by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Catching up on old news…

I was informed last week that Val Nelson no longer is employed at The Slowdown. Val used to run hospitality and coordinate booking for the club. Jason Kulbel has taken over the duties for the time being. I’ll miss Val. She’s been at Slowdown since the club opened in 2007  It was always nice to see her smiling face in the crowd or behind the bar.

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It was reported a few weeks ago, but you may have missed it: Pleasure Adapter broke up. No details as to the reason for the breakup, though I’ve been told that Jeff Ankenbauer is already working on his next project. Keep an eye out for that.

Pleasure Adapter had recently recruited Matt Maginn of Cursive to play bass and looked poised to move to “the next level.” There had even been talk of the band entering the studio. Funny how these things go down.

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In other local band news, I’ve been told Laura Burhenn of The Mynabirds has moved to Los Angeles, and her Facebook page confirms it. Laura moved from D.C. to Omaha sometime after 2009 after leaving her previous band, Georgie James, and forming Mynabirds. Another loss for the Omaha music scene…

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Looks like yours truly will once again be traveling to Austin to cover the SXSW Music Festival. This year’s festival may have the smallest Omaha representation in recent memory. Saddle Creek will not be sponsoring a showcase, though Creek artist PUJOL will be performing and I’m told Twinsmith could make an appearance. Beyond that, I’m not aware of any other Omaha/Lincoln act taking part. If you know otherwise, drop me a line or leave a message in the comments area.

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Looking at the ol’ blog it’s been two friggin’ weeks since I’ve posted a live review. That’s because it’s been two friggin’ weeks since I’ve been to a club. Blame it on a combination of the cold weather and lack of touring indie shows.

That said, Detroit band Tyvek (In the Red Records) is playing at Sweatshop Gallery tomorrow night for what’s practically a secret show as it’s not listed  on either the Sweatshop or Tyvek Facebook pages. Are they purposely keeping the show on the down low as to not detract from the fact that Tyvek will be opening for Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks at The Waiting Room this coming Sunday? Maybe, maybe…

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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 © 2014 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.