New Year, New Galleries: January 6, 2022 Weekend Events

Jaimie Branch Live at Low End, Thursday, Jan. 6:  
Jaimie Branch is a Colombian-American, Brooklyn-based musician who creates improvisational, on-the-spot jazz hits on the trumpet. Her scores often tell stories of social justice, and she frequently uses her medium to educate listeners about the social and political issues in their communities. Branch has performed at jazz festivals across the globe, met along the road with critical acclaim by The New York Times, NPR, The Guardian, and more. Most recently, she won the inaugural 2021 Deutscher Jazzpreis for Wind Instruments award. Reservations are free, and the show begins at 8 p.m. Get directions and reserve your spot here.

Beginner Salsa Classes at Nebraska Salsa Scene, Thursday, Jan. 6:  
Those who made a New Year’s resolution to do new activities can try their hands (or feet, rather) at salsa dancing with some of Omaha’s salsa experts. This class with teach LA-style salsa, one of the most popular and simple-to-master versions. Interested dancers can get started with the basics of Latin dance, starting at $40 per lesson. Information about registration and additional classes is here. 

A Portrait of Medical Humanities, Friday, Jan. 7 to Monday, Jan. 31:   
This Hot Shops exhibition is special. Each work is made by a Creighton University studio art major or School of Medicine student and provides a window into the intersections of art and science, health care and compassion. The pieces allow the students, some of whom are studying both art and pre-medicine, to celebrate the relationships they will have to their future patients and their careers. Art fans can join the artists for an opening reception at Hot Shops Art Center this Friday at 5 p.m. Masks required. More information on the reception and the run of the gallery here.

First Friday Art Walk, Friday, Jan. 7:  
It’s the first First Friday of 2022! At Benson First Fridays, the area turns into a neighborhood-wide art gallery, with venues from churches to bars displaying creativity. The art walk starts on the eastern end of Benson at St. Paul Benson, where a collection of vintage paint-by-numbers is waiting for admiration. As visitors work their way west, galleries are available at a variety of locations, including Jake’s Cigars and Daisy Jones’ Locker, all displaying locally sourced artwork. See a full lineup of the artists and participating venues here.

Petrock Holiday Spectacular, Friday, Jan. 7 and Saturday, Jan. 8:
Cruise into the new year like it’s 1972 at Petrock’s Holiday Spectacular show this Friday and Saturday at The Slowdown. For their most devoted and accurate ’70s tribute experience yet, the band has curated a lineup of groovy soft-rock favorites. Since their formation, Petrock has played nonstop capacity shows—attendees will want to reserve a seat to one of these all-ages shows. Tickets and more information available here.

These events originally appeared in the January 6, 2022 Omaha Magazine Events Newsletter. Sign up to have weekend happenings delivered right to your inbox here.