by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

It looks like another quiet week for shows. The only thing on my radar is Thursday night’s free Stolen Kisses reunion show at Slowdown Jr. More on that later. These are, indeed, the winter doldrums.

My only foray out last weekend was to catch DJ Chris Aponick mesmerize the crowd at House of Loom Friday after work as part of the bar’s new Friday Afternoon Club series. It was my first look at HOL, and what was only intended to be a quick drop-in ended up being my entire evening (at least until 8:30). I’d like to tell you what kept me there was  Chris’ music, but the fine booze on tap had more to do with it, along with the room’s elegant ambiance.

House of Loom is located in the old Goofy Foot/Neon Goose space on 10th Street just south of the Old Market. The only sign marking the entrance is the Loom infinity logo. The room has a sophisticated East Coast feel, thanks to graceful lighting, gleaming hardwood floors, and a combination of modern and Victorian-style furniture. A gorgeous bar runs along the south side of the room adjacent to high tables. A divider wall separates a second room that runs the length of the bar, where all those cushy chairs are located. The DJ booth and the dance floor are in the back  along the west wall. At first glance, the dance floor looks small — too small for the throngs of crowds that Loom events attract. But that dance floor can grow once you take out those tall tables. I’m told that bands set up in front of — or off to the side of — the DJ booth on the floor (that DJ station isn’t mobile), making for an intimate gig or a viable option for smaller shows.

Last Friday afternoon/evening, HOL felt comfortable and reserved, but there were only about a dozen people in the room. I have no doubt that the vibe is completely off the hook late at night when the bar turns into a dance club, the booze begins to flow more freely and the music starts pumping.  I have yet to see that, but I will, Brent, I will…

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This its your last week to get your name in the hat for a chance to win a copy of the highly coveted, highly collectable Lazy-i Best of 2011 Sampler CD.  This year’s disc includes tracks from tUnE-yArDs, St. Vincent, Icky Blossoms, Decemberists, Gus & Call, Lana Del Rey, It’s True, Eleanor Friedberger and a bunch more (check out the track list at the bottom of this blog entry). To enter, just send an e-mail (to tim@lazy-i.com) with your name and mailing address. It really is that easy. Hurry! Deadline is Jan. 17!

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Read Tim McMahan’s blog daily at Lazy-i.com — an online music magazine that includes feature interviews, reviews and news. The focus is on the national indie music scene with a special emphasis on the best original bands in the Omaha area. Copyright © 2011 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.