The Summer of Our Content
It’s June in Omaha, which means a few things: one, gloriously sunny weather punctuated by hail-hoarding tornadoes; two, wickedly fewer articles of clothing on the average human; and three, new sunglasses and a metric f***-ton of places to wear them to, like the MAHA Music Festival, Shakespeare on the Green, the College World Series, the Testicle Festival (what?), Soaring Wings Vineyard, Riverfest, Sunfest – every fest under the local sun, and Shout!’s got the lowdown on all of them! We’re the guide – the most comprehensive guide you’ve ever seen – to the hot summer haps, so give it a read, pick your poison, slather on the sunscreen, and get out there!
OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Spring Wine and Blues Festival
June 26, noon – 9:30 p.m. The 2010 Blues Festival at Soaring Wings Vineyard features wine and music from the Side Effects, Kris Lager Band, Avey Brothers Band, Little Slim, and LeVee Town, with a spectacular jam session at the end of the evening by all of the bands! $20-$25, ages 12 and under free. Ages 21 and over receive a souvenir wine glass and first glass of wine. 17111 S. 138th St., Springfield, Neb. / (402) 253-2479
Bank of the West Celebrates America
July 2, 6 p.m. The Bank of the West Celebrates America concert will mark its 20th year in Omaha by bringing the national “United In Rock” tour of Foreigner, Styx and Kansas to the annual free live concert and fireworks show in Memorial Park.
Riverfront Jazz and Blues Festival
July 7, 2 – 11 p.m., at the Lewis and Clark Landing at the Downtown Riverfront. The sixth annual Jazz and Blues Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the summer. This premier jazz and blues event of the Midwest is packed with live musical performances featuring some of the most celebrated local and national jazz and blues musicians. This year’s top-notch performers include WAR, Summer Storm featuring Grammy-award-winning jazz guitarist Norman Brown, Grammy nominee John Lee Hooker, Jr., Grammy nominee and keyboard artist Jeff Lorber and saxophonist Marion Meadows. $20 ADV, $25 ATD. 515 N. Riverfront Dr. / 345-0606 / ticketomaha.org
July 24. Gates open at noon. With headliners Spoon, Superchunk, Old 97’s, Ben Kweller, the Faint, and local bands the Mynabirds, It’s True, Satchel Grande, and Betsy Wells. Lewis & Clark Landing, 515 North Riverfront Dr., DT
Cox Music & Movies
Enjoy free live music from some of the area’s hottest bands followed by a classic movie in the Holland Center Courtyard. Courtyard opens at 7:30 p.m., bands perform at 7:45 p.m., movies begin at 8:45 p.m. Selections: The Princess Bride with Platte River Rain (June 11), La Bamba with Marcos & Sabor (July 16), and Young Frankenstein with Chris Saub (August 13).
Jazz on the Green
If you love jazz, be sure to join Omaha Performing Arts this summer for Jazz on the Green! This cherished concert series has moved to a new venue, Turner Park at Midtown Crossing – a larger, centrally located outdoor setting perfect for a lively evening of smokin’ jazz. All shows take place Thursday evenings from July 8 to August 12, starting at 7 p.m. Venue opens at 5 p.m. Thousands of free parking spaces are available starting at 4:30 p.m. Performances include Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band (July 8), Tizer (July 15), The Sugar Thieves (July 22), Prairie Cats with Grand Marquis (July 29), Orquesta Alto Maiz (August 5), and Luigi Inc., a Tribute to Luigi Waites (August 12).
La Vista Outdoor Concert Series
Come join us at the La Vista Public Library to enjoy live music outdoors, featuring local bands Shur Thing (July 9), On the Fritz (July 23), and Blue House & the Rent to Own Horns (August 6). 9110 Giles Rd.
Party at the Park
Come to Stinson Park at Aksarben Village for the new Party at the Park concert series, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Enjoy food and beverages from Juice Stop, Godfather’s Pizza, LIV Lounge and Wohlner’s, with music by Joe Vincelli (June 5), Cowboy Dave Band (June 12), Chris Saub (July 10), Shur Thing (July 17), The Confidentials (July 25), and more. 67th & Center sts.
This free summer blues concert series at Lewis & Clark Landing was named Best Local Show by the 2007 OEA Awards. Don’t miss Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Carolyn Wonderland, and Hadden Sayers on June 19 (with BluesED youth bands Crimson Dawn and Running with Scissors opening) on June 19; Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, Sax Gordon, and The Randy Oxford Band (with BluesED youth band Mojo Bag opening) on July 17; and Ellis Hooks, Blackburn, and Stacy Mitchhart (with BluesED youth bands HalfWay There and Us & Them opening) on August 14. Gates open at 4 p.m. for all shows. 515 N. Riverfront Dr.
Shadow Lake Towne Center Summer Concert Series
Through August 27, Fridays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the Alegent Health Amphitheatre at Shadow Lake. Enjoy local musicians such as the Nadas, Lemon Fresh Day, the Confidentials, Taxi Driver, and more. Hwy. 370 and 72nd Street
Smooth Jazz Saturdays: Each month during the summer, on a Saturday night, Soaring Wings will be bringing you a different smooth jazz band: Ed Archibald & Friends (June 5), Will Donato (special event – July 3), High Pursuit (August 7), Battle of the Saxes (September 4). $5 for all dates except July. Special event: Listen to national jazz artist Will Donato play while visiting local food and craft vendors and participating in a Hearthugs Project fundraiser. Admission to the July 3 event is $25. No outside food, drinks, or coolers.
Acoustic Sundays: Acoustic Music Sundays at Soaring Wings Vineyard gazebo, 2 – 5 p.m. year-round. Bring your own picnic or purchase a cheese and bread basket at the vineyard. Enjoy music by Tracy Skretta (June 6), Katie Logan (June 13), Stovall (June 20), Jeff Tomes (June 27), Stephen Monroe (July 11), Tim Koehn (July 18), Strings & Chords (July 25), Greg Place (August 1), Tracy Skretta (August 1), Stovall (August 15), Jeff Tomes (August 22), Strings & Chords (August 29).
Friday Night Music Series: Bring a lawn chair or blanket, watch the sunset, and enjoy some great music with some great wine. Bring your own picnic or purchase a cheese and bread basket at the vineyard. $5. Purchase tastings for $6, glasses of wine for $5-$10, and bottles for $12 and up. Gates open at 6 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m. Enjoy music by Swampboy Blues Band (June 4), Mark Irvin Band (June 11), Soldiers of Soul (June 18), Smokin Section (June 25), Bob Who Band (July 2), Toons Band (July 9), Chris Saub Band (July 16), Swampboy Blues (July 23), Smokin’ Section (August 6), Bill Ritchie Jazz Quartet (August 13), Soldiers of Soul (August 20), Jumpin Kate (August 27). 17111 S. 138th St., Springfield, Neb. / (402) 253-2479
Thursdays this summer at the Sumtur Amphitheater. Papillion’s free summer concert series features great local performances by bands like Brad Hoshaw, the Mercurys, 112 North Duck, and more. Food, drinks and adult beverages will be sold beginning at 6 p.m. with performances starting at 7:30 p.m. You don’t want to miss out on this great new music series. 11691 S. 108th St. / 597-2041
Tempo of Twilight: Lauritzen Gardens
Enjoy outdoor concerts at Omaha’s botanical gardens on select Tuesday evenings this summer, 6 – 8 p.m. $3-$7. 100 Bancroft St., SO / 346-4002 ext. 201
Saturdays, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., through August. Featuring warm summer evenings and hot live music at a place where friends can join you for a glass of wine or a cold beer and where the kids can have their face painted and dance down by the stage. Bring your chairs or spread a blanket each week and be entertained by the best lineup of local bands in West Omaha all summer long. Leashed pets welcome. After the concert, shop your favorite Village Pointe stores, open until 9:30 p.m. Performers: Soul Dawg (June 5), High Heel (June 12), CowboyUp! Band (June 19), Orion Trio (June 25, Friday), Joseph Vincelli with Craig “Thumper” Samuels (June 26), Quartus (July 3), Bullseye (July 10), The Vybe (July 17), The Innocence (July 24), Wise Guys (July 31), Tunafish Jones (August 7), Chris Saub (August 14), On the Fritz (August 21), The Personics (August 28). 168th St. and W. Dodge Rd. / 505-9773
ARTS FESTIVALS
Enjoy the work of the Bard in a lovely tree-lined section of Elmwood Park, just south of UNO’s Bell Tower. A musical version of Two Gentlemen of Verona runs June 24 – 27 and July 8 and 10, while Romeo & Juliet runs July 1 – 4, 9, and 11. Events begin at 5:30 with Q-and-A seminars, Camp Shakespeare indoor and outdoor performances, musicians, actors, Café Verona and the Towne Square. Shows start at 8 p.m. Parking is available all over campus including the East parking facility and West around the Alumni House. 64th and Dodge sts.
June 25 – 27, 11 a.m. This is the 36th year of the Omaha Summer Arts Festival presented by First National Bank. Don’t miss the events and vendors in downtown, the artists’ market, the world music pavilion stage, and the children’s fair. 10th to 15th on Farnam Street
August 14 – 15, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Lauritzen Gardens. This festival features artwork from local and regional visual artists. Painters, photographers, metal smiths, jewelers and other artists display, sell and demonstrate their work. All artwork displayed will portray a botanical theme. In addition to the visual artists, Art in Bloom also features local performing artists entertaining guests of all ages. Children’s activities, artist demonstrations, walking garden art tours and more create an artistic, interactive experience. 100 Bancroft St., SO / 346-4002 ext. 201
Omaha Postcard & Paper Show
August 21, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Westside Community Conference Center. A free show featuring dealers in postcards, sheet music, trade cards, books, magazines, maps and other paper memorabilia. 3534 S. 108th St. / 981-2646 / 292-2646
Select Fridays this summer at the Sumtur Amphitheater. This is a free movie series for the whole family to enjoy. Gates open at 6 p.m. with pre-show entertainment starting at 7 p.m. Movies will start at 9:30 p.m. No outside food or drink will be allowed in the movie. 11691 S. 108th St. / 597-2041
La Vista’s Outdoor Movie Series
Enjoy outdoor movies in La Vista all summer long. Seating begins at 8 p.m., with a pre-show at 9:30 and starting time of 9:50 p.m. Schedule: Field of Dreams, June 25, La Vista Junior High; Bee Movie, July 16, La Vista Public Library; Star Trek, July 30, La Vista Junior High; Jurassic Park, August 13, La Vista Public Library. La Vista Junior High, 7900 Edgewood Blvd. / La Vista Public Library, 9110 Giles Rd.
FOOD & DRINK FESTIVALS
June 11 – 13, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing. The Taste of Omaha is a festival of great food and entertainment, showcasing area restaurants. 515 N. Riverfront Dr.
June 18 – 19, 5 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Round the Bend Steakhouse and Saloon presents the 2010 Testicle Festival, serving burgers, hot dogs, sausages, mouthwatering beef “fries,” churros, and funnel cake. Party inside with the band or outside under the tent. $5. 30801 E. Park Hwy., Ashland, Neb. / (402) 944-9974
July 9 – 11 at the Shops of Legacy. Experience a showcase of Omaha’s music, food, and brews. Featuring more than 20 local restaurants (Blue Sushi, Katie’s, Roja, Thai Pepper, Shuck’s, Guaca Maya, and more), KidZone Area, wine and beer gardens, and local bands like Shur Thing, Xiotal, Rhythm Collective, Pink Kadillac, Lemon Fresh Day, Soldiers of Soul, and many more. 168th and West Center
July 10, 3 – 8 p.m. Don’t miss Sunfest, the fourth annual celebration of the Midwest’s finest beers, put on by Beer Corner USA (Crescent Moon, Huber Haus, Beertopia, and Max & Joe’s). Your ticket entitles you to five hours of sampling more than 150 different beers, along with a souvenir glass, Q-and-A with brewery reps, and live music by the Night Shaker Trio. $27 ADV, $32 ATD. 3578 Farnam St. / 345-1708
Riverfest: Red, White, and Que
July 16 – 17, Haworth Park. The Nebraska State BBQ Championship and Music Festival, Bellevue’s premier community event, offers enjoyment for all on a beautiful riverfront. Featuring a barbecue showdown between more than 70 contestants, a car show, RiverFest 5K, the Pancake Man, KidZone, and live music from Doc James, Grand Theft Girlfriend, Groove Puppets, and more. 898-3000
Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival
August 13 – 14, 5 – 11 p.m. The 2010 Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival is a wine showcase featuring the best award-winning wines, plus food, live music, arts and crafts, and a KidZone with pony rides, face painting, and bouncy castles. $10 per person includes five tastes of wine or beers; $12 ATD. 346-8003
August 13 – 15. Celebrate the Nebraska-born perennial childhood beverage with boat races, biking, parades, trolley rides, carnival games, vendors, fireworks, music, and more. Hastings, Neb.
August 20, 5 – 11 p.m., August 21, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., August 22, noon – 7 p.m., Lewis & Clark Landing. Come out to the Omaha’s Original Greek Festival put on by Omaha’s very own St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church. Includes live, authentic Greek music, authentic Greek folk dancing in full Greek dress, delicious Greek cuisine, kids games, a Greek boutique, tantalizing pastries and much, much more. $3 adults, 12 and under free. 515 N. Riverfront Dr.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
June 12, 8:30 a.m. – midnight, historic downtown Benson district. This all-day family-friendly celebration begins with a pancake breakfast and the Benson Farmers Market, and includes an arts and crafts show, car show, motorcycle show, vendors, kids’ activities, and live music. After dark when the kids go home, $5 will get you admission to 30 bands on five of Benson’s stages: the Waiting Room Lounge, the Barley Street Tavern, the PS Collective, the Sydney, and Burke’s Pub. Maple St. from 59th to 63rd sts. / 918-5433
Ralston’s 50th Annual Independence Day Celebration
July 3, 4 p.m., downtown Ralston. Celebrate Independence Day in Ralston with a picnic, a pie baking contest, square dancing, a family street dance, a quilt show, and more. 339-7737
Red, White and Zoo: July 5. Bring your family to Omaha’s Zoo this Independence Day weekend. Featuring music and patriotic animal activities – including a self-guided tour in search of red, white and blue animals, the event ensures to be a wild time. Event activities are free for Omaha’s Zoo Members or with regular paid Zoo admission.
Moo at the Zoo: July 17 – 18. Join us for a fun-filled summer event at Omaha’s Zoo, previously known as Ice Cream Safari.
Critter Ride: August 12, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bring your bike and ride through the Henry Doorly Zoo during this family fun event. There will be dinner, snacks, refreshments and special animal encounters. Reservations are required. 3701 S. 10th St., SO / 731-8400
July 17 – 18, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Lauritzen Gardens. This fun communitywide celebration of Omaha’s railroad heritage is an annual celebration of all things train and track. Activities will be held at Lauritzen Gardens, the Durham Museum, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, the RailsWest Railroad Museum and the Historic General Dodge House. Admission is $10 per family and allows admittance at all five institutions for the weekend. 100 Bancroft St., SO / 346-4002 ext. 201
June 17 – 20. Come join in the fun with a carnival, craft vendors, pony rides, sports demos, food, games, and live music from The Labels and Lemon Fresh Day. $20.
August 4 – 8, Sarpy County fairgrounds. A great tradition of fun and entertainment at the Sarpy County Fair. With tractor pulls, rodeos, 4H competitions, beer garden, and our popular Demolition Derby—no matter what your interests or your age, you will find something to enjoy at the Sarpy County Fair. Parking for the fair is available south of the fairgrounds off of Pflug Road. South of I-80 on Hwy. 50, Springfield, Neb.
August 24 – 29, Andersen Park. Celebrate the community of Millard with live music, carnival games, a horseshoe tournament, parade, softball game, beer garden, fireworks, and more. 136th and Q sts.
August 28 – 29, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The 2010 “Defender of Freedom” Open House and Air Show is a free family event at Offutt AFB in Bellevue, featuring aerial performances, flybys, static displays, vendors, Kids Zone, educational opportunities, and military history. No coolers, backpacks, large bags, or pets. Parking is limited and visitors are encouraged to utilize the parking lots and shuttles located at Southroads Mall, Bellevue University, Bellevue East High School, and Bellevue West High School. Fort Crook and Capehart rds. / 232-8787
Through September 5, Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Every weekend this summer, bring your family and friends to Lauritzen Gardens to engage in unique garden-based activities. Explore the garden, learn about nature through your senses, and discover adventure, learning and mystery provided by the botanical world. 100 Bancroft St., SO / 346-4002 ext. 201
SPORTS
June 18 – 29, Rosenblatt Stadium. Don’t miss the excitement of the 2010 NCAA Men’s College World Series games. The games begin on June 19, kicking off on June 18 with the Road to Omaha Jam featuring Julianne Hough and Bucky Covington. Other activities during the day include open practices, autographs; the grand opening of the Fan Fest area, skills clinics for kids, and an opportunity to record your favorite Rosenblatt memories for possible use on the video board. After the concert, fans are encouraged to move inside of Rosenblatt Stadium for the formal Opening Ceremonies with the introduction of the eight participating teams, NCAA awards, performances by the U.S. Air Force’s Heartland of America Band, the introduction of the CWS Legends Team and a fireworks finale. 1202 Bert Murphy Ave., SO / 738-5100
July 25 – August 1 at Champions Run Country Club. This week of events includes the tournament, Family Fun Day, luncheons, fireworks, vendors, and charity events. Tickets range from $5 to $1400 depending on event and number. Spectator parking will be restricted around the golf course and shuttle use is highly recommended; shuttle locations include the Tranquility Soccer Complex (120th and Maple sts.) and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (144th and Eagle Run Drive). This year’s tournament will benefit 12 charities, including Ronald McDonald House, Tangier Shriners, Girl Scouts Spirit of America, Boy Scouts of America Mid America Council, and more. 399-1800
BIG SHOWS
Anchor Inn
July 2, Devo
August 9, The Black Keys with the Morning Benders
August 13, Slightly Stoopid with Cypress Hill, Collie Budz
September 4, Sound Tribe Sector 9 with Ghostland Observatory
Civic Auditorium
June 24, The Temptations
Holland Center & Orpheum Theatre
June 22 – 27, Beauty and the Beast
June 25, Kathy Griffin
July 6, Widespread Panic
July 12, Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
August 15, Melissa Etheridge
September 11, No Reservations: An Evening with Anthony Bourdain
Mid-America Center
August 23, Counting Crows’ Traveling Circus and Medicine Show featuring Augustana
Qwest Center Omaha
June 23, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Drive-By Truckers
June 27, Michael Bublé
July 3, Justin Bieber
July 17, WWE Raw/Smackdown
July 25, Brooks & Dunn
August 25, Rush: Time Machine Tour
August 26, American Idol Live
September 9, Jonas Brothers with Demi Lovato
September 14, Dave Matthews Band, with Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears
The Slowdown
June 13, The Mountain Goats
June 25, Mates of State
July 6, the Hold Steady
July 9, Ingrid Michaelson
August 1, Tokyo Police Club
August 8, Hanson
Sokol Auditorium
June 6, AFI
June 8, LMFAO
June 18, A Skylit Drive
June 26, Henry Rollins
July 21, Bowling for Soup
July 30, Heartless Bastards
Stir Cove Concert Series
June 5, Snoop Dogg and Mike Epps
June 10, Adam Lambert with Orianthi
July 4, Fireworks Extravaganza with Super Diamond
July 8, Barenaked Ladies with Kris Allen
July 9, Eric Church
July 11, Tesla
July 15, REO Speedwagon and Pat Benatar
July 31, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
August 1, Al Green
August 6, Dierks Bentley
August 8, Jimmy Cliff
August 9, Primus with Gogol Bordello
August 10, Social Distortion
August 13, Phoenix
August 28, The Black Crowes
August 29, Ray LaMontagne and David Gray
September 2, Train with Need to Breathe
September 9, Huey Lewis & the News
The Waiting Room
June 13, the Psychedelic Furs
June 24, 30 Days to MAHA Showcase
June 29, Cage the Elephant
July 16 – 17, OEA Awards
Westfair Amphitheater
July 13, O.A.R.
Whiskey Roadhouse at Horseshoe Casino
June 15, Blues Traveler
June 30, The Wailers
August 4, Better Than Ezra
One Comment
One Trackback
-
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sarah Gupta, Chris Larkin and Lisa Martin, Shout! Weekly. Shout! Weekly said: Cover Story: "The Summer Of Our Content" — the most comprehensive guide to your summer: http://bit.ly/bCvXXL [...]
Ruth Bahr says:
Thursday, June 3, 2010 at 8:48pm
Thank you for all the fabulous information. And don’t forget the Omaha Jitterbugs! Every Friday night, upstairs in the ballroom on 24th & Douglas, Eagles Aerie #38, for the best swing dancing in town. A $5 beginning swing lesson at 8:00 p.m. will get you into the dance free. Or come at 8:30 until midnight for $5 to deejay’d swing music from the 1920′s and 1930′s. If there is a band playing the cost will be $10. No partner necessary, we will teach you.