Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm. 

Exhibitions 

Amplify Arts
Located at 1419 South 13th St., Suite 103. Amplify Arts promotes unity, innovation, and progress in the arts. Their shows are always by local artists, and they span ideas ranging from political to progressive. Admission: Free. 402.996-1092.
—amplifyarts.org

Anderson O’Brien Fine Art Gallery 
Located at 3201 Farnam St., Suite 6109. New works (sculptures, paintings, pottery, blown glass, jewelry, etc.) from Midwest regional artists are continuously on display. 402.884.0911.
—aobfineart.com

Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens 
Located at 3202 Woolworth Ave. The ornate Victorian house was one of the finest homes in Omaha. The three-story, fourteen-room house reflected the status of its wealthy occupants, the King family. 402.444.5955.
—nebraskahistory.org/conserve/brthsite.htm

Landlock Gallery 
Located at 4011 Farnam St. This is Omaha’s newest art experience centered in the Blackstone District, and it features artwork that encourages interaction by new and emerging local artists. 402.658.1332.
—landlockgallery.com

Maple St. Construct 
Located at 5912 Maple St. This Benson-area gallery that looks to bridge the discourse between artists from Los Angeles and the Midwest through local and West Coast exhibitions. 402.525.0330.
—maplestconstruct.com

Malcolm X Birthsite 
Located at 3448 Evans St. One of the most pivotal figures in Civil Rights history was born in this North Omaha location, which includes stunning gardens and a greenhouse. 402.881.8118.
—malcolmxfoundation.org

Museum of Shadows 
Located at 1110 Douglas St. This museum was recently voted one of the most haunted in the world and has been seen on the Travel Channel. The museum houses over 3,000 verified haunted artifacts, donated from across the United States and multiple countries. Admission: $15. 402.885.7557.
—museumofshadows.com

Panopticon
Through Jan. 12 at Garden of the Zodiac, 1042 1/2 Howard St. Anchored in feminism, Nancy Friedemann-Sánchez’s art is informed by North and South American cultural forms that fuse and cross-pollinate. She draws on historical iconography women would paint, such as flowers, lace, and birds. This exhibit is a collaboration with Charley Friedman. 402.341.1877.
—gardenofthezodiacgallery.com

Traditional Textiles 
Through Feb. 27 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. This exhibition presents a selection of textiles created by the indigenous people of Mexico. The traditions have survived and are maintained through their culture, dress, and indigenous languages. Tickets: $5 adults, $4 students, $3.50 seniors and students K-12, free for children under 5. 402.731.1137.
—elmuseolatino.org

Intimate Actions
Through February 27 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S. 12th St. Curated together under the rubric of Intimate Actions, these three solo exhibitions are centered on the theme of intimacy and how it enters into representations of the body, one’s connection to space and surroundings, and our relationships. Joey Fauerso: Inside the Spider’s Body interweaves personal experiences in relation to our own humanity through concepts related to gender, family, and contemporary culture. Paul Mpagi Sepuya: Drop Scene is rooted in an atypical type of studio portraiture, combining elements of storytelling through the use of camera placement, mirrors, curtains, studio workprints, and person to person contact. Maria Antelman: Soft Interface focuses on the human experience, with this exhibition focusing on our relationship to the past and our connection to the natural environment. Together, the three artists call to mind the expansiveness that is humanity, and through a variety of lenses, offer intimate views of strength and fragility. Admission: Free. 402.341.7130.
—bemiscenter.org

Community
Through March 1 at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St. As people have sheltered with their closest community, they discovered what it means to be removed from the outside world. Many depended on technology to connect with others. People found comfort and sometimes discomfort in their limited surroundings. This exhibit includes artwork by Watie White, Pamela Conyers-Hinson, and Therman Statom. Admission: Free. 402.341.3800.
—thekaneko.org

Revisiting America: The Prints of Currier & Ives
Through April 11 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. In 2016, Conagra Brands donated nearly 600 Currier & Ives lithographs to Joslyn Art Museum. This exhibition sheds new light on the famous firm’s artistic and commercial practices, revealing the complex social relationships and surprising modernity of its lavish prints, which found their way into the homes of tens of thousands of Americans in the 19th century. Admission: $10 adults, free for students with ID, Joslyn members, and children under 17. 402.342.3300.
—joslyn.org

Bug Squad Through April 11 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. In this immersive world of insects, children will explore the science behind each bug’s unique abilities and traits while realizing their own superpowers. Families will encounter real bugs and huge animatronic bugs. 402.342.6164.
—ocm.org

The Nitty Gritty on a Streetcar City 
Through April at General Crook House Museum, 5730 N. 30th St. The exhibit is about Omaha’s streetcar system, operating from 1868 to 1955, and includes artifacts from the cars, a streetcar seat, replica uniforms, and route maps. 402.455.9990.
—DouglasCoHistory.org

Boystown Virtual Tour
Ongoing online, created by Boystown Hall of History, 14100 Crawford St.Anyone can view the sights of the iconic Boystown from the comfort of their own home. The Hall of History virtual tour includes stops such as Relics of the Past, Art and Symbolism, and The Dream Continues. Admission: Free. 531-355-1111.
—boystown.org

MONA2Omaha FRED OTNES: A Collage
Beginning in January at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. Fred Otnes’s collage works have appeared on magazine covers, movie posters, and postage stamps. Born in Junction City, Kansas in 1925, the family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska when Otnes was still a child. After working as an artist at The Lincoln Journal, Otnes later became an illustrator for national magazines including The Saturday Evening Post and Collier’s. Admission: free. 402.305.1510.
—gallery1516.org

Origins
Jan. 3-Feb. 28 at Modern Arts Midtown, 3615 Dodge St. This mixed, modern-art show features a variety of art, from the paintings and assemblages of Graceann Warn to the photographs of Jason Papenfuss to the textile works of Michael James. Admission: Free. 402.502.8737
—modernartsmidtown.com

Art Faculty Biennial
Jan. 19-Feb. 18 in Weber Fine Arts Building at UNO, 6000 Dodge St.The works of both students and faculty will be shown in this twice-yearly exhibition held in the art gallery at UNO. The art faculty will show works in the main gallery while the art club will show works in the Hexagon gallery. Admission: Free. 402.554.2796.

—unomaha.edu

Guitar—The Instrument that Rocked the World
Beginning Feb. 6 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. More than 60 guitars and nearly 100 historical artifacts will be on display to immerse viewers in the heart of music. This exhibit allows people to experience the rush of the world’s most recognized musical instrument through the powerful lens of science. Visitors can play a Guinness Record-breaking 43.5 foot long guitar and discover how the selection of different materials and strings, fused with electromagnetism and amplification, create an elaborate device that has revolutionized music. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for children under 2 and members. 402.444.5071.—durhammuseum.org

Brittney Foster & Nancy Lepo 
Beginning Feb. 19 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St.Mixed-media/abstract artist Brittney Foster and pen-and-ink pointillism artist Nancy Lepo are shown together in this exhibition. Admission: free. 402.595.2122.
—artscouncil.nebraska.gov

Concerts

ReCaptured
Jan. 9 at Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. ReCaptured is a melting pot of musicians from the Midwest that came together to pay tribute to one the greatest bands in the history of rock music. A band that they all grew to love—Journey. Tickets: $15-$25. 402.884.5353.
—waitingroomlounge.com

Dworak’s Symphony No. 8 with André Watts 
Jan. 15-16 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1300 Douglas St.Omaha is thrilled to welcome back the world-renowned André Watts, performing Ravel’s masterpiece Piano Concerto for the Left Hand. Written for a soldier who lost his right arm in World War I, the work seems to make two hands superfluous, fusing gorgeous melodies and seemingly impossible technique for the soloist. Maestro Wilkins closes with Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8, a work he considers part of his conducting DNA. Times and tickets vary. 402.345.0606
—ticketomaha.com

Hotel Desperado 
Jan. 22 at Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St.A thoroughly authentic tribute to The Eagles founded by veteran musicians with a drive to create the purest homage possible. Hotel Desperado delivers the ultimate Eagles experience with a profound dedication and purity that is unmatched. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $15-$25. 402.884.5353.
—waitingroomlounge.com

Paul Simon Songbook 
Jan. 30-31 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1300 Douglas St.Paul Simon forever transformed the craft of songwriting, from his years with Simon and Garfunkel through his fourteen solo albums. Simon has won 12 Grammy® Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Award) and is a two-time inductee into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Experience his classic songs, including “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” “The Sound of Silence,” “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” and “Graceland.” Times and tickets vary. 402.345.0606
—ticketomaha.com

Ranky Tanky
Feb. 5 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1300 Douglas St.Translated loosely as “Work It,” or “Get Funky!” Grammy Award-winning Ranky Tanky performs timeless music born from the Gullah culture with mixtures of gospel, funk, R&B, and jazz. Their debut album was featured on NPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross and the TODAY show. It also soared to the No. One position on the Billboard, Amazon, and iTunes Jazz Charts. The group features singer Quiana Parler, singer/guitarist Clay Ross, trumpeter/singer Charlton Singleton, bassist Kevin Hamilton, and drummer Quentin Baxter, These accomplished artists have come together to revive a “Heartland of American Music” born in their own backyard 7:30 p.m. Tickets: TBD.
—ticketomaha.com

Schubert, Unfinished 
Feb. 7 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1300 Douglas St.Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll, intended as a private birthday gift for his wife, Cosima, became known as a work of uncommon beauty after finally getting published. Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite is a perfect foil, each work using the delicate lines of individual instruments to build gentle colors and impressions. “Unfinished” though it may be, Schubert’s Eighth Symphony is both stirring and romantic, a favorite of the symphonic repertoire. Bartók’s Dance Suite will finish the concert with an incredible burst of energy, a series of exuberant movements for a full orchestra. Times and Tickets TBD. 402.345.0606.
—ticketomaha.com

Bahl Conducts Mendelssohn 
Feb. 12-13 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1300 Douglas St.Strauss’ ode to one of legend’s most notorious philanderers, Don Juan, is just as adventurous in its storytelling as it is in execution for the orchestra, with blazing technique meeting soaring melodies across the ensemble. New to Omaha, violinist Angelo Xiang Yu, “unfazed by every challenge […] a tone of absolute purity and intense beauty” (The Spokesman), makes his debut with Chausson’s exquisite Poème. The “Prelude und Liebestod” from Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, is an epic filled with magic, betrayal, and insurmountable love. Times and tickets TBD. 402.345.0606.
—ticketomaha.com

Jason Moran and the Bandwagon 
Feb. 18 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1300 Douglas St.A leading force in new jazz, composer-pianist Jason Moran plays with an unmistakable sense of funk, fluidity, and freedom.  Together with his group The Bandwagon, bassist Tarus Mateen and drummer Nasheet Waits, deliver an explosive combination of classical and contemporary jazz styles. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: TBD.
—ticketomaha.com

Stage Performances

Modulation, presented by Opera Omaha
Jan. 8 (Available to stream through Jan. 16), online. As society continues in a form of suspended animation, people look to art. Modulation is a digital, self-guided exploration of the times created by 13 of the most provocative and diverse voices in the contemporary music idiom. Traveling through themes of isolation, identity and fear, with the connection of breath, an electrifying auditory and visual journey of new creations awaits. Tickets: $25. 402.345.0606.
—ticketomaha.com

The Last Five Years
Jan. 15-Feb. 7 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. This is an intimate look at a five-year relationship. The story is presented in chronological order by Jamie, the man, and in reverse by Cathy, the woman, with the two versions of the story meeting only once—at their wedding in the middle. Times and tickets vary. 402.553.0800.
—omahaplayhouse.com

How to Build an Ark
Jan. 22-Feb. 21 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. In this all-original onstage adventure, a young girl named Vita sets off on a magical journey to find National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore through his photos. For years, the real-life Sartore has devoted his time and talent to bringing attention to endangered species before they disappear. Tickets: $20. 402.345.4849.
—rosetheater.org

Felipe Esparza 
Jan. 29-31 at the Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St.Felipe Esparza is a comedian and actor, known for his stand-up specials, “They’re Not Gonna Laugh at You”, “Translate This”, and his latest dual-release on Netflix, “Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones” (two different performances in two languages), his recurring appearances on Netflix’s Gentefied, NBC’s Superstore and Adultswim’s The Eric Andre Show, as well as winning Last Comic Standing (2010), and his popular podcast called What’s Up Fool?. Felipe is also developing a sitcom along with actor Omar Chaparro, producer Eric Tannenbaum and 3Pas (Eugenio Derbez’ production company). Felipe continues to sell out live stand-up shows in comedy clubs and theaters around the country. Times vary. Tickets: $27.50 in advance, $30 day of show. 402.884.5353.
—waitingroomlounge.com

Gutenberg! the Musical
Feb. 12-March 14 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. A pair of aspiring playwrights audition their newest work—a big, splashy musical about the inventor of the printing press—for an audience of potential investors. This two-man musical spoof offers an unending supply of enthusiasm and laughs. Times and tickets vary. 402.553.0800.
—omahaplayhouse.com

The Marriage of Figaro
Feb. 26, 28 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. On the eve of his wedding to the lovely Susanna, Figaro must outwit his master, Count Almaviva, who has amorous designs on the bride-to-be. Conductor Steven White and director Dean Anthony team up to delight audiences, leading a stellar cast in this satire of the aristocracy, bringing back the characters from The Barber of Seville as they skillfully maneuver around each other in this lively and romantic comedy. Feb. 26 at 7 p.m., Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets vary. 402.346.7372.
—operaomaha.org

Family & More

Winter Wonderland 
Through Jan. 3 at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N.Fontenelle Forest’s Great Hall has become a Winter Wonderland for all to enjoy. Fontenelle Forest staff invites people to come experience this festive holiday display of decorated trees and wreaths. Beyond Jan. 3, the forest becomes its own Winter Wonderland, with a variety of trails to hike, cross-country ski, or snowshoe. 402.731.3140.
—fontenelleforest.org

DC Centre Bridal Show 
Jan. 10, at DC Centre Banquet Facility, 11830 Stonegate Drive.Each year, this show introduces brides to Omaha’s wedding industry businesses. The event includes a scavenger hunt. 12-4 p.m. Tickets: free. 402.393.7431.
—dccentre.com

Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards 
Jan. 17, TBD. Omaha’s premier awards show is back for a 15th year. With a wide variety of categories in visual arts, music, and performing arts, Omahans are sure to see a favorite artist onstage at some point during this special evening celebrating the local scene.
—oea-awards.org

“I Have a Civil War Ancestor, now what?”
Jan. 14 online, presented by Omaha Public Library.Civil War soldiers often left a rich genealogical paper trail. Many of these records are tucked away at the National Archives in Washington D.C. Brian Rhinehart will explain what records are available for your ancestors only at the National Archives, what records are online already, and how to access all of them. These records may unlock some of the family stories that have been forgotten over time, as well as break down a brick wall or two. Admission: free. Registration required. 402.444.4826.
—omahalibrary.org

Virtual Cathedral Flower Festival 
January, online.This beloved Omaha tradition is moving online this year. Instead of fresh arrangements of plants and flowers, the Cathedral Arts Project will feature highlights of previous festivals through their website and social media pages. 402.558.3100.
—cathedralartsproject.org

Hibernate and Create 
Feb. 19-21 at HotShops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St.Guests can participate in this two-day event of fun and creativity, featuring optional classes, meals, and a dedicated space to create in any medium of their choosing. Registration required. Tickets: $165. 402.342.6452.
—hibernateandcreate.com

Mapping Nebraska
Feb. 21 online, presented by Omaha Public Library.Micah Evans, native Omahan and map collector, will explore Nebraska history from colonial times to the 1890s through a collection of maps, demonstrating how historical maps can help us uncover the stories of our own families and neighborhoods. 402.444.4826.
—omahalibrary.org

Public Ice Skating
Motto McLean Ice Arena, 5015 S 45th St.Those who want to get out and experience some winter magic can skate at this public skate rink in midtown Omaha. There is a limit of 50 people, and skaters need to call ahead to the rink to reserve a spot, 402-444-7557. Dates and times are available online or by calling the ice rink’s hotline, 402-444-4955.

Looking Ahead to March

Dial M for Murder
March 5-21 at Bellevue Little Theatre, 203 W Mission Ave. Tony Wendice has married his wife, Margot, for her money and now plans to murder her for the same reason. But when she kills the killer, he has a backup plan. Tickets: Adults $20/Seniors $18/Students $10. 402.292.4391.
—bellevuelittletheatre.weebly.com

Menopause the Musical
March 7 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. This hilarious musical parody set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles. 7 p.m. Tickets: $45-55.
—ticketomaha.com

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
March 19-April 25 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. It’s not easy being The Pigeon—you never get to do anything. But when Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers late, it’s this bird’s time to shine. Tickets: $25. 402.345.4849.
—rosetheater.org

Crash Test Dummies
March 20 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St.It’s been 30 years since the Crash Test Dummies recorded their debut album, The Ghosts That Haunt Me. This show will include hits and fan favorites from the band’s vast catalogue. 8 p.m. Tickets: $35. 402.884.5353.
—waitingroomlounge.com

Spring Festival 
March 26-28 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St.Hundreds of the nation’s finest artists and crafters display and sell their handcrafted works during this show. Enjoy food, drinks, and family fun. Tickets: $9 adults/$8 seniors $8/Free for children under 10. 402.331.2889.
—hpfestivals.com

This calendar first appeared in the January/February 2021 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.