Exhibitions
INFLUENCE
Through Aug. 22 at Kaneko, 1111 Jones St. Creativity begins with an idea. Through the exploration of physical space, artistic themes, history, and experience, the season of INFLUENCE will examine the history of change at Kaneko while celebrating the future of the organization which has become a driving force for inclusion and diversity of creative thought in Omaha. 402.341.3800
—thekaneko.org
Ikebana Exhibition
May 1-3 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Ikebana is the art of Japanese flow arrangement. This annual Ikebana exhibition features arrangements from both classical and contemporary schools of Ikebana. Members of Ikebana International Omaha will be present during show hours to meet guests and answer questions about the art of Ikebana. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children 3-12, free for garden members and children under 3. 402.346.4002.
—lauritzengardens.org
Pulitzer Prize Photographs
May 1-3 at Durham Museum. 801 S. 10th St. Photography plays an important role in documenting history. This exhibit features over 80 large-format, Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs with information about how the image was captured. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (age 62+), $7 children 3-12, free for children under 2 and members. 402.444.5071.—durhammuseum.org
Fact and Fiction in Contemporary Photography
May 1-10 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. Photography has become less believable in the age of the iPhone; images are presumed to have been manipulated or altered from their original forms. Exploring traditional genres of landscape, still life, and portraiture, the work of various award-winning photographers depict raw scenes that appeared before the lens at a precise moment. Tickets: $10 adults, free for youth 17 and under. 402.342.3300.
—joslyn.org
Nature Connects: Art with LEGO® Bricks
May 1-10 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Created by artist Sean Kenney, this exhibit features incredible sculptures of endangered species built from nearly 800,000 LEGO bricks and builds awareness for conservation of all living things. Admission: $10 adults, $5 ages 3 to 12, free to ages 2 and under and members. 402.346.4002.
—lauritzengardens.org
Joe McHale
May 1-June 5 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. McHale is a visual artist based out of Kearney. His paintings are lively and full of kinetic energy. He creates a visual representation of moments when time stands still and the past, present and future combine into one. Admission: Free. 402.595-2122.
—artscouncil.nebraska.gov
Baright Gallery Art Series Exhibit
May 1-July 7 at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, 1111 N. Bellevue Blvd. This annual series features a different artist, or group of artists, each quarter. This time around, the group is Community. Community is a non-juried, salon style exhibit that celebrates the creativity of Fontenelle Forest members, neighbors, staff, volunteers and friends. The exhibit will be vibrant and diverse, featuring artists of any age, working in any medium or style. Admission: $11. 402.731.3140.
—fontenelleforest.org
Picasso, Master in Clay
May 1-Aug. 22 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S 25th St. The whimsical works of one of history’s most iconic artists is at El Museo Latino. The exhibition features more than 55 of the legendary Pablo Picasso’s stylized ceramics. On loan from the Park West Museum, this substantial collection is on display for the first time in Omaha. Admission: $5 adults, $4 college students with ID, $3.50 seniors and children ages 5-17, and free to children under 5 and active military with ID. 402.731.1137.
—elmuseolatino.org
SPONTANEITY: 10 Abstract Painters from Nebraska
Through May 17 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. This exhibition features artwork by 10 abstract and abstract expressionist artists from Nebraska. Enjoy their spontaneous, gestural and colorful paintings. Admission: free. 402.305.1510.
—gallery1516.org
Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked The World
May 30 through Sept. 6 at the Durham Museum. Visitors can explore the history of the world’s most recognized musical instrument at this exhibit. It will feature more than 60 guitars and nearly 100 historical artifacts that display the heart of music. Admission: $11 adults, $7 children 3-12, $8 seniors (62+). Free for museum members. 402.444.5071.
—durhammuseum.org
Liv Schulman: The Gobernment
May 1-June 13 at Bemis Center, 724 S. 12th St. Paris-based artist Schulman’s multi-channel video The Gobernment is described as a fictional historical revision of the lives of forgotten women artists. This will be the first presentation of her work in the U.S. Admission: free. 402.341.7130.
—bemiscenter.org
Claudia Wieser: Generations
May 1-June 13 at Bemis Center, 724 S 12th St #3202. Wieser is a Bavarian artist whose hand-painted sculptures, gold-leafed drawings, and multi-media installations show her appreciation for classical forms, as well as abstract geometrics. Admission: free. 402.341.7130.
—bemiscenter.org
Taking It To The Streets: Grading Downtown Omaha
May 1-June 21 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. This educational photography exhibit shows images of the extensive street projects in downtown Omaha that took place throughout the 1880s-1920s. Viewers can learn about the projects that shaped Omaha and see how the streets have changed. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12). 402.444.5071.
—durhammuseum.org
Sporty Women: The Desire to Compete
Through Dec. 31 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Equal treatment for women in sports is as modern a topic today as it was for women 100 years ago. This exhibit uses images from the Durham Museum Photo Archive that highlight elements of conflicting standards that allowed women to compete in sports if they maintained their feminine appearance. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12). 402.444.5071.
—durhammuseum.org
Stage Performances
Temporary Insanity
May 1-17 at Bellevue Little Theatre, 203 W Mission Ave. Main characters Collyn and Emerson run a marketing firm and are trying to land major client despite several unusual obstacles. Times vary. Tickets: $18 adults, $16 seniors, $10 students with valid ID. 402.291.1554.
—bellevuelittletheatre.weebly.com
Mark Normand
May 3 at Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St, Suite 201. Normand’s hilarious stand up acts have taken him across the United Sates and abroad. He has appeared on Conan, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert. 7:00 p.m. Tickets: $15-$45. 402.493.8036.
—omaha.funnybone.com
National Geographic Live Series — Extreme Cave Diving
May 12 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Attendees can voyage into the beautiful but dangerous “blue holes” of the Bahamas through stunning images and video from diver Kenny Broad. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $12-$28. 402.345.0202.
—o-pa.org
Christopher Titus
May 27 at Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St., Suite 201. Titus is a comedian and actor. His satirical stand up act revolves around his dysfunctional family and shocking life experiences. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $25-$55. 402.493.8036.
—omaha.funnybone.com
The Color Purple
May 29 through June 28 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Alice Walker and the Oscar-nominated film by Steven Spielberg, The Color Purple is an intimate coming-of-age story set in rural Georgia and told through jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues. Times vary. Tickets: not yet available.
—omahaplayhouse.com
Concerts
1200 Club — Grace Kelly
May 2 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Saxophonist Grace Kelly is shaking up the jazz world. Kelly mixes jazz, funk, R&B, an electro-dance beat and soulful lyrics in a performance that is unlike any other. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $19-$40. 402.345.0202.
—o-pa.org
Satsang
May 2 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. 9 p.m. Satsang is a Sanskrit word meaning “in the company of truth.” Lead singer and songwriter Drew McManus will share his soulful, reggae-infused blend of folk-rock and melodic hip hop and its message of strength, growth, and resilience. Tickets: $18 advanced, $20 day of show. 402.884.5707.
—reverblounge.com
Archers of Loaf
May 2 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Archers of Loaf is an American indie rock band originally formed in Chapel Hill, NC. Before breaking up in 1998, the group toured extensively and released four studio albums and several other works. In 2011, the band played a secret show in North Carolina and decided to get back together after. In February, the band released their first new song since 1998: “Raleigh Days.” 9 p.m. Tickets: $25. 402.884.5353.
—waitingroomlounge.com
Super Happy Funtime Burlesque final show
May 3 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. SHFB Is a 12 member live band, a burlesque troupe, and a circus act that is too contemporary, too modern, too bawdy, and too controversial to be defined just as “burlesque.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 402.884.5353
—waitingroomlounge.com
Read Southhall Band
May 7 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Born and raised in the heart of Oklahoma, Read Southall brings a unique sound to country music. Growing up listening to everything from Hank Williams to Johnny Paycheck led him to fall in love with the soulful stories behind country music. 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402.884.5353.
—waitingroomlounge.com
Wilkins Conducts Mahler
May 8-9 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Mahler’s final movement has been described as “the most sublime in all symphonic literature.” With features for mezzo-soprano, women and children’s choruses, trombone and a massive ensemble, audiences will experience the greatness that is Mahler. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $19-$260. 402.345.0202.
—o-pa.org
Sebastian Lane
May 8 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This popular local blues player will perform with The Host Country, and Andrew Bailie 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $12 advanced, $15 day of show. 402.345.7569.
—theslowdown.com
Wild Rivers
May 11 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. With exquisite harmonies, gorgeous melodies, and emotionally charged, tightly crafted lyrics, Wild Rivers deliver their unique blend of folk-pop songs that are inviting and infectious. Their sound is an amalgamation of their various influences, from contemporaries like The Lumineers, Bahamas and Kacey Musgraves, to the iconic storytellers of the 70s, like James Taylor, Neil Young, and Fleetwood Mac. 8 p.m. Tickets: $16 advanced, $20 day of show. 402.884.5707.
—reverblounge.com
Science Cafe
May 12 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Science Cafes involve a conversation with a scientist about current topics. They are open to everyone (21 and older). The casual meeting place, plain language, and inclusive conversation create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for people with no science background. 7 p.m. Tickets: Free 402.345.7569.
—theslowdown.com
The 1975
May 13 at Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St. Multi award-winning British pop rock band the 1975 has a new album and an extensive new tour. Phoebe Bridges and Beabadoobee will open this show. 7 p.m. Tickets: $37-$77. 402.554.6200.
—unomaha.edu
Bad Bad Hats & Wildermiss
May 13 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Co-headliners Bad Bad Hats and Wildermiss are two Indie bands known to play their hearts out during their live shows. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12 advanced, $15 day of show. 402.345.7569.
—theslowdown.com
Andrea Von Kampen
May 14 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Kampen is an independent folk singer-songwriter based in Lincoln. Her effortless vocal delivery has been described by Ear To The Ground Music as having “the conviction of a gospel track and the sincerity of a Dylan folk ballad.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $13 advanced, $15 day of show. 402.345.7569.
—theslowdown.com
David Ryan Harris
May 14 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. This singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist always sings, writes and performs with soul. He has performed with the likes of John Mayer, Dave Matthews and Santana. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 402.884.5707
—reverblounge.com
William Eliott Whitmore
May 15 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This local musician will play his fans’ favorites. 9 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402.884.5353.
—waitingroomlounge.com
The Devil Makes Three
May 17 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This trio is rooted in troubadour traditions of wandering folk, Delta blues, whiskey-soaked ragtime and reckless rock and roll. Their poetic lyrics unfold like short stories. 8 p.m. Tickets: $17 advanced, $20 day of show. 402.884.5353.
—waitingroomlounge.com
Southern Culture on the Skids
May 19 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. This American rock band from Chapel Hill, NC has been playing together for more than 30 years. Their legendary live shows are feature foot-stomping rock and roll that audiences can be sure to enjoy. 8 p.m. Tickets: $17 advanced, $20 day of show. 402.884.5353.
—waitingroomlounge.com
Molchat Doma
May 21 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. 9 p.m. Tickets: $15 advanced, $20 day of show. 402.884.5353.
—waitingroomlounge.com
Byrne & Kelly
May 21 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Driven by dynamic vocal harmonies, this duo seamlessly combines genres like traditional Irish and Americana to create a fresh, Celtic folk sound that has been compared to iconic folk-rock duos like Simon & Garfunkel and The Everly Brothers. 7 p.m. Tickets: $38. 402.884.5707.
—reverblounge.com
Night Moves
May 22 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave.
9 p.m. Tickets: $13. 402.884.5707.
—reverblounge.com
American Dookie — The Ultimate Tribute to Green Day
May 22 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. American Dookie is Iowa’s Green Day tribute band. They will be playing hits, as well as deep cuts, from Green Day’s “Dookie” through “Revolution Radio” albums. 8 p.m. Tickets: $10. 402.884.5353.
—waitingroomlounge.com
The Bobby Lees & Unexplained Death
May 24 at Lookout Lounge, 320 S. 72nd St. The Bobby Lees are a bone-shaking rock band out of Woodstock, NY. Their new track ‘GutterMilk’ and upcoming album were produced by underground punk-legend Jon Spencer of the Blues Explosion. 8 p.m. Tickets: $8. 402.391.2554.
—lookoutomaha.com
Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats
May 27 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Uncle Acid and the deadbeats have been making extraordinary psychedelic rock music since 2009. They combine elements of hard rock, turbo-blues, psychedelic pop and metal to create a sound unlike any other. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $22 advanced, $25 day of show. 402.345.7569.
—theslowdown.com
Good to be king
May 29 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This local band is performing Labor Day Weekend. 8:30 p.m. Tickets: $12 advanced, $15 day of show. 402.345.7569.
—theslowdown.com
1200 Club — Matthew Whitaker
May 30 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Pianist Matthew Whitaker joyfully mixes old-school jazz with new school sounds. The 18-year-old is celebrated as a passionate musical prodigy, having opened for Stevie Wonder at the Apollo Theatre at age 10. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $19-$40. 402.345.0202.
—o-pa.org
Soul of Motown
May 30-31 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Matt Catingub, dynamic vocalists and the Omaha Symphony will perform hit after hit during this terrific tribute to the Motown Sound. Audiences can expect to groove to top hits from The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson and more. Times vary. Tickets: $19-$170. 402.345.0202.
—o.pa.org
Family & More
CSAs and Farmer’s Markets
Gardening season is open in Omaha, and those desiring fresh produce will find plenty of options in the area, along with artisan cheeses, farm-raised meats, freshly baked breads, assorted treats, and craft items.
There are several Community Supported Agriculture packages in the area supplying fresh produce through the season. An official list is printed at localharvest.org, but here are some that are ready to offer Omahans fresh produce for a share.
Big Muddy Urban Farm
—bigmuddyurbanfarm.com
Terrapin Acres
—Search Terrapin Acres on Facebook
Theilen Produce Gardens
—theilenproduce.com
Wenninghoff’s
—wenninghoff.com
Omaha Magazine is hopeful that the Farmer’s Markets will open during the season. Because of that, here are the times and dates for the local markets. Attendees are encouraged to check with organizers for availability before attending any market.
Council Bluffs (Bayliss Park)
4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays
Old Market (11th and Jackson streets)
8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays
Village Pointe (168th and Dodge streets)
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays
Aksarben Village (67th and Center streets) 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays
Papillion (84th and Lincoln streets)
5-8 p.m. Wednesdays
Night Market (Turner Park @ Midtown Crossing)
6 p.m.-10 p.m. Last Friday of the month
Florence Mill (9102 N. 30th St.)
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays
Rockbrook Village (110th and Center streets) 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays
Gifford Park (33rd and California streets) 5-8 p.m. Fridays
Omaha Lit Festival Nightly Readings
Ongoing, online. Local authors are reading from their books each night around 6 p.m.
—facebook.com/pg/OmahaLitFest/videos/
Local Authors to check out
Ongoing. Several local authors have published books in the last year. Many are available in Kindle edition, some are available on Amazon, still others are available in bookstores.
Baldwin, James M.M. Do Ants Have Souls?
Baker, Lindsey. This is Bad.
Coutley, Lisa Fay. Tether.
Crucet, Jennine Capo. My Time Among the Whites.
McGowan, James. The Brigands, Repenter, Players of the Game Book 1, and Repenter, The Hidden Chapters.
McKinstry-Brown, Sarah. This Bright Darkness.
Montag, Kassandra. After the Flood.
Stokely, Kim. The Light Unleashed, Portals of
Ayden Book 3
Vaughan, Carson. Zoo Nebraska
Walker, Sally J. Desert Time, second edition; Learn Genre Film Secrets; Learn Screenwriting; Letting Go of Sacred Things, second edition; Meeting People; and A Writer’s Year, second edition.
Wheeler, Ted. In Our Other Lives
Animals & Nature Day
May 2 at Gifford Farm, 700 Camp Gifford Road. Visitors can spend time with the animals, explore the outdoor nature classroom, and spend time with other special animal and nature groups at Gifford Farm. There will also be three hands-on animal presentations with the animals throughout the morning. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m. Admission: $5. 402.597.4920.
—esu3.org
Yoga Rocks the Park
Starting May 3 at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St. This healing arts festival takes place on Sundays and combines yoga and live music as a way to heal your mind and body. This event occurs each Sunday through the end of June. Registration starts at 3:45 p.m., yoga starts at 4 p.m. Admission: free. 402.557.6006.
—midtowncrossing.com
Food Truck Rodeo — Spring Edition
May 15 in downtown Benson on Military Ave. The fifth annual Food Truck Rodeo put on by Food & Spirits Magazine, 1% Productions and Reverb Lounge will feature numerous food trucks, a beer garden and multiple outdoor bars. 4-11 p.m. Admission: free. 402.884.5707
—reverblounge.com
Land Stewardship: Volunteer Work Day
May 16 at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Volunteer with the Land Stewardship crew on selected Saturday mornings. Lunch is provided and anyone is welcome to join. Bring the family and get some hard work done. 8:30-11:30 a.m. 402.731.3140.
—fontenelleforest.org
Omaha Sports Commission Awards
May 28 at Holland Center for Performing Arts, 1200 Douglas St. Join the Omaha Sports Commission and the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame for their inaugural award ceremony as they recognize local sports stars. 7 p.m. Tickets: $80. 402.916.9444.
—omahasports.org
Turner Park Night Market
May 29 at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St. Visitors can come to Midtown Crossing for an evening market with local vendors, food, activities, music, and attractions. This event occurs the last Friday of each month, May-September. 6-10 p.m. Admission: free. 402.557.6006.
—midtowncrossing.com
This calendar first appeared in the May 2020 issue of Omaha Magazine.
