Sin City Soul & Blues Fest, Phil Alvin's medical fund, Holiday Music Options & Blues Music Award Nominees

The new READER column is online and includes the exclusive to Hoodoo Blues FIRST announcement of Terry O'Halloran's first headliner for the Sin City Soul & Blues Fest. The Tedeschi Trucks Band is scheduled to perform, with more headliners to come. The event takes place Sept. 15-17 at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. 

The current list of confirmed acts so far includes Tedeschi Trucks Band, Los Lonely Boys, Tab Benoit, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, The Austin All-Stars featuring Malford Milligan and W.C. Clark, Ruthie Foster Band, Carolyn Wonderland, Curtis Salgado's Big Band, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials, Trampled Under Foot, James Harman, Orgone, Monophonics, The Iguanas, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, John Nemeth, Karen Lovely, Contino, Brad Cordle Band, Kris Lager Band and Josh Hoyer & The Shadowboxers. 

O'Halloran expects to play over 30 bands during the three day destination blues fest. Admission to the performances is limited to those purchase room/hotel/festival packages. Packages will go on sale Jan. 1, 2013.
Sign up for the email notifications at www.sincitysoulandbluesrevival.com

Dave Alvin's big brother Phil had a medical scare in Europe while on tour with the current Blasters earlier this year. Phil is OK now but has some serious medical bills to take care of and friends are hosting a benefit in January that is already sold out. But you can still send a donation if you are so inclined. Dave reports, 

"The benefit show for my brother is SOLD OUT! Sincere thanks to everyone who bought tickets to help him out. It means the damn world to us. 
For those of you who've asked me about a way to donate because you can't attend the concert, here's the information: Make checks/money orders payable to: New Highway, Inc. 1563 Solano Avenue #439 Berkeley, California 94707 Please also address the envelope to New Highway, Inc. 
Thank you all again for your extremely kind support and generosity." - Dave Alvin

Dave & Phil performing earlier this year.

Still smiling from catching three Jon Dee Graham shows in four nights earlier this month...here're a couple of clips from friends who did some recording of songs at the shows.

Having Jon Dee in town sent me back to listening to his HOBART BROTHERS & LIL' SIS project with Freedy Johnston and Susan Cowsill. I really like this song a lot. 

Jon Dee's been playing in Austin with a bunch of cool cats for a Sunday brunch at Strange Brew, they are calling themselves the Purgatory Players...here's a little something called "I Will Walk With You" from one of those shows since I can't find a version of Jon Dee's song "I Hate Christmas," with the Resentments, online. 

Oh, and the Blues Music Award nominations are out, and they include Curtis Salgado in the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year category. Find the link to the BMA nominations in this week's READER column.

Have a fearless, joyous holiday season. Celebrate with music, laughter, friends and love. The world didn't end, so get out tonight and see some music...!

Here's this week's READER column. See ya in the New Year!

www.thereader.com/index.php/comments/sin_city_soul_blues/

Sin City Soul & Blues & More
By B.J. Huchtemann


Former Omaha promoter Terry O’Halloran’s Las Vegas blues festival continues to take impressive shape. Scheduled for Sept. 15-17, 2013, at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino, O’Halloran plans for over 30 bands performing on three stages. O’Halloran has just confirmed 2012 Grammy winner the Tedeschi Trucks Band as one of the headliners, with more headliner announcements to come. Acts currently booked include Tab Benoit, Ruthie Foster, Tommy Castro, Royal Southern Brotherhood, The Iguanas, The Monophonics, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds and more. Several local acts also will showcase their talents at the much-anticipated event. O’Halloran’s Sin City Soul & Blues Revival is unique because when the hotel packages are gone, the festival is sold out, guaranteeing that festival guests will enjoy an exclusive experience. See sincitysoulandbluesrevival.com or follow the link on the site to the event’s Facebook page. Costs and pre-sale ticket discounts will be posted Jan. 1, 2013. O’Halloran currently resides in Austin, Texas, after being a major force on the Omaha music scene for over 25 years.


21st Saloon
Samantha Fish, 2012 Blues Music Award winner for Best New Artist Debut, plugs in at The 21st Thursday, Dec. 20, 5:30-8:30 p.m. High-energy bass player Biscuit Miller & The Mix is scheduled at The 21st Thursday, Dec. 27, for their Omaha debut. Miller is familiar to local audiences from his years with Anthony Gomes’ band.

Zoo Bar Music
Lincoln’s Zoo Bar has The Mezcal Brothers unplugged plus The Betties Thursday, Dec. 20, 9 p.m. Levi William is up Friday, Dec. 21, 5-7 p.m. followed by the Tijuana Gigolos End of the World Party. Assuming the Mayans are wrong, Saturday, Dec. 22, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials crank up old-school Chicago blues 6-9 p.m. The Zoo Bar House Band hosts a special holiday blues jam Sunday, Dec. 23, 5-9 p.m.  Magic Slim appears for his traditional Christmas night show, Dec. 25, after 8 p.m.
Josh Hoyer & The Shadowboxers debut Friday, Dec. 28, 9 p.m. Boogie-blues heroes The Bel Airs rock it up Saturday, Dec. 29, 9 p.m.

Hot Notes
Runny Nose Pete heats up Sullivan’s, 40th & Dodge, Friday, Dec. 21, after 9 p.m. with gritty, guitar-driven, gutbucket blues.
Blues Music Award nominations were announced last week by the national Blues Foundation. Oregon’s Curtis Salgado, a favorite of Omaha audiences, received four nominations including one for B.B. King Entertainer of the Year. See blues.org/bluesmusicawards.

a little Christmas...

The Landfill Harmonic Orchestra in Paraguay

Jon Dee Graham reminds us it's a World So Full

Jon Dee Graham with the Zoo Bar House Band, Feb. 2012

....a week of unbelievable joys and sorrows....
hold your dear ones close....

The video at the top of the blog was shared with me by a friend....proof of the visceral power of music to change lives...a youth orchestra in Paraguay where the impoverished children play instruments made from recycled items....never give up on anyone, the trailer says. There is a documentary in the works about this extraordinary group who call themselves the Landfill Harmonic. Take three minutes and watch this, it will lift your spirits.

I had a wonderful week of catching three Jon Dee Graham shows in four nights...a musical and personal hero, Graham is doing great and each show was magnificent.....Monday night he sat in with Josh Hoyer and the Zoo Bar House Band at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln....pure joy of music...
second in line is a video from last February when Jon Dee and the House Band tore it up...this week's show was just as gloriously full of fun.

Please be kind to each other, hold your loved ones close...tell people you love them. 
Don't take this "world so full" for granted.

This week's column is online here
www.thereader.com/index.php/comments/scottie_miller_shines/

Minneapolis musician Scottie Miller hits The 21st Saloon Thursday, Dec. 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.  Miller’s day job is playing keyboards in Grammy nominee Ruthie Foster’s band. It’s a CD release party in support of his very fine new disc Rise Up. The CD showcases his excellent original tunes from funky New Orleans party boogies to introspective, thought-provoking songs set to sweeping arrangements with strings. This is a don’t-miss show for dedicated music fans.

The 21st Saloon has launched a Sunday music series. The bookings will be a mix of local and touring acts. Of special note is the rock and blues of Chicago’s The Steepwater Band Sunday, Dec. 16. Dirty Impound writes “fans of Mick Taylor-era Stones, early Hendrix and The Black Keys will eat this up with impolite gusto.” See steepwater.com.

The 21st also presents Hamilton Loomis in a special Friday show on Dec. 28, 6 p.m.
See omahablues.com for The 21st Saloon schedule updates.

Zoo Bar Blues
The Zoo Bar stacks up great shows including a Lincoln appearance by The Steepwater Band Saturday, Dec. 16, 9 p.m. The Lil’ Slim Blues Bandand Matt Cox Band share the bill on Thursday, Dec. 13, 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, the Tijuana Gigolos get the party started 5-7 p.m. followed by the high-energy blues of Louisiana’s Josh Garrett Band. Garrett is a triple-threat with great guitar chops, soulful vocals and original songs.

Mark your calendars for Chicago’s Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials next Saturday, Dec. 22. Josh Hoyer & the Shadowboxers make their debut on Friday, Dec. 28, 9 p.m.

Graham’s Garage Sale
Jon Dee Graham delivered his anticipated soul-lifting show at Dean Dobmeier’s and Gary Grobeck’s Sunday Roadhouse at the Side Door Lounge Dec. 9. If you missed the wonderful show, preview Graham’s latest disc, Garage Sale, at jondeegraham.com. My face hurts from smiling.Mike June, touring with Graham, showcased some gritty, working man blues from his brand new disc Talkin’ Revolution Blues. Seemikejune.com.

Hot Notes
Samantha Fish gigs at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Wednesday, Dec. 19, 6-9 p.m. and at The 21st Saloon Thursday, Dec. 22, 5:30 p.m. She is this year’s Blues Foundation Blues Music Award winner for Best New Artist Debut.Brad Hoshaw and Elizabeth Webb have collaborated with the Blue Barn Theatre’s Witching Hour to create and perform music for the original ghost story Grass So Tall, Sky So Black. Final performances are Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14 & 15, 11 p.m.  Seefacebook.com/bbwitchinghour.

Toy Drive on 89.7 The River & Jon Dee Graham at the Side Door Lounge!

Please Listen to the Lash LaRue Toy Drive show on KIWR 89.7 The River 8 am to noon on Sunday, Dec. 9!
Lash & I will be on the air with Rick Galusha, Mike Fratt, many in studio musical guests and playing cuts from the Christmas for Pine Ridge benefit CDs....see www.toydriveforpineridge.com.... AND then JON DEE GRAHAM at The Side Door Lounge, Sunday, 5 p.m. Yes, Yes. See www.sundayroadhouse.com
I also highly recommend you stop in at the Zoo Bar House Band's late show on Monday, Dec. 10! Yes, Yes!
NEW COLUMN WITH MORE DETAILS IS ONLINE HERE
http://www.thereader.com/index.php/site/comments/fearless_joyous_ music/

Lash's Toy Drive Today & Jon Dee Graham Countdown to Sunday, Dec. 9

Today... Sunday at the 21st Saloon it's Lash LaRue Toy Drive day with the Blues Society of Omaha...headlining the party is zydeco from Grammy Award winner Chubby Carrier.....also opening the show are The Loose Brothers and Christy Rossiter & 112 North Duck ...music starts Sun at 3 pm. Doors open at 1 pm. Admission is $10 cash.. Toy donations of new unwrapped toys will be accepted for those who also want to donate a toy. Be sure to purchase your copy of Vol IV of the Toy Drive CD. Check the new column for details or Toy Drive For Pine Ridge on FB www.thereader.com/index.php/site/comments/lashs_toy_drive/

And Next Sunday, Dec. 9, we'll be on the radio with information about Pine Ridge on KIWR 89.7 The RIVER 8 am. - noon.... you can donate anytime online at www.toydriveforpineridge.com

And I am counting the days till next Sunday evening when Jon Dee Graham & Mike June play the Sunday Roadhouse at the Side Door Lounge. Showtime 5 pm. See www.sundayroadhouse.com.
Bad Jon Dee Santa & Mike June as the serious Elf poster by Mark Gerking.

Sin City Blues & Soul Heats Up & Other Hot Stuff

thanks to the holidays....last Friday's blog is still the most recent....but it's still got news on TerryO's Vegas Venture....Lash's Toy Drive...Jon Dee Graham's Dec. shows and some cool videos....

Terry O'Halloran is down in Austin (I'm jealous, except for right now when my other Austin friends are bemoaning the influx of activity AND HELICOPTERS associated with the Formula One Race going on down there).... and TerryO is hard at work on his Las Vegas destination blues festival, which is now going by the name Sin City Soul & Blues Revival. It's happening September 15-17, 2013 at The Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. O'Halloran expects early-bird packages to be ready for sale in January. 
You can like the Facebook page to get the latest updates, still operating as Facebook.com/LasVegasBluesVacation
to get regular updates. O'Halloran expects to offer up to 40 acts in a resort setting with only a limited number of tickets sold that will include hotel accommodation on the festival site. 

With O'Halloran's world-class taste in music and the contacts he has developed as a club booker in Omaha and Vegas and as the president of The Blues Society of Omaha for over 11 years, I expected him to put together something special So far he is ahead of my expectations in bringing together "favorite" artists with some newer, accomplished talent. Aside from his "street cred" with his track record of booking venues in Omaha and Vegas, O'Halloran was has received industry honors including "The Keeping Blues Alive Award" for "Promoter of the Year" in 2007 from the International Blues Foundation. He was recognized by The Omaha Entertainment Awards in 2006 for "Best Musical Ambassador" and received the "Boehmer Award" in 2000 for his "support and promotion of the blues in Nebraska" from the Big Bottom Blues Festival. 

Here's the latest on the line-up from TerryO:

Artists confirmed as of 10/30/12: Tab Benoit, Ruthie Foster, The Austin All-Stars featuring Malford Milligan & WC Clark, Trampled Under Foot, Royal Southern Brotherhood, John Nemeth, Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, Sister Sparrow, The Iguanas, Karen Lovely, The Red Elvises & Orgone.

Two excellent local bands have also been added to the line-up, giving a great showcase opportunity for our home-grown talent to get seen by some movers and shakers. Kris Lager Band and Josh  Hoyer & The Shadowboxers are confirmed to perform.

Hoyer says that his new band Josh Hoyer & The Shadowboxers will have their first gig at The Zoo Bar Dec.  28. Given Hoyer's talent and taste in music and soulful grooves, this oughtta be very good stuff!

Mark your calendar now for the annual Lash LaRue's Toy Drive events to bring toys and some holiday hope to the children and families of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Things kick off this year with a CD listening party for this year's Vol. IV benefit CD on Thursday, Nov. 29 at The Waiting Room, 8 p.m. The CD is always a much-anticipated item filled with local musicians' specially written Christmas tunes, happy or sad. Then there is an acoustic show at The Side Door Lounge Friday, Nov. 30, a roots and rock show at The Waiting Room Saturday, Dec. 1 and the big Blues Society of Omaha show on Sunday, Dec. 2, featuring Grammy Award Winner Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band. The following Sunday, Dec. 9, we will be back on the radio on KIWR The River from 8 a.m. till Noon (yes, me too), sharing songs from the benefit CDs I-IV and featuring some special in-studio performances. Check out all the details at  toydriveforpineridge.com where you can also make an immediate donation via PayPal.

If you missed Lake Street Dive at Dean and Gary's moveable Sunday Roadhouse Concert Series at Slowdown last Sunday, you missed an exceptionally cool show. A bit of a divergence from Americana, but then again, the 60s-70s R&B/Soul/Pop complete with drop-dead-cool harmonies the Brooklyn band puts down is nothing but American Music (to quote Dave Alvin). Check them out, and be on the lookout for their next local appearance. A don't miss live show for music lovers. Think Davina meets Amy Winehouse at James Brown's house party in New Orleans....cool stuff.

Jon Dee Graham Countdown. Personal favorite Jon Dee Graham is coming back to the metro area for several shows including Sunday, Dec. 9, at The Side Door as a Sunday Roadhouse show. Graham will be touring in a solo-duo acoustic format with agent and singer-songwriter pal/sidekick Mike June. Both have new CDs out - Graham's is the wonderful Garage Sale and June's is the excellent Talkin' Revolution Blues, which was finished through a Kickstarter program that exceeded its set goal.
For audio sneak-peaks and digital downloads see 
jondeegrahamco.bandcamp.com
reverbnation.com/mikejune/song/15078176-talkin-revolution-blues

Regional shows on the tour include

Dec. 8th Kansas City, MO Knuckleheads  

http://www.knuckleheadskc.com/

Dec. 9th Omaha, NE Sunday Roadhouse at the Side Door http://sundayroadhouse.com/

Dec. 12th Sioux City, IA Vangard Arts
421 Pierce Sioux City, IA 51101

Dec. 13th Manhattan, KS Auntie Mae's
http://www.auntiemaes.com/

There's lots of great music going this weekend in Linoma including the always super-bitchin' good boogie-blues of The Bel Airs tonight (Friday, Nov. 16) at Lincoln's Zoo Bar. If you're staying in Omaha, the Honeyboy Turner Band is at McKenna's. 

Saturday night, Jerome Brich would sure like to see some new folks come out and check out his FolkHouse concert series. Saturday, Nov. 17, FolkHouse presents Greg Trooper, known for his mix of soul, twang and folk. Admission is a $20 donation that goes to the artist, but Brich says don't let the lack of $20 keep you from attending, any donation will be welcomed. The FolkHouse is in Brich's private home in central Omaha. 
To reserve your seat and get directions 
see 
folkhouseconcerts.com/schedule.htm#trooper

Last Video Clip for Tonight...Springsteen show, which I missed...but there are already video clips up from last night's show on youtube....here's somebody's cell phone capture of Highway Patrolman from his iconic Nebraska disc, which he treated the Omaha crowd to six songs from during the three-plus hour show. The audio is pretty good....Everyone says it was the Boss' usual excellent throw-down. Gotta say the man respects The Music and The Audience.

Meanwhile the new column is online and on the street, with more music info including some preliminary, very cool musical "to dos" for Thanksgiving weekend. Check it here:

thereader.com/index.php/site/comments/the_chief_nightcats_magic/

The Chief, Nightcats & Magic

by B.J. Huchtemann

There are excellent touring shows coming up at The 21st Saloon, beginning with Alligator Records’ Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater this Thursday, Nov. 15. Born in Macon, Miss., in 1935, Clearwater is one of the creative guitarists who helped forge the distinctive West Side Chicago blues sound. Expect vintage rock, gospel and country blues too.
There is an early show Wednesday, Nov. 21, with Southern California harmonica player, singer and inventive songwriter Rick Estrin fronting The Nightcats for a Thanksgiving Eve gig. Estrin was the longtime vocalist for Little Charlie & the Nightcats. There is no show on Thursday, Nov. 22.
Winding up November is “Braille Blues Daddy” Bryan Lee Thursday, Nov. 29. The 21st has a slew of Hoodoo favorites in December, starting with Texas blues-rockers Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat Thursday, Dec. 6. Coco Montoya plugs in for a special show Tuesday, Dec. 11. Mark your calendar now for the Dec. 13 CD release party by Minneapolis’ Scottie Miller. Miller’s new disc, Rise Up, is excellent. It showcases his original music that mixes New Orleans keyboard funk, blues, rock and Americana. Miller’s “day job” is playing keys in Ruthie Foster’s band. The 21st Saloon blues shows happen 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Zoo Bar Blues
The Red Elvises shake up some high-octane rockabilly Thursday, Nov. 15, 6-9 p.m. The Bel Airs bring their boogie blues to town Friday, Nov. 16, 9 p.m. The Tijuana Gigolos play Saturday, Nov. 17, 9 p. m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, the Zoo hosts a singer-songwriter showcase with Josh Hoyer and Manny Coon featuring L.A.’s soulful David Vidal, one of Hoyer’s personal favorites. Jazzocracy plays Tuesday 6-9 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve it’s bluegrass with the Toasted Ponies 6-9 p.m. followed by honky-tonk & country with Lloyd McCarter’s band after 10 p.m. Magic Slim and friends perform at the Zoo Thanksgiving night, Nov. 22, after 9 p.m. Tommy Castro hits the stage Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6-9 p.m.
Hot Notes
Lawrence, Kansas, band Dumptruck Butterlips features Kris Lager Sunday, Nov. 18, 9 p.m., at The Hive and Monday, Nov. 19, 10 p.m., at the Zoo Bar. Matt Cox hosts his third annual Thanksgiving food drive at The Barley Street Tavern Wednesday, Nov. 21, 9 p.m. See mattcoxmusic.net. Honeyboy Turner gigs at McKenna’s Friday, Nov. 16. Lash LaRue’s Toy Drive is gearing up for another year, launching with the benefit CD release Nov. 29 at Waiting Room. See toydriveforpineridge.com. Jon Dee Graham returns for Sunday Roadhouse at the Side Door Lounge Sunday, Dec. 9.

OEAA showcase, Billy Bacon, Runny Nose Pete, Branford Marsalis, Lake Street Dive....

Heckuva lot going on tonight and this weekend including the always highly entertaining OEAA Music Nominees Showcase in Benson -- starting right now (I am already late!)

Below is the schedule of bands and artists that will be performing (subject to change)....changes are usually posted at the venues....which are Waiting Room, Star Deli, PS Collective (inside Pizza Shoppe), Barley Street Tavern and The Sydney.

Waiting Room:
7:00-7:35 The Confidentials
7:50-8:25 Save the Hero
8:40-9:15 Matt Cox
9:30-10:05 All Young Girls Are Machine Guns
10:20-10:55 Bloodcow
11:10-11:45 DJEM
12:00-12:35 Jimmy Hooligan feat. OEAA Best DJ nominee Surreal
12:50-1:25 The End in Red

Star Deli:
7:00-7:35 Wrekafekt
7:50-8:25 Dominique Morgan
8:40-9:15 Daniel Christian
9:30-10:05 AZP
10:20-10:55 Matt Amandus
11:10-11:45 Mitch Gettman
12:00-12:15 Enjoli
12:20-12:45 ShiShi Shakari
12:50-1:25 Hector Anchondo

PS Collective:
9:30-10:05-Belles & Whistles
10:20-10:55-Steve Raybine
11:10-11:45-Jamazz feat. OEAA Best DJ Nominee E Babbs
12:00-12:35 The Bishops
12:50-1:50-Hemmingbirds (non-OEAA touring band)

Barley Street Tavern:
7:00-7:35 Field Club
7:50-8:25 Cornerstone Dub
8:40-9:15 Edge of Arbor
9:30-10:05 Good Show Great Show
10:20-10:55 The Electroliners
11:10-11:45 Traveling Mercies
12:00-12:35 Rock Paper Dynamite
12:50-1:25 Snake Island!

The Sydney:
7:50-8:25 Moses Prey
8:40-9:15 Purveyor’s Of The Conscious Sound
9:30-10:05 Galvanized Tron
10:20-10:55 The Seen
11:10-11:45 Cannonista
12:00-12:35 Lonely Estates
12:50-1:25 Secret Weapon

Meanwhile, the always riotously entertaining and bad-ass guitar man Steve Byam is slinging some old-school blues at Sullivans, 40th & Farnam, 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
Billy Bacon is back at the Zoo Bar tonight and Saturday night.
Dean and Gary host Lake Street Dive at Slowdown this Sunday, 5 p.m. See www.sundayroadhouse.com. 

In Art...Jamie Danielle Hardy has an opening reception 7-10 p.m. tonight at the NEW BLK, 1213 Jones Street, for her work REVEL: The Installation Work of Jamie Danielle Hardy...
Find more of Jamie's work here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.498422846843153.116011.100000263263958&type=1&l=d95c3881b4

Brandford Marsalis is at the Holland....there is so much to choose from! 
New READER column is online with all that and a little more.
Check it here...
www.thereader.com/index.php/comments/oeaa_showcase_more/
Have a great and fun weekend, everyone.

Happy Halloween to All!

And a rendition of Jon Dee Graham's October,

 from the man himself....

who will be at the Sunday Roadhouse at the Side Door Lounge on Sunday, Dec. 9!

New column is online here.....more to come:

http://www.thereader.com/index.php/site/comments/roadhouse_zoo_more/ 

Roadhouse, Zoo & More

by B.J. Huchtemann    

Dean Dobmeier’s and Gary Grobeck’s Sunday Roadhouse series is back with the first of several notable shows this Sunday, Nov. 4. The duo presents Americana buzz band Shovels & Rope at The Waiting Room, 5 p.m., with special guests Shivering Timbers. Shovels & Rope’s recent gigs include some opening slots for Jack White. NoDepression.com says “There is lust and death and triumph and loss...and boy howdy, are they joyful.”
Other coming Roadhouse shows include Lake Street Dive Sunday, Nov. 11, at Slowdown and the just-announced, always luminous Jon Dee Graham Sunday, Dec. 9, at Side Door Lounge. See sundayroadhouse.com for details and links.  

Zoo Bar in Art
Lincoln artist and longtime part of the Zoo Bar scene, Linda Benton, has an art opening as part of Lincoln’s First Friday at the Burkholder Project, 719 P Street, that includes images inspired by photos from the Zoo Bar. The collages incorporate photos taken at the bar through the years by Benton’s husband Ken Benton. There are 17 works in the Zoo Bar series, along with two other painting groups, one related to the Platte River and the other to the fossil exhibits of Morrill Hall. Lincoln’s First Friday gallery openings are 7-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2.

Larry Boehmer Honors
Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler’s Chief of Staff Rick Hoppe responded to a letter-writing campaign looking for a way to honor the late Larry Boehmer on Lincoln’s 14th Street. Hoppe responded via group email to Boehmer’s friends in part “The Zoo Bar is a Lincoln treasure and a community attraction that generates regional and national excitement...We are hopeful that we can find a fitting tribute that captures the very passion Larry built as owner of the Zoo Bar.” Watch for updates on discussions.

Hot Notes
Speaking of Art, the artists of Benson First Friday showcase their work at a variety of Benson venues Friday, Nov. 2, with a focus on Dia De Los Muertos. See Facebook.com/BensonFirstFriday.
Blues from Hector Anchondo plus Dry County Winos hits Lincoln's Zoo Bar Nov. 1, 9 p.m. Chuck Brown & The Basement Devils play Shamrock’s Pub Nov. 2, 9 p.m.
Mississippi Heat is at The 21st Saloon Thursday, Nov. 1, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Oklahoma blues-rockers the Dustin Pittsley Band play Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Wednesday, Nov. 7, 6-9 p.m., and The 21st Thursday, Nov. 8, 5:30 p.m. Pittsley’s band has won multiple awards including the 2010 Beale Street Blues Kings Award at that year’s International Blues Festival.