe in North Holland,” acts as the ambassador and face of the tulip festival—and by extension, Orange City—hundreds of volunteers work on and behind the scenes to maintain the multi-day celebration’s precise schedule and “low country” flare.

In decades past, few, if any, people of non-Dutch ancestry participated in Tulip Festivals—held not only in Orange City, but as far as Mount Vernon, Washington, and as near as Pella, Iowa. Today, visitors and volunteers alike are welcomed and encouraged to fully immerse themselves in tradition, regardless of ancestry.

“I actually do not,” replied 22-year-old volunteer Jonah Bader when asked if he had Dutch relatives. “I’m friends with someone else who volunteers here, and she’s just so passionate about it, it’s practically all she ever talks about, so excited, always happy when the Tulip Festival comes around…I was like, ‘OK, I’ll go for it, I’ll try it out,’ and it’s been awesome.”

Perhaps the Tulip Festival’s greatest cultural contribution to its visitors, however, is the clear, genuinely unbidden joy and excitement the volunteers, vendors, and the community at large exude over the course of the six-day spectacle.

Whether by youthful exuberance or a special quality all his own, Bader’s “I’ll try it out” translated to “I’m going all in.”

are those things that might just interest that one person who has never thought about the Tulip Festival before?”

“I was part of the Dutch dancing in the streets, I was biking in the parade with the Dutch Heritage Booster Group, and I’m about to start my shift as a pedicab driver,” Bader said.

Droog cites the festival’s ArtBurst (a free, juried fine art fair spanning two days), the craft show, and the carnival rides as attractions that cultivate a “family-friendly event, where there is something for people of all ages.”

“We’ve been practicing once a week for the past two months,” he continued, referencing himself and a troupe of street dancers who have mastered complex, at times harrowing, steps— two sets of three dances—in time for the Straatfest. The “Smiet eu Wife” or “Throw the Woman” dance, for example, is particularly demanding of finesse, the requisite footwear besides.

“I got some wooden shoes on that I’m borrowing from a friend in town here…”

Bader said, braving a smirk. “I’ve got a few pairs of socks on, need frequent breaks… otherwise, you get used to them after a little while!”

These wooden shoes are called “klompen” in Dutch, and Orange City has managed to retain their old-world craftsmanship through a series of Dutch-school trained artisans, beginning with Jacob Van’t Hoff through 1944, Wilhelm Jansen until 1983, and carried on today by their apprentices.

“Klompen-making” demonstrations are among the Tulip Festival’s biggest draws, the freely shared techniques behind such arcane, skill-intensive cultural artifacts presenting a rare opportunity for most Americans, Dutch or otherwise. However, as noted by Orange City Promotion Chair Jennie Droog, developing a space where tradition and broad appeal coexist is key to attracting new and return visitors.

“It’s preserving that history, right? We see the ladies who make our beautiful costumes, those who know how to carve wooden shoes, those who know how to speak Dutch..and as the generations go on, we want to keep this thriving,” Droog explained, “but we’re also thinking, what

“So you have little kids all the way up to your elderly people,” Droog said.“Maybe they won’t go to all the things the festival has to offer, but they’re each finding their own thing that they enjoy.”

Other highlights include a fully functional Dutch street organ built in 1909, horse-drawn trolley tours, ‘Dutch Dozen’ musical productions, authentic Dutch cuisine, and the sale of over 30 varieties of imported bulbs from the Tulip Town Bulb Company, and more.

Perhaps the Tulip Festival’s greatest cultural contribution to its visitors, however, is the clear, genuinely unbidden joy and excitement the volunteers, vendors, and the community at large exude over the course of the six-day spectacle—Orange City reveling in the celebration just as much as the people they spent months diligently preparing to educate and entertain.

“You know, we obviously took the year off because of the pandemic, which is harder to do than actually run the festival,” noted Orange City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mike Hofman, “and then we came back last year, one of the first spring festivals, or even events, that’s happened in two years, and we had probably the largest crowd we’ve ever had.”

He concluded, “I think that’s a real testament to the people that run it, that jump right on board every single year.”

Visit orangecityiowa.com for more information.

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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JULY/AUGUST 2022

NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR WANTS EVERYONE IN OMAHA TO HAVE A BAHL

M

arch 2020 brought Omaha arts to a screeching halt, but it also brought an impactful change for the positive. Maestro Ankush Kumar Bahl met Omaha at its worst, and fell in love. A Northern California native, Bahl arrived in Omaha to explore the arts community and throw his hat in the ring to replace outgoing Thomas Wilkins, the 16-year veteran music director for the Omaha Symphony.

“Usually we’d find a replacement before the previous director stepped down,” said Dani Meier, vice president of artistic administration and a section double bassist. “We’d been fortunate to have a director we loved in Maestro Wilkins, and had the privilege of meeting with a number of truly fine conductors.”

Meier’s love of music and commitment to Omaha’s talented artists didn’t create unreasonable expectations, but certainly influenced her standards as they began what they expected to be a grueling process to find Wilkins’ successor.

“Something about Maestro Bahl stood out immediately.” Meier recalled. “There was one performance I’ll never forget. We were performing Swan Lake.

Typically, we’d play highlights of Tchaikovsky, but Maestro Bahl asked us to include a movement to the suite that isn’t traditionally played, the finale of the ballet. We reached this massive crescendo we don’t usually get to play, and as we finished you could hear a pin drop. After a moment, you heard from the balcony—one man just sighed ‘Wow’ before the applause erupted.”

Meier continued, “Maestro has spent years thinking about what he wants from an orchestra. He’s never going to just hope it’s going to be a good show. He wants to be sure everyone is growing artistically, not just getting to play great music, but making you fall in love with each piece the way you did the first time you heard it. Your hands know what to do in your sleep, but he wants a living, organic, fresh performance, and he knows how to make the music feel new again.

The Symphony board and performers thought the search for a new maestro would be long. By summer 2020, the announcement had been made that Bahl would be the new music director.

“We insisted on having him back before his tenure officially even began this September,” Meier said.

The start of the COVID-19 pandemic is not what Bahl recalls from his early Omaha impressions. “I’ve conducted all over the world. But when I got here, everyone completely blew me away. The Holland is just beautiful. The board and community support is absolutely expansive. This community really cares about the performing arts Omaha offers. They recruited me in many ways, but it was really just such fertile ground that would marry with my vision for the orchestra.”

Bahl doesn’t come from a family of musicians, but what he did inherit from his parents was a disciplined work ethic, a deep respect for people’s time and talent, and a desire to bring out the best in those around him.

“My job is to make sure everyone brings it,” Bahl said.

“Like a movie director or a football coach. I’m not on screen or the field, but I see what everyone [has] brought and decide if I’m motivating or directing this person. It’s kind of improv, taking what they’re giving me and putting it where it belongs. Some days it’s about showing them where to put their energy, some days it’s about inspiring them to find the energy in the first place.”

Bahl continued, “There’s a relationship, and trust involved. An orchestra can tell if the conductor is there for them, the music, or if they’re all ego. You’ve got the privilege of leading highly trained, extremely talented musicians who each got here on their own.

They spent years with their instrument, had the discipline to practice daily for decades, some are older or more experienced than I am, some went to Juilliard, and I have to show them why they can count on me to lead them. Personally, I love that first impression. That moment I have to earn their trust, to prove my substance.”

Bahl is using that trust and talent to do more than charm his orchestra, he’s aiming it directly at Omaha audiences.

“There’s this huge wall of people who think the symphony isn’t meant for them,” he said. “They don’t know what to wear; parking or traffic overwhelms them. Sometimes they worry about the cost. But when you hear the theme to Jurassic Park, you’re feeling exactly what John Williams wanted you to feel. He made that for everyone, and Beethoven wrote music to be accessible for everyone. Nobody should deprive themselves of that.”

His efforts to reach more of his new neighbors include strengthening the orchestra’s storytelling capacity with added visuals, narration, and context, and creating accessible shows and opportunities for everyone. The Omaha Symphony performs more than 200 shows each year.

Learn more and find tickets at omahasymphony.org

“I’VE CONDUCTED ALL OVER THE WORLD. BUT WHEN I GOT HERE, EVERYONE COMPLETELY BLEW ME AWAY. THIS COMMUNITY REALLY CARES ABOUT THE PERFORMING ARTS OMAHA OFFERS.” —ANKUSH KUMAR BAHL

PROFILE STORY SARA LOCKE PHOTOGRAPHY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN MATT WIECZOREK

AN ORCHESTRATED AFFAIR

Writing Her Own Success Molly Ashford

M

olly Ashford sits at a table in the back of a popular Dundee coffee shop. Spread around her are books and notebooks as she conducts research on a laptop. Her large brown eyes look pensive, and one can tell her brain is processing ideas at the speed of light.

She’s studying for a degree in medical humanities, but has no aspirations of practicing medicine. She prefers working with the written word, an aspiration that she comes by naturally. Her father is the owner of Jackson Street Books.

“Growing up around books, I’d always felt a point of pride in that,” Ashford said. “There’s so many you couldn’t even read a third of them. The physical space of it was comforting.”

She spent her childhood consuming books such as Slaughterhouse Five and those by Miami Herald police reporter-turned-mystery writer Edna Buchanan. She spent her youth in the school newspaper office at Central High School.

“I was in choir and hated it,” Ashford said.

“I had to take another elective, so I took newspaper.”

Ashford rarely takes a traditional path, and high school journalism was no different. The prerequisite to being a reporter for the school newspaper was an intro to journalism class, but that wasn’t available, so Ashford got the prerequisite waived by the school and began writing nonfiction.

“Without even taking an intro to journalism class, she shined as not only a writer, but as an inquisitive young person,” said her adviser, Hillary Blayney, via email. “She was always striving to uncover stories that other high school students would have been scared to tackle.”

Ashford credits Blayney for much of her education about the world of journalism. “[Blayney] was very hands-off,” Ashford said.

She spent every free hour she could working in the newspaper office and eventually rose to become the editor. That achievement, however, came at a price—one she documented in a senior-year editorial titled “‘Strive for 95’ not enforced, pointless.” While certainly written from the perspective of a 17-year-old, the piece shows a maturity in that Ashford thought about the piece from the viewpoint of others.

Missing more than one-third of her senior year, however, did have an impact on her future plans—and that was good for Omaha.

“I really wanted to get out of Omaha,” Ashford said. “I didn’t get into my dream school, which was Reed College in Oregon.

I did get into Lewis and Clark [College) in Seattle, but it was $40,000.”

With dreams of moving to the West Coast vanquished, Ashford graduated from Central High School and moved into an apartment with a friend at age 17. The next fall, she started at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, but she was no longer interested in being part of the social network of college.

That was…until a newspaper editor reached out to her.

“She was a tenacious young journalist who I could tell was passionate about truth and justice from the first pieces she wrote,” said Kamrin Baker via email. Baker recruited her to UNO’s The Gateway as a contributor. “She was a skilled writer who was able to take on stories with courage and self-determination, and I was so impressed by her, especially so early on in her career.”

“[Ashford] was always striving to uncover stories that other high school students would have been scared to tackle.”

-Hillary Blayney // 46 //

JULY/AUGUST 2022

Back in the field, Ashford began forging a path ahead, writing articles about alumni and students with interesting hobbies as well as deeper articles about how the pandemic was affecting student life. She became a copy editor, and, eventually, editor-in-chief.

While the UNO Gateway brought her a sense of satisfaction as a writer and advocate, her classes did not. She wanted journalism classes, and she found the degree offered more public relations classes.

“Medical humanities allowed me to create my own major,” Ashford said. The field is interdisciplinary, using programs such as English and women’s and gender studies with health education and biology. Ashford is taking the writing concentration.

While the writing part appeals to her most, the medical part is what initially drew her to the field.

“I know a lot of people who are sick and disabled,” Ashford said. “My best friend has cerebral palsy, and my mom has Parkinson's.”

It wasn’t a writing class, but an anthropology class that she initially took. That led to classes such as gender identity and personal writing, writing sickness and health, and philosophy of medicine.

“I was scared. These were upper-level classmates. I had never taken philosophy before, but I loved it,” Ashford said, continuing, “I don’t think I’ve ever had to work so hard to learn something.”

The self-described “overly ambitious” writer was undaunted by the intellectualism of an anthropology or philosophy class, and continued to create a unique education for herself.

As she’s set to graduate from UNO in December this year, she is continuing to create a career for herself before the ink on the diploma dries—reporting as a staff writer for the Omaha World-Herald.

“It's been a blast seeing her grow in the Omaha journalism scene, and I can't wait to keep reading her work,” Baker said.

Visit unomaha.edu for more information.

GEN O STORY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN MATT WIECZOREK

FEATURE STORY LEO ADAM BIGA PHOTOGRAPHY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN MATT WIECZOREK

// 48 //

JULY/AUGUST 2022

s l l e n n a R w e r And STAYS TRUE TO HIMSELF Andrew Rannells found Broadway fame originating the role of Elder Price in the smash musical The Book of Mormon, and the Omaha native has since leveraged his success to create buzzworthy lanes on stage and screen.

The Book, The King, The Tonys

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FEATURE // ANDREW RANNELLS

H

is passion for performing started as a child. His older sister, Becky, did theater. She and younger sister Natalie studied dance. Rannells said, “Becky really introduced me to the idea theater was something that could happen in Omaha from seeing her in high school and college shows.”

While his sister introduced him to the idea, his mother, Charlotte, exposed him to the bigger world of Broadway musical theater when she got him to watch the Tonys.

“I’d never been to New York, I’d never seen a Broadway show,” Rannells said. “I didn’t know the Tonys existed. She introduced it to me. I recorded it and re-watched it. At the library I checked out video tapes of Broadway shows broadcast on PBS.” The ritual of watching the Tonys whet his appetite for more. One year, Falsettos was nominated and a big number from the show performed.

“It was one of the shows I saw that convinced me I really want to do this for a living,” Rannells said. (He got the chance to work on that favorite show in 2016, when he performed the role of Whizzer Brown in a version that garnered him his second Tony nomination— for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Falsettos.)

His adolescent theater initiation evolved with classes at Emmy Gifford Children’s Theater (now The Rose). His mother enrolled him.

“I didn’t really have an activity of my own before that,” Rannells said. “My sisters danced, my brother played sports, and I didn’t have a thing. She was just trying to figure out, ‘what do I do with this kid?’ She took me to my first audition, which I did not get. But I was encouraged to keep going back.”

He credits both his parents with being “very supportive in letting me explore” his niche.

He landed parts at the Firehouse and Dundee Dinner Theaters, the Circle Theater, and the Chanticleer Theater. He booked commercials for Boys Town, Godfather’s, and other local companies and nonprofits.

His fixation on "making it" was reinforced by seeing Nebraska Theatre Caravan guest artists go on to regional and Broadway stardom, including Norbert Leo Butz, whom he got to know in New York.

// 50 //

JULY/AUGUST 2022

“I remember that being an important part of seeing what else is possible,” Rannells said.

“That I didn’t have to stay in Omaha doing community theater. There was something more out there I could go for.”

Other hurdles have steeled him against the topsy-turvy world of professional acting.

Growing up gay in Omaha, Rannells often felt alone. He alleges two adult men, including a priest at his high school, Creighton Prep, sexually abused him while a minor. Rannells later brought it to the attention of Prep officials. He feels going public with the incident is why Prep’s “not really claimed me as one of their own.”

Coming of age in the late ’80s-early ’90s, he struggled with media portrayals of queer culture as aberrant and HIV/AIDS as a death sentence.

“As a kid watching it seemed like a pretty bleak future. It could be pretty scary.”

He came out to his family at 18, though he said his orientation was no surprise. The next year, in 1997, at age 19, he arrived in New York City to pursue a dream first sparked in front of the television set and local theaters in Omaha.

He set down his suitcases in New York City without knowing a soul there but neither that nor the steep odds of making it curtailed Rannells from chasing his dream. He spent two years as a theater major at Marymount Manhattan College while learning how to navigate the acting world before stepping out to pursue acting on his own.

“I did feel I just needed to throw myself into it,” Rannells said. “It is a sacrifice. I was very far away from home. I had to figure out a support group in New York among other young actors. Eventually it got easier.”

The bright lights of New York theater did not initially glow with 10,000-watts for Rannells.

In 2005, a few months after his return to the grind of auditions and rejections, Rannells landed his inaugural Broadway gig, Hairspray.

“That was my last-ditch attempt,” Rannells said. It worked.

“I was working and I had some cool opportunities but nothing felt big enough. I was not on Broadway essentially,” Rannells said.

“But then, after two years of taking a break, I went back. I was about to turn 25 and I was like—you’ve got to get back in there, you’ve got to give it another shot.”

The new mindset of showing his specific skill set enabled Rannells to obtain roles such as Bob Gaudio in the touring production of Jersey Boys, which resulted in him playing the same role in the Broadway cast. The aforementioned The Book of Mormon, however, catapulted Rannells to stardom. He originated the role of Elder Price.

Rannells’ luck in New York turned around when he stopped trying to be something he wasn’t. “I realized I can only go in and do what I do. I have this specific skill set nobody else has, so I just need to show that. I started auditioning differently with that in mind.”

The lesson learned, he said, is “it’s best to trust your own instincts.” He took a turn as the lead in Hedwig and the Angry Inch on Broadway.

He replaced Jonathan Groff as King George in the original run of Hamilton. Coming in as a replacement offered an interesting take.

“It was exciting to get to be a little part of it,” he said of the Hamilton phenomenon. “When Book of Mormon was a big hit on Broadway, I was in the middle of it with Josh (co-star Josh Gad). We were so wrapped up in everything.

With Hamilton, I could visit like a tourist. I didn’t have any long-term skin in that game, so I didn’t feel any of the stress of awards or nominations or reviews.”

Rannells went on to star in Broadway revivals of Falsettos and The Boys in the Band.

He’s twice been nominated for a Tony Award—as Best Leading Actor in a Musical for Book of Mormon and Best Featured Actor in a Musical for Falsettos. He won a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album for the original cast recording of Book of Mormon.

He’s performed at the Tonys, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center.

The highlight of his feature film career cast him with Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and James Corden in the 2018 musical comedy The Prom.

On the small screen he costarred in the HBO series Girls and NBC's The New Normal. He’s shooting an untitled new Hulu series about the Chippendale murders. The highlight of his feature film career cast him with Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and James Corden in the 2018 Netflix musical comedy The Prom.

In much of his work he plays three-dimensional, openly gay characters, including that of “Larry,” on Broadway, in the revival of The

Boys in the Band. These are opportunities he appreciates, as it helps others discover their identities in positive ways.

“I’m so grateful I found that outlet to be with other like-minded people, to see adults, especially gay men, out and proud,” Rannells said. “To see that as a possibility for myself as a kid was a really big deal.”

Not all his theater experiences were positive.

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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FEATURE // ANDREW RANNELLS

“At an early age was I exposed to some things and a part of conversations I probably shouldn’t have been? Yes,” Rannells said. “It got more complicated as I got to be a teenager.”

His trust was betrayed when, he said, an adult male in local theater entered into a sexual relationship with him.

“I thought I knew what I was doing,” Rannells said. “I thought I could handle myself. It was only until later I realized that wasn’t cool.”

Despite losing his innocence, theater remained a refuge. “Ultimately the theater has provided a very safe place” and accepting community, he said.

He observed that today’s youth have more capacity and opportunity to communicate their feelings.

“I’m encouraged by their ability and desire to speak about things—sexuality, self-acceptance, depression, anxiety. They speak about things in a way I didn’t always feel comfortable talking about. So I feel like that is some progress there.

I think there are larger conversations happening sooner at a younger age.

“Growing up is just hard. It’s complicated.

It can feel lonely and stressful and scary for everyone. The more kids are willing to open up, hopefully, the better and easier it can be for them.”

That’s why he told his story for the It Gets Better campaign that lets young people know they’re not alone in dealing with identity issues.

“I do wish, especially in my teenage years. there was someone in this field that spoke a little more candidly about what I was going through.

It Gets Better seemed a perfect platform for that. That’s why I did it. As long as there’s a platform, I’ll try to be a part of it. Hopefully that audience will find those videos. The internet’s created a lot more information that didn’t exist when I was a teenager. There was nowhere to go for that.”

"Growing up is just hard. It's complicated.

It can feel lonely and stressful and scary for everyone. The more kids are willing to open up, hopefully, the better and easier it can be for them." -Andrew Rannells // 52 //

JULY/AUGUST 2022

His 2019 memoir fulfilled a long-held desire to write a book. “But it seemed very far away – I didn’t even know how I would begin that process. And then I met this really fantastic writer and literary agent, Bill Clegg. Just through spending time with him and corresponding by email, he said, ‘I think you might have a book in you.’ So I started writing for him, kind of as an experiment. I jokingly say he tricked me into writing a book because before I knew it I had written 15 essays. He was able to clean them up and guide me through the editing process. If I had thought about it in the larger sense I think I would have been too intimidated to tackle it. I’m very grateful to him.”

E S TAT E P L A N N I N G | M E D I C A I D P L A N N I N G | B U S I N E S S L AW T R U S T A D M I N I S T R AT I O N & P R O B AT E

For the Amazon original series Modern Love Rannells wrote-directed the episode “How Did He Remember Our Night Together?” based on one of his own essays.

“I really loved my television writing-directing debut,” Rannells said. “I would absolutely like to do more of that. “

Em pl o

ate Planning Est

“In a lot of ways it does feel much different than the beginning of my career,” Rannells said. “The pool might get a little smaller, but the competition is still there. There are jobs I do get and there are things I want somebody else gets. That just continues.”

2022 First Place

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s Than 100 Les Em p

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Living his dream, he said, is “definitely humbling—I feel very grateful.” Though he’s made it, the insecurity of an actor’s life never really goes away.

2022 First Place

The difference now is he knows what parts are right for him and doesn’t second guess himself.

He’s one of a few Nebraskans who have performed on Broadway since the mid-20th century, including the late legends Henry Fonda, Montgomery Clift, Marlon Brando, Julie Wilson, and Sandy Dennis. He knows most of the actors who have left Nebraska for the Great White Way and are performing now.

“There’s not that many of us,” he said, “so if you meet someone who’s from Nebraska it’s quite an event in New York.”

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One contemporary member of that exclusive club, John Lloyd Young, took the time to look him up.

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“I was doing Hairspray while he was doing Jersey Boys and the theaters were across the street from each other,” Rannells said. “He came to the stage door one day and said, ‘I just wanted to introduce myself, I’m also from Omaha,’ which I thought was kind of funny and very nice.”

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He has a history with Omaha native Q. Smith, known for her role of Hannah in the Broadway show Come from Away. “Q. and I knew each other [as] high school [students],” Rannells said.

“It was years after college in New York that we sort of met up again.”

Rannells occasionally returns to Omaha, mostly to visit family and friends, such as at Easter. He did an Old Market book signing-reading in 2019. In 2020, he did a free digital Q&A with Omaha Performing Arts. And though he hasn’t come back to perform in his hometown since making it as an actor, he still fondly remembers those days of acting in Omaha.

Visit imdb.com and look up Andrew Rannells for more information.

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// 53 //

FEATURE // STORY BY CHRIS BOWLING PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Getting His Voice Back Jeff Koterba

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T

he house looked the part of the artist’s home. Sketchbooks and looseleaf papers filled with doodles sat everywhere.

Musical instruments and books, stacked high on tables or crammed into shelves, also filled Jeff Koterba’s Dundee home.

At least that’s the way his son remembers it.

“You would wake up and, whether it’s the newspaper, or radio, he would constantly be inputting information,” Josh Koterba said of his father.

Koterba wasn’t like a lot of dads.

On school career days he was the buzz, doodling kids and teachers in the same style as the illustrations he drew for 31 years as the Omaha World-Herald ’s editorial cartoonist. His work has been collected

by Democrats and Republicans, and even made it to space. In a decidedly even-keeled midwestern town, he also knows how to rile people, drawing hate or adoration depending on the day.

The trait Josh, 36, has grown to admire most about his dad is his work ethic.

For years Koterba, 61, never stopped trying to push his art further. When he was laid off by the World-Herald in 2020, he found a way to keep drawing through direct-support services like Patreon. It’s nothing new for Koterba who’s always embraced chaos.

Whether in a cartoon or elsewhere in life, it’s how he digs deeper to find the stories that make art worth sharing.

“It may sound idealistic,” Koterba told a World-Herald writer in 1983, “but I think a cartoonist should be a truth seeker.”

Koterba grew up in South Omaha. His father was a Union Pacific employee, jazz drummer, and TV repairman—the latter of which he advertised in the Sunday Omaha World-Herald. On Saturdays, his dad would get an advanced copy of next day’s paper to double-check his ads, and he would hand his son the comics to read.

Those comics inspired Koterba to be a cartoonist; but, the desire became a full-blown mission when, at age 17, Koterba was struck by lightning outside the front porch of his family home.

“I had really long hair and I cut it all off [after that],” he said. ”I sort of led this monastic life, but I was also drawing political cartoons for the school paper and taking cartooning classes from Ed Fisher [then the World-Herald editorial cartoonist].”

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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FEATURE // jeff koterba

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lthough he started working with Ed Fisher at a young age, the path to the World-Herald came only through tenacity. He drew for The Gateway—the student newspaper at the University of Nebraska at Omaha—during college, and created freelance sports cartoons. It took Koterba nine years of knocking on the door while freelancing and working other jobs.

Throughout his 20s he kept in touch, and finally, the World-Herald finally gave him a trial run in 1989.

Liz Hruska knew Koterba’s cartoons were special from the first time she saw them. One day she asked a friend at the World-Herald if it would be possible to get an original of one of his cartoons. A few days later an envelope appeared with the drawing.

“He’s brilliant at meshing two different concepts that are out in the public conversation.

I’ve known him for a long time, and I’ve seen every piece of work that he’s done, and it still surprises me after all these years.”

—Liz Hruska

Since then Hruska, a financial analyst for the Nebraska Legislature, has been friends with Koterba. Over the years she’s collected six originals for herself, but has gifted between 50 and 75 to politicians she’s worked with.

“He’s brilliant at meshing two different concepts that are out in the public conversation,” she said. “I’ve known him for a long time, and I’ve seen every piece of work that he’s done, and it still surprises me after all these years.”

She also enjoyed the creative flurry he stirs wherever he goes: she traveled to New York City once to see his jazz band, Prairie Cats, when they played at the top of One World Trade Center. Hruska also put Koterba in touch with a friend of a friend who happened to be aboard the International Space Station.

“One morning [in 2007] I got an email and the subject line said something like, ‘Greetings earthling,’” Koterba remembered. “And I thought it was spam. I almost deleted it. But I opened it up and it’s from [Nebraska astronaut] Clayton Anderson. He says, ‘I’m 200 miles above you on the space station.’ And through various connections we were able to beam the cartoon to him. Mind blown.”

Hruska also watched Koterba’s style develop over the years. He’s gone from black-andwhite to color, and from using multiple panes in a cartoon to seeing how few words he could use to relate his viewpoint. His cartoons have won countless awards in local and national competitions and, in 2002, he was a finalist for the National Cartoonists Society’s Editorial Cartoonist of the Year award. In 2009, a Boston publisher released his memoir Inklings and in 2010 he became a Face on the Barroom Floor at the Omaha Press Club, an honor shared by Nebraska giants such as Johnny Carson and Warren Buffett.

// 56 //

JULY/AUGUST 2022

“One of the things I think I’m most proud of wasn’t just the cartoons, but [being a] representative of the paper,” Koterba said.

“People felt safe to share things with me that were going on in the community that would then turn into news stories or opinion pieces. [Current World-Herald owner] Lee Enterprises didn’t understand that.”

When Warren Buffett sold his stake in the World-Herald to Lee Enterprises in early 2020 it didn’t take long for layoffs, buyouts, and pay cuts to start. So, Koterba wasn’t surprised when he too was laid off on Sept. 18 that year.

What did surprise him, he said, was that he wasn’t given the chance to draw one final cartoon. Instead, he said, he was escorted from the premises by security.

“It was a supremely sad day for readers of the Omaha World-Herald, not just myself,” Hruska said. “We do have a community identity, and he was part of that.”

After he was laid off, Koterba didn’t waste time planning his next move.

His son had told him about Patreon, a platform where people support independent artists’ work, and that seemed like a great idea. That money would help support him as he continued drawing comics on national issues for the distribution service Cagle Comics, which itself doesn’t pay much. Today he has 230 patrons whose memberships range from $6 to $100 per month. And he’s staying busy drawing. In the past two years he’s created more than 150 cartoons on the pandemic alone.

Koterba has also picked up side gigs as a morning fill-in host for KVNO’s blend of classical music, as well as serving as an artist-in-residence at Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment (PACE) in Council Bluffs.

While it’s all allowed him to keep drawing, the reality is he’s making a fraction of what he used to.

“Financially I’m not in a position where I can [stop],” he said. “Frankly, I have to work.”

Saving s

He’s not alone either. From 1957 to 2019, the number of full-time newspaper cartoonists dropped from 275 to 30. At the same time, newspaper staffs have shrunk, declining by more than a quarter since 2008. In that context it probably makes sense why, given the choice between a cutting reporter or a cartoonist, a paper may do away with the illustrator.

But readers like Hruska feel someone is missing the big picture. Newspapers have value when they reflect their communities. Even for those who don’t know Koterba, it feels as if he knows them when they see one of his cartoons.

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“Now he’s just doing national issues. And now [the World-Herald] is just doing national issues,” Hruska said. “So we kind of lost that local voice that his cartoons represented.”

But even with so much change, there is a lot to be optimistic about. While his last day at the World-Herald was far from what he’d imagined it would be, it was actually an opportunity to start a fresh chapter.

“I wasn’t angry,” he said. “I almost immediately felt a sense of relief, because they had really been, in recent times, preventing me from drawing cartoons that I felt strongly about. So I felt liberated. And I felt like I could get my own voice back.”

Still, the effects of Koterba’s work and ethos can’t be summed up in a world bubble.

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The sound of piano keys clinked through the phone on Josh’s end. His daughter was doing a report on Gary Paulsen’s classic young adult book Hatchet, but it would not be the typical writeup. She and her dad were writing a song about the book.

Allowing his kids to follow their curiosities runs in the family. In that way, it’s bigger than art, local news, or editorial cartoons. It’s about inspiring creative people, and making sure the next generation is even more audacious and compassionate than the one before.

“He never missed a play. He never missed a show when I was in a punk rock band. He was always advocating for me,” Josh said. “He may not have had all the answers as a single dad…but he was always there. That’s what I hope I can do for my kids too.”

Visit patreon.com/jeffreykoterba for more information.

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INTRO BY BY JOHN ASHFORD, OMAHA ASSISTANT CITY PROSECUTOR

WHAT MAKES A GOOD LAWYER?

F actors

for

C onsider ation

E

veryone will need a good lawyer at some point. As a 14-year member of the Nebraska Bar, former public defender, and career prosecutor in a high-volume area of law, I am reminded daily of what makes a good lawyer by the competence and professionalism of those I work with.

A good lawyer is trustworthy. While it sounds simple, finding one is more complicated. People can live a majority of their lives without needing a lawyer, but when needed, the choice of whom to hire can have profound positive and negative consequences.

The legal community in Omaha is small. To provide context, the Nebraska Supreme Court swore in 110 new lawyers in September 2020.

Out of those 110, fewer than half will work in Omaha. Lawyers here know each other, and the best way to hire a good lawyer is to ask a trusted friend in the Omaha legal community. One’s divorce lawyer may not be right to handle one’s estate planning, but he or she can recommend the right person.

The internet, on the other hand, is perilous.

There are costly services available that block and dispute all negative reviews. Most attorneys that have a perfect average use these services.

One should also be wary of firms that advertise highly. There are likely some good attorneys that work there, but determining which ones are good is difficult without more information.

Once must choose a lawyer that is right for him or her. One’s relationship with his or her lawyer must work on a professional and personal level.

One should also discuss, or even set, expectations with their lawyer at the outset of his or her case, which includes discussing all costs and fee structure. A client must be upfront on what he or she wants/needs from the case.

A good lawyer will always give a potential client the honest answers he or she needs. // 58 //

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The attorneys and staff know that the types of cases they handle can threaten everything their clients hold dear, which is why they draw from the unique experiences and specialized knowledge of their entire team.

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A L W A Y S L O C A L, A L W A Y S B E A U T I F U L. Included with an Omaha Magazine Subscription— OmahaMagazine.com/pages/subscribe // 60 //

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// SPONSORED PROFILES //

Michael Lyon interviews NPR's Susan Stamberg

Smitty's Performing Arts Center

S

mitty's Performing Arts Center is celebrating 17 years of educating youth in Nebraska. Our passion and excitement for dance, aerial silks, and acrobatics reach students from ages 3-Adults! Located at 2410 S 140th Circle in Omaha, our highly professional and experienced staff offer classes from ballet, aerial silks, acro, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre, contemporary, pointe and boys only classes. We offer both recreational and competitive programs, along with our highly recommended summer program, filled with themed camps and intensives.

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Smitty's Performing Arts Center 2410 S 140th Circle Omaha, NE 68144 402.999.6368 smittyspac-omaha.com

Photo by Marc May

Omaha Public Radio

R

adio profoundly changed the American culture by exposing more people to new ideas, music, news, and entertainment.

Today, Omaha Public Radio continues to play a vital role in spreading information, educating and enlightening people, and it helps make listeners in our pluralistic society more responsive, informed human beings and intelligent responsible citizens.

Omaha Public Radio brings the world to the Omaha community and beyond 24 hours a day—the world of politics, science, culture, and music. Through our daily lineup of fact-centered reporting, insightful conversations, and strong community focus, KIOS provides connections to the heartbeat of Omaha in ways no one else does.

KIOS’S COVERAGE OF ARTS AND CULTURE IS FOCUSED ON LOCALLY PRODUCED SHOWS THAT CONSIDER HOW OUR COMMUNITY LIVES.

In addition to national and regional programming, KIOS’s coverage of arts and culture is focused on locally produced shows that consider how our community lives. This is reflected in jazz, blues, AAA and retro music shows, live interviews on a diverse range of cultural topics, and conversations on how to live well physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually across fields and disciplines. KIOS also amplifies the voices of local nonprofits in a daily interview segment. KIOS is currently working with a local theatre to bring some of our most popular programs to live audiences.

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Full program lineup at kios.org

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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// SPONSORED PROFILE //

Modeling Medici’s framework, other opera companies are initiating similar programs inspired by Omaha’s.

“This is the dream. We aren’t trying to keep this to ourselves. The hope is that it spreads across the county. And because it’s community specific, it will be different in each city.”

Among dozens of community programs, Medici also leads the Holland Community Opera Fellowship, which brings opera into new environments—illustrating and promoting the value of creativity in both arts and non-arts sectors.

An Omaha native, Lauren left Nebraska to attend Trinity University to study Business and Theater before bursting onto the arts scene at the historic McCarter Theater Center in Princeton, New Jersey.

“

PART OF MY ROLE IS BEING IN THE COMMUNITY. I GENUINELY ENJOY BEING IN OMAHA. I HAVE A HUGE APPRECIATION TO BE DOING THIS WORK IN A COMMUNITY THAT MEANS SO MUCH TO ME, THE PLACE I GREW UP.” -LAUREN MEDICI

Lauren Medici is redefining opera.

A

As Director of Engagement Programs at Opera Omaha, Medici creates and oversees various programs seeking to unleash the power of creativity through the synthesis of community and art.

By centering around civic practice, with full time artists on staff to put in the necessary hours, she’s flipping the script on arts outreach by connecting with established local community partners, learning their needs and perspectives—with them as the experts—and ultimately creating programming designed to reach their unique goals.

This new mode of engagement within opera world—the creation of programs that are responsive and adaptable to other organizations’ goals—moves beyond outreach. // 62 //

JULY/AUGUST 2022

“We can think more expansively and creatively about what opera can look like,” Medici affirms.

“We have true partnership and true relationship with our community partners. We are centering the community in the process from the beginning. It’s not just about us producing operas. We are amplifying what they are doing, helping other organizations achieve goals that are not arts related.”

The centuries-old industry is taking notice.

Her civic connections began to flourish at the intersection of art and health, becoming the Art & Cultural Programs Associate at the Springpoint Senior Living Foundation in addition to working with Atlantic Health System’s Healing Arts Program, and completing her Master’s of Arts and Medicine over the same period.

In 2017 she returned to her roots as Opera Omaha’s first Director of Engagement Programs.

“Part of my role is being in the community.

I genuinely enjoy being in Omaha. I have a huge appreciation to be doing this work in a community that means so much to me, the place I grew up, that I left, and then made a conscious choice to come back. I’ve come full circle. My first opera experience was attending an Opera Omaha student dress rehearsal, and now I run that program and get to welcome hundreds of students to the Orpheum each year…

Being in a space with people who are experiencing one of our programs, even standing in the back of the room, sensing their creative spark ignite, it’s as if I’m experiencing it too. Now I’m in charge of creating those opportunities for other people.” OO

Opera America, the official American opera service organization, has acknowledged the value of this innovative new model, earning their endorsement and their encouragement for other companies to follow suit.

WWW.OPERAOMAHA.ORG

Explore

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St. Joseph, Missouri is one of America’s best-kept secrets for majestic architecture, historic museums, and public and performance arts in beautiful settings.

Explore, Experience, and Enjoy.

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PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY KVNO DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

a real classic

LOCAL RADIO STATION TURNS 50 // HISTORY // STORY BY DWAIN HEBDA

A steady stream of music that tells a story has been sent out over the airwaves in Omaha for the past half-century—radio station KVNO has broadcast classical works that have stood the test of time and speak to the enduring beauty of the art form and the musician’s skill.

What many listeners and patrons do not know, however, is that most of the best stories the station ever produced never made it on the air, said Dr. Michael Hilt, dean of the College of Communication Fine Arts and Media at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. // 64 //

JULY/AUGUST 2022

There’s the one about how, in the early days, the station was housed in the Storz Mansion.

It got warm in the studio, as former University of Nebraska at Omaha journalism professor Dave Ogden said in a February podcast on the station’s anniversary. Thus, they left a window open to help cool the space. One day a guest DJ—a squirrel—leapt from a nearby tree and wound up using a turntable as a treadmill.

Another well-worn tale is how the station’s debut was delayed several hours for want of

finding the right light switch. Apparently, all wiring for the station’s equipment was controlled through one nondescript switch, something the inaugural broadcast crew only discovered when it was time to go live.

“I can confirm that, because the person I’ve heard it from was actually part of the process,” Hilt said. “I remember looking at him like, ‘That can’t be.’ I’m sure at the time people were saying, ‘Well, there’s a light switch, but how could that be involved?’ Apparently, it was.”

“I LOVED THAT EVERYONE ON STAFF HAD A ROLE TO PLAY IN KVNO’S SUCCESS, FROM FUND DRIVES TO LIVE REMOTES AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN. THERE WAS A FEELING OF SHARED SUCCESS THAT I LOVED.” —SCOTT BLANKENSHIP

Hilt, who’s spent 34 years with UNO, loves the story, as it demonstrates the lean, almost pirate-radio mentality of the station, which first hit the airwaves Aug. 27, 1972. He’s equally proud of how it’s weathered changing times and tastes to remain an important part of Omaha’s cultural fabric.

KVNO was used as a living classroom and the programming reflected the eclectic tastes of student DJs, ranging from jazz to popular music and various other genres. Format eventually turned all-classical, guided by on-air and back-office staff who truly cared about their place in the community.

“KVNO is still here because of the community and because of its relationship with the university,” he said. “For a station like KVNO to exist 50 years, that’s a long, long time in the broadcast world.”

“KVNO was a small shop and there was such a feeling of camaraderie, a ‘We’re in this together,’ sort of feel,” said Scott Blankenship, who, in typical KVNO fashion, wore a lot of hats—from intern to on-air talent to producer.

“I loved that everyone on staff had a role to play in KVNO’s success, from fund drives to live remotes and everything in between. There was a feeling of shared success that I loved.”

“The existence of an all-classical radio station is becoming a rarity in this country,” said Josh Krohn, former on-air personality and production coordinator from 2006 to 2019. “It’s a unique service to be able to offer something people may not ever be exposed to…outside of being embedded in other forms of media.

Having an actual radio station provide that for the community, and having community support, it is a special combination. That’s what I found attractive about [KVNO].”

The station started as a college amenity. When the University of Nebraska Board of Regents was granted the broadcasting license in 1972,

Robyn Murray, former news director. “The station provided a unique opportunity for students to gain professional, hands-on experience while they completed their degrees.

They also had opportunities to be broadcast statewide through Nebraska Public Media and a few times nationally through NPR. It was a collaborative, innovative environment and I am thankful to have been part of it.”

Sherry Brownrigg, station manager and program director since 2020, said she routinely encounters people who’ve been listening to the station for decades and are not shy about sharing how much the station means to them.

While the station would eventually move from a full-time classroom to a professional staff, today numbering 11, it never strayed far from its academic roots. KVNO not only taught listeners about the classical music art form, it also gave UNO students real-world media experience.

“We had a pledge drive and people called in to pledge their support and tell us what the station means to them,” she said. “Many people have told us it’s their go-to place for some peace, some serenity. There’s so much shifting sand today that it’s pretty amazing to have this place for incredible, timeless music that reminds us [concerning current events] this too shall pass.”

“I had a small team of students who worked extremely hard to produce great stories, many of which won local and regional awards,” said

A list of upcoming events commemorating KVNO’s anniversary can be found at kvno. org/50th-anniversary.

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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GIVING PROFILE // STORY BY SARA LOCKE // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

Pear Tree

Bears Fruit

“I

still have the business plan I wrote in ninth grade,” Natasha Partridge-Butler reflected on her early realization that dreaming only works if the dreamer does. For more than a decade, she has taught movement to Omaha’s youth through her nonprofit, Pear Tree Performing Arts.

These past 10 years are the product of a lifetime of learning and loving the fine art of serving.

“Arts have always been my thing. I come from a family that deeply appreciated them,” Partridge-Butler said. “My aunt Laura [then Partridge-Nedds] was a grassroots arts instructor, and she ignited my love of community. She worked with Emmy Gifford’s diversity program, teaching African folk tales, and started Ujima Youth Theater with my uncle. Ujima means collective work and responsibility, and they instilled those principles in us. They made us community activists at age 12, fighting for inclusion and diversity before they were buzzwords.”

Partridge-Butler’s curiosity and hunger for dance was fed by classes her aunt Laura taught in the basement of Trinity Church. She soon found herself yearning for the same studio lessons the other girls at school were taking. Her parents supported her enthusiastic pursuit of ballet, but the family’s budget kept her from taking the entire catalogue of classes available.

“I imagined building a studio where students could come to one place and explore all of it—drama, ballet, tap,” Partridge-Butler said.

“Where kids wouldn’t have to show up feeling less than their peers because everyone has the same access, the same leotard, the same shoes.”

It’s not uncommon for children to have lofty plans for what they’re going to be when they grow up, but less common is for children to see a problem they know they want to solve, and to create a master plan to ensure the next generation doesn’t face the same setback.

“Initially, I couldn’t wait to graduate college, leave Omaha, pursue a career, work on Broadway,” Partridge-Butler recalled. Life,

however, took her in a different direction. “It was really my experience at UNO that shifted how I saw this community. I was a teen mom going to college on a scholarship. I thought I was already outside of what the community deemed a success. But what I found at college was that Omaha is full of culture and compassion and opportunities. If you step just outside of what you know, you’re going to find so many chances to become part of a positive change.”

After graduating, Partridge-Butler took her talents to Girls Inc., where she served as a program specialist. “It was my job to design programs the girls would be interested in.

They had a step and drill team, and I wanted to find a way to make ballet accessible. They didn’t think we’d have many students, but gave me the green light. We had so much interest that we had to offer three classes to accommodate everyone who wanted to join.”

Partridge-Butler continued to hone her skills at Girls Inc., developing relationships with local leaders, teachers, and community members who were as driven as she was to create opportunities for Omaha’s children. She took a leap and launched Pear Tree Performing Arts in 2010.

Now a thriving movement, Pear Tree welcomes children across the spectrums of income, cultural background, religious belief, and physical ability. “Working with children shows you the light,” Partridge-Butler said.

“They’re compassionate; they don’t care about the things that divide them. They care about what makes them the same. They’re all here because of something they have in common.”

Partridge-Butler and her team offer creative movement, drama, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, modern, and contemporary classes for students aged 2 to late teens. Pear Tree has stayed in close collaboration with many of Partridge-Butler’s connections from her storied history in the Omaha arts community, often hosting guest instructors and choreographers who help students develop a deeper appreciation of the science, culture, and history of movement.

Pear Tree has also maintained a close connection with nearby Girls Inc. “Coming off the pandemic, we knew how hard isolation had been for kids and their mental health,” said Laura Bonnett-Murphy, program specialist for grades 4-7 at Girls Inc. Bonnett-Murphy was looking for a way to offer normalcy and bring more joy to the girls in her program. “Natasha created this amazing opportunity for our girls to get this positive attention, to attend a weekly class and perform in a real recital at no cost to them.” Bonnett-Murphy marveled at the space her girls were experiencing, and the generosity Partridge-Butler was showing her neighbors.

“The girls enjoy this time, but they’re also seeing this powerful woman who built this entire business," Bonnett-Murphy said. "She is from this same street, she is familiar with the same struggles, and she created this beautiful space that turns out these incredible competitive dancers. Natasha is an inspiring example in her leadership and her love for the community. She has so much to share, and we are so fortunate that she is choosing to share that with Omaha.”

Visit peartreeomaha.org for more information.

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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GIVING CALENDAR JULY/AU G U S T 2 0 2 2

Aug.

FEATURED EVENT

06

Spirit of Courage BENEFITING: JENNIE EDMUNDSON FOUNDATION

Location: Dodge Riverside Golf Club and Mid-America Center

Jennie Edmundson Foundation’s signature gala is being held once again. This day-long event starts at 8 a.m. with a golf tournament.

Each player receives a continental breakfast, green fees with cart, beverages, snacks and lunch. The gala is held at 6 p.m., and will honor Each year, we celebrate and honor four individuals who have battled with cancer. This year the honorees are Donna Elliff, Deb Potter, Jake Powers, and Kevin Rutland.

—jehfoundation.org

July 1 ALS GOLF CLASSIC Benefiting: ALS in the Heartland Location: Tiburon Golf Club —alsintheheartland.org

July 9 HOMETOWN HERO BLOOD DRIVE Benefiting: Little Giants Foundation Location: TBD —thelittlegiantsfoundation.org

July 1 GUNS & HOSES RACING Benefiting: First Responders Foundation Location: I-80 Speedway —firstrespondersfoundation.org

July 9 TIKPERE Benefiting: African Culture Connection Location: Omaha Community Playhouse —africancultureconnection.org

July 9 GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting: Make-A-Wish of Nebraska Location: Tara Hills Golf Course —wish.org/nebraska July 9 SHOOTIN’ IT OUT WITH THE DEPUTIES Benefiting: Douglas County Sheriff’s Department Foundation Location: Pacific Springs Golf Course —unknown July 9 RELAY FOR LIFE OF GREATER OMAHA Benefiting: American Cancer Society Location: Stinson Park —relayforlife.org

// 68 //

JULY/AUGUST 2022

July

July 11 BLAND CARES GOLF OUTING Benefiting: Angels Among Us Location: Champions Run Golf Course —myangelsamongus.org

July 17 NEBRASKA FOOTBALL ROAD RACE Benefiting: Pediatric Brain Cancer Research Location: Memorial Stadium —teamjackfoundation.org July 21 SONGS AND SUDS Benefiting: Merrymakers Association Location: Happy Hollow Club —merrymakers.org July 21-22 LINKS TO A CURE GALA Benefiting: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Location: Quarry Oaks Golf Club —cff.org

09

July 16 INFUSION BLOODY MARY MIX-OFF Benefiting: National Hemophilia Foundation Location: Founders One Nine —nebraskanhf.org

July 23 HEAD FOR THE CURE 5K RUN/WALK July Benefiting: Head for the Cure Foundation Location: Zorinsky Lake Park —headforthecure.org

23

July 25 SWING 4 KIDS GOLF BENEFIT Benefiting: Partnership 4 Kids Location: Tiburon Golf Club —p4k.org

// GIVING CALENDAR //

COUNSELING CONNECTIONS & ASSOCIATES

July 25 HELP BUILD A HOUSE GOLF EVENT Benefiting: Gesu Housing Location: Champions Run —gesuhousing.org July 25 FRESH START CLASSIC Benefiting: Fresh Start for All Nations Location: Shadow Ridge Country Club —freshstartclassic.org July 27 CENTERSPHERE GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting: Little Giants Foundation Location: Tiburon Golf Course —thelittlegiantsfoundation.org July 29 PACE INTERACTIVE Benefiting: PACE Location: TBD —paceartsiowa.org

July

29

eling Servic uns es Co

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2022 First Place

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July 30 QUILT AUCTION AND LUNCHEON Benefiting: Carol Joy Holling Camp Location: Carol Joy Holling Camp —cjhcenter.org July 31 ANNUAL MILLER MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC Benefiting: Miller Diabetes Association Location: Eagle Hills Golf Course — millermemorialgolf.org July 31 PACKER GOLF CLASSIC Benefiting: Omaha South High School Alumni Association Location: Eagle Hills Golf Course —omahasouthalumni.com

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July 30 PICK-A-POOCH ADOPTION DAYS Benefiting: Local animal rescue and shelter groups Location: Baxter Arena —baxterarena.com July 30 BLUE WATER BASH Benefiting: Boys Town Location: Boys Town Okoboji Camp —boystown.org

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Kristi Tackett-Newburg, PhD, LIMHP Lucy Hancock, MA Marilyn Erickson, APRN Marty Stoltenberg, APRN-BC Mary Loftis, LMHP, CPC Michele Yanney-Wehbi, LIMHP, CPC Nicole Obrecht, LIMHP Peggy Deaver, LIMHP, CPC Salina Anderson, APRN Sarah Wenzl, LMHP, CPC

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JULY/AUGUST 2022

// 69 //

// GIVING CALENDAR //

Aug. 1 ANNUAL GOLF CHALLENGE Benefiting: QLI Location: Players Club at Deer Creek —qliomaha.com

Savor the experience

Aug.1 and 2 (Player’s choice) VETTER SENIOR LIVING GOLF CLASSIC Benefiting: Vetter Senior Living Location: Iron Horse Golf Club —vetterseniorliving.com Aug. 4 STAND UP AGAINST BULLYING VIRTUAL Benefiting: RESPECT Location: Online —respect2all.org Aug. 5 FAIRWAYS FORE AIRWAYS Benefiting: Lungs4Life Foundation Location: Tiburon Golf Club —lungs4lifefoundation.org

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Aug. 6 ZERO 360 Benefiting: Prostate Cancer Research Location: Lake Zorinsky Park —support.zerocancer.org

Aug.

06

Aug. 6 SPIRIT OF COURAGE GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting: Jennie Edmundson Foundation Location: Dodge Riverside Golf Club —jehfoundation.org Aug. 6 SPIRIT OF COURAGE GALA Benefiting: Jennie Edmundson Foundation Location: Mid-America Center —jehfoundation.org Aug. 8-14 PINNACLE BANK CHAMPIONSHIP Benefiting: Various Location: The Club at Indian Creek —pinnaclebankchamionship.com Aug. 12 EXPOSED! IT’S PERSONAL Benefiting: Project Pink’ d Location: Embassy Suites-La Vista —projectpinkd.org

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// GIVING CALENDAR //

WE APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE FOR BEST AUTO BODY REPAIR QVC 88891

Aug. 12 RITECARE CLASSIC GOLF BENEFIT Benefiting: Munroe-Meyer Institute Location: Dodge-Riverside Golf Club —scottishriteomaha.org/golf Aug. 12 WINE & BEER EVENT Benefiting: ALS in the Heartland Location: Shops of Legacy —ALSintheheartland.org Aug. 13-14 ROOSTER TAIL RIDE Benefiting: Wabash Trace Nature Trail Location: Wabash Trace Nature Trail —wabashtrace.org Aug. 21 BAGS FOR BAGS CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT Benefiting: Bags of Fun Omaha Location: The Barn at Ackerhurst Dairy Farm —bagsoffun.org Aug. 20 NEBRASKA EPILEPSY WALK, RUN, AND ROLL Benefiting: Midwest YouCan Foundation Location: Chalco Hills —midwestyoucan.org

Aug.

20

Aug. 20 WALK TO DEFEAT ALS Benefiting: ALS Association Location: Werner Park —webkwc.alsa.org Aug. 21 CORPORATE CYCLING CHALLENGE Benefiting: Eastern Nebraska Trails Network Location: Capitol District Plaza —showofficeonline.com Aug. 22 CASA CLASSIC Benefiting: CASA for Douglas County Location: Oak Hills Country Club —casaomaha.org Aug. 22 JESUIT ACADEMY GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting: Jesuit Academy Tuition Assistance Programs Location: Indian Creek Golf Course —jesuitacademy.org

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// 71 //

// GIVING CALENDAR // me Opto trist

Aug. 22 GOLF CHALLENGE Benefiting: Nebraska Ataxia Location: Tiburon Golf Club —nebraskaataxia.org Aug. 22 BOXER 500 RUN & WALK Benefiting: Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force Location: Werner Park and Online —coloncancertaskforce.org

2022 First Place

and Fashion Eyewear Shop

Aug.

22

GIVE YOUR CHILD THE ADVANTAGE THAT COMES FROM GOOD VISION.

Aug. 25 SWING WITH PRIDE Benefiting: Roncalli Catholic High School Location: The Player’s Club at Deer Creek —roncallicatholic.org Aug. 25 ISC WORLD BASH Benefiting: Intercultural Senior Center Location: Intercultural Senior Center —interculturalseniorcenter.org Aug. 26 BIG RED FRIDAY Benefiting: Ronald McDonald House Charities Location: Participating McDonald’s restaurants —rmhcomaha.org Aug. 26 SAFE HAVEN GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting: Heartland Family Service Location: Eagle Hills Golf Course —heartlandfamilyservice.org Aug. 28 ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Benefiting: Lutheran Service Corps.

Location: Eagle Hills Golf Course —lutheranvolunteercorps.org

Learning is all about vision: 80% of what a child learns in school is presented visually.

EYE EXAMS FOR EVERYONE IN YOUR FAMILY Including: Infant See for 6-12 months and See to Learn for 3-year olds Schedule your appointment online at omahaeyecare.com or call us at 402.330.3000 Drs. Marsha Kubica, Corey Langford & Kristen Johnson 1011 S. 180th St., Elkhorn, NE 68022

Aug. 29 GOLF OUTING Benefiting: Youth Emergency Services Location: The Players Club at Deer Creek —yesomaha.org Visit omahamagazine.com for complete listings.

Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

@OmahaMagazine

// 72 //

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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// 73 //

Her Mother's (Dance) ( Dance) Shoes Studio Owner Upholds Legacy

// 74 //

60 PLUS • JULY/AUGUST 2022

60+ PROFILE // STORY BY KAREN CAMPBELL // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY RENEE' LUDWICK

D

iane Hansen’s first steps could have very well been a shuffle-ball-change or a pirouette.

“From a very young age, maybe at 2 or 3 years old, I started dancing,”said the owner of Kitty Lee Dance Studio, now 65.

It was Diane’s mother, LaVon “Kitty” Lee Dahlberg, a Chicago-born, Chicago company-trained professional dancer, who inspired her daughter and many others in the Omaha community to fall in love with dance. Diane said she was known as “Miss Kitty” to her students.

Talent runs deep in Diane’s family: Kitty’s great-aunt was the famous silent fi lm star Lila Lee. Lila’s son was James Kirkwood Jr., who won a Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize for writing A Chorus Line. Lila Lee also lived in Chicago and was Kitty’s biggest supporter.

“I loved when my grandmother would tell me about their visits,” Diane said. “Lila Lee would move the furniture aside and just let my mom just dance and dance.”

Kitty’s family moved from Chicago to Omaha, where she continued to perform.

Diane said her mom was a big part of Omaha’s Show Wagon, a mobile stage with performers who went to parks and neighborhoods, “back in the day.”

Kitty met and married husband Jack (who also loved to dance) and they remained in Omaha. When their family was young, Kitty wanted to stay home with Diane and her two older brothers, but she also wanted to teach dance.

“She started out teaching neighborhood kids in the basement. That went really well and her studio just grew.”

-Diane Hansen “She started out teaching neighborhood kids in the basement,” Diane said. “Th at went really well and her studio just grew.”

Shortly after she started teaching, the family moved to another home in North Omaha near 54th and Browne streets and Kitty taught out of that basement for about 18 years.

While growing up in Omaha, Diane was active in the studio, particularly when it came to choreography. She graduated from Benson High and studied business at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, knowing she would one day take over the dance business.

While in the middle of her studies, a friend called and asked her to join a dance troupe out of Miami, Florida.

Diane laced her dance shoes and put a hold on school.

“We joined a USO tour and spent a month in Singapore, traveled up and down the east coast, and went to Madrid,” she said.

It was in Madrid that Diane met her now-husband Scott, 70, who has since retired from the Air Force and Union Pacific. The couple wed and had three children—Ryan, 40; Leslie, 37; and Lauren, 34.

The military family moved to Arkansas, Texas, and Illinois. Diane continued to teach dance—she taught on military bases and even had a studio in Lebanon, Illinois, outside Scott Air Force Base, which Diane said “grew like crazy” to the point she would have had to relocate to a bigger town.

“We ended up coming back here and I helped [Kitty] run the business,” she said.

“While I was away, though, I would help my mom with the studio from afar.”

The studio continued to flourish, and over the years, as student numbers rose, the studio relocated to rented space at 90th and Blondo streets, 120th and Blondo streets, and 156th Street and West Dodge Road. Kitty continued to run the business like clockwork while Diane taught and helped out with the business. The studio is now located on the southwest corner of 168th & Blondo streets in a building owned by Diane and her husband.

“She was just always right there so when she passed, it was really hard,” Diane said. “She was the best at handling every situation.”

Maintaining a small family business is important to Diane, as it was to Kitty.

The studio has four full-time employees, between 10 and 12 part-time staff, and between 475 and 500 students. Diane said she does not have plans to open another studio location.

“We have grown over the years, but have still always kept it a small family business,” she said. “I do not want the studio to ever get so big that I am not hands-on or don’t know every person.”

“ We have grown over the years, but have still always kept it a small family business. I do not want the studio to ever get so big that I am not hands-on or don’t know every person."

-Diane Hansen Following in the footsteps of their mom and grandmother, Diane’s daughters are employed as teachers at the studio and have been in dance all their lives. The majority of her studio’s teachers grew up in Omaha and were dancers there.

When asked if her daughters will one day take over the studio, Diane responded with a chuckle, “I am sure they will. I won’t be here, but my hope is the studio will be around for at least another hundred years.”

Visit kittyleedance.com for more information.

In 1994, Kitty retired. She was 80 years old and wanted to simply enjoy the studio and not experience any of the burdens of the business.

“Even after she retired, she would always come in and help the teachers and be with the kids,” Diane said, smiling. “Everybody really loved her and looked up to her.”

Kitty passed away in 2013 at age 85.

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NOSTALGIA • S RY TO

BY TERRY J EN

N B Y DE R E K J O Y SIG

•

PHOTO & N • DE SE

Wednesday might have been Comic Book Night for the gang in the popular TV show Big Bang Theory, but during the Silver Age of comic books —the late 1950s to approximately 1970, according to various sources—Thursday was the best day of the week for comic book collectors.

Young readers who dreamed of saving the world were eager to discover their next great adventure. In Omaha, Thursday was new comic book day.

Omaha collector David Parsow discovered his first comic book by accident.

When he was about 8 years old, Parsow went shopping with his mother and somehow wandered into a Salvation Army store. As he explored the aisles, he noticed a small magazine with a brightly colored cover. The image of a man dressed like a spider caught his attention. Parsow went to his mother and asked her for a dime.

“I must have read that Spiderman book 5,000 times. It was the only comic book I had, and I didn’t know what comic books were. It was just so cool,” he said. Young Parsow was hooked.

Shortly thereafter, Parsow went with his family to the Country Club Grocery at 50th and Hamilton streets. “I walked in there the first time and this guy had a rack of comic books, apparently the new comic books, and there must have been 100 different titles.” So he grabbed one of each and asked to buy them all. Parsow’s mother suggested he put them back and see if he earned his allowance for the week. “So I got home and started mowing the lawn, even though it was probably already cut, and shoveled, and whatever, and then finally I earned enough that I could go and buy those comic books,” Parsow explained.

When they were older, Parsow and his brother would ride their bikes to Cris’ Rexall Drug on 50th and Dodge Streets.

“We’d go in and grab the new comic books and sit at the soda fountain. We’d be reading the comic books and drink cherry phosphates and just have a blast. It was just, you know, like we lived for that first Thursday of every month,” he said.

Parsow still believes there was a deeper meaning in the stories he read. “I just thoroughly enjoyed them and they gave me life, the big strong guy, the good guy always winning. Aspirations of being strong and powerful and being able to fly through the air, big muscles and such, and the hero always got the girl. Those were things a young child wanted or needed to know, that there was hope and something to look up to,” he recalled.

Comic books were such a huge part of Parsow’s life, in fact, that even when he followed his father’s footsteps as a clothier, comic books—or at least one creator of them—played a role. Parsow attended several comic book collector conventions over the years, including one in 2007 at which he missed meeting Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee because the program was incorrect. Parsow had just left the hospital against his doctor’s wishes due to chest pains. His gumption to risk a heart attack to attend a comic book signing impressed the notable writer, who arranged to see Parsow shortly thereafter.

The meeting eventually led to a business deal—rare, signed comics in payment for bespoke suits.

Comic book collector Glenn Joy first discovered comic books when he was about 5 years old. The Adventures of Superman was his favorite television program, and one day Joy spotted his hero on a comic book at Gibson’s, a local mom-and-pop store.

The rest was history. “Back then they

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didn’t have a comic book store, so you just kind of went wherever you could find the comics. Of course, I didn’t have the money all the time, so I could go when I could get the money scraped up or my parents would buy some for me,”Joy said.

As with many boys, pocket money wasn’t always easy to come by. “I used to collect pop bottles because back then they didn’t have litter laws, so people threw pop bottles everywhere. And so you collect them and take them back to the store and they’d give you three cents for each bottle, so if you get three bottles, right there you’ve got like nine cents. If you got four bottles you got enough to buy a comic book,” Joy remembered.

Joy and his siblings shared the comics they bought. “Back then, we didn’t have central air, so it got hot in the summer so you’d just go outside on the porch or something and look at the comics.

I’d read them on the porch, or in the basement where it was cooler,” Joy said.

Some of the books were lost over the years, but he still has nearly all of his original collection.

Joy said the biggest change in comics over the years came when story lines extended through several issues. “They’re all continued now. You know, it used to be a one shot deal. You’d get three stories in one comic book and that was it. Since they started continuing everything, you have to get, like, every issue or the story lines are hard to follow,” he explained.

Now, new comic book day in Omaha is Wednesdays, and although both Parsow and Joy continue to shop for new titles, they are just as likely to return to favorite comics in their collections. Kept in the pages of those treasured magazines are fond memories of summer adventures with old super-friends.

SECTION // STORY BY XXXXXXX // PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY // SECTION //

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Connie Lee Thh rives Onstage 60+ ACTIVE LIVING // STORY BY JEFF LACEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN // DESIGN BY DEREK JOY

60+ ACTIVE LIVING One of her first memorable leading roles was in the play After the Fall by Arthur Miller, in 1989. During that production, she met Cathy Kurz, who then ran Brigit St. Brigit Theater. Lee cited Kurz as someone who really fanned her passion for the craft of acting.

hen she was in fifth grade, Connie Lee was cast as Gretl Von Trapp in The Sound of Music.

The production was being staged by Thomas Jefferson High School, and it was Lee’s first role. She had taken tap and ballet classes in a local studio with Marsha Tiessen (then Marsha Bigham), who would become her dance mentor for many years to come; however, she hadn’t had any acting classes. She tried it anyway.

That, as they say, was that.

“I was hooked, and have been hooked ever since,” Lee explained.

The flame that ignited in 11-year-old Lee during that production of The Sound of Music stayed lit. Decades later, Lee, 66 and approaching 100 total performances, is considered by many to be a gift to the Omaha theater community. She recently acted as Mrs. Helen Hubbard in the Omaha Community Theater’s production of Murder on the Orient Express, but the tracks of her story don’t stop there.

Lee’s first professional show was A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, staged at the Talk of the Town Dinner Theater in 1974, located in what is now the Shriners Temple on 84th and Center streets. From that point on (apart from a period of about 10 years from 1975 to 1986, in which her private life demanded most of her time), Lee has been steadily active in theater in and around Omaha.

In 1987, Lee hit her stride. She had danced in a couple of operettas in the Norton Theater, and it was then she realized the direction she wanted to take regarding her stage life.

“I figured out then that I liked doing scene work,” she explains. “I was falling in love with it. I did some shows at the Upstairs Theater, and The Firehouse, and I saw a production of a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Norton.” That is the production that Lee said really amplified the call to acting. “I saw that, and thought, ‘That. That is what I want to do.’” // 80 //

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The joy of learning the craft has become one of her central motivations. Lee loves to learn, and tries to see each role with fresh eyes. “I still don’t really know how to prepare for a role,” she said. “I go in thinking, ‘I have something to offer, but I need to find out what it is.’ I find it by working with the actors, the directors, the script. A lot of times, it just comes with thinking about the script.”

Lee continued, “I learned by doing it. By doing and doing and doing, and working with good people.”

Susan Baer Collins, a former director at Omaha Community Playhouse, can attest to Lee’s incredible work ethic and enthusiasm for theater. Collins said Lee is a gem in the Omaha theater community. They first worked together in 1993 when Collins directed Lee in The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder. “She played an interesting character named Sabina,” Collins said. “She took it so seriously. Outside of rehearsal, Connie would find time during the day to get together and work on ideas. She always wants to get it right, and is always interested in hearing what the director says.

She loves new ideas.”

Collins has worked with Lee several times throughout the years, and said that Lee’s willingness to experiment and work with lots of different people is another characteristic that makes her special.

“Connie is one of the few actors in town that moves easily from one theater to another, and has the kind of personality and ability…to do that,” Collins explained. Along with OCP and Brigit St. Brigit, Lee has performed at Shelterbelt, Bellevue Little Theatre, and more.

“Omaha is a good area to be in theater,” Lee said. "There are so many groups around here doing really fine theater, and if you want to be involved, you can be. It doesn’t mean you will be cast, but you can be involved here. It’s also small enough that if you do it for a while, you get to know people. And more and more theaters are paying actors, too.”

She also thinks live theater is essential in today’s world. “Stories need to be told,” she said with urgency. “Everyone’s stories need to be told. More and more, we’re getting a wider array of stories, and stories by local playwrights, that are being well received.” Lee doesn’t see theater as frivolous. She makes a convincing argument that it’s not only fun, but a human necessity. “It’s a human need to tell stories, and to identify with characters,” Lee said. “The communal world that the actors and audience share, and will never be repeated again, is powerful. In an age of all this technological immersion, it is a truly human connection.”

“It especially teaches empathy,” she believes. “Empathy grows from those theater experiences. It deepens our world.”

One of the shows that embodies this for Lee was A Piece of My Heart at the Blue Barn Theatre, directed by Susan Clement, staged in 2002. The show was about women who served in the Vietnam War, and the experience culminated in a trip to Washington, D.C., in a performance for the 10th anniversary of the Women’s Vietnam Memorial, where the show was seen by an array of military personnel.

“We wanted to get it right, and those vets just opened their arms,” Lee said. “That was just the most amazing experience. It changed my life.”

That isn't to say that life in the theater is a constant stream of epiphanies and beautiful moments. There are also struggles. Lee faces a lack of roles for women her age, and the statistics suggest that the struggle for female actors, in general, is real. According to a 2022 report by The Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film, “In 2021, male characters outnumbered females by almost 2 to 1.” While this is a celluloid statistic, Actors like Lee still wrestle with issues of equity and representation.

This doesn’t discourage Lee terribly. She is well respected, a master of her craft, and willing to explore new ideas. The recently retired administrative assistant shows no signs of theatrical slowing: currently, Lee is working on costuming for a SNAP! theater production, has just been asked to do a play reading for the Great Plains Theater Conference, and, of course, has been looking for potential shows to audition for. Lee is a wonderful example of what poet Maya Angelou suggested life’s mission should be; that is, “not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."

// OBVIOUSLY OMAHA //

01

STORY BY LINDA PERSIGEHL DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK

It's Amateur Night

OPEN MIC SPOTS IN OMAHA

02

L

ocals who want to take a stab at stand-up comedy, try singing an original song, or jam with other musicians have great options in Omaha. A number of venues around town host free open mic nights throughout the work week. Here’s a rundown of some sites where aspiring comedians, crooners, and rock stars can get their moment in the sun.

1

DUBLINER PUB

1205 Harney St. 402.342.5887 @dublinerpubomaha on Facebook The Irish-themed lounge in Omaha’s Old Market hosts a comedy open mic night every Monday from 9-11 p.m. Each performer gets five minutes on stage to drum up the laughs. There’s also a writing workshop held beforehand from 7:30-8:30 p.m., so performers can collaborate and fine-tune their material prior to hitting their mark in the spotlight.

2

THERAPY BAR & GRILL

5059 S. 108th St. 402.933.3669 @Therapy108 on Facebook This neighborhood bar in northwest Omaha offers the typical fried appetizers and sports TV, as well as Twisted Tuesdays—open jam sessions from 7-11 p.m. Customers can enjoy taco specials and $3 margaritas while they lend an ear to amateur singers, bands, and solo acts. Therapy’s Facebook page confirms “All types of music are welcome.”

3

THE BACKLINE COMEDY THEATRE

1618 Harney St. 402.720.7670 backlinecomedy.com

This downtown venue sponsors “laughs, beer, and fun” in front of an encouraging crowd year round. Open mic nights are held every Wednesday at 8 p.m., with names being drawn for a chance to take the stage and deliver four minutes of funny quips. The theater also offers open stage nights on Tuesdays at 8:15 p.m. for folks to try their hand at improvisation and skit comedy. Each performer is allowed four minutes of stage time, or 20 minutes for a team of five.

4

THE DOWN UNDER LOUNGE

3530 Leavenworth St. 402.933.3927 theduomaha.com

03

The Down Under Lounge hosts Wednesday Nite Live, its weekly open mic event showcasing local talent, 8 p.m. to close. The lounge maintains a separate DU Open Mic Facebook page, which explains, “Artists sign up in advance for 15 minutes, or a threesong set. Everything goes—music, poetry, comedy, magic, etc. It’s your time to shine!”

5

BEACH HOUSE BAR & GRILL

04

5338 N. 103rd St. 402.933.0277 Search Wired-Pub-Grill on Facebook Patrons looking to tickle their funny bone can find a show every week at Beach House Bar & Grill, formerly Wired Pub & Grill.

The neighborhood bar hosts Comics Anonymous open mic night on Thursdays from 9-11 p.m. Performers are granted six minutes of stage time to prove their comedic mettle.

Entrance to the show is free.

6

05

THE BERKLEY

1901 Leavenworth St. theberkleyomaha on Facebook This seated mixed-use venue offers a more upscale environment for live performances than a typical bar, with a stellar sound system and craft cocktails menu. The space hosts an open mic supper club every Thursday, with dinner specials served 5 p.m. to midnight, and an open mic for musical performers 9 p.m. to midnight.

06

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HORROR-THEMED RESTAURANT SERVES THE EYE AS MUCH AS THE MOUTH

R E T S CLUB MON ]

DINING FEATURE

[

S U O R T S N O M T A H T NOT

STORY BY JONATHAN OROZCO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL SITZMANN | DESIGN BY MATT WIECZOREK JULY/AUGUST

// 82 //

2022

WALKING INTO THE RESTAURANT, A DINER IS IMMERSED IN A COMPENDIUM OF CHARACTERS FROM HORROR CULT-CLASSIC FILMS, SUCH AS DRACULA OR FRANKENSTEIN. ocated in the Old Market, Monster Club is right next to Tokyo Sushi on Howard Street. It’s a pretty standard restaurant, serving barbecue and bar food, but the twist is in its theme. Decked out with many posters, caricatures, and an atmosphere of a kitschy 1950s-1960s horror movie, Monster Club primarily entices passersby with its decor. It all starts outside, with large gilded lettering wedged between two hands of Frankenstein’s monster.

Being horror-themed, clientele would expect to be filled with fear as they dine in, but the interior design is pretty tame. “We wanted a much more museum feel,” said owner Neil Azevedo. It’s more entertainment, than say, a haunted house.

Monster Club started out as a fairly new idea to the entrepreneurial Azevedo. This punk aesthetic began with Drastic Plastic in 1982, the Old Market retail staple originally located nearby at 1209 Howard St. Over the years, Azevedo wanted to fill a niche where he could serve beer and wine in a record store. It took a slowdown in brick-and-mortar sales because of online shopping around 2016 to push Azevedo forward.

After realizing it would be too expensive to bring his leased building up to code, he decided to move all his operations to the former O’Connor’s Irish Pub, where Drastic Plastic and Monster Club now reside.

That’s where it all began. Now, Azevedo is hoping Monster Club can become a hotspot in Omaha’s gastronomic scene. It officially opened in June 2019 and has survived the strong wave of closures brought on because of COVID-19.

“When we got this place, we had to take it to the next level. We want to offer a real experience when people come here,” Azevedo said. And he’s not kidding. Walking into the restaurant, a diner is immersed in a compendium of characters from horror cult-classic films, such as Dracula or Frankenstein. There’s even a largerthan-life-sized statue of a skeleton greeting guests near the entrance.

Every inch of the restaurant is accounted for. There are monsters crawling out of faux windows, looking at diners menacingly; skull chandeliers are suspended from the ceiling, and lanterns made from old comic books line the bar.

Azevedo consulted with Heartland Scenic Studios to realize his vision of the dining area.

Mark Blackman, a designer, “had the idea for booths resembling old coach hearses from the 18th century,” Azevedo said. “They were used as props from Dracula horror films in the 1960s.”

These hearse-inspired booths are a deep crimson, with black-stained wood, illuminated with a lantern on either end. While inspired by antique hearses, they’re quite modern, taking into consideration 20th-century design. They’re pretty slick.

Everything else is plastic or foam. Much of the decor tries to mimic stone or flesh, but it all looks very artificial and overdone. It’s like an extreme Madame Tussauds that serves food.

That doesn’t deter people. In fact, manager Tony Mongello brags about these diners. “The clientele has evolved over the years. We see people from all around the country and the world.”

Boosting this is that the restaurant is child-friendly. Mongello continued, saying, “[kids] know who everybody is when they come in.” And kids love it. Azevedo said much of the clientele comes after visiting Henry Doorly Zoo. There was even a child who celebrated his fifth birthday at Monster Club, and wants to celebrate it again for his sixth birthday.

can be er Burger urant’s st n o M e h T h the resta ser ved witsweet potato fries. signature

The nachos are served with their signature brisket chili, red beans, queso, jalapeño rings, guacamole, and yogurt crema.

T

he restaurant’s menu is standard American diner fare, even though dish names might not suggest it. Here and there, you’ll find “monster” as a preface for burgers or nachos, or for kids, “little monster.”

The portions are generous, too.

The signature Monster Burger is a stack of two ⅓ pound patties, with cheese, jalapeños, bacon, beef brisket, onions, and the house poltergeist sauce.

Vegetarians and vegans are surprisingly welcome with the vegan “meat” loaf sandwich and the black bean burger. These are both made with plant-based ingredients.

The drinks menu is just as harmless. Signature cocktails are fruity and sweet, like the Frankenstein’s Monster cocktail—made from coconut rum, velvet falernum, Midori, pineapple, tiki, and orange bitters.

Monster Club also serves milkshakes for kids and adults, the latter spiked with booze. One enticing example is the Creepy Cookies & Cream shake, a rich mix of vodka, cream liqueur, and creme-filled chocolate cookies.

LEGEND HAS IT THAT A MAN DIED CLOSE TO THE BUILDING AND DECIDED TO STICK AROUND AND FRIGHTEN THE BUILDING’S OCCUPANTS. AZEVEDO SAID THIS GHOST WOULD FREQUENTLY TALK TO O’CONNOR, AND EVEN TAKE HER KEYS.

Azevedo and Mongello were genuine when discussing this.

According to Azevedo, the building Monster Club is housed in one of the most haunted buildings in Omaha. In an interview, he said the second floor where Drastic Plastic is located is the most haunted area.

It goes back to the building’s original owner, Katie O’Connor. Azevedo said the building used to be an administrative government building, like a post office. Legend has it that a man died close to the building and decided to stick around and frighten the building’s occupants. Azevedo said this ghost would frequently talk to O’Connor, and even take her keys.

It’s hard to discern if this was made up by a diner who had way too much to drink and whose mind was playing tricks on them, or if a ghost genuinely continues to occupy the building. I can sincerely tell you when I visited Monster Club and Drastic Plastic, I felt or saw nothing.

The drinks menu also diverges from the theme of the restaurant, going from horror to space age in the line of Barbarella and Star Trek instead of It or Gremlins. These slightly pricier drinks are only available on Friday and Saturday in the evening—but an Alien Ray Gun or a Flaming Atomic Zombie might hit the spot after a long week.

The more one hears about these kinds of incidents the more makes it seem as though intoxication is heightening someone’s superstitions.

Part of the allure of this place may be its paranormal aspect. Of course, whether one believes it or not may make a difference, but

Mongello recounted many stories of fearful clients acting a little less than normal at Monster Club. A while back, the restaurant

had a statue of Regan MacNeil from The Exorcist on display and many adults would not go near it.

Another incident included a $5,000 lifesized clown statue. “This kid had been overserved, not by us, and I saw him come up to Pennywise and started throwing punches at his face,” Mongello said. Afterwards, the statue was moved to the restaurant’s warehouse.

Monster Club has some exciting new additions coming. At presstime, Azevedo revealed that a patio was set to have a lagoon/tiki theme for the summer.

Monster Club may be Omaha’s only horrorthemed restaurant, but it’s filling a need for entertainment mixed with dining the city is asking for. Overall, Monster Club is a familyfriendly restaurant where one can bring their kids without getting spooked and eat reasonable food at a reasonable price. It’s not fine dining, but that’s not what this restaurant is going for.

Azevedo leaves one bit of advice for prospective diners: “Come early, because we don’t take reservations.”

Visit monsterclubomaha.com for more information.

JULY/AUGUST 2022

// 85 //

CHEF PROFILE

Corina Figueroa’s Star Quality Trials, and Successes,

by Fire

// 86 //

JULY/AUGUST 2022

I

STORY dave zorko | PHOTOGRAPHY bill sitzmann | DESIGN matt wieczorek

ntelligence and ambition can yield great results. Such is the case with Corina Figueroa, chef at Lola’s on 50th and Dodge streets, which shares space with Film Streams Dundee.

Figueroa’s path to being head chef at Lola’s began at her home in Mexico City, Mexico, where she said that she has “always loved food…always been very hungry.” She also said her father taught her “how to eat anything,” and no matter what it was that she should “try it just once, if you don’t like it, you don’t have to try it ever again.”

She enjoyed food, but first obtained a chemical engineering degree in Mexico. She then traveled to New York City in 2010 to study audio engineering at the SAE Institute. There, Figueroa was cooking for herself, but found greater joy in cooking for others and as a “way to connect with people.”

Then in 2015, Figueroa moved from New York to Omaha.

A year later she started a Mediterranean-influenced catering concept that would be the foundation of the food later found at Lola’s. This effort functioned for about two years with a coworker, then solo for a couple of years.

Lola’s other partners—general manager Clare Watson Bartolomei, Philip Schaffart, and baker/barista Stephen Bartolomei—collaborated with Figueroa to create a dream together. That dream was built on friendship. Figueroa’s connection started with Schaffart in 2007 when they met in Mexico City during a music tour. Figueroa was the promoter and Schaffart was with a touring band. Her connection with Stephen and Clare began in Omaha on New Year's Eve 2007 while Figueroa was visiting her boyfriend.

Fast forward to 2019. Clare and Stephen returned from New York to Omaha and, with Figueroa, were planning on creating a catering company. Separately Schaffart got connected to Film Streams and called Figueroa. As she said, “[In] the end I guess we were all at the right place at the right time.”

Figueroa had no formal training as a chef. Owning partner Shaffart relayed that, “Corina had never chef 'd or even cooked in a commercial kitchen prior to opening Lola's.

She's also never managed a staff or a restaurant.”

Figueroa pressed forward, driven by her love of food. She relayed that the menu “came out of what we wanted to eat, what we like to eat, the places we visited, a lot of romantic ideas of what a cafe/restaurant should be like.” That menu features in-house breads baked by Bartolomei and has simple, elevated, sandwiches like the Toastie—made with scrambled eggs, prosciutto, and parmigiano reggiano on rosemary focaccia. It also features a favorite of Figueroa’s, the Spanish Tortilla, which is a sliced potato and onion omelet served with salad, grilled sourdough, and crushed tomato.

Figueroa, until her recent hire of a sous chef, ran “the kitchen entirely…the menu…ordering…[and] managing of the back of house. Clare handles the front of house and then Steve does the coffee program and is the lead baker.” Figueroa is the dominant force behind the menu and said she likes to recreate things she herself craves or has seen in a picture. She said she is inspired by food that she cooks and that she reads a lot of books and magazines. “Eating different things is just such an inspiration…keeps [me] fresh and makes me excited.”

Additionally she enjoys seasonal ingredients, but that it can be a challenge in that, “there’s like a point in the season where it’s like fashion where you don’t know what to wear. Do I wear [a] sweater or do I wear sandals?” She is looking forward to working with different vegetables, cooking techniques, and she mentioned that she “might experiment with fish, [but she is] hesitant as we’re not on the coast.”

The aforementioned sous chef was hired at a pivotal time, as Figueroa decided to take a vacation and then broke her leg while snowboarding. In late April, Figueroa was about to return to the kitchen.

The self-taught culinarian tackles her dreams, whatever they may be—whether chemical, audio, or culinary— with a side of snowboarding. She keeps moving forward with purpose. “She's a total badass, super-determined, and tough as hell. The amount of time, effort, and pain she's put into transforming from a hobbyist to a professional…what she's done is impossible, really,” Schaffart said.

Tackling all of the first-time responsibilities of running a kitchen restaurant—from menus to management, came as part of the business. Figueroa said, “I just, like, had to do it…this had to happen...you don’t know how to run a restaurant, but you have to do it. The drive was the people that work for us, [you] have to keep going.

So I guess that’s my process…do it.”

“Do it” and succeed. With her first restaurant venture doing well and her hunger to succeed in overdrive, Figueroa will continue to carve her own adventures while her patrons benefit from her ambitions.

Visit lolasomaha.com for more information.

“

[the menu] came out of what

we wanted to eat, what we like to eat, the places we visited, a lot of romantic ideas of what a cafe/restaurant should be like.” -Corina Figueroa

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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omes with beef or pork and is ser v ripan, which c ed with p s the Cho otato ch i h s i d e r ips. u t a gn

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THE VIBE AT CUMBIA WAS SPECIAL—IT FELT LIKE A FESTIVE PLACE. I SPENT A FEW MINUTES WATCHING THE BARTENDER MAKING DRINKS AND INTERACTING WITH CUSTOMERS. HE SEEMED TO BE HAVING SO MUCH FUN, AND NOT IN A FLASHY WAY.

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˚˚ A G R E AT P L A C E F O R PA R C H E ˚˚ DINING REVIEW s to r y b y ta m s e n b u t le r

P H OTO G R A P H Y By b i l l s i t z m a n n D E S I G N b y m at t w i e c z o re k JULY/AUGUST

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The food menu isn’t what I expected for a restaurant that is advertised as a tapas bar. Their selection of appetizers is limited and their entrée menu consists mostly of sandwiches, especially choripánes, Argentinian street sandwiches. We all ordered sandwiches, but my attempt to order the choripán vegetarian was thwarted because they were out of the vegetarian sausage. Our server was apologetic about it and suggested potato empanadas instead, so I agreed and ordered them.

My friends all enjoyed their choripánes, which were served with potato chips. Some ordered sandwiches with pork, and others with beef, but all were delighted by the spicy sausage with a tangy sauce and rich cheese.

The bread was similar to a ciabatta, but was soft instead of crusty.

Meanwhile, my potato empanadas were good, but the star was the accompanying salsa. It brought the empanadas to life with its vibrant flavors and not-so-spicy taste. I believe the potatoes were soaked in a veggie stew beforehand, but the potatoes were really center-stage with this one. I found them delightful because they did not have a bunch of spices loaded in, allowing the flavor of the potatoes and the corn masa to come through.

This was all well and good, but what I wanted was a sandwich like everyone else at my table.

My husband also ordered the patacones, an appetizer consisting of fried, smashed green plantains topped with a vegetable stew called hogao, traditionally a tomato and onion sauce similar to a sofrito. My husband was stationed in Honduras for some time years ago, where he developed a love of plantains, and deemed this appetizer delicious. He did add that if he had to share this appetizer, there probably wouldn’t have been enough to go around the entire table. It’s entirely possible, though, that he really liked them and didn’t want to share. // 90 //

JULY/AUGUST 2022

The vibe at Cumbia was special—it felt like a festive place. I spent a few minutes watching the bartender making drinks and interacting with customers. He seemed to be having so much fun, and not in a flashy way.

The bartender’s joy translated into wellprepared drinks. I already mentioned the flavorful sangria, but what impressed our table the most was the Guandolo, a nonalcoholic mixed drink with sugar cane, lime, and orange juice. It was a refreshing beverage that didn’t need alcohol to earn the designation of “drink we’d absolutely order again.”

Our server was friendly and fairly attentive in the beginning, although once we had our food he didn’t return. None of our waters were refilled throughout the duration of the meal. This again indicated to us that Cumbia Omaha is more of a bar than a restaurant. The server didn’t seem to know what to do with us after we were served.

When I visited the restroom, I was taken aback by the wallpaper of comic book pages, as it seemed out of character for the vibe of

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Though the food is indeed delicious, Cumbia Omaha is more bar than restaurant. It seems like a great place to have a drink and relax with friends, which is what my dining partners and I did while waiting for a table so we could order some food. Pro tip: order a pitcher of sangria. It was nicely balanced and had yummy fruit flavors. The more we drank, the less we minded the wait. It was the kind of sangria that could "sneak up" on someone.

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umbia Omaha has a display on their wall defining parche as a Columbian colloquialism that translates to a place where a group of friends can get together and do something. Cumbia Omaha is a great place for parche downtown.

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the restaurant. Upon returning to our table and telling everyone else about the bizarre restroom décor, one of my friends guessed that comic books are an important cultural phenomenon in Columbia, which led to him furiously searching Google to back up his hypothesis. Some of us guessed that the building used to be a comic book store and the bathrooms never got renovated.

Later, when I checked out Cumbia Omaha’s Facebook page, I realized the bathrooms are supposed to be perfect for selfies because of the brightly colored comic book pages and round mirror.

Cumbia Omaha is a great choice for those looking for a laid-back place to have some drinks with friends and snap some selfies.

Those who want an extensive menu and an actual tapas experience will find this probably isn’t the place for them.

Visit cumbiabistro.com for more information

CUM BIA OMAHA 329 S. 13TH ST. - CUMBIABISTRO.COM

$$$ FOO D S ERVICE AM BIAN CE PRICE OVERALL

5 STARS POSSI B LE

h wit ed o stuff als asa e can n m es cor . Th ied mix . e fr ew cken s ar ie st chi ada egg ith pan a v e w em and com The otato p

- Sponsored Content -

Omaha

DINING GUIDE AMERICAN BARREL & VINE- $$ 1311 South 203rd St., Omaha, NE 68130 - 402.504.1777 Barrel and Vine’s restaurant is an elevated food experience that is made from scratch daily with love in our kitchen. Our menu combines a mixture of Chef driven creative dishes, craveable comfort meals and premium Nebraska steaks. Barrel & Vine also doubles as a live music venue and offers a rooftop bar, outdoor patio with firepits, and dozens of high end bourbons, scotch, and over 100 wine selections. Come check out an experience that is like nothing else in Nebraska. Open 7 days a week.

—bvomaha.com

DJ’S DUGOUT SPORTS BAR - $ Seven Metro Area Locations:

Bellevue - 10308 S. 23rd St. - 402.292.9096 Miracle Hills - 777 N. 114th St. - 402.498.8855 Downtown - 1003 Capitol Ave. - 402.763.9974 Aksarben - 2102 S. 67th St. - 402.933.3533 Millard - 17666 Welch Plaza - 402.933.8844 Elkhorn - 19020 Evans St. - 402.315.1985 Plattsmouth - 2405 Oak Hill Rd. - 402.298.4166 Voted Omaha’s #1 Sports Bar, DJ’s Dugout is locally and Vietnam Veteran owned. DJ’s Dugout features delicious burgers, wings, wraps, salads, sandwiches and an impressive drink menu. Plus, DJ’s has huge media walls full of HD TVs and projector screens.

Catch all the action at DJ’s seven Omaha-area locations.

Dig In... At The Dugout!

—djsdugout.com

JAMS- $$ 7814 Dodge St. - 402.399.8300 17070 Wright Plz, Ste. 100 - 402.810.9600 1101 Harney St. in the OldMarket - 402.614.9333 Jams is an Omaha restaurant legacy, an “American Grill” that offers a melting pot of different styles and varieties.

The dishes are made with high-quality ingredients that pair well with awardwinning wines or creative cocktails.

—jamseats.com

LE PEEP - $ 69th & Pacific - 402.933.2776 177th and Center St. - 402.934.9914 156th St. & W. Dodge Rd. - 402.408.1728 120th and Blondo St. - 402.991.8222 Le Peep puts a wholesome perspective on your favorite neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot. Fresh. Simple.

Elegant. Inviting. We put the emphasis on people, both patrons and staff. We focus on providing each of our guests the fresh food and friendly service that they have come to expect. Open daily 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

—lepeepomaha.com

STELLA’S - $ 106 S. Galvin Road, Bellevue - 402.291.6088 Since 1936, we’ve been making our world-famous Stella’s hamburgers the same way. The family secrets have been handed down to each owner, ensuring that your burger is the same as the one you fell in love with the first time you tried Stella’s. And if it’s your first time, we know you’ll be back! MondaySaturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., closed Sunday.

—stellasbarandgrill.com

TED AND WALLY’S - $ 1120 Jackson St. - 402.341.5827 Come experience the true taste of homemade ice cream in the Old Market.

Since 1986, we’ve created gourmet ice cream flavors in small batches using rock salt and ice. We offer your favorites, plus unique flavors like margarita, green tea, Guinness, and French toast. Special orders available.

Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.- Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday. Noon-10 p.m.

—tedandwallys.com

VARSITY SPORTS CAFE - $$ Ralston - 9735 Q St. - 402.339.1944 Bellevue - 3504 Samson Way - 402.932.1944 Millard - 14529 F St. - 402.505.6660 Ralston, Bellevue, Millard and Dundee.

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

—varsityromancoinpizza.com

SUMMER SALADS FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

MANDARIN CHICKEN SALAD st 2021 1 PLACE

st 2021 1 PLACE

SPORTS BAR

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

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BUFFALO CHICKEN SALAD

7 OMAHA METRO AREA LOCATIONS | DJSDUGOUT.COM |

Omaha

DINING GUIDE

I TA L I A N

Get a Little Saucy.

LO SOLE MIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO - $$ 3001 S. 32nd Ave. - 402.345.5656

Appetizers

CHANGE 2022 Winner

yH Happ our

an Dining Itali

2022 Winner

2022 Winner

SPEZIA SPECIALTIES

WOOD FIRE STEAKS & SEAFOOD INNOVATIVE PASTA—RISOTTO—GNOCCHI FRESH SALMON DAILY

Open 7 Days a Week for Lunch & Dinner

SPECIAL SUMMER DINING FEATURES Catering

PASTA AMORE - $$ 11027 Prairie Brook Rd. - 402.391.2585

Take Out & Patio Dining Available!

. Private Party Rooms . Walk-Ins Welcome 3125 South 72 nd Street

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

402.391.2950 . Call today to make your reservation

Hamburger

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 oven-roasted 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

Pastas are made fresh daily, including tortellini, fettuccine, and capellini.

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

Reservations recommended.

—pastaamore.com

thanks to our customers for voting us the “BEST BURGER

IN OMAHA 2022 First Place

“Serving World Famous Hamburgers Since 1936”

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

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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HUNGRY? F O O D F E AT U R E S

. C H E F P R O F I L E S . R E S TA U R A N T R E V I E W S

OMAHAMAGA ZINE .COM

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Omaha

DINING GUIDE Breakfast

day Brunch Sun

Staff & Servi ce ait W

2022 First Place

2022 Winner

2022 First Place

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

Thanks for Voting Us # BREAKFAST YEARS in a Row!

14

1

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

LEPEEPOMAHA.COM | @LEPEEPOMAHA

SPEZIA - $$$ 3125 S. 72nd St. - 402.391.2950 Choose Spezia for lunch or dinner, where you’ll find a casual elegance that ’s perfect for business guests, get-togethers, or any special occasion. Exceptional food, wine, and service, with a delectable menu: fresh seafood, certified Angus steaks, innovative pasta, risotto, gnocchi, cioppino, lamb, entrée salads, Mediterranean chicken, flatbreads, and fresh salmon daily. Enjoy a full bar, Italian and California wines, Anniversary/Lovers’ Booth (call to reserve), private dining rooms, and wood-fired grill. Open MondaySunday. Cocktail hour 4- 6 p.m., when all cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers are half price. Evening reservations recommended.

—speziarestaurant.com

MEXICAN FERNANDO’S - $ 7555 Pacific St. - 402.339.8006.

380 N. 114th St. - 402.330.5707

Nacho Typical Family Restaurant! xican Dining Me

ichanga Chim

2022 Winner

2022 Winner

Featuring Sonoran-style cooking made fresh daily. Catering and party rooms also available. MondayThursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., FridaySaturday 11 a.m.11 p.m., Sunday 4-9 p.m.

—fernandosomaha.com

4 METRO LOCATIONS! www.romeosOMAHA.com n Sandwi ube ch Re

2022 First Place

Try Omaha’s Favorite Reuben!

Two Locations:

Omaha’s largest selection of craft beers.

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

2504 Farnam St & 2505 S. 133rd Plaza Order Online:

zencoffeecompany.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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Omaha

DINING GUIDE

MODERN COCKTAILS MIXED WITH AMERICA’S MUSIC

3825 N. 30 TH ST., OMAHA, NE @JOHNNYTSBARANDBLUES

LA MESA - $$ 158th St. and W. Maple Rd. - 402.557.6130 156th and Q streets - 402.763.2555 110th St. and W. Maple Rd. - 402.496.1101 Fort Crook Rd. and Hwy 370 - 402.733.8754 84th St. and Tara Plaza - 402.593.0983 Lake Manawa Exit - 712.256.2762 Enjoy awesome appetizers, excellent enchilada’s, fabulous fajitas, seafood specialties, mouthwatering margaritas and much more at La Mesa! Come see why La Mesa has been voted Omaha’s # 1 Mexican Restaurant 19 Years in a Row! Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

—lamesaomaha.com

ROMEO’S MEXICAN FOOD AND PIZZA - $ 90th and Blondo streets - 402.391.8870 146th St. and W. Center Rd. - 402.330.4160 96th and L streets - 402.331.5656 Galvin and Avery roads - 402.292.2028 29th and Farnam steets - 402.346.1110 Romeo’s is your friendly, family Mexican food and pizza restaurant.

We take real pride in serving our guests generous portions of the freshest, most flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients available.

Zesty seasonings and the freshest ingredients combine to ensure the ultimate in flavor. Our savory taco meat is prepared every morning at each location. Make sure to try our chimichangas; they’re the best in town.

—romeosomaha.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

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SPECIAL DINING CRESCENT MOON ALE HOUSE - $ 3578 Farnam St. - 402.345.1708 Founded in 1996, we’ve grown into Beer Corner USA with the additions of The Huber Haus German Beer Hall, Max and Joe’s Belgian Beer Tavern, and Beertopia—Omaha’s Ultimate Beer Store. With more than 60 beers on tap and Omaha’s best Reuben sandwich, we are a Midtown beerlover’s destination. Hours: MondaySaturday 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.co

RATHSKELLER BIER HAUS-$$ 4524 Farnam St. - 402.991.7724 Rathskeller Bier Haus celebrates daily with German beer, wurst and many other menu items. Within arm’s reach of the Blackstone District and historic Dundee. Rathskeller Bier Haus is our German castle and designed to bring the storied traditions of Bavaria to the beating heart of Omaha’s metro area.

Come enjoy our large outdoor beer garden and four legged friends are welcome. Prost! Open daily 11 a.m.-Late.

—rathskelleromaha.com

GREEK ISLANDS - $ 3821 Center St. - 402.346.1528 Greek cuisine with specials every day at reasonable prices. We are well-known for our gyro sandwiches and salads. We cater and can accommodate a party for 65 guests.

Carry-out and delivery available.

Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

—greekislandsomaha.com

Omaha

DINING GUIDE

STEAKHOUSES CASCIO’S - $$ 1620 S. 10th St. - 402-345-8313 Fascio’s is Omaha’s No. 1 steakhouse.

We have been serving Omaha for 69 years. We feature steaks, chops, seafood, and Italian specialties. We have seven private party rooms, seating for up to 400 people, and plenty of parking.

—casciossteakhouse.com

THE DROVER RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - $$$ 2121 S. 73rd St. - 402-391-7440

h Steak ouse

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. Open MondayFriday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Dinner nightly at 5 p.m.

—droverrestaurant.com

Home of the Whiskey Steak 2022 First Place

@The Drover Restaurant & Lounge | Gift Cards Available 2121 S. 73 St. | (402) 391-7440 | DroverRestaurant.com Open Monday - Friday 11am - 2pm | Dinner nightly from 5pm

ek Dining Gre

2022 First Place

Family Owned Since 1983 CATERING / PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE HOMEMADE, FRESH FOOD, ALWAYS.

3821 Center St. / 402.346.1528 GreekIslandsOmaha.com

DINING GUIDE LEGEND

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

JULY/AUGUST 2022

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explore.

come and

LE T’S PLAN A ROAD TRIP!

DAYTRI PS I N NE BRA SK A , I OW A , K AN SA S, AN D M I SSOURI

OREGON TRAIL DAYS July 7-10 in Gering and throughout Scottsbluff.

Grammy Award winner “The Time of My Life,” original duo member Billy Medley KINKAIDER BRUNCH BY THE TRAIN IN THE This annual event is one of the oldest is joined by Bucky Heard at the Lied HISTORIC HAYMARKET DISTRICT July 2, 9, community festivals in Nebraska. The Center for Performing Arts for a night of 16, 23, and 30 and Aug. 6, 13, 20, and celebration includes a kickoff barbecue, passionate, legendary, and unmistakably 27 in Lincoln. Every Saturday this summer a car show, a chili cook off, mud righteous ballads. 402. 472. 4747 from 9 a.m.-noon, Nebraska’s Kinkaider volleyball, beer and wine tastings, —liedcenter.org JULY Brewing Co. is all aboard on brunch, serving a horseshoe tournament, carnival up a rotating menu of brunch favorites rides, and free concert Saturday ZOOFEST 49 AT THE ZOOBAR July 8 paired with Devils Gap Jalapeño Vodka night, and more. 308.632.2133. in Lincoln. Celebrating 49 years of Bloody Marys and Mimosas.

—oregontraildays.com “lives blues and soulful music,” the two-night event kicks off Friday with UNCLE SAM JAM! AT OAK LAKE PARK KZUM STRAVINSKY PARK SUMMER headliner Grammy-Award winning blues July 3 in Lincoln. This familyCONCERT SERIES July 7, 14, 21, 28 virtuoso Bobby Rush of “Chicken Heads” JULY friendly event is Lincoln’s official in Lincoln. Every week through acclaim, followed up Saturday night with celebration of Independence the July 28, Stransky Park hits its Memphis soul architect Booker T. Jones, Day, featuring food, music, groove with KZUM and a revolving frontman for Booker T. & the M.G.’s and fireworks, and more. 402.441.7547. lineup of musical stylings by local, a lifetime achievement Grammy-award —lincoln.ne.gov occasionally regional acts. Bottled water winner. Go “soul searching” with the available for purchase and blankets and industry’s finest at Lincoln’s one-andlawn chairs are encouraged. 402.474.5086 only Zoobar. Tickets $35 per night or RED, WHITE, KABOOM! AT COLUMBUS —kzum.org $60 for a weekend pass. 402.435.8754 HIGH SCHOOL July 3 in Columbus. The —zoobar.com biggest Independence Day celebration in Columbus brings event goers a day THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS AT THE LIED of live music from Barrel House, with PERFORMING ARTS CENTER July 7 in LUST FOR RUST FEST 2022 July 8 activities, a bouncy house, and more.

Lincoln. Made famous by chart-toppers at Nomads Bar and Kitchen in Fireworks begin at 10pm. 402.564.2769. like “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling,” Nehawka . Slated as “the Midwest’s —thecolumbuspage.com “Soul & Inspiration,” and “Dirty Dancing’s” (and maybe the country’s) only Classic Car + Truck and Music Festival,” the event promises cold drinks, delicious food, old-school vehicles, and live music with headliner The Downtown Collective, and more. Camping available WHETHER IT’S SOAKING IN A LIVE MUSIC EVENT, Friday night followed by the car show navigating over 130 miles of walking and and concer t Saturday. Attendants biking trails or just enjoying time with age 15 or under pay no admission. friends and family, Lincoln delivers on — eventbr ite.com/e/ lust-for-r ust-festsummertime fun. There really is some2022-tickets-321972547557 thing for everyone, including time spent off the beaten path. Love Lincoln, just as the locals do!

—Lincoln.org/omahamag

NEBRASKA

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SPONSORED

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leash ad days! railro

THE 42ND ANNUAL WAYNE CHICKEN SHOW

July 8-10 in Wayne. Feathers fly into

orbit during the annual Wayne Chicken Show, this year’s theme being: “Chicken’s Guide to the Galaxy. The Meaning of Life, the Universe and Egg-rything.” The threeday event include the Wayne Chicken Show Parade, hot wing eating contests, and various other chicken-themed attractions and contests. 402.375.2240 —chickenshow.com

HERITAGE DAYS July 17-22

JULY

17-22

in Alliance. Celebrating 41 years of Alliance heritage and history, this five day event brings carnival rides, various vendors, live musical entertainment, a parade, games, and more. 308.762.5400.

—cityofalliance.net

“WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC AT THE LIED PERFORMING ARTS CENTER July 22 in

Lincoln. Finally returning to the concert

stage after his highly celebrated Strings Attached tour in 2019, the frizzy-haired king of all things strange, punny, and downright absurd, “Weird Al” Yankovic amuses and bewilders audiences once again with his The Unfortunate Return of the Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, Ill-Advised Vanity Tour with an appearance at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. 402.472.4747 —lieadcenter.org

THE 29TH ANNUAL NEBRASKA STAR PARTY

July 24-29 in Valentine. Join fellow

stargazers in a “voyage of discovery” from the incredible astronomical views of Merritt Reservoir’s Snake Campground with observations every night and daytime events including beginner’s field schools, barbecue and pizza lunches, and a brewers' canoe/float down the Niobrara river.

—nebraskastarparty.org

A celebration of all things train and track in Council Bluffs on September 24th!

gorailroaddays.com

THE 2022 OLD WEST BALLOON FEST Aug. 10-13 in Gerring, Scottsbluff, and Mitchell. Hot air balloons color the

Great things for the whole family, and Mom too!

Gems

•

Minerals

Conveniently located just off the interstate

•

Fossils

•

Jewelry

8487 Frederick St. | CustomGemsOmaha.com | 402-397-9606 // 100 //

JULY/AUGUST 2022

sky of Western Nebraska, captivating aeronauts and spectators alike. The event kicks off with an opening ‘night glow’ at Western Nebraska Community College (including food trucks and other vendors), followed by the National Hot Air Balloon Competition, a craft fair, a cornhole tournament, and the main event: the “mass ascension,” in which 30 hot air balloons take off at once, with 50 additional competition balloons performing a flyby.

—theoldwestballoonfest.com

E XPLORE CAL E NDAR

FROG FEST 8 AT THE HISTORIC HAYMARKET

Aug. 13 in Lincoln. The newest

iteration of Froggy981’s Frog Fest comes hopping back to the Historic Haymarket with gusto, and with performances

by Dylan Scott, Josh Abbot Band, Morgan Wade, and Dylan Blood, the event is sure to make a huge splash with country music fans. 402.475.4567 —froggy981.com

MIMOSA FEST LINCOLN AT THE ROYAL GROVE Aug. 14 in Lincoln. Touted as

“the Nation’s Largest Mimosa Fest,” the orange juice and bubbly will be flowing in earnest at music venue The Royal Grove “where fans are treated like royalty.” First mimosa is on the house! 402.413.6832 —theroyalgrove.com

THERE’S JUST SOMETHING ABOUT YOU IN LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

LI NC O L N . O R G / O MAHA M AG

Fall in love for the first time or fall in love all over again. Lincoln looks good on you!

DIRTY HEADS: LET’S GET IT KRAKEN AT THE PINEWOOD BOWL THEATER Aug. 14

in

Lincoln.

AUG.

14

Hailing from Huntington Beach, California, reggae altrock outfit Dirty Heads brings the good vibes with their Let’s Get it Kraken tour for an outdoor show among the evergreens, with special guests SOJA, Tribal Seeds, and The Elovaters. 402.904.4444 —pinewoodbowltheater.com

KOOL-AID DAYS Aug. 19-21 at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Hastings.

Celebrate America’s beloved powdered drink mix, which was first concocted in Hastings, with a weekend festival dedicated to all things Kool-Aid, this year’s theme being “Mangonificent.” Events include Kwickest Kool-Aid Drinking Contest, the 5K Fun Run, Kardboard Boat Races, and more. 402.463.8669 —kool-aiddays.com

NEBRASKA STATE FAIR Aug. 26-September 5 at the State Fairgrounds in Grand Island. Participate in traditional fair

activities like livestock exhibits, dirt competitions, and lots of fried food. The fair also includes The Nebraska Lottery Concert Series with live performances by Happy Together, Los Toucans de Tijuana, Brantley Gilbert, Lady A (with Priscilla Block), and comedian and puppeteer extraordinaire Jeff Dunham. 308.382.1620.

—statefair.org

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KANSAS

NORTH LIBERTY BLUES & BBQ July 9 at Centennial Park in North Liberty. This

IRVINE’S MUSIC & WINE July 9, 23 and Aug. 20 at Irvine’s Just Beyond Paradise in Lawrence. This family-

free event coordinated by the North Liberty Community Betterment Group features a full day of blues and scrumptious BBQ, with food available starting at 10am, cold pours of Iowa craft beer and live blues-inspired music starting at 11 a.m., and free kids’ bouncehouses inflated at 2 p.m. Performances run through the evening, ending at 10:30 p.m.

—northlibertyblues.org

CAMP EUFORIA July 14-16 in

Lone Tree. The 17th and final Camp

JULY

14-16

Euforia music festival welcomes back festival hosts and founders Eufóquestra and Kim Dawson for one last round of funk, soul, afrobeat, and reggae with Cornmeal, Chicago Afrobeat Project, Heatbox, and Aaron Kamm & the One Drops filling out the headliners. Tickets for a three-day festival pass are $130; twoday festival pass $110; Saturday only $70.

—facebook.com/campeuforia/

HINTERLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL 2022 Aug.

4-7 in St. Charles. Glass Animals, Billy

Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, and Phoebe Bridger headline this 4-day indie rock festival at the Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater in St. Charles, with local vendors providing food, drinks, and merchandise. Festivalgoers can bring a tent and camp on the festival grounds (camping pass required), with shuttles available from Des Moines.

—hinterlandiowa.com

IOWA IRISH FEST Aug. 5-7 at Lincoln Park in Waterloo. Now in its 16th year,

nearly 50,000 Irish proud converge in Lincoln Park for a three-day open-air event celebrating the Midwest’s Irish community with food vendors—including meat pies by Scotsfare Heritage— shopping, traditional music and dance, artist series workshops, rides, games, contests, and more. $15 entry for all three days with V.I.P. tickets also available.

—iowairishfest.com

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JULY/AUGUST 2022

owned winery welcomes guests to their sprawling, green acreage to enjoy locally-sourced wines, tacos by Lago Vista, and live music by Vaughn Cowden Jully 9, John L. Keck July 23, and Matthew Mulnix Aug. 20. 785.806.9749 —irvinejustbeyondparadise.com

KICKER COUNTRY STAMPEDE AT THE HEARTLAND July 14-16 in

BREAKAWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL Aug. 5-6 at the Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs. Electronic DJ duo Alexander

“Alex” Pall and Andrew “Drew” Taggart, more famously known as The Chainsmokers, headline with DJ Illenium in addition to an absolutely stacked line-up of EDM performers. Tickets start at $99 with VIP, Ultra VIP, and travel packages available. Official shuttles run from Downtown Kansas City on the hour starting 3:30pm on Friday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

—brea k away festiva l .com /venues/ kansas-city

SOUTH DAKOTA

Topeka. Heartland Motorsports

Park hosts three days of music and camping, headlined by country music sensation Jake Owen joined by nationally acclaimed acts Locash, Drake White, and Runaway June, among others.

—countrystampede.com

JULY

06

STRFKR July 6 at ICON Events +

DaDa Gastropub in Sioux Falls.

Indie rock band STRKFKR brings their unique, synth-heavy flavor of rock to one of downtown Sioux Falls most stylish venues. 605.444.4266 —iconsiouxfalls.com

MISSOURI

SUMMER SMASH SMALL BUSINESS VENDOR EVENT July 15-17 at the Indepen-

dence Center in Independence. Local vendors gather to showcase their wares, products, and services in a rally for shopping local and supporting small business.

—mseventsworldwide.com

KC FRINGE FESTIVAL July 15-31 in Kansas City. This 16-day festival represents the

largest celebration of arts and culture in the Kansas City metro, bursting at the seams with 277 performances, 13 venues of and a veritable army of performing and visual arts features, performers, and creators—including local, national, and international attendees. 816.200.2788.

—kcfringe.org

GOO GOO DOLLS Aug. 1 at the Star-

light Theatre in Kansas City. Originally hailing from Buffalo, New York, the Grammy Award-nominated alternative rock outfit the Goo Goo Dolls bring their impassioned vocals and bleeding chords to one of KC’s most unique and charming venues. 816.363.7827 —kcstarlight.com

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

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2022

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

ARS GRATIA ARTIS

V

ery few of us regular folks know the difference between chiaroscuro and a smudge left behind by the gravy-smeared thumb of that clinically outof-control nephew who ran amok in the house last Thanksgiving, on that rectangular painting of the ruins of the Roman forum we bought at the “Starving Artists Sale” executed by a psychopath with an overloaded palette knife that we hung over the Scotchgard-and-plastic-cushion-cover-protected sofa in the living room because the artwork was exactly as advertised—“sofa sized.”

“I may not know art,” we say. “But I know how big a sofa is.”

Likewise the horizon and vanishing points, alla prima, wet on wet, or au premier coup rarely concern us when we are on the lookout for an artwork that matches the split complementary pastel color scheme of the faux-marble entryway to the McMansion or a sculpture that matches the scale of the vestibule without too many dangerous sharp edges and hopefully lacking the subtle burnt metal scent of bad arc welding.

“Art for art’s sake,” we say. “But can I get a Venus with arms still attached?”

Do not be discouraged. True, fine art is an intimidating concept. Just remember, “art” is more than just good taste. It’s good taste with a bit of jargon tacked on. If you know a bit of the shop talk and follow a few simple rules, you too can be an art maven.

1. Do not buy any art work labeled “sofa sized” or “resists mildew.”

2. Never hang pictures of politicians in the living room. Note: Dead politicians are an exception to the rule if they passed away more than a century ago and are not German.

3. Abstract art is always a good idea so long as no sense at all can be made of the piece.

Beware abstract art that people might comment on. That always leads to trouble.

4. If a statue is supposed to be Roman or Greek, do not buy the concrete versions.

Note: Garden gnomes can be an exception if they are obviously a witty, dry commentary on the futility of life.

5. Gargoyles are never acceptable on suburban homes.

6. There really are “starving artists” but they have nothing to do with those traveling arena high pressure sales. Note: If you actually encounter a starving artist it is advisable to give them money rather than food. You don’t want to know what they eat.

7. Porch flags are not art.

8. Clever, or inspirational sayings painted on wood panels to be hung near the refrigerator are not art unless they are in Latin or incorrectly rendered Kanji.

9. Family portraits are not art unless they were rendered in egg-tempera paint by a guy named Caravaggio or the equivalent more that 400 years ago. Otherwise, restrict such pictures to stairwells and rec rooms.

10. At all costs, whatever the “art” you put on your walls, for the love of God, do not use French Provincial gilt frames.

There, now you are ready to go out there and buy some art. You know what you like, right? It was either Vincent van Gogh, or American impressionist Bob Ross on his TV show who once said, “Let’s build a happy little cloud. Let’s build some happy little trees.” That’s what art is all about. And remember, when Michelangelo’s finished his “Last Judgement” behind the altar in the Sistine Chapel, some clowns came in and painted pants on the naked people. That brings us to our final Rule of Art: 11. Art should never include pants.

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

JULY/AUGUST

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2022

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