Picks of the Week – Jan. 20 – Jan. 26
HOLLAND CENTER TWO-FER
What: Saturday Night at the Holland Center When: Saturday, Jan. 21
Where: Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Cost: varies
On the Web: ticketomaha.com
The Scoop: Two great shows make for twice the entertainment at the Holland Center this Saturday. New York’s Popa Chubby performs his brand of roots blues music blended with classic rock. His show begins at 8 p.m. Saturday in the 1200 club. Tickets are $30, available at ticketomaha.com. Meanwhile, at 7 p.m., the Omaha Symphony presents their concert, “Mysterioso” in the Kiewit Concert Hall at the Holland Center. This entertaining show, part of the Sights and Sounds Series, includes an illusionist, a magic duo, a comedian and two quick-change artists, in addition to the Symphony’s charming performance, for a show full of fun and surprises. Tickets for “Mysterioso” range from $15 to $65.
ANNUAL CLASSIC @ THE BELT
What: From Shelterbelt with Love When: Jan. 19 – Feb. 12
Where: Shelterbelt Theatre, 3225 Calif. St. Cost: $7.50-$15
On the Web: shelterbelt.org
The Scoop: The Shelterbelt’s annual look at love and loss is back on their Midtown stage, starting this Thursday. The 11th annual lovefest presents nine new plays addressing various aspects of the human condition in love. “The shows this year have a heavy dose of humor, which I think everyone needs,” said the play’s producer, Craig Bond, in a statement about the upcoming show. Whether you are lucky in love or feeling the pain, this collection of short plays is intended to help you appreciate the nature of one of the most inexplicable, mercurial forces in human existence. Or at least laugh about it. And if you do have a special someone, we’re willing to bet this show will mean a lot more to them than a Mylar heart-shaped balloon—jus’ sayin. Tickets are available for a song, with this weekend’s opening shows priced at $10. Sunday, Feb. 5, tickets are only $7.50 as part of a TAG promotion.
NEW VINYL, NEW CDS
What: Local Album Releases
When: Friday, Jan. 20 and Saturday, Jan. 21 Where: The Waiting Room Lounge and The Slowdown Cost: Varies
On the Web: waitingroomlounge.com, theslowdown.com
The Scoop: This weekend welcomes three new releases from three Omaha outfits. Friday night, the Big Deep blows up the Waiting Room with their debut CD release party for “Roman Empire.” Read MarQ Manner’s interview on p. 35. Landing on the Moon, Blue Bird, & Bad Country help the Big Deep celebrate onstage. Also Friday night, Under- water Dream Machine mastermind Bret Vovk releases his new CD, “A Very Lonely Dream about Space,” at the Barley Street Tavern with Milky Grape, Platte River Rain, Nick Carl and comedy from Casey Crawford. Saturday, Millions of Boys debut their new hot vinyl, “Competing for your Love” at the Slowdown, sharing the stage with Dads, the Empty Spaces and Power Slop.
OSCAR-WINNER HITS OCP STAGE
What: “On Golden Pond”
When: Jan. 20 through Feb.12
Where: Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Cost: $21-$35
On the Web: omahaplayhouse.com
THE SCOOP: Omaha Community Playhouse opens its first show of the year, “On Golden Pond,” this Friday night. The 1979 play became famous when the all-star cast of Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda and Katharine Hepburn brought the production to life on the big screen to critical acclaim. The movie won heaps of awards, including three Oscars, and now the Omaha Community Playhouse brings the touching story of family relations to the Howard and Rhonda Hawks Mainstage Theatre. Wednesday, Jan. 25, the playhouse offers all tickets to “On Golden Pond” for $10. Tickets are available at the box office that day after 4 p.m.
GOOD LUCK, MITCH!
What: Mitch Gettman’s Going Away Show When: 8 p.m., Monday, Jan. 23 Where: The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Cost: $5
On the Web: theslowdown.com
The Scoop: Nothing is slowing Mitch Gettman down, so get to the Slowdown Monday night if you want to catch him while you can. The precocious local performer has already earned a reputation for his singing and songwriting talents. Nominated for best new Omaha perfomer in 2009, he released his first album, “We are the Mad Ones” last year. That work received a heavy helping of critical praise locally, and it is surprising that Gettman was still in high school while producing the album that delivers the polished development of his sound, melding modern rock influences with a rooted, singer-songwriter sensibility. Gettman is on the fast track, and having graduated high school one semester early, he is leaving Omaha to let his star shine in Chicago this winter and spring. Monday night, fans and friends gather at the Slowdown to send him off in fine form. Songstress Tara Vaughan and alt-country urban cowboy Matt Cox join Gettman on the Slowdown stage.
DON’T BE LATE, LATE FOR CRAIG
What: Craig Ferguson
When: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 25 Where: Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Cost: $38-$58
On the Web: ticketomaha.com
THE SCOOP: The Scottish comedian is so beloved by American audiences he has been made an honorary citizen of many American towns, as well as the celebrated host of CBS’s “Late Late Show.” His work on that show has been nominated for an Emmy and won a Peabody award, but that’s just one tick on this funny man’s abundant CV. From “The Drew Carey Show” to “Saving Grace,” Ferguson has added his wit and delivery to many successful comedy shows, and his finger is squarely on the pulse of the international comedic flow. A huge star on both sides of the Atlantic, we know an evening with Ferguson at the Orpheum will be memorable for more than just his charming Scottish brogue.
EVAN ALMIGHTY
What: The Lemonheads
When: 9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26
Where: The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Cost: $15
On the Web: waitingroomlounge.com
THE SCOOP: It’s still a shame about Ray, but the bummer about the Lemonheads breaking up in the late ‘90s is over. The ‘90s alt rock wonderband is back to perform their 1992 breakthrough album, “It’s a Shame About Ray” in its entirety. A true treat for any Lemonheads fan, the band’s current line-up includes Evan Dando as the only original member, but what an original he is. Even moderate fans or the curious could be moved by this show, at least to discover if Dando is a lemonhead, sweet on the outside but sour on the inside, or if he really is, as People magazine declared, one of the world’s most beautiful people.