by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Benson First Friday seems to be catching on — I saw lots of people strolling around Benson, packing the bars and enjoying the cultural village over in the Marcus Motors parking lot (and the food trucks parked behind it).

However, there’s one somewhat important thing missing from BFF (other than an outside music stage): Art.

BFF is supposed to be a showcase for local artists, but actually finding the art along Maple Street is like a scavenger hunt. In fact, I overheard one older lady (probably in her late 60s) comment to her group of elderly friends: “Where’s the art?” in classic Where’s the beef? fashion.

Shops displaying art as part of BFF need to set up sidewalk signs that point people inside, because no one is reading those impossible-to-read art maps that were available in some of the venues. Without those sidewalk signs, oldsters and folks from outside the Benson area are going to walk right past the shops hosting art displays.

* * *

Speaking of walking past venues, 1912, the new bar/restaurant located right across the street from The Waiting Room was not open Friday night (or their reported silent opening date July 31). I’m told the reason they were closed had to do with the city’s usual bungling of permits. Needless to say, the delay cost 1912 a chunk of money, as a steady parade of people walked up to its front door only to get turned away by a deadbolt. Will 1912 finally open its doors tonight?

* * *

There’s a couple hot shows happening this evening.

Down at The Slowdown it’s the return of Jenny Lewis. Lewis is out supporting her new album, The Voyager (Warners Bros, 2014), which Pitchfork gave a big fat 7.2. Opening is Nashville’s The Apache Relay. This one is SOLD OUT. Starts at 8 p.m.

Also tonight, The Lupines return to fabulous O’Leaver’s with Milwaukee’s Fatty Acids and Worried Mothers. $5, 9:30 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.