Nebraska
Hangover Ball with Charley Crockett Jan. 1 at Bourbon Theatre, Lincoln. Crockett is a blues, country, and Americana singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He has released 10 albums since 2015, the latest being a double LP.
—bourbontheatre.com
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Jan. 13 at Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. Continuing the Lied Center’s partnership with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Music Director Stéphane Denève returns to Lincoln to lead a program highlighted by Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Suite. 402-472-4747.
—liedcenter.org
Casey Donahew Jan. 13 at Bourbon Theatre, Lincoln. Over the last 18 years, Donahew has risen from a favorite on the local Texas music scene, racking up 21 #1 singles, to a hot, nationally touring act who consistently sells out venues all across the country.
—bourbontheatre.com
Berlin Philharmonic Piano Quartet Jan. 18 at Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. Established as a chamber music ensemble of the world-renowned Berlin Philharmonic in 1985, this incredible group returns to Lincoln after making their Lied Center debut in 2018. 402-472-4747.
—liedcenter.org
Ryan Hurd: Tour De Pelago Jan. 22 at Bourbon Theatre, Lincoln. This country artist released his debut album Pelago in October 2021. Now he’s touring the country playing his latest material in person.
—bourbontheatre.com
A Night in the EmeraLIED City Jan. 22 at Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. The Friends of the Lied are pleased to announce the return of their fundraising gala. Enter the world of enchantment and be wowed by the creativity. 402-472-4747.
—liedcenter.org
Lincoln Friends of Chamber Music—Aizuri Quartet Jan.24 at Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. The Grammy-nominated Aizuri Quartet presents “What’s Past is Prologue,” a mix of work by women composers spanning 800 years. 402-472-4747.
—liedcenter.org
Duo Baldo Jan. 27 at Merryman Performing Arts Center, Kearney. Violinist Brad Repp and pianist/actor Aldo Gentileschi combine virtuosic performances, theatrical comedy, and pop culture in critically acclaimed performances. 308.698.8297.
Ghost & Volbeat Feb. 4 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln. The Swedish rock band Ghost has teamed up with Danish rock band Volbeat for this U.S. arena tour. They are joined by doo-wop husband and wife duo Twin Temple. 402-904-4444.
—pinnaclebankarena.com
Anna Deveare Smith: Notes from the Field Feb. 9 at Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. One of the most hailed and provocative theatre and television artists of our time, Smith (The West Wing, Black-ish, Nurse Jackie) leads a new installation of powerful first-person storytelling in this new production. 402-472-4747.
—liedcenter.org
Bryce Vine: Miss You A Little Tour 2022 Feb. 10 at Bourbon Theatre, Lincoln. Vine is an American rapper and singer from Westlake Village, California. His music career started in 2011 when he auditioned for The Glee Project.
—bourbontheatre.com
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Feb. 11-13 at Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. This musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. 402-472-4747.
—liedcenter.org
She’s a Woman starring Miz Cracker Feb. 13 at Bourbon Theatre, Lincoln. In her brand new show, She’s a Woman, drag queen and comedienne Miz Cracker presents a full hour of standup and music, discussing everything from dating and dieting to Covid and global calamity.
—bourbontheatre.com
David Shannon Feb. 26 at Merryman Performing Arts Center, Kearney. Shannon has been a mainstay in West End theatre (London’s Broadway) for 25 years. He will be performing a variety of popular music from Josh Groban and Ed Sheeran to Les Miserables to Frank Sinatra, Elton John and of course a few Irish ballads. 308-.698.8297.
—kearneyconcerts.org
Iowa
Carmina Burina Jan. 8-9 at Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines. Hear this choral masterwork like it’s never been performed before as the Des Moines Symphony is joined onstage by 200 voices for a sensational, spectacular performance long to be remembered. 515-246-2368.
—desmoinesperformingarts.org
Kee Live Music Festival Jan. 14-15 in Downtown Cherokee. This weekend includes pub crawls on Friday and Saturday nights, a jam session on Saturday afternoon, and a jam session on Saturday night. 712.225.6414.
—cherokeejazzbluesfestival.com
Annual Bald Eagle Appreciation Days Jan. 15-16 at the River City Mall, Keokuk. View bald eagles in their natural habitat at the Mississippi Riverfront and Victory Park & Southside Boat Club on Saturday and Sunday. 319.524.5599
—keokukiowatourism.org
Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo Jan. 21-22 at Tyson Center, Sioux City. The Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo will spotlight fan favorite events such as Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, and Women’s Barrel Racing. 712.279.4850.
—tysoncenter.com
Winter Jam 2022 Jan. 22 at Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines. This annual Christian music tour will feature Skillet, Tauren Wells, KB, Colton Dixon, I Am They, NewSong, and more. 515-564-8000
—iowaeventscenter.com
That Golden Girls Show! A Puppet Parody Jan 25-30 at Temple Theater, Des Moines. This brand-new show parodies classic Golden Girls moments using puppets. Devoted fans will fondly remember our four girls from Miami, and for the first-timers, this will be a joyful introduction to the brilliance of that television series. 515-246-2368.
—desmoinesperformingarts.org
39th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games Jan. 27-30 at Lake Okoboji. Iowa’s fictional university comes together for a spectacular weekend of sporting events to shake off cabin fever. 712-332-2107.
—uofowintergames.com
Drumline Live Jan. 29 at Stephens Auditorium, Ames. Drumline Live is an international tour based on the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band tradition, featuring riveting rhythms, bold beats and ear-grabbing energy. 515-294-7389
Immortal Beloved Jan 29-30 at Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines. Beethoven’s passionate love letters come alive in a musical celebration of great passion from Dobrinka Tabakova’s Dawn to Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata and more, performed by Des Moines Symphony. 515-246-2368.
—desmoinesperformingarts.org
Fortune Feimster Jan. 30 at Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. Feimster is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, who first became known as a writer and panelist on E’s hit show Chelsea Lately, later starring as a series regular on The Mindy Project for Hulu and Champions for NBC. 515-244-0507.
—hoytsherman.org
Step Afrika! Feb. 5 at Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines. Part of the Family Series, this show introduces audiences to the importance of stepping in cultural identity, the use of body percussion as a means of communication, and to the continuity of the use of polyrhythms and audience participation from traditional Zulu dance to contemporary stepping. 515-246-2300.
—desmoinesperformingarts.com
Tootsie Feb. 8-13 at Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines. This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. 515-246-2300.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific Feb. 17 at Stephens Auditorium, Ames. Love transcends the harsh realities of war and prejudice in this sweeping Pulitzer Prize-winning tale centered around two unlikely love affairs. 515-294-7389
—center.iastate.edu
Disney On Ice: Into the Magic! Feb. 17-20 at Tyson Center, Sioux City. Seek adventure with Belle as she explores the Beast’s enchanted castle, experience Moana’s courage to embark on a voyage, and sing along with Miguel from Coco as he follows the music in his heart. 712.279.4850.
—tysoncenter.com
Des Moines Home and Garden Show Feb. 24-27 at Iowa Events Center, Des Moines. This show is the largest and most successful home show in Central Iowa, featuring over 400 exhibitors, 1,000 experts, and amazing feature gardens. 515-244-5456.
—desmoineshomeandgardenshow.com
KANSAS
2022 Cars For Charities Rod & Custom Car Show Jan. 14-16 at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, Wichita. This is the premier event of the 65th Annual Cars for Charities’ Rod & Custom Car Show. It’s also chock-full of events for the whole family, featuring a free kids zone with face painting, a coloring station, and special appearances by all their favorite cartoon characters. 316-303-8000.
—century2.org
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Jan. 18 at Main Auditorium Lied Center, Lawrence. JLCO is comprised of 15 the finest jazz soloists and ensemble players today. They are led by Grammy-winning Wynton Marsalis, world-renowned trumpeter and composer, who was the first jazz artist to be awarded the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in music. 785.864.2787.
—lied.ku.edu
Sentimental Saraband Jan. 22 at White Concert Hall, Topeka. The Topeka Symphony will kick off 2022 with an intimate concert of romantic and soulful dances. 785-232-2032.
Universe at an Exhibition Jan. 22-23 at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, Wichita. Astronomer and multimedia artist José Francisco Salgado returns with spectacular photography of the cosmos. The film takes viewers through a virtual gallery of images from the farthest reaches of the galaxy, while the live Symphony provides the soundtrack in the form of Mussorgsky’s orchestral work Pictures at an Exhibition. 316-303-8000.
—century2.org
Motion City Soundtrack Jan. 25 at The Granada, Lawrence. This pop-punk alt band from Minneapolis consists of vocalist and guitarist Justin Courtney Pierre, lead guitarist Joshua Cain, keyboardist Jesse Johnson, bassist Matthew Taylor, and drummer Tony Thaxton. 785-842-1390.
Sharon Isbin and Jessica Rivera Feb. 2 at Main Auditorium Lied Center, Lawrence. Grammy Award-winning classical guitarist Sharon Isbin will perform with acclaimed soprano Jessica Rivera. 785.864.2787.
—lied.ku.edu
Augustana Feb. 4 at The Granada, Lawrence. This American rock band from San Diego has released five albums and an EP while being signed to Epic Records and Razor & Tie. They are best known for their song “Boston.” 785-842-1390.
—thegranada.com
Movie Music! Feb. 5 at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, Wichita. This concert is filled with familiar themes from the silver screen, featuring guest conductor Ron Spigelman. 316-303-8000.
—century2.org
Potted Potter Feb. 10 at the McCain Auditorium, Manhattan. This parody takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books, and a real-life game of Quidditch, into 70 hilarious minutes. 785-532-6428.
—k-state.edu/mccain
Harlem Globetrotters Feb. 11 at INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita. teamed up with award-winning experts from broadway and renowned comedians to create an experience like no other. Top it off with the Globetrotters’ signature ankle breaking moves and rim-rattling dunks. 855-755-7328.
—intrustbankarena.com
Pas de Deux Feb. 12 at White Concert Hall, Topeka. The Pas de Deux is a grand duet—a love story in ballet form—and at this concert the Topeka Symphony presents the epic love story of Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe. 785-232-2032.
Annual Winter Bluegrass Festival Feb. 18-19 at Wichita Marriott Hotel, Wichita. The Kansas Bluegrass Association will be throwing its annual festival, which will include songwriting workshops, and jamming throughout the festival.
—kansasbluegrass.org
A New World Masterpiece: Florence Price’s Rediscovered Symphony Feb. 20 at Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, Wichita. Composer Florence Price made history in 1933 when her piece became the first symphony by a black woman to be performed by a major American Orchestra.After slipping into obscurity after its premiere, her Symphony No. 1 is experiencing a revival in the world of classical music. 316-303-8000.
MISSOURI
Revolution: The Music of The Beatles Jan. 7-9 at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The Beatles come to life in “Revolution,” a symphonic tribute to the Fab Four. It features top vocalists and the Kansas City Symphony performing Grammy®-winner Jeff Tyzik’s new arrangements. 816.471.0400.
—kcsymphony.org
Johan Smith Jan. 15 at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, St. Louis. Smith released his new album with Naxos in 2020, and is currently preparing for a tour that will see him perform in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and at Carnegie Hall in New York. 800.916.8938.
—stlclassicalguitar.org
Sentimental Sarabande Jan. 15 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Springfield. The Springfield Symphony starts 2022 with an intimate concert of romantic and soulful dances, including Gabriella Lena Frank’s flirtatious Coqueteos from Leyendas and William Grant Still’s transcendent and enchanting Summerland. 417.836.7678.
Harriman-Jewell Series Presents Parsons Dance Jan. 21 at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Parsons Dance offers some of the most compelling works in dance, such as the iconic strobe-lit Caught. The company’s Kansas City return will include a new work David Parsons set to Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Yusuf/Cat Stevens’ iconic songs. 816-471-0400.
—kauffmancenter.org
The 39 Steps Jan. 21 to Feb. 13 at Repertory Theatre, St. Louis. Hitchcock meets hilarity in this madcap comedic thriller. Richard Hannay is an everyday bloke looking for a little more excitement in his life. But he gets more than he bargains for when he is unwittingly plunged into the world of spies, agents and espionage. 314-968-4925.
Dianne Reeves Jan. 22 at the Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Gallery, St Louis. Reeves is one of the pre-eminent jazz vocalists in the world today, known for her virtuosity, improvisational prowess and unique jazz and R&B stylings. 800.916.8938
—thesheldon.org
Diana Krall Jan. 23 at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. To date, her albums have garnered two Grammy® Awards, ten Juno® Awards and have also earned nine gold, three platinum and seven multi-platinum albums. 816-471-0400.
—kauffmancenter.org
Punch Brothers Jan. 24 at St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis. Grammy Award-winning Punch Brothers Chris Eldridge, Paul Kowert, Noam Pikelny, Gabe Witcher, and Chris Thile—making his return to the Emerson Concert Stage—join together in a one-night only performance at Powell Hall. 314.534.1700
—slso.org
Schlafly Burns Night Jan. 25 at Schlafly Tap Room, St. Louis. Robert Burns, the Scottish poet and ploughman most famous for his poem ‘Auld Lang Syne’ bears great significance.The customs of this event include pipers piping Celtic music, Scottish food, nostalgia, satire, and a reading by Tom Schlafly. Plaid kilts optional. 314.241.2337.
—schlafly.com
The Full Monty Jan. 28 to Feb. 13 at Springfield Little Theatre, Springfield. Based on the cult hit film of the same name, The Full Monty, a ten-time Tony Award nominee, is filled with honest affection, engaging melodies and the most highly anticipated closing number of any show. 417.881.5300.
—springfieldmo.org
Chan Conducts Tchaikovsky Feb. 5-6 at St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis. Conductor Elim Chan makes her SLSO debut with Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky’s Second Symphony, celebrating the folk song of his native Russia. Tan Dun’s percussion concerto captures the threat, sadness, and resolve of humanity in the face of natural crises. 314.534.1700
Only One Day A Year Feb. 8 to March 6 at The Coterie, Kansas City. This National Endowment for the Arts award-winning play intertwines present day with the last segregated days of Fairyland amusement park. It is inspired by overlooked Kansas City history. 816.474.6552.
—thecoterie.org
The Beach Boys Feb. 9 at Kauffman Center, Kansas City. As The Beach Boys mark more than a half-century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequaled in America’s musical history. 816.471.0400.
—kauffmancenter.org
Stick Fly Feb. 11 to March 6 at Repertory Theatre, St. Louis. The LeVay family’s annual summer vacation to Martha’s Vineyard is thrown into a state of disarray by long-standing tensions, sibling rivalries and a drunken game of Scrabble. 314.968.4925.
—repstl.org
An Evening of Opera Feb. 12 at Pine Ridge Presbyterian, Kansas City. Northland Symphony Orchestra will perform with singers from William Jewell College’s Graduate Artist Diploma Program. 816.945.2436.
—northlandsymphony.org
Pony Express Family Day Feb. 21 at the Pony Express National Museum, St. Joseph. Family Day gives the kids a chance to step back into the 1860’s job of a Pony Express Rider. You can experience the lifestyle through many educational, hands-on exhibits and activities during this family fun day. 816.279.5059.
—ponyexpress.org
The Bach Aria Soloists with Wylliams-Henry Contemporary Dance Feb. 26 at Crown Center, Kansas City. These two critically acclaimed ensembles join forces with the exquisite music of Bach, Monteverdi, O’Connor and contemporary dance for a scintillating, unforgettable visual and aural experience. 913-449-6995.
—bachariasoloists.com
Thomas Viloteau Feb. 26 at the Ethical Society of St. Louis, St. Louis. French guitar phenomenon Viloteau is the winner of the Guitar Foundation of America and the Francisco Tárrega competitions and author of the best-selling technique book In the Black Box. 800.916.8938.
Project Pride Feb. 26-27 at The Coterie in Crown Center, Kansas City. Project Pride is a group of LGBTQ and straight allied teens creating theater that gives voice to their experiences. Join them for these Project Pride 2022 performances, a collection of hilarious and thought-provoking scenes created by the Kansas City teens. 816-474-6552.
—thecoterie.org
This article originally appeared in the January 2022 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
