CONCERT
WALLOWS
The Astro Theater
Feb. 6
8302 City Centre Dr.
theastrotheater.com
An American alternative rock band from Los Angeles, Wallows, is coming to Omaha. Their first album, "Pleaser," which they recorded independently in 2017 quickly hit No. 2 on the Spotify Global Viral 50 chart. In 2018 they signed with Atlantic Records and released their major studio debut album. Dylan Minnette, the band’s guitarist and vocalist, is also known for acting in shows such as "Grey's Anatomy," Netflix’s "13 Reasons Why," "Supernatural," and more. The tour is to celebrate their newest album, "Model," which was released in March 2024. The album had a short film that accompanied it that was announced at the same time. 531.283.5212
STAGE PERFORMANCE
INSIDIOUS: THE FURTHER YOU FEAR
The Orpheum Omaha
Jan. 22
409 S. 16th St.
o-pa.org
Be transported into the world of the 2010s-2020s horror film franchise "Insidious." The live stage show will use terrifying special effects, revolutionary technology, modern illusions, and more to fully immerse audience members into terror. The live show is hosted by actors portraying Specs and Tucker, the original paranormal investigators that inspired the movie series, as they accidentally unleash dark horrors. Catch iconic "Insidious" characters such as the Red Face Demon, the Bride in Black, and the Wheezing Man onstage. The audience will become trapped in a haunted theater and wonder what is a part of the show and what is chillingly real. 402.345.0606
EXHIBITION
SYNCHRONICITIES: INTERSECTING FIGURATION WITH ABSTRACTION
The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
Jan. 18-May 4
724 S. 12th St.
bemiscenter.org
Celebrating the fluidity of art and artists navigating the space between abstraction and figuration, "Synchronicities: Intersecting Figuration with Abstraction" will bring a visual art journey to Omaha. Featuring art by Carolyn Salas, Heather Rasmussen, Sheree Hovsepian, Liz McCarthy, Laura Hart Newlon, Sondra Perry, Leia Genis, Amy Pleasant, and Christina Quarles. The artists invite guests to interpret the layered meanings of the pieces. Carolyn Salas’ sculpture work combines geometric lines and organic shapes. Heather Rasmussen uses photography to capture ethereal moments of nature. The showcase of all of the artists together brings the conversation of the human experience to the table. Each work in the exhibit encapsulates the flow of art and natural life intersecting with emotion. 402.341.7130
EXHIBITIONS
BEYOND COMBAT: WORLD WAR I THROUGH THE LENS OF “DOC” COOK
Through Jan. 12 at The Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Explore the untold stories of World War I through the captivating photography of R.H. “Doc” Cook, a military engineer who captured life beyond the battlefield. This temporary exhibition showcases images from Cook’s collection, revealing the vital work of the 313th Engineers, from building bridges to restoring war-torn regions. With a dedicated theater area for viewing additional photographs, this exhibition offers a unique and immersive experience of World War I history. 402.444.5071
—durhammuseum.org
EVA LEWITT
Through Jan. 20 at The Joslyn, 2200 Dodge St. See the whimsy of sculpting come to life through Eva Lewitt’s work. Her goal is to challenge the function of materials and space. The exhibit, within The Joslyn’s Riley Contemporary Artists Project Gallery, encourages visitors to question their expectation of the space. Lewitt’s work is rooted in play and brings together the abstract styles of minimalism and conceptualism. 402.342.3300
—joslyn.org
ABRAHAM LINCLON: PRESIDENT, EMANCIPATOR, CORPORATE PITCHMAN
Jan. 25-April 27, at The Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. This immersive and multi-sensory exhibit will bring one of America’s most loved and iconic figures to life. The exhibit will highlight all of Lincoln's roles throughout his life. The president who led our country through the Civil War, the emancipator who worked to abolish slavery, the lead in modern advertising, and praised American. Merging history with visual art, tactile images, and sound will allow all guests to step into Lincoln’s shoes. Learn more about an iconic American President only at The Durham Museum.
402.444.5071
— durhammuseum.org
GLOW AT THE KIEWIT LUMINARIUM
Through Jan. 26 at The Kiewit Luminarium, 345 Riverfront Dr. GLOW returns to The Kiewit Luminarium for another year. The exhibit explores the science of light around the holiday season. Guests will get a chance to see immersive art installations that use light as a medium, participate in science programming from biology to astrophysics, and even try a glowing drink. The light art featured is from both local and international artists. GLOW is free with a daytime ticket or general admission ticket. Learn about the wonders of light with the whole family. 402.502.3366
— kiewitluminarium.org
CLÉMENT COGITORE: LES INDES GALANTES
Through Feb. 23 at The Joslyn, 2200 Dodge St. Clément Cogitore combines cinema, photography, and installations to comment on all notions of the sacred. Ritual and memory come together through this film, which brings together a moving Baroque soundtrack and dance to tell a moving story. The choreography is K.R.U.M.P., a dance style that was formed in Los Angeles as early as the 1960s. Les Indes Galantes takes its title and music from a 1735 opera-ballet by French composer Jean-Philippe Rameau. 402.342.3300
—joslyn.org
ED RUSCHA: PAPER
Through Feb. 23 at The Joslyn, 2200 Dodge St.
Discover the world of a celebrated California artist in Ed Ruscha: Paper. Known for his pop art explorations, Ruscha transforms everyday subjects—such as roadside gas stations, consumer products, and commercial logos—into extraordinary art. His fascination with colloquial speech is evident in his use of witty wordplay, puns, and catchphrases, which add a layer of intrigue to his works. These pieces, part of a recent gift to the museum, span over six decades and feature a variety of media and techniques, from ink and acrylic to pencil, pastel, and even gunpowder. 402.342.3300
—joslyn.org
ANTARCTIC DINOSAURS
Feb. 25-May 4, at The Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Embark on a thrilling paleontology adventure and witness the latest discovery in Antarctica: Dinosaurs! The now ice-covered frozen continent was once a lush habitat for creatures 200 million years ago. Guests will learn about the dinosaurs that inhabited Antartica with real fossils, engaging elements, interactive activities, and more. The exhibit features a meteorite from Antartica, real Cryolophosaurus and Glacialisaurus dinosaur skeletons, and large-scale replicas from touchable casts to interactive 3D models. Bring the entire family to learn about the “lost continent” and the life of a scientist explorer.
402.444.5071
— durhammuseum.org
CONCERTS
BIG HEAD TODD AND THE MONSTERS 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Jan. 9 at The Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Not all friend groups stand the test of time; however, Big Head Todd and The Monsters have been a band of friends for almost four decades. The quartet of friends has gone platinum for their original rock and roll blues sound. Notably, they played their song “Blue Sky” live at NASA Mission Control, have toured with Neil Diamond, The Eagles, Dave Matthews Band, and more. This 40th anniversary tour will highlight their hits and bring their incredible stage presence to Omaha.
402.345.7569
— theslowdown.com
NIRVANI
Jan. 11 at The Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Formed in 2021, this Nirvana tribute experience lights up stages with nostalgia every time they rock a stage. The band has said that for them it is so much more than a tribute. It’s playing an homage to the golden era of rock music, and shining a light on how much Nirvana marked that era as their own. Each of the three band members are dedicated to accurately portraying both the appearances and the musical styles of Cobain, Novoselic, and Grohl. Grab your tickets to go back in time and see Nirvani.
402.345.7569
— theslowdown.com
ZACH TOP
Jan. 16 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Zach Top grew up on Sunnyside, WA, loving classic country music and working on the family farm. He formed a band with his siblings at 7-years-old and is now hailed by Rolling Stone as one of the “hottest acts right now.” His debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, racked up over 3.5 million streams. He was nominated for New Artist of the Year at the 58th annual CMA Awards. Grab your friends and your cowboy hat to hear Zach Top at Steelhouse in Omaha. 402.345.0606
— steelhouseomaha.com
NOT QUITE BROTHERS
Jan. 17 at The Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Hailing from Central Iowa, Not Quite Brothers is the fastest growing cover band from the area. The band formed in 2018 and became known for their ability to light up any party and their show-stopping setlists. The grossing cover band of the younger generation is made up of a set of twins and three not quite related brothers. Watch Not Quite Brothers play favorites of every genre thinkable and be transported to the prime time of the groups.
402.345.7569
— theslowdown.com
THE ULTIMATE DOORS: A TRIBUTE TO THE DOORS
Jan. 25 at The Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Formed with the intention of preserving The Doors sound and energy, The Ultimate Doors bring a unique experience to fans young and old. Their intense attention to detail is the key to their perfected replication of The Doors sound. They even have the exact same equipment as The Doors used in the 1960s, complete with vintage clothing. Be transported back to the 60s and watch the band perfectly portray Jim Morrison, Ray Manzarek, Robby Krieger and John Densmore. 402.345.7569
— theslowdown.com
COLLECTIVE SOUL
Feb. 11 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Atlanta based post-grunge rock band, Collective Soul, is made up of brothers Ed and Dean Roland, Will Turpin, Johnny Rabb, and Jesse Triplett. They have been active since 1992 and have released numerous albums. In 1994, their single “Shine” got them recognized by Atlantic Records and hit number one on the Mainstream Rock and places fourth on the Mainstream Top 40 chart the same year. The following album caused them to go triple platinum and spend 76 weeks on the Billboard 200. In 2024, the band released their very first double album titled Here to Eternity which they recorded at Elvis Presley’s estate. The nationwide tour is in celebration of the double album and will be alongside Hootie & the Blowfish and Edwin McCain. A tour fans and newcomers alike don’t want to miss. 402.345.0606
— steelhouseomaha.com
HIPPO CAMPUS: FLOOD TOUR
Feb. 15 at The Astro Theater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Hailing from Saint Paul, MN, the band is inspired by UK bands Little Comets and King Krule. Their alternative indie pop music has lit up numerous stages. They have performed at Lollapalooza, South by Southwest, Hinterland Music Festival, as well as being on Conan. In 2017 the band was named one of NPR Music’s favorite new artists. The FLOOD Tour is for their new album, Flood, which was released in September of 2024. 531.283.5212
— theastrotheater.com
NEWSBOYS: WORLDWIDE REVIVAL NIGHTS
Feb. 16 at The Astro Theater, 8302 City Centre Dr. The Newsboys are a Christian rock band originally hailing from Australia and formed in 1985. They have released 17 studio albums, six of them have gone golden. They have had featured appearances in the God’s Not Dead movie trilogy alongside their music career. Their Worldwide Revival Nights Tour is their 40th tour, going nationwide. Hear hits from the band’s discography as well as the tracks on the two-part album, only at The Astro Theater. 531.283.5212
— theastrotheater.com
THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY
Feb. 20 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. The Black Jacket Symphony is a group of carefully hand-picked musicians that specialize in rock and roll. They play through entire albums as if the audience just put the vinyl on and listened in entirety. The group has been wowing audiences for the past 13 years, mastering over 40 classic rock albums. The musicians study each album, no small detail or beat is gone unstudied, and they work to perfectly reproduce the tracks. Come hear an album from their rock studded discography like never before at Steelhouse Omaha. 402.345.0606
— steelhouseomaha.com
MOLCHAT DOMA
Feb. 24 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. The Belausian new wave synth pop group, Molchat Doma, will make their way to Omaha this Feb.. Since the band’s orgin in 2017, they have released four albums and peaked at number two on the Spotify Viral 50 in 2018 for their song “Bedpan” from the Floors album. The band has described their sound as “post-punk, new wave, and darker ends of synth-pop” with their drum machine and dystopian sound. Watch Molchat Doma turn Steelhouse Omaha into a gloomy rock atmosphere. 402.345.0606
— steelhouseomaha.com
TYLER BRADEN: THE DEVIL YOU KNOW TOUR
Feb. 28 at The Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. With over 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Tyler Braden is the country artist who will set the world on fire with his sound. The tour will shine a light on his debut EP Neon Grave and his single Devil You May Know. The six tracks within Neon Grave showcase his original and dynamic approach to country sound. The songs bring out his personal experiences and emotions. Watch Tyler Braden bring Neon Grave to life and light up The Slowdown this Feb.. 402.345.7569
— theslowdown.com
STAGE PERFORMANCES
CLUE
Jan. 7-12 at The Orpheum Omaha, 409 S 16th St. Based on the loved 1985 Paramount movie and the classic 1949 Hasbro board game, Clue the stage performance will come to Omaha at The Orpheum. Six mysterious guests come together at the Boddy Manor for an unforgettable night of mingling. The iconic whodunit will play out in front of audiences, as guests decipher whether it was Professor Plum in the library with a wrench or Mrs. Peacock in the lounge with the candlestick live. Grab your friends and family for this comedic show that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last second.
402.345.0606
— o-pa.org
WAITRESS
Jan. 14-Feb. 16 at the Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. The Tony Award-winning musical based off the book by Jessie Nelson, Waitress follows a pie-maker's journey through life’s troubles. Jenna, small town pie-maker, is trapped in a small town and an unsatisfying marriage. She is working hard day and night to open her own pie shop, a lifelong dream, but an unplanned pregnancy may get in the way. This musical featuring music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Sara Bareilles is a must see. Grab your friends and family to come see the musical that Entertainment Weekly called “a little slice of heaven,” grace the stage of the Omaha Community Playhouse. 402.553.0800
— omahaplayhouse.com
KATHLEEN MADIGAN
Jan. 17 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Stand-up comedian and tv personality Kathleen Madigan was born in Florissant, Missouri, as one of seven children. Her comedy career has taken her many places, including having a job with The Funny Bone nationwide chain, being on numerous tv shows such as late-night talk shows and Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, and she has done many tours. In 2020, Madigan started her own comedy podcast, Madigan’s Podcast, to bring her humor to more people in a new way. Come one come all to the comedy show you must see, Kathleen Madigan at Steelhouse Omaha. 402.345.0606
— steelhouseomaha.com
SECRET KINDNESS AGENTS
Jan. 17-Feb. 2 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. Secret Kindness Agents follows secret agents Glitter Waffles, Chameleon, Stinger, and Ringleader as they have been recruited by the undercover Agent Sunflower. Agent Sunflower is currently undercover as the Ellis Elementary School counselor. Their mission: to make their school a kinder environment. The spies will battle keeping their identity secret, the winter blues which has swept over the school, and decoding messages from headquarters. This show, which The Rose calls a “spy-tastic adventure play,” is a glitter filled show for all ages in Omaha. 402.345.4849
— rosetheater.org
MATT MATHEWS
Jan. 25 at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Photographer and Comedian Matt Mathews will come to Steelhouse Omaha to blow Omaha away. Matthews had always known he wanted to be an entertainer. He sang as a child but found an eventual love in photography and comedy. Attending nursing school, he did photography on the side for extra cash until he realized it was his true passion. He is touring all across the nation with his comedy special set and will stop in Omaha during his busy tour. Get ready for Matt Matthews at Steelhouse Omaha Jan. 25. 402.345.0606
— steelhouseomaha.com
BROADWAY, MY WAY
Feb. 1 at the Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz will come to the Omaha Community Playhouse for a night of singing and storytelling. Butz hailed from a large family, being seventh of 11 children, and has been on the tv screen and plenty of famous Broadway stages. He is one of only nine actors to ever win a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Broadway Musical twice. His signature roles, which he originated, include Fiyero in Wicked and Jamie in The Last Five Years. Don’t miss the chance to hear Butz bring hit songs from his roles back to life and tell industry anecdotes along the way. 402.553.0800
— omahaplayhouse.com
APPROPRIATE
Feb. 6-March 2 at the Blue Barn Theatre, 1106 S 10th St. In this dark comedy show, audiences will watch as the Lafayette family discovers ancestral histories and more about each other after the death of their father. Toni thought that the trip back to Arkansas to clean out his father’s estate would be a time to honor memories and reconnect. Little does he know what is in store. An estranged brother shows up, disturbing and mysterious objects are everywhere, fights break out, and secrets are spilled in this fast-paced comedy show. 402.345.1576
— bluebarn.org
KIMBERLY AKIMBO
Feb. 11-16 at The Orpheum Omaha, 409 S 16th St. The musical which won five 2023 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Kimberly Akimbo, will come to The Orpheum theatre for their Broadway tour. The musical follows Kimberly, a teen girl about to turn 16 and is the new girl in town. The show, which The New Yorker calls a “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show,” highlights dysfunctional families, teen life with a rare genetic condition, having a first crush, and more. Don’t miss your chance to see the most Tony Award-winning show of the season. 402.345.0606
— o-pa.org
BEN BAILY
Feb. 15 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Comedian Ben Baily will come to perform live in Omaha. Famous for hosting the three-time Emmy Award-winning game show Cash Cab as well as Who’s Still Standing, Ben Baily specializes in observational comedy and satirical jokes. Baily has guest-starred on shows such as 30 Rock, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Brain Games, and more. Prior to starring in Cash Cab and having specials on Comedy Central, Baily began his comedy career as a bouncer for a comedy club and made his way to major comedy festivals across the world.
402.345.0606
— o-pa.org
TAMMY PESATELLI
Feb. 16 at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St. Pesatelli brings her own take on all things from sports, to tv, to family life, and dating. Her sets using tongue in cheek humor are relatable to every audience. Not just sticking to standup comedy, she also dabbles in television with guest star roles on tv and movies. She was a guest star on “Blue Bloods” and will be in the movie “Nonna’s” starring Vince Vaughn and Susan Sarandon. Bring your friends and family to see Tammy Pesatelli bring endless laughter to Funny Bone and leave wishing she was your won best friend and sister. 402.493.8036
— omaha.funnybone.com
DOT
Feb. 21-March 23 at the Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. The New York Times describes this play as “a thoroughly entertaining comedy-drama.” The play follows the Shealy household from West Philedelphia as Dotty Shealy, mother of three adult children, battles developing dementia during the holiday season. Her children must figure out how to care for the woman who took care of them. The play doesn’t miss comedy, showing the amusing parts of family life even through a struggle. Bring your own family to watch Dot at The Omaha Community Playhouse. 402.553.0800
— omahaplayhouse.com
FRAGGLE ROCK LIVE
Feb. 23 at The Orpheum Omaha, 409 S 16th St. Jim Henson’s 1983 smash hit, Fraggle Rock, comes to life onstage with the Fraggle Rock Live stage show. Everyone’s favorite Fraggles will make an appearance. Doozers and Gorg’s interactive, exciting, musical adventure is perfect for guests of any age. The musical follows the story of Gobo Fraggle discovering the legend of a lost Fraggle treasure called the Song Stone. His pals join him on the journey to find the Song Stone as they discover more about themselves. Lifelong fans and kids of all ages will love Fraggle Rock Live. 402.345.0606
— o-pa.org
JOE GATTO
Feb. 28 at The Orpheum Omaha, 409 S 16th St. Joe Gatto, most known for being a part of the four-person comedy show success Impractical Jokers will come to Omaha. After just touring for two years on his Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy Tour which sold out theaters across the U.S., Canada, and Australia, he is back on the tour circuit. Throughout his personal tours and tours with the Impractical Jokers, he has sold out venues such as Madison Square Garden. Grab your tickets before he sells out Omaha too.
402.345.0606
— o-pa.org
FAMILY, FESTIVALS, & MORE
SAPPHIC FACTORY: QUEER JOY PARTY
Jan. 3 at The Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Grab your friends and dance to the music of Muna, Fletcher, Phoebe Bridgers, Boy Genius, Kim Petras, Marina, Elio, Ashnikko, Girl in Red, Tegan and Sara, and more. The event is collaborating with Plus1 to give a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales to local LGBTQIA+ nonprofits and charities. Put on your sequins, grab your lashes, and celebrate queer joy in Omaha at Sapphic Factory in The Slowdown. 402.345.7569
— theslowdown.com
THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
Jan. 9 at Baxter Arena, 2425 S 67th St. Representing over 90 years of trick shots and exhibition, The Harlem Globetrotters will come to Omaha’s Bater Arena to wow crowds. Originating in 1926 from the South Side of Chicago, the team combines entertainment, athleticism, comedy, theater, and more into their play. Their current roster features men and women basketball players showing off tricks as well as their two mascots, Globie and Big G. Whether guests are basketball fans, athletes themselves, or comedy lovers, they will be in awe and laughter throughout a night with The Harlem Globetrotters. 402.554.6200
— baxterarena.com
ODDITIES AND CURRIOSITIES EXPO 2025
Jan. 25 & 26 at the CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. The world’s largest traveling oddities event is making a stop in Omaha. The expo will highlight specialized vendors, dealers, artists, small businesses, and weird things alike. Get a look at taxidermy, specimens, artwork, horror, antiques, handcrafted work, funeral collectibles, and more. For lovers of the strange, the 2025 Oddities and Curiosities Expo at the CHI Health Center is the place for you. See all things weird and bizarre for yourself. 402.341.1500
— chihealthcenteromaha.com
VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER
Feb. 14 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. The Lauritzen Gardens hails their dinner as “one of the most beautiful Valentine’s Day dinners in Omaha,” a night of romance and gourmet food for all. This three-course meal will feature a first course of goat cheese, pistachio, dried apricot, and sweet potato salad as well as a decadent miniature dessert platter for their final course. Guests can choose between five different main courses to customize their evening, making it perfect for their taste. Enjoy a romantic and delicious night with your loved one surrounded by the beauty of Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens. 402.346.4002
— lauritzengardens.org
B YOURS BRIDAL SHOW
Feb. 16 at Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass St. The enchanting evening for future brides in Omaha, the Forever Yours Bridal Show will bring Hilton Omaha to life with love and decor. Guests will be immersed in elegance as they discover the latest bridal trends, rings, gowns, florals, and more. Guests will also get the chance to meet and connect with top wedding professionals from across the country. They will sample gourmet catering, participate in DIY workshops, and explore possibilities for their big day. Just like any wedding, this bridal show is perfectly and precisely planned so that everyone in attendance experiences magic. 402.998.3400
— foreveryoursbridalshow.com
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.