Memories & Music

by B.J. Huchtemann

Omaha's blues community lost one of its finest when Dave Barger passed away early Saturday, Oct. 8, after a debilitating illness. Barger was the Omaha scene's go-to blues guitarist for over 30 years, including popular '80s bands Oasis and Risky Shift. A memorial jam is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at the G.I. Forum, 2002 N Street.
Tributes poured in on Facebook. Former Howard Street Tavern manager Rick Renn wrote, "One of the best people I have ever run across. I already miss ya, buddy." Lash LaRue, veteran of many Omaha roots bands including The Mercurys, recalled, "Dave was amazing. Throughout his illness, he still always had a positive attitude and never failed to have a kind word and encouragement for others. I learned something every time I interacted with him, about music and about heart."

Welch & Rawlings
The always magical Gillian Welch and David Rawlings played Lincoln's Rococo Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m. Welch's first studio release in eight years is the beautiful The Harrow & The Harvest (Acony). Check it out at gillianwelch.com.  If you missed that show, here's a lovely video of one of my all-time favorites from the duo, "Elvis Presley Blues." 

 

Robbie Fulks
The New York Times observes "He's one of our most consistent and clever songwriters." Dean Dobmeier, co-promoter for The Sunday Roadhouse series, writes that Fulks is "a little too country for the Alt crowd and a little too country for Nashville ... gleefully irreverent ... literate without being pretentious." 
Fulks played the Sunday Roadhouse series in a special Thursday show at the Side Door Lounge on Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The Side Door makes a great listening room for these intimate, acoustic shows.  Fulks is a highly entertaining performer who punctuates his well-crafted songs with very entertaining banter. Check out his work at robbiefulks.com. 
For more on the Sunday Roadhouse series including the next show coming up with Austin icon Gurf Morlix and the Blaze Foley documentary, see sundayroadhouse.com.

21st Saloon Music
The 21st Saloon presented the twangin' roots music of Oregon's Too Slim & The Taildraggers on Thursday, Oct. 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Next Thursday, Oct. 20, catch soul-blues entertainer E.C. Scott.
Zoo Bar Blues
E.C. Scott also plays Lincoln's Zoo Bar next Tuesday, Oct. 18, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. 
Boston keyboard wizard Bruce Katz performs Wednesday, Oct. 19, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. He mixes soulful funk, New Orleans jazz and blues. He is on a solo tour after performing for the last year with Gregg Allman and playing with Delbert McClinton's band. Stick around for the late-night show with the Lil' Slim Blues Band. Here's a little youtube video of Bruce throwin' down some jazzy grooves with his trio.

Guitar star Coco Montoya takes the stage Thursday, Oct. 20, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. The late show includes Hector Anchondo with My Brother. See zoobar.com.

Hot Notes
Bruce Katz also plays Gator O'Malley's on Thursday, Oct. 20, after 9 p.m. I really love Bruce's soulful and versatile playing style and hope you'll come out and support this show. Check out samples of Bruce's music at  www.brucekatzband.com/music.html.
Robert Randolph & The Family Band plug in at Slowdown on Wednesday, Oct. 19.