»Highlighted Picks«
ART: JENNIFER LING DATCHUK; EAT BITTERNESS
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
September 17
Admission: Free
724 S. 12th St.
“To eat bitterness,” or chi ku, is a Chinese idiom that describes enduring hardships without complaints. Both an art and a virtue, “eating bitterness” makes one tenacious—but also, submissive. Jennifer Ling Datchuk uses this concept as a vehicle for examining the complicated and sometimes overwhelming aspects of growing up in a blended family. Her combined identity as a Chinese-American woman, an American, and a third-culture kid—a child raised in a culture different from that of her parents’—has led her to build an artistic practice that discusses fragility, beauty, femininity, identity, and her personal history. Trained in ceramics, Datchuk works with porcelain and other materials often associated with traditional women’s work like textiles and hair. Porcelain in particular allows her to describe dualities, because the material is simultaneously fragile and resilient. She uses adornment, blue and white patterns, reflective surfaces, and both synthetic and human hair to explore the global inequalities of labor, girlhood, and protest. 11am to 5pm Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; 11am to 9pm Thursday. 402.341.7130.
MUSIC: DIANA KRALL
Holland Performing Arts Center
July 28
Admission: Ticket Prices Vary
1200 Douglas St.
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, 10 Juno awards, and nine Gold, three Platinum, and seven multi-Platinum albums. Her 1999 release “When I Look in Your Eyes” spent an unprecedented 52 weeks in the #1 position on Billboard’s Jazz chart, won two GRAMMY awards, and went Platinum in the US and Canada. Her most recent release, “This Dream Of You,” has garnered critical acclaim from fans and press alike. Krall’s unique artistry transcends any single musical style and has made her one of the most recognizable artists of our time. As The New York Times recently noted, she possesses “a voice at once cool and sultry, wielded with a rhythmic sophistication.” 402.345.0606.
FESTIVALS: NEBRASKA BALLOON & WINE FESTIVAL
Ta-Ha-Zouka Park
August 18-19
Admission: $15-21
20828 Elkhorn Dr., Elkhorn
Few sites are as majestic as a Nebraska sunset. Pair that with the glow of over a dozen hot air balloons ascending in unison, and you have one of the most breathtaking skylines of summer. Add wine, beer, food, and family activities, and it becomes one of the most memorable events of the season. That’s thanks to the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival, happening this year at Elkhorn’s Ta-Ha-Zouka Park. The annual affair, held by Mid-America Expositions and now entering its 17th year, attracts thousands of hot air balloon and wine enthusiasts for a reason. Aside from the main attractions in the festival title, the popular event offerings include skydivers, paragliders, a KidZone with pony rides, inflatables, bungee jump bouncing, face painting, and other family-friendly activities, as well as live music that includes: the island rock, funk, and reggae band the Fishheads, the rhythm and blues group Front Ro, and High Heel, a band that covers everything from classic rock to country.
Tickets: $15 general admission for adults; $8 for kids aged 6 to 11; 5 & under free. Wine tasting packages include admission, five wine tastings, and a souvenir glass: $17 in advance; $21 at the gate. VIP packages and food tasting experiences also available.
EXHIBITIONS
IN THE BEGINNING: THE ARTIST SAMUEL BAK
Through July 16 at the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center, University of Nebraska-Omaha, 2289 S. 67 St. This selection of Bak’s paintings and drawings from 1946 through 2022 showcases the arc of his career over eight decades and features watercolors and drawings done in the Vilna ghetto during the Nazi occupation of the city, abstract works from the 60s, and his renowned metaphysical paintings. 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 10 am to 6 pm Thursday; noon to 4 pm Sunday. Admission: free. 402.554.6100.
LANDSCAPES BY REAGAN D. PUFALL
Through July 23 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Documenting landscapes has long been a reason for artists to explore their country. While focusing on the roads, fields, and vistas rather than on buildings or figures, Pufall’s photographs acknowledge the presence and influence of humanity. Open daily, 9 am to 5 pm. Admission: free with garden membership or paid admission. 402.346.4002.
OMAHA WORKERS: STRIKING A CHANGE IN HISTORY
Through August 6 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Tracing the history of nine incidents from the mid-30s to the late 70s, this photo exhibition explores the stories of some notable strikes in Omaha and explains what the strikers were working for and what outcomes they achieved. Noon to 4 pm Sunday; 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday—Saturday. 402.444.5071.
JAMES SURLS: NIGHTSHADE AND REDBONE
Through August 13 at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St. The solo exhibition features work by the internationally recognized sculptor, one of the most preeminent artists living and working in the United States, whose sculptures, drawings, and prints reflect his unique sensibility regarding natural forms. 11 am to 5 pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 11am to 8pm Thursday. Admission: free for members; $10 general admission. 402.341.3800.
TRAJES MEXICANOS/MEXICAN COSTUMES
Through August 12 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. Features a selection of prints from the 1940s by Guatemalan artist Carlos Mérida, one of the first artists to fuse European modern painting to Latin American themes. 11 am to 5 pm Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday; 11 am to 2 pm Saturday. Admission varies. 402.731.1137.
MILTON WOLSKY: A MID-CENTURY NEBRASKA ARTIST
Through August 20 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. Highlights work from throughout Wolsky’s career, giving visitors insight into his evolving and genre-spanning talents which included creating work for major publications like The Saturday Evening Post, Good Housekeeping, McCall’s, Redbook, and Collier’s. Admission: free. 11 am to 5pm Tuesday—Sunday. (Appointments preferred.) 531.375.6643.
THE LUNCHBOX: PACKED WITH POP CULTURE
Through Sept. 3 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Featuring hundreds of lunchboxes from the 1950s through the 1980s as well as one-of-a-kind original paintings on loan from local lunchbox collector Mark Kelehan, 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. Noon to 4pm Sunday; 10am to 4pm Tuesday—Saturday. 402.444.5071.
HONORING 75 YEARS: THE HISTORY OF OMAHA’S WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL PARK
Through Sept. 3 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. 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 for those men and women who served our country in the U.S. military. Noon to 4 pm Sunday; 10 am to 4 pm Tuesday—Saturday. 402.444.5071.
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. Admission: free. 402.341.7130.
FLIGHT AND HOPE
August 12—December 22 at the Samuel Bak Museum: The Learning Center, University of Nebraska-Omaha, 2289 S 67 St. This exhibition explores themes of flight, journey, and migration through Samuel Bak’s oeuvre informed by his experiences as a forced migrant and refugee in the aftermath of World War II. 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 10 am to 6 pm Thursday; noon to 4 pm Sunday. Admission: free. 402.554.6100.
CONCERTS
PERSONICS
July 1, 7 to 10 pm, at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village, 2285 S. 67th St. The Saturdays at Stinson Concert Series features the four-piece Omaha cover band.
FLEETFOXES: SHORE TOUR 2023
July 2, 8 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. Showcases the American indie folk band from Seattle led by singer-songwriter Robin Pecknold. The band released their fourth critically acclaimed album Shore in the fall of 2020, which earned them their second Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album. 402.345.0606.
TRACE ADKINS: SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA TOUR
July 6, 8 pm, at Harrah’s Casino Stir Concert Cove, One Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs, IA. In his 25-year career in country music, Trace Adkins has sold over 11 million albums, charted over 20 singles, with hits like “Every Light In the House Is On,” “This Ain’t (No Thinkin’ Thing),” and more. 712.329.6000.
JAZZ ON THE GREEN: LARRY MCCRAY
July 6, 7:30 pm, at Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St. The rust belt blues shouter and guitar slinger has been nonstop touring and recording over the past three decades. 402.345.0202.
MUSIC AT MILLER PARK: ENJOLI & TIMELESS
July 8, 6:30 to 9 pm, at Miller Park Pavilion, 2707 Redick Ave.
Features Enjoli and her R&B/Soul band, who have opened for artists including Pleasure P, Juvenile, Angela Winbush, and CeCe Peniston.
BÉLA FLECK: MY BLUEGRASS HEART
July 9, 7:30 pm, at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The world’s premier banjo virtuoso, celebrated musical adventurer, and 16-time Grammy winner returns in this homecoming of sound, which also features Michael Cleveland, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz, and Bryan Sutton. 402.345.0606.
RIVER RIOT: THE POPULAR MONS TOUR
July 12, 3 to 11 pm, at Westfair Amphitheater, 22984 US-6, Council Bluffs, Iowa. The concert line-up features Falling In Reverse, Ice Nine Kills, Underoath, Catch Your Breath, and more. 712.328.8970.
JAZZ ON THE GREEN: XPERIENCE
July 13, 7:30 pm, at Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St. Reigning as the ultimate soulful performance, Xperience takes the crowd down memory lane to some of the greatest jazz, soul, gospel, and R&B hits of all time. 402.345.0202.
ICE CUBE
July 14, 8 pm, at Harrah’s Casino Stir Concert Cove, One Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs, IA. Features Ice Cube—real name O’Shea Jackson Sr.—the rapper, actor, and filmmaker from Los Angeles, California. 712.329.6000.
COWGIRL EASTERN
July 14, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Cowgirl Eastern serves as a sonic playground for its listeners to wander the post-genre chaos with notes of 60s psychedelia, hints of fuzzy garage rock, and whiffs of indie brooding all swirling in the cowgirl cauldron. 402.345.7569.
PLAYING WITH FIRE
July 14—15, 4 to 10 pm, at Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St. Features Sugaray Rayford, a Texas-rooted blues singer with southern soul; Eddie 9V, Atlanta-based blues singer-guitarist specializing in soul; Twelve Bar Blues Band, an award-winning group from Amsterdam that mixes elements of Chicago, Delta, and Texas blues; Dom Martin Band, a Northern Ireland-rooted bluesman; and Justin Saladino, a Montreal-based blues, rock, and funk artist.
LIVE ON THE LAWN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: FINDING DIXIE
July 14, 6 to 9 pm, at Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront, 1001 Douglas St. Features a concert by the popular country cover band.
TORI AMOS
July 15, 8 pm, at the Orpheum Theater 409 S. 16th St. A concert by the renowned American singer-songwriter and pianist, who is a classically trained musician with a mezzo-soprano vocal range. 402.345.0606.
ZZ TOP & LYNYRD SKYNYRD: THE SHARP DRESSED SIMPLE MAN TOUR
July 16, 6 pm, at Harrah’s Casino Stir Concert Cove, One Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs, IA. The classic rock icons take over 22 cities in North America for this co-headlining tour. 712.329.6000.
LITTLE FEAT WITH LEFTOVER SALMON
July 19, 7 pm, at the Orpheum Theater 409 S. 16th St. Little Feat combines earthy, organic material with first-rate musicianship in a combination that transcends boundaries. Feat performs California rock, funk, folk, jazz, country, rockabilly, New Orleans swamp boogie, and more. 402.345.0606.
CHRIS STAPLETON
July 19, 7 pm, at the CHI Health Center Arena, 455 N. 10th St. Acclaimed musician and songwriter Chris Stapleton returns to Omaha for an unforgettable evening of live music. Omaha’s stop will also feature special guests Marty Stuart and The War and Treaty. 402.341.1500.
LIVE/LOUD CINDERELLA’S TOM KEIFER BAND
July 19, 7:30 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. Features Tom Keifer of Cinderella and L.A. Guns. 402.345.0606.
JAZZ ON THE GREEN: RON ARTIS II
July 20, 7:30 pm, at Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St. Ron Artis II performs music deeply influenced by gospel, soul, and R&B. 402.345.0202.
THE FRIGHTS: GALLOW’S HUMOR TOUR
July 21, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Since their 2013 self-titled debut, The Frights have embodied a carefree vulnerability, setting their most awkward and painful feelings to a wildly joyful surf-punk sound. 402.345.7569.
GREEN JELLY
July 21, 8 pm, at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. With Cordial Spew, Molten, and Noizewave. 402.884.5353.
OMAHA JAZZ FESTIVAL
July 22, 4 to 10 pm, at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village, 2285 S. 67th St. The annual jazz festival features top tier jazz talent.
JULIA JACKLIN
July 25, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Melbourne’s Julia Jacklin has carved out a fearsome reputation as a direct lyricist, willing to excavate the parameters of intimacy and agency in songs both stark and raw, loose, and playful. 402.345.7569.
YOUTH LAGOON
July 26, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Features Trevor Powers, aka “Youth Lagoon.” 402.345.7569.
JAZZ ON THE GREEN: BOBBY WATSON
July 27, 7:30 pm, at Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St. Multi-Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and producer Bobby Watson sits among the pantheon of present-day jazz greats, with a career that spans more than four decades. 402.345.0202.
MAHA MUSIC FESTIVAL
July 28, 4 to 11 pm, & July 29, 2 to 11 pm, at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village, 2285 S. 67th St. The 15th annual two-day music festival features a massive indie line-up. July 28: Turnstile, Alvvays, Ekkstacy, Icky Blossoms, Hakim, Bib; July 29: Big Thief, Peach Pit, The Beths, Terry Presume, Black Belt Eagle Scout, Say She She, M34N STR33T, Garst, and Ebba Rose.
BOZZ SCAGGS
July 29, 7:30 pm, at the Orpheum Theater 409 S. 16th St. Features the renowned blues performer and his music, which spans a five-decade musical career. With special guest Keb’ Mo’. 402.345.0606.
ANDY GRAMMER: THE NEW MONEY TOUR
July 30, 7 pm, at The Admiral, 2234 S. 13th St. Emmy award-winner and multi-Platinum artist Andy Grammer continues to engage, energize, and empower audiences with stomping stadium-size pop anthems meant to be shared at full volume. 402.706.2205.
JAZZ ON THE GREEN: CHAD STONER BAND
August 3, 7:30 pm, at Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St. Every band performance is an unforgettable experience of R&B swagger and funk fire 402.345.0202.
THE REGRETTES
August 3, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Features the American punk rock band from Los Angeles. 402.345.7569.
KANSAS: 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
August 5, 7:30 pm, at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. With a legendary career spanning five decades, KANSAS has firmly established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. This “garage band” from Topeka released their debut album in 1974 and have gone on to sell more than 30 million albums worldwide with timeless hits like “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.” 402.345.0606.
IN THE MARKET FOR BLUES
August 5, starting at 12 pm. Locations vary in downtown Omaha. Features 30+ blues bands for over 14 hours on indoor and outdoor stages.
JAM SESSION AT THE RIVERFRONT
August 6, 2 to 5 pm, at Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront, 1001 Douglas St. The Great Plains Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association engages in an acoustic jam of lively old-time fiddle tunes and bluegrass standards in a sit-down casual, old-time circle jam featuring fiddle, banjo, mandolin, bass, guitar, hammered dulcimer, and autoharp.
JAZZ ON THE GREEN: ANA POPOVIC
August 10, 7:30 pm, at Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St. Internationally renowned guitarist Ana Popovic has built her career on defining and describing the essence of American music. 402.345.0202.
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
August 10, 5 to 8:30 pm, at Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront, 1001 Douglas St. Part of the Omaha Mobile Stage Youth Talent Show series, performances are by youth ages 3-19.
CROCE PLAYS CROCE
August 11, 7:30 pm, at The Admiral, 2234 S. 13th St. A.J. Croce performs a special night of music featuring a complete set of classics by his late father Jim Croce, some of his own tunes, and songs that influenced both him and his father. 402.706.2205.
WHISKEY MYERS
August 11, 8 pm, at Harrah’s Casino Stir Concert Cove, One Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs, IA. Genre-bending band Whiskey Myers finds fans among country, rock, and pop fans. 712.329.6000.
PLAYING WITH FIRE
August 11—12, 4 to 10 pm, at Turner Park, 3110 Farnam St. The free summer concert series showcases blues, rock, soul, funk, roots, and R&B, including the Danish blues-rock band Thorbjørn Risager & The Black Tornado; Toronto-based blues band Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar; southern soul band Bywater Call; British singer-guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor; Lincoln band Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal; and Omaha youth group Us and Them from BluesEd.
OUTLANDIA MUSIC FESTIVAL
August 11—12, check for times, at Falconwood Park, 905 Allied Rd., Bellevue. Features Lord Huron, Modest Mouse, Jimmy Eat World, Gregory Alan Isakov, Manchester Orchestra, The Faint, Cat Power, Horsegirl, The Good Life, The Envy Corps, Criteria, and Minne Lussa. 402.210.4747.
MUSIC AT MILLER PARK: HECTOR ANCHONDO BAND
July 8, 6:30 to 9 pm, at Miller Park Pavilion, 2707 Redick Ave.
Features the winner of the 2020 International Blues Challenge, whose smooth, smoky voice, audacious groove, and lyrical guitar mastery weaves stories of a life lived for the love of music.
MÖTLEY CRÜE & DEF LEPPARD: THE WORLD TOUR
August 13, 5:45 pm, at Charles Schwab Field, 1200 Mike Fahey St. Features the co-headliners alongside Alice Cooper. 402.546.1800.
WHITE REAPER
August 13, 7:30 pm, at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Features the American garage punk band based in Louisville, Kentucky. 402.884.5353.
DARYL HALL AND DARYL’S HOUSE BAND
August 15, 7:30 pm, at the Orpheum Theater 409 S. 16th St. One of the great soul singers of his generation, Daryl Hall also was an inventive pop/rock songwriter, both on his own and in conjunction with his lifelong creative partner, John Oates. With special guest Todd Rundgren. 402.345.0606.
W.A.S.P. 40th ANNIVERSARY TOUR…CONTINUES
August 15, 8 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1114 Dodge St. Features the heavy metal band plus Armored Saint. 402.345.0606.
70’S BAND
August 19, 7 to 10 pm, at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village, 2285 S 67th St. The Saturdays at Stinson Concert Series features the band that plays beloved covers from the 1970s.
PINK: SUMMER CARNIVAL 2023
August 21, 6:30 pm, at Charles Schwab Field, 1200 Mike Fahey St. The three-time Grammy Award-winning singer, performer, and international pop icon performs alongside her friends and special guests, Brandi Carlile and 2022 Hall of Fame inductees Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo on select dates. Grouplove and KidCutUp perform on all dates. 402.546.1800.
JELLY ROLL: BACKROAD BAPTISM TOUR 2023
August 25, 7 pm, at the CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th St. Features Jelly Roll alongside Ashley McBryde, Struggle Jennings, and Josh Adam Meyers. 402.341.1500.
STYX
August 26, 8 pm, at Harrah’s Casino Stir Concert Cove, One Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs, IA. Spawned from a suburban Chicago basement in the early 70s, the band is known for big rockers and soaring power ballads. 712.329.6000.
—caesars.com/harrahs-council-bluffs
MASTODON & GOJIRA: THE MEGA MONSTERS TOUR 2023
August 26, 7 to 11 pm, at Westfair Amphitheater, 22984 US-6, Council Bluffs, Iowa. The summer concert series features special guest Lorna Shore. 712.328.8970.
DEVON ALLMAN & DONOVAN FRANKENREITER
August 29, 7:30 pm, at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Features the blues award-winning singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer Devon Allman, and Donovan Frankenreiter, the American musician, songwriter, and professional surfer who entertains audiences with his unique blend of laid-back grooves. With special guest Davy Knowles. 402.884.5353.
THE CHICKS WORLD TOUR 2023
August 30, 7:30 pm, at the CHI Health Center Arena, 455 N. 10th St. Features the American country music band from Dallas, Texas, which consists of Natalie Maines and sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer. 402.341.1500.
JAMES BAY
August 30, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Showcases the UK singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer’s clever lyricism, honest confessions, and instrumental proficiency. 402.345.7569.
STAGE PERFORMANCES
FORTUNE FEIMSTER: LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE!
July 7, 7:30 pm., at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Catch the stand-up comedian, writer, and actor who has performed on the radio, screens both big and small, and touring her stand-up across the nation. Feimster’s first one-hour special, SWEET & SALTY, is currently streaming on Netflix and was nominated for Best Comedy Special for the Critics’ Choice Awards. 402.345.0606.
RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE
July 9, 8 pm, at the Orpheum Theater 409 S. 16th St. The Official RuPaul’s Drag Race World Tour returns with an all-new production featuring Angeria, Aquaria, Bosco, Daya Betty, Ginger Minj, Jaida Essence Hall, Kandy Muse, and Laganja Estranja. 402.345.0606.
DAVID NIHILL
July 13, 7:30 pm; July 9, 7 & 9:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. Features the comedian, businessman, and speaker from Dublin, Ireland. 402.493.8036.
CHRISTOPHER TITUS
July 14, 7:30 pm; July 15, 7 & 9:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. Employing what he’s labeled “hard funny,” Christopher Titus has released seven 90-minute albums in as many years. He has six one-hour comedy specials currently running on Comedy Central, and his seventh special, “Born With a Defect,” spent four weeks on the Billboard Top Ten Comedy Chart. 402.493.8036.
RORY SCOVEL: THE FINAL TOUR
July 20, 7 pm, at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Features the American comedian, actor, and writer, who released his first stand-up comedy album in 2011. 402.884.5353.
MS. PAT
July 21, 7:30 pm & 10 pm, and July 22, 7 & 9:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. Declared by The Washington Post as “unforgiving and darkly hilarious,” Patricia Williams (aka Ms. Pat) is a comedian, author, radio host, podcaster, and actress who helms the Emmy-nominated multi-cam series The Ms. Pat Show. 402.493.8036.
BEN BRAINARD
July 26, 7:30 pm; July 9, 7 & 9:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. Features the the comedian who found viral success producing The Table, a sketch comedy series about how the various states of the US are handling current events. 402.493.8036.
TRAE CROWDER
July 27, 7:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. Features the American comedian and co-author of The Liberal Redneck Manifesto: Draggin’ Dixie Outta the Dark. 402.493.8036.
DAVE LANDAU
July 28, 7:30 pm; July 9, 7 & 9:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. Getting his start in Detroit at the Second City’s Conservatory, Dave Landau has become one of the most in-demand headliners working today. As a top rising comic, Dave’s laid-back demeanor and dark style of comedy landed him on Comedy Central’s “This is Not Happening.” He was also a finalist on season 8 of Last Comic Standing on NBC. 402.493.8036.
BROKEN MAGIC COMEDY: SATURDAY
July 29, 3 & 6:30 pm, at Millwork Arts Lounge, 2111 S. 67th St. Features a stellar comedy lineup hosted by Broken Magic Comedy.
9 TO 5, THE MUSICAL
July 15–16, 20—23, 27—30, check for showtimes, at Lofte Community Theatre, 15841 Manley Rd., Manley, NE. Based on the 1980 hit movie, 9 to 5 The Musical is a hilarious, outrageous, and thought-provoking story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. 402.234.2553
RORY SCOVEL: THE LAST TOUR
July 20, 7 pm, at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Features the American comedian, actor, and writer, who released his first stand-up comedy album Dilation in 2011. 402.884.5353.
—waitingroomlounge.com
AKKASH SINGH
August 2, 7:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. Features the nationally touring stand up comedian, podcaster, and actor. 402.493.8036.
NATHAN TIMMEL
August 3, 7:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. Features the viral sensation, who has amassed over 250,000 followers on social media, and they’ve watched his videos over 100,000,000 times. 402.493.8036.
RALPH BARBOSA
August 11, 7:30 & 9:45 pm, and August 12, 7 & 9:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. Barbosa is a young comedic talent born and raised in Dallas, Texas, who has a comedy style that appeals to all. 402.493.8036.
DINNER, DRINKS, AND DRAG!
August 17, 7:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. Showcases an evening of Omaha’s LGBTQ+ nightlife entertainment featuring some of the Midwest’s most deceiving divas and sizzling male entertainers lip-syncing and dancing to your favorite songs. 402.493.8036.
TONY ROCK
August 18, 7:30 & 9:45 pm, and August 19, 7 & 9:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. The comedian has a reputation as a young star in the making with The Hollywood Reporter picking him as one of the hot young talents to come out of New York. 402.493.8036.
DUSTIN NICKERSON
August 23, 7:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. A Seattle native now suffering in Southern California, Dustin Nickerson is an in-demand comic on the rise. 402.493.8036.
TIM HEIDECKER: THE TWO TIMS SUMMER TOUR 2023
August 23, 8 pm, at The Admiral 2234 S. 13th St. Tim Heidecker (from Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! and beyond) is taking The Two Tims (his “No More Bullshit” stand-up character) back on the road across America to present his acclaimed one-of-a-kind, two-act evening of comedy and music. 402.706.2205.
August 25, 7:30 pm, and August 26, 7 & 9:30 pm, at Funny Bone Comedy Club, 17305 Davenport St., Village Pointe. The comedian is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups in the comedy world. 402.493.8036.
MORE
TOWERS OF TOMORROW WITH LEGO BRICKS
Through Sept. 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.
MISSOURI RIVER LITERARY FESTIVAL
July 15, 9 am to 4 pm, at Florence City Hall, 2864 State St. The arts festival makes a difference through reading and interaction and features activities for the entire family. 402-413-9496.
IABCA’S 2023 CORNHUSKER SIEGER INTERNATIONAL DOG SHOW
July 15—16 at Companion Dog Club, 10803 N. 72nd St. An all-breed and rare breed confirmation dog show with written critiques from each of the judges and the opportunity to earn international titles.
LOKUL INDEPENDENCE DAY CAR SHOW
July 16, 12 pm, at Shadow Lake Towne Center, 7775 Olson Dr., Papillion. Lokul Car Club presents it’s annual post Independence Day car show. Enjoy cars of all makes and models, food trucks, vendors, and music by DJ Corleone.
OCON EXPO 2023
July 21-23 at Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, Iowa. The expo returns for its sixth year celebrating indie comics and pop culture in the Omaha metro.
BUTTERFLY WALK
July 22, 10 to 11:30 am, at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Join a docent to learn which butterflies visit throughout the season, how to attract them to your garden areas, and how to keep them coming back year after year as you sight butterflies and find butterfly “hot spots” in the garden on a guided butterfly walk. Admission: $10 garden members; $20 non-members. 402.346.4002.
10th ANNUAL RIBSTOCK 2023 & LAGERFEST
July 22, 4-11 pm, at The Ralston Granary, 7401 Main St., Ralston. Rib lovers and lager enthusiasts can also meet Husker athletes and Tom Osborne as eight of the top BBQ trucks compete for the coveted “People’s Choice” Award.
WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL
July 22, 1 to 5 pm, at Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront, 1001 Douglas St. As the sun begins to set in the evening sky, the festival begins to shine with the launch of the lanterns onto the water. Watch your unique lantern drift out into the water as it joins other lanterns carrying hope, love, happiness, healing, peace, and connection.
BENSON DAYS 2023
July 29—30, check for times, downtown Benson. Benson Days is a family-friendly summer festival that celebrates the neighborhood’s creative and diverse culture. Activities include a pancake feed, maker and local booths, unity parade, Benson bike tour, kickball tournament, and more.
GREEK FESTIVAL
August 19, beginning at 12 pm, at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 602 Park Ave. The annual family-friendly festival celebrates Greek culture with food, music, dancing, and more. 402.345.7103.
2023 NEBRASKA RENAISSANCE FAIRE & MIDLANDS PIRATE FESTIVAL
August 26—27, 10 am to 6 pm, at RiverWest Park, 233rd & West Maple Rd., Elkhorn. Features entertainment such as Joust Evolution, food, shopping, and more.
HIPPIE FEST
August 26, 12 to 7 pm, at Falconwood Park, 905 Allied Rd., Bellevue. The family-friendly arts festival features vibrant entertainment for all ages. 402.210.4747.
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2023 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
