FEATURED EVENTS
ART: FLIGHT AND HOPE
Samuel Bak Museum
August 12—December 22
Admission: Free
2289 S 67 St.
This exhibition explores themes of flight, journey, and migration through Samuel Bak’s oeuvre. His work, informed by his experiences as a forced migrant and refugee in the aftermath of World War II, offers a potent reminder of the humanity of migrants, their dreams of freedom, their flight from oppression, their search for home, and the fraught journey they undertake in the hope for a better life. The exhibition paintings depict the ordeal of upheaval but also the hope and tenacity of those fleeing violence. Flight and Hope will situate Bak’s works as part of a broader conversation about the status of refugees in 2023. His paintings remind us that those undergoing this traumatic displacement are human; that individuals caught in conflict long for peace and a home; and that hope is, despite all odds, eternal. 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 10 am to 6 pm Thursday; noon to 4 pm Sunday. 402.554.6100.
MUSIC: CLYDE’S
Omaha Community Playhouse
September 17
Admission: $40
6915 Cass St.
Fresh from Broadway, this production serves up equal parts fire and ferocity. As it should. The play is by Lynn Nottage, who won Pulitzer Prizes for Ruined, which centers on women during the Congolese civil war, and Sweat, which tells the story of steelworkers fighting union-busting managers, as well as themselves. Quick-paced and guffaw-out-loud funny, this production centers on Clyde’s, a restaurant famous for sandwiches and second chances. The kitchen is where previously incarcerated individuals who are part of a transition program work with pride and resilience. As the employees strive for redemption, the restaurant owner, Clyde, ensures that they can’t leave their own purgatory. Full of dark humor, Clyde’s shows that a fresh start is attainable…if you pay the right price. 402.533.0800
FESTIVALS: SEPTEMBERFEST OMAHA
CHI Health Center Lot D
September 1—4
Admission: $7 (Free for 5 and Under)
455 N 10 St.
Since 1977, SeptemberFest has offered entertainment, educational and artistic displays, a carnival, and Omaha’s largest parade. The festival lasts five days, running through Labor Day weekend. The annual Salute to Labor has something for the entire family, from the musical acts in the Beer Garden, to plenty of entertainment for children in the Kiddie Kingdom, to a giant carnival midway for the entire family. SeptemberFest also includes arts & crafts, food, and a number of new special attractions each year. The event draws visitors from a five-state area including Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota. Proceeds from SeptemberFest fund a number of community improvement projects, and the event has been honored with a number of awards. 402.278.2951
EXHIBITIONS
EXHIBITIONS
THE LUNCHBOX: PACKED WITH POP CULTURE
Through September 3 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Featuring over 500 lunchboxes and one-of-a-kind original paintings, the display provides an overview of the history of lunchboxes, insight into the production process, and an educational introduction into the dynamic world of collecting. The Lunchbox demonstrates how lunchboxes are time capsules of American pop culture from the 1950s through the 1980s. Noon to 4 pm Sunday; 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday—Saturday. 402.444.5071.
HONORING 75 YEARS: THE HISTORY OF OMAHA’S WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL PARK
Through September 3 at Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. This exihibition explores the history of Omaha’s seminal park, which was formed from a 65-acre tract of land formerly occupied by the Happy Hollow Country Club and later, the Dundee golf course, to become the site of a permanent tribute to those men and women who served our country in the US military. Noon to 4 pm Sunday; 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday—Saturday. 402.444.5071.
A GENERATION OF HOPE: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES OF THE HEARTLAND
Through September 3 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S 20th St. This exhibition is a celebration of the people who have called this region home for thousands of years. Children can learn about their culture and traditions throughout this interactive exhibit. 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday—Friday; 9 am to 5 pm Saturday—Sunday. 402.342.6164
ABOVE & BEYOND: PRESENTED BY BOEING
Through September 10 at Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, 28210 W Park Hwy, Ashland. Above and Beyond celebrates the power of innovation. Packed with interactive challenges, vehicle concept models and prototypes, immersive media presentations, and inspiring innovator stories, this exhibition invites visitors to experience what it takes to make impossible dreams take flight. Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm. 402.944.3100
PRESENCE IN THE PAUSE: INTERIORITY AND ITS RADICAL IMMANENCE
Through September 17 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Features work focusing on the complexity of everyday relationships through portraits and domestic scenes that examine personhood, memories, and the speeding up and slowing down of contemporary life. 11 am to 5 pm, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; 11 am to 9 pm Thursday. 402.341.7130.
ART FROM THE HEART BY TELAGIO BAPTISTA
Through September 23 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Award-winning artist Telagio Baptista tells stories with a single image. Drawn to visual arts from a young age, he worked in graphic design and then fully dedicated himself to his passion, watercolor painting. His paintings are rooted in realism as he depicts people, places, plants, and animals. Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm. 402.346.4002.
GLASS IN FLIGHT 2 BY ALEX HEVERI
Through October 15 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Guests can discover 16 life-like installations in a sculpture exhibit that showcases the beauty and importance of butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. They can see the giant insects made of steel frames and Dalle de Vera glass, and witness the interaction of sunlight and colored glass alongside the garden’s plant collection. Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm. 402.346.4002.
ERIN HANSON: COLOR ON THE VINE
Through November 5 at Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art, 575 E St, David City. Acclaimed California impressionist painter Erin Hanson presents a solo exhibition of coastal vineyard landscapes. 10 am to 4 pm, Wednesday—Saturday; 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday; 1 to 4 pm, Sunday. 402.367.4488.
JURASSIC NEBRASKA
Through January 2024 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S 20th St. Children can experience what life would be like if dinosaurs were around in their everyday lives; toss a football against some ferocious defenders; explore and discover fossils in a giant dig pit; climb Chimney Rock to look a T-Rex in the eye; and more. 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday—Friday; 9 am to 5 pm Saturday—Sunday. 402.342.6164
CONCERTS
HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR
September 1, 7:30 pm, at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Starring The Turtles, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Vogues, Classics IV, and The Cowsills. The tour will delight audiences with a show full of chart-topping hits from the ’60s and ’70s. 402.345.0606
BLACKBERRY SMOKE
September 7, 7 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. The southern rock band might be known for fuzzed-out electric guitars, but their songs translate equally well to being acoustic play. 402.345.0606.
HERE COME THE MUMMIES
September 7, 7 pm, at The Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. With Perpetual Groove. Here Come the Mummies is an eight-piece funk-rock band of 5000-year-old Egyptian mummies with a one-track mind. Their “Terrifying Funk from Beyond the Grave” is sure to get audiences moving and grooving.
5TH ANNUAL SHADOW RIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL
September 8, 5 pm, at Shadow Ridge Country Club, 1501 S 188 Plaza. This fun festival is headlined by the Barenaked Ladies and Collective Soul and will also feature Toad The Wet Sprocket and The Samples. Attendees can enjoy live music, local foods, and cold brews. 402.333.4020
STAIND
September 10, 8 pm, at Harrah’s Casino Stir Concert Cove, One Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs, IA. Over the course of their career, Staind has released seven studio albums and eight Top 10 singles, selling over 15 million albums worldwide. 712.329.6000.
JAI WOLF
September 11, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. With Evan Giia and Myrne. Evoking the heart-tugging feeling of a cinematic score, Jai Wolf makes electronic pop that conjures a dazzling spectrum of emotions. His audiences will no doubt feel the magical sense of connection. 401.345.7569
COHEED AND CAMBRIA
September 13, 8 pm, at The Admiral, 2234 S 13th St. With special guest Deafheaven. This four-piece band from Nyack, New York, incorporates aspects of pop, heavy metal, and post-hardcore to create their progressive rock sound. 402.706.2205.
DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS
September 14, 8 pm, at The Admiral, 2234 S 13th St. With American Aquarium. Drive-By Truckers pay homage to the Muscle Shoals honky-tonk where founding members Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley got their start: a concrete-floored dive lit like a disco, with the nightly promise of penny beer and truly dubious cover bands. 402.706.2205
JONAS BROTHERS “THE TOUR” 2023
September 16, 7:30 pm, at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. One night. Five albums. The Jonas Brothers’ latest tour will include hits from five of their biggest albums. So whether audiences grew up with hits like “S.O.S.” or are fans of the new stuff, they’ve got it covered. 402.341.1500.
BETH HART
September 16, 8 pm, at The Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. This blues-rock artist is as real as it gets. In a music industry full of glossy production and airbrushed photoshoots, this is one artist who throws down her cards to give audiences an authentic experience.
PARLIAMENT-FUNKADELIC
September 17, 8 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. Headed by George Clinton, this American funk collective has been performing for decades. Audiences can enjoy music from the two groups, Parliament and Funkadelic, that include inductees to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 402.345.0606.
SWANS
September 19, 8 pm, at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. With Norman Westberg. Swans are an experimental rock band formed in 1982 by Michael Gira. Initially part of the new wave scene, Swans have, through various iterations, contributed to the development of noise rock, post-punk, industrial, post-rock, and more. 402.884.5353.
MEDIUM BUILD
September 21, 7 pm, at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. With Rent Madison.
Medium Build finds levity in the rough edges and complications, crafting slice-of-life songs about growing up and making mistakes. Medium Build is an amalgamation of genres and influences centered on approaching life and music with humor, empathy, and casual absurdity. 402.884.5707.
MSSV
September 21, 7 pm, at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Featuring Mike Baggetta, Stephen Hodges, and Mike Watt. With Bad Bad Men. MSSV blends industrial vigor and impressionistic languor into a lingering impression of pressure, combustion, and power. 402.884.5707.
CASEY DONAHEW
September 22, 7:30 pm, at The Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. Over the last 18 years, Casey Donahew has risen from a favorite on the local Texas music scene, racking up 21 #1 singles, to a nationally hot touring act who consistently sells out venues all across the country.
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY
September 22, 8 pm, at The Admiral, 2234 S 13th St. Features Austin, Texas, natives performing passionate, powerful instrumental music. Equal parts romance and tragedy, their beautiful melodies have the tendency to ignite into head-spinning walls of noise. 402.706.2205
AX PLAYS MOZART
September 22-23, 7:30 pm, at Holland Center of Performing Arts, 1200 Douglas St. World renowned pianist Emanuel Ax joins the Omaha Symphony in a performance of one of Mozart’s greatest piano works, Piano Concerto No. 25. 402.345.0606
THE USED
September 23, 7 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. The American punk rock band from Orem, Utah, brings their distinctive sound to Omaha. 402.345.0606.
—steelhouseomaha.com
GOO GOO DOLLS
September 23, 7:30 pm, at The Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. With special guest Fitz & The Tantrums. Multi-platinum, four-time Grammy-nominated rock band the Goo Goo Dolls have spent the summer taking their “Big Night Out Tour” all over the country, including a stop in La Vista.
KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD BAND
September 24, 7:30 pm, at The Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. Twenty-five years into his recording career, Kenny Wayne Shepherd continues to create genre-defining, blues-infused rock & roll. Shepherd has built an enviable resume as an accomplished recording artist and a riveting live performer.
EVERCLEAR
September 27, 6pm, at Barnato, 225 N 170th St, Suite 95. With The Ataris and The Pink Spiders. Everclear returns to Barnato, this time for an indoor, intimate headlining tour experience with big production and a full night of music. 402.964.2021
THE BABYLOK TOUR
September 28, 7 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Featuring BABYMETAL and Dethlok. This Japanese kawaii metal band BABYMETAL has earned success abroad and is joining forces with Dethlok to embark on the Babylok tour. 402.345.0606
311
September 29, 7 pm, at The Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. With special guests AWOLNATION and Blame My Youth. This American rock band was founded here in Omaha. Now with 13 studio albums, the band is returning home during their fall tour.
JORDAN DAVIS
September 28, 7:30 pm, at Liberty First Credit Union Arena, 7300 Q St. With Mike Ryan and Dylan Marlow. Country Music star Jordan Davis will perform hits from his latest album Bluebird Days, among his other hits. 402.934.9966
SAM HUNT
September 29, 8 pm, at Harrah’s Casino Stir Concert Cove, One Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs, IA. With Lily Rose. Earner of nine No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay chart hits, Sam Hunt is bringing his notable country sound to the metro area with his “Summer on the Outskirts” tour. 712.329.6000.
NEXT FROM NASHVILLE WITH TY MARCH
September 29, 8 pm, at Barnato, 225 N 170th St, Suite 95. Nashville up-and-comer Ty March is a unique artist with any equal mix of energetic and emotional tones that will undoubtedly get stuck in your head. 402.964.2021
STEWART COPELAND: POLICE DERANGED FOR ORCHESTRA
September 30, 7:30 pm at Holland Center of Performing Arts, 1200 Douglas St. The high- energy orchestral evening celebrates the work of legendary rock star and composer Stewart Copeland and focuses on the epic rise of his music career that has spanned over four decades. 402.345.0606
BRETT YOUNG: DANCE WITH YOU
September 30, 7:30 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. Features the American country pop singer. 402.345.0606.
STAGE PERFORMANCES
MEREDITH MASONY
September 1, 7:30 pm; September 2, 6 & 8:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St, Village Pointe. Meredith Masony is a wife, mother to three, and the emotional support person to one dog and two cats. Life isn’t supposed to be easy, but at least we can find the funny. Meredith recently finished a 76-city national tour and is ready to get intimate on all of the dirty jobs she does as a mom. 402.493.8036.
THE MOUSETRAP
September 1-3, 7-10, check for showtimes, at Lofte Community Theatre, 15841 Manley Rd, Manley. After a local woman is murdered, the guests and staff at Monkswell Manor find themselves stranded during a snowstorm. It soon becomes clear that the killer is among them. This murder mystery features a brilliant surprise finish from Dame Agatha Christie, the foremost mystery writer of her time. 402.234.2553
STEVE HOFSTETTER
September 3, 7 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Author, columnist, and comedian Steve Hofstetter has made appearances on several primetime series and is one of the top booked acts on the college circuit. He has performed live to sold-out venues across the country and may be adding the Slowdown to that list. 402.345.7569.
QUINN DAHLE
September 6, 7:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St, Village Pointe. Dahle’s comedy appeals to all age groups and ethnicities, and he loves to talk about them all. However, audiences often come back just for his improvisational crowd work where he can be the most spontaneous. 402.493.8036.
OPERA OUTDOORS
September 8, 7 pm, at Turner Park 3110 Farnam St. Join Opera Omaha’s annual kick-off to the 23/24 Season with the return of Opera Outdoors. In its 11th year, this free, family-friendly opera concert for the community will include highlights of the upcoming season in addition to some of opera’s greatest hits. 402.346.7372
ARTHUR & FRIENDS MAKE A MUSICAL
September 8-24 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. From books to screen and now to the stage! Arthur is confronted with the biggest challenge of his life: writing a story about what makes you special. Come along with Arthur & Friends through this musical exploration of what makes us awesome, just as we are. 402.345.4849
KERWIN CLAIBORNE
September 10, 7 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. Featuring comedy from one Mississippi native who has gained a following from his social media videos and nationwide shows. 402.493.8036.
BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL
September 15—October 15, at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Tony Award winner Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is the inspiring true story of singer/songwriter Carole King’s remarkable life, her journey to fame, and the mammoth impact she and her work had on the music industry. While not without strife and heartache, King’s story and unbreakable spirit will capture audiences’ hearts. 402.553.0800
ANCIENT ALIENS
September 21, 7:30 pm at The Astro, 8302 City Center Dr. Featuring Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, William Henry, Nick Pope, and David Childress. The 90-minute live experience celebrates the long-running program “Ancient Aliens” on The History Channel. The panel will discuss thought-provoking extraterrestrial theories on fan-favorite topics from Ancient Egypt to the moon.
—theastrotheater.com
PSYCHIC MEDIUM CINDY KAZA
September 21, 7:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St, Village Pointe. Cindy Kaza is a psychic medium who had her first memorable encounter with a spirit when she was just 10 years old. Kaza now travels across America providing people evidence and messages from the other side. 402.493.8036
—omaha.funnybone.com
MACBETH
September 21—October 22, at Bluebarn Theatre, 1106 S 10th St. Murder, witchcraft, and superstition are steeped into William Shakespeare’s darkest play. The story follows one man and his wife who will stop at nothing to get the Scottish crown. 402.345.1576
MORE
HUTCHFEST 2023
September 3, 10 am at Millwork Commons, 1229 Millwork Ave. Attendees of this makers’ fair can peruse 200+ handmade artists and makers from across the midwest, feast on street-style brunch fare, sip gourmet cocktails and coffee, get goofy in the oversized lawn games park, and enjoy local music performances.
TOWERS OF TOMORROW WITH LEGO BRICKS
Through September 3 at Durham Museum, 801 S 10th St. Features 20 skyscrapers from North America, Asia, and Australia constructed in breathtaking architectural detail by Ryan McNaught, one of only 21 LEGO®-certified professionals in the world. Noon to 4 pm Sunday; 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday—Saturday. 402.444.5071.
ALL-EUROPEAN SHOW AND SHINE
September 10 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. The All-European Show and Shine will feature fine European cars and motorcycles on display surrounded by the beauty of the garden. Guests may walk the 100 acres of gardens or they may take a narrated tram tour for $5 per person ($3 for garden members). The café will be open from 11 am to 2 pm for lunch and snacks. 402.346.4002.
ONCE UPON A TIME AT THE CASTLE
September 18, 5:30 pm, at Joslyn Castle, 390 Davenport St. Once Upon a Time at the Castle is a storytime adventure featuring a youth librarian from Omaha Public Library reading classic fairy tales from around the globe. After story time, the group can reenact tales using costumes, props, and the Castle gardens as their land of imagination. 402.595.2199
SLEEPING BAG SAFARI
September 18, 6 pm, at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S 10th St. Join the Zoo for an overnight program where adult guests spend the night at the zoo’s Tent Camp Site and experience the exhibits after hours. Program includes picnic dinner and drinks, an evening hike, movie, snacks, “grab-n-go” breakfast, morning hike, and a free day at the zoo. This event is for guests ages 21 and older. 402.733.8401
2023 RIVER CITY RODEO
September 22—23, 7:30 pm, at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. River City Rodeo is a weekend Western festival featuring two nights of high-caliber PRCA rodeo where world champion cowboys will compete for their official entry into the National Finals Rodeo. The seven thrilling rodeo events include steer wrestling, team roping, and bull riding. 402.341.1500.
FALL EQUINOX HIKE
September 23, 7 pm, at Camp Wa-kon-da, 402 Forest Dr. Join Fontenelle Forest this autumn and enjoy their Fall Equinox Hike. The hike will be about 1-1.5 hour in length over moderate terrain. After the hike, guests will meet at the bonfire to make s’mores. 402.731.3140
—fontenelleforest.org
This article originally appeared in the September 2023 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
