OmahaGives24.org

by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

In case you haven’t noticed, Omaha has its begging hat firmly extended today in the form of Omaha Gives. It’s impossible to open Facebook or Twitter without being inundated with pitches from every Omaha-based 501c3.

Here’s another one. Giving to Hear Nebraska is a no-brainer for any band, fan, music venue or promoter. Why? Because Hear Nebraska’s sole mission is to promote Nebraska bands and music. That’s it. Bands, Hear Nebraska is your promotional arm. It works for you. Giving money to Hear Nebraska is an investment in your music and your scene.

All’s they’re asking for is $10 (but you can obviously give more). If you’re in a band or a music fan or run a business that supports music, it’s the best money you’ll ever spend.

BTW, I say this as a long-standing unpaid Hear Nebraska Board Member. As an “insider,” I can tell you they have some pretty cool things coming up, not the least of which is a new website design and a new internet-based radio station called Hear Nebraska Radio, which will be a conduit for getting Nebraska bands’ music heard. Ultimately, the idea is for Hear Nebraska to evolve into a hub where everyone involved in music can share information. Sounds like a good idea to me.

Andy Norman is Hear Nebraska’s full-time Executive Director, and right now is probably carrying a sign on Dodge Street that says “I’ll work for donations.” He became full-time in May, which represents a huge commitment to both Hear Nebraska and Nebraska music in general.

Anyway click here to make a donation to Hear Nebraska during Omaha Gives. And while you’re at the Omaha Gives website, drop a tenner in the hat for Omaha Girls Rock, which is brazenly creating the next generation of rock stars, and Maha Music Festival, whose quality of performers booked for its annual festival hinges on corporate donations and efforts like this. You didn’t think ticket sales covered everything, did you? Hey, if you really want Wilco to eventually play Maha, here’s your chance to help make it happen.

* * *

Speaking of Omaha Gives, the above-mentioned organizations are showing their appreciation for your donation by hosting a kick-ass concert tonight at The Slowdown. Doors open at 6 p.m. with happy hour specials until 7. The line-up:

7:30 p.m.: Edem Kegey
8:05: Amanda DeBoer Bartlett
8:30 pm: Op2mus
9:30 pm: Laura Burhenn of The Mynabirds
10:30 pm: Twinsmith

$1 from every Boulevard purchase will go toward supporting the hosting organizations thanks to Boulevard Brewing Company and Slowdown. Get loaded and help Omaha’s music scene at the same time!

* * *

One last Omaha Gives pitch: If you’re a mid-century modern fan and happen to be driving past 62nd and Dodge today (right by UNO) check out the very well-designed bus kiosk. It was put together by the fine folks at Hutch in Midtown Crossing in support of Omaha By Design, which is also asking for donations during Omaha Gives.

Omaha by Design is a non-profit that’s all about urban design. Its mission is to make our community more livable and environmentally smart. They’re the folks who helped put together the Green Streets Master Plan, The Suburban Parks Master Plan, The Cole Creek Project, Public Art Omaha, The Maple Street Corridor, The Vinton Street Project, The Benson-Ames Alliance and so on.

If you care about urban design and keeping Omaha on the cutting edge of it, give to Omaha by Design right here. It’s money well spent.

* * *

A post script to yesterday’s Morrissey concert review: I got an interesting report from someone who went to the Morrissey show in Lawrence the night after the infamous Rococo gig. This person said Morrissey came out, thanked the Lawrence crowd and then “begged us never to send him to Lincoln, Nebraska, again.” Ironically, Morrissey also tried to tell a story but the Lawrence audience kept interrupting and he never got through it. Annoyed, he said, “I’ll never understand people.” At least they got an encore.

* * *

One more show going on worth mentioning: Tonight at The Waiting Room is John Klemmensen’s Song Writer Death Battle IV. The plan: 40+ songwriters each play one song passing along the same guitar. No idea who’s participating, but it’s likely to be a large collection of Benson’s usual suspects. $7, 9 p.m.

* * *

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.