September/October 2015 Encounter

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015

L AC I N E A L The Play’s the Thing T H E E S S EN T I A L CO N N O R O B ER S T Matt Whipkey’s Picks CO R E Y B R O M A N Sounds of Silence BE ANSMITH New Brew Comes to the Old Market

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Contents

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L I V I N G : The Piitt Lindsay and James Piittmann save an old home.

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V I S U A L : Corey Broman Sounds of Silence

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M U S I C : The Essential Connor Oberst Matt Whipkey’s Picks

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F E AT U R E : Coffee’s Come Uptown Beansmith Moves to the Old Market

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C O V E R F E AT U R E : Laci Neal The play’s the thing for this cosplay maven.

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F E AT U R E : Omaha Creative Institute Bringing Arts to the People

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D I N I N G : Himalayas A Mountain of Exotic Food in the Old Market

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FA S H I O N : Where the Wild Things Are

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FA C E S : Ken Smith Parking Czar on Changing Perceptions

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FA C E S : Kathy “Scout” Pettersen and Beverly Reicks Equality and Love Win

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H I S T O R Y: Omaha’s Civic Auditorium Lights Out For the Last Time

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Advantage Coupons

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Downtown Omaha Map

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Merchants & Attractions

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Calendar of Events

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From the Editor

ENCOUNTER 4

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015 Publisher Todd Lemke Editor David Williams Associate Editor Daisy Hutzell-Rodman Editorial Intern Halle Mason Contributing Writers Leo Adam Biga • Ryan Borchers • Tamsen Butler • Kim Carpenter April Christenson • Tom McCauley • Kara Schewiss • Max Sparber James Walmsley • Sarah Wengert • Matt Whipkey Creative Director Bill Sitzmann

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Graphic Design Intern Malinda Ratcliff Account Executives Greg Bruns • Gil Cohen • Kyle Fisher Angie Hall • George Idelman • Gwen Lemke Assistant to the Publisher Sandy Besch-Matson

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Telephone: (402) 884-2000; fax (402) 884-2001. No whole or part of the contents herein may be reproduced without prior written permission of Omaha Magazine, excepting individually copyrighted articles and photographs. Unsolicited manuscripts are accepted; however, no responsibility will be assumed for such solicitations.

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The piitt A FORECLOSED HOME BECOMES A NEIGHBORHOOD JEWEL.

by Ryan Borchers photography by Bill Sitzmann

ENCOUNTER 6

LIVING

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INDSAY PIITTMANN DID not see white picket fences and clean, open floor plans when she initially viewed her house.

“When I first brought her here to introduce her to our potential new home, I think she kinda thought I was crazy,” her 31-year-old husband James says.

The dilapidated building at 31st and Martha streets felt dark and cramped. Among its litany of issues was a garish, mismatched color scheme that included the maroon and orange hues of yesteryear as well as outdated floorboards.

In August 2012, the couple paid $20,000 for the foreclosedupon home and decided to renovate it themselves. James, who works for the med-tech company Biotronic, grew up on a farm and had some experience working in construction and doing finish work in homes. Lindsay, 26, works from home so she can take care of their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Kennedy. She describes her husband as the type who likes to educate himself before undertaking a project.

“I felt like he had the ability to do it,” Lindsay says. “I just wasn’t sure how it was going to go.”

Naturally, the process involved a lot of hard work.

“The floorboards were rotting. The ceilings were all very low, you could tell that they had been remodeled and lowered over time,” James says. “The kitchen had some cabinets that were about ready to fall in on themselves.”

Potential peeked through the cracks. The foundation and roof stood solidly in place, and the heating and air conditioning were fairly new. The attached two-car garage also appealed to them.

James and Lindsay spent an additional $30,000 on renovations. They acquired some funding through the City of Omaha’s reEnergize Program, as well as aid from contractors that was particularly helpful with installing insulation.

Because the plumbing was intact before the new insulation was installed, the house had to be kept warm enough to prevent the pipes from freezing. “September was a very busy month after we had purchased the house late summer,” >

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< James says. “That’s when I painted the whole exterior of the house [gray and white]. I remember being out, trying to finish the porch floorboards and things of that nature to try and get as sealed up as possible prior to the whole winter coming with no insulation.”

“It always seemed like if it was hot outside it was hotter in here, and if it was cold outside it was colder in here,” Lindsay adds.

Among other renovations, they took out layers of insulation and plaster from the walls and turned the entryways between the rooms into archways.

The flooring was refinished, sanded down, and extended so it met the walls at the bases. A room on the ground floor was converted into a muchneeded main-floor bathroom. Walls were repainted in bright, soothing colors. The primary bath was completely redesigned with a corner tub. They added a built-in closet to the master bedroom and raised the ceiling in Kennedy’s room. All in all, James says, they removed 14,000 lbs. of debris.

Their hard work paid off after 11 months, when James and Lindsay moved in. They estimate the renovations are about 95 percent finished. The transformation is incredible. The Piittmanns have even made use of antiques and minutiae left over by some of the house’s previous owners.

ENCOUNTER 8

“I kept crossing my fingers, hoping we’d find money in the walls,” Lindsay says. “We didn’t, but we found lots of other random things.”

Things like a toy subway car made of tin, playing cards, old beer cans, photographs, a newspaper from 1908, and a copy of The Saturday Evening Post from 1918. Much of the memorabilia is now proudly displayed in a hutch in their kitchen, and the Piittmanns say they plan to keep most of it.

(They also found a dead squirrel, but that is not on display.)

“That was the exciting thing about coming here every day [during the renovation],” Lindsay says. “[It was] like a treasure hunt.”

The Piittmanns’ long-term plan is to build a log home in the country, but for now they love their house and neighborhood. Their DIY plan saved them several thousand dollars on their mortgage compared to a simialr home in move-in condition.

“It would be my encouragement to any newlywed couple, or even single guy that sort of has some skill in carpentry and these things, to take an honest look at going down this path,” James says. “You really get to design everything from scratch, all of the fixtures, the elements, the tile. It’s basically… creating a new home.” Encounter

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Corey Broman SOUNDS OF SILENCE

by Tom McCauley photography by Bill Sitzmann

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RTIST COREY BROMAN hears a musical note upon seeing a piece of glass.

“An instrument, a hum, a rattling, a chiming, a shattering,” he says. “Anytime I see a blown piece of work, it makes a sound.”

The 35-year-old glass sculptor will soon host his first solo display, “Unknown/Audible,” at Gallery 72 in the Vinton Street business district. The show runs October 16 to November 14 and features up to 40 of Broman’s distinctive glass works, along with samples of music he wrote to complement the pieces. (Broman began playing drums in high school and is the keyboard player for indie-rock outfit New Lungs.)

His work has appeared in several group shows; however, an artist’s initial exhibition as a single entity is a milestone, and Broman understandably obsesses over it. >

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VISUAL

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< “I’m really excited, but it’s an extreme amount of work for one dude,” Broman says. “This is completely consuming my mind. Sometimes my wife will be talking to me and I won’t have any idea what she just said. I think you have to get into it that much for it to be the best it can be.”

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For “Unknown/Audible,” Broman will transform Gallery 72 into a quieter place. He plans to paint the walls a dark color to give it a silent, kind of compressed, atmosphere. This, combined with the music, promises an interesting experience for the viewer/listener.

In a way, the idea harks back to the 2000 Dale Chihuly glass exhibit at Joslyn Art Museum that blew Broman’s mind, inspiring him to take up glassmaking shortly after graduating high school.

“I walked into the exhibit and all you could see were these glowing, vibrant pieces of glass,” Broman relates. “No one was compelled to talk.

Everything was just silent. You could hear, almost, the works. You didn’t care that much about anything around you.”

He had dabbled with painting and drawing for years, but nothing sparked his interest quite like glass. After seeing what kind of art could be forged from the material, 19-year-old Broman called glass sculptor Tom Kreager, who taught at Hastings College, and asked if Kreager could use an assistant.

Turns out the elder artist needed help, so Broman packed up and headed to small-town Nebraska to learn Venetian goblet-making techniques from a master artisan. His brain absorbed everything from various cold-forging techniques to how to duck when entering the kitchen of his tiny attic apartment. The move paid off. He has made glass in his own studio since 2003, developing an aesthetic through endless, sometimes brutal work while taking cues from the worlds of interior design and architecture.

“I’m inspired by textures of all sorts, tangible items that have an interesting texture or a certain shape,” he says.

If he is trying to make some kind of artistic statement with his coming exhibit, he prefers you not ruin the surprise for him.

sgroitobacconist.com 503 S 11th St, Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 341-9264 E N C O U N T E R 12

“I don’t really have an underlying theme or some kind of hidden meaning behind my work,” he says. “Some people go for that. I keep it a little unknown.” Encounter

PRCA photo by Mike Copeman

P r e s e n t i n g S pon s or s : Ban k of t h e West | Beh l en C ou n t r y | K ie wit C or p or at ion

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MUSIC

the essential Connor Oberst A COLLECTION OF SONGS AND SONGWRITING

by Matt Whipkey photography by Bill Sitzmann

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ONOR OBERST, SINCE age 13, has released one of the strongest catalogs in modern American music. His unmistakable voice and penetrating lyrics stand front and center, whether under his own name; the adolescent, yet strangely adult Commander Venus; the defining work of Bright Eyes; the all star Monsters of Folk; or the topical rock of Desaparecidos.

Do You Feel At Home - The title track from Commander Venus’s 1994 debut presents many Oberst signatures: wise-beyond-years lyrics; a controlled, yet shaky delivery; catharsis; and hooks that set the singer-songwriter apart.

Touch - Bright Eyes’ Jan. 1998 debut A Collection of Songs presented the lo-fi blueprint of the confessional songwriting to come, yet their September release, Letting Off the Happiness, is where the magic happened. “Touch” blends the manic vocals of Oberst’s acoustic songs without acoustic: blitzed out drums and “broken” keyboards make “Touch” an amazingly honest, fractured gem.

Something Vague - 2000’s Fevers and Mirrors solidifies the eclectic instrumentation of modern Bright Eyes. “Something Vague” perfectly expresses the confusion and passing of adolescence to early independent adulthood.

You Will. You? Will. You? Will. You? - 2002’s Lifted is the album that placed Oberst in the national spotlight, with ambition bursting from everywhere. “You Will …,” is a simple message and melody that not only sticks in one’s head but practically signs a lease on the place.

Poison Oak - Bright Eyes most popular album, 2005’s I’m Wide Awake it’s Morning, is a classic. “Lua” and “First Day of My Life” are Oberst staples; however, his work is rarely

more personal than on “Poison Oak.” The humanity and pure emotion Oberst displays across this track is staggering.

Easy/Lucky/Free - Digital Ash in a Digital Urn, also released in 2005, explored Oberst’s electronic inclinations. Digital Ash brought a new sheen and darkness to Bright Eyes’ take on electro rock. “Easy/ Lucky/ Free” closes this underrated collection with a meditation on an apocalyptic mortality.

Cape Canaveral- Oberst returned to the stripped down leanings of earlier releases for his 2008 self-titled solo album.

Weaving vivid imagery and mysticism, Oberst achieves a new sense of universality on “Cape Canaveral.” Using acoustic guitar as accompaniment, Oberst wisely sings: “Victory’s sweet even deep in the cheap seats.”

Time Forgot - Oberst entered the major label world in 2014 with the well-polished Upside Down Mountain. “Time Forgot” presents us with a familiar Oberst landscape, though with a new sense that with fight and dedication, the tunnel may just have some light.

City on the Hill - Desaparecidos have become one of America’s more relevant rock bands. Despite a 13-year gap between their debut and the 2015 release Payola, Denver Dalley, Matt Baum, Landon Hedges, Ian McElroy, and Oberst have only gained strength. “City on The Hill” exhibits one of the strongest-ever Oberst vocals as he joins the body count of a nation needing, hoping, and fighting for something more.

Oberst will headline the Holland Stages Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17. The free, all-day event celebrates the 10th anniversary of Omaha Performing Arts and the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St., and will be held on five stages inside and outside the building. Encounter

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Beansmith BRINGING A VIBRANT COFFEE SCENE DOWNTOWN

by Kara Schweiss photography by Bill Sitzmann

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EANSMITH COFFEE ROASTERS’ immaculate bar still feels brand-new—it just opened this past spring—but its original wood floors, exposed brick, and some of the design details resonate of a much earlier era. The Old Market building Beansmith occupies at 1213 Harney Street dates to 1880, says owner Chris Smith. He’s the Smith in the cafe’s name, but another Smith was the building’s namesake.

“Its first owner was George Warren Smith, and it was known as the Smith Building. So we thought it was pretty appropriate that Beansmith should be one of its tenants,” Smith says.

“We feel really honored to be part of the heritage of the building.”

“That was a good place to start because it allowed me to see how a variety of different shops and stores operated. It also allowed me to see what worked and what maybe could be better and it allowed me to see how people were reacting to the coffee,” he says. “I had been to Kansas City, Minneapolis, and of course larger cities like San Francisco and Chicago; the coffee scenes in those cities were vibrant...I thought to myself, ‘Gosh, Omaha doesn’t have anything like this—why not?’ So as I became more proficient in roasting and experiencing all these locations and takes on coffee, I really started to develop my vision for what we could do here in this area.”

“I had been to Kansas City, Minneapolis, and of course larger cities like San Francisco and Chicago; the coffee scenes in those cities were vibrant...I thought to myself, ‘Gosh, Omaha doesn’t have anything like this—why not?’”

-Chris Smith

The history of Beansmith itself starts 30 years ago, when Smith’s degree in electrical engineering helped pique his curiosity about coffee.

“Engineers in general are curious as to why things work the way they do,” he says. “That ultimately brought me to the point where I wanted to own and operate my own coffee roaster. I had more ability to source exactly what I thought would be great, and those elements—why coffee could taste much better and what’s making that happen—brought me to where I am now.”

Smith’s original foray into entrepreneurship was a drinking water company, which led to providing water for coffee machines, which brought forth the idea of a coffee wholesale business. Smith still operates the La Vista roasting facility he launched in 2006.

A coffee bar was the natural evolution of that vision, Smith says. “I realized that for us to really have better controllability of our own brand and who we are, ultimately we needed to be serving people our own coffee. We have some great relationships with a variety of shops that serve our coffee and we want to continue that, but we also felt like the best voice for our own coffee was us actually serving it and presenting it to those people interested in specialty coffee.”

Eventually, Smith hopes Beansmith leads Omaha in becoming known to specialty coffee enthusiasts everywhere.

“We can not only just educate, but share what we know about our coffees...I do see more community coffee shops beginning to spark up that are on that same trek in terms of trying to up their game in terms of quality and knowledgeability,” he says. “I think that’s really good for Omaha because that means Omaha is in for the treat of a thriving specialty coffee community.” Encounter

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The Play’s the Thing T H E M A N Y L AY E R S O F L A C I N E A L

by Sarah Wengert photography by Bill Sitzmann

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C O V E R F E AT U R E

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ACI NEAL NEEDS several commas to answer the question, “What do you do?”

“I’m a cosplay enthusiast, performer, and historical costumer,” says the artist, actor, burlesque performer, lecturer/presenter, inaugural Miss World Steampunk, and self-described “big nerd.”

Neal’s various ventures come down to one simple fact: “I just love to play dressup,” she says.

Growing up in the under-350-person town of Kimballton, Iowa, Neal lacked outlets for her burgeoning creativity and often felt stifled.

“I didn’t have many friends,” she says. “I read a lot and stayed up late watching Turner Classic Movies.”

Yearning for more possibility, diversity, and connections with like-minded people, 18-year-old Neal moved to Omaha in 2002 to study theater at Iowa Western Community College—where she says she learned not only the art of theater, but also the art of self-confidence.

“Confidence is huge,” she says. “I think of myself in high school—bullied and never speaking up—and I would never let that fly now.”

Sitting tall, with bright eyes, a kind smile, and a pretty yellow flower tucked behind her ear, Neal explains what drew her to performing.

“Well, I like attention,” she says with a sweet, yet sly, laugh. “But it’s not just that. I had dreams when I was young of being a movie star, but when I started performing theater my perspective on the entire thing changed. I love how all these

individuals come together to create one beautiful thing—spending months on a project for just a few moments of being onstage and presenting the work.”

As for burlesque, Neal says that while it takes bravery, it lets her display all aspects of her costumes.

“With a Victorian dress there are layers upon layers upon layers, and how else can I show off all those layers unless I show off all those layers,” she says.

Cosplay, a combination of the words “costume” and “play,” is a performance art typically centered around pop culture characters common in the sci-fi/comic/ geek convention culture. Think Star Wars, Doctor Who, Lord of the Rings…it’s all-ages dress-up at venues like O Comic Con and others nationwide.

“I’ve always played dress-up and kind of been in my own little world, but didn’t discover there were others who did it until 2004 while researching a costume,” she says of stumbling onto the cosplay and steampunk communities.

“I’ve always loved the Victorian aesthetic— corsetry, making historical gowns and garments—so it was fun to discover that there are thousands of people who do this, it has a name, and I’m not just weird in liking to wear full Victorian garb every now and then,” she says.

As for her many loves and commas, Neal says, “They all kind of go together.”

“It’s all performance,” she says. “Ways of having some kind of role to play—whether it’s a role in a play or burlesque or a badass superhero. I can be whoever I want, any day of the week.” Encounter

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Omaha Creative Institute BRINGING ARTS TO EVERYONE

by Kim Carpenter photography by Bill Sitzmann

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HEN OM AH A CR EATIVE Institute (OCI) was founded in 2008, staff converted a used truck and horse trailer into a mobile art vehicle as a way to bring creativity to neighborhood festivals, parades, and other community events. Whether at Dundee Days or South Omahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cinco de Mayo parade, OCI led workshops and provided sidewalk chalk to kids with the goal of making it possible for people from all walks of life to experience creativity firsthand.

Fast forward five years, and the organization moved far beyond the horse trailer. During summer 2013, OCI installed 10 pianos designed by local artists around town and invited people to play, listen to, or just view the musical instruments as interactive pieces of art. It also scheduled special events, including a performance by Ballet Nebraska and a singalong organized by Joslyn Art Museum to bring added art experiences to the public. The project was such a success that Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards recognized OCI with its Best Public Art award for that year.

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Thomas explains why there is a need for the institute, even in a city that already offers a fairly diverse selection of visual and performing arts. “There was a perceived gap in having art available to a broader community.

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In March we caught up with Susan Thomas, who was in the last weeks of her tenure as executive director, and Emily Moody, just about to undertake hers, to gather insights into an organization that became an integral part of enriching communities throughout Omaha.

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“Omaha Creative Institute was founded to make art more open and accessible to everyone,” she continues. “We are more about building an audience for the arts and getting people who don’t typically participate in the arts to support them. We connect with all kinds of people.”

One of the ways OCI links with the community is by collaborating with other organizations, especially those not typically associated with the arts. In 2012 it worked with Metro Transit for “Conversations on a Bus,” in which two photographers rode buses throughout the metro area, interviewing and photographing riders. It documented encounters and brought art directly to a community usually not involved with the city’s creative offerings. “It introduced art to a whole new population,” says Thomas.

Last year OCI introduced artists to a community with which they’re often not familiar: the business one. Artist INC Live Omaha provided professional development to 22 artists as a way to empower them to take control of their careers and earn a living from their art. “Even though this seems like a different mission, the program really comes full circle for Omaha Creative Institute,” observes Moody.

“It builds a public arts audience by supporting the artists who create.”

As OCI moves forward, both women are excited with how the organization will continue bringing arts programming directly to the public. “We make wonderful connections in the community,” Thomas philosophized. “I think that’s one of our great strengths.”

Moody agrees. “Everyone can relate to the arts in some way. It’s so important. I’m very fortunate to play a part in that.” Encounter

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Himalayas A M O U N TA I N O F E X O T I C F O O D IN THE OLD MARKET

by Tamsen Butler photography by Bill Sitzmann

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HEN INDIAN OVEN closed its doors for good in July 2014 after 30 years in business, fans of the establishment needed to venture outside the Old Market to get their hands on authentic naan, tandoori, or curry.

Ngawang Rinchen to the rescue. The owner of two wildly successful Indian restaurants in Lincoln had his eyes on Omaha for some time and was waiting for the right opportunity to make his move and open a restaurant in the Old Market.

“Indian Oven closed down and I wanted to get into the Old Market,” says Rinchen. “I have no clue why they closed, but I had always been interested in coming to Omaha and establishing a place, so this was my opportunity.”

Rinchen says there were around seven or eight months in between Indian Oven closing and Himalayas opening

their doors. It’s all a bit of a blur for Rinchen, who oversaw the multiple renovations needed to open for business while managing his restaurants in Lincoln. He’s not even entirely sure when Himalayas started serving customers. “Well, let’s see…April?” Rinchen guessed. “We opened at the end of April, I think.” (He is correct.)

He explained that the gap between Indian Oven closing and Himalayas opening was largely due to some surprise repairs and upgrades. “We had to do a lot of work,” he says. “I was expecting to open right up, but it wasn’t the case.”

Rinchen says the authentic cuisine offered by Himalayas will please fans of Indian Oven. He also says they will notice some positive changes. “We have a full menu; Indian Oven had downsized their menu.” He added that the wine cellar he’s building in the lower level is a great addition to the restaurant. “I know a little bit about wine,” he says modestly.

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DINING

“I do love wine. Cabernet, pinot, burgundy—I like all kinds of wine and drink all kinds of wine. Just name it, I love it.”

Indeed, Rinchen is well-known in Lincoln as a connoisseur. He receives multiple awards and accolades for his Haymarket bar The Cellar, so it is no surprise that he brings his love of fermented grape beverages to Himalayas. The wine cellar will replace the popular I.O. Speak space that Indian Oven offered downstairs.

Himalayas caters to fans of Indian cuisine as well as to folks who haven’t really delved into this type of food before.

Can wine pair with the food at Himalayas? Rinchen says yes, it compliments the food decidedly well. “Myself, I like any kind of wine, but as long as you like wine, it goes well with our food.”

Himalayas caters to fans of Indian cuisine as well as to folks who haven’t really delved into this type of food before. “We try to teach people how to eat Indian food,” says Rinchen. “There are some dishes that people should not try in the beginning.” He advised Indian food newcomers to start with dishes that aren’t too spicy, such as the chicken tikka madras or lamb madras (lamb or chicken cooked in coconut-milk sauce with spices) or the lamb bhuna (shredded lamb sautéed with garlic, jalapeños, and cream sauce). Those looking to try a signature dish should try the chicken tikka madras or Bhutanese specialty. Rinchen is originally from Bhutan, and he says that finding authentic Bhutanese dishes in the Omaha area outside of Himalayas is not easy.

Rinchen states that diners appreciate their menu’s versatility. “A lot of vegetarian people are surprised because we have lots of options for them.” A glance at the menu reveals a dizzying array of appetizers, breads, and entrees with varying flavor profiles.

Business is steadily but surely growing for Himalayas. “So far, so good!” says Rinchen. “It’s started slow here in the Old Market. Right now a lot of people don’t know we’re here, but word is getting out.”

It is not a fancy restaurant, but elegant in its simplicity of décor. Indian music plays as the attentive staff goes from table to table, ensuring customers enjoy their meals.

Rinchen knows how to run restaurants, starting as a chef years ago before opening his first place. He hopes to duplicate his success with his Lincoln restaurants here, and he is willing to make the drive from Lincoln to Omaha as much as needed to in order to see Himalayas succeed. “I work here for a couple nights and then I’m in Lincoln. For over six months, it’s been back and forth.”

He doesn’t mind the hectic pace because he’s doing what he loves. When asked what he wants people to know about Himalayas, he states, “I want people to know that we’re here.” He’s hoping his customer base will continue to grow and thrive. “There’s nothing in the Old Market like this. We’d like to keep it up.” Encounter S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 23

Cubby’s Old Market Grocery 601 S. 13th St.

FA S H I O N

FA S H I O N

Where the Wild Things Are photography by Bill Sitzmann

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Ken Smith CHANGING PEOPLE’S PA R K I N G P E R C E P T I O N S

by April Christenson phoography by Bill Sitzmann

E N C O U N T E R 28

T

FA C E S

HE HUNT FOR parking in downtown Omaha often results in drivers using a rainbow of words not normally stated in polite company before causing themselves whiplash in an effort to squeeze into “the only spot available.” Omaha City Parking Manager Ken Smith, also known as the parking czar, hears those complaints frequently.

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Those people are misinformed. “Omaha has a parking perception issue,” Smith says. “Not a problem.”

Smith proclaims downtown parking stalls are actually underused. Even at peak hours, approximately 55 percent of the spaces downtown (defined as the riverfront to 24th Street and Cuming to Leavenworth Streets) are full. Part of Smith’s work is to change that misperception.

Smith came to Omaha in 2012 after the city conducted a study and decided to consolidate parking operations, creating one division under a central manager.

“I was in Lincoln and had consolidated that program into a parking division.

Having the division under a single professional helps the big goal,” Smith says.

Without a doubt, one of Smith’s greatest impacts has been turning the parking division from a city subsidized program into a money maker. The program transitioned from receiving $1.5 million in city subsidies to achieving a half a million surplus. Smith says this is the result of bringing Omaha’s parking infrastructure into the 21st century with technology like credit card readers on parking meters and a smartphone app.

“Additional payment options help with compliance,” Smith says. Put simply, if you give parkers ways to pay aside from hauling around a pocket full of coins, they’re more likely to do so. Smith says that since implementing more options in 2013, parking citations have reduced by 17,000 to 18,000 annually.

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Smith studied aviation in college, then earned a graduate degree in architectural engineering.

“You never go to college thinking you’re going to be a parking professional,” he laughs.

After a stint with the parking division at the City of Lincoln, Smith says he kind of fell into the role of parking guru. He became the go-to guy with parking knowledge, which turned into a career he finds greatly rewarding.

“I can’t imagine going back to planning,” he says. “I’m kind of a jack of all trades.

I get to run a department, manage a budget, be a business planner. There’s never a dull moment.”

What does the future hold for Omaha’s parking division? Smith says the department plans to continue using technology to advance their goals. Also a high priority is updating the downtown area garage parking infrastructure, which is more than 30 years old. The city is also working with private parking operators to market themselves better and change the misperception about parking availability in downtown.

Smith says it has not been decided at this time if rates will increase or hours will be extended.

“The (2011 parking study) goals will be accomplished by a balanced approach between on-street parking and off-street parking to change behavior and improve perceptions that there is no parking,” Smith says. Encounter S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 29

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Kathy “Scout” Pettersen and Beverly Reicks EQUALITY AND LOVE WIN

by Leo Adam Biga photography by Bill Sitzmann

E N C O U N T E R 30

FA C E S

O

NE-TIME PARTNERS KATHY “Scout” Pettersen and Beverly Reicks share a home in Benson. As public opinion on same-sex marriage changed, they kept close tabs on the political debate.

The morning of June 26, their lives changed. Pettersen was at The Bookworm, where she manages the children’s department; Reicks, National Safety Council, Nebraska president and CEO, was getting blood drawn at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

After hearing initial reports of the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality, Reicks joined Pettersen at the bookstore. The pair drove to the courthouse as soon as the ruling was confirmed, and were the first couple to obtain a license in Douglas County. They opted for an impromptu civil ceremony in the courthouse surrounded by family, friends, and media.

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“We were greeted just with an abundance of joy and happiness,” Reicks says. “It was just really cool.”

“The reception was really warm. It kind of made up for the disappointment I experienced in Nebraska in 2000,” Pettersen says, referring to voters passing Initiative 416, which prohibited same-sex unions.

Nebraska District Court Judge Joseph Battalion twice ruled the ban unconstitutional. A state appeal resulted in a stay, leaving gay couples in limbo.

County clerk Tom Cavanaugh, a friend of the couple, paid for their license.

More friends witnessed the proceedings.

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“We were just really honored so many people came through for us,” Pettersen says. “It was just really wonderful.”

“It was beyond what I ever imagined,” Reicks adds.

With the paperwork signed, chief deputy clerk Kathleen Hall nudged the pair to give the media a marriage to cover. Pettersen and Reicks obliged.

“I felt like I was in a whirlwind,” Pettersen recalls. Reicks says, “I felt like a celebrity.”

After basking in applause and cheers, the newlyweds answered reporters’ questions. Congratulations continued outside. The couple celebrated with friends and family at La Buvette and Le Bouillon.

Reasons to celebrate extended to finally being accorded rights long enjoyed by opposite sex couples. Pettersen has an adopted daughter, Mia, and Reicks says, “Now she’s truly my step-daughter.” Recently filling out joint documents, Pettersen says, “I checked the married box for the first time without any hesitation or doubt. That was a very big deal to me. I couldn’t stop smiling it felt so good.”

“We reaped the benefits of their hard work,” Pettersen says. “I never thought I would see this in my lifetime. I do feel like we’re a part of history.”

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Contrary to opponents’ fears, Reicks says, “The world did not come to an end because some gay and lesbian couples got married.”

Pettersen says, “It just all proves, ‘love wins.’ “ Encounter S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 31

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Lights Out A L O O K B A C K AT T H E OMAHA CIVIC AUDITORIUM

by Max Sparber photography provided by Douglas County Historical Society

T

W ILIGHT H AS COME for the Omaha Civic Auditorium. The main ring is empty of events, its website taken over by some sort of erotic online service out of Asia. The city put the building up for sale last year, seeking someone who would both demolish the cement-and-glass entertainment venue and develop something new in its place. The once massive structure, seating as many as 10,960 people, has become overshadowed by CenturyLink Center, which can seat close to 19,000. The arena once known for sex, drugs, and rock ’n roll may soon become home to the suits and ties of corporate America.

The auditorium should not pass without comment.

This was, after all, where Elvis Presley performed one of his most disastrous late-period concerts. It’s where a vice-presidential debate between Democrat Lloyd Bentsen and Republican Dan Quayle entered the history books.

The auditorium opened its doors in December 1954, built by the city at a cost of $6,500,000, according to an Omaha World-Herald ad for the Ballet Russe

de Monte Carlo, the first act to appear in the auditorium’s smaller music hall. The New Year’s Day edition of the World-Herald was filled with ads from local businesses congratulating the city on its new auditorium. Peter Kiewit Sons’ ad stated “Omaha can be justifiably proud,” saying the auditorium will “stand as a symbol of a forward-looking leadership of our city.”

According to newspaper records, the first major event in the civic auditorium was a “boxing blitz,” the Golden Gloves Omaha City Tournament in January 1955 and the Midwest Championship in February, which promised “entertainment—with plenty of socks appeal!” The auditorium would often welcome sporting events, including Bluejays men’s basketball, Creighton women’s basketball and volleyball, the UNO hockey team, and the current Sacramento Kings NBA basketball team, known as the Kansas City-Omaha Kings between 1972 and 1985.

The arena served as the longtime stomping grounds for Omaha wrestling, with a record 10,310 people E N C O U N T E R 32

filling the stadium to see the taping of WWF Superstars of Wrestling on April 26, 1989. This event featured such legends of wrestling as Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Randy Savage.

The popular music venue held concerts by the Rolling Stones, who appeared in July 1966, and Bob Dylan, who appeared in 1978. Virtually every band known to draw a large audience appeared at the civic, including REM, Van Halen, KISS, and, more recently, Beck, and the Foo Fighters.

The building also contained an exhibit hall and events venue that served as one of the epicenters of Omaha arts and culture—if that is what one calls the Guinness Book of World Records 1983 bean-eating contest. Better examples include coin shows, cat shows, and antique sales.

If something happened in Omaha, and it had any sort of following, there was a good chance it wound up at the civic auditorium. That building houses 60 years of memories, which people will hold on to long after the deconstruction is finished. Encounter

HISTORY

• The Old Market’s Longest Jazz Gig N O TA B L E C I V I C AUDITORIUM GIGS A P R I L 1 9 , 1 9 6 3 : Yetta Wallenda, a member

of the famous Wallenda family of circus aerialists, performed a daring feat that involved “skirting on the borderline of eternity.” She climbed to the top of a 45-foot fiberglass pole and stood on her head. Losing her balance, she tumbled all the way to the ground.

Doctors pronounced her dead by the time she reached the hospital.

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M A R C H 4 , 1 9 6 8 : Civil rights protestors con-

fronted segregationist governor George Wallace. Upon arrival, they suffered violence from counter-protestors, then the police, resulting in the shooting of one protestor, a high-school student. The aftermath nearly incited a riot quelled by community leaders, including future state senator Ernie Chambers.

M A R C H 2 5 , 1 9 7 2 : Council Bluffs heavyweight boxer Ron Stander lands a title match against world champion Joe Frazier. The resulting mayhem was brutal, with a ringside doctor stopping the fight after the fourth round, when Stander required 32 stitches.

J U N E 1 9 , 1 9 7 7 : Elvis Presley plays his second-

to-last touring show. The suffering King of Rock and Roll notoriously forgot the lyrics to songs he performed for years, and died a few months later. The legendarily terrible performance was filmed for the television special Elvis in Concert, shown posthumously. Bootlegs of it circulate to this day.

N O V E M B E R 8 , 1 9 8 8 : Vice presidential hopefuls Dan Quayle (Republican) and Lloyd Bentsen (Democrat) faced off in a heated debate. Irritated by Quayle comparing himself to John F. Kennedy, Bentsen snapped: “Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine.

Senator, you’re no Jack Kennedy.”

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 33

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Historical Tour Union Station, 1931 Windsor Hotel, 1885-1887 H3 Omaha Fire House, 1903-1904 H4 Omaha Bemis Bag Company, 1887-1902 H5 Anheuser-Busch Beer Depot, 1887 H6 Skinner Macaroni Building, 1914-1915 H7 Aquila Court, 1923 H8 J.P. Cook Buildings, 1885-1889 H9 The Overland Hotel, 1903-1904 H10 Morse Coe Building, 1892-1893 H11 Hotel Howard, 1909 H12 Millard Block, 1880-1881 H13 Baum Iron Company Building, 1880 H14 Poppleton Block, 1880 H15 Burlington Building, 1879 H1

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OLD MARKET · DOWNTOWN · RIVERFRONT Rock Bottom Brewery [F-14]...................402-614-9333 OLD MARKET Roja Old Market [E-14]............................402-346-9190 A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T Spaghetti Works [F-15]...........................402-422-0770 Stokes Bar & Grill [E-15]......................... 402-408-9000 ART GALLERIES & MUSEUMS The Diner [E-14]......................................402-341-9870 Bemis Center for Trini’s Mexican Restaurant Contemporary Arts [E-18]........................402-341-7130 [F-15 in The Passageway]...................... 402-346-8400 Joslyn Art Museum [2200 Dodge St.]....402-342-3300 Twisted Fork Grill & Bar [F-15]................402-932-9600 KANEKO [F-17].......................................402-341-3800 Upstream Brewing Company [F-16]...... 402-344-0200 Omaha Children’s Museum [500 S. 20th St.] ....................................402-342-6164 F A S T- C A S U A L D I N I N G The Durham Museum PepperJax Grill [D-15]..............................402-315-1196 [801 S. 10th St.].................................... 402-444-5071 Wheatfields Express [E-15].....................402-991-0917 T H E AT E R & P E R F O R M I N G A R T S

Blue Barn Theatre 614 S. 11th St.].........402-345-1576 Brigit Saint Brigit Theatre [1002 Dodge St.].....................................402-502-4910 Holland Performing Arts Center [1200 Douglas St.]................................. 402-345-0606 OM Center [13th & Howard St]...............402-345-5078 Omaha Symphony [1605 Howard St.]....402-342-3560 Opera Omaha [1850 Farnam St.].......... 402-346-4398 Orpheum Theater [409 S. 16th St.]....... 402-345-0606 The Rose Theater [2001 Farnam St.].... 402-345-4849 Ticket Omaha [13th & Douglas St.]........ 402-345-0606

BANKING | LEGAL | BUSINESS SERVICES American National Bank [C-14]........... 402-457-1070 Bozell [G-18]........................................... 402-965-4300 Clark Creative Advertising [D-16]........... 402-345-5800 Cullan & Cullan [F-14]............................. 402-397-7600 First National Bank [E-15].......................402-341-0500 J. P. Cooke Rubber Stamp Co. [D-15]..... 402-342-7175 Klein Law Office [E-16]............................402-391-1871 Market Media [E-14].............................. 402-346-4000 Security National Bank [F-15].................402-344-7300 Stinson Leonard Street [D-14]................ 402-342-1700 Sutera & Sutera Law Office [F-15]..........402-342-3100

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Bliss Bakery [F-17]..................................402-934-7450 Cupcake Omaha [F-15].......................... 402-346-6808 Dolci Old Market [G-15]..........................402-345-8198 Hollywood Candy [E-16]..........................402-346-9746 Juice Stop [E-15].....................................402-715-4326 Old Market Candy Shop [G-15].............. 402-344-8846 Ted & Wally’s Ice Cream [E-16]...............402-341-5827 Wheatfields Express [E-15].....................402-991-0917 COFFEE & TEA

13th Street Coffee Co. [D-16].................402-345-2883 Aromas Coffeehouse [F-17]....................402-614-7009 Beansmith [E-14].................................... 402-614-1805 OM Center [D-15]....................................402-345-5078 Scooter’s [E-15]......................................402-991-9868 The Tea Smith [E-15]..............................402-932-3933 Urban Abbey/Soul Desires [G-16]...........402-898-7600 CASUAL DINING

Ahmad’s Persian Cuisine [G-15]............. 402-341-9616 Blue Sushi Sake Grill [E-15].................... 402-408-5566 Bricks & Mortar Bar & Bistro [F-17]....... 402-934-0005 Falling Water Grille [G-15] ..................... 402-346-9000 Himalaya’s [G-15]................................... 402-884-5977 J’s On Jackson [F-16]..............................402-991-1188 Jackson Street Tavern [E-16]..................402-991-5637 Julio’s Old Market [D-15]....................... 402-345-6921 M’s Pub [F-15]........................................402-342-2550 Matsu Sushi [G-13]................................ 402-346-3988 Michael’s Cantina at the Market [F-14]...402-346-1205 Nicola’s Italian Wine & Faire [D-16]........ 402-345-8466 Old Chicago [F-14]...................................402-341-1616 Omaha Tap House [C-13]........................402-932-5131 Plank Seafood Provisions [E-15].............402-507-4480

Zio’s Pizzeria [F-15].................................402-344-2222 FINE DINING

801 Chophouse at the Paxton [C-13]......402-341-1222 Le Bouillon [F-15]....................................402-502-6816 Omaha Prime [F-15]................................ 402-341-7040 The Boiler Room [F-17]........................... 402-916-9274 V. Mertz [F-15 in The Passageway]........ 402-345-8980

The Hair Market Salon [F-15]................. 402-345-3692 The Nail Shop [H-12].............................. 402-595-8805 Urbane Salon & Day Spa [G-13]..............402-934-2909 Victor Victoria Salon & Spa [F-15]......... 402-933-9333 Wonder Foot Spa [E-14]..........................402-618-7595 TAT T O O PA R L O R S

Big Brain Productions [E-17]...................402-342-2885 WELLNESS

Alegent Creighton Clinic [C-18]...............402-280-5500 Anytime Fitness [F-17]............................402-991-2333 Commercial Optical Co. [D-16]...............402-344-0219 Natural Therapy [D-18]...........................402-995-9874 Old Market Massage [D-15]................... 402-850-6651 OM Center [D-15]....................................402-345-5078 Omaha Dental Spa [F-15].......................402-505-4424 Omaha Yoga School [F-15].....................402-346-7813 Wonder Foot Spa [E-14]..........................402-618-7595

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DOWNTOWN HOTELS

FA S T F O O D

Courtyard by Marriott [G-11]...................402-346-2200 Little King [E-15]......................................402-344-2264 DoubleTree Hotel [A-11]..........................402-346-7600 Subway [D-15]........................................ 402-341-8814 Embassy Suites Old Market [555 S. 10 St.]....................................... 402-346-9000 S P E C I A LT Y F O O D Fairfield Inn and Suites Cubby’s Old Market [D-16].....................402-341-2900 [1501 Nicholas St.]...................................402-280-1516 La Buvette Wine & Grocery [F-15]......... 402-344-8627 Hampton Inn [1212 Cuming St.] ............ 402-345-5500 Hilton Garden Inn [G-11] .........................402-341-4400 NIGHTLIFE Hilton Omaha [10th & Cass St.]............. 402-998-3400 BARS Holiday Inn [1420 Cuming St.] ............... 402-341-0124 Bar 415 [D-15]........................................402-346-7455 Homewood Suites [1314 Cuming St.].....402-345-5100 Barry O’s Old Market Tavern [G-15]........402-341-8032 Hotel DECO XV [B-14, 15th & Harney]....402-991-4981 Billy Frogg’s Grill & Bar [E-15].................402-341-4427 Hyatt Place [E-16]...................................402-513-5500 Eat the Worm [E-15]................................402-614-4240 Magnolia Hotel Omaha [A-15].................402-341-2500 Havana Garage Cigar Bar [G-15].............402-614-3800 Residence Inn by Marriott [B-12]............402-342-4770 J D Tucker’s [G-15].................................402-934-5190 MOVING & STORAGE Mr. Toad’s Pub [G-15]............................ 402-345-4488 Parliament Pub [E-14].............................402-934-3301 The Storage Loft [E-18]...........................402-807-2537 The Hive [E-14]....................................... 402-504-4929 U-Haul [D-18]......................................... 402-346-9322 Urban Storage [D-18]..............................402-342-4449 The Stadium Club Sports Bar & Grill [G-15].........................402-359-1290 PRAISE & WORHIP The Tavern [G-16]................................... 402-341-0191 The Market Church [D-17]..........TheMarketChurch.com C R A F T C O C K TA I L S / Urban Abbey Worship Service [G-16].....402-898-7600 MICROBREWERIES

R E A L E S TAT E

Brickway Brewery & Distillery [E-15].......402-933-2613 Rock Bottom Brewery [F-14]...................402-614-9333 R E A LT O R S The Berry & Rye [F-15]........................... 402-613-1333 America First Companies [G-13].............402-444-1630 The Boiler Room [F-17]........................... 402-916-9274 Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate Upstream Brewing Company [F-16]...... 402-344-0200 [13th & California].................................. 402-493-4663 Blackthorne Real Estate Development... 402-884-6200 LOUNGES Bluestone Development [B-17].............. 402-505-9999 Bricks & Mortar Bar & Bistro [F-17]....... 402-934-0005 Grubb & Ellis/Pacific Realty.................... 402-345-5866 Omaha Lounge [C-14].............................402-709-6815 Investors Realty, Inc................................ 402-330-8000 Sake Bombers @ Blue [E-15]................ 402-408-5566 Mercer Management Co. [F-15]............ 402-346-4445 Waters Edge Lounge NP Dodge Condo Sales...........................402-255-5099 at Embassy Suites [G-15]....................... 402-346-9000 NuStyle Development Corporation...........712-647-2041 Old Market Life [D-16]............................402-305-8106 PUBS Sandi Downing Real Estate [E-15].......... 402-502-7477 Dubliner Pub [E-14].................................402-342-5887 Shamrock Development, Inc. [D-13].......402-934-7711 O’Connors Irish Pub [D-15].....................402-934-9790 Omaha Tap House [C-13]........................402-932-5131 S H O P P I N G Stiles Pub [E-15]......................................402-991-9911 ANTIQUES T. Henery’s Pub [F-14]............................402-345-3651 Antique Annex [E-16]..............................402-932-3229 WINE Fairmont Antiques & Mercantile [E-16]402-346-9746 Bricks & Mortar Bar & Bistro [F-17]....... 402-934-0005 Flying Worm Vintage [E-16]....................402-932-3229 La Buvette Wine & Grocery [F-15]......... 402-344-8627 Joe’s Collectibles (E-16 Alley]................. 402-612-1543 Nosh Restaurant & Wine Lounge[G-11].. 402-614-2121

H E A LT H & B E A U T Y S A L O N S & S PA S

Four Old Market

Reserve Goodwill [D-15].........................402-342-4102 Second Chance Antiques [C-14]............ 402-346-4930 The Imaginarium [D-15]..........................402-594-7061

Curb Appeal Salon & Spa [G-16]........... 402-345-0404 A R T G A L L E R I E S RARE [D-15]............................................402-706-9673 Anderson O’Brien Fine Art [F-16]...........402-884-0911

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 41

Fresh chocolates and fudge made in our own kitchen.

OldMarketCandy.com • 402-344-8846

Travel essentials plus souvenirs and Nebraska-made gifts.

OldMarketSundries.com • 402-345-7646

Authentic Italian desserts, coffee, and FlavorBurst TMice cream.

DolciOldMarket.com • 402-345-8198

All located at 10th & Howard

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Artists’ Cooperative Gallery [F-14].................. 402-342-9617 Susie’s Baskets [D-13].................................... 402-341-4650 Goodnights Pizza Bar & Patio [D-4].................402-502-2151 Farrah Grant Photography [F-15].................... 402-312-8262 Tannenbaum Christmas Shop [G-15]..............402-345-9627 Heritage Food & Wine [B-13]..........................402-991-0660 Hiro 88 [D-16, 13th & Jackson]...................... 402-933-5168 ART GALLERIES [CONT’D] HOME FURNISHING & DECOR Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen [B-13]....................402-342-3662 Garden of the Zodiac Iron Decor and More [E-16].............................402-346-6123 King Fong Cafe [B-14]..................................... 402-341-3433 [F-15 in The Passageway)................................402-341-1877 Niche [F-15]....................................................402-344-4399 Liberty Tavern [G-6]........................................402-998-4321 Mangelsen-Images of Nature Urban By Design [D-15]...................................970-214-7608 Mula [CC-22].................................................. 402-315-9051 Nosh Wine Lounge [G-11]................................402-614-2121 Gallery [E-14].................................................. 402-341-8460 Omaha Press Club [A-11]................................402-345-8008 Old Market Artists Gallery [F-15].....................402-346-6569 J E W E L R Y Omaha Clayworks [D-16]................................402-346-0560 Cibola of Omaha [F-15]....................................402-342-1200 Orsi’s Italian Bakery & Pizzeria [7th & Pacific].402-345-3438 Passageway Gallery Cornerstone Gem & Bead Co. [D-16].............402-346-4367 Siagon Surface [C-14].....................................402-614-4496 [F-15 in The Passageway]................................ 402-341-1910 Goldsmith/Silversmith [F-15]...........................402-342-1737 Storz Trophy Room [K-8]................................. 402-502-1643 Visions Custom Framing Perspective Jewelry Design Studio [E-14]......402-934-4416 Wilson & Washburn [C-14]..............................402-991-6950 [E-18 @ Bemis Center]...................................402-342-0020 COFFEE & TEA SMOKE SHOP White Crane Gallery [F-15 inThe Passageway]................................ 402-345-1066 Havana Garage Cigar Bar [G-15].....................402-614-3800 Archetype Coffee [CC-22].............................. 402-934-1489 Hooka Ran’s [E-15].........................................402-934-3100 Blue Line Coffee [D-4]....................................402-932-4463 BOOKS SG Roi Tobacconist [F-15]............................... 402-341-9264 FA S T F O O D Jackson Street Booksellers [E-16].................. 402-341-2664 Soul Desires/Urban Abbey [G-16]..................402-898-7600 Zesto Ice Cream [5-E].....................................402-932-4420 NEARBY

BARS

Crescent Moon [HH-22].................................. 402-345-1708 Farnam House Brewing Company [HH-22]....402-401-6086 Nite Owl [CC-22]............................................. 402-991-6767 Oasis Hookah Bar and TaZa Nightclub [B-13].402-502-9893 Scriptown [CC-22]..........................................402-991-0506 Storz Trophy Room [K-8]................................. 402-502-1643 Sullivan’s Bar [CC-22].....................................402-933-7004 MUSIC • DANCE

Capitol Lounge & Supper Club [G-11].............402-934-5999 Slowdown [C-4]..............................................402-345-7569 The Max [C-16]................................................402-346-4110 Whiskey Tango [B-13]..................................... 402-934-4874 WINE

Corkscrew Wine & Cheese [CC-22]............... 402-933-3150 Nosh Wine Lounge [G-11]................................402-614-2121

SHOPPING

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

All About Me Boutique [F-15]..........................402-505-6000 Curbside Clothing [F-15] Drastic Plastic [E-15].......................................402-346-8843 Flying Worm Vintage [E-16]............................402-932-3229 McLovin [G-15]...............................................402-915-4002 Nouvelle Eve [F-15].........................................402-345-4811 Overland Outfitters [G-15]...............................402-345-2900 Reserve Goodwill [D-15]................................. 402-342-4102 Simply Fabulous [E-16]....................................402-812-2193 Souq, Ltd. [F-15 in The Passageway]............. 402-342-2972 The Lotus [E-15]..............................................402-346-8080 Wallflower Artisan Collective (1402 S. 13 St.).402-677-9438

Block 16 [A-13]................................................402-342-1220 Kleveland Clothing [CC-22]..............................402-401-6147 ART GALLERIES & MUSEUMS Kitchen Table [B-13]........................................ 402-933-2810 Lids Locker Room [E-5]..................................402-334-0183 Hot Shops Art Center [D-1].............................402-342-6452 Panda House Downtown [A-13].......................402-348-1818 Urban Outfitters [D-3]......................................402-280-1936 Modern Arts Midtown [GG-210].....................402-502-8737 Table Grace [17th & Farnam]...........................402-708-7815

FA S T C A S U A L

G I F T & S P E C I A LT Y S H O P S

M O V I E T H E AT E R

Greenstreet Cycles [D-4]................................402-505-8002 Inclosed Studio [D-4]...................................... 402-321-3442 Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops [G-11].............402-280-8888 The Shop Around The Corner SPORTS Sullivan’s Steakhouse [B-13]..........................402-342-0077 [E-15 The Imaginarium]...................................402-609-8046 CenturyLink Center Omaha [H/I-5/6]..............402-341-1500 The Flatiron Cafe [17th & Howard]..................402-344-3040 HOME FURNISHING & DECOR TD Ameritrade Park Omaha [E/F-3/4]........... 402-546-1800 Film Streams [D-4]..........................................402-933-0259 F I N E D I N I N G

Z O O • B O TA N I C A L C E N T E R

S P E C I A LT Y F O O D

Patrick’s Market [B-15]................................... 402-884-1600 Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha’s Botanical Center SPORTS BAR [100 Bancroft St.]. . ..........................................402-346-4002 Drastic Plastic [E-15].......................................402-346-8843 Homer’s Music & Gifts [E-15]..........................402-346-0264 Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium/IMAX Theater Burger Theory [B-2]........................................402-933-6959 [3701 S. 10th St.]...........................................402-733-8400 DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar/ FLOWERS Blazin’ Pianos [G-10]........................................402-763-9974 BANKING Old Market Habitat [F-15]...............................402-342-0044 Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill [D-6] ........... 402-346-9116 Pinnacle Bank [10th & Douglas]......................402-346-9180 The Dugout [D-2]............................................402-934-5252 MUSIC STORES

G I F T & S P E C I A LT Y S T O R E S

Ashley’s Collectibles [E-15, L. Level]...............402-934-3100 City Limits [F-15].............................................402-345-3570 Le Wonderment [F-15]....................................402-206-9928 Old Market Sundries [G-15]............................402-345-7646 OM Center [D-15]............................................402-345-5078 Souq, Ltd. ]F-15 in The Passageway]............. 402-342-2972

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

DINING

NIGHTLIFE

CASUAL DINING

LOUNGE

Local Beer, Patio & Kitchen[H-11]................... 402-315-4301 Brothers Lounge [FF-22]................................402-558-4096 Blatt Beer & Table [E-5].................................. 402-718-8822 The Omaha Lounge [B-13]............................. 402-709-6815 Capitol Lounge & Supper Club [G-10].............402-934-5999 Farnam House Brewing Company [HH-22]....402-401-6086

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 43

Habitat ReStore [24th & Leavenworth]........... 402-934-1033 JEWELRY

Takechi’s Jewelry [17th & Harney].................. 402-341-3044 MUSIC STORE

Saddle Creek Shop [D-4, 721 N. 14th St.].....402-384-8248

VISIT US IN THE HISTORICAL RILEY BUILDING AT 10th & DOUGLAS ON THE MALL 402.346.9180 OR ONLINE AT pinnbank.com

T HE

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B A N K I N G

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MEMBER FDIC

15_POG12_DT_OMAHA_ENCOUNTER_AD.indd 1

September/october calendar of Events

3/19/15 2:24 PM

SPONSORED BY PINNACLE BANK

ART AND MUSEUM EXHIBITS ARTsarben September 26-27, Aksarben Village—67th & Center St. Presented by the Omaha Summer Arts Festival, ARTsarben has its own unique personality. Free. 10am-5pm. 402-496-1616 - artsarben.com

Union Station: Built to Last Through January 3, 2016, Durham Museum—801 S. 10th St. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, this exhibit explores the Durham’s home—Union Station—and what makes it so special.

Adults $9, children $6. 402-444-5071 - durhammuseum.org

Lori Elliott-Bartle and Kristine Allphin Exhibits October 5-November 13, Fred Simon Gallery — 1004 Farnam St. Painter and printmaker Lori Elliott-Bartle is accompanied

by Kristin Allphin’s batik work. Free. Open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. 402-595-2122 - artscouncil.nebraska.gov

FAMILY EVENTS AKSARBEN Stock Show & Rodeo September 24-27, Centur yLink Center—455 N. 10th St. A four day western festival, AKSARBEN Stock Show & Rodeo provides numerous events and activities for all guests. Starting at $17. 7pm. 402-341-1500 - centurylinkcenteromaha.com

Brandon Ballangée: Collapse Exhibit Through October 10, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts—724 S. 12th St. This mixed-media installation emphasizes the crisis of the world’s fisheries. Free. Open WednesdaySaturday 11am-5pm. 402-341-7130 - bemiscenter.org

Antique & Garden Show 2015 September 24-27, Lauritzen Gardens —10 0 B ancrof t S t .

This show features over 30 different exhibitors from around the country. General admission $15. 402-346-4002 -omahaantiqueshow.org

Art Seen: A Juried Exhibition of Artists from Omaha to Lincoln Through October 11, Joslyn Art Museum — 2200 Dodge St. “Art Seen: A Juried Exhibition of Artists from Omaha to Lincoln” showcases 37 local artists. This ticketed exhibition is free for members, ages 17 and younger, and college students with ID. 402-342-3300.

- joslyn.org

Gardens Gone Wild Through October 4, Lauritzen Gardens—100 Bancroft St. More than 30 whimsical sculptures by nationally-acclaimed wildlife sculptor Dan Ostermiller. Adults $10, children $5. 9am-5pm. 402-346-4003 -lauritzengardens.org

Tempo of Twilight Through October 4, Lauritzen Gatdens—100 Bancroft St. Bring lawn chairs and the whole family; acts to be decided. Visit the gift shop or café for concessions. Adults $10, children $5. 6-8pm. 402-346-4003 -lauritzengardens.org

Opera Outdoors September 12, Turner Park—3102 Dodge St. This third annual season kickoff features Ballet Nebraska, the Opera Omaha Chorus, and four soloists from around the country. Free. 7:30pm. 402-346-7372 - operaomaha.org

Holland Stages Festival October 17, Holland Performing Arts Center —1200 Douglas St. The 10th anniversary celebration of the Holland Performing Arts Center includes a performance by Omaha’s Conor Oberst.

Free. 11am-11pm. 402-345-0222 - omahaperformingarts.org

Omaha Symphony Presents: Brahm’s 3rd Symphony September 18, Holland Performing Arts Center—1200 Douglas St. The Boston Symphony’s Hawthorne String Quartet joins the symphony for one night only.

Starting at $84. 7:30pm. 402-345-0222 -omahasymphony.org

Omaha Symphony Presents: Symphony Spooktacular October 25, Holland Performing Arts Center—1200 Douglas St. This annual Halloween concert includes festive costumes, trick-or-treating, and thrilling surprises! $32. 2pm. 402-345-0222 - omahasymphony.org

Elton John October 3, CenturyLink Center—455 N. 10th St. Elton John and his band continue their tour “The Final Curtain” with a stop in Omaha. 8pm. 402-341-1500 -centurylinkcenter.com

Concerts Bridge Beats September 4 & 18, Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge—705 Riverfront Dr. Bring the family! Down to Here will perform Sept.

4, and Hector Anchondo Band performs Sept. 18. Free. 6-9:30pm. 402-444-4640 - bridgebeats.com

E N C O U N T E R 44

Taylor Swift October 9-10, CenturyLink Center— 455 N. 10th St. Beloved by country and pop fans alike, Swift brings all her glamour and style to Omaha. 7:30pm. 402-341-1500 -centurylinkcenter.com of Montreal October 26, The Waiting Room Lounge—6212 Maple St. This American rock band has evolved from a sound reminiscent of the Beatles to a modern funkinfluenced style. $18. 9pm. 402-884-5353 -waitingroomlounge.com

Janet Jackson: Unbreakable World Tour October 30, CenturyLink Center—455 N. 10th St. This triple threat brings her sizzle and sass to Omaha for one fleeting night with her “Unbreakable World Tour.” 8pm. 402-341-1500 - centurylinkcenter.com

A Call to Respond Through September 19, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts—724 S. 12th St. “A Call to Respond” is a five-month series that focuses on audience interaction and collaboration. Free. 11am-5pm. 402-341-7130 - bemiscenter.org

PERFORMING ARTS The Grown-Up September 24-October 18, The BlueBarn Theatre—10th and Pacific St. Playwright Jordan Harrison bends time and space, posing questions about childhood innocence and the transition into adulthood. Adults $30, students and seniors $25. 402-345-1576 - bluebarn.org

This May Hurt a Bit: Medicine in Old Omaha Exhibit Through February 16, 2016, Durham Museum—801 S. 10th St. This exhibit explores the colorful world of medicine that early settlers encountered. Adults $9, children $6. Recurring daily. 402-444-5071 - durhammuseum.org

Ballet Nebraska Presents: Cleopatra October 2, Orpheum Theater—409 S. 16th St. Ballet Nebraska will put on Cleopatra for one night only. 7:30pm. 402-541-6946 - balletnebraska.org Celebrate 10 Concert starring Kristin Chenoweth October 16, Holland Performing Arts Center—1200 Douglas St. The Holland Center and Omaha Performing Arts celebrates its 10th anniversary. Known for performing Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked, Chenoweth is sure to dazzle.

Starting at $60. 7pm. 402-345-0606 -omahaperformingarts.org

Gangsters and Tunnels: Douglas County and Prohibition Exhibit Through April 19, 2016, General Crook House Museum—5730 N. 30th St. Omaha, one of the first states to take action against legal alcohol, banned the sale of liquor in 1917. Adults $5, students $4, children ages 6-12 $3. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday 1-4pm. 402-455-9990 - visitomaha.com

We

you too

@OmahaMagazine

Omaha Lit Fest - Science, Psych, and Story October 16-17, W. Dale Clark Library—215 S. 15th St. Founded in 2005, this festival celebrates the power and whimsy of the written word. Free.

-omahalitfest.com

Kinky Boots October 20-25, Orpheum Theater—409 S. 16th St. Kinky Boots tells the story of an unlikely friendship, following their trials of life as the friends follow their passion. 402-661-8501 - omahaperformingarts.org

Scream in the Dark Film Festival October 16-18, Scottish Rite Masonic Theatre —202 S. 20th St. The second annual Scream in the Dark Film Festival features filmmakers worldwide.

- screaminthedarkomaha.com

One Man Breaking Bad: The Unauthorized Parody October 22-23, Holland Performing Arts Center—1200 Douglas St. Miles Allen impersonates his way through one of the most memorable television shows ever produced. $30.50. 7pm and 9:30pm. 402-345-0606 - omahaperformingarts.org

The Best of Sinatra with Clint Holmes October 3-4, Holland Performing Arts Center—1200 Douglas St. Clint Holmes brings the sound of Ol’ Blue Eyes back to life. Starting at $72. 7:30pm and 2pm. 402-345-0222 - omahasymphony.org

Paul Otero Through September 18, Fred Simon Gallery—1004 Farnam St. Nebraska artist Paul Otero displays his latest series of photo-realistic drawings. 8am-5pm. Free. 402-595-2142 -nebraskaartscouncil.org

Birdcloud October 20, Reverb Lounge—6121 Military Ave. The definition of modern country music, this female duo sketches an unfiltered picture of the America we see today. $15. 9pm. 402-884-5707 -reverblounge.com

1415 Harney Street Telephone: 402.341.7576 www.cityviewdentalomaha.com

The Convenient Downtown Dentist

S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 45

OMAHAMAGAZINE.COM

DON’T SWEAT IT!

! Don’tCall Sweat It!

402.345.8383 3 Call 402-345-8383 It! Don’t Sweat It!

83 Call 402-345-8383

Omaha. Possibly.

by Daisy Hutzell-Rodman daisy@omahamagazine.com

It! Don’t Sweat It!

83 Call 402-345-8383

L

OOK UP. HOPEFULLY the skies are clear and blue, but even if they are not, you will see, and can imagine, lots of great things going on. Downtown Omaha is full of possibilities.

This past weekend’s arrival of my sister and her family from the Quad Cities proved that statement.

Saturday’s activity—the zoo. Everything inspired awe in the youngsters. The Wild Kingdom Pavilion took 30 minutes to navigate, and my younger sister and brother-in-law looked suitably impressed when I said, “This is, essentially, only a preview to the zoo.” Six hours later, the family realized that Omaha is cool.

jonesauto.com

jonesauto.com

This is a perfect time to encounter everything this 402.345.8383 great city showcases. The farmer’s markets offer food of every variety, music plays for free in many 1223 S. 20th St. outdoor locations, and don’t forget about those DES! FREE METRO AREA RIDES! fall festivals (Octoberfest, anyone?). That’s why JonesAuto.com S! FREE METRO AREA RIDES!

Greater Chamber

Member Greater Omaha Chamber

er er

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ES!

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we bring you The Encounter, Omaha’s guide to downtown living, and the people who live there.

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Member Greater Omaha Chamber

Especially the people. People like Laci Neal, who constantly conjures up new characters for cosplay.

Then there’s Kathy “Scout” Pettersen and Beverly

FREE METRO AREA RIDES! E N C O U N T E R 46

Reicks, who could only imagine being married in Nebraska before June 26, but that day they made history by becoming the first same-sex couple in Douglas County to be granted a marriage license.

Parking guru Ken Smith wants people to know that parking spaces, even on busy days, are out there. I tried to remember that Sunday afternoon, as my family searched for a place to put the car so we could eat lunch downtown. The headache-inducing task left me desiring caffeine, which made me glad for entrepreneur Chris Smith.

Smith conceived of a specialty coffee business many years ago and has seen the Beansmith bloom into a roaster in La Vista and a new place in the Old Market.

Following lunch, we traveled to the Durham. My niece and nephews stood on the train cars and imagined themselves going to places far away.

To end my relatives’ trip, we drove to Louis and Clark Monument Park in Council Bluffs and watched the sun set as trains rolled past, planes left entrails, and automobiles carried drivers and passengers to destinations unknown. Encounter