Cult Moxie

Coachella! Holla!

2009-01-31T14:03:00.002-06:00

Just a quick note to everyone: Between the shows coming up in Omaha and then Coachella, we'll have a lot to say.

Don't be a loser, read it.

Pants

2009-01-23T15:25:00.005-06:00

Thursday nights are not what they used to be for me. I have to be honest, back in the day I was never home on a Thursday night. Well, actually, I was pretty much out every night. But, truth be told, I am now older, wiser, and prettier. (Hey, I’m admitting I’m old. Give me this.) So, for me to venture out on a Thursday night is somewhat of a rare occurrence nowadays.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO WORTH IT!

I am not sure what your outlook is on safety glasses, but mine is positive. So you can imagine how elated I was to find the drummer wearing safety glasses during the show. I mean, it’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye, right?

Also, I am a fan of head banging and breaking things. Although no one broke anything that night (except for me--broke a toe), they did throw their hair around quite often. Seriously. Tapes 1 started it, and then Mo (my self-proclaimed rock-star-shirt-wearing friend…short but unnecessary story) joined in the head banging. I guess if you’re not in the band it’s frowned upon. At least it was by some unimpressed fans to our left. That’s okay, though. No one rocks out to be accepted by society. Damn the man!

So, as I stand in the front row watching my friend head bang her way into the hearts of millions, I realized something. Tapes ‘n Tapes was even better live! (Picture the look on the face of President Bush when that guy threw the shoe. The first one.) I was stunned! Don’t get me wrong, I expected a great show. However, I was pleasantly surprised by a ridiculously badass show.

I love Tapes ‘n Tapes. I do not mean I-Love-Lamp-Love, either. I mean Let’s-Get-An-Apartment-Together love. The creepy kind. So I’ll stay here and fight for lover’s rights!

Muuuu-sic.....

2008-07-22T14:33:00.002-05:00

Alright so I got my One Percent email today that said that Jenny Lewis is also performing with Conor at the Anchor Inn - went and bought my tickets. I'm just sayin - it's gonna sell out.

Alright I gotta jet. I'm at work.

*peace

**Word to the wiser.... if you're going to a concert out of town, buy your tickets before you make ANY other plans. You'd think this would be obvious to most people. Well, there you have it. Chicago's still cool.

There's Always a Cause

2008-07-13T14:48:00.006-05:00

Events in Omaha are often unique - especially eclectic combinations like Trocadero, Bemis Underground, and DJ Kobrakyle (benefitting the Nebraska AIDS Project).

I'm going to admit that I'm not personally familiar with DJ Kobrakyle. But I feel okay about that. Awareness is a good start.

Saturday, July 19th The Bemis Underground will host DJ K., and a slew of local artists will have their interpretations of the Munny doll on display for silent auction. The event is FREE, 8-11, and a preview (of the art) will be on display at Trocadero from July 14th - 18th.

Artists include: Wanda Ewing, Joey Lynch (I got one of his covers on my Tilly album HA), Miss Cake, Jeff King, Zack Nipper (Saddlecreek Grammy winner hellyeah), Renee Hoover, and some other super sweet peeps. Check it out here.

***

You should also come support local artist Bill Hoover at Pulp on Friday, July 18th. Piccasso-esque, I think, in a lot of his human figures, yet othertimes not in his landscapes. Gorgeous and colorful. Must see.

The infamous Tony Bonacci will be serving bar and trying not to accidentally get smashed in the process.

And if you haven't met the owner of Pulp, the lovely Brigitte McQueen, her name alone should have you curious.

Runaways - An event at Pulp tonight

2008-06-16T06:24:00.006-05:00

Tonight there is an event at Pulp that will blow your ... off. Starts at 7 pm.

Actually, I'm not fully aware as to how it's all going to come together, but sometimes things just SOUND worthwhile, and you wanna see it pull through.

"Runaways" tonight will feature various writers, musicians, and artists in Omaha, some who are actually fairly well known, who like to kick it together and want to bring you something great.

"Art is the only way to run away without leaving home." - Twyla Tharp

This event seems a little fuzzy to a lot of people, and I don't blame them. I'll try to clear it up here.

Writers will be reading essays which we've written about music. Musicians will be performing in-between us. And there will be journals on display for silent auction that were designed by local artists.

I'm one of the writers in the lineup. (I hope you come and tell me that my essay was your favorite. That would be nice. Of course, if you like someone else's better, you could still tell me that, because it would make me feel good, and because you could still tell that to the other person, too.)

You can help by coming. Having a good turnout will breathe life into this newborn idea.

Also, it's free. So is the wine and beer. But if you want to support the future poor people of the world, we are accepting donations.

Some people who have said they're participating include:

Sam Martin
Joey Lynch
Bear Country
Jill Rizzo
Honeybee
Tony Bonacci
Oui Bandits
etc.....

Come!!!

Thanks all -

Annie D.

My Email to the City Council

2008-04-13T13:10:00.003-05:00

If any of you are so inspired, please feel free to draw ideas from my email to the City Council regarding their decision on Tuesday to allow all-ages shows to continue in Omaha.

Here are their email addresses:

Jim Suttle - District 1
Frank Brown - District 2
Jim Vokal - District 3
Garry Gernandt - District 4
Dan Welch - District 5
Franklin Thompson - District 6
Chuck Sigerson, Jr. - District 7

To All Concerned:

The music scene in Omaha is a strong reason why I enjoy living here. If Omaha eliminates the ability for our music scene to continue to fluorish, the reason for many youths to stay will be gone.

Also, it must be agreed that a thriving and growing arts scene is a sign of a stable community. Music and art are growing hand-in-hand in Omaha, and the rest of the arts will continue to follow their lead.

If all-ages shows cannot be hosted here any longer, the music scene will take a huge hit. New bands will not book here. Young artists will not have the same musical influences that have fueled so many of the underground - and TALENTED - musicians that are performing here today. It is this niche success in indie music that makes Omaha such a special place for so many young people. You cannot take that away, or it will be the beginning of the disintegration of the artistic drive in Omaha.

The Slowdown (Saddle Creek) and The Waiting Room (One Percent Productions) will be crippled. These two organizations have done so much for Omaha, and that cannot be overlooked. Those names, particularly Saddle Creek, are well-known across the country as being indie music innovators. Please do not do them a disservice, as they have given many youths a dream - to produce music, to be in front of a crowd, to be creatively inspired. How can they be inspired if not allowed to attend the shows that inspire? Do we want to send these all-ages shows to Des Moines? To Kansas City?

As you may have already heard, The Slowdown was named Club of the Year by Esquire Magazine - and they hadn't even been open for an entire year. Omaha is being recognized for these creative successes. Performers who travel across the country announce to the crowds that The Slowdown is the best venue they've ever had the priveledge to visit. They tell us, "You're lucky."

By not allowing the music venues to host all-ages shows, Omaha will also open a rift between the arts and the council. This, too, will not be conducive to the growth of the culture in our city.

While I agree that minors should not be drinking alcohol, you must also agree that kids will find other ways to drink. If underage persons are so compelled, they will drink it in their homes, in their friends' houses, in their cars, in the cornfields of the city that surrounds them. It is not the location of the alcohol, it is the excitement of attaining something illegal that will continue to fuel their underage drinking. Abstaining from drinking alcohol is an attitude, and it is something that should be initiated by parents, grandparents, and teachers. By being at a music show, they actually have more supervision than if they were left to their own devices.

It is my belief that allowing youths to attend all-ages shows will actually prevent them from continuing to drink. The fear that they could be kicked out - ridiculed by their friends - not allowed to return to a venue that they love so much - will actually help them to choose to abstain from drinking alcohol. This is besides the dreams that I mentioned earlier - giving them something to aspire to - something that they want to do in their spare time, besides drinking - be it practicing their guitar, taking singing lessons, or learning graphic arts computer programs in order to create posters and tee-shirts for these shows.

By taking away the priveledge to attend all-ages shows, we are telling the Omaha youth that we do not TRUST them. We do not believe that they can make responsible decisions. We believe that since they are under the age of 21, they should not be allowed to experience live music.

And, I know this is getting long but PLEASE bear with me, the magic of The Waiting Room and The Slowdown shows is just how small they are. Nowhere else can you be SO CLOSE to the bands that you love, that inspire you, that fuel your creativity. When you are at these shows, you could reach up and grab that microphone right out of your favorite singer's hands. That intimate relationship between performer and audience is what makes me prefer an $8 show to the practically unheard-of Yeasayer at The Slowdown to the $90 Coldplay show at the Qwest Center.

I feel passionate about this, as much of our arts community does. Please trust our youth. Please allow them their musical inspirations. Please support the musical organizations who have done so much for Omaha's musical culture. Please support young adults like myself who depend on the thriving music scene for a reason to stay here. Please.

Thank you.

Omaha-Review.com's New Look and Publicity

2008-02-21T23:10:00.003-06:00

Hey everybody! I'm a full week late posting this, but I was out of town, OKAY?!

Check this out. I'm so proud of my friend! He's done an amazing job w/ this site.

Click for Super Sweet Omaha Site

View the newscast! Click here then watch the video and check out Droz's sweet outfit. :)

Then be sure to review some Omaha stuff! All of it should be up there! AND you can win to enter prizes! I even won for the first month, so it can happen folks.

Congrats to Zack Nipper!!!

2008-02-12T06:59:00.001-06:00

Read about Zack's Grammy win for the Bright Eyes' album cover design here in the Omaha World Herald.

I love the people in this town.

Nebraska Caucus Organizers Ill-Prepared, Yet...

2008-02-09T14:07:00.000-06:00

... that was okay with me.

You can visit the Omaha World Herald online to check the live updates from around the city.

Our biggest problem with our first ever caucus? The organizers didn't know how many of us there would be. Caucus sites were overrun with voters eager to participate in the first primary caucus that Nebraska has ever held, which unfortunately created some upset, disenchated voters.

A few people wanted to leave my caucus at Monroe Middle School, and I'm sure some did. According to the World Herald, the organizers declared a state of emergency. I felt the gathering was certainly a clusterf*@k of well-intentioned, lost voters, but never did I sense that things were totally out of control.

When I first arrived, I collected a voter registration sheet, then waited in a very very very very VERY long line, until I was instructed to the shorter line for those who needed to update their voter registration. The sheer mass of people was inspiring and awesome. When I got inside to the gym, I handed my blue voting card to a woman who was collecting them, then headed to join the Obama crowd. I am unsure about how many voters participated at Monroe.

The biggest "oops" at Monroe came when confused voters were instructed to hand in their blue voting cards too early, as I had done. Hundreds of blue cards had to be returned to their owners, which involved having them sorted alphabetically, then huddling around volunteers who were handing them back out, shouting names, and passing cards back through haphazard lines and crowds.

One young woman volunteer sorting blue cards was more than just a little frazzled. Despite the winter weather, the crowded gym was hot and the back of her neck was sweaty. Her hands were shaking as a small crowd of voters looked over her shoulder, hoping to identify their own hand-written card. "It wasn't like this in Iowa," she said a few times.

I finally found my card after about 45 minutes of waiting and watching and listening for my name. An unnecessry step in today's process, but no true progress has ever come easily.

Over-crowded with a crumbling structure, Monroe's caucus had to be taken outside to determine the voter representations. Finally, almost two hours after the process was supposed to have begun, I watched as two volunteers with beat-up cardboard boxes instructed the formation of two lines - one for Clinton and one for Obama. Voters were instructed to drop their blue card into the box and were then told they could leave. The Obama crowd had clearly been larger during the entire process, as the World Herald live update seems to verify.

I am disappointed that we didn't get to participate in the full caucus process, as some other sites did. Shawn Gray participated at Laura Dodge, where the crowd of over 1,000 also went outside. The process was led by a man who stood on a car and substituted an orange construction cone for a megaphone. The crowd split to physically count their voters. They then had the opportunity to persuade undecided voters to their respective candidate's groups, accompanied by cheering when they were successful with a voter. Obama was also a clear leader for their caucus.

Despite the chaos of the process, I think that the majority of people were eager and grateful to be involved in something so monumental to our future. Although people were unclear about what to do, they never seemed angry. Overall, Omaha's Democrats were a patient crowd today in an historical moment for Nebraska's history.

I wonder how much of an impact Obama's visit to Omaha on Thursday had on the outcome. Perhaps irrelevant, as we have no comparison to a caucus without his visit, but while standing in line, I heard several people referencing his speech.

I'm looking forward to hearing the outcome of today. I'd love to hear other accounts of your caucus experiences. What did you think?

Playing Hard and Loving the Cause

2008-02-08T12:38:00.001-06:00

Hey guys -

I'm pretty tired.

I work an 8-5 job (okay, 8:30), and we've had a couple of fun events this week that I morally didn't feel I could miss.

Well, morally might be a little strong. But I have my own set of convictions regarding aural pleasure.

AURAL.

Yeasayer - YAY YAY YAY! Ack. Fantastic live. Plus I discovered MGMT for myself, and they were pretty groovy. It was a sold out show - I watched people being turned away. When Val says it's almost sold out, kids, you gotta believe her and get on that hot pony.

Now, I'm not typically a complainer, but I wanna vent. On Thursday I did a lot of waiting. I could have done w/out the waiting. 2 hours and 15 minutes after doors opened at the Civic Auditorium, Barack finally got on stage. Little did I know that this is normal for rallies. When I saw him in CB, he was right on the damn dot.

Conor & Co. performed 3 or 4 songs around 4:00, which was kind to have their support. Governor of Iowa was there - gave his official support for Barack, as did Ben Nelson. Of course Barack told his joke about the Republicans whispering their support while shaking his hand, and he talked about looking forward to debating McCain. He went over many of his policies, including a $4,000 tax credit for college students every year (if they volunteer in their community) and giving teachers raises. He wants everyone to be able to afford healthcare as good as his, within the first term.

Then I raced over to Slowdown (raced... over to Slooowdown...) to get in line and wait for an hour in the bitter cold while we waited for soundchecks. (Who can I blame here? Let your fans out of the damn cold - we don't give a shit about your soundchecks. We live through them all the time. Puh-LEASE. Nebraska in February? Awesome.)

I got in at 8 PM. At 8:30, everyone was in, the line was gone, and I could have just walked in without waiting at all.

I was blissfully happy with the show, though, Jim Ward and M. Ward and Conor and the gang - and from the looks of things, M. Ward and Jim Ward are NOT related. Just in case you were wondering.

Of course Conor & Co. emphasized hitting up the caucuses Saturday morning. Barring any unforseen circumstances, I will be attending my first caucus tomorrow morning. Hope you can make it too! You can go to nebraskademocrats.com and call their office to find out where your caucus location is.

Let the Games Begin!

2008-02-05T22:14:00.000-06:00

One blustery January evening over frozen queso dip and red wine, Anners and I were discussing our concert habits. Although we have been to several over the past few months, it seems as though every six months there is a flood of concerts that simply cannot be missed. Well, call me Noah 'cause I’m ready.

Yeasayer, Bright Eyes, and M Ward....in the same week?! "No!" you say, "It simply can't be!" It is, my friend, so unless you’re in restraints (in which case escaping to go to the concert would be totally rock star) get your ass to the venue. I don’t want to hear you crying afterward about anything less than the massive mistake you made at the after hours party.

After you recover from the ridiculousness that is the next 3 days (yes, 3 days), simply sleep for a few hours, put your indie rockin' boots back on your sore but happy feet, and jump in your sweet pimp mobile for another round of They Might Be Giants, Tilly and the Wall, British Sea Power, Tokyo Police Club (road trip to Lawrence--you know you want to), and a Little Brazil.

Take 2 aspirin and call me in March.

Pants

Artist of the Day on Spin.com

2008-02-05T18:37:00.001-06:00

I don't have much time, but I have to post this.

Flowers Forever!!!

Also, if you can go to Yeasayer tomorrow, I highly recommend it.

Yeasayer Video & Local Music Recommendation

2008-01-13T22:17:00.000-06:00

Not much time to write lately.

I'm kind of annoyed at myself for missing Thunder Power!!! on Friday night. Sometimes you forget to check your schedule, but fortunately, these guys play a lot. Plan to see them at Slowdown on Feb. 8th.

Yeasayer, below, is coming to Slowdown on Feb. 6th. Even though I don't know you, necessarily, I think you'd enjoy this as well.

His Click, Click, Click, Click Camera

2007-12-27T23:02:00.000-06:00

Many times, when you meet creative people, they have chosen to pursue more than one of their talents.

Through the band Hyannis, I've recently met photographer/musician Tony Bonacci, who works within an interesting niche for Omaha. Although he shoots various types of portraits, Tony has become a local talent for photographing Omaha's local indie music scene.

His portfolio includes Tilly and the Wall, The Faint, Art in Manila, Azure Ray, Coyote Bones, Mal Madrigal, Criteria, and others, including Alexia Thiele for autopilot art.

Tony's style is a little raw and a little dirty, and although I may not be a fantastic critic, what can I say? I really, really like what he does.

A mini interview from an amateur interviewer (me). Enjoy.

c.m.: I was wondering how you got into photography - as in, what inspired you? Why were you first interested in photography?

t.b.: I was doing short films with my friend Nik Fackler, and I was totally into cinematography for about 4-5 years starting at about age 18. My uncle gave me a 35mm slr still camera, and I started taking pictures with it. My big inspiration at the time was the photography and films of Larry Clark and Harmony Korine. I believe that's where I got my "rugged" look to my photos. I really liked the instant gratification of taking pictures and being able to get them back the next day. I kept taking photos and eventually bought a better slr film camera. Nik was doing a music video for Azure Ray and recommended that I do a photo shoot for them. They agreed, and that was my first band shoot!

c.m.: Do you have any future projects lined up?

t.b.: I'm shooting Tilly and the Wall and Baby Walrus later this month. I'm shooting Mal Madrigal sometime soon as well.

c.m.: Who was your first major paid project?

t.b.: My first MAJOR paid project was Orenda Fink's album cover, insert photos and press photos.

c.m.: Have you had any professional training?

t.b.: I started taking photography at Metro C.C., but didn't continue. I just teach myself!

c.m.: What is your ultimate dream profession?

t.b.: My ultimate dream profession would be a very popular photographer working in every field. I would love to do band shoots, fashion, ads and portraits.

c.m.: Do you do anything else creatively, other than Hyannis and photography?

t.b.: Like I mentioned earlier, I was totally into cinematography, and I still do it occasionally. I made about 4 short films with Nik and about 5 or so music videos. The music videos are what I've still been shooting. I'm not a highly trained cinematographer or anything, but I think it's more about your eye. So yeah basically photography, cinematography, music.

c.m.: Do you have a favorite subject for your photography? It seems like you have a nice niche with our local bands

t.b.: Yeah, right now my favorite thing to shoot is bands. I've been doing that for a little while now. I would love to be able to fly to other cities and shoot other bands but I'm not big enough to do that. I've only done that once so far, and it was awesome! This musician named Laurel Brauns flew me to New Hampshire to do a photo shoot of her. She found my name on the Azure Ray website. I love doing portraits. I recently did a shoot for Autopilot Art where I was only shooting one person and it was amazingly fun for me. So much easier with just one person.

That's all, kids. Sorry!!!! :)

He's a very nice guy. If you're interested to know more, you can message Tony at www.myspace.com/tonybonacci. You can find more of Tony Bonacci's photography on the (soon to be updated) http://www.tonybonacci.com/.

Eat Well for Free with Omaha-Review.com

2007-12-24T11:44:00.001-06:00

Omaha-Review.com has gone through some serious revisions, and they want your opinions! If you go to their website, sign up, and write a review, you will be entered to win $50 to Stokes by the end of December.

For every review that you write, you will receive one entry into the drawing.

In case you were wondering, Stokes is just about my favorite restaurant in Omaha. I would highly advise that you write some reviews. To win would be well worth your time.

Also, Omaha Review will have a monthly drawing for a $50 gift certificate. Every month, a new restaurant or business will be featured. You can write a review on ANYTHING, including businesses that aren't listed yet. In fact, when you suggest a new business, you get TWO entries into the drawing.

Help out our local businesses with your mad props.

http://www.omaha-review.com/

Zio's - Dece, but $$$

2007-12-11T21:37:00.000-06:00

So I had some pizza today for dinner.

I'd gotten a coupon for a free medium pizza from Zio's on 78th and Dodge, just for moving to the area. Nice folks, over at Zio's.

I thought my roommate might want to partake in the pizza eating, and since he's a big guy, I decided to get another medium pizza.

I stick with one or two toppings, max. I chose hamburger and black olives. Classic choice for my family.

He wanted BBQ Chicken or Thai pizza.

I got him BBQ Chicken.

I went to pick up our pizzas, because Zio's doesn't deliver.

AFTER the $13 was deducted for my two-topping, I owed Zio's over $18 for his little BBQ Chicken pie.

Are you freaking kidding me?

$17.55 + tax. For a little 6-slice pizza. Rich folks, over at Zio's.

My pizza was definitely better. Maybe it had something to do with it being free.

I'm on my quest for the perfect pizza pie in Omaha. Let me know your faves - and for the love of my checking account, let me know if I'm going to have to donate plasma to feed my roommate.

Weekend Local Music Dish

2007-12-09T11:22:00.000-06:00

I went to not one but TWO fantastic local shows this weekend.

On Friday, the PS Collective (which is so cute and cozy, you have to go to a show there!) hosted openers Tim Perkins, Hyannis, Talkin Mountain, and headliner Baby Walrus.

Check out their MySpace pages for music clips. This was the first time I'd listened to Tim Perkins. Definitely check him out sometime. It's an excellent acoustic show.

I thought Hyannis really pulled it together on Friday. It was a solid set. During one song, my friend leaned over to me and whispered, "Pink Floyd." Listen to "Ronnie" on Hyannis' page (which I think is much more inspired by, say, The Beatles, than Pink Floyd). Just do it.

Talkin Mountain was witty as usual, with an upbeat sound. Their songs explore topics such as a relationship with a snowman (Abominal Abdominal Snowman) and missing teeth as a result of drug use (This Is Bad 4 U).

Baby Walrus blew me away. Their music is progressive, with dissonant chords and unusual rhythms that can change meter every other measure. I've never seen Chris Senseney perform, but apparently he's a local music genius? Chris, along with John Voris and Dylan Strimple, played a high energy set that was thoroughly engaging. Brilliant.

And by the way, if you're at the Pizza Shoppe, do NOT order the Prince pizza to split with a friend. Way too small, altho the pizza was really, really good. MMmmm I think I've just talked myself into a trip to BENSON this afternoon for lunch.... (I'm not THAT random - in case you didn't know, the PS Collective is the venue directly connected to the Pizza Shoppe in Benson.)

On Saturday I went to Shea Riley's to hear The Zach Heath Band. They had a CD release party, where they gave away all their CDs.

"You can take them home and if you listen to them, then great," said Django, on stage. "They don't do me any good under my bed at home." Here here, and thank you.

The guys wore ties on stage, contrary to popular rock-band style. Also a bit contrary was the inclusion of Django's mother, who was a professional violinist back in the day.

"You're looking at the first female winner of the the Nebraska Banjo [??] Competition," said Django. (I'm definitely guessing at the name of that competition, sorry, not a solid reporter.) She responded with, "And it should've happened long before I won it." She played for most of the set, and his father came on stage for the last song to play harmonica.

When he first came up, he gave his wife a little kiss. The crowd reacted in an "Aww... what?" fashion, and he responded with, "Hey! We have a license."

The Zach Heath Band, according to popular legend, is named after their drummer, because he refused to be a part of it unless it was named after him.

That's the word on the street, anyways.

A fun show, with excellent music! Also check out their write-up in The Reader this week.

I Met This Man the Other Day

2007-11-25T18:25:00.000-06:00

I was at Prestige out West, and I ran into a new friend who is completely effervescent and social and, well, wealthy.

My blonde bubbly friend grabbed my hand and pulled me to her group. First I met her boyfriend. Then she pulled my hand again.

"Come and meet my friend John and his cousin!"

John stood up, and we shook hands. "Nice to meet you, John."

"Pleasure to meet you, Annie."

We continued to shake hands. "You look familiar, John."

"Yeah, I get that a lot."

"Yeah? Me too."

We kept shaking hands, commenting on our mutual friend, and making it very clear that we both thought she was "fun". Our bouncy friend pulled me away again.

I went back to my table, and a friend alerted me to the fact that I'd met John Beasley. According to Wikipedia, John Beasley was a "railroad man" until his 40s, when he began acting in movies.

I think I might have met him before at a YPC (Young Professionals Council) event in North Omaha, but didn't realize he was an actor. Actually, at that particular event, I was more focused on Houston Alexander, an ultimate fighter from Omaha, who a friend of mine was simply thrilled to meet.

"Oh my god oh my god oh my god!" she whispered, then squeezed my arm tightly. "I can't believe it! Do you know who that is?"

I looked at him but hadn't the faintest idea. Ultimate fighting is nice, but let's just say I'm clueless about it.

"Houston Alexander! I have to get a picture with him."

She almost didn't get the picture because she was too polite about it, but we rounded everyone up and made it happen for her.

I didn't get a picture with John.

Although, an acquaintance of mine does have a picture of herself with Warren Buffet.

She'd met him in the Old Market, while he was dining at Ahmad's Persian Cuisine. In the picture, he's got the biggest grin on his face.

And she's holding his wallet.

For my job, I talk to investment advisors all over the country. They don't necessarily know much about our firm, so they inevitably ask, "So, where you located?"

"Omaha, Nebraska."

"Ah! How's old Warren these days?"

"He's doing brilliantly. I'll let him know you were thinking of him."

"Excellent! Ask him to send me some steaks."

"My pleasure."

Omahans don't necessarily think about these things, that famous people are here, milling around like the rest of us. Maybe it's part of our easy-going nature, or maybe it's the innate, down-to-earth friendliness that prevents us from making a scene when we meet the more talented/driven folk of the area.

In fact, I wonder if the more famous... even really feel famous here. But I would imagine they prefer it this way.

How do you like your burger cooked?

2007-11-12T08:06:00.000-06:00

T&T is in the house!

This weekend, we decided to go on a little adventure. That's right kids, we went to Bellevue, and made a stop at Stella's, and it was everything we expected. Their menu was simple and perfect. Hamburger, cheeseburger, fries, onion rings, and a few other items. When they bring out your food, they give it to you on a napkin. No plates or fancy dishes, just table, napkin, bun, meat, bun. We both ordered the cheeseburger and fries (the fries we made from the potato right there) and two drinks with a cost of $14.51. We both agreed Stella's made our top 5 best bar burgers in town. The new ownership and service was great, they even told us old stories about the history of Stella's, and that the business still remains in the Stella family. If you've never been there, you should go. If you've been, you should go again.

Updates!!!

2007-11-08T16:26:00.000-06:00

Um, okay, several updates here.

First of all, a NEW ISSUE of Silent City Magazine hits the stands TODAY. Please check their MySpace page for more information, as in, where to get it. I do know it can be found at Blue Line and in the Old Market. Somewhere. Apparently it has been arranged as a Treasure Hunt: if you can find one, it's yours. This mag is seriously full of high quality lit, music, and art commentary. I highly advise you check it out.

Secondly, Tassel & Teeter are having their Free Money Thursday blog comment day!!! Go comment and win money, people! Their link is listed in my fave links. Their site is GROWING and offers fun clothes that you are NOT going to find on the mall clothing racks.

Thirdly, Alexia Thiele and her clothing company, autopilot art, are going to participate in the fashion show AudioStyle at Nomad on Friday. SEXY. Alexia is the only Omahan taking part - all the other designers are from LA and Las Vegas. 8 PM to about 9:15 or 9:30.

Fourthly, I love all my readers. Lemme give you a big wet one!

Yes. Those are my lips. On iStock.

*make it memorable*

Devils in the Sugar Shop

2007-11-04T18:37:00.000-06:00

Devils in the Sugar Shop is based in Omaha and written by a native Nebraskan, Timothy Schaffert. I've met Schaffert, but have not had the chance to speak with him at length. He is soft spoken, and he's a motivated, brilliant member of the Omaha literary scene. Just this year, he took the director position of the Omaha Lit Fest, the primary (and practically the only) literary function that we hold.

The Anners' version of a book review:

To the men out there: If you ever want to know what goes on in the hearts and minds of 20- and 30-something year-old women, read Devils in the Sugar Shop.

To my female readers: If you want to feel like there is a man out there who understands what goes on up there, read Devils in the Sugar Shop.

But there is so much more going on in this book than just a woman's perspective on life! The story includes details from Omaha, both controversial and nostalgic. Schaffert weaves the lives of his characters into situations that reveal many types of relationships, passionate and painful. He bravely discloses all of his characters' weaknesses, yet readers easily accept their flaws as he wraps them back into their lives, with no choice but to go on - much like the rest of us.

There is no black and white in Schaffert's world, only many, many shades of gray. This philosophy, this message of acceptance for a thing despite a lack of definition, makes me think that maybe he has himself been too heavily confronted with black and white standards. Or maybe he just likes to write an excellently passionate story with sex and deceit and scandal and ....

Okay you have to go read it for yourself. I finished it in a few hours. A delicious treat for a Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Talkin Mountain, Hyannis, Electric Needle Room

2007-11-03T08:08:00.000-05:00

I went to Shea Riley's last night to get a first hand glimpse of a handful of our local bands. The show was for Electric Needle Room's EP release.

Shea Riley's, in the few times that I've been there to see a show, has never really drawn a big crowd. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the location, farther from the other rock venues. Maybe it's because it's hidden in the corner of a strip mall. Maybe it's because if you don't know where you're going, you'll probably just give up trying to find an entrance to the place and just decide to check out the girls next door at The Twenties.

Shea Riley's has two adjacent rooms, the bar and the "lounge." Loads of interesting old rock music posters line the walls, with characters like Elvis, the Beatles, Jim Morrison (The Beatles and Cassius Clay?). It's smoky, but so is O'Leavers and The Waiting Room.

I was playing darts in the corner with a date. I had lost the first round of Cricket, which was fine. I rarely play. We were well into the second round, and I had a decent chance of winning, when, without announcement, the music switched from the juke box to the show.

I didn't know who was opening, but knew immediately that I wanted to be watching them play. Yet - I didn't want to be rude to my date and abandon the game. I would like to tell you that I summmoned up all of my love for Omaha Indie music and proceeded to close out 15, 16, and hit three bullseyes in the next four rounds. An unnatural feat for me, my friends. Supernatural, in fact.

The first band playing was Talkin Mountain, and I'm sorry I wasn't front and center for the first couple of songs. Quirky, upbeat, they occassionally paused to allow the audience to ask them questions. A grungy monster mask (more like a head-piece, probably having seen a handful of shows) was worn by each of the two members. One of them casually remarked that they have polaroids of a raving crowd pasted inside the masks, so they know that everyone's always having a good time. Funny, with danceable music. In my opinion, that's a hit.

Hyannis played next, and while a few of their songs were upbeat, many of them were guitar-driven, lush ballads with vocals switching between the lead singers, who, with the same last name, must be of some relation. Their music was relaxing, groovy, and suited to a renegade road trip with the windows rolled down.

Electric Needle Room also employed quirky crowd-interaction tactics, primarily, a 13-inch TV, placed center stage, playing a Billy Blanks taebo video, with the intention of getting the crowd "pumped up." Overall, their music is catchy, and their lyrics were socially oriented, including topics like the IRS, MySpace, and the cookie-cutter sound of pop music.

Top Hat, from Manhattan, KS, played next, but I couldn't stay. Fridays are long days when you're at 9-to-5er.

Good show. Omaha's Indie music scene never disappoints.

Local Art You Can Wear

2007-10-30T23:11:00.000-05:00

I feel it's only right to let you know that Alexia Thiele has new hoodies on her website, Autopilot Art. She makes them herself, so when she has a few to post, that's it. Get 'em while they're hot, folks.

I asked Alexia if she was considering going to a mass-production type of art - more printing, less needlework, basically. I think she's considering it, which she should. It would enable her to extend her artistic creations to a larger audience, with more production and a little less cost. Although - I think that her prices are totally worth it. Unless you can make your own clothes, you'll be hard pressed to find anything else this original.

The thing I always like about her clothing is that in every piece, there is something conflicting or contrasting. For example, on her cute new blue hoodie, she has stripes and polka dots and pretty bright colors, then there's this evil clown on the back. (Okay, not the most evil clown, but I think it looks a little creepy.)

The pink "Rock Off" sweatshirt is the most homogenous design I've seen yet, with a fun girly design and cute print flower details. But the "Rock Off" - reminiscent of the ever-popular "F--- Off" phrase - gives it just enough edge. And the horse looks kind of insane.

She'll be posting these all winter, I'm sure. They are popular - particularly if you are a fan of Omaha indie music. Show your support for Omaha artists and check her out. Add her as a friend on MySpace, and Alexia and autopilot art will always let you know when there are more hoodies available for your closet's pleasure.

Commentary on the 2007 Reader Top 20

2007-10-27T15:59:00.000-05:00

I would like to commend Reader columnist Tim McMahan for his article this week. He provides an excellent point and a much-needed disclaimer.

While awards / recognition are essential to the artistic community, they can also be a disappointment to other very talented musicians and artists.

The Reader ran a list of Top 20 local bands in 2007. (The online version is somewhat different than the print version.) I think there will be a lot of discussion and agonizing about this list, but there shouldn't be. It's basically the collective opinion of a handful of Reader staff, most of whom probably don't have the time, money, or energy to go to all the shows and listen to all of the music that we have available here in Omaha. It's not like The Reader has the funding for something like that - to pay for people to do a thorough review.

Anyways. Check out Flowers Forever. I think they were given a nod, but not placed on the "Top 20" portion of the list. Also check out Baby Walrus. I haven't had a chance to see Baby Walrus live yet, but their music is such an intelligent and eclectic mix of contemporary sounds, that I think they deserve some serious consideration as one of Omaha's smartest bands.

There are a few bands mentioned that I haven't heard of, and I'll be checking them out shortly, which is one of the most positive outcomes for having a list like this.

I'm glad to see Art in Manila ranked highly. After reading an interview with Orenda, I think she was disappointed with the success of her album, and I don't think she should be. Even though it wasn't a commercial success, it was a personal success, and a lot of people have been touched by her art.

And isn't that the point of our artistic efforts anyway?

Bright Eyes Pics

2007-10-25T02:06:00.000-05:00

If you were wondering about the quality of a Bright Eyes performance, well - question no longer. It's fantastic. Although - I was at a smaller venue (the Waiting Room) with about 200 people, and I was about in the third row. My ears are still ringing, an hour and a half later.

Bright Eyes performed at this venue specifically for One Percent Productions - the 10th anniversary of Mark and Jim being cool as shit for bringing sweet shows to Omaha. Conor mentioned that he would have much rather been a 15 year old music fan in Omaha today than (12 years ago?) when he was 15. Very interesting.

I got some good pics and thought I'd share.

Here you see Mike Mogis to the left. Very instrumental in the Omaha Indie music scene.

Conor.

Conor and drummer.

And here we see a keytar. It was very colorful. Had to get a pic of the keytar for you.

And I really liked this pic, for a couple of reasons. Two key girls are here. First of all, the curly-haired girl. I saw her and recognized her immediately, but that's because I've seen her at so many shows in Omaha. She's been to many, and she was really feeling this particular song. (She wasn't sleeping, I swear, although I can't vouch for her sobriety.)

The blond is from St. Louis. I was talking to her and her friend before the show. They were in Lawrence, Kansas, last night to see Bright Eyes perform there, and then they just followed them up to Omaha. They didn't have tickets until they got here. Fortunately for them, it's a Wednesday, and most people in Omaha either claim that they were Conor's camp counselor, that their brother was his classmate, or that his grandfather was their mother's OB Gyn. I've heard it all.

Conor was lovely. He was warm and a passionate performer, and gave a lot of credit to his fellow musicians. I would like to thank my blogmate for waking me up early on a Saturday morning to buy the tix as soon as they went on sale. Well worth it.

The openers were fantastic as well, although I don't have pics. Flowers Forever. AWESOME. Made me want to DANCE!!! (Anyone recognize the lead singer from anywhere?) And Simon Joyner played second. Also a local talent, and he performed quite a bit with Bright Eyes toward the end of the show. The talented Gillian Welch also joined the band for several songs, which is one of the best things about this band - it's never the same performance twice.

All in all, an excellent night, my friends. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity. I'll leave Pants to tell you about the guitar and amp action at the end.

Cult Moxie, Meet Tassel and Teeter

2007-10-18T20:48:00.000-05:00

Hey! What's up???

So I've been checking out this new online alternative clothing store that my buddy started a few months ago. He's super-motivated and creative, and he even has a blog to talk about all the sweet clothes that he finds.

Tassel & Teeter is based in Omaha, and you can find the link to their website in our favorite links menu. He's ordering new inventory all the time, so be sure to check back often to see what he has in stock.

And when people are like, "Dude, where'd you get that sweet hoodie?" You can be like, "This website. Tassel and Teeter." And they're gonna be like, "Whoa.... Hook me up." And you're gonna feel all warm and fuzzy inside, because YOU found it.

Go you. Way to read this blog. It will take you places.

Also, I'm gonna have my buddy at Tassel and Teeter write his own review of one of HIS favorite Omaha cultural hot spots VERY SHORTLY. So stay tuned.

*make it memorable*

Aromas - A Recommendation

2007-10-07T23:48:00.000-05:00

Beautiful coffee house in a cool location, Aromas is located in the Old Market Lofts building, downtown, approximately 11th and Jones. The website gives some nice shots of what the uber-artsy interior looks like - big, colorful paintings, a fireplace, leather couch, high ceilings... the atmosphere is open AND cozy, if you can imagine.

They have an outside patio, too, and you could probably chat with some tipsy wine drinkers at the next door patio, if you really wanted new friends.

Aromas provides free wireless internet, and according to their mouse-pointer-thing, their coffee beans are on sale right now. Bonus.

If you're feeling like you need something sweet, because you know YOU are, there's a fantastic bakery there- take a look at the website gallery. Yummy in my tummy. ("Yummy yummy yummy I got love in my tummy, and I feel like luvin You-oo....")

And, the last two times that I've been, there is a very cute boy with curly hair serving the espresso drinks. Yummy number two.

Becoming Urban

2007-10-05T19:47:00.000-05:00

Here in Omaha, we are tres chic urbanites, screaming and scrambling to be outfitted.

"Effing out-fit US, dammit! What have you got to lose?! We're pretty too!!!"

We have traveled to Kansas City, Chicago, Denver, etc etc, knowing that we deserved to be outfitted, and have finally been recognized as worthy. (Once again, probably because of Saddle Creek Records.)

OH OH OH yes, it has been spoken of, and now it is so - Omaha has become another host of the elusive Urban Outfitters. And the store is located right next to the Slowdown and the indie non-profit movie theater, Film Streams.

The grand opening is tomorrow, and the major players include Tilly and the Wall, Baby Walrus, and Bear Country. All effing fantastic acts, crazy, energetic, and best of all, from Omaha.

GO GO GO there won't be another free show like this in Omaha for a LOOOOONG time, and you will hear about it, and then be sad that you didn't go, and you won't be able to blame ME.

(You all know that Tilly has a tap dancer instead of a drummer, right? Right, good. Get on with it. Go.)

Andrew Bird and Wilco

2007-09-30T15:14:00.000-05:00

All of my moping and complaining can finally cease.

Sometime in March, this character named Andrew Bird came through Omaha and played at Sokol. I had heard of him, but wasn't familiar with his music yet, which is unfortunate, as he has several albums already. Even more unfortunate, the show sold out before I made it to the door. I'd had no idea, and now that I know and love Andrew Bird, I have regretted not being more on top of things.

Andrew Bird is absolutely spectacular. He plays the violin and whistles like his namesake tree-dwelling animals. If you haven't heard Andrew Bird, then please continue straight from Cult Moxie to emusic, because they have his music there, and I guarantee you will be pleased.

I'm looking forward to Wilco. I've kind of seen them at Lollapalooza (behind 4,000 people), and I've seen Jeff Tweedy perform at the Rococo Theater in Lincoln, last winter sometime. Tweedy was fantastic, and the Rococo was a faintly lit dinner theater, eminating charm from every darkened late 19th century stone crack.

Jeff Tweedy sings lyrics that women wish they would have been the inspiration for.

"If I could you know I would

just hold your hand and you'd understand

I'm the man who loves you."

"I attack with love, pure bug beauty

I curl my lips and crawl up to you."

Tweedy's performance at the Rococo was not only charming, but a bit shocking. The crowd at the Rococo must have felt inspired to be social by the lighting at their tables, because there was a bit too much chit chat going on for him to withstand. After several humorous attempts at getting the audience to shut up ("Wow, I can really see all of you with the lighting in here. And I can see each and every one of you who is talking." hahaha), he finally offered one concert-goer in particular his refund, if he would kindly to step up to the stage to receive it, and then leave. ("I'm sure there are some great bars around here where you could continue your conversation.")

The finger-pointed gentleman remained seated, but the rest of the audience began shushing each other at every un-silenced opportunity.

Once Tweedy left the stage, many of us were unsure whether he would return for an encore. Finally, he stepped back on, in better humor, for several more songs, and left. And then, he came back on again. And left. And he returned to the stage for a third encore with his Wilco drummer, Glen Kotche, who had been his opener for the evening. (Kotche had recently put out a drumming album, and he had left the stage visibly frustrated after his opener, as the audience had talked the entire time.)

Tweedy served up some tough love, but the audience was rewarded in the end.

The Orpheum performance will be quite different, I'm sure. Wilco as a band will be a powerhouse in the elegant, more formal atmosphere of The Orpheum. And Andrew Bird is not a soloist drummer - but Andrew -freaking- Bird. I'm guessing this performance will sell out, so if you want to go, I'd advise finding your tix asap.

Patrick Watson???

2007-09-26T23:08:00.000-05:00

Let's just say this is a first for discovering a new artist on the iGoogle homepage. I hope they come to visit us.

Check out their influences... from Debussy to Johnny Cash to Phillip Glass. What?

Patrick Watson.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=YA2h9PrIUxs

It is my opinion that if you love Andrew Bird, then Patrick Watson will be your new favorite friend. Go download this band from emusic.com, stat. Or buy it from Best Buy. Whatever. Cheaper on emusic, yo. Hollah.

Omaha: The Silent City?

2007-09-25T22:32:00.000-05:00

One of my more important discoveries at the Omaha Lit Fest was a grassroots lit quarterly publication called Silent City. Silent City is a collection of select interviews and stories about literature, music, and art.

Gene Kwak was standing at the table, ready and willing to pitch his newest project, this inspired publication, designed for the people of Omaha.

Gene first explained what the publication was - self-published, with some friends, and funded on their own. He explained that it was an answer to the booming culture in Omaha that seems to be ignoring literature. He pointed out that the art and music scenes are much stronger than lit groups.

Gene is a recent graduate of UNO, with a degree in Journalism and Creative Writing. He's looking for the perfect MFA program, and he plans to continue work on the quarterly, despite being away from Omaha. Since the magazine is not necessarily about Omahans, I think this will work out quite well.

In the first issue, I really liked the interview with Orenda Fink, half of well-known Azure Ray, who now spotlights for her own rockin set, Art in Manila. She talks about her most recent record, future projects, which she hopes will be more successful, and her connection with Haiti, where she seems to identify with the culture and people.

The introduction to the first issue of Silent City reiterated Gene's explanation for the need of a literary magazine - that Omaha seemed to be filled with underground book lovers, and where were they at? Where was the book-toting community, with reading glasses 'round neck?

And I liked Gene's point. I think Gene is an impressive writer, and well motivated. I would LOVE to have a stronger lit culture in Omaha.

I have to wonder, though, just how popular the "lit scene" could become. There is something much more tangible and more quickly shared and experienced about music and art - although I once accidentally tossed a book through a glass window - I don't see much "action" going on with books, or a lot of crazy book lovers getting together on a big sofa with flashing lights, eagerly rushing through the climax of the latest Palahniuk. Right?

I want to know WHAT the lit scene would be into. Book readings? Poetry slams? Busier coffee houses? I'm dying to know, b/c you better believe I'll jump on that gravy train anytime. Or endorse it. "Go read something, people!!! And then meet me at the Blue Line. We can talk about it over black, black Fair Trade coffee, hopefully while it's raining. I'll wear my newsboy hat and overalls."

Silent City is working on the publication of its second issue, and after the first, I think it promises to be another collection of must-read writing. You can order your issue on Silent City's MySpace page.

The National - 9.19.07

2007-09-22T16:38:00.000-05:00

I'd been looking forward to seeing The National for awhile. Then my friend Martyn let me in on St. Vincent, and I knew it would be a must-see show.

Here is St. Vincent, a lovely, talented woman, who performed with ethereal grace and a shy, awkward type of beauty that can only be natural to someone who spends all of her time layering songs filled with instrumental parts that only she plays. Amazing.

I took a short video of The National for you. It's a bit distorted - a little too powerful for my travel-size Canon - but you can see the violinist's impressive skills.

The National at Slowdown, singing Fake Empire:

The crowd loved The National. Really, they did - despite what the band thought - Omaha loved them. Oh, and how did I know what the band thought, you ask? I am not omniscient - just on top of things.

So I'm standing there after the show with my buddy Adam, waiting for him to pay his tab, when Aaron Dessner, the bass player for The National, walks by. I grab his arm, shake his hand, and ask him for a picture.

He obliges. Aaron is unassuming, and he introduces himself. A few more female fans approach, and I offer to take a pic for them as well.

The girls offer to take Aaron to the Homy Inn. And why not? Now he and Conor can shoot the shit about the smallest possible bar on the famous-to-indies street in Omaha that shares its name with the label that can take credit for creating our large indie music scene in Omaha... the label which is owned by the same people who built the venue where he just performed.

Aaron asks me if Adam and I want to join, and since I'm the one with room in my car, Aaron rides with us.

On the way, I ask Aaron about the beginnings of The National, and without a pen and paper or available tape recorder in my dashboard, I can't tell you much more than you probably already know - that their success was slowly built. That they were already a successful group of guys, in completely different fields. For example, their lead singer, Matt Berninger, held a financial position at an advertising firm. They were playing and creating music, simply because that's what they liked to do.

At the Homy, we order a pitcher of champagne on tap, and some other patrons in the nearly-empty bar decided to play The National on the jukebox.

And here I started to figure out that this well-traveled musician is a Midwest sweetheart, and he apologizes constantly, which is actually a charming tendency that helps him to bring us a bit closer to his confortable level of easy-going, inquisitive conversation.

Aaron kept asking about what we do. He kept pushing the topic of conversation back onto us - and he was truly interested. What we do, what our parents do, and what our average day is like. He admitted that he's a little nervous that I have a blog.

Once the bar closed, Adam offered his apartment and his Makers Mark for after hours, so we went to the top of the Skinner Macaroni building and enjoyed the downtown view. Aaron talked about how Omaha looked like Cincinatti, where he's from, and that he appreciated the similarities. He also mentioned that he was impressed with Omaha, that it offered more than he expected. Which, I imagine, is the case with many people who visit for the first time.

Our conversations also seemed to highlight some of the differences between his life and ours. How he never buys clothes - they are given to the band by anyone who wants to get their label onto a stage and in front of people. That he travels everyday, that he's seen Bono and Sharon Stone singing to their music (among many others), that The National has sold out shows in Paris, that he has a graduate degree from Yale. But again, he was more interested in our daily lives, seemingly anticipating a day when his acquaintances and surroundings will be less fleeting and more familiar.

By quarter to 4, the small crowd of sleepy music fans dissipated, and we drove Aaron back to his bus, a return to life on the road, to his home.

And what about the band's confusion about our appreciation of their music? We let Aaron in on an important secret - that Omaha tends to be a quieter crowd - but that the show was truly excellent. He had to ask, "So it wasn't just us?" But we let him know - we will definitely be back for more.

Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem

2007-09-18T21:09:00.000-05:00

Hey - Sometimes you go to a good show, and sometimes you go to a GOOD show.

I'm sure that the fact that we were at Red Rocks had nothing to do with it. *wink*

The above pic is the lead singer of LCD Soundsystem, who was just as dynamic - although with a different type of performance - as Arcade Fire.

What you see above is the screen to the right of the stage during the Arcade Fire performance. This is a picture of Arcade Fire.

And this is a video of Arcade Fire. A little grainy, but you get the idea.

And another video.

Loved it all.

Don't forget THE NATIONAL tomorrow, with ST. VINCENT opening.

Arcade Fire at Red Rocks

2007-09-16T10:47:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone.

Pants and I are driving to Denver today to go see an Arcade Fire show tomorrow at Red Rocks.

Pants, how do you feel about that?

Omaha and Americana

2007-09-15T17:53:00.000-05:00

It is my ultimate goal for this blog to be based on a wide variety of cultural findings in Omaha. Let's face it. Omaha is GROWING, as evidenced by the all of the excitement surrounding our arts. Although I haven't been here long, I can sense the new-found interest that everyone seems to be taking in music, art, and of course, lit.

A growing interest in the arts is an effect of a growing city - improving ecomony - all good signs for our humble yet brilliant Omaha.

I'll have a few topics to post about the Lit Fest that I attended today, but first: another blog that you should check out.

The Omaha Lit Fest brought a resurgence of the writing bug to me - and one of the panels featured a "writing about fashion" topic. Let me introduce you to one of the speakers on the panel who was SO cute and SO stylish in her gray military-esque wool cape.

Alice Kim is new to Omaha. She grew up in Pittsburgh, and after being a fashion editor at InStyle magazine, has decided to move to Omaha. Who wants to fly to Milan and Paris twice a year for runway shows when you can open your own little accessories shop in the Old Market, right? That's basically the lifestyle change that Alice just made in July.

In her own words, she said that she wanted to "slow down" and "has always had a sort-of love affair with Omaha." That intrigued me - I love Omaha, but for God's sake, I've never lived in New York and THEN said that I have a love affair with Omaha. So I made a beeline to her blog.

And here it is: Postcards from Omaha. To get an idea of where she has just come from, check out August 20th's post. I'm very excited for her new store.

And Alice's reasoning for wanting to move to Omaha? Because we seem to be the epitomy of Americana - and you can go ahead and interpret that in a very positive way.

Omaha's Literate, Too

2007-09-12T00:14:00.000-05:00

yes YES YES!!!

Although I've been in Omaha for the past two years of the Omaha Lit Fest, I haven't been able to attend, which has always seemed like a pretty shitty deal (missing it, that is).

Anyways, even though I'm taking a hit by missing a pretty hot concert in Denver this weekend, I am going to make it to the Lit Fest, and I don't regret that one bit.

It is somewhat difficult to find the schedule on the website, http://www.omahalitfest.com/, so let me fill you in.

Go here. Then choose "Events". The Events category includes many interesting cultural activities, including art and film. Excellent stuff.

But scroll down to Sept. 14th. THERE YA GO.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., you get a fabulous fill of poetry. But that's not all.

If you're a person who is interested in writing, like myself, you will LOVE the fact that the lectures on September 15th are FREE. That's right, free.

Topics include, but are not limited to: Writing to Inspire, Cultivating a Cult Following, Turning your Life into a Book, Writing about Style, Political Writing, and, of course, Writing Inspired by SEX. Where would contemporary literature BE without the dirty, dirty graphic art-smut? (20th Century Lit class IS fun, my friends.)

So if you're looking for something new to do, now you know where to come. Bring a notebook, if only to sketch dirty dirty art smut illustrations for your newly inspired contemporary biography entitled, "Political Fashions and Their Cult Following: Uncensored."

And don't ever say I didn't ask you to come anywhere.

Too many options

2007-09-09T10:45:00.000-05:00

These next few weeks are bringing some class acts to Omaha, and there are too many good shows for one measley bank account and the inability to be more than one place at a time. We might have to make some sacrifices... sad but true.

First of all, check out One Percent Productions to find some of the best shows coming.

David Dondero is on the Team Love label now, and he has a dangerously similar sound to Conor Oberst - the alt-country version. If you're feeling introspective and/or mellow, this will be the perf show for a Monday night.

Devendra Banhart on Wed. night will be a real hit - I wish he was playing at The Scottish Rites Hall. It's such a beautiful venue and would match his vocals perfectly. Sokol Underground will be intimate though, too. If you don't mind the $20, you'd have to be high to miss this show.

If you're feeling a little more rock than romantic, head to Slowdown on Wednesday night for a Cursive performance. According to One Percent, the venue is basically named for them. Sounds like a match made in Saddle Creek, kids, and this makes me curious to know more.

Rilo Kiley is back!!! Whoo Hoo!!!!! Thursday at Sokol Auditorium. Hot.

My roommate is very excited about Okkerville River, but he can't go. Go for him. Show some love to O-River.

Saturday is Kings of Leon at Harrah's, with Black Rebel Motorcyle Club. Both. Fantastic.

Most importantly, do not forget THE NATIONAL next week. They're touring for their second album, The Boxer. St. Vincent is opening, too. Need I say more?

There are SO MANY good shows right now, even other than those mentioned. With all these options, you have no excuses to witness at least one fantastic indie rock show this year.

Be a Victim

2007-09-07T15:50:00.000-05:00

After realizing my reserved seats had been transformed into general admission and then anxiously waiting 1.5 hours for the opening band while someone's great grandmother poured the drinks, I was utterly astounded by the unique sound of Louis XIV.

http://www.louisxiv.net/

With a challenging crowd (not surprisingly so under the circumstances), Louis XIV opened with a solid performance. Once they reminded the crowd that it was a concert--a party--the atmosphere was phenomenal! Then came The Killers.

Brandon Flowers. Brandon Flowers. Brandy and Brandon Flowers--wait, I mean Brandon Flowers. HOT. That is all I have to say. We all expected a great show; however, we did not expect to "get our socks knocked off" (Gloe)! With a perfect blend of vocals, instrumentals, theatre, art, interaction, and someone's great grandmother's cough medicine, it was an experience that I wish ended later a few hours later.

Sam's Town was impressive,

In short, see them. After seeing them, see them again.